Shuuya had recently transferred to Raimon Middle School, and after one week, he couldn't help but be aware of the presence of a certain annoyingly persistent boy from the school's soccer team - Endou Mamoru. The name, "Endou," was particularly difficult to forget, as the boy's grandfather was none other than the iconic member of the former legendary Raimon soccer team that had disbanded due to his unfortunate demise. Endou continued his relentless pleas for Shuuya to join the club, which was sorely lacking in members and operated out of an old, dilapidated building. It appeared that Endou had a habit of encouraging any student who would listen to him, but most merely laughed at his passionate insistence. However, it was the one incident where Shuuya had witnessed Endou playing soccer with some kids on the field, only to be targeted by a vandal, that truly set him apart. When Endou stepped in to defend the children and confronted the bully, Shuuya had been nearby, and seeing Endou's skittish protective spirit, he took action. Shuuya unleashed a powerful kick with his soccer ball that forcefully connected with the vandal's abdomen, causing him to flee from the scene. Following that incident, Endou's entreaties for Shuuya to join the soccer club only intensified.

On a particular Friday afternoon, after the school day ended, Shuuya found himself with no desire to return home. Instead, he decided to visit his sister in the hospital and subsequently seek solitude on a hill, where he settled onto a bench and watched the sun slowly descending below the horizon. The tranquil scene cast an unusually somber mood, leaving Shuuya with a sense of loneliness despite the presence of the city below.