A Ghoul In Tempest

Chapter 3: School Days

As Hikaru stepped into the bustling hallways of middle school for the first day, he felt a familiar mix of excitement and nerves that seemed to accompany every new beginning. But this time, there was something different. His mind kept drifting back to the bright arenas, roaring crowds, and strategic plays he'd seen during pro Overwatch matches on the big screen at home. Watching the best players in the world with his family had become a weekly tradition, one that filled their living room with awe and admiration. Now, he couldn't shake the feeling that he wanted to be out there himself one day, not just watching but competing—living in the thrill of each second, each calculated move. With Ai Hoshino's songs playing softly in his earbuds, he felt her words urging him forward: "Dream big, don't hold back."

During his first few years of middle school, finding friends was tougher than Hikaru expected. He'd hoped to bond with classmates over Overwatch and the pro scene, but most people didn't share his excitement—or even understand it. Whenever he brought up a highlight from last weekend's match, he'd get blank stares or polite nods before they steered the conversation elsewhere. He started feeling like an outsider, caught between his growing passion for Overwatch and the fact that no one else seemed to get it. His family's support was unwavering, but at school, he felt isolated, as if his love for esports was somehow invisible. Lunchtimes became quieter affairs, with Hikaru scrolling through game clips on his phone, imagining himself surrounded by teammates who actually understood the thrill of every victory and loss.

Just when Hikaru was beginning to accept that he might be the only one interested in Overwatch, he overheard two students debating a recent tournament match near the gym. His heart leapt at the familiar names and strategies they discussed, and he gathered the courage to introduce himself. To his relief, they welcomed him into their conversation, and for the first time, he felt a glimmer of belonging. They bonded over their shared passion for the game, discussing favorite players, strategies, and matches as if they'd known each other for ages. But his excitement didn't last long—when some classmates overheard him mention B-Komachi and his admiration for Ai Hoshino, he was met with mocking laughter. They teased him for listening to "idol music," calling it childish and strange, and Hikaru felt his confidence waver. Even so, he stood his ground, refusing to let their words take away his admiration for Ai.

As soon as Hikaru entered high school, he set his sights on a new goal: forming an Overwatch team. Determined, he began searching for anyone who shared his dedication to the game. After weeks of scouting and countless conversations, he finally found four others who were as passionate as he was. There was Kenji, the quick-thinking support who prided himself on keeping teammates alive under pressure; Satoshi, a skilled tank player with an eye for reading opponents' moves; Hiro, a sharpshooter DPS with precision to rival the pros; and Yuto, a flexible all-rounder who could fill any role in a pinch, but mainly plays support. Together, they formed a scrappy but determined team, excited to enter the high school league. As they started training together, Hikaru felt, for the first time, like he was right where he belonged.

The start of the season was a harsh reality check. Hikaru and his team entered each match with high hopes, only to face relentless defeats that cut deeper with every game. Ten losses in a row left them feeling frustrated and exhausted, and even Hikaru began to doubt if they'd ever make it as a team. Just when they were on the brink of giving up, their school introduced a coach—a former pro gamer who had seen his share of challenges. Under his guidance, they learned to rework their strategies, strengthen communication, and refine their skills. Slowly but surely, they started to feel like a real team, learning from each failure and pushing each other to improve. The season began to turn around, and with each small victory, their confidence grew.

By the end of the season, Hikaru's team had defied all odds, securing a spot in the high school playoffs—a LAN event hosted in Osaka, in the same building where Ai Hoshino had held her final concert. The weight of the moment was almost surreal, but it only fueled Hikaru's resolve to give his all. Game after game, their team outperformed expectations, climbing through the playoff bracket with each victory. Hikaru played like never before, making bold, calculated moves that left their opponents stunned and his teammates inspired. As they advanced, he felt Ai's presence in that familiar space, as if her spirit was cheering him on, pushing him to reach new heights. By the time they reached the grand finals, Hikaru knew this was only the beginning of his journey, but it was already the proudest moment of his life. In the crowd, Aiko and Daichi watched with pride and awe, hardly able to believe how far Hikaru had come. They cheered louder than anyone, their hearts swelling as they saw the passion and determination in their son's eyes, a reflection of their own dreams coming to life through him.