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On this particular morning, the sound of Isagi’s footsteps echoed through the empty hallways of Bastard München, heading to the field. Today had a different weight to it, it was kind of special: all five Neo Egoist League (NEL) teams were having a joint training session. Ego had arranged it, claiming that playing alongside a variety of players was essential for growth, broadening your skills and perspectives.
Most players were thrilled about the idea, it meant reuniting with friends and former teammates. However, for the members of Bastard München, it was bittersweet. Sure, they were excited to practice, but the thought of sharing Isagi with others gnawed at them. They knew his magnetic presence would capture everyone’s attention.
Of course, the teams often crossed paths during meals in the cafeteria, so it wasn’t like they hadn’t seen each other in ages. But playing on the field together was entirely different. They all understood Ego’s strict policies, any shenanigans could cost them this rare opportunity to train alongside Isagi. None of them wanted to risk that.
His roommates, Kurona, Yukimiya, and Hiori, felt a particular sting. They were used to spending most mornings with him, sharing quiet conversations and laughing about trivial things before practice. This morning, though, Isagi wasn’t at his bed, and he hadn’t joined them at breakfast at the central cafeteria either, leaving them to wonder where he’d gone.
“Where’s the donkey?” Barou had asked, crossing his arms and glancing around with a slight scowl.
“We’re not sure,” Yukimiya replied, adjusting his glasses. “He wasn’t at our dorm when we woke up.”
“We just figured he went ahead to train early,” Hiori added with a small shrug. “You know how he is—always focused on improving.”
“Yeah, typical Isagi,” Otoya chimed in, his smirk widening. “He’s such a soccer nerd, but I guess that’s one of the reasons we all like the guy.”
“He’s not just a soccer nerd,” Chigiri interjected, flipping his hair back. “Isagi’s the kind of guy who inspires people to give their all. That’s why he’s so easy to root for, and to- uh….like, I guess” stated Chigiri, blushing slightly at the last part.
The group exchanged nods, a rare moment of agreement among so many personalities, before remembering that practice was almost starting, rushing to finish their meals.
Even their masters were eager to observe Isagi’s progress. As he was easily the player who developed the most in short periods of time. Everyone was interested in what kind of new techniques and strategies he would unveil during his time with Bastard München.
That was Isagi Yoichi, someone who naturally drew everyone’s attention without even trying. He made people desperate to be near him, whether on the field or off. There was no better feeling than seeing him smile, and it was even better if you were the reason for him to do so.
This morning, Isagi was the last one to arrive at practice. He’d mistakenly thought it started at 8:30 AM, not 8:00. As he approached the field, he realized from the muffled voices that the others were already there. Was he late?
He was always one of the first to arrive, so he figured showing up late once wouldn’t hurt. With a push, he opened the door and was immediately greeted by silence.
Every gaze in the room locked onto him, and the tension in the air shifted. He saw some worried and excited looks, along with some relieved ones.
“There you are!” Lavinho exhaled dramatically. “I thought I was going to have to send a search party for you. These kids wouldn’t stop complaining about wanting to look for you.”
Isagi blinked, confused, before he felt a weight crash into his side. “Isagiiii!” Bachira sang, wrapping himself around Isagi’s arm. “Where were you? I missed youuuuuu!” They could almost see Bachira wagging his tail.
“Not fair, I wanna hug Isagi too…” Nagi mumbled in his usual sleepy tone, drawing nods of agreement from others. Even Reo, despite his usual composure, silently wished he could switch places with Bachira.
“Ah, Bachira,” Isagi chuckled, patting his friend’s head. “I missed you too. Actually, I missed all of you,” he said, turning to the others with a warm smile.
That smile had an immediate effect, it made their hearts melt—something they’d sorely missed. Yukimiya adjusted his glasses, hiding the faint blush creeping up his face, along many others who tried to hide their owns.
“You weren’t at breakfast,” said Kurona. “You always join us in the morning, Isagi. What happened?”
“I thought practice started later,” Isagi admitted, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “My bad.”
“That doesn’t explain why you weren’t there when we woke up” Hiori said, his soft expression betraying how relieved he was to see Isagi.
“Oh, that’s because I woke up earlier to watch some footage at the viewing room. I wanted to do that last night but Ego stopped me…”
Rin’s voice cut through. “Of course, if he didn’t intervene you’d spend whole days in there, lukewarm.” There was an uncharacteristic edge of concern in his tone that Isagi couldn’t quite place.
“I hope you’re not overworking yourself again, Isagi Yoichi” Noel Noa, his coach, remarked, leaving a question hanging in the silence. For a split second, everyone paused, wondering, what did he mean by “again”?
Isagi quickly shook his head, a sheepish smile forming on his face. “I’m not overworking, I swear,” he replied, his tone dismissive as if brushing off the concern. “I’m fine, really.”
“Still stealing the spotlight without even trying, huh, clown?” Isagi didn’t need to look to know the voice belonged to Kaiser, his smirk practically audible. “You sure know how to keep people waiting,” he added, his tone dripping with amusement.
The players exchanged unimpressed glances. Still calling him by that ridiculous nickname?
“Tch, still calling him that?” Karasu interjected with a scoff. “You’re just embarrassing yourself at this point, if Isagi’s a clown, then you’re the entire circus.”
“Maybe our so-called celebrity was just taking the morning off,” Ness chimed in, resting his elbow casually on Michael’s shoulder, he added with a sly grin, “or I guess you’re still working on your timing, Yoichi.”
The teasing was met with a few stifled sighs and narrowed eyes, but Isagi just brushed it off, already used to their antics.
Followed by a low growl, Shidou protested “Shut up you sons of a-“ before he could continue further, the screen overhead flickered to life, displaying Ego’s face.
“Are you lumps of talent here to act all corny since morning or are you actually going to train?” he said, his voice laced with irritation.
Marc Snuffy stepped forward with a chuckle. “He’s right. Let’s get to it. I’m curious to see what kind of progress you’ve all made.” as he said the last part, he glanced at Isagi, his gaze lingering with a hint of expectation, as if he was already expecting something impressive from him.
Chris Prince grinned, his eyes gleaming with competitive fire. “Don’t think I’m going easy on you, Isagi Yoichi. I still owe you for blocking my shot last time.”
“You think it’ll be that easy, Prince?” Isagi smirked, his eyes brimming with determination. “Keep dreaming. I’m not holding back either.”
Damn, that’s another look they missed seeing on his face.
As the players took their positions, the air buzzed with energy and anticipation. Isagi stood at the center of it all, his quiet confidence radiating like a beacon. He didn’t just belong to the field—he owned it.