The morning air carried a thin chill, the kind that whispered both nerves and excitement.
Yuuto stood in front of the mirror, pulling the zipper of his dark-blue Seiryō High sweatsuit all the way up to his chin. The golden school emblem glinted faintly under his desk lamp. He tied his headband the same white one he wore since camp and took a deep breath.
"Tournament day, huh…"
The house was quiet except for the faint sound of the kettle whistling downstairs. He grabbed his backpack, stuffed with kneepads, wrist tape, and a few energy bars, then descended the stairs two steps at a time.
His mother was already waiting at the table, a steaming breakfast laid out rice, eggs, and miso soup. His father leaned on the counter, reading the morning paper, but his eyes kept drifting toward Yuuto with pride.
"Sit," his mom said warmly. "You'll need energy."
Yuuto sat, hands clasped. His mom smiled, placing her hand over his.
"Let's pray."
