2 The Re-Entry

Morning Arrived. He opened the blinds of his small but comfortable room. He took in the fresh air through the open window. He could see the vast blue sky, people walking down the road with smiles down their faces. It was a pretty landscape. He closed his eyes and muttered to himself, confidently.

"Let's do this."

Clothed with his school uniform, he walked down the stairs and sat down on his chair. He looked at the breakfast prepared by his mother, sandwich and eggs. It wasn't much but it was homely. He quickly gulped down his food, composed himself. A visible smile stretched down his face.

"I'm off!"

"Have a good day at school!"

He took a step onto the road, the sky looked even prettier than before. He walked down the same old road, the same old river, the same old everything. He slowed down to appreciate the view.

Tap.

Somebody has tapped his back, he turned around reflexively to see who it was. It was Ayase.

It was an awkward meeting.

"Hey..."

"Yeah..."

'This is awkward' they both thought, cringing at themselves.

"So... Sorry about uh- yesterday"

"Ah yesterday, you left me alone to walk so long with so many heavy books and paperwork... Yeah, no problem" she said, in a painfully obvious sarcastic voice, coupled with her usual bright smile.

'Your too much of a smart ass...'

"Haha... You know, I've been thinking of rejoining the football club."

Ayase's eyes widened up, and a huge smile suddenly appeared on the already smiling girl. She caught his wrist and ran with him.

"Oi! Why are you running?"

"You have to apply fast right?!"

"Just hol-"

Ayase didn't listen, she only dragged Yuuto all the way over to the school.

To Yuuto, this felt good. It felt like old times when Ayase would drag Yuuto and Sora along to anything she found mildly amusing. A look happiness was visible on the boy's face.

They had finally reached the school, early due to the speed at which Ayase ran, speed she was known for in her club, the track and field club.

'As expected of a track and field member'

The panting girl pointed to the school, Yuuto absolutely clueless to what was going on.

"Go there and— There and app- Apply!"

"You know that we have to apply after-school, right?"

"Huh"

"..."

"You mean I wasted my time dragging you along here!"

"I was going to tell you but you just kept running!"

The only thing they could do about their actions was to laugh like kids.

"Good luck!" said Ayase as wind blew her hair in a beautiful scene.

School began, and in the 3-B class was a restless Yuuto. Time flew by, and all he could do is wait. He listened attentively to the class, so that he could pass time. And soon enough, the school period ended and after-school clubs began their practices.

He got up, nervous but firmly walked down. Ayase tailed him

The door of the football club, all he had to do was to open it but his body couldn't move. He mustered up his courage and opened the door. He could see the nostalgic field, the players stretching and practicing

The manager, Mr. Kawasaki noticed the boy, and called him over as he knew the boy, and also knew all his trauma first-hand.

"Why are you here?"

"Ah, Mr. Kawasaki, I'd like to... reapply?" He said, more nervous than ever.

The Manager's eyes lit up. He handed over the paperwork and it was official.

He got the attention of the members.

"Eh... I'd like to introduce your newest member... Yuuto Higuchi, treat him well.

Eyes all over Yuuto, the 1st and 2nd years had no idea who he was but the 3rd years all know who he was, the genius Attacking Midfielder.

The 3rd years crowded around him.

"I-I'll be depending on you guys?" his attempt to break the ice failed.

Suddenly, they all laughed like old friends would and talked like old friends would.

Soon, the crowd dispersed and Yuuto was called over by the captain Jun Yamada. They left the field, and Jun spoke.

"Welcome back." These words were what made Yuuto feel like he really rejoined the team.

"Yay!" Said Ayase, hidden within a bush.

"Who's that?"

"An idiot, don't worry."