Vol.2 Chapter 41

Vol.2 Chapter 41

Hana’s PoV

I sat alone in the dark corner of the luxurious hotel room meant for participants, scrolling through my social media feeds after my recent disappointing performance in the 1v1 tournament earlier. What I read there brought tears to my eyes, a torrent of hurtful words that pierced my heart. It felt like a relentless assault on my spirit, chipping away at the passion that had fueled me for so long.

JakesFin: What a joke. Is this girl really Murasame’s sibling?

Empress717: She can’t even make it through the first round.

Maverick007: Lost to a nobody, KEKW.

Starlet99: The guy who beat her was part of the weakest team in the tournament, right? I heard Arthur defeated him in one hit. It’s embarrassing to admit that I once rooted for her because of how disappointing her performance is.

DylanDreamer: What a trash player! She can’t even come close to her sister.

Each hateful comment I read was like a dagger to my soul, tearing at my self-worth and shattering my confidence, especially the reminder that I was disgracing the name of my sister. The negativity laced in those words seeped into the depths of my being, clouding my mind with self-doubt and overwhelming sadness.

Unable to hold back the flood of emotions, tears streamed down my face, and my heart ached with the weight of it all. At that moment, I questioned everything. Should I quit now to avoid any further tarnish on my dear sister’s name? Was it worth it? Was pursuing my dreams to be by my sister’s side truly worth enduring such cruelty? Can I even make it with how weak I am?

KNOCK* KNOCK* KNOCK*

A sudden noise emanated from the door, disrupting my cycle of self-loathing and drawing my attention away from my negative thoughts.

Startled by the sudden knock on my door, I quickly wiped away the remnants of my tears and took a deep breath. I had to regain control of my emotions, so I composed myself and ensured my voice remained steady as I spoke.

"W-who is it?" I called out, my voice carefully concealing any traces of shakiness from the crying I had just moments before.

"It's Kaito. All of us are worried, so the twins sent me to ask if you’re okay," said Kaito, one of my tournament teammates.

His presence both comforted and unsettled me. While I valued his support, I wasn't ready to reveal my vulnerability to anyone just yet. I have to act tough since I am our team’s captain. If I show any weakness, it might affect our whole team’s morale.

Putting on my usual carefree facade, I mustered up the strength to respond, "I'm fine, no biggie! I’m just tired, so I want to get some rest first. Can we chat later?”

I hoped my words would dissuade him from further inquiry, but I knew Kaito well enough to understand that he could see through my act. Still, I desperately wanted to maintain my façade of strength, not wanting anyone to see this vulnerable side of me.

"I understand," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of concern. "If you ever need someone to talk to, remember that we are all here for you. Take care of yourself, okay?"

"I don’t deserve you guys..." I murmured to myself as I heard my teammate's footsteps disappear into the hallway.

As the weight of my disappointment settled upon me, I couldn't help but blame myself for not winning the match for my teammates. The defeat earlier felt like a personal failure, and the burden of responsibility weighed heavily on my shoulders.

What am I doing, making her worry like this? I have to pull myself together and come back stronger than ever because I know that is what my sister would do if she were in my shoes.

"You're right. It's just one setback, and I'll use it as motivation to come back stronger than ever!" I replied, my voice tinged with a newfound sense of hope.

"...That's the Hana I know," she said warmly, even though I couldn't see her expression through the call. I could feel her genuine smile radiating through her words.

"Yes, sis! I promise to restore my honor. Just watch me!" I exclaimed with newfound determination.

“...I'll be cheering you on personally in the main tournament, so do your best,” she encouraged.

I giggled. “Of course! You can count on me!”

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Aoi’s PoV

As I locked my phone and slipped it back into my pocket after the call, I looked up and surveyed my surroundings. The familiar sights and sounds of the airport greeted me as if I had momentarily been transported into a realm of bustling activity.

Passengers hurriedly maneuvered through the concourse, dragging their suitcases and bags behind them. The echoing announcements of departing and arriving flights resonated through the terminal, providing a sense of urgency and purpose to the air.

Gazing upon the large windows that adorned the walls, I caught a glimpse of planes taxiing on the runway, their sleek bodies glinting under the sunlight. The sight served as a poignant reminder of the journeys that awaited both myself and other travelers alike.

The familiar scent of coffee and pastries floated through the air, emanating from nearby cafes and shops. The distinct blend of aromas mingled with the sound of conversations in different languages, creating an ambiance that showcased the diversity and interconnectedness of our global community.

Approaching the boarding gate with an air of efficiency, I addressed the flight attendant in a curt, businesslike manner.

"...Status of the flight?" I asked, without displaying much emotion or attempting to engage in small talk.

The flight attendant was unfazed by my blunt demeanor. She swiftly checked the information on her tablet in a professional manner, befitting years of experience.

"The flight to LA is on schedule for an on-time departure,” she replied with a friendly, well-practiced smile.

"...Thank you," I nodded in appreciation before proceeding to check-in and go through all the security screenings.

It appears that I will be arriving ahead of schedule. The thought of Hana's expression when she sees me cheering her on her match there brings a smile to my face.

“...Wait for me, Hana.”