The practice courts inside the National League complex stretched like endless glass halls, each one buzzing with players, coaches, and media drones. Every rally echoed with the crisp tok of padel balls, the sharp shuffle of shoes, the electric hum of holographic scoreboards.
Ren stood by the railing, watching ranked players move like dancers—fluid, precise, ruthless. His cracked racket case hung heavy on his shoulder.
So this is the level here. Even the warm-ups look like highlight reels.
"Yo, chico!"
A voice rang out in accented Japanese, warm and teasing. Ren turned—and froze.
She strode across the court like the floor itself bent to her rhythm. A tall girl with wavy chestnut hair tied loosely, green eyes sparkling under the lights, her red-and-gold top catching every camera flash. A red wristband glowed at her wrist, like a flamenco dancer entering stage.
The crowd stirred. "It's her... Maria Luz. Spain's prodigy."
"She's the one who turned exhibition matches into shows..."
"They say her smash spins like fire."
Ren blinked. Wait. Spain? She came all the way here?
Maria leaned casually on the net, flashing a grin.
"You're Tachibana Ren, sí? The Substitute Messiah?"
Ren stiffened. "...That's what they're calling me."
"Bueno. I like it. Very dramatic." Her smile widened. "I'm Maria Luz Fernández. Remember the name. You'll hear it a lot."
Before Ren could respond, a tournament official called: "Exhibition doubles—court three. Maria Luz vs Senior Pair."
Maria twirled her racket, glancing at Ren. "Come, chico. Warm up with me."
"Huh? Me?!" Ren nearly dropped his racket case.
Why me?! I'm not ready—I'll embarrass myself—
Daigo, leaning on the rail, muttered flatly, "Go. If she invited you, you don't refuse."
Shizuka's eyes narrowed from across the benches. She crossed her arms, ponytail swishing, but said nothing.
Ren stumbled onto the court beside Maria, heart pounding. The opponents were seniors—ranked academy players, eyes sharp.
I'm going to die here. I'll be roasted alive.
Maria winked. "Relax, chico. Just swing when you can. Leave the rest to me."
The match began.
The first rally lasted three shots. Maria intercepted with a lightning volley—bam!—point won.
The next, she danced back, lifted a lob, then leapt into an overhead smash. The ball curved, spinning like flame, slamming into the corner. The crowd gasped.
"Flamenco Smash!" someone shouted.
Ren stood frozen mid-court, mouth open. That wasn't just a shot... that was a performance.
Maria laughed, hair whipping. "Chico, your turn! Don't stand like a statue."
A ball came Ren's way, fast. He panicked, swung late—frame-hit! The ball still dribbled over the net. The crowd chuckled.
Maria clapped his shoulder. "Muy bien! See? You score, too."
Ren flushed. "That was an accident..."
Why does she make even my mistakes sound like achievements?
The exhibition went on. Maria covered 70% of the court, dazzling with smashes, delicate drop shots, sudden chiquitas to the opponents' feet. Ren managed a few blocks, guided by her loud, playful cues: "Yours, chico!" "Left foot, ahora!"
They won in straight sets, 6–2. The crowd applauded, entertained.
Maria bowed with a flourish, then pulled Ren's wrist up beside her, forcing him to bow too.
"Ladies and gentlemen, my new practice partner!"
The crowd laughed and cheered. Ren's face burned crimson. Wha—practice partner?! I didn't agree—!
From the benches, Haru whooped, "Ren's got game AND girls now!"
Shizuka's expression iced instantly. Her ears turned pink, jaw tight, though she muttered to no one: "...Ridiculous."
Maria leaned in close, her breath tickling Ren's ear. "Chico, you've got something. Rough, clumsy... but something. I like it."
Ren stiffened, heart hammering. Wh-what is she saying so casually?!
The holo-board above flickered: Maria Luz Exhibition Victory — Flamenco Smash Highlight Reel. Her name glowed beside Ren's, if only for a moment.
Maria's grin, dazzling under the lights, while Shizuka glares from the shadows.
Why do I feel like the match I just lost... wasn't on the court?