Chapter Text
After the U-20 game life in Blue Lock seemed to slow down.
Training started to get less intense and Ego had allowed the players to start leaving and taking days off.
Everyone was enjoying the newfound freedom. Even the coaches seemed to be enjoying the slower pace of life.
Rin however couldn't care any less. Honestly it made him a frustrated seeing his teammates spend their time so leisurely. He was training. After what happened in the U-20 game with Sae, he couldn't sleep, couldn't focus, couldn't relax. He was going to work harder than any of these players. He was going to be number one no matter what it took.
Rin was lifting in the weight room when a rather exhausted Isagi entered.
"Oh, Rin!" He scratched the back of his hair with his hand, "Didn't know you were here."
"What do you want?" Isagi was the last person Rin wanted to see at this moment. "I have nothing to say to you lukewarm."
After the U-20 match and Sae's confrontation Rin couldn't even look at Isagi the same. Rin never liked the boy but Sae's words solidified his newfound hate for his rival. Every time he looked at his stupid face he just heard his brother's words echoing in his mind as he left him on the field. "The one who will be able to change football in this country, is Isagi."
"I just wanted to get a few sets in before I head out with Bachira and Chigiri." He was too cheerful. It pissed Rin off. What makes him think he can act all friendly with him. Rin wasn't interested in whatever else he had to say. The boy's personal life didn't interest him in the slightest.
Isagi noticed and decided to just continue with his original goal of a good workout.
After awhile of silence Rin noticed his rival seemed more exhausted than usual. Despite his wish to be indifferent he couldn't help but be curious. Isagi noticed.
"Man, lately I've just been exhausted." Rin continued doing his sets pretending to ignore him. Isagi continued. "You know, I love Bachira but sometimes... his energy is just too much."
Really? He's exhausted from someone else? Pathetic. Isagi noticed Rin's silent judgement.
"I can tell when you're judging me you know." Rin nearly dropped the dumbbell. He quickly recovered and went back to his sets.
"I just find it pathetic how you can't handle one person." Rin attempted to regain his nonchalant uncaring position despite being caught listening.
Isagi rolled his eyes "You can't handle anybody. I don't want to hear it from you."
Was that a challenge? Is Isagi suggesting he is better than him at something? Bull shit!
"Yeah right, I just choose not too. Besides, I don't need any one anyways." He set the bar down. "They just get in the way." He wiped his forehead with his sweat rag.
Isagi took a sip of water. "Nice excuse. I know you couldn't last a day hanging out with anyone."
Now it was official. A challenge. Rin could simply let it slide and maintain his uncaring and indifference. However... a direct challenge from Isagi could not be ignored.
"I could. I just don't have a reason too." He glared at him, as if daring him to further challenge him.
Isagi returned the look but grinned. "Fine then. Prove it." He crossed his arms, his eyes shown with a challenge. "Bachira's been wanting to hang out with you for a while. If you can go the whole day with him without either of you two calling me, you prove your point."
Damn it Isagi! Now he got Rin in a corner! If he denied the challenge then Isagi would win and Rin would be shown as weak! However, if he accepted this challenge, it would mean he would have to spend a whole day with blunt bangs! It was a lose lose situation, but Rin couldn't lose to Isagi. No matter what. He had to get better than Isagi.
"Fine then." He wiped his neck with the towel. "I'll prove to you I can handle anything you can and show I'm better than you."