The team was stretching under Coach Suzuki's supervision when a voice came from behind.
"Good morning, everyone."
Coach Ishii walked onto the field with his phone in hand.
"Please gather around. I've got news for you."
Curious, the players stepped closer.
"The brackets for the Inter-High qualifying tournament are out."
A ripple of excitement spread among them.
"So who are we playing?" Ono asked.
"Akagi Seishin High School. We'll play at home this Friday, right after classes, during test week."
"Well… sounds like we got lucky," Tanaka muttered sarcastically.
"They're not a top-tier opponent, sure," Coach Suzuki said with a firm tone, "but we're in no position to judge anyone. We haven't qualified for the nationals in ten years."
"He's right," Coach Ishii added. "This is a less important tournament than the national ones but... We can't underestimate any team. Stay humble, determined, and focused on our goal. No match is won before we play it. Understood?"
"Yes, coach!" the team shouted in unison.
"Good. This week we'll study our opponents and refine our tactics."
"Yes, coach!"
As the echo of the shout faded, Riccardo stared quietly at the goal, lost in thought.
[Scene shifts to Riccardo's home, living room]
Riccardo was lounging on the couch scrolling through his phone when the front door opened. His mother entered, moving quickly.
"M—"
He didn't even get the chance to greet her. She dropped several grocery bags on the table without a glance at him and walked straight out of the room.
"…Great. I guess the punishment wasn't enough."
He sighed and went to put the groceries away.
"I expected her to act like this, but it's been four days… not a single word."
He placed a box of cereal on a shelf, then noticed the calendar on the counter. Mother's Day was marked on May 11th.
"That's next Saturday…"
While he stared at the date, Celia walked into the living room and saw him frozen in front of the calendar.
"What's wrong? Forgot how to read a calendar?" she teased.
"Are you free next Saturday?"
She blinked, surprised. "Yeah… I am."
"Good. Then keep it free."
"Uhm… why?"
"I don't know yet. Just trust me, okay?"
"…Alright."
Riccardo walked out of the room.
"What's gotten into him?" she wondered.
She took a couple of steps, then spotted the half-sorted groceries on the table.
"Damn you, Riccardo!"
[The next day — At school]
The teacher entered the classroom, and the class representative called the bow.
"You may sit," the teacher said while walking toward the desk. "As you know, exams are next week. I'm aware you're all busy with your clubs, but academics matter just as much at Shūdan-teki."
"Yes, sir," the class replied together.
[After class — On the rooftop]
Riccardo and Nishimura were having lunch as usual.
Nishimura looked gloomy, and Riccardo noticed. "Something wrong?"
"I hate exams…"
Riccardo took a bite of his sandwich. So that's the reason.
"I'm terrible at studying."
"Me too—"
"Then how are you so calm!?" Nishimura snapped.
Riccardo actually thought about it. "Honestly… maybe I'm just good under pressure?"
"That's not a real answer."
"Well, to correct myself… I could be good at studying."
Nishimura squinted in confusion. "What does that even mean?"
"I learn things quickly. That's why I'd be naturally good at studying… if I didn't hate studying itself."
"I'm even more confused. So you're good at it or not?"
Suddenly the metal door of the rooftop swung open, drawing their attention.
A girl stepped out, scanning the area before spotting them.
"That's the class rep. What's she doing here?" Nishimura muttered.
She approached with confident steps.
"Oh, trouble ahead," Riccardo sighed.
She stopped in front of them.
"Class Rep, do you need something?" Nishimura asked politely.
"Not from you," she said curtly, then turned a sharp glare toward Riccardo.
"What did I do now?"
"I see you in class. You never take notes. Exams are next week. If you fail, your academic life is over."
"Are you telling me this out of concern or something else?" Riccardo asked, finishing his sandwich.
"Our class is already stuck with the burden of your name. At least try not to embarrass us any further."
Riccardo wiped his hands and stood up, meeting her gaze.
"I appreciate your… motives. But my failure was never on the table."
"Oh? And what makes you so confident?"
"Knowing exactly what I can do," he said, walking toward the door with Nishimura.
"Hmph. Bold words," she chuckled lightly. "I hope your results prove me wrong."
"I'll show you results you can't even imagine! See you in class!"
The door closed behind the boys.
The class rep frowned. "What arrogance… Who does he think he is?"