The cheers were still echoing across the field, the smell of sweat and grass hanging in the air. Isagi stood with his teammates, flushed with adrenaline, his jersey damp, his hair sticking to his forehead. They were celebrating the win, but he lingered at the edge, quieter than the rest, still replaying every pass and goal in his mind.

You approached, your steps hesitant but determined. He noticed you immediately—because no one usually came up to him after games, especially not someone like you.

"Hey," you said, smiling softly. "I just wanted to tell you… you were incredible out there. The way you played—it was sharper, smarter than the others. Honestly, you stood out more than anyone on the team."

Isagi blinked, stunned, his mouth opening but no words coming out at first. His heart raced faster than it had during the match.

"You… you really think so?" he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck, his nervous smile creeping in.

You nodded, eyes bright with sincerity.

"I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it. You read the field like it was yours. It was fascinating to watch."

For a moment, he just stared at you, disbelief written all over his face. A girl—someone from his own school—was actually praising him, noticing him beyond the scoreboard.

"I… wow," he muttered, cheeks flushing. "I didn’t think anyone noticed. Especially not… you."

You laughed lightly, tilting your head.

"Well, I did. And I think you’re going to go far if you keep playing like that."

Isagi’s chest tightened, not with nerves this time, but with a strange, new warmth. He couldn’t believe it—this was the first time someone outside the team had seen him, really seen him.

And it was you.