THE PAIN - Inazuma Eleven Go Fanfic

CHAPTER 55: FORTHCOMING

The next day, Arion and Froy found themselves in a cozy corner of a bustling café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and pastries filling the air. The café was a quaint, charming place with wooden tables and soft, ambient lighting that created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The chatter of other patrons and the clinking of cups provided a comforting backdrop to their conversation.

Arion took a sip of his caramel latte, savoring the sweetness. "It's been too long since we've had a chance to just sit and talk like this, Froy-nii," he said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.

Froy smiled, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah, life has a way of pulling us in different directions. But it's good to finally catch up. So, tell me, how have you been? Really."

Arion looked thoughtful, stirring his drink absently. "I've been good, I suppose."

Froy raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of his coffee. "Are you sure? It seems like there's more to it than that. I know you've been through a lot lately. After learning the truth about your mother, I understand you and won't push it further."

Arion stared down at his cup, the weight of Froy's words settling over him. The café's background noise seemed to fade, leaving just the two of them in their shared moment of understanding.

Froy watched him closely and then spoke gently. "And I know for sure, Aunt Azure would always be proud of you, no matter what. Don't let anything stop you from doing what you love. We're always here for you."

Arion felt a warmth spread through him, the tension easing from his shoulders. "Arigatou, Froy-nii."

Froy brushed Arion's hair affectionately, smiling at his cousin's renewed expression. "There you go. That's the Arion we love."

"Froy-nii, you're messing up my hair," Arion protested, trying to fend off his cousin's playful attack.

Froy chuckled, letting his hand drop. "You know, it's not that bad having your hair blond," he said with a teasing glint in his eye. "Though, I always thought dark hair suited you better."

Arion rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "It's not my fault my hair ended up blond in the first place. But, honestly, I kind of like it now."

Froy grinned. "Well, it does make you stand out. And if you like it, that's all that matters. Besides, you've got the confidence to pull off any look."

Arion smiled, feeling more at ease. "Thanks, Froy-nii. I guess change isn't always a bad thing."

Froy nodded thoughtfully. "Exactly. Sometimes change is just what we need to find our true selves."

The café's ambiance seemed to wrap around them like a warm embrace, the hum of conversation and clinking of cups creating a comforting background to their heartfelt exchange.

"By the way, Arion, there's something you haven't told me," Froy said, leaning back in his chair and giving his cousin a knowing look.

"What is it?" Arion replied, feigning ignorance. He had a feeling he knew what Froy was getting at but decided to let him steer the conversation.

"There were many things that bothered me yesterday," Froy began, resting his chin on his hand. His eyes locked onto Arion's with a penetrating gaze. "Aside from the main topic of our meeting, I sensed something else was going on. Something unspoken."

"What makes you think that?" Arion asked, keeping his composure and taking a deliberate sip of his drink.

Froy continued to study him, his gaze unwavering. "Do you think I didn't notice anything, Arion?" he challenged, leaning forward slightly.