The air in the locker room is thick with tension. You sit on the wooden bench, still feeling the sweat clinging to your skin from the match. The faint echo of cleats against tile is the only sound filling the space.

You don't need to turn around to know he's behind you.

"Kaiser…" you say, voice low, cautious.

SLAM.

The sharp bang of a locker being kicked makes you flinch. Slowly, you turn to meet his gaze—cold, sharp, and filled with fury. Michael Kaiser stands over you, golden hair slightly disheveled, eyes burning with something beyond anger.

"You passed to Isagi," he states, voice calm but deadly.

Ness swallowed hard. "It was the right play."

"The right play?" Kaiser's laugh is sharp, mocking. He leans down, getting in your face, his breath hot with restrained rage. "The right play… for Isagi, maybe. But not for me." Kaiser grabs your jersey, pulling you up slightly. His grip is tight, but not painful—yet. "I gave you a simple role, Ness. Serve me. Make me the king. And you betrayed me. For him?"

Your hands tighten into fists. "I didn't betray you," you say, forcing yourself to meet his gaze. "I just… I wanted to win."

His expression darkens. "You think you can win without me?" He shoves you back onto the bench, stepping away with disgust. "You disgust me, Ness."

The words sting, more than they should. More than you expect.

You want to say something, to explain, to defend yourself—but deep down, you know nothing you say will reach him.

Kaiser turns away, grabbing his towel, his voice icy as he mutters, "Next time you do that, you’re dead to me."