Have you, as a person, had any inner desires you had no idea you ever had come true? Well, that sounds a bit confusing, even for me.

Have you ever felt like you want or need something even when you have no idea what it is in particular? Something that you feel can have a big impact on your life.

It's quite disturbing since you have no idea what it is and no idea how to fulfil it. I mean, there's no way you can fulfil something you have zero idea about.

My case is quite different, to the extent I began having illusions about something I had no idea about. It's a different place from where I know.

It's a place where… my inner desires can be fulfilled. A place where I felt safer in. A place… where I want to believe that I belong in.

"Hey, Basara-kun, did you get the limited time goodies from Marts?"

"Yeah, I did."

“For real?! I'll be coming over to see it this weekend.“

“Okay okay.“

*So noisy.* I thought, placing my bag beside my table and looking out of the window.

*Looks like nothing's gonna change… huh?* I thought before letting out a sigh.

The first class for the day was homeroom. The homeroom teacher was giving an announcement about the upcoming school sports festival which was to be held in the coming week.

She asked us to pick out an activity that we'd be able to engage in and report to her the next two days.

Everyone was to participate, and no one was excluded.

BOYS- Football

GIRLS-Volleyball.

During lunchtime, I grabbed my bento box and left the classroom, ready to go up to the rooftop.

"Atsu-kun!" A girl shouted, running in my direction and waving.

*Huh? Atsu-kun?! Why Atsu-kun? Only Shi…* I thought, standing and waiting for her to approach me.

"Atsuya-kun." She called, running past me, smiling at the guy who stood behind me.

Smile... smile...💢💢

*Well, luckily, I didn't try talking to her. That would have been embarrassing.* I thought, walking away hastily.

As you'd have guessed, I'm a loner. No friends to call my name, no one to eat with during lunch and no one to have fun with.

The only person who cared about me, my mom, disappeared all of a sudden before I got into high school. It's safe to say she died, though. And my dad… well… I have no clue who he was since I never got to meet him.

~ ~ ~

"Guys, let's go train for our match against the second years. Jo would surely play for his class, and we might lose." Juro, our assistant class prefect, said as the others concurred.

Jo's a member of the school's soccer team and was a really good player in junior high. He wasn't an ace in the senior high school soccer team, but he was the rising star.

We all went to the field, and they began their training. I had to lie to sit it out since I didn't really like engaging in team sports.

They discussed tactics, had fun, had practice, and so on.

I decided to stay with them, though. I would have left since no one would care anyway, but I stayed back.

Soccer has kinda piqued my interest over the years. I felt something towards the sport but I had no idea. I used to play in the past with my uncle, and that was that.

But still… the feelings I had while playing with my uncle felt incomplete. That wasn't what I wanted. There was something more intriguing. Somethinh that drew me closer to it. I wasn't satisfied no matter how much we played together and so I gave it up.

And it hunted me…

The practice ended a little later than I had hoped, but I was finally free to leave the school.

I went straight home to open up our diner. It was more like a family business that was passed down to my mother by her father. The business wasn't a bad one, so with the money realised we could make ends meet.

Luckily for me, I wasn't a bad cook since I watched my mom every day and helped her out whenever she needed help.

"Hey, Atsushi-kun." An old man called walking into the diner as I looked towards him.

"How have you been, Fujita-San?" I asked as he took a seat.

“Ha… managing, I guess. I see you aren't having any problems.“ He said.

“I'm not. Thanks for your care.“ I said.

"One plate of curry rice for me." He said as I nodded before turning on the cooker.

The next customer walked in and sat at a table, and I greeted him before asking what he needed. He replied, and I rushed to prepare it as more customers kept coming in.

Our diner wasn't really a popular one. Just a diner where the locals come to eat after work or school.

My mom was really good with what she did, and because of that, we began having many customers patronising us.

I closed the shop after having a series of customers and walked back home, which was actually the floor above the diner. After I was done showering, I fell on the bed and slept off.

☆ ☆ ☆

The next day, I went to school as usual and went straight to my class, class 1-9. First class, homeroom. The teacher asked us to pick papers for the activities that we would engage in during the sports festival ( activities other than the general class one).

*The hell?* I thought while looking at the paper, boys 100 meter dash.

"Oshiba Atsushi, 100 meters dash." The  teacher said as my name was written down on the board.

"The day's almost here, do your best." He said before leaving the class.

*Tch, I should have tried avoiding this.* I thought going back to my seat.

Ha... the terror.

The sports day came, and everyone seemed really happy. I mean, it was a festival. No school, just a day to have some real fun, laugh at others, or get laughed at.

Running wasn't a sport that I hated. I didn't hate running at all. I actually started running after I gave up on soccer.

In the end, I gave up on it in my second year at junior high. Sounds like I've given up on most things that I loved.

"Runners for boys 100 meters dash please line up." I walked up front and stood on my marks.

"Who's that kid that's running for our class?"

"I don't know, I don't think I've seen him before."

"I hope he doesn't make us lose. We've been doing badly since today."

I knew I was the one they were referring to, and yes, we've been behind in the activities we've done. The whistle was blown, and as I was about to start running, I tripped and fell.

“Wait. I think I remember him.“ Someone said.

"Whoa!"

"Dammit, we'll lose."

*Arrgh! I've gone and done it.* I thought, my face buried in the sand.

I didn't want to stand cause I was ashamed. But still… I didn't want to lose. Not for anyone's sake but for the fact that I made a promise to a certain someone…

Before I knew it, I stood up and began running again. This time around, as fast as I could.

*Can't imagine her face if I just act nonchalantly.* I thought, running past the seventh and sixth placers.

"Whoa, he's really fast." Someone said as I ran past the 3rd placer.

We reached the finish line, and I came in second, that's cause I barely made it past the second as we approached the finish line.

"Who's that guy?!"

*I'm never doing that again.* I thought breathing heavily as the others came to congratulate me.

PS: None of them knew who I was, just that I was in the same team as them.

The sports festival went smoothly later on and we had no problem. I hid behind another team when they were looking for boys to replace one of the soccer players.

I went to watch the soccer match between my class and our opponents to cheer my class on.

The second half of the game was already beginning with no goals from any team.

The red team, our opponents passed the ball to the guy in the right wing, and then, there was a corner and then...

"GOAL!!!!!" The red team had scored.

*How nice, if only I was down there.* I thought, smiling lightly before closing my eyes.

“Y…”

*Hm?*

“Argh!“ I screamed as I felt a sharp pain on my neck.

*Huh? What's this? It's wierd.* I thought looking at them.

None of them had a face, and their movements were slowed down.

I stood up immediately, but others were still clapping. Then, all of a sudden… everything blurred.

My whole body felt numb, and I didn't even know what to think anymore.

“Your wish… is my command.“ I heard a creepy voice say.

*What the hell is… that creepy voice? What wish?* I thought before finally blanking out.

☆ ☆ ☆

"What's going on?“ I asked, opening my eyes.

*Ugh… it's so bright.* I thought, sitting up.

“Where's this place? What's going on?“ I asked, looking around me.

"Welcome to SW East." A man said as I looked up at him.

"Who?" I asked, confused.

"You'll be in my care throughout your stay here. I am Yamazaki Haruya. You can call me coach." He said, his face too stern.

*Oh, I get it. Maybe it's cause I was too tired from running that I'm having this kind of dream.* I thought.

"You might be thinking it's a dream, but it isn't. Follow me and I'll take you to the main hall." He said, walking away.

*Reality?* I thought before walking behind him.

That was the beginning of my dream. It wasn't something I had no idea of but wanted to figure out. It was something I wanted and tried to fulfil.

*Huh? This dream feels a little too realistic.* I thought, pinching my cheeks while still following the man.

I tried speaking to him at intervals, but whenever I called his attention, he always looked ready to kill me.

We finally reached a really big building and he asked to go in and I'll find the others.

"Huh? I don't get it, but okay." I said, walking into the building.

"I really don't get what the hell's going on." I heard a guy say when I walked in.

*What-the-fuck?* I thought, looking around. The hall was bigger than any building I'd ever seen in my entire life, and many people were there. They looked mostly my age.

"Good day, students, I guess." A man with long beard and glasses said smiling at us.

"What the hell's going on here, old man?!" A guy with an afro shouted on top of his voice as the others joined in.

"Old man?" The man started, a hint of anger in his voice.

He nodded disapprovingly and sighed. He hesitated before speaking again.

"I am Fujita Tetsuya, and I'm in control of this place. You guys might be wondering what the hell you are doing here, but… don't let it bother you after all you wanted to be here." He said as they began shouting again.

"Wanted to be here?!"

"I want to leave this place!“

“Liar!“

"Ahem… I'd like to welcome you all to SW East. SW East is a place where you improve your soccer skills and..." He started as they began murmuring.

"Soccer...? What a lame ass lie!" The afro kid said as they began laughing.

*I don't know, but at this point, I think he just needs to shut up... probably. I mean, I also need an explanation, but his constant distraction is annoying.*

"Well, last i checked, you have no say in this, young man." He said as they all turned to him.

"You all would be assigned a 12 man team. We would provide your coach for you on our own. You should strive to be the best player or team, and who knows, your wish might be granted along the way.“ He said.

"Shut the fuck up old man!" The afro guy shouted. "What the hell's gonna happen if we refuse?" He asked.

"You know, you really piss me off." He said looking at the afro guy.

"Huh?!"

"Kids these days. Are you a delinquent or something?" The man asked shutting his eyes.

"Old bastard!"

"So you won't join us?"

"I won't, this is bull shit." He said.

"I hate people that talk alot, but most of all I hate fools. Here's what happen to those who don't agree." He said and with the speed of lightning, he shot the boy dead.

"Now that's what happens when you refuse." He said as everyone gasped.

"Oh my God!!" Some girls screamed closing their eyes.

"A bullet just passed through his damn head." A boy said.

*Damn, this is madness.* I thought, standing on my guard immediately.

“Ahahaha haha! Don't worry, don't worry. That's just an illusion. He's not dead. Geez, you guys fell for that?“ He asked, laughing before showing us the toy he held.

*What the hell's with this old dude?* I thought before letting out a sigh.

“Well why do you all look scared? I just told you it was an ilusion.“ He said.

SILENCE…

“Sorry about that, I never knew you guys have no sense of humor.“ He said looking down.

*This old man…*

“Well, there's a price money though. A large amount for bothering you all. The best team and best players get it.“

“If you want to leave, then indicate. It'll be too late later on.“

SILENCE…

“I thought as much…”

"Furthermore, you don't need to worry about your education or daily life. This is just like a dream, you wake up and start from where you stopped." He said.

"Now, pick up the phones in your pockets and look through the details." He said as I put my hand in my pocket and brought out a smartphone.

*That's right, this isn't my smartphone!*

"You'd be able to find your new homes with this, for now, forget your world and move on. You have few free days that you'd use to get closer to your roommates before we start fully, thank you."

As he stepped down from the podium, people began murmuring and sighing.

☆ ☆ ☆

I looked at my map and kept going to find my 'new home'. I was still trying to stomach the whole thing though.

I mean, even if it's just an illusion, it felt so real. Leaving a place I'd known for years and suddenly finding myself in a strange place.

*Might not be too different from the one I stayed in.* I thought, my hands in my pocket.

*WHAT THE ACTUAL FREAKING HELL?!!!* I thought looking at the house.

It was very large, not large. Extra large. It had a very large field and compound.

*Whoa, so I'll be living here alone?* Was what I totally thought before walking into the house.

"What?! Why do you have to stay in the same room with me, eh... Yusuke, eh?!" A guy with a pompadour asked.

He was up the stairs with another guy.

*What was I thinking? These people are monsters.* I thought standing in the sitting room.

*Ugh… I'll just try to make myself scarce.*

"Oh, hey another room mate." A girl said smiling and walking towards me.

"Wait, he's the last one that means... he'd be staying with one of the girls?!!" The guy with the pompadour asked as they both gasped.

I didn't really understand, and neither did I want to understand whatever they meant so I just stood there watching them exclaimed and gasp.

"Well, seems like it." The man that welcomed me said walking towards us.

"Lucky." A boy said walking towards us.

"I'm Tanaka Akaji, welcome." He said smiling.

"Atsushi, Oshiba Atsushi." I replied.

*Huh...? An Ikemen? This guy looks like someone who'd always attract girls wherever he goes to. Totally not someone I want to have anything to do with.* I thought.

"Kimishita Kiichi." The pompadour guy said.

"Yusuke Nakamura." The pompadours' roommate said.

"Yamazake Akane." The girl that approached me first said, smiling at me.

"Tamura Hinami."

"Sugawara Misaki."

"Hayashi Chika."

"Ueta Suzune, seems like I'd be your roommate." The last girl said looking away.

"I would kill you if you tried anything funny." She continued.

*I don't think I'd want to do anything funny with some girl with a flat chest.* I thought.

"Well, the other members went to get somethings ready." Tanaka said.

"Oh, nice to meet you all." I said as we all looked at each other without speaking.

SILENCE…

"W-well, I think we should leave you to go see your room." Hayashi said as they smiled.

"Yeah…"

The flat chested girl took me to the room which was really beautiful, maybe in her fashion sense. I looked at the room irritated. She had placed pink things everywhere.

"I'm sorry if it's a bother." She said as I nodded disapprovingly before dropping my phone on the bed.

"Well, I'd leave you to it." She said walking out.

"Wow, this place is really cool." I said placing my hand on the window, I could see many buildings from up there.

*I don't know but I kinda feel safe here, I don't really know why.* I thought taking off my shirt.

"Um hey, Oshiba-San." Hayashi began before cutting herself short.

She stood staring down at me, her face beet red.

"Huh?"

"Oh, sorry." She said looking away immediately.

"No, it's no problem." I said putting on a t-shirt.

"Just wanted to tell you that we will be having a quick meeting with the coach soon. Bye." She said hurrying away.

*Her face was beet red... did I do anything wrong, or is she sick?* I thought putting on my shorts.

The meeting with the coach was a really short one. He didn't have anything of great importance to share, so we did some self introduction.

He also went further to explain to us how the matches work and the rewards we get for each match.

"And most importantly, I'll be leaving for a few days or maybe weeks, so I won't be training with you guys now. But rest assured, the game's still in a few months." Was the last thing he said before leaving.

It didn't go exactly as I had expected. My excitement just wore off immediately after he left the dormitory.

"So... what now?" Tamura asked as we all looked at each other.

“Beats me. Ha… I really want to relax.“

“I'd love to go shopping. I saw many stores when I came here.“

“Hm…”

"Maybe, sharing chores." Nakamura suggested.

"Y-yeah, that seems alright." Tanaka said, smiling at him.

*These guys...*

"Well, cleaning can be done in pairs, roommates." Tanaka said.

*Why don't they look bothered?*

"Kimishita-kun, Yusuke-kun, looks like you guys are first."

*They were brought to a different world, but yet they don't look so bothered. Well, I mean, who am I to say that.*

"Huh? Why do I have to clean up with this dummy?" Kiichi asked.

"HUH?! 💢💢, who are you calling a dummy, you asshole?" Nakamura asked.

"Huh?!" They said in unison.

"Hmph."

"Well, I guess that's settled."

"Yeah."

"Wait a minute, what about food?" Akatsuki, one of the other guys asked.

*That guy…*

"Yeah, that's a problem, I can't really cook." Tanaka said.

"W-well, we have the girls." Kiichi said, smiling and facing the girls who looked away while whistling.

"Oh no." Nakamura said.

"Don't tell me that..." Kiichi started.

"They are really bad at cooking." They both said.

"Huh...?! Don't go copying me, stupid💢."

"I should be telling you that, punk."

"Grrrrr!!! Tch💢." They both faced another direction.

*Ugh... do these guys ever see eye to eye. Well, it's just cooking. Something I'm good at.*

"I… might be able to take that up." I said as they all turned towards me.

"Huh? You can cook... Oshiba-san?" Saitō asked.

"Yeah, you could say that." I answered, rubbing the back of my head.

"Whoa, you really are a life saver." They said.

“Okay! We've got our cook! Let's try our best to assist him.“ Tanaka said.

☆ ☆ ☆

Something else to look forward to. The rewards you have per match played.

Our basic necessities are to be bought by us, from the points we realise per match.

The start-up reward is for the ones who successfully registered as players in their world. Any other point will be from the way a team or particular player performs per match.

With that reasoning, there's no way a team would decide to play nonchalantly since their comfort is riding on that.

"Hey, Atsushi-kun." Tanaka called, walking into the Exercise room.

We had two different rooms in the building next to the dorm. The exercise room where exercise equipment was kept and the team room where we were to have pre-match meetings.

"Um... hey, good day." I said, sitting on a bench.

"Looks like you've been out here working out. I've seen it for the past two days now. Why don't you go to the field to play, though?" He asked, sitting beside me.

“Ah… I haven't really played soccer for a long time now. So… I don't get it either.“ I answered.

*True, I just have this bad feeling. It's as though I won't get it if I tried to play it.*

"Huh... well, I've played before. Back in junior high, though." He said, handing a bottle of water to me.

"Thanks." I said, grabbing it.

"You know, I really don't know how to react to this problem we are in. It feels like a dream to me." He said.

*I mean, it's an illusion.*

"Yeah, same here."

"Are you always alone, like I mean back in reality?" He asked.

"W-well, yeah." I replied, looking away.

*It's only natural. I understand if they think I'm weird cause I don't stay with them but... this is how I grew up. I can't just become a social person in two days' time.*

"Oh."

"Hey! You both." Kiichi called, walking into the room with the other guys.

"Hey." Tanaka said, smiling.

"Don't 'Hey' me." Kiichi said.

"Look at you guys leaving us out and exercising."

"We weren't really..."

"Get the balls, Koenji-san."

"Huh? But the coach didn't tell us where they were." Saitō Koenji said.

"HEH?!"

"Seems like we have a job to go find the balls first."

"Huh? So you guys really planned on training without us?" Hayashi Chika asked, hands Akimbo.

"N-n-no, we were about to call you guys." Nakamura explained, smiling at them.

"Then let's go find those balls." Hayashi said as they began searching for them.

"Let's join them." Tanaka said, smiling.

"Mmn." I said, standing and looking around with them.

*They do take this seriously, after all. Thank goodness.* I thought.

“Mmn.“ I said, standing and following from behind.