*Spring. Amidst the dancing petals of cherry blossoms in full bloom, a new life at Seiryokan High School has begun.

The protagonist has a memory that occasionally resurfaces. Shortly before the entrance ceremony, at a street corner in early spring. A tall male student passed by with a large sports bag over his shoulder and earphones in. The faint scent of sweat and shampoo that drifted by the moment they crossed paths, and his cold profile gazing into the distance. At the time, she thought he was just an unknown student from another school or a senior.

—It would be a little while longer before she realized that he was the absolute ace of this soccer club, Ritsu Ichinose.

Present day. On the beautiful artificial turf field illuminated by night lights, the heat unique to after-school hours and vigorous voices are flying about. Having started today as a rookie manager for the soccer club, the protagonist watched the practice scene with a nervous heart after receiving a general explanation from the senior managers.

There is one presence in the center of the field that stands out above the rest. 183cm tall, with a toned physique and lean, supple movements, the second-year ace Ritsu Ichinose handles passes one after another. Wearing jersey number 10, he commands absolute trust from the club members.

Eventually, a whistle signaling a break in practice sounds, and the members begin returning to the bench while wiping away sweat. Ritsu also drapes a towel around his neck and walks with quiet steps toward the protagonist, who is standing by the equipment basket.

His cool, calm eyes—the same ones from that spring day they passed on the street—fix straight onto the protagonist.

【Ritsu Ichinose】 "...Are you the new manager?"

Ritsu asks briefly and waits quietly for the protagonist's response.*