It was finally the day, the day I'll leave this place and go join the others. We'll, it was pretty obvious that that was the day, but guess what.
*Where the fuck is the coach?!*
I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time, wondering if I'd been forgotten.
Just as I started to worry, a small figure approached me. It was the little kid who had been in charge of the program, around my age but with a confident air about him. He had taken an interest in me during the training, often watching me with an intensity that made me feel uneasy.
"Hey, you're Atsushi, right?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm Kenji. I was in charge of this program."
*Of course I know him, he's been grinning at me for the past one week.*
I nodded, surprised by his directness. "Yeah, that's me. Nice to meet you, Kenji."
Kenji grinned mischievously. "Want to play a one-on-one match? I want to see if you're as good as you seem."
I hesitated, unsure if I was ready for another intense match. But Kenji's enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself agreeing.
The game was intense, with both of us giving it our all. Kenji was quick and agile, but I managed to keep up, using the skills I'd honed during the training I had to go through before now.
In the end, Kenji conceded defeat, panting and grinning. "You're really good, Atsushi. I didn't expect you to be this strong."
I smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. "Thanks, Kenji. You're not bad yourself."
"Yeah, I can see why Coach chose you as your teams captain. You've got potential." He said nodding.
"Yeah, not at all, I'm just normal."
After Kenji left,I saw the Coach's car pull up.
*He finally came, thank goodness.* I thought, walking towards him.
"I'm really sorry Atsushi-kun, traffic was a nightmare." He said as I smiled while walking into the car.
"No problem, I'm really tired." I said yawning.
"Yeah, I saw you with Kenji." He said.
"Oh, yeah. We had a real quick match. The guy's really good." I said as he smiled before starting the car.
"That kid, he's Itsuomi's son." The coach said.
"Itsuomi-san?" I asked a bit shocked.
"Yes, he loves playing soccer too. He stopped because of the duty he had to perform as the heir to the Fujita household."
"Hmm... so Itsuomi-san is a kind of big shot here."
"Kinda."
We got back a little late since we had to buy some stuff for the others.
"Atsushi!!!" Ryuto called as the others looked up at me.
"You finally came back." Akatsuki said smiling at me.
"Welcome home, captain." Akaji said.
"Oh! Atsushi's back." Chika said walking down the stairs with the other girls.
I looked up at Akane and smiled at her as she looked away before walking back to her room.
"Hey. Akane." Hinami called.
*Huh? Did I do something wrong?* I thought, pointing at myself.
"We prepared something. Why don't you come and eat." Teijiro said, walking out of the kitchen while smiling at me.
"Oh, Teijiro." I called smiling while walking to a seat.
"Oh, so that's what happened." Ryuto said.
"Must have been hard for you huh?" Yusuke said, shaking his head pitifully.
"I don't think I'd have stayed longer if I was being avoided that way." Koenji said.
"Well, you came back in one piece and that's all that matters." Akatsuki said smiling.
*What's wrong? Why did she ignore me?* I thought, rubbing the nape of my neck while smiling back at her.
"You guys. Good news." The coach said.
It was already two weeks After the captain training.
"What good news?" Suzune asked.
"You all are free to go back to your world, just for a break though." The coach said.
"WHAT?!!!!" The others shouted as the Coach covered his ears.
"Shut up!!!" He shouted.
"What do you mean, coach?" I asked.
"The higher-ups have decided to let you guys have a short break, probably to rest your brains before the tournament phase." He explained.
"Haha, I'm already packing up!!" Ryuto shouted, already up the stairs.
"You really don't calm down." Akatsuki said.
"When are we going?" Akaji asked.
*Home... I don't have anything to look forward to at home.* I thought, biting my lower lip.
"Today, you guys will be leaving today."
*Might as well stay back here.*
"Coach can..."
"Ni one would be allowed to stay back because the higher-ups have some reconstructions to do."
*Oh...*
"Hmm, you wanted to speak... Atsushi-kun." The coach said.
"It's nothing, Coach." I said, forcing a smile.
"Okay."
*Tch... I still have the diner to look after. Might as well look forward to that.* I thought.
"Ha... this place looks kind of different from what I remember. Must be because I've been away for some years." I said, walking into the diner.
"Oh, Atsushi boy." An old man called walking towards me.
"Good evening, sir." I greeted while bowing slightly.
"Looks like you're back from your travel." He said.
"Travel?"
"Oh, Atsushi opened up today."
"You're right!"
"Atsushi-kun, how have you been?"
"Any customers yet?"
*I don't get what's going on but, yeah. Will try and make the best of my one month break.* I thought, smiling at them.