บท 118: An Envelope

Aiko's footsteps faltered, her mind swirling with uncertainty. She could feel the weight of her decision pressing down on her shoulders as she glanced back at the field. The game was unfolding in front of her—Sota and the rest of the team, pushing themselves to their absolute limits. The thought of leaving, even for a moment, felt wrong. She couldn't abandon them.

"I'm sorry," Aiko said abruptly, turning to face Aya. "If that someone wants to talk to me, they'll have to do it here. I can't leave my team alone."

Aya blinked in surprise, then smiled softly, as if understanding Aiko's hesitation. "I see," she replied, her voice light and composed. "That's very admirable, Aiko-chan."