Haruma and Masaru rushed through the school gates, their hurried footsteps echoing through.
As they both neared the school building, both came to an abrupt halt.
Haruma's breathing grew heavy, his gaze locked ahead where on the doorway of the school was standing Rukia. Her eyes were wide and locked on Haruma.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still, Haruma and Rukia both stared at each other, their faces mirroring the same shock and slight hesitation.
Rukia then lowered her gaze, and with a soft tone, she spoke.
"Haruma we need to talk… just the two of us"
Haruma's eyes widened further, his heart racing uncontrollably. He then quickly lowered his head and took a shaky breath to steady himself.
Appearing hesitant, Masaru muttered, "Alright, I'll be going then."
Haruma quickly raised his head looking up to Rukia with a newfound confidence, "You can talk in front of him," he said firmly.
Seeming hesitant and awkward, Rukia then looked downwards, and slowly began to approach Haruma, who stood his ground, his chest heaving.
She then came and stopped right in front of Haruma, reaching into her backpack, she pulled out a letter and held it out to him.
"I'm sorry" she said softly.
Masaru's face fell in disappointment, while Haruma stared blankly at the letter, his expressions blank and stoic.
Ruby hesitated before saying, "I'm sorry, and I think you can understand why I'm refusing."
Masaru frowned, clearly confused, "Why? What's the reason here?" he asked, slightly pissed.
Rukia closed her eyes, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. After a moment she hesitantly began, "Because… Haruma saw me and toru ki-"
"I saw them walking home together." Haruma interrupted her mid sentence with a voice, calm yet firm.
Rukia's eyes snapped open, wide with surprise.
Maintaining his firm tone, Haruma continued, "I saw them walking home together, but I didn't understand at that time, but now I know… He's the reason."
Masaru blinked, clearly surprised, slowly, he nodded in understanding.
Rukia slowly lifted her gaze up at Haruma, her expressions shifting from shock to confusion.
Taking that letter from Rukia's hand, Haruma curtly said "We will be going now, we have football practice."
Rukia stayed silent, her eyes fixed on Haruma, as if searching for answers in his eyes.
Haruma then turned his back on her and started walking away, Masaru followed.
Rukia was watching Haruma go in silence before she hesitated and softly called out, "Haruma!"
Both Haruma and Masaru stopped in their tracks and turned around, looking at her over their shoulders.
Avoiding their gaze Rukia lowered her face and spoke quietly, "Can I talk to you alone for a second?"
Haruma looks at Masaru who gives a small nod before walking away, leaving them alone.
Haruma then turned his gaze back on Rukia. She looked up at him and gently asked, "Why did you lie to him?"
Maintaining his stoic face, Haruma just began, "Stop sharing your personal things with just anyone, it can damage your reputation."
She stood frozen, her eyes were wide with both shock and confusion, his words hitting her like lightning. Haruma then turned around and started walking away in the distance…
In the dead of the night. Haruma was in the same park, juggling a football under a dim glow of the yellow light.
His dustied uniform and sweat-soaked face told the story of hours of relentless practice since the school day ended.
His focus seemed unshaken, yet his mind was a storm where flashbacks of Toru and Rukia's kiss burned in his memory, flashing before his eyes like a cruel loop.
His jaw clenched tightly and with a surge of frustration he kicked the ball hard, firing it towards the wall which struck off the target once again.
Letting out a frustrated roar, Haruma sank on his knees with a heavy heart, staring at the grass beneath him while a suffocating silence settled all over him…
Later that night, Haruma entered his apartment and was surprised to find his mother still awake, sitting on the floor waiting for him.
As soon as she saw Haruma, her face lit up with a joyous smile.
"Mom, why are you still awake?" He asked, confusion evident in his tone.
Beaming with happiness, his mother rushed over and pulled him into a tight hug.
Still confused, Haruma asked, "What happened, mother?"
Pulling back from the hug she looks at him with bright, excited eyes, "You're going to play in the All-School-Cup!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with pride.
Haruma expressions darkened with sadness, his grip on the strap of his bag loosening in helpless defeat.
"That's amazing," His mother excitedly continued "And I promise I'll be there at every single game, cheering for you." Her eyes were shining with pure thrill..
"No," Haruma muttered, his head lowered, his tone heavy.
Her smile faltered and confusion crossed her face, "Why not?" she asked gently.
Keeping his head down, Haruma began, "How can you cheer for a water boy?"
The words hung heavy in the air.
His mother then smiled warmly and placed a gentle hand under his chin to lift his face, making him look at her.
With a faint, warm smile, she said. "I'm still going to be there for you… Remember I might be your first fan, but I'll always be your biggest fan!"
Haruma's eyes widened at her words, quickly shimmering with tears.
Keeping her smile warm, she added, "And as your biggest fan I will keep on supporting you no matter where and who you are!"
Haruma stared at her with wide tearful eyes, filled with shock.
His mother's smile grew even warmer as she added, "And I'm sure that one day you won't just play… you will dominate! and you'll see me in the crowds cheering louder than anyone else!"
Haruma fist clenched tightly as he fought back the tears welling up in his eyes,
"M-Mother"
He began with a shaky voice.
"I promise that one day I'll bring the world at your feets"
His mother's eyes widened in surprise before softening with overwhelmed pride. And with a warm smile playing on her face she stepped forward and wrapped Haruma in a warm heartfelt hug
Haruma stood still, fist clenched at his sides, fighting himself to not break in loud sobs…
Early the next morning, on the football field of the Hanaka High School, the entire team was engrossed in practice, including Haruma and Masaru.
Each and every player seemed determined and focused, some dribbling through cones, others working on one-touch passing, While few were practicing heading drills.
As the practice was progressing, The coach of the team named Kenta, a man in his late thirties, blew the whistle sharply, signalling everyone to line up.
All the players quickly complied, forming a neat line before him.
The coach standing before them began, "In three days we will play our first game of the All-School-Cup."
All the players were listening to him with complete focus.
The coach continued, "I have no doubt that each and every one of you is a very skilled player, but to enter the field we need our starting eleven, and it's been very tough for me to choose between you all. So after discussing with the school's management, we've decided that we will have a Football match among us to finalize the team."
Excitement rippled through all the players, a smile appeared on each and everyone's faces and the air buzzed with anticipation.
"We'll divide you all into two teams. One will be led by Toru, and the other by Shino. This is a chance for everyone, even Toru and Shino's spot isn't guaranteed yet… Everyone's selection will be decided by your performance in this match, which will take place today after school."
A wave of excitement and determination swept through the players, all seemed ready and determined.
Meanwhile Haruma stood still, staring down at the ground with his eyes widened and fist clenched.
"I still have a chance?"