Unnamed Game That Changes Everything

A New Start

The next day, Yusuke walked into the classroom feeling lighter than before. His embarrassing breakdown in front of the class yesterday had been humiliating, but strangely, it also marked the first time anyone had truly noticed him. Even though the students had laughed, he wasn't invisible anymore.

As he took his seat, he glanced at Kenta, Daichi, and Satoshi. They weren't exactly friends yet, but they were the only ones who had spoken to him after the incident.

Before Yusuke could dwell on it, Kenta leaned back in his chair and shot him a look. "Oi, nerd. You busy during lunch break?"

Yusuke blinked. "...No?"

"Good," Daichi said, tossing a small rubber ball in the air. "You're playing football with us."

Satoshi smirked. "Unless you're scared?"

Yusuke hesitated. He hadn't played in a long time, but he wasn't about to back down from a challenge. He wasn't scared—just unsure.

"…I'll play," he muttered.

Kenta nodded, satisfied. "Good. Let's see what you got."

Lunch Break – The Unexpected Star

The school bell rang, signaling the start of lunch break. Most students rushed out of the classroom, some heading to the cafeteria while others pulled out their lunchboxes. Yusuke usually ate alone, but today, he followed Kenta, Daichi, and Satoshi to the schoolyard.

A group of boys had already set up makeshift goalposts with their bags. The field was slightly uneven, with patches of dirt and grass, but no one cared—it was just a casual game among classmates.

"Alright, teams," Kenta said, cracking his knuckles. "Daichi, you're with Yusuke. Satoshi, you're with me."

Satoshi shot Yusuke a skeptical glance. "You sure about that? He doesn't look like he plays."

Daichi grinned. "That's what makes it fun."

Yusuke stayed quiet, adjusting his stance. He wasn't sure if he could still play like he used to, but something inside him told him to trust his instincts.

The game started. Kenta and Satoshi immediately took control, passing the ball between each other with impressive coordination. Yusuke stayed back, watching their movements. They were good. Fast. Strong.

Then, the ball rolled toward him.

Without thinking, Yusuke trapped it with his foot, then smoothly dribbled past Satoshi.

"Oi, what the—" Satoshi barely had time to react before Yusuke sped past him, dodging another defender.

Kenta's eyes widened. "Wait, wait, wait—"

Yusuke made a sharp turn, faked a pass to Daichi, then took a shot. The ball soared past Kenta and landed perfectly in the makeshift goal.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then—

"NO WAY!" Daichi yelled, running up to Yusuke. "WHERE THE HELL DID THAT COME FROM?!"

Satoshi looked stunned. "…You were hiding this?"

Yusuke exhaled, surprised by himself. His body had moved on its own, as if it had been waiting for this moment.

Kenta crossed his arms, looking Yusuke up and down. "…You. On my team. Next round."

Yusuke blinked. "Huh?"

"You're too good to be playing against me," Kenta said. "You're with me now."

Satoshi smirked. "Tch. Fine. But we're not losing."

As the game continued, Yusuke found himself completely immersed in it. He wasn't just playing—he was enjoying it.

For the first time in a long time, he wasn't just the quiet, nerdy kid sitting at the back of the class.

For the first time, he was one of them.

Sports Period – Earning Respect

After two more classes, it was time for the sports period. The moment the bell rang, students rushed to the field. Today, it wasn't just a casual lunch break game—this was an actual match between teams.

Kenta and Satoshi were chosen as captains. One by one, they picked their teammates.

Satoshi smirked. "I'll take Ryo."

Kenta didn't hesitate. "Yusuke."

The other students murmured.

"…Wait, the nerdy guy?"

"He plays?"

Satoshi raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that?"

Kenta grinned. "Oh, I'm sure."

The game began, and Yusuke wasted no time proving himself. His movements were sharp, his passes clean, and his dribbling so smooth that even experienced players struggled to keep up.

At one point, he weaved through three defenders and made an impossible pass to Kenta, who scored effortlessly.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Satoshi yelled, staring at Yusuke.

Even the students who hadn't been playing were now watching from the sidelines.

By the time the match ended, Yusuke had earned more than just victory—he had earned respect.

As they walked back to class, Kenta nudged him. "You're not bad, nerd."

Daichi grinned. "You're playing with us every day now."

Satoshi sighed. "Tch. Guess we have to keep up with you."

Yusuke didn't know what to say. He wasn't used to this—people wanting him around. But as he walked beside them, he felt something warm in his chest.

Maybe… just maybe… he wasn't alone anymore.