Chapter 28: Conquering The Hanaka

Chapter 28 - Conquering The HanakaToru with a mix of confused and worried voice asks, "Haruma? aren't you supposed to be in the hospital?" "Yeah!" Masaru added, his tone equally puzzled "What are you doing here?" Haruma, seeming serious, began, "Toru, can I have the trophy for a second?" The group's confusion deepend, unable to understand why Haruma is here and what he is up to. Toru, initially confused, broke into a smile, "Yeah sure," he said warmly before extending the trophy for Haruma. Haruma's gaze briefly moved over the trophy before he took it into his hands, his expressions as serious as ever. "Thanks" he muttered in a hushed tone, before turning and walking away. Toru and the others watched in confusion, their eyes following Haruma as he made his way towards his mother, who was standing some distance away. Everyone stood frozen, their eyes wide in confusion. Rukia and Masaru were confused too watching Haruma approaching his mother. Haruma's mother stood a distance away, covering her mouth with trembling hands. Tears silently streaming down her eyes, her sobs silent and deep, raw emotion clear in every tremor of her body. With the trophy gleaming in his hands, Haruma stood before his mother, his eyes locking with her. In a swift single motion, Haruma thrust the trophy into the ground at her feets, the sharp sound of metal striking the earth cut through the tense silence. The group stood frozen, their eyes wide with shock, an unsettling chill creeping down their spines as they were observing at the scene before them. Haruma's mother's sobs grew more desperate, though still muffled behind her trembling hands, her body shaking with each cry. Haruma remained bent over, holding his posture of thrusting the trophy in the ground. His face was steely, his expressions stoic, eyes lowered focusing on the trophy. The silence between them felt thick and heavy with unspoken emotions. "Mother," Haruma's voice was soft, yet carrying a quiet intensity, "Start counting!" he said in a determined voice. The mother's sobs deepend, her body trembling more with each passing moment, as if the words of his words left her unable to stand still. Toru, Masaru and the others were watching the scene with wide stunned eyes. While Rukia was watching with a look of quiet concern, tears slightly welling up in her eyes, her heart heavy as she took in the raw emotions between mother and son. Haruma's mother, overwhelmed with desperate sobs, began to shake, her body struggling to stay upright under the weight of her emotions. Rukia, noticing Haruma's mother's struggle, immediately moved towards her, and with gentle hands she supported her, gently guiding her to a nearby bench. Once there, Rukia carefully helped her sit, her hands softly stroking her back in a comforting rhythm, as the sobs continued to shake Haruma's mother, her tears flowing freely. Haruma with his expression still stoic, straightened up, holding the trophy firmly in his hands, he began walking back towards Toru. Once there, Without a word, Haruma gives the trophy back to Toru, his eyes locked onto his. Toru's confusion easen and he broke into a soft smile, "Looks like you are aiming to win a lot of trophies" he said. Masaru grinned widely, cheerfully adding, "Yeah, and It's just the beginning for him!" Haruma slightly smiled, and said, "I'm looking forward to playing with you guys, for now, I have to leave!" "Haruma!" Toru called out, his voice soft, "Tomorrow, I'm hosting a big celebration at my house, and you are coming, I won't hear any excuses!" Haruma's lips curved into a faint smile, his gaze softening as he slowly nodded. Toru's smile widened with excitement, as he spoke, "Great! rest up for today, and let's celebrate tomorrow, and after tomorrow, we'll train. Just to let you all know, we are qualifying for another local football tournament!" Masaru and Toru's other friends burst into cheers, laughter filling the air, as they celebrate the exciting news. While Haruma was watching them celebrate with a faint smile. After a moment his smile faded, and he turned around to find her mother still in tears with Rukia still on her side, comforting her. Haruma walked over, and stood before his mother, "Mother, we should get going now." he said softly. Rukia, still worried, glanced at Haruma and spoke with care, "Haruma, if you need my help then please don't hesitate to ask." her voice was warm. Haruma glanced at her, and slowly shook his head in denial, "Right now I don't, but thanks for asking" Rukia hesitated, uncertainty clear in her eyes, but she still slowly nodded in agreement, though she remained seated next to Haruma's mother. "Rukia you should get going too" Haruma said in a low tone, "They are waiting for you." Rukia, with her concern growing quickly, rose to her feet up, facing Haruma she said, "I'll send you a text so you'll have my number, I know you don't have any other female in your house, so If you need any help, don't hesitate to reach out." Haruma, with his expressions stoic, gave a slow, acknowledging nod. With a final worried glance at the mother, Rukia turned and walked towards Toru and the others. Joining them they all together began walking away. Haruma's mother quickly wiped away her tears, standing up and gently cupping Haruma's cheeks, a pure, proud smile spreading across her face. "I'm so proud of you Haruma," she said, her voice filled with warmth, "Your hardwork has finally paid off." Haruma smiled back and nodded in silent agreement. Just then her phone began to ring, breaking the moment and drawing both of their attention. She quickly pulled her phone from her purse, glancing at the screen. "It's Mr.Takinami," she said before quickly answering the phone. Her voice shifted as she began discussing some work details with him. Meanwhile, Haruma was watching his mother in silence, his smile slowly fading, and his mind began to race. "My hard work hasn't paid off yet!" "It won't pay off until I get revenge!" "Revenge for every second you've suffered, for every tear and drop of blood you've shed." Haruma's thoughts were low yet filled with simmering rage, "Nothing has changed for me! And it never will, until I trash that old man!" His eyes burned with fierce determination and intensity, an intense fire blazing in them. Just then, his mother extended the phone to him, and said, "Haruma, Mr.Takinami wants to talk to you!" Confused, Haruma hesitated before taking the phone, pressing it on his ear, "Hello?" he said. "Haruma!" Ryusei's voice came through, warm and sincere, "Congrats on winning!" Haruma's confusion deepend, "How do you know?" he asked, his tone edging with surprise. A soft giggle echoed from the Ryusei's side, "I watched your game, live!" Haruma's eyes widened in shock, "How?" he asked, almost instantly. "Since your mother is going to attend a meeting, why don't you join me for a drink? I'll tell you everything once you're here" Ryusei asked, his tone light and inviting. Haruma gave a slight nod before replying, "Alright, I'll be there." "I'm waiting," Ryusei said before ending the call. Haruma lowered the phone, his gaze shifting to his mother, "Mom, after dropping you, I'll go meet Mr.Takinami." The mother smiled and gave a soft nod and replied, "You don't have to drop me, I'll take a public bus, you should get going." Haruma smiled softly, nodding in acknowledgment, before turning around and walking away into the distance. His mother watched him leave with a warm proud smile gracing her face.