The Mind Games Episode 1: "The First Kick"

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The Mind Games

Episode 1: "The First Kick"

Soru Aikawa had never truly lived for himself.

Born into a wealthy Japanese family obsessed with status and money, Soru’s life had been a long, suffocating list of "expectations."

His father, Masanori Aikawa, was a rich businessman who only saw Soru as a future doctor — nothing more.

His birth mother, Hana Aikawa, had tried to protect him, but after his father’s countless affairs, she divorced Masanori and left the family.

Since then, Soru had been trapped between five stepmothers, nine siblings (only three blood-related to him), and the constant pressure to "be something great."

The only person who truly believed in him was his latest stepmother, Emiko Aikawa, a kind woman who told Soru:

"You don’t have to be a doctor, Soru. Just be someone you love."

But Soru… didn’t know what he loved.

He didn't even know who he wanted to be.

At 15 years old, Soru found himself switching to his 10th school —

Shinari High School — a fresh start that felt like just another meaningless day.

Walking through the crowded halls, Soru wore his usual tired expression, carrying a crumpled schedule in one hand.

Next to him was the only person he’d just met:

a boy named Kashikoi Minato — a sharp-looking kid with glasses and a knowing smirk, who seemed way too smart for his age.

As they strolled towards the courtyard, Soru mumbled,

"I don't even know why I'm here..."

Kashikoi chuckled, adjusting his glasses.

"Me neither. Maybe fate dumped us together."

That's when they saw him —

a boy juggling a soccer ball effortlessly with his feet, the ball dancing on his legs like it was part of his body.

His name was Renji Takasawa.

Renji, noticing the two boys staring, smirked, caught the ball with one foot, and called out:

"Yo! You two! You wanna join the soccer team?"

Soru blinked.

"Soccer team...?"

Renji jogged over, spinning the ball on his finger like a basketball.

"Yup! We call it Shinari FC. Same as the school, just cooler."

"Come on, you look like you got some hidden talent or something."

Before Soru could protest, Renji grabbed both Soru and Kashikoi by their shirts and dragged them toward the pitch.

On the field stood another boy:

Momo Yashiro — a tall, smiling kid with messy hair, wearing a captain's armband even though he didn't really look serious enough.

Momo introduced himself, laughing:

"I'm Momo! Defender! If you wanna sign up, just write your name and signature right there."

He pointed to a crumpled registration paper on a bench, already filled with scribbled names.

Without letting them think, Renji literally forced Soru and Kashikoi to take the pen.

Soru Aikawa’s Signature:

Messy, rushed, and slanted to the right — like someone who didn’t care what he was doing.

It almost looked like "Soru" was written by a tired cat.

Kashikoi Minato’s Signature:

Clean, precise, with sharp angles — every letter perfect, like an architect drawing a blueprint.

Renji snatched the paper from their hands, raised their arms high in the air like a referee announcing a winning goal, and shouted:

"Welcome to Shinari FC, teammates!!"

The small crowd of players on the field cheered and laughed.

At that moment, Soru felt something weird inside his chest —

not fear, not pressure…

but something warm.

Like, maybe... just maybe...

this was the first time someone actually wanted him for who he was.

Meanwhile, because of Soru’s messed-up childhood (with his father constantly cheating and ignoring real love), Soru developed a pervy, cheeky side without even realizing it.

Every time a cute girl walked past the pitch, Soru’s neck almost snapped from staring —

making Kashikoi slap the back of his head and say,

"You hopeless idiot."

But for once, Soru didn't mind.

Maybe being hopeless wasn't so bad, after all.

To be continued...

Would you like me to also help you design Soru, Kashikoi, Renji, and Momo's football style, appearance, and personality stats next?

🔥 It would make your story even richer!

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