The morning mist clung to the ground, a gentle reminder of the early hour as young Mattias stood in the centre of the dojo. The room, a serene space of polished wooden floors and traditional Japanese décor was filled with the faint scent of incense. His grandfather, Master Hiroshi Takeda, a stern man with a powerful presence, stood before him. With greying hair tied back into a neat bun and eyes that seemed to pierce through to one's soul, Hiroshi embodied the spirit of discipline and honour.
"Mattias, today we will practice the Tsuki Waza technique," Hiroshi announced, his voice carrying the weight of generations of martial arts mastery.
Mattias, eager to impress, nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Grandfather," he replied, his young voice filled with determination.
They moved through the intricate steps of the technique, Mattias mimicking his grandfather's every move. But as they progressed, Mattias's concentration wavered. His foot slipped, his stance faltered, and the precision of his movements was lost. In that critical moment, he missed his mark.
Hiroshi's face hardened, disappointment etched in his features. "Mattias, you lack focus. Martial arts is not just about physical strength but also about mental discipline," he reprimanded, his tone heavy with disapproval.
Mattias felt a crushing weight settle on his shoulders, the burden of his family's expectations pressing down on him. He bowed his head, shame burning his cheeks. "I'm sorry, Grandfather. I will do better," he promised, though the words felt hollow in the face of his failure.
Hiroshi sighed, his gaze softening slightly. "Remember, Mattias, our family's legacy is built on honour and excellence. You must strive to uphold it."
Years passed, but the memory of his grandfather's disappointment never left Mattias. It became a silent spectre, haunting his every move, a constant reminder of the pressures of his family's success. He immersed himself in his studies and extracurricular activities, determined to excel in every aspect of his life. Yet, the fear of failing loomed over him like a dark cloud.
"Hey, Mattias! Are you okay?" Dauntay's voice broke through his reverie, snapping Mattias back to the present.
They were back in Brightside, the restaurant buzzing with the lunchtime rush. Mattias blinked, disoriented for a moment, before focusing on Dauntay's concerned expression. "Yeah, I'm fine," he lied, forcing a smile.
"You sure? You seemed lost in thought," Dauntay pressed, not entirely convinced.
Mattias shrugged it off, not wanting to burden his friend with his past. "Just thinking about the restaurant, There's a lot to do," he said, hoping to divert the conversation.
Before Dauntay could respond, the door to Brightside swung open, and a group of random customers filed in, drawn by the enticing aromas wafting through the air. The restaurant's ambience, with its warm lighting and cosy decor, was perfect for the lunchtime crowd.
"Alright, let's get to work," Mattias said, shaking off the lingering thoughts of his past as he and Dauntay began to attend to the customers.
The restaurant got busy, and the flurry of activity distracted Mattias from his thoughts. He worked alongside his team, ensuring everything ran smoothly. By the time the lunch rush subsided, he was exhausted but satisfied with their performance.
Later that day, after class had ended, Mattias found himself in the school cafeteria. The hum of student chatter filled the air as he grabbed his lunch and scanned the room. He spotted Amara sitting alone at a table, the same girl who had helped him with the injured cat that morning. He wanted to talk to her but hesitated when he saw Izaak approaching her table.
YOU ARE READING
LOVE4YOU
Romance20-year-old Mattias Armani recently opened a Restaurant called, "Brightside" after saving up for his first deposit as soon as he came back to England with his parents. He had always dreamed about having his very own restaurant as he's biggest dream...
