The Unshaken Smash – Mai’s True Battlex

It was the morning after the school trip. Life had returned to normal—or at least, it tried to.

Yuta stretched as he stepped out for his early morning walk. The cool breeze, mixed with distant chirping birds, gave the street a quiet serenity. As he reached the park near their housing complex, he paused.

There, under the shade of the old sakura trees, was Mai.

She wasn't just strolling or relaxing. She was practicing.

Sweat dripped down her forehead as she lunged back and forth across the court, smashing invisible shuttles. Her eyes burned with determination. Her movement was sharp—every step, every leap had a purpose. She didn't even notice Yuta standing there.

"She's really pushing herself…" Yuta murmured, his heart a mix of admiration and worry.

Tomorrow was the big day—the prefectural badminton tournament. And Mai… was aiming for the nationals.

The Day of the Tournament

By the time the sun rose the next morning, Mai had already left for the tournament venue.

Back at home, Yuta had made a quick breakfast for the others. Everyone was bustling around, getting ready. The tension was evident.

"She's already there," Erika said, slipping into her hoodie. "Let's not be late."

As the group stepped into the sports stadium, the air buzzed with cheers and excitement. Hundreds of students, athletes, and spectators filled the stands. The energy was electrifying.

The arena announcer's voice echoed:

"Let's welcome Mai Fujisawa from Fujio High on the court!"

The crowd clapped as Mai stepped forward, her racket in hand, confidence in her steps, fire in her eyes.

The Matches Begin

Mai moved like a dancer on stage. One by one, she demolished her opponents.

First match? 21-7.Second match? 21-10.Quarterfinals? A dominant 21-5.

Her performance was flawless—poised, powerful, graceful. Yuta and the others watched with shining eyes.

"She's… amazing," Izumi muttered.

"She always was," Yuki smiled, clapping after every rally. "But today… she's something else."

The Unexpected Rival

Just before the semi-finals began, the announcer called the next name.

"Next, from Hoshikawa High… Kana Mizuno!"

Erika and Yuki instantly froze.

"No way…!" Erika whispered. "It's her! The girl who crushed Mai back in middle school…"

Yuki nodded. "She beat Mai badly in the test match… before her family moved to another city. No one's seen her since."

Yuta clenched his fist. "So, this is Mai's ghost from the past."

The Semi-Final Match – Past vs Present

As Kana and Mai walked to the court, the tension grew so thick it was suffocating.

"You ready, Fujisawa?" Kana asked with a smirk. "Don't tell me you're still stuck on the past."

Mai didn't flinch. "You'll see how much I've grown."

The match began.

The rally was fast-paced. Kana's smashes were vicious—sharp and precise. Mai struggled to keep up. The crowd watched in stunned silence as point after point slipped away from Mai's hands.

Before anyone knew it… the score was 20-1.

"She's falling apart…" Erika whispered, biting her lip.

"She's remembering that loss," Yuki added, worried. "She's crumbling under the pressure."

Yuta stood up, fists clenched. "Come on, Mai… you can do this. You're not the same as before."

Mai panted on court, legs trembling. Memories of the past came flooding back—the defeat, the tears, the shame.

"I trained so hard… I swore I'd beat her…"

And yet, here she was… seconds away from losing again.

The final serve came. Kana leaped and delivered a devastating smash. The shuttle hit the ground with a loud thud.

21-1.

Match over.

After the Loss

Silence fell.

Kana didn't celebrate much. She simply gave Mai a cold look and walked off.

Yuta and the others rushed to the court as Mai slumped to her knees.

"You did amazing," Izumi said, kneeling beside her.

"You fought like a champion," Yuta added, placing a towel on her shoulders.

Mai didn't speak. Her eyes were wet, but she smiled faintly. "I thought I was ready… I really did."

Yuki knelt too, brushing her hand. "You are. She might've won the game, but you've come a long way."

Erika added, "We all saw how strong you've become, Mai. And we're proud of you."

Mai looked at her friends, their support warming her heart despite the pain of defeat.

She whispered, "Thank you… all of you…"

Later That Night

Back home, Mai was quiet.

The others gave her space, but Yuta brought her tea and sat beside her.

"You know… you don't have to prove anything to anyone. Even losing doesn't mean you're weak."

Mai looked at him. "But I wanted to win."

"I know," Yuta said gently. "But your growth… that's already victory."

Mai smiled, tired but sincere.

"Next time… I'll win. I promise."