Chapter 40: To Recruit The Kazemachi Sota

The week seemed to stretch on endlessly for Aiko Tachibana. With the qualifiers for the flag football team looming just around the corner, the pressure was mounting.

Each day was consumed by a whirlwind of activities—practices, strategy meetings, and the relentless worry that her team wouldn't be ready in time. But the one issue that gnawed at her the most was Sota Kazemachi's missing application form.

Aiko's days began early, as she navigated the labyrinthine halls of Seiryuu High School, her mind constantly circling back to that one critical piece of paperwork. The corridors, typically alive with the vibrant hum of student chatter, now seemed to echo her internal anxieties. Between classes, she would station herself near Sota's locker, pretending to organize her books or fiddle with her locker's combination, all while keeping a keen eye out for him.

Monday morning brought with it the usual rush of students hurrying to their first classes. Aiko, however, had her sights set on Sota. He arrived at his locker, flanked by his friends who animatedly discussed their weekend exploits. Aiko, with practiced ease, adjusted her own locker's contents, feigning a search for a misplaced textbook. Her eyes, however, remained glued to Sota, noting the carefree laugh that accompanied his conversation.

She inhaled deeply, her nerves betraying her composed exterior. It was crucial she didn't come across as overly anxious. "Hey, Sota!" she called out, her voice striving for a casual cheerfulness that she didn't entirely feel. "Just wrapping up here. How's everything going?"

Sota looked up, momentarily taken aback by her sudden proximity. "Oh, hey, Aiko! Everything's good. Just figuring out what to do after school."

Aiko seized the opportunity to steer the conversation toward her goal. "That's great! You know, I've been thinking a lot about the flag football team. We're really excited to have you join us."

Since Sota expressed his interest in joining the flag football team, Aiko made sure to remind him about it first thing in the morning. After all, there was no time like the present! As long as he fills in the form and passes it to Aiko, she was sure to process it straight away.

"Have you filled out the application form yet?" She asked with a sparkle in her eyes as she inched closer to Sota, leaning in as far as she could until their shoulders touched.

Sota's expression shifted, a brief flicker of recognition crossing his face as he seemed to recall the missing form. "Right, the form. I've been meaning to get that done. I'll make sure to sort it out. Will hand it to you as soon as I can." He promised, curving his lips upward into a smile.

Despite her best efforts to maintain a light and hopeful demeanor, the conversation was cut short as Sota's classmates began to call him over. He offered Aiko a brief, apologetic smile before hurrying off with his group. Left alone by the locker, Aiko felt a pang of frustration. She had hoped this would be the moment she needed, but it seemed she would have to try again.

"Lunch together, 'kay?" Aiko asked, desperate to remind him again about the form as soon as lunchbreak rolls over.

Waving his hand, Sota nodded towards Aiko before rejoining his group.

As she watched Sota disappear around the corner, Aiko's heart sank. Each interaction felt like a balancing act between persistence and annoyance, and she feared that her efforts might come across as intrusive.

Yet, she knew how critical this form was. The clock was ticking, and she couldn't afford any more delays. She steeled herself for another day of hopeful yet fruitless attempts.

— — —

The next day,

As it turned out, her constant interaction with Sota yesterday didn't help... but it was just one day! Today was another day and she was determined to remind him again so he would fill in the application form as soon as possible.

Tuesday arrived with its own set of challenges, and Aiko decided to shift her approach. She knew she had to be more strategic. The bustling cafeteria, a cacophony of clattering trays and lively chatter, provided the perfect setting for a new tactic. Aiko positioned herself at Sota's usual table, her heart pounding with anticipation.

The lunchtime buzz created a lively, almost chaotic atmosphere. Students filled the cafeteria with their vibrant energy, some huddled in groups, others lining up for food. Aiko sat at the table, her eyes scanning the door for Sota's arrival. She had chosen this spot deliberately, hoping to catch him before he could slip away.

When Sota finally approached the table, his face lit up with genuine surprise upon seeing Aiko seated there. "Hey, Aiko! What brings you here?"

Aiko forced a casual smile, trying to ignore the nerves that fluttered in her stomach. "Just thought I'd join you for lunch. You know, I've been thinking about the flag football team a lot lately. We're all really looking forward to having you on board."

Sota's smile was warm, his eyes bright with enthusiasm. "I'm excited too. It sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun."

This was her moment. Aiko leaned in slightly, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "Absolutely! And, you know, we still need that application form from you. It would reaaaally help us out if we could get that soon."

For a moment, Sota's smile faltered, and he nodded. "Of course, I'll make sure to take care of it. Thanks for reminding me."

As they continued to chat about the upcoming season and other topics, Aiko's mind was only half present. She watched as Sota finished his lunch, his friends gathering around him. She felt a mix of hope and trepidation. The conversation had gone well, but the form was still pending.

After Sota left the table, Aiko sat back, feeling a sense of mild defeat. She hoped that her presence had made an impact, but there was still a gnawing uncertainty. How much longer could she keep this up? With the qualifiers looming, every moment mattered. She knew she had to remain vigilant and persistent.