PXG LOCKER ROOM CHPT 286

The final whistle had long since faded, yet the Paris X Gen (PXG) locker room remained anything but calm.

The air was thick with sweat, frustration, and bruised egos. Jerseys hung over benches, tape littered the floor, and the distant sound of running showers barely masked the silence.

Every player was there.

Rin Itoshi sat in the corner, arms resting on his knees, his cold teal eyes fixed on the floor. He hadn't uttered a single word since the match ended.

Across from him, Ryusei Shidou lounged against a locker with an infuriating grin plastered across his face, twirling his shin guard in one hand."*Yo Char, your head good after that

Charles looks like a speical need child after tanking that kaiser impact

"😈😈 "

Tabito Karasu leaned against the wall with crossed arms, quietly watching everyone. His sharp eyes scanned the room, already reading the emotions nobody wanted to admit.

Zantetsu Tsurugi paced back and forth, still trying to process everything.

"So... are we mad? Happy? I seriously can't tell anymore..."

Tokimitsu Aoshi sat with his head lowered, nervously fidgeting with the bandages around his hands.

"I-I played terribly... Everyone probably thinks I'm useless..."

Nijiro Nanase quickly shook his head.

"No! You did great! We all gave it everything we had!"

Near the back of the room, Julian Loki stood with his arms folded, silently observing his team. His expression revealed nothing, but the pressure he gave off was enough to keep everyone from getting completely out of control.

No lectures.

No praise.

Just silence.

One by one, the players looked toward the locker room door as it slowly creaked open.

Every conversation stopped.

Every pair of eyes locked onto Loki

Rin narrowed his gaze.

Shidou's grin stretched even wider.

Charles spun the ball on one finger.

Karasu raised an eyebrow.

Nanase smiled in surprise.

Tokimitsu