Outside the classroom, Nishimura found Shimizu waiting for him. He had his schoolbag and sports bag with him as well.
"Hey!"
Nishimura spotted him and walked over.
The two started walking together.
"So... quite an unusual day?"
"You heard everything?"
"More or less. Actually, I think the whole corridor heard it."
They walked down the stairs and reached the building's entrance.
"You know... I agree with that guy."
"Why?"
"Well, like he said, he didn't know anything about it. He suddenly found himself in a situation he wasn't prepared for, and what he needs is classmates willing to support him, not people turning against him..."
Nishimura lowered his head, reflecting on his friend's words.
"Yeah..."
Shimizu noticed that his friend was still thinking about what had happened.
"Anyway, changing the subject, I doubt the coach will show up today either."
"That's the fourth day in a row he hasn't shown up."
The two stopped in front of a door.
"By now, halfway through your first month at Shūdan-teki, you've probably figured out why our club has been considered the worst in the school for ten years."
"I've figured that out perfectly well..."
Shimizu opened the door and went inside, followed by Nishimura.
[The Next Day]
Riccardo woke up in the darkness of his room to the sound of his phone alarm.
He managed to turn it off with some effort, then checked the time.
6:30 a.m.
He turned off the screen and sighed, sitting up in bed with a thoughtful expression.
[Flashback]
Riccardo was about to leave the school when the vice principal approached him.
"Aliberti, there's something I need to tell you."
Riccardo stopped and turned toward him.
"Yes?"
"So, you've already decided which club to join, but there's still time to change your mind..."
"Yes, I'm sure. I've been doing this since I was little... I'll start tomorrow."
The vice principal smiled, impressed by Riccardo's determination.
"Then you really don't know anything..."
Meanwhile, Riccardo had started walking toward the exit again, but those words made him stop.
"What do you mean?"
"Nothing to worry about... You seem determined, so you don't need any advice. Have a good evening!"
The vice principal walked away, leaving Riccardo staring after him with a puzzled expression.
[End of Flashback]
What was he trying to say? And why does he keep making pointless remarks instead of explaining the things that actually matter?
Riccardo got out of bed and opened the blinds, letting the morning light into the room.
Outside, a park was gradually filling with people heading to work, dressed smartly in their professional attire.
He raised his gaze toward the completely clear sky.
At least the weather reminds me of home...
Riccardo left his room and headed for the kitchen, which was connected to the living room in a single open-plan space, separated only by an island with a few stools.
The cream-colored walls contrasted with the bright red sofa and the black kitchen. Paintings, vases, and lamps completed the decor.
He paused to take in the surroundings.
This place, on the other hand, doesn't remind me of home at all...
"Good morning!"
"Buongiorno, mamma!" Riccardo greeted her in Italian. "Good morning, Mom!"
"Have you made breakfast yet?"
"Yes. Grab the plates."
"Okay."
Riccardo walked over to a cupboard and opened it.
He took out two plates and placed them on the island, then looked at his mother, who was finishing making some pancakes.
"Cecilia?"
"No, your sister has already eaten."
Riccardo closed the cupboard and picked up the plates he had just put down.
"She woke up early..."
His mother picked up the pan of pancakes and walked over to the island.
"She said she wanted to leave early to see if she still remembered the way to her school."
The two sat down on the stools next to each other, ready to have breakfast.
"What about you? How was your first day at school?"
"It couldn't have gone any worse..."
His mother noticed the slightly dejected expression on Riccardo's face.
"They didn't take the news of your recommendation very well, did they?"
"P' nient," he replied in Neapolitan. "Not at all."
"Your father explained everything to you last night. Even he doesn't know how he managed to get you accepted. He tried talking to the school principal because he knows how passionate you are about football... and just three days later, they called you in for the written test."
Riccardo finished eating, stood up, and placed his plate and cutlery in the sink.
"Never mind. I'll figure something out, somehow... like always."
He headed toward a door.
"I'm going to get ready. Thanks for breakfast!"
His mother watched him go with a smile as Riccardo disappeared into the room.