บท 65: Locker Room Days

The locker room hummed with a low, nervous energy, the kind that settled in the stomach like a swarm of butterflies. Sota sat on a bench, methodically wrapping K-tape around his right knee. The tape felt secure, like armor against the inevitable strain. He tugged at the edge of the strip, ensuring it was snug.

Across the room, Kaminari was lacing up his cleats. He glanced over at Sota, raising an eyebrow. "That's a lot of K-tape you're using there, Sota," he remarked, a hint of concern in his voice. "You planning to mummify yourself before the match?"

Sota chuckled, not looking up from his work. "Just making sure everything stays in place," he replied, his tone casual but with an undercurrent of focus. "Can't afford any mishaps today."

Kaminari nodded, understanding. He knew what this game meant to all of them—especially Sota. "Just don't overdo it," he said, with a smirk. "We need you out there in one piece."

On the other side of the room, Kazuma and Daigo were engaged in a quiet debate over the best way to tie a bandana. Daigo, always the more meticulous of the two, was demonstrating a method that involved a precise fold and knot, while Kazuma, impatient as ever, was simply twisting his bandana into a makeshift headband.

"Man, you're taking forever," Kazuma complained, rolling his eyes as Daigo carefully adjusted the knot on his forehead. "Just tie it up and be done with it."

Daigo shot him a look of exasperation. "It's not just about tying it up, Kazuma. It's about looking good while doing it. You wouldn't understand."

Kazuma snorted, tying his own bandana with a quick flick of his wrist. "Yeah, whatever. As long as it keeps the sweat out of my eyes, I'm good."

Near the front of the room, Aiko was busy handing out the team's jerseys. She moved with a sense of purpose, her focus sharp as she distributed the folded shirts. Each one had been carefully prepared, with the Seiryuu High emblem emblazoned proudly on the front.

"Here you go, Kaminari," she said, passing him his jersey. "And Sota, make sure that tape doesn't mess with the fit."

Sota smiled as he took his jersey, shaking his head. "It won't. I've got it under control."

As the others received their jerseys, Ryuji wandered over to Kazuma and Daigo, taking in their handiwork with a critical eye. "What's with the bandanas? Trying to start a new trend or something?"

Kazuma grinned, tapping the side of his head where his bandana was tied. "Gotta stand out somehow, right? Maybe it'll give us a psychological edge."

Ryuji laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, because nothing says 'intimidation' like a stylish bandana."

Daigo, satisfied with his knot, crossed his arms and smirked. "You'll see. When the other team's distracted by how good we look, we'll swoop in for the win."

Ryuji rolled his eyes, but there was a playful smile on his face. "Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night, Daigo."

As the banter continued, Aiko handed Sota his jersey, her eyes lingering on him for a moment. "You ready?" she asked, her voice soft but carrying a note of concern.

Sota nodded, slipping the jersey over his head. The fabric was cool against his skin, a reminder of the task ahead. "Yeah," he replied, his voice steady. "I'm ready."

Aiko studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod of approval. "Good," she said, moving on to the next person. "We're going to need everyone at their best today."

Ryuji, now standing by his locker, began to stretch, rolling his shoulders and loosening up his muscles. He let out a satisfied sigh as something in his back popped. "Man, I'm pumped," he said, grinning widely. "This is gonna be one hell of a game."

Kaminari chuckled, adjusting his wristbands. "Just make sure you don't blow all that energy in the first half. We'll need you sharp for the whole game."

Ryuji flashed him a thumbs-up. "No worries. I've got plenty in the tank."

Ouji, who had been quietly observing from his spot near the door, spoke up. "Does anyone else feel like they've been waiting forever?" His voice carried a slight edge of impatience, unusual for him. "I just want to get out there and play already."

"Don't worry, Ouji," Sota said, finishing up with his K-tape. "Our time's coming. Just gotta stay focused until then."

As if on cue, Aiko clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention. "All right, team, listen up," she called, her voice firm and commanding. "We're going to be called soon, so let's make sure we're all set."

The room quieted down, the playful banter replaced by a more serious atmosphere. Each player took a moment to mentally prepare, to focus on the challenge ahead.

Aiko looked around at them, her expression determined. "We've worked hard to get here. This is our chance to show what Seiryuu High can do. We're not just here to participate—we're here to win. Remember that."

There was a chorus of nods and murmurs of agreement. Sota could feel the tension in the air, but it was the good kind—the kind that sharpens the senses and readies the body for action.

"Let's make Seiryuu proud," Aiko finished, a small but fierce smile on her face. "Now, let's go out there and give it everything we've got."

With that, the team began their final preparations. Sota adjusted his jersey, feeling the weight of it on his shoulders. This was it—the culmination of weeks of hard work, of training, of pushing past limits. He could feel the anticipation buzzing in his veins, a heady mix of excitement and nerves.

Ryuji was the first to break the silence, clapping his hands together loudly. "All right, let's do this!" he shouted, his voice echoing off the locker room walls.

Kazuma and Daigo exchanged grins, their earlier banter forgotten as they focused on the task ahead. Kaminari finished adjusting his gear, giving a quick nod of approval.

Ouji, always the quiet one, simply tightened his shoelaces and stood up, ready to go.

Sota took one last deep breath, feeling the calm settle over him like a familiar blanket. He was ready. They were ready.