章 126: Private Talk

With the final whistle blown, the air settled, but not entirely. Seiryuu High's players stood together, sweat dripping from their faces, panting from the relentless battle that had just concluded. Victory tasted sweet, a much-needed relief after a grueling game. Sota, still catching his breath, glanced at his teammates, sharing a triumphant but exhausted smile. They had won, and against all odds, they had fought until the end.

As the players lined up for the traditional handshake, Sota found himself face-to-face with Nakamura Haruto. Takiyama High's quarterback, though defeated, carried an intensity that hadn't dimmed. He extended his hand, jaw clenched as though swallowing his frustration. "Good game," Haruto muttered, his tone begrudgingly respectful.

Sota shook his hand firmly. "You too. You guys were tough out there."