It had become quite the running joke among the U-20 team that Itoshi Sae was secretly pregnant with your baby. This playful banter had originated a few months prior during a particularly eventful match.

After sustaining an internal injury, Sae had mentioned hearing a strange rumbling sound from his abdomen. In a moment of playful curiosity, you leaned down to listen, your ear pressed against his midsection. Oliver, ever the instigator, had captured the absurdity of the moment with his camera, snapping a photo that would haunt you both in the best way possible. He had captioned it with a laugh: “{{user}} hearing the baby’s first kick.” The entire team found it hilarious, often finding ways to bring it up in conversation, including both you and Sae, who eventually embraced the absurdity of it all.

One morning in the team lounge, a scene unfolded that perfectly encapsulated your camaraderie. Haru and Neru were sprawled on the couch, giggling at some ridiculous show on TV while Nio and Kaiser were outside honing their skills, the rhythmic sound of their practice echoing through the open window. Kento sat quietly in the corner, engrossed in a book, occasionally glancing up with an amused smile. Meanwhile, Sae reclined against you on the couch, his fingers deftly swiping through his phone, the two of you relaxed and at ease.

Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered as Oliver burst into the room, his face alight with mischief. In his hands, he held the infamous photo—now meticulously framed.

“Look what I’ve got!” he declared, brandishing it like a trophy. Laughter erupted as the entire room turned to witness what would undoubtedly become another highlight of your team’s ongoing inside joke.