𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐞𝐬 || 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘬

CHAPTER 4

Your stomach twisted as you looked up at Isagi and Bachira. "Blue Lock? That's where you two were planning to go after graduation, right?"

Both boys nodded, their expressions a mix of shock and unease. Isagi's brow furrowed, while Bachira seemed more intrigued than anything, his usual grin softened as he scanned the paper.

"Look," Bachira pointed out, flipping the note around to reveal a set of directions scrawled hastily on the back. "It even has directions! Looks like it's leading us somewhere specific."

The three of you shared a tense glance. The air around you felt thicker, weighed down by the eerie silence and the empty streets stretching endlessly in every direction. Despite the confusion, one thing seemed clear—someone wanted you here. And whatever was going on, it was tied to Blue Lock and soccer in some twisted way.

Your mind raced as you followed the directions, the note clenched tightly in your hand. "It has to be related to soccer; that game we just played had to be a test," you murmured, your voice trailing off as an uncomfortable thought crossed your mind. "But something still feels... off. Why is no one else around?"

Bachira, unfazed by the quiet dread creeping over you, reached over and poked you gently in the side, his fingers finding the spot where he knew you were most ticklish. A surprised gasp slipped from your mouth, and you swatted at him, only to see his mischievous grin spread wider.

"Bachira!" you hissed, glaring playfully at him. "This is serious! Stop tickling me!"

He just laughed, feigning innocence. "Just trying to cheer you up. You look like you're seeing ghosts or something." His tone softened, and he looked down with a small pout. "Sorry. I just thought... maybe you'd smile. This whole thing is depressing, you know?"

A sigh escaped your lips, and despite the situation, you managed a small smile for him. Gently, you reached up and patted his head. "It's okay, bumblebee. I forgive you."

He lit up at that, his usual lighthearted energy pushing back the darkness, even if just a little. And with Bachira by your side, the tension didn't feel as crushing.

As you neared the end of the directions, you squinted, spotting two figures standing in the distance, barely visible in the hazy light. Their silhouettes were familiar, but you couldn't quite place them until you saw the distinct gleam of violet hair.

"Purple hair..." you muttered, your heart skipping a beat. "Is that... Reo and Nagi?"

Isagi's eyes widened, and even Bachira straightened, the familiar gleam of excitement returning to his gaze. You didn't even hesitate—you bolted forward, your feet carrying you toward the two figures as if on instinct.

"Reo! Nagi!" you shouted, your voice echoing through the empty street. The figures turned just in time to see you racing toward them.

Before Reo could react, you launched yourself at him, tackling him to the ground in a hug. He stumbled, trying to catch his balance, but a surprised grin lit up his face as he wrapped his arms around you.