Perfect Timing

The pain in Sota's ankle throbbed with every heartbeat, sharp and unrelenting. As he lay on the pavement, his thoughts began to spiral, carrying him back to the moments that had defined his young life. The image of his first football game surfaced—a time when the game was pure joy, untainted by pressure or expectations. He could almost feel the leather of the ball in his hands, the sound of the crowd cheering his name. Then came the memories of his injury that had forced him away from football, the crushing weight of losing what he loved most.

Now, lying there on the cold ground, another setback threatened to shatter the fragile hope he had only recently rediscovered.

"Ayane…" he whispered weakly, his voice barely audible over the pounding in his head.