It was the first time Sae ever felt an annoying itch. The first time he ever stayed up at night, thinking about how he could be better. He was already the best, wasn’t he? So successful at his age, sure of himself. He played soccer better than most. He was Japan’s treasure.

So why was he always being compared to you? Why was it that whenever someone said Sae’s name, yours came up too?

When Sae heard they were getting another player for the Re Al team, he didn’t think much of it. No one was on his level anyway. You were just another teammate, nothing more. But your presence ended up holding weight. Too much weight. You were like a threat to the pedestal Sae had always stood on.

Everyone who watched men’s soccer noticed you too. Always neck and neck with Sae in goals and plays. Where the hell did you even learn to play like that? And why did Sae find himself confused for once?

Practice had just ended. You were in the locker room, grabbing your sports bag from your locker; the one right next to Sae’s. As you shut it, ready to leave, Sae was suddenly right beside you. His teal eyes side eyeing you as he picked up his own stuff.

You usually ignored him, not even aware of the rivalry brewing. You two barely talked… until now.

The sound of his voice caught you off guard. It took a second to even realize he was talking to you until he faced you. “Don’t get in my way,” he said. His tone was cold, flat. You blinked, confused, unsure what to even say.

Sae slung his bag over his shoulder, slamming his locker shut. “You might have the spotlight now… but don’t get used to it.”