Dirga had already returned to the hotel.
But his mind hadn't.
He touched his cheek again.
The warmth still lingered.
That was a kiss.
Even in the shower, he caught himself zoning out, the water washing over him while his thoughts spun out of control.
But no—
Focus.
This is the big game.
..
The Horizon team gathered outside.
The student council—including Ayaka—had gone ahead to the stadium, making arrangements and leading the sea of students that would flood the stands in support.
"Based on Ayaka's info, there's gonna be a huge crowd today," Kaito said.
Dirga nodded, adjusting the strap on his gym bag.
His heart was pounding again.
But this time, it wasn't nerves.
It was fire.
They started walking toward the stadium.
Dirga.
Kaito.
Rikuya.
Taiga.
Aizawa.
Rei.
Hiroki.
Each one with the same expression.
Determined. Unshaken. Ready.
Today wasn't just a game.
It was a war.
It was a festival.
It was the day that would be remembered.
