Tracing Memories

16: W e i g h t l e s s

Once again we found our team facing an old enemy. We were determined to stand strong no matter how powerful the opposite team may be. To add to our disadvantage, Fubuki had to leave the match because he had been unwell for some time and his condition worsened during the match.

More than halfway through, our team had managed to keep the score tied but they failed to score another point again and again. The match was near its end and we were getting more anxious by the minute.

Just then the ball rolled off the field and someone stopped it. We all held our breaths to see who it was since his face was hidden. He walked towards the field and finally revealed his face. I was stunned as soon as I saw who it was.

It was you!

You had finally come back. I couldn't believe my eyes for a second and, to be honest, everyone else had the same reaction as well. My happiness knew no bounds upon seeing you. It all felt like a dream. I flopped down onto the bench astounded beyond imagination.

You then put on your old jersey and immediately walked into the field. When the game started everyone was amazed to see your plays. You had gotten a lot stronger than before. As you unleashed your new special move "Bakunetsu Storm" we all watched it score the winning goal awestruck and speechless.

As soon as the match was over, I ran towards the field and without caring that people saw us, I hugged you. You stumbled back a little by the force of which I had run towards you but you managed to retain your balance. I found myself crying again but this time I was happy. You softly patted my head a couple of times and I could tell you must have been smiling.

Wiping the tears, I looked up at you, "Where were you?" I finally asked.

"It's a long story." Was all you said.

Suddenly I became aware of my surrounding and blushed immensely when I realized the way I had hugged you in front of everyone. Slowly and sheepishly I made my way back to the bench and dropped down on it leaving you to talk to your teammates.

Coach Hitomiko later told us the real reason she kicked you out of the team and we realized she did it to protect you. I now felt guilty for jumping to conclusions and getting angry at her when all she was doing was looking out for us as a coach would.

After dinner, I decided to take a walk in the nearby area before going to sleep. I could finally enjoy the nocturnal atmosphere again, without any worry in my mind. I stood facing the sea, the cold air blowing through my hair, I closed my eyes to take in the serenity.

When I opened my eyes a couple seconds later I found you standing beside me. I immediately exclaimed,

"When did you get here?"

"Just now." You answered with a smirk.

I did not say anything further. I kept staring at the sea with a faint smile on my face. Now everything was perfect, with you beside me. My heart felt weightless as the sadness had evaporated and only happiness and tranquility rained down on it.

"How have you been?" You suddenly broke the silence.

"I-I'm fine...as usual." My words stumbled and then I slowly added, "I missed you."

"I missed you too..." You replied but immediately added, "and I missed everyone else as well. And I missed playing soccer."

In that perfect moment of us, right then and there I almost wanted to tell you how much I loved you;

almost.

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