บท 58: A Day In the Life Of Toriyama Daichi

The early morning sunlight barely peeked over the horizon when Toriyama Daichi's alarm went off, filling his small room with the sound of a lively tune. The 17-year-old groaned slightly, reaching out from under his blanket to silence the alarm. The day had barely begun, yet Daichi was already fully awake, his mind focused on the tasks ahead. He sat up, rubbing his eyes as he glanced at the clock. It was 5:30 AM, the time he always set to begin his day.

Daichi stretched his muscular arms, feeling the familiar tension in his shoulders ease as he went through his morning routine. The first thing he did after waking up was to grab a bottle of water from his nightstand and chug it down. Hydration was key, especially for an athlete like him. He stood up, his large frame taking up much of the small room, and started his morning workout. Push-ups, sit-ups, and planks were all part of his daily regimen, a routine he had developed over the years to maintain his strength and endurance as the center of the flag football team.

"Alright, time to get moving," he muttered to himself, wiping the sweat from his brow as he finished his last set of push-ups. The workout left him energized, ready to tackle the day. He quickly showered, the cool water refreshing against his warm skin. His room was filled with the scent of his citrusy shampoo as he dried off and got dressed in his school uniform—a white shirt, navy blazer, and gray pants. The uniform was a snug fit around his broad shoulders and muscular arms, but Daichi had grown used to it.

Downstairs, the smell of breakfast greeted him. His mother was already in the kitchen, bustling around as she prepared the meal. The clinking of utensils and the sizzling of food filled the air, creating a cozy atmosphere.

"Ohayou, Daichi," his mother greeted him with a warm smile, placing a plate of rice, grilled fish, and miso soup on the table.

"Ohayou, kaa-san," Daichi replied, sitting down at the table. He dug into his breakfast with gusto, the flavors familiar and comforting. As he ate, his mother sat across from him, watching him with a fond expression.

"You've been working hard, Daichi. How's the team doing?"

Daichi paused, considering his response. "We're getting there, but there's still a lot of work to be done before the qualifiers. I think we've got a good shot, though."

His mother nodded, her smile widening. "I'm sure you'll do great. Just remember to take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will, don't worry," Daichi assured her, finishing his meal. He stood up, grabbing his school bag from the chair. "Thanks for breakfast, kaa-san. I'll see you later."

"Have a good day, Daichi," his mother called after him as he left the house, the door closing softly behind him.

The walk to Seiryuu High School was a familiar one, the streets quiet in the early morning. Daichi liked this time of day when the world was just waking up. It gave him time to think, to mentally prepare for whatever challenges lay ahead. His mind wandered to the upcoming flag football qualifiers, the pressure mounting as the days ticked by. He knew the team was relying on him, and he was determined not to let them down.

By the time Daichi arrived at school, the hallways were beginning to fill with students. He greeted a few of his classmates with nods and small smiles, his usual stoic demeanor in place. As the team's center, Daichi was known for his strength and reliability, a solid presence both on and off the field. He made his way to his locker, quickly grabbing the books he needed for his morning classes.

The first part of the day passed in a blur of lectures and notes. Daichi was a diligent student, paying close attention to his teachers and taking thorough notes. While he wasn't the top of his class, he maintained respectable grades, understanding the importance of balancing academics with his athletic commitments. As the morning progressed, Daichi found himself glancing at the clock, counting down the minutes until lunch. The routine of school was something he appreciated, but his thoughts were never far from the practice field.

When the lunch bell finally rang, Daichi made his way to the cafeteria. He grabbed his usual bento box, packed with care by his mother, and headed outside to eat. The weather was pleasant, with a gentle breeze rustling the trees. Daichi found a spot under a large tree and sat down, opening his bento to reveal an assortment of rice balls, fried chicken, and vegetables. As he ate, he couldn't help but think about the team's practice later in the day.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him from his thoughts. He pulled it out to see a message from Sota, the team's quarterback. The message was short, just a reminder about practice after school, but it made Daichi smile. Sota was new to the team, but he quickly earned Daichi's respect with his dedication and skill.

"Looking forward to it," Daichi texted back, placing his phone beside him as he finished his lunch.

The afternoon classes were much the same as the morning—focused, and diligent, with Daichi's mind always partially on the upcoming practice. When the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, Daichi felt a surge of energy. This was the part of the day he looked forward to the most.

He headed straight to the locker room, changing into his practice gear. The team was already gathered by the time he arrived at the field, a mix of familiar faces and new members. Daichi exchanged a nod with Sota, who was discussing strategies with Aiko, the team's manager. Daichi admired Aiko's determination and leadership; she was the heart of the team, always pushing them to do their best.

The practice was intense, as always. Daichi thrived in these moments, where the sweat poured down his back and the adrenaline coursed through his veins.

The sound of cleats pounding against the turf, the grunts of effort, and the thud of the football being snapped all blended together, creating a rhythm that Daichi found exhilarating.

He focused on his role as center, snapping the ball with precision and then moving to block the oncoming rush. His large frame and strength made him a formidable presence on the line, and he relished the physicality of the position.

"Oof!" Daichi grunted as he collided with the defensive lineman, holding his ground and creating a pocket for Sota to throw from. The quarterback's pass sailed through the air, landing perfectly in Kaminari's hands downfield. The play was a success, and the team gathered for a quick huddle, their breaths coming in heavy pants.

"Good work, everyone," Sota said, clapping his hands. "Let's keep that energy up."

The practice continued until the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the field. By the time it was over, Daichi was drenched in sweat but felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The team was coming together, and with each practice, they were getting closer to their goal of winning the qualifiers.

As the team dispersed, Daichi stayed behind to do some extra drills. He practiced his snaps, working on his technique until he was satisfied. The field was quiet now, the only sound the faint rustling of the wind in the trees. Daichi found these moments peaceful, a chance to reflect on the day and prepare for the next.

Finally, as the sky darkened, Daichi decided it was time to head home. He grabbed his bag and began the walk back, the cool evening air refreshing against his skin. The streets were lit by the soft glow of streetlights, and Daichi found himself thinking about the team, the upcoming qualifiers, and the responsibility he felt to lead them to victory.

When he arrived home, his mother was waiting with dinner, a hearty meal of beef stew and rice. The two of them ate together, talking about their day. Daichi enjoyed these quiet moments with his mother, appreciating her support and encouragement.

After dinner, Daichi spent some time reviewing his notes from the day and preparing for tomorrow's classes. He then took a quick shower, the warm water soothing his tired muscles. As he lay down in bed, he thought about the practice, the team, and what lay ahead. The weight of responsibility was heavy, but Daichi welcomed it. He knew that with hard work and determination, they could achieve their goals.

With a satisfied sigh, Daichi closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep. Tomorrow would be another day of hard work, both in the classroom and on the field, and Daichi was ready for it.