The Truth Behind His Smile

We're Fine

If you thought I was dead, ha. Think again.

You know, I read all of your reviews without exception. It felt like a hard punch to the gut, a slap in the face, and a stab in the back whenever I see someone ask for an update. Every time, I'd scour for the unfinished (not forgotten) Word document buried underneath hundreds (no, I'm not kidding) of other school files and say, "Just a little longer."

But a year flew by, and 'a little' turned into 'a lot'.

If it's possible, I want to meet every single one of you and give you a hug for waiting that long. No words could describe how grateful I am that you guys waited for me yet also how ashamed I am for making you do that in the first place.

I hope this meets your expectations. I hope that this can make someone's day. If it doesn't, I'm going to try a hella lot harder in the next chapter.

But first and foremost, I'm sorry, guys. And from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

"..."

You still there?

"Always. Come here so that I can punch you."

If I knew where you are, my friend, I'd be happy to. But alas, I don't.

"Stop with that tone already. It's getting on my nerves."

Lol, whatever you say. Anyway, on with the show! Oh, and here's a cookie (::)

"Just one?"

All right, a dozen. (::) (::) (::) (::) (::) etc.

"You know a dozen means twelve, right?"

Oh my God, just read the chapter! You can bully me later.

-

That morning, Tenma woke up fine. Apparently, it was one of the good days because he didn't feel the slightest bit tired when his clock went off. Tenma thought of it as a good sign so he went and started to get ready for the day.

He was putting his books into his school bag when Tenma's gaze flickered to the soccer ball on the cupboard. The slightly dirty ball with the Inazuma logo on the middle made him catch his breath. Tenma had been so caught up in the chaos, he didn't pay any heed to it. He didn't remember even sparing a glance.

Remorse and guilt washed over him as Tenma carefully picked up the ball, his most prized possession, the one that lead him to this path in the first place. It was the reason why Tenma had learned soccer, why he was here today. If Gouenji hadn't used this ball to save his life so many years ago, Tenma wouldn't have gone through the amazing journey he'd had with his friends. He would be a completely different person.

This ball had done so much to him, yet he forgot about it.

"I'm sorry," Tenma whispered, holding the ball firmer. "It's been so chaotic lately that I haven't played soccer yet. I didn't even want to, just a few days ago."

Which Tenma was so ashamed about, because no matter how low he'd fallen or how beat up he'd gotten, he should've never forgotten about the light that saved him. The light that made it possible for him to bounce back every time.

"But, don't worry. It won't happen again," Tenma promised to the lightning emblem. "I'm going to play soccer today with my friends, and I'm going to enjoy it."