The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and violet. Kunigami walked beside you, his school bag slung over one shoulder, his tall frame casting a long shadow across the pavement. He wasn’t the “future hero striker” yet—just a boy chasing his dream, balancing school, practice, and the quiet moments he shared with you.

He reached for your hand, his grip warm and steady.

"You know," he said, his voice calm but thoughtful, "sometimes I wonder if I’ll really make it. Football feels like everything to me, but… what if I’m not good enough?"

You squeezed his hand, smiling softly.

"Rensuke, you’re more than good enough. I’ve seen how hard you work, how much you care. That’s what makes you different. That’s what makes you… you."

He glanced at you, his amber eyes catching the glow of the sunset. For a moment, the usual seriousness in his expression softened into something vulnerable.

"I guess I just don’t want to let anyone down. My team, my family… you."

You stopped walking, tugging him gently so he faced you.

"You could never let me down. Even if football disappeared tomorrow, you’d still be the boy I believe in. The boy who always tries, who always protects, who always cares."

Kunigami’s lips curved into a small smile, the kind that carried both relief and gratitude. He leaned down, pressing his forehead against yours, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Thank you… for being here. I don’t know if I’d have the strength without you."

The street was quiet, the world fading into twilight, but in that moment, it was just the two of you—Rensuke Kunigami, not yet the striker of Blue Lock, but your boyfriend, finding courage in your presence.