Sato returns to the waiting area, where her coach is standing with a proud smile.
"Great work, Sato! Only the final stands between you and the prefectural qualifiers."
"Thank you, coach!"
"Sato!"
She looks up and sees Ito-senpai waving with her free hand, leaning on crutches.
"Senpai!"
Ito moves closer and nudges her lightly with her shoulder. "Sorry I'm late. Had a few medical check-ups. But hey, at least I made it for the final."
"That's more than enough. I'm happy you're here."
Ito leans in with a mischievous glint in her eyes, then looks toward the stands. "Speaking of important things… who's that boy up there?"
Sato freezes. "H-He's… a friend."
"Sure. A friend." Ito smirks. "A very handsome friend."
Before she can tease further, the coach pulls her away. "Alright, senpai. Behave. Don't put extra nonsense in Sato's head."
"Aww, I wanted details…"
Up in the stands, Riccardo spots Inoue and friends.
"Inoue!"
They high-five as Riccardo joins the group.
"You're late," Inoue says, shaking his head.
"I had some issues to deal with… but I made it."
Riccardo scans the track. "How many rounds does she have left?"
"Just one," Yuzuki replies.
He turns toward the group. "By the way, I'm Riccardo Yui Aliberti. You're Shiori's friends, right?"
Everyone is surprised that he uses his first name so calmly.
"I'm Tokiyo Yuzuki, first year. Same class as Shiori."
"I'm Fusae Harada, first year."
"Shun Arisaka, also first year."
"A pleasure."
Riccardo nods. "So she only needs to place well here to qualify for the Inter-High—"
"Not exactly," Yuzuki cuts in. "If she finishes top two, she qualifies… for the prefectural rounds."
Riccardo raises his eyebrows. "So there's another qualifier after this? That's rougher than I thought."
"Yeah. Tons of athletes for very few spots," Inoue adds.
"Interesting… For the soccer club it's easier. One tournament — you win or you're out."
"True, but ours isn't exactly easy either," Harada says.
Riccardo looks at her. "Your club? You two are on the girls' soccer team?"
"Yeah," Yuzuki nods. "I'm a midfielder, Harada's a right winger."
Riccardo's eyes light up. "So your team must use a three-forward setup… probably a strong offensive structure…"
He keeps rambling in full tactical mode, leaving everyone blinking at him in confusion.
Yuzuki hides a small smile. No wonder Shiori likes him. Same kind of energy.
[Later, after the final races end…]
Sato steps out of the building with her sports bag. She spots the group waiting for her.
"Guys!"
She jogs over.
"Great job!"
"Well done!"
Compliments pile up from every direction, and she blushes.
"Thanks, everyone!"
She looks around, searching.
But Riccardo isn't there.
"Where did Aliberti go?"
"He got a call from his mom right after the final," Inoue explains. "Had to rush."
"Oh…" A tiny drop in her expression — just enough for the others to notice.
"But he told us to congratulate you. And he wants to see you run like that again next time."
At that, she brightens, just a little.
Then Yuzuki loops an arm around her shoulders. "We decided we're going to karaoke to celebrate you!"
Sato hesitates. "I'm not sure… I'm kind of tired."
Harada grabs her from behind. "Come on! Your club's resting tomorrow anyway. You'll have all afternoon to recover!"
Sato sighs… then smiles. "Alright… let's go."
"Great! Time to celebrate!"