Chapter 478: Rewards & News (2)

"Ah, thank you coach. It's been a pleasure working with you."

"Nonsense… And enough of this Coach business, call me Hajime."

"Y-Yes Hajime… Sir."

***

The next morning, no one showed their face before 9am, showing just how tired they were from the past 2 weeks of daily games. Of course there were a couple of outliers.

As Ken walked into the gym for his morning run, he saw that someone was already there working up a sweat.

"Morning Hiroki, I should have expected you'd be here."

Upon hearing Ken's voice, Hiroki turned his head causing Ken to take a few steps back in shock. The guy had dark bags under his eyes and looked like he'd been crying.

"Dude what's wrong with you!?"

"You locked me out…" He said, fresh tears running down his face.

"Ah…" Ken had forgotten to think of Hiroki before using Mika's sleep protocol. Even if Hiroki had been banging on the door he probably wouldn't have woken up.