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“I think it’s for the best.” Reo said and looked down.
Nagi looked at Reo who stood in front of him. Reo looked up again, with a worried look.
“You said you split us up because it was the best decision in that moment right?!” Reo said. “I really don’t want to but we can’t go on like this, we really have to try by ourselves again, Nagi. Like this… we will never be the best in the world.”
Nagi nodded slowly. This was fine. Of course. Reo needed to separate from him in order to get better. He had done the same after all.
“Yes. Of course.” Nagi answered and scratched his neck.
“Also we won’t be like physically separated this time.” Reo said with a strained laugh. “It’s just our football partnership.”
Nagi nodded again. Yeah they would still be together. Reo continued on assuring him he would still pass to him, when necessary, but in order to not fall lower on the rankings, they’d have to work individually and with other people like they had done before. Their relationship could never really go back to the way it was anymore…
“Anyways.” Reo said and sighed. “I was going to train with the Manshine City guys today so…”
Reo went to the door, his eyes had a glint of hope but also a tinge of sadness.
“See you later, Nagi.” Reo said quietly and disappeared.
Nagi stood silent where Reo had left. Of course, there were other talents that Reo could work with to fulfil his dream. Reo was going to be fine. And Nagi would be too.
***
The feeling Nagi got during their training matches was starting to itch. Unless he was unmarked and in a good position in front of the goal, which rarely coincided, Reo wouldn’t pass to him. Of course, Nagi didn’t want to move more than necessary, but he had hoped somewhere that he wouldn’t be… ignored like this. Besides the defenders that marked him so he couldn’t catch the ball even with his trapping, the rest of the field seemed to ignore him. It was the reality. Even the times he put in effort into making use of his brain, it was never enough to outwit his opponents. Reo however, seemed to get better by the day. A radiant light almost, as he passed, defended and even scored his own goals sometimes. Their “separation” was truly in Reo’s favour. It was okay. Nagi wasn’t the only talent Reo could turn to anymore and Reo could handle being on his own. He was on his way to fulfilling their dream.
***
Nagi covered Bachira as the players on the field fought for the ball. Reo was in the centre, already having helped Chigiri score a goal and playing a big part in Chris’s. Meanwhile, Nagi hadn’t done anything of note. His defence had failed and besides a few passes back and forth he hadn’t even touched the ball. There was no way he would be able to score this match. But it was okay, the Chigiri and Reo combo could very well work and score their last goal.
“You seem distracted, Nagichi! ~♪” Bachira said.
His thoughts had distracted him from the game, and Bachira had almost seamlessly gone into his blind spot to snatch the ball headed their way.
“I don’t think you’re gonna make it like this honestly.” Bachira said, as he dribbled with the ball to stall. “Your value is way too low for that.”
Nagi watched his feet for opportunities to steal the ball as Bachira closed in.
“Reochi probably doesn’t even want you anymore.” Bachira whispered as he cut through by dribbling it through his legs.
What would Bachira know? Nagi mindlessly ran after him, with no hope of even being able to steal the ball. They had promised to win the world cup together and to be together in the end. And besides, it was okay if Reo chose another person to be his treasure. Bachira quickly passed the ball away to the other side of the field where the players crowded. A neat pass into what lead to another goal. The game was tied. Nagi took a moment to pause before the game restarted. Would this be where his and Reo’s dream ended? Was Bachira right? It was a pain… Nagi looked at Reo once again to notice he was looking at him too. Worried? Questioning? Reo looked away and towards the goal on the other side of the field as he retied his top bun.
It was fine if Reo gave up on him right?
It was fine right?
It was fine?
Fine?
It isn’t fine.
The game restarted before Nagi could arrange his thoughts. If he didn’t do anything to prove himself in this match… would he be kicked out of blue lock? If he got kicked out of blue lock… then he could never play on the national team together with Reo? And if that became true… he could never fulfil their promise.
If it is bothersome, it isn’t worth the effort…
Why am I even playing football right now?
Going along with Reo?
But Reo had told me we needed to stop playing together.
Is my “ego” borrowed like Barou said?
I lost the match against Isagi, but in that moment, I won.
FC Barcha had gotten hold of the ball again. This might’ve been the end for them, but Nagi suddenly turned around and started running faster. His defender was surprised by this and started running to cut him off.
I can’t lose here. I can’t lose here. Not anymore. I don’t want to go back. I can’t.
The field was currently in a hurry to stop the counterattack, but Nagi only saw the spot in the field where their defence was the weakest. Reo was on the other side of the field covering the biggest weak-spot. Bachira dribbled past the other defenders easily, but as he shot at the goal, Nagi appeared from a blind spot and skilfully trapped the ball.
“Tch, finally stepping up the game are you Nagichi?!” Bachira said.
“I can’t lose here.” Nagi said as he passed the ball away.
Nagi quickly got back to running. The motivation to play that he had lost, was returning.
Ah. It’s because of Reo.
Reo doesn’t need me anymore…
Reo doesn’t want me.
But I don’t want to go back!
I don’t want to go back to the way I was before Reo!
If Reo doesn’t want me like I am right now… then I’ll just show him…
Nagi was already on the other side of the field. The defenders around him wary. Nagi didn’t care about that however. He couldn’t just stand around waiting for passes anymore.
Is this how Reo felt? I’m sorry Reo… for making you feel like this… But please… look at me!
Nagi could see the spot where he could score, but it wasn’t enough. If he trusted his instincts, someone would show up in the last second, however there was another way for them to win. At his current level, making a play like the one against Isagi was impossible but he proceeded to trust in Reo he ran up to the spot. Nagi looked at Reo, and Reo looked at him.
Pass to me.
Reo passed, but Nagi’s gaze only shifted to the goal for a second, an aversion, before turning back to Reo.
You smell it right? The scent of the goal.
It’s coming from you.
Nagi trapped the ball right in front of the defender, and then turned to the goal. The defenders really thought they had him as he shot at the goal… but just as Nagi’s foot hit the ball he changed the direction. Without looking he made a pinpoint pass, right to Reo who had run up to the weak spot in Barcha’s defence who trapped the ball.
“SHOOT!” Nagi shouted.
Reo scored the final goal that match. Manshine City won 3-2.