The Dreamers
Loss of resolve

The dawn had dawned, Hiro woke up the next day after last night to study in his room.

Hiro opened his eyes slowly. He saw a letter lying on the table next to his bed. "Hmm.., is this the letter Ryota gave you yesterday? about what it contained..," Hiro also opened the letter.

While lying down, Hiro read the letter. His eyes were still blurred while reading it.

"Congratulations on his 17th birthday! Sorry I was late in saying it.

By the way how's the keychain gift from me? do you like it? hehe I'm sorry if I can only give you that, but I hope you like it.

Thanks."

...

That's the contents of the letter Hiro received last night. "Actually who is this? only my father, and Ryota, knows my birthday" Hiro murmured.

...

Today is the day after graduation at the academy. Yesterday was a different day for Hiro. He had to see his rivals leave the academy after years of competing. He also had to make a tough decision when he decided to stop selling at Bibi's store.

...

This morning, Hiro had no idea what to do. Usually he would leave his wares at Bibi's store before leaving for school, but now he doesn't.

Hungry, Hiro ended up buying his own breakfast outside. Behind this, his father no longer brought the rest of his lunch to the house. Hiro has to find his own breakfast.

Last night, Hiro had a chance to talk to his father before going to bed. Hiro said he had stopped selling and would focus on school and football. Hiro's father also said that Hiro does not need to worry because his life needs can still be fulfilled by the father. But Hiro was also worried, because he felt that his father had worked too hard for too long. Hiro was worried that his father would get sick if he forced himself too much.

Yes, it was only at night that Hiro could talk to his father who always worked all day. That was what made Hiro worried, as well as lonely.

...

After breakfast, Hiro rushed to his school. He wants to meet up with Ryota and talk about it last night.

Kingg!!

The school bell rings. Hiro had already sat down beside Ryota and prepared to scold him with a question.

"Who gave me the gift?"

"Aren't you the only friend who knows my birthday?"

"Why is the prize a ball keychain? does that guy also know if I'm playing in the academy?"

Ryota remained calm. He just smiled. "You can just shoot him yourself" Ryota said casually.

"Huh?" Hiro had also given up on asking Ryota.

Hiro still does not know who gave him the gift. Hiro just wanted to say thank you to the gift giver.

...

...

Kingg!!

Until the moment the bell rang home, Hiro and Ryota returned to their home together by walking. The distance between their home and High School is not so far, because it is located in the center of Sapporo. Now they can walk home.

On the way, Ryota asked Hiro. "hiro's? you know, don't you? Since Daichi has already graduated from the academy, are you happy with the situation?"

"Happy?"

"Yes.., from now on no one bothers you on the field, and you no longer have a heavy rival, do you? you will be easier to win the tournament from now on! hehe,"

"Oh," Hiro finally understood what Ryota meant. "Actually I'm not so happy to see Daichi has graduated,"

"Did?!" Ryota's eyes were wide. "What are you talking about?!"

"Yes, believing in disbelief, taunting Daichi, and his various achievements is what makes me want to work hard. You could say, Daichi had indirectly motivated me," explained Hiro.

"Yes, that's right. Somehow in the future. But I feel that if a person like Daichi is so rare, it is very difficult to find someone like him. Even pursuing his achievements is difficult, too,"

"Hey? come on. Don't give up yet, you still have a chance to get past Daichi's records" Ryota said.

"Daichi Records? you mean a record 658 goals.., owner of 7 tournament trophies Zekka.., and winner of the best player award of the last decade?"

"hiro's? what are you talking about?" Ryota. Ryota already knew where this conversation was headed.

"For the record goals, I might still be able to pass, but to get past the trophies and individual awards from Daichi, I don't think I can,"

"What are you doing? you haven't tried it yet, have you?" Ask Ryota.

"Yes" replied Hiro.

Ryota was relieved to hear it. Ryota had thought that Hiro already had no spirit because Daichi the 'pully' is no more.

"How could I forget? I promised I'd always try to lift the trophy with you, right Ryota? hehe,"

"Haha, yes, thank you for remembering it" Ryota said.

"Alright, starting next Tuesday, we'll start everything! We will dominate in the academy! haha!" Shouted Hiro on the quiet side of the road.

...

...

After that day, at the next training in the academy, Hiro became the new prima donna. Slowly Hiro's name began to replace Daichi. 600 goals and continue to grow over time, it is not impossible that the record of 658 goals belonging to Daichi will soon be exceeded Hiro.

Always when there is a competition or competition between football schools in the Sapporo area, Hiro is always the first choice as a striker. As a reward of hard work, Ryota has always been selected as a central defender who guards his team's defence very well. In addition, Ryota's stamina has also developed rapidly until he is no longer panting when playing.

Every game they played together, until the end. Desire becomes reality.

...

"The champion of the mid-year edition Zekka tournament.., is.., team..., age group 15-16 years..! congratulations!"

...

The voice that Hiro and Ryota have craved from the mc of the Zekka tournament. Hiro finally breaks down in tears after winning his first trophy with Ryota.

"Ryota! we did!" Shouted Hiro excitedly.

"Yes! ahaha!"

The two of them, along with coach Takashi and his friends in the 15-16 year age group, lifted the tournament trophy with haru.

Hiro also received an award as the tournament's top scorer with 6 goals, as well as another award, the best player of the tournament this time. Ryota is the best defender

They are both very happy with what they have achieved. But all this is just the beginning for them.

They are confident that they will grow further in the future.

...

But all of that turned out to be incompatible with what was happening on the grass.

...

The following weeks, 3 months had passed since Hiro and Ryota had successfully lifted their first trophy.

Ryota felt that there was something strange about Hiro lately. Since winning the previous tournament, Hiro became more relaxed in playing and not as ambitious as usual.

Ryota wondered inwardly, "What happened to Hiro?"

Once, Ryota had asked Hiro directly about his declining performance. "hiro's? why do you look weak these past few weeks while practicing? wh why? what the hell's going on? tell me,"

Something Ryota had never imagined before came out of Hiro's mouth. "I want to stop playing ball."