Rock Botom

Gabriel spent most of his school day with Ryota, Kenta, Daichi, and Ayane. Lunchtime had barely begun when they seat at their usual spot. The conversation was light—mostly Daichi complaining about morning practice and Ryota teasing him about his terrible footwork.

Ayane, stirring her juice with her straw, glanced at Gabriel. "You look lost in thought."

Gabriel blinked, snapping back to the present. "I was just thinking."

Kenta smirked. "Lemme guess. About practice?"

Gabriel exhaled. "We need more than just training hard..."

Before anyone could respond, a voice interrupted them.

"Gabriel."

A student stood nearby, looking hesitant. "The director is waiting for you in his office."

Gabriel frowned. "The director?"

The student nodded. "Yeah. He said it's urgent."

His friends exchanged glances.

Daichi raised an eyebrow. "Did you do something?"

Gabriel shook his head. "No idea."

Ryota leaned back. "Damn, maybe you're getting kicked out of the team."

Ayane rolled her eyes. "Don't be stupid."

Gabriel didn't waste any time. He stood up, grabbed his bag, and headed toward the director's office, his mind already racing with possibilities.

As he walked through the quiet hallways, a strange feeling settled in his chest.

What did the director want from him?

Gabriel arrived at the director's office and hesitated for a moment before knocking.

"Come in."

The voice was firm yet calm. Gabriel pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was neat, bookshelves lined the walls, and a single window allowed the afternoon sunlight to spill across the polished desk.

Behind it sat the director, an older man with sharp eyes and an unreadable expression. Next to him stood Coach Emaon, arms crossed, face unreadable.

Gabriel closed the door behind him, standing straight. "You called for me?"

Director Moriyama gestured toward the chair. "Have a seat, Gabriel."

Gabriel obeyed, but his mind was already analyzing the situation. If the coach was here too, this had to be about the team.

Moriyama leaned forward, fingers interlocked. "I'll be direct. I was there and i've seen what happened during the match of yesterday."

Gabriel's stomach tensed. "What do you mean?"

The director's gaze didn't waver. "Your confrontation with Takahashi on the pitch. Your speech to the team in the locker room and how you took charge."

Gabriel remained silent. He hadn't thought much about it at the time—he had only said what needed to be said.

Moriyama exchanged a glance with Emaon before continuing. "I'll ask you something, Gabriel. What do you think this team is missing?"

Gabriel blinked. "What?"

Coach Emaon sighed. "Answer the question."

Gabriel thought for a moment. "Mentality," he said finally. "We gave up too easily. We played scared."

Moriyama nodded slowly. "And leadership?"

Gabriel hesitated. "…Takahashi is our captain."

Moriyama studied him carefully. "Yes, he is. But do you think he's the only leader this team needs?"

Gabriel's fingers curled slightly against his knee. The weight of the conversation was starting to settle in.

Emaon spoke up. "I won't sugarcoat it, Gabriel. This team needs a second voice. A vice-captain."

Gabriel's eyes widened slightly.

Moriyama's next words confirmed it.

"We want you to take that role."

Silence.

Gabriel could hear his own heartbeat.

"Me?" he asked, barely believing it.

Emaon nodded. "You already act like one. The team listens to you. Even Takahashi."

Moriyama leaned back. "We're not asking you to replace him. We're asking you to support him. To push him—and the team—forward."

Gabriel swallowed. This wasn't something he had ever considered. He had always focused on playing, on improving, on proving himself. But now—

Now they were asking him to lead.

"…What if I say no?" he asked.

Moriyama smiled faintly. "Then we'll respect your decision."

Emaon, however, tilted his head. "But do you really think you can walk away from this?"

Gabriel exhaled, running a hand through his hair. He thought about the locker room. About the way the team had listened. About how Takahashi had asked for his help.

Could he really refuse?

Finally, he met their gazes and nodded.

"I don't know i think i need time to think about it."

Moriyama's expression didn't change, but Emaon smirked slightly.

"Fine."

As Coach Emaon nodded and made his way to the door, Gabriel watched him leave, his mind still turning over everything that had just been said.

The door clicked shut, leaving Gabriel alone with Director Moriyama. The older man remained silent for a moment, studying Gabriel with a calculating gaze.

"You seem conflicted," Moriyama finally said.

Gabriel exhaled, leaning back slightly in his chair. "It's… a lot to take in."

The director nodded as if he expected that response. "I understand. Leadership isn't something you can accept on impulse. It's a responsibility that weighs heavier than most people realize."

Gabriel stayed quiet, his fingers drumming against his knee. He wanted to say he wasn't afraid of responsibility, but this was different. This wasn't just about playing well—this was about guiding the entire team. About making sure they didn't fall apart again.

Moriyama leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Tell me, Gabriel. What do you play football for?"

Gabriel blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. "What do you mean?"

"Your reason," Moriyama clarified. "Every player has one. Some do it for fun. Some do it for pride. Others…" His voice lowered slightly. "Play because they're running from something."

Gabriel stiffened, his jaw clenching. He felt a strange pressure in his chest, something almost uncomfortable.

"I play because I love it," he answered carefully.

Moriyama nodded but didn't look fully convinced. "And yet, you hesitate to lead."

Gabriel frowned. "Being a good player doesn't mean I'll be a good leader."

"True," Moriyama admitted. "But the best leaders aren't always the most talented. They're the ones who understand the struggle. The ones who refuse to let their team break, even when everything is against them."

Gabriel swallowed, memories of the match flashing through his mind. The way they crumbled the moment Izumi High took control. The way Takahashi had hesitated. The way Gabriel had felt the weight of their loss long before the final whistle.

Moriyama's voice softened. "You already carry the weight, Gabriel. The only difference now is whether you accept it fully—or let it crush you."

Gabriel clenched his fists.

He had fought so hard to be recognized, to prove himself. But was he ready for this?

The director leaned back. "Take your time to think...To be honest i'm sure you must heard about the team financial struggle that i being a thing since last year, if it only depend on me i wouldn't disband the club, i only tell you this since you seem to be the first player to bring a new breath of fresh hair to this team but the only way to the club to be able to continue will be to make out of the prefectoral."

Gabriel looked up.

"...The prefectoral." Gabriel said.

"Its the only way viable for the club to still exist," Moriyama continued.

The words sank in deep.

Gabriel exhaled, his decision still unclear—but one thing was certain.

He already had the objective to play for in the national level so make it out of the prefectoral level was already is objective and if it could ensure the club survey it will give him more motivation to attain it.

Gabriel left the director's office with his mind in turmoil. The weight of the conversation settled in his chest like a heavy stone. Becoming vice-captain was already a lot to process, but now the club's very survival depended on making it past the prefectural stage?

His steps were slow as he walked through the empty hallway, his thoughts racing.

He had always wanted to push himself to the national level, but now it wasn't just about him—it was about everyone.

The team didn't just need a leader. They needed a savior.

As he turned the corner toward the cafeteria, a familiar voice called out.

"Yo, Gabriel!"

It was Ryota, standing with Kenta and Daichi near the vending machines. Ayane stood nearby, arms crossed, a questioning look in her eyes.

"You took forever," Kenta said. "What did the director want?"

Gabriel hesitated. He wasn't sure if he should tell them everything yet.

"Just... something about the team," he said vaguely.

Ryota raised an eyebrow. "That's it? The way you look, it's like he told you your career is over."

Gabriel exhaled. "No, but… it's big."

Ayane's gaze sharpened. "Then tell us."

Gabriel glanced around. This wasn't the place for the conversation. "Not here. Let's go somewhere quiet."

The group exchanged glances before nodding. They made their way outside to the back of the school where fewer students passed by.

Once they were alone, Gabriel finally spoke.

"They asked me to be vice-captain."

Silence.

Then—

"WHAT?!" Daichi practically yelled.

Kenta's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

Even Ayane looked surprised. "That's… unexpected."

Ryota, however, smirked. "Well, well. Look at you, Mr. Leader."

Gabriel ran a hand through his hair. "I didn't say yes. Not yet."

Kenta frowned. "Why not? That's a huge deal!"

Gabriel sighed. "Because it's not just about that. The club… it's in trouble."

The mood instantly shifted.

Moriyama's words echoed in Gabriel's mind as he finally revealed the truth.

"If we don't make it past the prefectural stage this year, the team is done. The club will be disbanded."

The weight of the statement settled over them like a storm cloud.

Daichi was the first to react. "Wait… what?"

Kenta's jaw tightened. "That's gotta be a joke."

Ayane crossed her arms, her expression serious. "… it explains why they're pushing you for leadership. They need something to change."

Ryota let out a low whistle. "Damn. No pressure, huh?"

Gabriel looked at them, his gaze firm. "This isn't just about me. If we don't step up, if we don't get better—this team won't exist anymore."

Kenta clenched his fists. "Then we have no choice. We make it past the prefectural."

Daichi nodded, determination setting into his features. "We fight. We don't let this team die."

Ryota grinned. "Looks like you already have your first mission as vice-captain, Gabriel."

Gabriel exhaled. The decision wasn't official yet, but… looking at them now, he knew.

"Then we start now," Gabriel said. "We fight. We train. And we make it out of the prefectural—no matter what."

His friends nodded, the fire in their eyes matching his own.

The battle to save the team had begun.