NIKE -Blue Lock-

Hype

A week later
City center

Nicole carefully observed the shop window. Her eyes, hidden behind a pair of sunglasses, were fixed on the television screen behind the glass's store, which was broadcasting a sports commentary program.

That day she had used the prize generously given to her by Ego, deciding to escape the suffocating environment of Blue Lock's facilities and take a motorcycle ride around Tokyo.

It was a sunny December day. She wore flared low-rise black pants with heeled ankle boots, and a gray off-shoulder sweater warm enough to protect her from the chill of Japan without the need for a coat.

Lifting her sunglasses, she placed them on her head, pushing back some strands of red hair.

The commentary discussed the new globally famous program, "The Blue Lock Show", focusing on some of the most promising players. At that moment, the main subject was Nicklaus Vinciguerra and his 900,000,000 auction bid from Atlético de Madrid.

"I wonder what the old man thinks..." she wondered quietly, continuing to watch the television as the host sought a technical explanation of his performances from an expert.

A hand on the edge of her sweater forced Nicole to lower her gaze, noticing a white-haired girl with big black eyes looking up.

"Excuse me, miss, are you Nicole Vinciguerra?"

Her voice was sharp but cautious, suggesting the introversion of the 9-year-old girl.

A fake smile, the same one she put on in front of cameras, appeared on the protagonist's lips. She nodded at the younger one's question and bent her knees to match the baby's height.

"Yes, sweetheart, that's me. May I know your name?" she inquired, a spontaneous request, given how many times she had been forced to ask it when signing autographs.

"Sumi." unfortunately, a name she would likely forget in a few minutes.

Nicole smiled nonetheless, stroking the child's head and briefly raising her gaze, scanning the crowd for a desperate parent looking for their daughter.

"Are you here alone, little one-" she had already forgotten her name.

Was it Suki, right?

The girl nodded, pointing to a couple a little further away that was observing the situation, probably making sure their little daughter wasn't being kidnapped or something.

Seeing that both the girl and her idol were looking at them, the parents decided to approach.

The father smiled warmly, placing a hand on Suri's... or Sumi's, perhaps Suki's hair. Nicole's pupils contracted for a moment, her body anticipating seeing the man grab the daughter's hair and tug it.

Instead, it stood there, a confident and delicate touch as he carefully stroked the little one's head.

"Sumi-"

It wasn't Suki.

"-have you made sure not to disturb the young lady?" he asked, a tone not aggressive but wise and instructive, ensuring his daughter approached with good manners.

Sumi or Suki... no, it was Sumi.

Sumi lowered her head, aware she forgot to ask the girl if she minded being disturbed.

Nicole immediately responded on her behalf, protecting the child from a possible punishment.

"She has been very kind, perhaps the most respectful fan I've ever met." she affirmed, standing up and looking at the girl's father, analyzing carefully the kind smile on his face.