You stood just inside the door, your bag heavy on your shoulder. Across the court, Akira was laughing, holding a water bottle out to Tanaka Ryunosuke. He took it with a wide grin, saying something that made her cover her mouth with her hand.

Near the benches, Ennoshita Chikara was listening intently as Akira pointed at a clipboard, her other hand gesturing broadly. He nodded along, his expression serious in a way it rarely was when you offered the same advice last week.

No one had looked up when you entered. No one called out a greeting. The space you usually occupied by the equipment cart felt like it had already been filled, even though it was empty.