Chapter 3- The Day Before The Match

After I informed Sarah that I would be unable to join her at the beach, she appeared disappointed. I suggested that after my match on Saturday, we could visit the arcade, the beach, or the aquarium. Her expression brightened with excitement, and she mentioned that she would also like to have dinner out.

I agreed and proposed a rather upscale restaurant, asking if that would be acceptable for her.

She responded positively, expressing her eagerness to experience that place. I assured her that she would enjoy it, to which she enthusiastically agreed. During the following week, I was absent from class as I dedicated my time to football practice. Although I caught glimpses of her occasionally, I longed for the opportunity to gaze at her for an extended period, admiring her beautiful eyes.

 August 27th, 5 PM

It was Friday, the final day before the match, and I found myself alone on the field. My teammates had all departed to rest. As I approached the entrance, I noticed a girl standing there. Initially, I assumed she was the class representative asking me to leave. As I drew closer, I observed that the wind was tousling her hair, obscuring her face. She then tucked her hair back using a scrunchy that she had in her mouth and skillfully fashioned it into a bun. I was taken aback by the elegance with which she arranged her hair; it was not only neat but also remarkably beautiful. I speculated that it must be Sarah, as no one else in the school had hair like hers or could style it in such a unique manner.

I felt completely exhausted after practicing for an extended period. The girl by the entrance remained an enigma, as the distance from the field entrance to the football field was approximately five hundred meters. She made a hand gesture indicating that she wanted me to approach her. Unsure if it was an emergency, I hurried toward the entrance.

I was wearing my football boots when I stumbled and fell while running. The field was empty, as I was the only one practicing. Exhausted, I closed my eyes and found it difficult to get back up. I could hear footsteps approaching, and moments later, I felt myself being laid on a surface that felt as soft as a cloud. After a few minutes, I regained enough energy to open my eyes and discovered that I was resting in Sarah's lap.

She was gazing down at me, looking as if she might cry. Her hair surrounded me like a beautiful forest. It was my first time being so close to Shara, and she had a delightful fragrance.

She scolded me, saying, "Why can't you run a little slower, you idiot? What if you get injured and can't play in the match tomorrow?"

I reassured her, saying, "Don't worry, that won't happen. By the way, what perfume are you wearing? You smell amazing."

She blushed and giggled, tears streaming down her cheeks and landing on my forehead.

I remarked, "Girls do cry easily, huh?" She replied, "Yes, I'm sensitive after all." She then helped me to my feet and escorted me to the health center.

The physician present in the room reassured me that my condition was not serious and that I had no cause for concern.

She assisted me in walking home, and during our stroll, I inquired about her place of residence.

She responded, "The same street as you, silly." I was taken aback and exclaimed, "WHATTT?" It suddenly made sense why she had been requesting a ride to school each day.

She then asked about the location of my match.

In jest, I replied that I wouldn't disclose it to her, to which she retorted,

"Fine," before heading to her home.

In hindsight, I regretted not telling her where the match would take place. Upon arriving home, I prepared my belongings for the following day and went to bed, reflecting on my time with her and admiring her Gosh I could do that all day and the way she helped me when I was in need like an angle, and hoping that she would attend the game the next day to watch me play.

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