Secret Weapon

Chapter 3

🗓️ Saturday, March 16 〔🌏〕Japan 🌄 hour; 6:56pm 🌸Spring

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As the discussion continued, with players debating the merits of the psychological approach and sharing their individual experiences, the atmosphere in the room shifted. There was a sense of anticipation, a collective curiosity about what insights ____ might offer.
Back in the room, ____was unaware of the buzz she had created. She was focused intently on her task, determined to provide an analysis that would not only highlight individual strengths and weaknesses but also offer a roadmap for how these diverse personalities could come together to form an unstoppable team. She stayed there for almost half an hour, organizing and thinking by herself.

As she entered the common room, her presence immediately hushed the animated discussions. The team's eyes turned to her, a mix of curiosity and anticipation evident on their faces.

"I have to leave," she announced, glancing around the room. "Or I'll be late for the bus."

There was a moment of silence before Reo stepped forward before she could excuse herself. "That's no problem. One of us can give you a ride. It's the least we can do after you've spent so much time helping us. We can't let you be late."

Before anyone else could volunteer, Chigiri stepped forwards, twirling his car keys around his finger. "I'll do it. My car is right outside."

She hesitated for a moment, looking blankly at him as he stepped forward, and then quietly nodded politely. "Thank you. That would be helpful."

As they made their way to Chigiri's sports car, she noticed that it was a Koenigsegg Jesko, the fastest car in the entire world. It kind of suited him somehow. The other team members watched with a mix of interest and amusement. Reo raised an eyebrow, feeling a twinge of jealousy that Chigiri had jumped in before he could. Nagi barely glanced up from his phone but muttered under his breath, "Show-off."

Isagi and Bachira exchanged meaningful looks, recalling their previous encounters with ____ and feeling a bit envious of Chigiri's initiative.

Bachira pouted slightly, his playful demeanor flattering slightly. "Man, Chigiri always gets the cool moments."

Isagi nodded, a bit envious. "Yeah, he's quick on and off the field."
Reo, crossing his arms, watched them leave with a mix of frustration and curiosity. He leaned towards Kunigami and murmured, "He always gets in there first. Think he's trying to impress her?"
Kunigami shrugged but didn't hide his slight annoyance. "Probably. But can you blame him? She's done a lot for us."
Bachira, Smirked slightly. "Looks like Chigiri's trying to score points off the field too. Can't blame him, though. She's pretty cool."
Reo glared at bachira with a hint of irritation at his comment, as he watched them leave. "Of course he had to swoop in and play the hero," he muttered under his breath. "I was just about to offer her a ride myself."
Aiku glanced over at him, noting the irritation. "You snooze, you lose, Reo," he said with a slight smirk. "But you know, it's not a competition."
Reo rolled his eyes. "It's not about that. It's just... she's been helping all of us. We should all show her some appreciation, not just Chigiri."
Nagi, still focused on his phone, shrugged. "She'll be back. It's not like she's gone forever."
Just then, Sae walked in, his sharp eyes catching the undercurrent of jealousy in the room. He scoffed, clearly irritated. "Enough. All of you are wasting your time thinking about useless things like that," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "She's becoming a distraction for the team. Focus on what's important or you'll never get anywhere."
The room fell silent at Sae's words. His disdain for distractions was well-known, and it was clear he viewed ____ as a potential one. "If you're more interested in playing taxi driver than getting better at football, maybe you're in the wrong place," he added coldly, his gaze sweeping across the room.
Reo clenched his jaw but didn't respond. Nagi, as usual, seemed indifferent, but even he felt a twinge of irritation. As the team dispersed, each member contemplated Sae's admonition, realizing they needed to balance their curiosity and personal interests with their commitment to their goals.
The metallic paint of the car gleamed under the sunset sky. He opened the passenger door for her with flourish, a gesture that seemed both courteous and slightly showy.
As they settled into the car, the luxurious interior was a stark contrast to the practical settings ___ was used to. Chigiri started the engine, the powerful roar filing the air.