The sun hadn't even risen yet.
A thin layer of fog rolled across the mountain camp, wrapping the sleeping grounds in a soft gray blanket. Crickets still sang in the damp grass, and the scent of smoke from last night's bonfire lingered faintly in the air.
Inside the gym, bags were packed, towels folded, sneakers tied tight. The boys stood in a loose circle, yawning and stretching, the sound of rustling zippers and sleepy chatter filling the space.
It was just after five a.m.
Coach Hikari stood by the door with Arisa beside her, both of them holding clipboards. She looked over the group tired, sore, but glowing with quiet pride.
"Alright," she began, voice calm but firm. "Listen up."
Every head turned toward her.
"First off I'm proud of you all. You've worked harder this week than some teams do in a month. You pushed, bled, argued, and learned. But now…" She paused, letting the silence settle. "Now you rest."
Yuuto rubbed his eyes. "Rest? Like… no drills?"
