Chapter 204: Weekend

A couple of days later,

Sunday morning dawned quietly over Sota's neighborhood, the light filtering through his bedroom curtains in soft, golden streams. He stirred, feeling the warmth of the sun on his face, and for a brief moment, allowed himself to lie still, simply enjoying the peaceful start to the day. This weekend was a rare break from the intense practices and games, and as much as he felt the drive to keep training, he knew a little rest would do him some good.

The faint hum of conversation drifted up from the kitchen, where his mother and father were already starting their day. Sota could smell the familiar aroma of miso soup and rice, grounding him in the comfort of home. He finally pushed himself out of bed, stretching with a yawn and taking a moment to shake off the last remnants of sleep. It had been a while since he'd had a morning this unhurried, and he savored it as he pulled on a comfortable shirt and headed downstairs.