Training had just ended.
One by one, the players were leaving the field, tired but focused. Tomorrow, everything would begin.
In the air, there was something different. A calm tension. Serious.
Rikuo was packing his things when he felt a gaze on him.
Bao.
Sitting a little further away, the Chinese midfielder was still staring at him. A dark, heavy look.
Rikuo noticed it… then simply looked away.
He didn't say anything.
He didn't want to waste his energy on that.
He headed to the locker room, changed calmly, then took a shower. Warm water ran down his face.
He let out a long breath.
"Tomorrow… I'm part of the 18."
When he came out, Takuma was waiting for him, leaning against a bench, a towel around his neck.
"Hey, Riku!"
Rikuo smiled.
"What's up?"
Takuma stepped closer, excited.
"Tonight, I'm taking you out to eat. Tomorrow is your first call-up. We gotta celebrate."
Rikuo was genuinely touched.
He hesitated for a second, then scratched the back of his head.
"Honestly, I'd love to… but I'll have to pass."
Takuma blinked.
"Huh? Why?"
"Minato invited me over to his place tonight."
Silence.
Then Takuma burst out laughing.
"Man, you're so lucky!"
He shook his head with a smile.
"Go enjoy it, bro. Learn everything you can."
He patted Rikuo's shoulder.
"See you tomorrow on the pitch. I hope."
"See you tomorrow, Taku."
At that moment, Rivelinho and Raizo walked in, followed by Minato.
Rivelinho said with a teasing smile:
"So… you think you'll be able to sleep tonight, kid?"
Minato smiled calmly.
"Don't worry, Rikuo. I've been through this before when I was young."
Raizo nodded.
"Enjoy every minute. Moments like this don't come often."
Minato turned to Rikuo.
"Let's go. Meet me at the car."
A few minutes later, Rikuo saw it.
A black Mercedes.
Fully black.
Classy. Quiet. Impressive.
"That car fits him perfectly…" Rikuo thought.
He got inside, still a little intimidated.
During the drive, he pulled out his phone and sent a message to his father.
Rikuo:
I'll be home late tonight, I'm having dinner at Minato's place.
The reply came quickly.
Dad:
Enjoy it. I'm surprised… and proud of you.
Having dinner with a player like him is something special.
Rikuo smiled softly as the city lights passed by.
"By the way, Rikuo," Minato said, "it's a bit sudden, but what number did you choose when you signed your contract?"
"Oh, yeah… it's—"
— Flashback: the day of the contract signing —
"By the way, Rikuo," said sporting director Miguel,
"there are several jersey numbers available. Which one do you choose?"
"Mmh… I already know," Rikuo replied.
"It's a number that will make my father happy. One I'll be proud to wear."
"Oh, which one Rikuo ? I'm curious now," said Hideo, his agent.
"It'll be number 77, please," Rikuo said.
— Back to the present —
"I see," Minato said. "77… why that number?"
"Because I like it," Rikuo answered with a smile.
Then he thought to himself:
"77 is the year my late mother was born.
I'm sure my father will be happy when he sees it.
It's like my mom is always watching over me."
They arrived in front of a beautiful, warm-looking house.
The door opened.
"Good evening!"
Hana.
Rikuo froze for a second.
She was… elegant.
And she matched Minato perfectly.
"You must be Rikuo. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you, ma'am," Rikuo said, bowing
politely.
Minato smiled.
"I'll go pick up the kids. Stay here with Hana."
When Minato left, a brief silence settled.
Hana smiled.
"He talks about you a lot."
Rikuo was surprised.
"Really?"
She nodded with a gentle smile.
"Yes. He often says you remind him of himself when he was younger. That's why he likes you."
Rikuo smiled back.
"Come," she said softly. "Sit down."
She invited him to sit on the couch, then brought out an old photo album.
On one photo: Minato.
Younger.
Wearing a Spanish club jersey. Cf Espanyol, a first-division club in Spain. Number 17.
He was facing Xavi from Sc Barcelona in the picture.
Rikuo's eyes widened.
"This is… incredible."
"He was very young back then," Hana said.
"He played alongside some of the greatest players." Rikuo said.
She smiled proudly.
"I was so proud of him."
Then her expression softened.
"There were… certain moments."
She paused.
"Moments that changed him. That made him grow."
Rikuo understood she wouldn't say more.
"But today, he plays football while enjoying it. Without hurting himself. And for me… that's what matters most."
She laughed lightly.
"He'll probably tell you about it himself one day. He likes you, after all."
A few minutes later, the door opened.
"We're home!"
Minato came back with the kids running ahead of him.
"Mom!"
Minato was smiling.
Rikuo watched the scene quietly.
"So the serious, cold Minato from training…
is also this warm with his family.
I'm discovering another side of this incredible player… and man."