On Saturday morning, outside the National Stadium, the crowd was already packed with people lining up to buy tickets for the Emperor's Cup final.
"It's really lively."
Ren, who had arrived early, couldn't help but marvel at the bustling atmosphere around the stadium.
"That's only natural. Football has always been a popular and widely followed sport. Unlike baseball, where few people understand the rules, football's rules are very straightforward."
Shiho explained briefly beside him.
Ren turned to look at her. Today, she wore a black-and-yellow striped jersey with the number "7" on the front and a sun visor cap on her head.
"So you like football too?"
"Just a casual hobby in my free time."
Shiho held up a peace sign with a bright and cheerful smile on her face.
She wasn't particularly obsessed with football, but she did enjoy the sight of athletes sweating, fiercely competing and striving against one another.
Of course, if things got too heated, she'd still back off a little, but watching games was fun.
"This outfit doesn't exactly scream 'casual hobby.'"
That perfectly matched jersey, football shoes, and cap didn't look like something you just threw on for fun.
Looking around at the hardcore fans nearby, Shiho's getup really didn't look much different from theirs.
"What about you, Akemi?"
"Me? Compared to football, I actually prefer badminton. Singles matches in badminton can get pretty intense, and they're fast-paced."
Shiho didn't quite agree with her sister's take on badminton being more intense.
"Come on, Sis, football has its fair share of physicality too."
Akemi looked at her little sister, who was practically puffing up like a kitten. She hesitated, but still dropped the line.
"Alright, alright, let's not just stand around outside. We can discuss football and other sports inside."
Seeing the shift in Shiho's mood, Ren quickly defused the tension between the two sisters.
The line into the stadium was growing rapidly. If they didn't move soon, the crowd might sweep them along.
Ren took both sisters' hands.
"Let's go."
The two sisters paused briefly, exchanged glances, and then instinctively moved closer to Ren's side.
Given the size of the crowd, staying close was just practical.
They weren't making any kind of scene.
After entering through the gate, the three used their special tickets to access the VIP entrance. They rode an elevator all the way to the top floor, where a maid greeted them.
"Welcome, this way, please."
"Mm."
Following the maid, they turned a few corners and entered a spacious room.
As they stepped inside, all the noise from the crowds outside vanished, as if the space was soundproofed from the hustle and bustle of the stadium.
The room had a large floor-to-ceiling window with several rows of sofas facing it.
Ren led the two sisters over and stood in front of the window. From here, they had a perfect view of the field and the stadium gradually filling with fans.
He glanced around. The maid who brought them in had already left. Everyone here was someone they knew.
Maria and Hayasaka, both dressed in maid uniforms, were preparing refreshments and snacks.
"Nice place, huh?"
Sonoko was the first to jump up from her seat and approach Ren.
"Yeah. It really is. Very quiet, and you can get a great view of the game. There's just one small regret."
"Regret? What's wrong?"
Sonoko blinked, then looked around in confusion. She didn't see anything wrong.
Ren let go of the Miyano sisters' hands and pointed toward the field.
"It's just that I personally don't have much interest in football. Otherwise, this would be perfect."
The VIP suite was obviously excellent. From here, one could see the entire stadium and every moment of the game clearly.
Add in the quiet atmosphere, protection from the weather, and the available tea and snacks, and it was essentially the best place to watch a match.
Ren believed any football fan would be thrilled to sit here.
Unfortunately, he wasn't a football fan. That was the one downside.
Hearing him say that, Sonoko pouted.
She had always remembered how Ren didn't enjoy loud or crowded places. Compared to attending events like this, he clearly preferred staying at home.
"Ren, we really should go out more often. I think you just need to get used to it."
"I know. That's why I'm already trying."
Just as he said this, Ren's eyes were drawn to Chikako, who was walking over from behind Sonoko.
"Miss Chikako."
"Ren-sama."
Chikako gave a slight bow. When it came to her god of faith, she could never show enough reverence.
Ren gave a small nod, then turned to Sonoko.
"Sonoko, take the Miyano sisters and go enjoy the match. I need to speak with Miss Chikako about the story."
"Alright."
Sonoko nodded with mild resignation.
She knew her older sister's "film city" had already broken ground, and that meant the story content also had to start being written by Chikako.
"Shiho, Akemi, let's go sit up front and watch the game."
Sonoko said as she grabbed both girls' hands and led them to the front row of sofas near the window to get a better view of the match.
Meanwhile, Ren and Chikako sat toward the back, keeping some distance so as not to disturb the others.
They needed to talk about the beginning of the story. To avoid interfering with the excitement of watching the game, they chose a quieter spot in the room.
"Miss Chikako, shall we begin?"
"Yes."
Chikako opened her notebook early, ready to jot down keywords and reference points that would help with her writing later.
(To be continued.)