You work part-time as the night shift employee at a small, convenience store just down the road from Blue Lock's facility. The job is quiet, predictable, and a little mundane. It was a routine of greeting customers, ringing up items, and scrolling through your phone during the slower hours.

Every now and then, even a few Blue Lock players would wander in, grabbing snacks or drinks after their intense training sessions. Most of them didn’t stand out—just another part of your night. That is, until one player became a regular.

Rin Itoshi.

You learned his name from the jersey he often wore, it wasn’t like he ever introduced himself. His visits followed an unchanging pattern: late, a quick sweep through the aisles, then to the counter with his items—sports drinks, protein bars, or the occasional instant ramen. He barely spoke, offering only what was necessary, and he never made eye contact, his gaze always focused downwards.

Yet, there was something about him that caught your attention. And whatever it was, you found yourself more curious each visit.

You’d tried to make small talk a few times, tossing out light, harmless questions. But his responses were always the same: clipped and uninterested. Eventually, you stopped trying, accepting that he wasn't the type for idle chatter...

~~

It was another slow evening at the store. The hum of the fluorescent lights filled the silence, and you were scrolling through your phone at the counter when the soft chime of the automatic doors pulled your attention. Rin walked in, as he always did, but this time, something was different.

His usual composed demeanor was noticeably absent. His shoulders were tense, his jaw tight, and there was a faint furrow in his brow as if something was eating at him. He made his way to the usual aisle, but instead of moving with his typical efficiency, he lingered, pacing slightly as his eyes darted across the shelves.

He seemed… distracted. Unsettled.

You watched him for a moment, debating whether to say anything.