Chapter 524: Turbulence of emotions
Inside a rather fancy-looking cafeteria, some youths were gathered. They appeared to be looking at the phone screen of one of the youths with tanned skin and spiky dark hair in his hand.
Upon closer inspection, you could vividly see the confusion and curiosity hidden in their eyes. "Do you think Hiro is intentionally hiding himself?" one of the youths asked curiously.
"Well, considering how things are playing out, it seems to be the case," another responded deeply making him seem as if he had answered after much thinking.
"Then do you think they could find him?"
While the other around him kept talking, the youth holding the phone kept his mouth shut as The fixedly stared at the screen.
Right now, his screen displayed the scene at the airport- The confusion, commotion, and chaos- everything taking place in the airport was being broadcast live.
"What do you think about it, Akashi?"
Just then one of the youths asked after the discussion started to get heated. Even after discussing so intently, they couldn't conclude, hence, they decided to ask him his opinion.
The tanned skin, spiky hair youth was none other than Akashi, Hiro's childhood friend. After an arduous game, right now, he was at the local cafe to get some food with his friends.
Akashi wasn't a stranger to the hardship Hiro was going through at the moment. He was aware of the recent accident that his father had gotten into.
Well, even if they didn't talk as much as of late, he still held their friendship in high regard. After all, he was aware of Hiro's personality.
The reason why they couldn't talk as much wasn't because he was ignoring him now that he had gotten famous or he had gotten arrogant. It was because he was busier than ever.
After all, he wasn't the Hiro of the Okami Elementary School, he was acquainted to.
But he was Hiro, the national treasure, the wunderkind, the hope of the nation, the prodigy rookie, the rising star of the J-league, and the holder of many such amazing titles. In short, he was an extremely sought-after player who was destined to carry the hopes of the nation.
How could he treat them like strangers after spending so much time together?
Was he trying to cut ties?
Despite their protest, Akashi left the cafe without uttering a single word. In doing so, he didn't feel even an ounce of guilt. Rather, he couldn't even bother about their feelings to be more precise. Right now, his heart was full of unwillingness and overwhelming grief.
Although he was happy for his friend now that he was doing well, a part of him was denouncing him for his decision to choose football over his father. Even though he was aware of his personality, he couldn't help but feel unsatisfied with his gesture.
With his talent, he might get another opportunity.
But what if due to such a decision, he might never get to see his father again?
Uncle Takashi hadn't awakened for more than a week already. Who knows if he'll even open his eyes? Contrary to Hiro who was in the dark, he who visited him almost daily was aware of his condition and even he was frightened.
In more than a week, he hadn't seen one single favorable progression.
Akashi was aware of the lies Aunt Momo had told Hiro. But that wasn't an excuse to abandon Uncle Takashi in such a critical period.
So, he couldn't help but lament Hiro's choices.
Sure, his thoughts might be immature. After all, who would want to miss such an opportunity that would elevate one's career to the next level?
Akashi couldn't blame Hiro for his decision. But he couldn't precisely forgive him for his decision either. He was unsatisfied with him.
But he was certain about a thing after watching the news- Hiro was coming home.
So, he wanted to confront him.
Hence, instead of returning home, he headed to the hospital after informing his mother about his decision to stay a night at the hospital.