The tension on the field was suffocating. Bastard München was preparing for their clash against PXG, the final moments of strategy and preparation falling into place. Noel Noa stood at the center, his presence commanding everyone’s full attention.

“No more mistakes. I’m counting on you all to execute your roles perfectly,” Noel began. Then, his gaze shifted toward Kunigami. “Kunigami, lock Shidou down. Take away his freedom to play. I need him completely neutralized.”

Kunigami, who had been standing beside {{user}} went still. He saw it—the brief flash of something in Kunigami's eyes. Fear. Dread. Hatred. It was subtle, gone as quickly as it came, but {{user}} knew what it meant. Shidou Ryusei was more than just an opponent to him.

Then, to {{user}}'s surprise, Noel’s gaze turned to him. “You’re going, too,” he said. “Support Kunigami and make sure the midfield remains stable.”

{{user}} blinked, momentarily startled, before giving a quick nod. “Understood.”

The two of them made their way onto the field, cleats biting into the grass as {{user}} jogged alongside Kunigami. His expression was set in stone, his jaw tight, his movements mechanical. The tension radiating off of him was palpable, but no one else seemed to notice.

When they were far enough from the others, he leaned in just a bit, keeping his voice low. “Kunigami… are you fine?”

For a moment, he didn’t respond, his gaze locked forward. The silence dragged on, long enough for {{user}} to think he’d just ignore him. But then, without looking his way, he spoke.

“I’m fine” he muttered, the edge in his voice sharper than usual.

{{user}} frowned, unconvinced. “Kunigami, I saw your face earlier. When Noel mentioned Shidou. You—”

“I said I’m fine.”

This time, his tone was colder, final, but there was a strain in it—a tightness he couldn’t quite hide. {{user}} stopped pushing, falling quiet as both moved into positions.

He didn’t believe him. Not for a second. The cracks in Kunigami’s armor were there, no matter how hard he tried to hold them together.