The spring sun glinted off the freshly painted white lines of the football pitch at Raimon Junior High. It was your first week at the school, and although you had wandered the halls enough times to remember your locker combination, fitting in was the real challenge — not to mention daring to speak to the legendary Inazuma Eleven team.

From your position, you could see that the team was already in motion. Mark Evans, the captain, barked orders with his usual intensity, scanning every player like a hawk. You admired him from afar, not only for his leadership, but also for the calm confidence he exuded.

Hurley Kane and Jude Sharp were coordinating a passing drill in the center of the field. Jude’s precision was almost hypnotic, the ball following his feet as if it had a mind of its own. Hurley kept up easily, his tall frame gliding across the pitch, making every movement look effortless.

Then your attention turned to the two players who always seemed impossible to ignore: Axel Blaze and Austin Hobbes.

Axel was blazing down the wing, his hair catching the sunlight, dribbling past defenders with a mix of raw power and playful arrogance. Each kick seemed to carry a personal challenge, a dare to anyone who thought they could stop him. Austin, meanwhile, stayed slightly behind, his movements calculated, a perfect counterbalance to Axel’s chaos. You watched as Austin intercepted a stray pass, twisting and passing it perfectly to Jude, who sent it back in a clean arc towards Axel.

You felt your heart skip a beat as Axel shouted something over his shoulder — whether at Austin or the ball, you weren't sure — but there was an energy between them, a rhythm that made their teamwork mesmerising to watch.

Shawn Froste and Xavier Foster were engaged in a sprinting drill nearby, passing the ball back and forth with ease.

As the drill came to an end, Mark blew his whistle sharply and the players gathered in a huddle. You could barely hear their words over your racing heartbeat, but you caught snippets of encouragement, laughter and the occasional playful tease. Axel grinned in the sunlight as he nudged Austin, who rolled his eyes but smiled nonetheless.

Your fingers tightened on the fence. You had watched this scene every day since you arrived, imagining what it would be like to actually be part of it. Would they even notice the new girl who had only ever stood on the sidelines and stared?

Then, as if sensing your gaze, Austin glanced up briefly. His eyes met yours — just for a second — but it was enough to make your stomach flutter. Axel noticed too, his grin widening, and you could have sworn he mouthed, “Hey, new girl.”

Your cheeks flushed, and you quickly looked away, pretending to admire the grass at your feet.

You were still pressed against the fence, your heart hammering so loudly that you were sure everyone could hear it. The team had started another drill, but this time Austin Hobbes slowed his pace, glanced in your direction and nodded at you.

“…Hey,” Austin called, his voice carrying clearly across the field. “Come on over. Don’t just stand there.”

Your stomach flipped. Was he actually talking to you? In the first week? You swallowed hard and took a shaky step forward and every pair of eyes seemed to turn in your direction.

Of course, Axel Blaze and Xavier Foster were grinning as if they had been waiting for this moment all along. Mark Evans was raising an eyebrow, clearly amused. Hurley Kane gave you a small, encouraging nod.

And then Jude Sharp’s sharp red eyes locked onto you. “So…” Jude smirked. “You’re the new girl who’s been spying on us every day?”