Ascension│Bluelock x male reader

3.21. Second Thought

Hiori was on the edge of his seat.

As Gagamaru tossed the ball far into the air, he leant forwards, wide eyes trying to catch the motions of every single player as they rushed towards it. Nearest to the ball, though, were three players. Isagi, Yukimiya, and Noa.

Only a few defenders stood between them and the goal. Hiori found himself clenching his fists, his breathing unconsciously getting faster as he pleaded for them to score. If anyone can do it, it's you, Isagi. Right now.

The trio surged forwards at blistering pace. Every move Isagi did, Hiori predicted. He passed to Noa, Noa more than happy to help his disciple of sorts out. The man sped up instantly, dribbling past one, then two players with huge strides. It took a third player, Aiku, to finally bring him down, sliding into him in an overly rough tackle.

Yet, it didn't stop the ball. Even as Noa and Aiku hit the ground, the striker managed to get a pass out. Isagi scooped it up, and without a second glance back, continued to run forwards.

Hiori couldn't help but wonder how Noa felt. He's the best player in the world, and Isagi doesn't care at all. He pretty much used Noa as bait, and Noa knows that but went along with it anyway. Though, what kind of mindset does Isagi have...? As soon as Noa outlived his usefulness, it's like Isagi completely forgot about him.

He's like some kind of gamemaster...

But with Noa out of the equation, it left just Isagi and Yukimiya, against the defence. 30 metres left. Don't stop, you have the advantage.

Isagi passed to Yukimiya. They broke apart, Isagi going wide against the last three defenders. One of them followed him. The other two advanced on Yukimiya.

It's all up to Isagi to shake off his tail...! Hiori stared, unblinking even though his eyes were about to sting. He couldn't miss it.

Isagi did just that. He sped up, going to the right of the defender. Then he spun, one foot shooting out to slow his momentum, a second foot to push him backwards. Caught off guard, the defender overshot, and Isagi raced past him on the left side.

Hiori grinned. It was reminiscent of Y/N, the other boy using similar techniques to throw defenders off. And something that Isagi definitely hadn't known before. Did he learn it from Y/N...?

In any case, Isagi was through. He was pretty much right in front of the goal. Him and the goalkeeper - he just had to get the ball. But when Yukimiya found the opportunity to pass, Hiori already knew it was going to go wrong.

Snuffy was approaching Isagi on the side. Isagi had his head angled towards the ground, hoping for a low pass. But Yukimiya, pressed by two defenders, didn't see it. He lifted the ball over their heads in a high lob, the ball almost tauntingly slow as it flew through the air.

Hiori's voice trailed off as he muttered under his breath. "No... a lob pass won't..."

On the field, he could tell both Isagi and Snuffy also realised that. With a powerful jump, Snuffy got to the ball midair, way before it could reach Isagi. He used his head, batting the ball aside, and effectively completely stopping their counter-attack.

The ball went to one of the Ubers players. Hiori groaned, lowering his head. Isagi is so close to getting his goal... but he doesn't have anyone near him that can see the game the same way he does. The same way I can.

And that realisation was both frightening and exhilarating at the same time. He needs... me?

As Hiori silently prayed for a chance to be put on the field, the match raged on. Ubers launched their third wave of attack, at an even faster pace than before. With Isagi momentarily too far away to defend, they easily ripped through the first few defenders.