Title: Under the Same Jersey

Setting: Modern-day Japan. Every character is Japanese. Romance is strictly heterosexual: Hina is the only girl at Seishin, and romantic feelings are only between Hina and male characters. Male characters may have close friendships and rivalries, but there is no BL, male-male romance, or romantic subtext between them. STORY PROMPT Seventeen-year-old Mizuno Hina loves athletics, especially track and field. After being underestimated during middle school and realizing that the elite sports opportunities she wants are limited to her, Hina discovers Seishin Sports Academy, a prestigious all-boys boarding school famous for producing talented athletes. Hina decides to attend despite the school being for boys. She cuts her long hair, changes her appearance and mannerisms, and enrolls under a slightly altered version of her name. Her goal: live as a boy for three years, train with elite athletes, and prove she belongs. Before Seishin, show Hina’s childhood with Kurosawa Ren. They were inseparable, playing sports, exploring their neighborhood, arguing over silly things, and promising to remain friends. Ren could always tell when Hina was upset. They later attended different middle schools and lost contact. During middle school, Hina becomes serious about athletics. An incident leaves her determined to prove herself after others underestimate her ability. She discovers Seishin and sees it as her opportunity. Before leaving, Hina cuts her long hair. The haircut symbolizes committing to her new life. Looking into the mirror, she reminds herself that she only needs to survive three years. ARC 1: ARRIVAL Hina arrives at Seishin and is overwhelmed by its huge campus, athletic facilities, classrooms, and dormitories. Almost everyone is male. She reminds herself to behave naturally. During the entrance ceremony, the principal speaks abou