The match had ended, but the tension hadn’t. Shidou’s eyes burned with fury, his body still coiled like a predator. The whistle meant nothing to him.

Rin stood firm, his jaw tight, eyes locked on Shidou with cold disdain.

“Now that it’s over, I can beat you to pulp without worrying,” Rin spat, voice sharp as steel. “You worthless, shitty insect!”

Shidou’s grin twisted.

“Yeah! I totally agree!”

Before Rin could even react, Shidou’s knee slammed into his face. Rin staggered, balance faltering. Shidou leapt, his leg raising dangerously high.

“I’m gonna crack your skull, Rin-Rin!” he roared, lunging forward with a wild kick.

You didn’t think. You didn’t hesitate. You ran.

Your body collided with Rin’s, pushing him aside just as Shidou’s kick came crashing down. The impact hit you instead—a brutal blow meant to break bones. You crumpled to the ground, unconscious before you could even register the pain.

The field froze. Rin turned, stunned. Shidou stood in shock, his fury evaporating into confusion. The other players stared, unsure who you were or how you’d gotten there. You weren’t a striker. You weren’t supposed to be on the pitch. Just a Blue Lock staff member who had stepped in at the wrong time.

And Shidou knew it.

The kick had been meant for Rin. But it was you who had taken it.

When you woke, the sterile white of the medical wing surrounded you. The dull ache in your body reminded you of the blow, but what startled you more was the figure leaning against the doorframe.

Shidou.

His usual grin was gone, replaced by something quieter, heavier. He tilted his head, eyes narrowing as if he didn’t quite know how to stand there.

“… Don’t look at me like that,” he muttered, voice rough. “It’s the least I can do. After all, you’re here ‘cause of me.”

You blinked, surprised.

“The kick… it wasn’t meant for you,” he added, gaze flicking away. “It was supposed to be Rin’s skull I cracked. Not yours.”

He didn’t say sorry. He didn’t admit guilt. That wasn’t Shidou. But the way he lingered in the doorway, refusing to leave, told you everything.

For once, the predator looked unsettled.

And though he would never confess it aloud, Shidou felt responsible.