Kicked Out of the Bottom Soccer Team, I Found My Strength Thanks to My Beautiful Junior Manager. What Began as a Simple Act of Kindness Turned into Her Coming Over Every Day. - Chapter 9: Shining in Practice.

Chapter 9: Shining in Practice.

Takumi was the type who liked to prepare slowly.

He needed time to change into his spikes and complete his personal routine, so while he was rarely the first to arrive at school, he often reached club activities before anyone else.

Today, however, was different.

After parting ways with Seiji and Kana at school, he arrived at the park to find a familiar face already changed into spikes.

It was Momose Masaru, also a second-year. Although they had been in different classes since their first year, they got along well because both had remained in the third string the entire time. Their houses were in completely opposite directions, so they rarely walked to or from school together, but they often stopped by shops after club activities or on the way home.

“Masaru, morning.”

“Oh, Takumi—”

Masaru jogged over.

“—You doing okay?”

The question was vague, but Takumi immediately understood. He was asking about what had happened after the practice match two days ago, when Takeoka had ordered him to quit.

“Yeah, I’m totally fine.”

“…You really do look okay.”

Masaru let out a sigh of relief.

He had already been on his way home when Takeoka cornered Takumi, but he must have heard the story from the other members who were there. He had even sent Takumi a message yesterday.

Two days ago, he had comforted him with, “We lost because of the whole team, not just you. Don’t blame yourself too much.”

He might have come early today specifically because he was worried.

“Thanks for checking up on me, Masaru.”

“Yeah.”

Masaru looked slightly away, replying with an embarrassed smile. His cheeks were relaxed.

After changing, the two of them began preparing for practice. Soon, the other members arrived one after another.

Some looked at Takumi with surprise, others showed clear relief like Masaru had. A few frowned.

Most kept their reactions subtle, but there was one person who made no effort to hide it—his entire face twisted into a deep scowl.

It was Takeoka, the third-string captain and the very person who had tried to force Takumi to quit.

Even during practice, every time Takeoka passed near him, he clicked his tongue just loud enough for Takumi to hear, but never said anything directly.

He was probably wary of Coach Kawabata and the vice-captain Miwa, who had been absent two days ago. Knowing that, Takumi didn’t feel particularly angry.

Miwa seemed to have heard what happened too and occasionally offered subtle words of encouragement. Masaru and a few other members, along with the senior manager Aizawa Reiko—who had comforted him the same way two days ago—also helped. Thanks to them, Takumi was able to keep his composure.

Mental leeway showed in his play.

After analyzing his own style and forming a plan, Takumi had decided to simplify his goals to two things: keep his plays as simple as possible, and carefully observe his teammates to bring out their strengths.

That approach paid off. For the first time, Takumi felt like he was truly contributing to the team. His impact was clearly visible in the mini-games, and his teammates showered him with praise.

“Man, your decision-making is on point today!”

“Nice assist!”

“That’s why they call you ‘Takumi’! Gahahaha!”

In contrast, Takeoka’s performance deteriorated. He seemed irritated by Takumi’s success. His plays grew increasingly sloppy, and even Coach Kawabata scolded him.

“Takumi. Keep that up.”

At the end of practice, Coach Kawabata encouraged him in front of everyone.

It was rare for the coach to single out any individual, whether for praise or criticism. Takumi’s cheeks softened naturally.

Takeoka shot him a glare full of resentment, but thankfully didn’t try to pick a fight.

“Kisaragi?”

On the way home, as Takumi stopped by the supermarket, someone called out to him. He turned around to see Reiko, one of the managers.

She was carrying a shopping basket on her slender white arm, just like him.

As a third-year, she lived in a busy dual-income household and apparently handled dinner duty. Even during exam season, she hadn’t quit the club—most likely because she genuinely loved soccer.

For the team members, especially the third string, her passion was invaluable. These days, she was the only third-year manager left.

“Aizawa-senpai, good work today.”

“You too, Kisaragi. You were really impressive today.”

They naturally ended up shopping together.

“Thank you. I was really happy when you told me two days ago that the loss wasn’t my fault. Sorry for giving you such a half-hearted reply back then.”

“…Your expression has gotten a lot better.”

Reiko smiled softly.

“Has it?”

“Yeah. It’s like the difference between me right after waking up and me after putting on makeup.”

“I’ve never seen you right after waking up, so I wouldn’t know.”

“That’s harsh. My eyes are all puffy, my cheeks are swollen, and my hair is a total mess.”

“Really? Oh, do you need milk?”

“Thanks.”

Reiko made a peace sign, so Takumi grabbed two cartons and placed one in her basket along with his own.

“I can’t really imagine you with messy hair. I’ve only ever seen you looking perfectly put together.”

“Oh? Do I always look that neat?”

Reiko pushed up her glasses with a theatrical flourish. The elegant gesture suited her refined features perfectly.

“Of course. You give off that intelligent beauty vibe at full power.”

“You’re as smooth-talking as ever, Kisaragi. But you’re close with Kana-chan, so someone like me must fade into the background.”

“Not at all. You two are completely different types. Like Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, or Mbappé and Haaland.”

“I’d rather you not compare me to Haaland.”

“But doesn’t he have the longest hair among them? Closest to yours, senpai.”

Reiko smiled sweetly, but her eyes weren’t smiling at all.

Being compared to a physical monster over 190 cm tall was naturally unpleasant for a woman.

“Yes, sorry.”

Takumi bowed his head honestly.

Reiko let out a small chuckle.

“You really are entertaining.”

“People don’t usually say that.”

“That’s just because they can’t bring out your fun side.”

“I think you’re the special one, senpai.”

“You’re surprisingly sharp-tongued, aren’t you?”

“Shirayuki said the same thing.”

“See?”

Reiko giggled.

“With how you are now, I think it’s okay to tell you this.”

“What is it?”

“When I said two days ago that the loss wasn’t your fault, that wasn’t just empty comfort or a lie.”

“Eh?”

Reiko’s expression was completely serious. She wasn’t joking.

“You always make good plays. They just don’t stand out as much as your mistakes. You’ve been steadily contributing to the team for a while now. At least, that’s what I’ve always thought.”

“Senpai…”

“Today’s performance brought out all those good parts that had been hidden until now. I’m not the coach, but if you keep playing like you did today, I think you can go even higher… Sorry. I’m not even a player, yet here I am acting all high and mighty.”

Reiko scratched her head with an awkward laugh.

“No, you know a lot about soccer, Aizawa-senpai. Hearing that from you is really encouraging. Thank you.”

“…You really are an excellent junior.”

Reiko’s eyes as she looked at him were incredibly gentle.

Feeling embarrassed, Takumi looked away and scratched his cheek. “I wonder about that.”

Their houses were in opposite directions from the supermarket. After leaving the store’s chilly air-conditioned interior that made him want to rub his arms, the humid outdoor heat hit him. Takumi parted ways with Reiko there.

Passing the park where he had been soaked two days ago and the convenience store, his apartment building soon came into view.

The elevator let out a dry sound as it reached the second floor.

“Huh?”

The moment he stepped out, Takumi stopped.

A familiar, vibrant red color had entered his vision.

“Geez~ I’ve been waiting forever, senpai~”

In front of Room 204—right in front of Takumi’s door—Kana stood with her cheeks puffed out.