Honestly, sometimes, Kumiko forgot that she was also a teenager here, having a huge impulse to say something stupid when her emotions were still high. This was also one of the cases here, as she got tired of the boys’ stupidity, just for her to double it down by saying something more stupid.

Hell, she thought, everything was normal. However, when the girl saw the players whispering to each other enthusiastically, she knew she had messed up big here.

’Yeah, my words are basically a permission to do something stupid, but in a sneakier way, right?’ She groaned immediately, finally realizing what had happened here. Still, seeing that the gloomy atmosphere around was gone, Kumiko couldn’t help but smile, relieved by the sudden change of attitude. ’Oh, well, Makino-kun and Ryukkun are on the pitch, and they are quite mature here. They will know how to limit the others, so I don’t need to worry too much.’

After this, the assistant referee suddenly popped in front of the door, speaking, "Hakodate Nishi High, fifteen minutes break is over! Get back to the pitch for the second half!"

"Yes, Sir!"

This time, all the boys rose immediately, walking into the pitch with new spirit. Not a good one, per se. It was one where they wanted to do harm to the opponent. Still, at least, this was better than when they first came into the locker room.

Before everyone left, though, Kumiko didn’t forget to call Higo over for a little chat.

"So, what’s up?" The boy couldn’t help but ask.

"Just want to say, you did a brilliant job under the goal in the first half." The girl smiled prettily, not even showing any hint of the strictness that she had put on the rest of the team earlier. "People might only notice your saves, but I could see your command ability improving a lot in the process. I am so glad that I have you here."

Higo felt his heart warm when he heard that. While the boy knew he did well, it was always good to hear an affirmation like this, especially from the girl of his life.

"I still conceded a goal, though..." He smiled wryly. The boy might not show this, but the goal really bothered him.

"Eh, it doesn’t matter. You saved the penalty, anyway. Your clairvoyance sure is convenient for this kind of situation." She waved off the concern nonchalantly. "If anything, the goal should be on the team, and on me, to some extent. If only I had added a training menu on how to react properly in that situation, the result would be different right now."

Indeed, this was also Kumiko’s big regret. She witnessed how good Higo was when facing a penalty, and yet, out of the three penalties he faced, even if the boy saved all of them, he still conceded two goals from the same play. This was definitely not a good thing for the team.

"Also, don’t be too harsh on yourself." The girl patted his back firmly. "This should be your first time conceding a goal in this tournament, right? Which goalkeeper could brag about it other than you? Trust me, you are doing well. Just stay confident and bring me to the National Tournament, okay? I am waiting for your promise.":

When Kumiko mentioned that promise, Higo’s back straightened immediately, as if he were a soldier facing an order. The boy couldn’t help but nod, saying with the most solemn tone he could muster, "Don’t worry. Just sit tight, cause the next thing you know, you will bring the trophy back to our school."

Right after that, they both walked into the pitch again, where everyone was waiting for them. The second half was about to begin, and this time, the real pressure was going to be on his shoulder.

It wasn’t just for the fact that Sapporo Otani’s most goals came in the second half, or that the team’s state started to decline. No, more than that, Higo was away from the stand where all the Hakodate Nishi supporters were sitting, and now, surrounded by the sea of sky-blue behind him, it would be a lie if Higo said that he was not intimidated.

"Hey, I swear, he is shorter than I thought!"

"I know, right?! His captain even calls him Chibi!"

"And you are telling me he is banging that chick? That gorgeous coach?!"

"What the hell... Does he use black magic or what here?!"

Higo couldn’t help but flinch when he heard the rude comments from the stand. Honestly, all the experiences as a keyboard warrior in the past weren’t enough to prepare him to hear so many people talking shit straight behind his back. This was not the first time today, since he was able to hear them in the first half. However, this time, the distance was closer, making it seem like they were breathing under his neck.

Now, every move that he made would be under their scrutiny, and he had to be ready for the boos, insults, and any form of distractions that they were about to throw.

"Oi, Teme, you need to double-check my command later, probably even stepping over mine if you see the necessity," Higo said to the captain. "I cannot ensure that my concentration is up there when they are talking shit about me like that."

Makino also heard what people were saying on the stand, so he nodded while giving a light punch on his friend’s shoulder. "Don’t worry, leave the rest to me."

Soon, all the players were in their positions. Hiroshi and Kuroki were standing in front of the ball, ready for the kick-off. On the flank, Denki and Hori, the two wing-backs, also didn’t hide their intention, ready to fly when the referee blew the whistle.

They were going for their infamous blitzkrieg attack right now, and at this point, hiding would only slow down their starting point. Sapporo Otani players also knew this, so they moved back slightly to get ready for everything.

Meanwhile, the referee also did the last check right now. He communicated with the linemen on the sideline and the fourth referee outside of the pitch for a moment, and when everything was ready...

FWEEE!

The whistle was blown, the sign that the fateful second half of the game had finally started.