Chapter 144: Conditioning

Sota zipped up his gym bag, letting out a soft sigh as he slung it over his shoulder. He was ready to shake off the morning's teasing from Haruka and focus on training. As he stepped into the hallway, his sister's voice followed him like a persistent echo.

"Hey, don't forget to show off for Aiko at the gym! Will she go there?" Haruka called out from the living room, a playful lilt in her voice.

Sota groaned, glancing back at her with an exaggerated eye roll. "Not you too, Haruka. Can you give it a rest?"

Her laughter rang out as he opened the door. "Just saying, little brother. It's not every day you've got a girl that dedicated to hanging around our house. She might not just be here for football, you know!"