Chapter Text
Throughout his life he'd always done two sports. Soccer was his life’s goal, it was his purpose. But ice skating, that was his freedom, when the soccer field got too intense.
He did soccer to prove something, to show his worth. That he was more than just Sae’s younger brother. He wanted more than to be within the background. It's how he found himself at bluelock, wanting to be the best striker in the world.
But another part of him wanted more, a little inkling of doubt in soccer. Ice skating was his passion, it was his reason why, why he still found himself here. It allowed him to clear his head.
His schedule was tight, he wasn't as antisocial as the others at bluelock made him out to be, he simply had no time. Early morning skating from 6-9, soccer at 10. Sometimes he even went down to the rink at 5am, depending on the day.
He'd done so well to manage both, but that only got so far. He'd approached a world level in ice skating, if he were to do a competition, he'd likely hold his own. But, that brings attention to him, in the way it takes away from his soccer. He could be seen as unfocused, or that his priorities weren't right. He'd been granted a bye to some Japan competitions every year, so he had the option to compete at nationals if he wished in Junior. But, only time would tell.
Right now wasn't exactly the time, Rin had been lying on his bed, contemplating his choices. Should he have listened to Sae and quit soccer? Would that have drastically changed his life? Would he be happier, or worse off?
Maybe, just maybe if he placed at Nationals, his brother would recognise him for who he is. If he placed at nationals, he'd be guaranteed a spot at worlds and grand prix’s.
That took time away from soccer. Time that could be spent in becoming the striker Sae never got to be, never could be. Even if they no longer share that dream, he will fulfil it for him. Whether he still cares or not.
No, enough stupid reflection. He had to set his priorities straight.
So he decided on this:
Be the striker on Japan's team (achieve this through bluelock)
Train in ice skating, if you don't make the Japan world team for soccer, you need to be useful.
Keep ice-skating HIDDEN until nationals.
He had to admit, it was weird. Ego gave everyone a two week break after the u20 match. It was like letting birds taste freedom.
He only knew a few things, he had to practice soccer, and keep up with figure skating. Yet he actually had free time, he didn't know what to do with himself. He'd been so enveloped by his emotions in regards to soccer and Sae he finally had a chance to wind down and think.
Maybe it was best to finally rest for the night. Staying up late wouldn't do no good, though tomorrow, on a Sunday he never had anything on because he always left time for matches.
Still. It was time to sleep.
—-------------------------
The sun peeled through the crack in his curtains, illuminating the room in a soft pale glow. Rin groaned as he finally came to. He reached for his phone. 10am. He had missed messages.
Most were from their group chat of 15 (those who played at the u20 game).
Blue Lock (Boy Love)
-> Bachira had named it that.
Bachira: Great goals @Isagi, @Rin & @Nagi.
Shidou: I like to think I scored great goals
Chigiri: Why is he in this group chat?
Nagi: He stole my phone once and couldn't be bothered to remove him.
…
Rin couldn't be bothered reading further.
He clicked off the group chat.
Isagi Yoichi
Isagi is typing…
Isagi: Do you want to join me and Bachira, we are going bowling?
Rin paused. Then he responded
Rin: Why would I want to go bowling with you lukewarms?
Isagi: Because it's a chance for team bonding, and my monster wants to beat you at something! - Bachira.
Why on earth would he want to go bowling, let alone third wheel Isagi and Bachira. Not happening. No.
Rin: Not happening. Ask someone else.
Rin turned off his phone, putting it in his pocket before he got up. The house was empty, Sae was never home even when in Japan, and his parents had gone on a holiday.
He found his way to the kitchen, before he grabbed out a pan and boiled himself some eggs for breakfast.
Rin sat at the counter. Thinking. He wasn't used to free time. He didn't really get chances to unwind.
He finally did have time to think. Was he ready to do nationals? Should he listen to his coach? Nationals was in roughly two months. There was a spot free if he truly wanted it.
He didn't even have the option to practice right now, the only private sessions on Sunday was 5-9am.
It feels like he still needs to prove himself. Maybe that's why he's hesitated all these years, maybe he just needs to do it for once. He won't know unless he tries, right? Was this truly the year?
He doesn't want to seem uncommitted to soccer. Soccer gave him purpose. But, what if he does well? What if he makes a name for himself? A life separate to Sae? Maybe this risk was worth taking.
He found himself slinging a bag over his shoulder as he headed out the door of the house, making sure to lock it behind himself. Thankfully, the mall he wanted was only a 20 minute walk. He couldn't drive yet, he wished he could.
The mall was considerably large, crowds of people on a Sunday. He headed past the food courts, before he found himself In front of a dress and costume store.
The window displayed gorgeous dresses with rhinestones and men's outfits. Likely used for Ice skating, rollerskating and dance. He'd actually need two costumes, he didn't own any, he'd never actually competed since he was little. Well he didn't own anything that fit.
His short program was Paparazzi, the Dubstep slowed version. Then his long program was Drag path, with a slight extra bit at the start so it was four minutes. The two had different vibes, kept it more interesting.
Though, the thought of actually competing did terrify him, not that he'd ever admit that to anyone. Nationals was live streamed, someone was bound to recognise him, then share the clips everywhere online. Maybe that's why he hesitated. He did care ahat others thought of him, how Sae viewed him.
Rin entered the store, and found himself in the men's section. One guy kept staring at him, but he ignored it. Or tried to.
He ended up picking a red and gold bodysuit for his short program and chose a dark green and black for the long. Rin picked the two up and headed over to the counter.
“Hey, could I get these two for today?”
The cashier looked down, “of course, those are both excellent choices, what sport do you do?”
“I'm an ice skater. Needed a new one for a comp soon.”
“Oh I see, well Goodluck with it! Your total is 145,650 yen for today.”
Rin swipped the card. The lady folded the two bodysuits neatly and placed it in a bag.
She spoke up, “Have a good day.”
Rin paused, “Thank you.” He took the bag and headed out. No one was catching him dead in there. Especially someone he knew.
Before long, Rin found himself at home once more. He'd ended up eating lunch out and gotten home around 3pm. Rin purposely left the bag in the corner of his closet. Sae was not catching him dead with it in the house. He'd actually die.
Tomorrow morning he had a skating lesson at 7. Some of the team wanted to do 5v5 for soccer and somehow he'd been dragged along. In all fairness, he didn't want them to get ahead because he stopped practicing. It would also allow him to observe their techniques more which would better his ability to think ahead and read the field.
Rin sat on the couch, sitting on his phone for a few hours. By then it had long since gone dark out. Yet, something caught him off guard. He heard the front door opening. He looked over and noticed Sae was actually home.
You had to be kidding.