Asuka’s Turning Point

The Weight of Victory

The echoes of their victory still rang in the gymnasium, the thrill of Misaki High's triumph over Hoshin Academy fueling the team's excitement.

Laughter and cheers filled the locker room, but Asuka sat quietly on the bench, her fingers tightening around the towel in her lap.

They had won.

Yet, as she watched her teammates bask in the afterglow of success, a nagging thought lodged itself deep in her heart.

Did I really help at all?

Her job as a defensive specialist was to provide support—to stabilize their game, to complement Renji's efforts, to be a reliable presence on the court. But in that last match…

It had been Renji who made the difference.

Renji who had cracked Hoshin's strategy.

Renji who had turned the tide of the match.

And Yuuto, whose pinpoint sets had led them to victory.

What about me?

She clenched her towel, staring at the floor.

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A Quiet Escape

After the celebration wound down, Asuka slipped away from the locker room, heading toward the now-empty gym.

The court was silent now, the overhead lights buzzing softly.

She stepped onto the polished floor, looking at the net that had stood between them and Hoshin Academy.

How much did I actually matter?

She was supposed to be strong, to be dependable—but in the toughest moments of the match, she had felt like an afterthought.

She inhaled sharply, trying to push the emotions down.

"You okay?"

She jumped slightly at the voice.

Turning, she found Renji standing near the entrance, his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets.

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Renji's Confession

"I—" Asuka hesitated, then forced a smile. "Just needed some air."

Renji raised an eyebrow. He didn't buy it.

He walked closer, stopping a few feet away. "You've been quiet ever since we won."

Asuka glanced away. "I'm just thinking."

"About what?"

She sighed. Might as well say it.

"…It feels like I didn't do anything," she admitted, voice softer than she wanted. "You and Yuuto carried the defense. I just… I don't know. Maybe I'm not as important to the team as I thought."

A beat of silence.

Then, Renji let out a breath.

"Asuka."

She blinked.

He looked straight at her, his usual nervousness gone. His voice was steady.

"I'd have quit if not for you."

Asuka's breath caught.

"What?"

Renji exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I wanted to quit. Back when I felt like nothing I did mattered. Before I really understood my role."

He looked at her, expression softer than she had ever seen.

"You kept me here."

Asuka stared, her heart pounding.

"You were always the one pushing me forward," Renji continued, voice quieter now. "Every time I felt like I wasn't good enough… you reminded me why I stayed. Why I love playing this game."

She swallowed hard.

"You're not just part of the team, Asuka." His gaze didn't waver. "You're the reason it stays together."

---

A Promise

A lump formed in Asuka's throat.

For so long, she had pushed herself to be strong—to be someone her teammates could rely on.

But she had never thought about it the other way around.

That maybe… they relied on her, too.

Renji had always been quiet, hesitant. But right now, he spoke with absolute certainty.

And for the first time in a while, Asuka felt seen.

She inhaled shakily, then smiled.

"…Then I guess I can't afford to be weak, huh?"

Renji's lips quirked upward.

"Nope."

Asuka stepped forward.

She placed her hand on his arm, warmth seeping through his jacket.

"Then I'll stay strong," she murmured. "For the team."

Her fingers curled slightly.

"For you."

Renji stiffened slightly, eyes widening—but he didn't pull away.

The silence stretched between them, something unspoken lingering in the air.

Then—

From the hallway, Yuuto's voice cut through the moment.

"Oi! Renji! Asuka! Coach wants us back—"

Yuuto stopped as he spotted them, eyes flicking between them.

Asuka quickly pulled her hand back, clearing her throat. "We're coming!"

Renji coughed awkwardly, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

Yuuto's eyes lingered on them for a second too long before he turned.

Asuka felt her heart racing.

But this time… it wasn't from doubt.

It was from certainty.

She belonged here.

And she wasn't going anywhere.

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End of Chapter 43

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To Be Continue