章 85: Prelude to the Next Game

Haruka's heart was still racing from the excitement of the last game. As she walked back to her seat, she felt a wave of pride and relief wash over her. Sota had played brilliantly, and she couldn't wait to see him and tell him just how proud she was. Her steps were light as she made her way through the crowd, the buzz of excitement still lingering in the air. But as she approached her seat, she suddenly froze.

Standing right in front of her were her parents and her younger brother, Riku.

Haruka's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't expected to see them here, not so soon, and certainly not together. Her father, tall and imposing as always, was scanning the field with a serious expression, while her mother stood beside him, her face soft and warm with a gentle smile. Riku, with his usual mischievous grin, was the first to notice her.

"Haruka?" he called out, his eyes lighting up with surprise.