The sun was beginning to set over Tokyo.
Rikuo walked back home, his heart still racing but this time, with a smile he hadn't dared to show in a long time.
Tonight, he would finally share his secret.
At the table, Takeshi looked at him, curious as always.
But this time, Rikuo could no longer stay silent.
He took a deep breath.
"Dad… I have something to tell you."
Takeshi nodded softly, silent, encouraging him without a single word.
Rikuo then told him everything that had happened over the last three days:
the trial, the match against the pro team, the compliments from Rivelinho and Minato, and finally the official verdict from the president and the coaches.
Every word was filled with emotion, excitement, and held-back pride.
When he finished, Takeshi stayed silent for a moment, his eyes shining with pride.
Then he stood up and placed his hand on his son's shoulder.
"Rikuo… my son…" he murmured.
"I am so proud of you."
Rikuo smiled shyly, and a small tear rolled down his cheek.
Takeshi watched that smile and felt something deep inside him.
For a moment, he saw Alicia, his wife, standing beside him, sharing that exact same radiant smile.
He felt relief, as if the weight of loss had finally lightened:
he had managed to take care of their son, even without her.
Then he smiled calm, but full of emotion and said in a gentle yet firm voice:
"This is where I dreamed of seeing you since the day you were born, my son… a professional.
I'm happy to see you this happy.
I hope your path is filled with beautiful moments, shared memories, joy, and emotion.
Be strong, my son… I will always be here for you, and I will always be proud of you."
Rikuo felt his tears rise even more.
Facing the sincere, loving smile of his father, he saw his mother's smile again in his memory.
Her words echoed in his mind:
"I'm proud of you, my son."
Rikuo didn't hesitate anymore.
He threw himself into his father's arms, letting all the emotion pour out.
Takeshi held him tightly.
In that suspended moment, the past, the present, and the future became one.
Alicia's absence felt less heavy, replaced by the certainty that Rikuo would now walk his own path—protected and loved.
And for the first time in a long while, Rikuo felt that anything was possible.
The King of the field had just taken a major step…
and his family was right behind him.