The Dreamers
Superiorly
Hiro's proving moments continued. Day after day of training for his dreams. Although different from Kota with her lover, different continents with her parents and friends, but Hiro remains firm on his own net so that later he can meet back those he loves with pride.
...
August 26th, noon.
It does not feel the League goes quickly.22 games have been passed and the month of August is almost over. Everyday life is getting bored. There is only her and Saki, the Japanese who live in her residential neighborhood. Maybe for Hiro, he still has a lot of friends in the team, but for Saki it is not the case.
...
"Saki, are you saturated when I leave you alone at home?" Ask Hiro over the phone. Currently Hiro is resting at once lunch at his usual training ground.
Hiro can't come home every day. When Hiro was at Heerenveen, Hiro could only communicate with Saki over the phone. Hiro usually rests at Heerenveen's guesthouse, and will return to Amsterdam when the gap between matches is long enough.
...
"Yes.., how is it, obviously I must be lonely, but how else." Answer Saki.
Hiro had expected that answer. "Hmm, it's a pity my father didn't want to come here when I took him. By the way, have you spoken to your mother about this?"
"Yes, but my mother can't just leave Japan either, all my family's possessions are there."
Hiro could only sigh.
When Hiro wants to talk again, Saki first says, ". oh yeah, you know what? yesterday when I asked my mother to accompany me in the Netherlands, I-Ibuku instead told us to get married soon?"
Deg..
Hiro's heart was beating faster. He forgot what to say. "A-What? Meanin? M-Indeed your mother actually said such a thing?"
But Saki's answer was also stammered with embarrassment to answer. "I-yes. I-My mom said that yesterday."
"What does it have to do with being married to being lonely? After marriage, will you not be lonely? hehe, there's-there's,"
...
After Hiro's words just now, slowly the two of them began to think about the intent of Mother Saki's suggestion. It seems that they just realized the meaning of Mother Saki's advice, why by getting married to be no longer lonely.
Saki and Hiro were speechless for a few seconds.
...
"So how's Yoko? Can we consider my mother's advice?" Ask Saki.
"Attepart. Don't talk about it first. I haven't even talked to my dad."
"Oh, yeah, I'm in too much of a hurry. Well then, I'll wait for your decision." Answer Saki.
"Hmm, but it seems like I will also consider this matter. We are also old enough to get married. November tomorrow I'm 23."
"Yes, I think the same. It doesn't feel right, it's been almost two years since I've known you at the University."
"Here, don't talk about it. You are also the one who was chasing me to be your girlfriend? Haha."
"Hush, don't make me remember that."
Hiro paid no heed to Saki's warning. "You used to scream with a loudspeaker if you liked me, right? Haha."
"Here you go, don't talk about it anymore."
"You started me talking about it bweekk." Hiro irritates Saki. "You also learned all my secrets back then, I was almost afraid of you. Hehe, it feels like you're always following me."
Heather...
"Well.., Saki?"
Suddenly the phone disconnected. "Hahaha, he's lashing out. Saki's.. Saki.z..,"
Hiro kept his phone back in his bag.
...
...
After taking advantage of this afternoon break to call Saki, Hiro again prepared to return to training on the field.
...
"All right, I'll be there soon" Hiro said.
After tying his shoelaces, he immediately ran into the field.
Hiro and other Heerenveen players must prepare for the first game in September, which is against Ajax Amsterdam who are heavy opponents. This is the second meeting of the team this season after the first meeting Heerenveen surprisingly managed to beat Ajax 2-1.
But now, things have changed, Heerenveen is ninth in the standings, while Ajax continue to follow Feyenoord in first place. Victory will see Ajax displace Feyenoord and become the standings leader. Therefore, it is certain Ajax will play seriously when facing Heerenveen later.
"It's time to refocus on the field!"
...
The training continues to be intensely carried out. It's an important game, not just for Heerenveen but also for Hiro personally, because tomorrow's game against Ajax is the last game before there is a competition break for a FIFA friendly in September.
Of course Hiro wants to be called back by Yamamoto to the Japanese senior national team for the next trial game after in March, Hiro's debut in the national team is not so impressive. This time Hiro is better than ever. But would Yamamoto still believe it?
...
...
And the time came when Heerenveen had to play against Ajax in the 23rd week of the Dutch League. Ajax's squad that is in great motivation will pose a serious threat to Hiro and his comrades.
The problem this time is the game in the title in the City of Amsterdam, home of Ajax Amsterdam. Automatic Saki can see this match live at the Stadium. Hiro learns of that after Saki preached him before the game. Hiro does not want Heerenveen to lose easily to Ajax in front of his lover. This is an extra spirit as well as an extra risk.
...
Hiro took a deep breath before entering the field. It is always difficult not to be nervous when entering the field even though you are used to it.
Hiro's face continued to be in the spotlight of the camera as it walked. Naturally, he is a player who is being talked about because of his brilliant performance so far with Heerenveen by scoring 5 goals and 9 assists in 22 games.
Saki who sat in the audience seat was so happy when the people around her continued to talk about the danger Hiro had in Heerenveen's attack line.
"I can't imagine Heerenveen playing this season without Hiro."
"Kok can Hiro adapt in the Dutch League so quickly? Usually an outside player has to adapt to at least two seasons."
"Now this time I saw a Japanese player as good as this in the Dutch League. For sure next season he will be the race for elite teams if he continues to be consistent."
Sayup-sayup sounded, so many people recognized Hiro's qualities. Even a group of Heerenveen supporters so cheered his name with cheers when Hiro's name was mentioned in the line-up.
"Hiro..! Owuoooo Hiro...! Uwwooo´s.. Our Saviors!"
...
...
The home fans and the visitors were evenly split in the stands. I heard two different supports. Each of them wants victory, but only one will get it.
...
Priuitt!!!
During the game, unbalanced conditions occur. Ball possession is almost 80% Ajax millik. Heerenveen is just busy surviving. That way, Hiro did not get the opportunity to process the ball on the field.
The final result of the game was visible from the beginning. Heerenveen had absolutely no chance. Heerenveen was too confident against Ajax.
...
The victory was won by the host, Ajax Amsterdam in front of his supporters. The 4-1 scoreline is proof that Ajax are a superior team at home.
After the match, Eduardo was speechless with this defeat. Nothing can be defended to the media about this defeat. "We did play badly today" Eduardo said.
The players walked lethargic towards the locker room without even speaking.
Hiro was so disappointed with this defeat. Not only did he fail to help his team win, but also to Saki. But without Hiro knowing, Saki remains a person who supports Hiro no matter what the conditions.
...
The last thing that kept Hiro thinking about this defeat was that he feared he would not be selected as part of the Japan national team for the next friendly this month. This match against Ajax should have been a benchmark of his ability against a top team, but failed.
Hiro doubts himself to be recalled by Yamamoto. Although he has scored 5 goals 9 assists, but Hiro must be aware if there are still many Japanese players who play in Europe, playing in a more prestigious League and playing better than him like Daichi who now plays for Monchengladbach in the German League. Hiro needs luck to get Yamamoto to call him back.
"I really have to try to be better than him if I want to take the first place in the national team from him."