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nTime elapsed like the grains of sand in an hourglass. With each passing day, the temperature fell, signifying the arrival of winter.

nDuring that period, Hiro routinely went for a checkup. Prioritizing recovery, he avoided any task that would hinder the recovery.

nAlthough he found it a bit troublesome, he heeded his mother’s words to stay away from football. However, it didn’t mean that he totally ignored it. Though he couldn’t engage in it directly, he studied the gameplays of others to broaden his knowledge.

nIt took a whole two and half months to remove the cast. Because of the cast, he had a lot of trouble in his daily life activities.

nEspecially, wiping his butt was a pain in the ass.

nFortunately, during this period, his father regained his senses. The recovery of his father wasn’t the only thing that took place during that period.

nTaking advantage of the resting period, he managed to improve the relationship that had turned sour due to his absence.

nIn this period, after losing to Al Hilal, one of the giants in the Saudi League, Kawasaki was knocked out of the AFC Champions League. They were also knocked out of the Emperors club after losing against Kashima Antlers in a thrilling showdown.

nFortunately, they retained their lead in the league.

nIn short, a lot of things had taken place during his recovery period.

nRight now, Hiro was seated on the grassy riverbed beside the river. The sky was painted with orange pastels with the sun nearing the horizon.

nA silhouette of birds could be seen floating above the setting sun.

nThe slanting rays of the setting sun fell on his face, giving a golden hue to it. In the gentle breeze, his hair dangled freely.

nAs for his eyes, it shone like amber under the light.

nAt the moment, Hiro’s figure seemed like a character straight out of a painting.

n“Do you always enjoy watching the sky?” Ishikawa who was seated right beside him couldn’t refrain from asking.

nShe had been watching him for a while. Yet he seemed as if he was lost in thoughts.

nWith his gaze fixated on the horizon, he mumbled softly, “I just find it soothing to watch the sky. Tomorrow, you won’t be able to witness the same scene.”

nIshikawa felt puzzled when she heard him, “What do you mean? The sun will set again tomorrow. So, why won’t you be able to witness the same scene?” freёwebnoѵel.com

n“Indeed, the sun would set tomorrow too. But you won’t be able to witness the same pattern of the sky. The hue might be brighter or the clouds would be sparse. But the moment you are witnessing right now, it won’t come again.”

nSuddenly, what was he talking about? Ishikawa stood there staring at him, trying to comprehend the meaning of his words.

nEven so, she couldn’t comprehend what he was trying to convey. So, she asked, “I don’t get it. Are you talking about the sky or is there any hidden meaning behind your words?”

nHiro slowly turned around to look at her and said, “What I mean to say is that we should enjoy the present.”

nEarlier, she had been talking about him leaving and she had been looking sad since then. So, he wanted to remind her that though they would be parting soon, they were together right now. So, they should cherish the present.

nThat was the message he was trying to convey.

nAs Ishikawa realized what he meant, her eyes dilapidated, ‘Is it because I have been talking about his departure? So he’s reminding me that we shouldn’t be depressed about the future but cherish the present.’

nThen she curled her lips to reveal a subtle grin, “Indeed, it’s as you said.”

nJust then a ball came flying their way. The ball was about to hit Ishikawa. Fortunately, Hiro reacted quickly and prevented the ball from hitting her.

n“I’m so sorry,” someone apologized.

nAt the moment, beside the riverbank, some people were playing football. From the looks of it, they appeared to be training.

n“You idiot, I told you that you shouldn’t mindlessly kick the ball,” another person scolded the one who just apologized. “Just kicking the ball with power will cause it to go astray.”

nHiro, however, couldn’t be bothered by them. Turning to look at Ishikawa who appeared to be startled, Hiro asked, “Are you okay?”

nShe nodded her head as she responded, “Umm…, I’m fine.”

nWhile he was focused on her, the two boys rushed to them to apologize, “I’m sorry, brother. I didn’t mean to hit you.”

nHiro hadn’t paid any attention to them before. But as he looked closely, he found the boy before him quite young.

nThen he took a quick glance at the field and again rolled his eyes back to him, “Was it you who shot just now?”

nThe distance from the post was quite far. So, he couldn’t help but wonder how that boy shot this far. Well, if it was him he wouldn’t have any difficulty shooting this far.

nBut for a boy so young, he couldn’t help but find it strange.

nImmediately, the boy started whining, “Yes, sir. But I really didn’t mean to shoot at you.” Moisture began to accumulate in his eyes and even his voice started to crack.

nThe boy looked terrified.

nSeeing how terrified the boy before him was, Hiro panicked, ‘Ahh- Was I too harsh? Did I sound intimidating just now?’

nHiro’s mind raced with thoughts.

n“Ah— I didn’t mean to scare you. I was only asking… if you had shot with such power,” Hiro tried to clarify, his tone ridden with guilt.

n“Stop whining already,” the other boy with spiky hair who had accompanied him scolded.

n“He’s not scolding you.”

n“But what if something bad had happened?” the boy who appeared to be on the verge of tears

nsaid.

nFor a while, the other boy with the spiky hair tried to console him by scolding him.

nNonetheless, it seemed that the two had a rather close relationship.

nIt almost reminded Hiro of the days he played for Okami Elementary School.

nRevealing a bemusing smile on his face, he watched the two. Just then his gaze fell upon the

ncrest on their shirt, “Where do you guys study?”

n“Ookami Middle School.”

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