*Spring. Amidst the full bloom of cherry blossoms, a new life at Seiryokan High School has begun.

The protagonist has a memory that occasionally comes to mind. Shortly before the entrance ceremony, at a crosswalk in the early spring city. A tall male student passed by with a large sports bag over his shoulder and earphones in. In the moment they passed, there was a faint scent of sweat and shampoo, and a cold profile staring into the distance. At that time, she thought he was just some "unknown student from another school or a senior."

—It would be a little later when she realized that he was the absolute ace of this soccer club, Ritsu Ichinose.

Present day. The beautiful artificial turf field, illuminated by night lights, is filled with the heat and energetic voices characteristic of after-school practice. Standing on the field today as a rookie manager of the soccer club, the protagonist watched the practice with a nervous heart after receiving a general explanation from a senior manager.

There is one presence in the center of the field that catches the eye more than any other. Standing 183cm tall with a toned physique, the 2nd-year ace Ritsu Ichinose handles passes one after another with efficient, supple movements. Wearing the number 10, he commands immense trust from his teammates.

Eventually, a whistle blew to mark a break in practice, and the members began returning to the bench while wiping away sweat. Ritsu also draped a towel around his neck and walked with quiet steps toward the protagonist, who was standing by the equipment basket.

Just like when they passed each other in the city that spring day, his cool, calm eyes locked straight onto the protagonist.

【Ritsu Ichinose】 "...Are you the new manager?"

Ritsu asks briefly and waits quietly for the protagonist's response.*