บท 6: After-school Gym
Sota Kazemachi exited the school gates, the hum of students still buzzing in his ears. The sun was beginning its slow descent, casting long shadows across the pavement. He breathed in deeply, savoring the evening air. The first day at his new school had been eventful, to say the least, and he needed to clear his mind.
As he walked, Sota's thoughts drifted back to Aiko and the flag football club. Her enthusiasm had stirred something within him, a mixture of nostalgia and pain that he couldn't quite shake off.
He clenched his fists, trying to dispel the memories. Determined to focus on the present, he decided to head to the gym – his sanctuary, the place where he could channel his emotions into something productive.
The gym was a modest, no-frills establishment, but it had everything he needed. Sota signed in at the front desk and headed straight for the weight room. The familiar clang of metal and the rhythmic hum of treadmills greeted him, a comforting symphony of effort and determination.
"Back day, I guess." Sota muttered to himself after a quick stretch and warm up. Whenever he feels stressed out, he would always go to the gym. Then again, he practically goes to the gym five times a week.
After loading the lat pull-down machine with 160 pounds, he started executing the exercise, focusing purely on his form and the negatives. The extra resistance was something he'd incorporated into his routine ever since his injury.
He figured that he would improve his upper body while his leg recovered. 'Who would've thought that after a couple of months, I could finally work my legs out from time to time. Back then, it seemed nigh impossible, a pipe dream.
Taking another deep breath, Sota grasped the bar and pulled it down with steady, controlled force as he did his second set. His muscles tensed and rippled under the strain, each repetition a testament to his resilience. He focused on his breathing, letting the physical exertion drown out the noise in his head.
One, two, three… With each pull, he pushed his limits, his body responding to the challenge. Sweat trickled down his back, and his arms burned with effort, but he welcomed the pain. It was a reminder that he was still alive, still capable of pushing forward.
Finishing his set, Sota took a moment to catch his breath, the weight of the past day lifting slightly. He wiped his face with a towel and glanced around the gym. Familiar faces greeted him with nods of acknowledgment, but he kept to himself, not in the mood for small talk.
Next, he moved to the pull-up bar. Sota donned a 60-pound weighted vest, feeling the familiar weight settle on his shoulders. He grasped the bar and began his pull-ups, each movement precise and powerful. His back muscles contracted and released in a fluid rhythm, drawing the attention of others in the gym.
The admiration in their eyes was filled with admiration. Whispers of awe floated around him as they watched his impressive display of strength. His well-defined back muscles and effortless control left many in wonderment, some even pausing their own workouts to watch him.
Satisfied with his workout, Sota headed for the showers. The hot water soothed his tired muscles, washing away the sweat and tension. As he dressed, he felt a sense of clarity returning. He had survived the first day, and he would continue to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
On his way home, Sota made a quick stop at the local convenience store. The bright lights and neatly stocked shelves were a stark contrast to the gym's gritty atmosphere. He picked up a few essentials – a bottle of water, some protein bars, and a bento box of chicken breast in addition to his dinner.
The cashier, a friendly woman in her forties, smiled at him as she rang up his purchases. "Good evening! How was your day?"
Sota managed a polite smile. "It was fine, thank you."
With his bag of groceries in hand, Sota walked the final stretch to his house. The neighborhood was quiet, the streets lined with cherry blossom trees whose petals fluttered gently in the evening breeze. He paused for a moment, appreciating the serene beauty, before continuing on his way.
As he stepped through the front door, the familiar scents of home greeted him. His mother was in the kitchen, bustling around as she prepared dinner. His younger brother, Riku, was sprawled on the living room floor, engrossed in a video game.
His mother poked her head out of the kitchen, a warm smile on her face. "Welcome home, Sota. Dinner's almost ready. How was school?"
Sota hesitated, not wanting to delve into the details. "It was fine, Mom. Just a lot to take in."
His mother and brother exchanged glances, sensing his reluctance to talk. They respected his space, but their curiosity was palpable.
Ruki, ever the persistent one, pressed on. "How was the club fair, big brother? Did you join any clubs?"
Inwardly sighing, Sota shook his head, the image of Aiko and the flag football club flashing in his mind. "Not yet. Still figuring things out."
His mother nodded understandingly. "As long as you're settling in, that's all that matters. Don't forget to make friends, okay?" Her mother flashed a smile as she gave him a thumbs up.
Dinner was a quiet affair, the clinking of utensils the only sound as they ate. Sota appreciated the silence, letting the mundane routine ground him. He finished his meal quickly, excused himself, and headed upstairs to his room.
The familiar surroundings of his bedroom provided a small comfort. Posters of his favorite football players adorned the walls, a reminder of the dreams he once had. He flopped onto his bed, staring at the ceiling as the events of the day replayed in his mind.
Aiko's face lingered in his thoughts, her determination and enthusiasm striking a chord with him. Despite his best efforts to push it away, the pull of football remained strong. He wondered if he could ever truly move on from the sport that had defined so much of his life.
With a heavy sigh, Sota closed his eyes, willing himself to let go of the day's burdens. Sleep came slowly, his mind refusing to quiet down. As he drifted off, he resolved to face tomorrow with the same determination he brought to the gym, one step at a time.
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