Tracing Memories

7: T a k e . y o u r . b e s t . s h o t

Soon it was the time of the year the soccer club had been waiting for eagerly, the Football Frontier. The whole team had prepared for it since the beginning and practiced for endless hours so that they could win this and be the best team.

Finally the day came when we found out who our opponents would be. Nosei Junior High was the name. Upon finding out more, the team realized that they needed more special moves than they already had. It was decided that you and Kabeyama would practice the new move. The time was running out and the move had to be perfect.

Everyone practiced all day but you and Kabeyama had special responsibilities on your shoulders and you both worked hard for it. While Kabeyama practiced with Endou, you practiced with Kazemaru and Someoka. I was amazed at the amount of hard-work and concentration you were putting into it. It was like you were in your own zone and no one could distract you; not even your own limits.

The sun had already set by the time everyone decided to end the practice and call it a day. I looked over to you and found you completely exhausted. As you perfectly landed on your feet from jumping off of a support system made by Kazemaru and Someoka's hands, you smiled at your success before falling onto the ground next moment. I gasped seeing this and wanted to run up to you to make sure you were okay but before I could do that Someoka and Kazemaru reached you and helped you get up.

I insisted on walking with you to your home that day. You protested saying you were fine and could go alone but it was easy to see you were lying. When you kept refusing again and again I lied that one of my friends lived near your house and I was going that way.

As we walked with a slow pace I couldn't help but look at you with both, admiration and concern. I wondered if you always pushed your limits like this to excel at this game you loved so much. I liked how you struggled for success but I also feared that if you kept doing it you would hurt yourself seriously.

"Ah!" You stumbled and winced. I immediately rushed to support you and keep you from falling. I then let you sling your arm across my shoulders while my hand supported your back.

"Thanks." You muttered, somehow managing to smirk even through the pain.

"Why did you have to overexert yourself?" I mumbled in a concerned voice.

"Because we need to be ready with our best shot if we want to win against Nosei Junior High." was your response.

"But look at yourself. You can barely walk." I replied, worry evident in my voice.

"I'm fine, Riye. You worry too much." You said turning your face towards me. I looked up at you and found you smiling. I was confused how you could be so relaxed even when you could hardly walk. Maybe you were right. Maybe I did worry too much but it was only because I cared for you too much.

Suddenly, I snapped out of my thoughts and realized how close we were; so close I could feel your hot breath falling on my face. Your eyes were still sparkling even though you were exhausted. I found myself spellbound by them just for a moment.

"Let's get you home." I muttered looking away, hiding my possibly pink cheeks with my hair and taking a step forward making you move with me.

A/N: This chapter is so rushed ugh. Ironically, not my best shot.

Thank you @AleMaria036 for your continued support on this book.Hope you like this chapter too. :)

A/n 2 : Guys, if you like this story please don't forget to VOTE and COMMENT.I'd love to hear from you what you guys think of it so far. Please don't hesitate.