The sunlight was blinding.
No sound, no words.
The sound of something being kicked was heard. The scent of sweat. And the midday sun, burning the body.
A shout erupted from someone, sounding like an adult.
But...
This was a football training ground specifically for U13.
"Run... Run"
"Pass... Pass harder"
"Save it... Save it"
Maybe that was what could be heard from outside the field.
The sound of breathing... perhaps a mix of exhaustion and joy.
Tk Tk Tk
The sound of footsteps came from outside the field. And those footsteps headed inside.
A twelve-year-old boy appeared. With a handsome face and a small scar under his right eye.
Maybe he was one of the players from that club.
But... Why did he just arrive? Even though training had started a long time ago?
One of the coaches approached the boy.
"Noa... Why are you late?"
"Hm... So what? Is it a problem?" He answered.
"It's not like that... You should obey the rules more," the coach said. "Before playing... You are punished, now run two laps."
"Oh... Why don't you do it? Why should it be me?"
The boy... more precisely Noa, walked towards the training area of the other children.
The coach who scolded him... felt he was too arrogant for a game that relied on teamwork.
He always did whatever he wanted. Always looked at others as inferior beings.
Often... He played by himself. Because, he was indeed an arrogant person.
The club coaches gathered... while taking a short break... and chatting.
"What do you think... Is Noa still worthy of playing?"
"Yes... He is a talented youth... even very talented," said one of the coaches. "But... His individualism is very strong."
"Yes... He is indeed talented... But it seems, he is no longer worth keeping."
The coaches called all the players to gather.
"Maybe... Today's practice... Is enough for now."
"Before leaving this place... We want to choose the people who will be the main players and substitutes for the next match."
Noa smiled casually. Looking down on everyone there. Because he knew... He would definitely be chosen.
Names began to be called... And when only one player's name was left...
"Rudy"
Everyone clapped. Except... Noa.
He didn't make the lineup... Not even the bench.
Questions began to fill his mind.
And before the meeting closed.
"Why wasn't I chosen" He said in a high tone.
But no one ignored him.
"Why... What am I lacking huh? I'm better than all the players here"
And again. No one cared.
"What's wrong with my talent? You must have been paid, right..."
And this time...
"Yes... You aren't playing. Because of yourself," said one of the coaches.
And the other players talked about it.
"Why... What do you mean?"
Without an answer... Everyone on the field... Left the field.
Noa just stood frozen... Not expecting that he wasn't chosen.
Noa left the field... Outside he was already awaited by his private driver.
And all along the way... He just daydreamed... With a blank stare.
And when he arrived in front of his house... He immediately walked towards his room... Ignoring his parents.
Inside the room... He cried, cried his heart out... While questioning why he wasn't chosen.
He looked into the mirror. His eyes were puffy because of the tears that kept flowing...
And
Time kept moving. Not waiting for anyone.
Noa's handsome face was clearly visible in the mirror. With dark brown eyes, ash-grey hair, and a small scar under his right eye.
He looked in the mirror while checking his physical fitness. His body was very ideal, making him the star of the school.
The uniform was put on, and footsteps walked out of the room.
He was already in high school. Peaceful. But like something was missing.
He walked towards the dining table... There his family was waiting.
Greeted by the warm smiles of his parents... Noa sat in his chair.
Yes... At the dining table... There was laughter.
"Noa... When will you have a girlfriend?" His mom asked teasingly.
"Sometime..." He answered shortly.
"Hmphhh... Even though mom wants to have grandkids soon."
"I'm still in school..."
His father could only smile... Seeing his son being teased.
After eating was finished... Noa said goodbye, and walked to his motorcycle.
Before leaving... He saw a ball...
He ignored it... His car window reflected the ball.
"Oi, Noa let's get to class quickly."
"Be patient... I'm still looking at the mirror."
"Ah, taking forever... You're already handsome, stupid... The girls also have a crush on you."
"It's not that, damn it... Let's go."
They came out of the bathroom.
As they walked... There was a woman asking for a photo with Noa.
His friend could only shake his head.
"Oi... Sen"
"Oitt... What"
"What are you doing?"
"Here... Waiting for the star to finish his photos... Haha" Said Vincent.
The two of them chatted while laughing.
And when Noa was done with his business... They walked back.
All along the way... He looked out the window... Where... So many people were playing football.
But he ignored it.
And...
"Noa Varaj, can you follow me for a moment?"