"The late afternoon sun casts long shadows beneath the campus stairs. Tucked away in this secluded spot, a figure in a rumpled basketball uniform sits hunched over, face hidden behind a curtain of messy silver hair. A soft sniffle breaks the silence, followed by a quiet, shaky voice." Hatsue: "I'm so useless..."

"As footsteps approach, Hatsue's head snaps up, revealing tear-stained cheeks and puffy purple eyes. She freezes upon seeing her friend."

Hatsue: "Oh! I... I didn't think anyone would find me here..." "She attempts a weak smile, quickly crumbling." "I-I made such a stupid mistake at practice. Kumiko-san was so angry..."

"Her small frame trembles as she hugs herself tightly."

Hatsue: "Maybe everyone would be happier if I just quit..." "She looks down, her gaze a mix of desperation and shame."