บท 19: Walking Home With Aiko, Because Why not?

The afternoon sun cast long shadows on the school's courtyard as Sota and Koenji stood facing each other. A breeze rustled through the leaves of the nearby trees, carrying with it a sense of awkward tension. Koenji scratched the back of his head, his expression a mix of embarrassment and sincerity.

"Look, Sota," Koenji began, his voice wavering slightly, "I... I didn't know what you were going through. I'm sorry for pushing you. You must've had your reasons for not wanting to play."

Sota looked at Koenji, the familiar pang of regret tugging at his heart. He nodded slowly, accepting the apology. "It's alright, Koenji. I know you didn't mean any harm."

Relief washed over Koenji's face, and he let out a small sigh. "Thanks, man. I really mean it. And... well, you know, you're always welcome on the team. You're the star quarterback, after all."

Those words hit Sota like a punch to the gut. It had been so long since anyone called him that. The star quarterback. Memories of his past glory, the cheers of the crowd, the thrill of the game—all came flooding back. But along with them came the pain of his injury and the fear of reliving it.

Sota forced a smile, trying to mask the turmoil inside. "Thanks, Koenji. But I've made my decision."

Koenji's eyes reflected a mix of disappointment and understanding. "I get it. Just know that the door's always open for you."

With a final nod, Sota turned and walked away, the weight of his choice pressing down on him. He knew it was the right decision, but it didn't make it any easier.

Meanwhile, Kaminari was on a mission of his own. He climbed the stairs to the fourth floor, his steps echoing in the empty corridor. He approached a classroom and knocked on the door. Inside, a lone figure sat by the window, gazing out at the school grounds below.

"Senpai," Kaminari called out, stepping into the room. The fourth-year student turned to face him, his dark hair falling into his eyes.

"Kaminari, what brings you here?" the senpai asked, his tone neutral.

Kaminari took a deep breath, determined to make his case. "We need you back on the team, senpai. You're one of the best players we've ever had."

The senpai shook his head, a sad smile tugging at his lips. "I'm past my prime, Kaminari. The team doesn't need an old player like me."

Kaminari's frustration bubbled to the surface. "That's not true! Something happened in the past, I get it, but we still need you. We need your experience, your leadership."

The senpai's expression hardened. "You already have the number one player on your team. You don't need me."

Confusion flickered across Kaminari's face. "Who are you talking about?"

The senpai sighed, turning back to the window. "Kazemachi Sota. He's the number one quarterback in all of Japan."

Kaminari's eyes widened in shock. This was the first time he had heard of Sota's reputation. He had always seen Sota as a quiet, reserved guy who kept to himself. The idea that he was a top player in the country was mind-blowing.

The senpai stood up, placing a hand on Kaminari's shoulder. "I'll be going now, you shouldn't waste your energy on me. I'll leave the flag football team in your hands."

With those final words, the senpai walked away, leaving Kaminari standing there, his mind racing. He had a new mission now: to find out everything he could about Kazemachi Sota.

As the day drew to a close, Sota found himself walking home with Aiko. The streets were bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, and the air was filled with the sounds of chirping birds. Aiko glanced at Sota, sensing the turmoil within him.

'Why are we walking home together?' Sota asked himself as he stole glances towards Aiko. Of course, it's understandable since they were both heading the same way, but Sota was beginning to wonder if this would be an everyday thing now.

"Are you alright, Sota?" Aiko asked gently, leaning towards him when she did so. Her innocent gaze and her cheerful manner felt like the warm glow of the setting sun, soft yet bright enough to light the way, bringing in the phase of twilight.

Heaving a sigh, Sota shrugged his shoulders. "I'm all right." He simply responded.

Aiko smiled reassuringly. "You don't have to force yourself into this. I know I can be a pushover sometimes since that's my job as a manager."

"But I'll tell you one thing— you look the happiest in the pitch, you know. I couldn't believe the same gloomy-looking guy could change so much in the pitch."

Sota managed a small smile, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Aiko. That means a lot."

"If you need anything, just message me. I'll come running!" Aiko cheerfully offered, punching the air as she softly hehe'ed.

They walked in comfortable silence, the weight of the day's events slowly lifting from Sota's shoulders. Somehow, Aiko was slowly prying into his closed heart, bathing it in warmth.

It was hard to tell whether the redness on Sota's face came from the sunset or not... but it's probably the latter.

"Well, I'll be on my way. Thank you for walking me home, Sota." Aiko said, pointing towards the path going to the right. She knew that Sota was heading straight so she said her farewell. "And good work out there. I hope you'd really consider joining the club."

"Thanks, I'll think about it." Sota answered. He knew that Aiko would continue to push her into joining. Nevertheless, a small part within him didn't want to reject her offer outright.

With a wave of her hand, Aiko headed to the right as Sota headed his separate way.

However, as soon as Sota was out of sight, Aiko retraced her footsteps while pretending to whistle. She then glanced towards the direction where Sota headed. "Time to start the operation. Yes, sir!" She continued, saluting to an imaginary commander before following Sota home.

All according to plan.