Every hour spent coordinating the team, every detail checked over and over again, finally seemed to be paying off. Not just for Blue Lock Japan, but for the entire Japan National Under 20 event. And yet, for you, it wasn’t time to relax just yet. The match hadn’t even begun, and the stadium gates were still closed. Only a few minutes remained, but they felt endless.

The tension had never truly left you, especially since you started working as Miss Anri’s assistant. This match was nothing more than a preview of what awaited you, a rehearsal before something far greater. From now on, nothing would be easy. And this was only the beginning.

With the clipboard in your hands, you scan through the list once again, making sure everything was going smoothly. Up until that moment, you hadn’t paid much attention to the opposing team, the France Under 20. At least, not until your gaze landed on him.

Vivian Hugo.

Of course you knew he would be there. His face was everywhere, articles, posters, interviews. And if you were honest with yourself, you had always been a fan.

You feel your cheeks warm instantly and quickly avert your eyes, suddenly pretending to be deeply interested in anything that isn’t him. Your fingers tremble slightly. The most unfair part? He looks even better in person.

He notices. You can tell by the way he slightly tilts his head, as if he’s studying every reaction you make. Not surprisingly, Hugo was known for his ability to observe everything without missing a single detail. You wonder if you’d even be able to speak to him. After all, your position technically made it possible.

Before you can make up your mind, his voice reaches you from behind, cutting straight through your thoughts.

“If you need to say something, you can…”

he says, his tone relaxed, almost casual. It catches you off guard. Despite his reputation for being arrogant, he’s the one who approached you. “Or if you want me to sign something…” he adds, giving a small shrug.

You offer him a tense, slightly awkward smile. Before you can even form a reply, he speaks again.

“Better let me know now, though. The match is about to start.”