Spike of Fate | Yuki Ishikawa Fanfiction

CHAPTER 31

The tension in the office was palpable as the team awaited Mr. Bianchi's response to their feature article. Days of anxious waiting had stretched their nerves to the breaking point. When they finally received word that he wanted to meet with them, a mixture of excitement and dread filled the air. As they gathered in the conference room, Aika's heart raced with anticipation, her palms sweaty as she clasped them tightly in her lap.

Mr. Bianchi entered, his expression unreadable, his steely gaze sweeping across the room. The silence was deafening as he took his seat at the head of the table. "Well," he began, pausing for what felt like an eternity, his fingers steepled before him, "I must say, I'm impressed. For a team of student interns, you've managed to pull off quite a feat with your first assigned task."

A collective sigh of relief echoed through the room, the tension visibly draining from everyone's shoulders.

"The article has already been published, and it's receiving positive feedback," Mr. Bianchi continued, a hint of pride creeping into his voice. "The depth of analysis, the engaging writing style, the comprehensive coverage – it's all there. I want to particularly commend the excellent reporting work. Mia, you've really outdone yourself this time. Your on-field coverage and player interviews were truly exceptional. The way you captured the essence of the game, the players' emotions, and the fans' excitement – it's remarkable."

Gio cleared his throat, interrupting Mr. Bianchi. His face was a mask of professionalism, but there was a slight tension in his jaw as he spoke. "Excuse me, sir, but there's been a misunderstanding. It wasn't Mia who wrote the article. It was Aika."

Mr. Bianchi's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his gaze darting between Gio and Aika. "Aika? But wasn't she assigned as an assistant reporter? How did this come about?"

"Yes, sir," Gio confirmed, his voice steady and professional. "There were some last-minute role adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances. Aika stepped up to the challenge and delivered beyond our expectations."

Mr. Bianchi turned to Aika, a mixture of surprise and admiration in his eyes. He studied her for a moment, as if seeing her in a new light. "Well, Aika, I must say I'm impressed but not entirely surprised. Your work on the SuperLega coverage was exceptional, and it seems you've maintained that high standard. The passion in your writing, the attention to detail, the way you wove the technical aspects of the game with the human stories – it's the mark of a true journalist. Excellent job."

Aika felt a warmth spreading through her chest, a sense of pride and accomplishment washing over her. She managed a grateful smile, her voice steady as she replied, "Thank you, Mr. Bianchi. I'm honored by your words and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the team."

As Mr. Bianchi left, congratulating the team once more, Aika couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. She turned to Gio, a small smirk playing on her lips. "So, who's inexperienced now?"

Gio, for once, was at a loss for words. He simply nodded, a grudging respect in his eyes. After a moment, he found his voice, "I stand corrected, Aika. Your performance was... impressive."

Bianca and Nico rushed to congratulate Aika, their excitement palpable.

"You absolutely killed it, Aika!" Bianca exclaimed, her eyes shining with genuine admiration. "The way you captured the intensity of the game, the players' emotions – I felt like I was right there on the court!"

Nico nodded enthusiastically, his usual laid-back demeanor replaced by unbridled excitement. "Seriously, you deserve all the credit for this. Your writing style is engaging, your analysis is spot-on, and you managed to make even the technical aspects of the game accessible to everyone. It's no wonder Mr. Bianchi was so impressed!"