Chapter 3: A Mother’s Belief

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, as his gaze was locked onto Rukia standing by the building's exit. She stood frozen, her eyes wide with surprise as they met Haruma's. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, Haruma and Rukia both stared at each other, their face's mirroring the same shock and disbelief, the air between them heavy with unspoken words. Rukia then lowered her gaze, "Haruma we need to talk... just the two of us" her tone, soft. Haruma's eyes widened further, his heart racing uncontrollably, quickly looking down he took a shaky breath to steady himself. After a moment he exhaled deeply, regaining his composure. 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. Looking downwards, Rukia slowly approached and stopped in front of Haruma. She reached into her backpack, and 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 unreadable. 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. Rukia closed her eyes, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. After a moment she hesitantly began, "Because... Haruma saw me and toru were k-" "I saw them walking home together." Haruma interrupted her mid sentence, his 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 both stopped in their tracks and turned around, looking at her. 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 serious expressions, Haruma began, "Stop sharing your personal things with just anyones, it can damage your reputation." Rukia's eyes widened, his words hitting her like lightning. She stood frozen staring at him in utter shock. 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 towards the wall which struck off the target he marked on the wall. Letting out a frustrated roar, Haruma sank to the ground, sitting with heavy heart, his head dropped forward, staring at the grass beneath him, a deep silence settled 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?" Haruma 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. "That's amazing," His mother excitedly continued "And I promise I'll be there at every single game, cheering for you" her face shines with a bright smile. "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?" His words hung heavy in the air. His mother smiled warmly and placed a gentle hand under his chin before lifting his face, making him look at her. With a bright smile, she said "I'm still going to be there for you... Remember I might be your first fan, but I'm also your biggest fan! and your biggest supporter! and as your biggest fan I will keep supporting you no matter where and who you are!" Haruma stared at her with wide eyes, filled with surprise. 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 emotions. A warm smile spread across her face as she stepped forward and wrapped Haruma in a warm heartfelt hug... 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 into two teams" The coach continued, "One will be led by our captain Toru, and other by our vice captain 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 stared at the ground, his eyes widened. "I still have a chance?"