The exhibition had barely ended when a sponsor agent in a sharp silver suit stepped onto the court, clapping slowly.
"Spectacular. Señorita María Luz, as always. And your... partner—unexpected, but entertaining."
Ren tensed. Partner? Wait, no, I was just dragged in—
The agent continued, "Our sponsor side event allows for mixed doubles highlights. Would you two care to enter as a pair?"
Maria's grin widened. She didn't hesitate. "Sí. Of course."
Ren almost choked. "Wait—side event? With me?!"
Maria leaned down, so close he caught the faint scent of citrus and sweat.
"Relax, chico. Think of it as a date—just with thousands of people watching."
Ren's face went scarlet. A-a date?!
He stammered, "I-I don't think I'm—"
"Shh." She pressed a finger to his lips, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Don't overthink. Just follow my rhythm. Flamenco needs two feet, no?"
The crowd around them chuckled; cameras flashed. From the benches, Haru nearly fell over laughing.
"Bro, you're killing me! Already bagging an international star?!"
Shizuka stood arms crossed, jaw tight, her glare sharp enough to slice glass. Her ponytail twitched as if it too was annoyed.
The side event began that afternoon on Court 7, a smaller but packed venue. Holograms floated above with both names:
Maria Luz Fernández + Tachibana Ren
vs.
Academy Senior Pair (Rank ~250).
Ren swallowed hard, clutching his battered racket. Oh no. This isn't practice anymore. This is real.
Maria bounced lightly on her feet, every motion theatrical yet precise. "Ready, chico?"
"No—" Ren admitted, voice cracking.
"Good. Means you'll listen." She winked, then stepped to the baseline.
The match started. The seniors targeted Ren instantly, hammering drives at his feet. He scrambled, nearly tripping.
"I can't—"
Maria's voice cut sharp: "Left! Block now!"
Ren swung late—frame-hit again—but somehow the ball trickled over. Crowd laughed, applauded.
Maria beamed. "Muy bien! The clumsy charm works again!"
Ren flushed. Why does she praise even my accidents?!
The rally shifted when Maria took over—fiery lobs, unpredictable chiquitas, then the inevitable Flamenco Smash. The crowd roared as the ball curved in impossible angles, hitting corners with elegance.
Ren gasped every time, struggling just to keep up. But gradually, guided by her loud, musical commands—"Mine! Yours! ¡Arriba!"—he began to anticipate. His Weak Spot Vision flickered once, showing a faint dot on an opponent's ankle.
He's slow on that side... serve wide.
Ren called it softly. Maria listened—and her serve cracked exactly there, winning the point.
For the first time, his HUD blinked: Team Sync (Maria) → 10 → 15.
Ren's chest pounded. Wait... our synergy actually... works?
The match ended 6–3. The crowd erupted, cheering at the spectacle more than the scoreline. Maria bowed with her trademark flourish, then seized Ren's wrist again, raising his arm high.
"Ladies and gentlemen—my new partner, the chico who makes clumsy look beautiful!"
The crowd laughed, charmed. Ren wanted the glass floor to swallow him whole.
From the benches, Shizuka's knuckles whitened around her racket handle. Her ears burned red, though her face stayed frosty.
"...Ridiculous," she muttered, eyes never leaving Ren.
Maria leaned close, whispering just for him.
"See? You're not invisible anymore. Stand with me, chico. And I'll make sure they all see you burn."
Ren's breath caught. Her green eyes glowed with fire—intimidating, intoxicating.
Maria and Ren side by side, hands raised under the lights, while Shizuka watches from the shadows, the gap between ice and flame just beginning to spark.
Meet The Character :
Maria Luz Fernández
Role: International Heroine #2 / Spanish Prodigy
Age: 19
Nationality: Spanish (from Madrid)
Appearance:
· Tall, 170 cm.
· Wavy chestnut hair tied in a loose ponytail.
· Tan skin, bright green eyes, signature red wristband.
· Outfit: red-and-gold athletic top, skirt with flamenco-inspired trim.
Personality:
· Fiery, confident, extroverted.
· Loves teasing everyone — especially Ren.
· Warm charisma, easily wins over crowds.
· Sharp competitor when serious, but playful off court.
Signature Style:
· "Flamenco Smash" — a powerful, spinning overhead with dramatic flourish, like a dancer's stomp.
· Loves mixing flair with fundamentals → unpredictable rhythm.
Quirks:
· Hums flamenco tunes during warm-ups.
· Calls Ren "chico" (Spanish: "boy") half-mockingly, half-endearingly.
· Collects colorful racket overgrips and matches them to her mood.
Motivation:
· To prove Spain's padel isn't just heritage but the future of Aurelia.
· Seeks a partner who plays with heart rather than just skill.
Racket Name: 「Sangre Viva」 (Living Flame)
· Red teardrop racket with golden patterns swirling like fire.
· Trait: enhances spin & smash flair, intimidating visually and technically.