Instinct

2. The Promise

Daiki's heart was heavy as he prepared to leave for the Seiryuu Football Academy. He had always known that this day would come, but it was still difficult to leave behind the people and the place he had grown up with. As he finished packing his bags, he couldn't help but think about his father. His father had been a professional football player in Japan, and it was his dream to see his son follow in his footsteps.

Daiki took a deep breath and looked at the picture of his father on his dresser. "Dad," he said, "this is the first step of our dream. I will become the best football player in the world." Tears filled his eyes as he spoke, and he couldn't help but cry.

His mother watched him from the doorway, trying to be discreet. She knew how hard it was for him to leave, and she couldn't help but feel sad. She cried silently as she watched her son talk to the picture.

As Daiki finished packing, his mother stopped him from saying goodbye to her and handed him a small box. "Don't open it until you're on the train," she said.

Daiki made his way to the train station, feeling a mix of excitement and sadness. As he walked through the station, he saw his teammates, his coach, and many other people who had come to see him off. He wanted to cry, but he held it in, wanting to go head high with pride.

Everyone was crying and saying goodbye to him, and Daiki felt overwhelmed with emotion. He thanked everyone and made his way onto the train. He found his seat and opened the box his mother had given him.

Inside was an old football and a letter from his mother. Daiki read the letter and began to cry again. "Daiki, I am not good with goodbyes, and I don't want to say goodbye to my son. I know that you are chasing your dreams, and as a mother, I will always be proud of you. You have to know that I will always be there for you, even if you fail. I am the happiest mother in the world with you as my son, and today proves it again. This football was from your dad when he was younger. It is a gift, and I am sure that he would like you to have this. Have fun and see you soon."

Daiki held the football in his hands and made another promise to himself. He promised that he would do everything in his power to make the people who cared about him proud. He promised that he wouldn't give up on his dreams, no matter what.

With renewed determination, Daiki wiped away his tears and took a deep breath. He was ready for whatever lay ahead.