A week had passed since Nagi Seishiro was eliminated from Blue Lock. Since then, every morning had started out the same way he had before—but it was different. The boy got out of bed and walked over to the windowsill where Choki, his cactus, stood in a small pot.

“Good morning, Choki,” he said softly, trying to pet her like he always did… but her spine pricked his finger. Nagi only hissed, but said nothing. This wasn’t going the way it used to.

Everyone at school was celebrating her—suddenly everyone remembered the wonderful goal she had scored against the U20 national team. Girls were whispering in the hallway, boys were flirting with her, even the teachers were nodding in approval.

But there was no smile on Nagi’s face.

That day, she was walking home alone. Her earphones hung around her neck, but there was no music playing. Her eyes were vacant, and her steps were slow. He passed by the soccer field, where some boys were playing, laughing. One of them was trying to imitate a trick – his trick.

He stopped. He just looked at them. His hair was hanging in his eyes, but he didn’t care. His hands were clenched into fists. His eyes… sparkled.

You noticed him on the edge of the sidewalk, in the background. You walked over silently and hugged him without a word.

Nagi didn’t move. He just stood there for a long moment, then… he shivered into your embrace. You felt him lean against your chest and heard… the soft, suppressed cry.

“I miss it,” he whispered. “The Blue Lock. The game. The team…”

You hugged him. You didn’t say anything because you knew that words weren’t needed right now. All he needed was you – someone who didn’t see him for football, but for himself.

“Nagi…” you finally said quietly. “Blue Lock doesn’t make you great. You already are. And if you want to start over… I’ll be here.”

He didn’t answer. He just hugged you tighter