Chapter 34: It’s Just Myself

Chapter 34 - It's Just Myself"You're even neglecting your studies to play... Why?" Ayane asked again. Haruma with his eyes locked on the sky replied, "Because I want to win the World Cup!" his tone, cold, steady and resolute. Ayane let out a soft chuckle, "That's a nice dream," she said with her tone both amused and contemplative "But what will happen when life catches up? When you reach an age where you have to work, pay bills and earn money to survive, What then?" Haruma's brow knitted in confusion, "I'll play football." he replied in a puzzled tone. Ayane chuckled softly once again, "I did say that's it's a nice dream." Haruma's gaze sharpened, his voice firm, "So you're saying It's just a dream I can't achieve?" A heavy silence settled between them, broken only with the rhythmic sound of bicycle pedaling turning. After a moment, Ayane's voice cut through the silence, "Dreams aren't meant for everyone!" she said softly. Haruma's expressions didn't waver, his face an unreadable mask of stoicism. "There are thousands of people trying to achieve their dreams" Ayane said in a cold tone, as if saying the truth she firmly believes, "But it's just not meant for everyone. A time will come when you'll realize that what you're fighting for is not your fate, not your destiny, it's not something meant for you!" Ayane's tone grew colder as she continued, "Don't mind, but I've seen lots of boys entering the academy sharing the same dream. But where are they now? Some are doing private jobs, some are facing financial crises. Everyone is struggling in their lives." Ayane continues, "Since my childhood I've seen thousands entering the same academy as you. Out of those thousand only two or three are still playing, struggling to survive on the football field." She paused for a moment, then spoke up with a colder tone, "And Haruma... Sorry, but you're no different from them." Her statement hung heavy in the air. A big silence was over the scene with just the bicycle pedaling sound echoing around. Haruma's expression was devoid of any emotion, blankly staring at the sky. After a brief silence, the sound of their bicycle wheels faded as they arrived at the house. Without a word Haruma gets off the bicycle, while Ayane begins parking in quiet silence. "Fate." Haruma's soft voice broke the silence. Ayane paused with her hands still on the handlebars. She turns to Haruma, who was already staring at her with a stoic expression. Haruma's gaze remained fixed on her, unflinching, his voice cold and serious cut through as he spoke up. "Fate, Destiny, Luck... I don't believe in any of them, the only thing I believe in is myself!" Maintaining his gaze on Ayane Haruma continued, "And you may have seen many like me, but I can assure you one thing, starting from today you will never see anyone like me again!" Ayane was meeting her stare with neutral expressions, offering nothing but silence in response. "I will win the World Cup!" Haruma declared boldly "Even if I have to sacrifice my soul, my body, my heart... I will win the World Cup!" Ayane's gaze sharpened, her eyes narrowing as she was feeling the raw intensity in Haruma's eyes, who was staring at her with his jaw tight with inner fury. Without any other word, Haruma turned sharply and walked into the house. Leaving Ayane outside, who remained standing in silence... late at night, Inside Toru's mansion, the atmosphere was warm and lively. His friends and teammates from Hanaka were gathered in a cozy circle lounging on the couches, chatting and exchanging laughter. Rukia was sitting beside Toru, who was chatting with his friends with his arm casually draped around her shoulders. "Come on Toru, let's keep drinking!" One of his male friends urged, his voice lively and insistent. "No," Toru declined politely, "You all have to drive home, so it's dangerous for you all to get drunk!" "And think about Haruma," Rukia chimed in politely, "How are we supposed to welcome him if we're all already drunk!" One of Toru's male friends let out a chuckle, "What? Haruma? Are you still waiting for him?" He asked in a teasing tone, leaving Rukia momentarily puzzled. Toru smiled softly and he gently rubbed his hand on Rukia's shoulder, "Rukia I don't think he will join us now!" "Yeah," Another male friend added with a casual tone, "He's been scouted and will join the academy, why would he bother hanging out with small footballers like us?" "No, Haruma's not like that" Masaru interjected firmly, "He must have some other reasons!" "Come on Masaru!" A female friend chimed in, her voice filled with sarcasm, "Haven't you heard? He's been scouted by the Japan U-19 coach! He has been chosen! Of course he must be flying high right now." Masaru and Rukia's burrows were furrowed in confusion, unable to agree with others. With a smirk, another boy added, "Yeah definitely, he must be overconfident right now, thinking he can easily pass the academy and can secure a spot in the U19 World Cup." Rukia angrily sat up straight, her tone frustrated. "Haruma has definitely improved his game and maybe he is the best defender we ever had, and I'm confident he can pass this academy!" "Yeah me too!" Masaru added, matching her energy and frustration. "Alright, Alright guys it's enough" Toru chimed in, "We all wish Haruma the best of luck, may he get some luck in passing the academy." Suddenly a knock on the main door echoed, drawing everyone's eyes. The door creaked open and Haruma entered. Everyone's eyes widened in surprise, a joyous smile appearing on Rukia and Masaru's face. Quickly jumping on his feets, Masaru hastily walked towards Haruma saying, "My best buddy is here!" With a slight smile Haruma watched Masaru, before both sharing a warm hug. Pulling back from the hug, Masaru said, "I'm glad to see you here!" In response Haruma smiled and gave a slow nod. Just then Rukia with a big smile walked and stood next to Masaru facing Haruma. "Welcome, I'm glad you came." She said in a soft warm tone. Just then Toru and the rest of the friends walked and stood before Haruma. As Toru came he slid his arm around Rukia's shoulder and locking eyes with Haruma he said, "Welcome Haruma, I was waiting for you." Haruma gave a small smile before replying, "Sorry I'm late I had dinner plans with family" "To be honest we are surprised to see you here." One of the male friends added with a smile. Haruma glanced at that friend and replied, "Why? I was invited, wasn't I?" He turned to Toru. With a smile Toru said, "Of Course you were, we just didn't expect you to come so late but it's okay, and moreover congrats on being scouted!" he began clapping, followed by his friends. Rukia and Masaru with bright and genuine smiles were clapping, but the other's clapping didn't feel genuine. "Go and make us proud!" Masaru said enthusiastically. Toru with a smile chimed in, "Before that, let's sit and let's enjoy!" he announced, causing a wave of excitement to sweep through everyone. Everyone clicked the glasses of drink before drinking the shots. As Toru was about to drink something caught his attention, as he locked eyes on Haruma and said, "Ooh sorry Haruma, you didn't get a class, here have mine!" He extended the glass to Haruma who was sitting empty handed. "Ooh no, thank you, but I don't drink!" Haruma declined politely. "Wow, you really don't drink?" One of the male friends asked with amusement. "Yeah he doesn't, he never even touches it!" Masaru added with a smile. With a smile Toru then drank his shot, Rukia with her gaze fixed on Haruma, slowly drank her glass, her eyes not leaving Haruma for a moment, who was sitting with a faint smile looking at everyone enjoying. After an hour everyone seemed drunk. However Haruma sat undrunk, glancing at his wrist watch, before looking up he saw Rukia sitting on the couch in front of him with a smile gracing her face, she too seemed undrunk gazing at Haruma.