Cote: Elite in Action

Kayden - Part 6

—Kay! Kay! —a sweet, childish voice called out Kayden's name, full of energy.

—What is it, Sakurako? —Kayden responded calmly, without taking his eyes off the book he was holding. The young man was sitting on a park bench, right where he had spent most of his afternoons over the past year. Many things had changed during that time, especially the closeness he had developed with little Sakurako.

The girl leaned slightly toward him, gently stroking her long brown hair.

—I think your hair is too long... Do you want me to cut it? —she asked with a charming smile.

Kayden let out a soft sigh and shook his head, without stopping reading.

—It might be a bit long... but the answer is a resounding no —he replied firmly.

Sakurako puffed out her cheeks, making an adorable pout.

—Kay! Don't you trust me? My aunt has been teaching me how to cut hair for quite some time. I know how to do it! —she said, placing a hand on her chest with an air of confidence.

Kayden raised an eyebrow, slightly curious.

—Oh, really? And how many people have you left without ears in the process?

The girl puffed her cheeks even more, offended.

—None! I've only practiced on one person... —she mumbled.

—Your cousin, I suppose? —Kayden guessed with a slight smile.

—Yes! His name is Shouei Barou. He's amazing at playing soccer —she replied proudly.

—I see... —Kayden couldn't say he was particularly interested in that Barou guy, but soccer did spark a bit of curiosity.

Suddenly, Sakurako lit up as if she had just had a great idea.

—Kay! Would you like to come watch tomorrow afternoon's game? My aunt invited me, but I'd like you to come with me. Please! —she said, looking at him with bright eyes and putting on her best puppy-dog face.

Kayden closed the book and looked at the girl. That expression was hard to refuse.

—If your aunt agrees, I wouldn't mind going with you —he finally agreed.

—Yeah! —Sakurako exclaimed, throwing herself at him to hug him enthusiastically.

As Kayden gave her a few light pats on the head, he couldn't help but think about soccer. He had never played it, only seen it on TV when he was at Sakurako's house. The girl's father was passionate about the sport, so the occasional play had caught his attention.

For some reason, he now felt a certain excitement about seeing how boys his age played. Maybe soccer wasn't as boring as he had thought. For some reason, he wished the day would pass quickly so he could watch the game.

...

Disappointment. That was the only word that crossed Kayden's mind as he watched the game Sakurako had invited him to.

—Wow, look, Kay! Barou has already scored three goals! He's really good! —Sakurako exclaimed with a bright smile, not taking her eyes off the field.

—Of course, Saku. My little Barou is the best —said Hina proudly. Sakurako's aunt and Barou's mother couldn't help but brag about her son whenever she had the chance. Like any mother, she was his biggest fan.

The atmosphere in the stands was lively, with constant cheers and applause. Kayden, Sakurako, and Hina were in the front row, where they had a perfect view of the match. Right in front of them were the coaches of both teams, shouting instructions at their players.