Ethereal ✦ Blue Lock

27||Edge of the Pitch

Chapter 27: When You Try to Flirt Mid-Game, But the Ball Decides to Score Instead

Song: Legends never die

They become a part of you, every time you bleed for reaching greatness...

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Ryouta's POV:

The game hummed beneath me, the rush of adrenaline fueling every step. Every pass, every sprint—it was all leading up to something. And I loved it. But no matter how much I tried to focus on the ball, there was always one player I couldn't shake: Reo. Smooth as always, gliding across the field like it was second nature. His confidence was obnoxious, but I had to admit, it was earned.

Man, I'd kill to see that pretty face pout for once.

I launched off the goalpost, my legs burning as I sprinted toward him. His eyes were locked on the field, calculating every step. He was probably about to take a shot, but not if I had anything to say about it.

With a quick flick of my foot, I shifted the ball left, just enough to bait him. I saw the subtle shift in his stance, and I smirked. "Careful, Reo," I teased, letting the words roll off my tongue. "I wouldn't want to mess up that pretty face of yours."

He raised an eyebrow, his voice oozing sarcasm. "Focus on the ball, lover boy. Not my face. I know it's distracting."

Oh, you think you're slick with that line? You'll be hearing more of that from me.

I darted right, pivoting left—just quick enough to slip past him. The ball glided smoothly under my foot, and before he could react, I was already a step ahead.

"Guess you're not as perfect as you thought," I called back, brushing past him with a grin.

Behind me, I heard his snort. "Keep talking. It's the only thing you're good at."

Oh, really? Not even going to give me credit for my skills? Fine, I'll show you.

My feet never stopped. The ball rolled effortlessly, like it had a mind of its own. Reo was scrambling to catch up, but I wasn't slowing down. Up ahead, Bachira was ready, arms outstretched, but I had my sights set on something bigger.

Kunigami. The guy was a wall. He stood there like a fortress, blocking the goal with the cold, unyielding presence of stone. I couldn't let him stop me now.

Oh, man, Kunigami's just standing there like a freaking statue. Bet he's thinking, 'I'm so majestic, nothing can touch me.'

"Yo, Kunigami!" I called, raising my hand in mock frustration. "Could you, like move? I'm trying to make a play here."

He didn't even flinch. That stone-cold stare made me grin wider. You're not going to make this easy for me, huh?

And then, I saw it. A gap—just enough room between his legs. It wasn't much, but it was enough for me to work with.

Okay, time to be sneaky. Let's do this.

I set myself up, eyes locked on the ball. I feigned a shot to the far post, watching Kunigami shift, anticipating my move. Perfect.

With a swift strike, I sent the ball skimming past him.

"Don't even think about it!" Kunigami barked, but it was already too late.