After practice, the boys returned to the locker room under the reddish glow of the afternoon sky. Sato, Inoue, and Yuzuki, along with the scouts, watched them closely.
Hoshino checked her phone."Oh… it's getting late. Even though we didn't see much play, the quality I expected was definitely there."
Just then, she noticed Coach Ishii leaving the field."That's their coach, right?" she asked the students nearby.
"Yes," Yuzuki replied.
"Good. I'll ask him a few things about the team."
Before leaving, she bowed politely."Thanks for all the information! See you!"
The students returned the bow. Hoshino went after Coach Ishii, followed by the other scouts.
Yuzuki sighed."That scout literally bombarded us with questions…"
After a moment, she looked at the two boys."Anyway, I have some shopping to do. See you tomorrow!"
Yuzuki left, leaving Sato and Inoue alone.
"Skipping my practice just to watch theirs…" Inoue said, almost regretful.
Sato smiled."At least it was a different kind of afternoon."
"Yeah… a break now and then doesn't hurt."
"Exactly. You're always focused on the high jump, never letting yourself rest."
"Says the one who does the same," Inoue replied, eyes alight with determination. "I won't relax until I reach the national tournament."
"Me too…"
"Anyway… changing the subject." Inoue's mischievous smile unnerved Sato."I noticed you have other interests beyond the 100 meters…"
"What do you mean?" Sato asked nervously, trying to keep her distance.
"Come on, the boy with number 24… you've been watching him the whole time."
"No, I wasn't…" Sato stopped, caught by the obvious truth.
Inoue grinned."If I'm right, his name's Riccardo. First-year, transferred from Italy with the principal's recommendation… and got criticized almost school-wide for it. Are you really interested in him?"
"I… I don't know," Sato admitted, confused by her own feelings.
Inoue noticed something behind Sato."I see… Have you talked to him?"
"No…"
"Good." Inoue placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her toward Riccardo, who was approaching with Nishimura and Shimizu.
"Sorry to bother you!" Inoue said, making the boys look up in surprise.
"Do you need something?" Nishimura asked, as Sato tried to hide behind Inoue.
"No, we just watched your practice and wanted to congratulate you. It was fun! With you guys, the boys' soccer team can bring honor back to the school."
Nishimura smiled, surprised."Thanks… we appreciate it."
Riccardo noticed Sato and locked eyes with her. She immediately looked away, blushing.
"I'm Eijiro Inoue, first-year high jump club," Inoue said, stepping aside."And this is Shiori Sato, first-year women's 100-meter sprint club."
"Nice to meet you…" Sato muttered, uncomfortable.
"I'm Genpaku Nishimura, first-year, number 10," Nishimura introduced."This is Hiro Shimizu, second-year, number 11. And Riccardo Yui Aliberti, first-year, number 24."
Inoue looked at Riccardo."You're the transfer student, right?"
"Yes, that's me."
Riccardo stepped closer to Sato, making her tense."Sorry, just need to clarify something."
"What's wrong?" Nishimura asked.
"You… you're the girl clapping at the end of our practice match!"
Sato froze, astonished.
Shimizu stepped closer, surrounding her."Really!?"
Nishimura joined in."That applause boosted our confidence more than you know!"
Sato blushed bright red."No need to thank me…"
Shimizu added thoughtfully, "Shiori Sato… I heard you won every middle school tournament and are considered a rising star in the 100 meters."
Nishimura nodded."Must be hard carrying those expectations."
Sato smiled."A little… but I always give my all!"
Riccardo smiled."I've noticed. I often see you training early in the morning before class."
Did he see that too!? thought Sato.
"Your dedication has inspired me and some teammates to push just as hard."
Sato's face lit up."You guys inspire me too… Passing by your field lifts my spirits and eases the burden I carry."
The boys were speechless.
Inoue placed a hand on her shoulder."You might not know much about us yet, but starting today, you have another supporter."
Nishimura smiled."Actually, three, from today!"
Inoue chuckled."Well, we won't keep you long. See you!"
"See you!" Nishimura replied, walking past Sato, followed by Riccardo and Shimizu.
Sato met Riccardo's gaze."Ciao!" he said, leaving her beaming.
He greeted me in Italian… how sweet! thought Sato.
"So… do you understand your feelings now?" Inoue asked.
Sato blushed, looking down."I think I… might like Aliberti…"
"Great! Come on, I'll buy you a treat on the way back to celebrate your little discovery!"
Sato laughed, joining Inoue as they walked toward the exit.
The next day, Sato was running on the treadmill, smiling at the memory of Riccardo from the night before.
"Did something happen yesterday? You seem so happy," a female voice asked.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you… but something good happened. I'm usually so serious when working out," Sato admitted.
"Yeah… some good things lately…" The girl on crutches smiled. "Don't worry, it's not bad for me. School's good, and now I have free time without training."
"Senpai Ito… I heard you'll be away about five months…"
"I'll be back faster than ever. Meanwhile, I hope my young kohai is giving her all!"
Sato smiled."Yes, that's exactly my plan!"