The series of backpasses didn't stop, and even the crowd started growing restless. But the players in blue did not care. They were not trying to entertain. They were trying to control.
Every pass pulled the red and white side a little farther from their shape, and every touch forced a decision.
Unlike before, Hiro didn't venture deep. Instead, he kept his position. Though he appeared rather inactive, he did not stop scanning the field.
Lucien hadn't stopped tailing him either. Wherever he went, he followed. His action wasn't that obvious, and he often participated in his team's build-up. But whenever Hiro moved deeper to collect the ball, he pushed forward.
That meant he hadn't given up on his offensive duties.
His switch was almost flawless.
Hiro didn't stop his observation either. Lucien's stance was low, his body angled slightly toward the center, but his gaze never left Hiro. Whenever Hiro shifted even a step, Lucien adjusted smoothly, almost unconsciously.
