Morning sunlight seeped through the gym's high windows, slanting in golden stripes across the polished court. Sweat still clung to the air from the previous night that thick, metallic tang of exhaustion and resolve. The boys had slept restlessly, their bodies aching from Hikari's relentless drills.
The sound of sneakers squeaking against the floor echoed faintly as Marcus entered first, towel draped over his neck, earbuds in. Yuuto followed behind, yawning, hair unkempt but eyes already sharp. Shunjin dragged his duffel along the floor, muttering something about his legs still being "on strike."
Ren was already there, bouncing a volleyball lazily, face unreadable. When Marcus passed him, their eyes met briefly no words, just a shared acknowledgment of fatigue and something heavier beneath it.
From the far end of the gym, a cheerful voice broke the silence.
"Morning! Breakfast's ready!"
