The long-awaited day had finally come.
The World Cup finals — the moment the whole nation had been holding its breath for.
A week earlier, America had crushed Japan in the semifinals, just as everyone predicted. Now, the National Team stood at the edge of history, ready to face the giants of baseball in the championship match. Tokyo Dome was alive with the kind of electricity that made hearts pound and voices roar. The air vibrated with cheers, camera flashes, and the rhythmic chant of thousands calling out for victory.
Even government officials, sports ambassadors, and reporters had flown in to witness it all live. The pride of an entire country rested on this team — a group of players who had fought their way from anonymity to the biggest stage in the world.
No matter what the outcome, the people had already decided: they were heroes.
Rosette stood near one of the entrances, her gaze sweeping across the endless sea of faces. The lights were almost blinding; the sound, thunderous. She could barely hear her own thoughts.
Her lips parted in wonder. "There are so many people," she murmured. "It's… overwhelming."
"Rosette!"
The familiar voice pulled her back. She turned and saw Dranred striding toward her, his jacket unzipped, the white of his uniform gleaming beneath the bright stadium lights. He was smiling, but the kind of smile that barely hid the storm beneath.
"James," he added curtly, noticing the man beside her.
James gave a small nod. The tension between them was palpable — not new, but softened somehow, as if time had worn down its sharpest edges.
Rosette, sensing the weight between them, tried to lighten the air. "It's crowded, isn't it? Are you nervous?"
Dranred let out a quiet laugh. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. It's my first World Cup final. Excited and terrified — both at once." He exhaled and looked at James. "I made it here. The finals. Do you still remember our deal?"
James's brows furrowed. "Don't get ahead of yourself—"
"James." Rosette's tone was gentle but firm as she reached for her brother's arm. "He kept his end of the deal. Are you really going to stay stubborn now?"
James looked at her for a moment, his expression softening in spite of himself. Then, with a faint sigh, he reached out and pinched her nose. "You're making it a little too obvious whose side you're on."
Rosette's lips curved into a knowing smile, but she stayed silent.
James turned to Dranred, his gaze steady. "You've worked hard to get here. You did a good job. I wasn't wrong to believe you'd become one of the brightest players in this World Cup."
Dranred blinked in surprise. For a moment, he thought he'd misheard him.
Rosette, however, grinned — that proud, radiant smile she always tried to hide. "Finally. Something nice from you."
James rolled his eyes. "If I didn't say it, you'd nag me about it all night." He let out a quiet chuckle, then faced Dranred again. "Happy now?"
Rosette folded her arms. "That's all you're going to say to him?"
James groaned, running a hand through his hair. He exhaled heavily — the sigh of a man who knew there was no winning against his sister. Then, without another word, he stepped closer to Dranred.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
The words hit harder than Dranred expected. His chest tightened as he met James's eyes — not defiant this time, but sincere.
Dranred frowned slightly. "I don't remember doing anything for you to thank me for."
"Still playing the mysterious guy, huh?" James said with a half-smile.
"The Chief told me everything — your role in solving our parents' case, and how the evidence that exposed your grandfather came from you. That must've been a hard decision, Dranred." He paused, his voice softening. "I can only thank you — for helping us, and for helping Rosette. My pride back then stopped me from saying those words. And… I'm sorry. For being so stubborn. If I had just listened—"
"It's all in the past," Dranred interrupted gently. "Helping you was the least I could do — especially since it was my family that caused you so much pain." He hesitated, guilt flickering in his eyes. "I'm sorry—"
He stopped when James extended his fist toward him — clenched, steady. Dranred froze for a heartbeat, then realized what it meant. Their old fist bump. Their silent promise.
"It's all in the past," James repeated, his voice firm but warm. "We can only look forward now — to what's ahead. And that includes you. You're family, Dranred."
Dranred's breath hitched. "Is it really okay?" His voice trembled, eyes glistening. "I've been waiting for this day for so long."
"Of course," James said, rolling his eyes lightly. "Just accept it already, or Rosette here will never stop nagging me. You know how annoying she can be."
"Yeah, she is annoying," Dranred said with a laugh, bumping his fist against James's. "But she's the reason I'm standing here. I'll play with everything I've got today — because the two most important people in my life are watching."
James smiled. "Do your best. I'll be cheering for you."
Rosette wiped the tears from her eyes, smiling through them. Both men turned at once.
"Are you crying?" they asked in unison.
"Such a crybaby," they teased together, laughing.
"I'm just happy," Rosette said, hugging them both. "You finally made up."
James chuckled, patting her head. "Stop crying, or people will think we're bullying you." He glanced at Dranred and nodded. "I'll go find my seat. You two probably still have things to talk about."
He winked at his sister before walking away toward the audience stand.
Dranred stepped closer to Rosette, his expression soft. "Your eyes will get swollen if you keep crying," he murmured, gently brushing away her tears. "Thank you."
"For what?" she asked, blinking.
"For being you," he said with a small smile. "If it weren't for you, James and I would still be prisoners of our pride."
He took her hand, his fingers warm around hers. "After this match… there's something I want to tell you. Will you listen?"
Rosette chuckled, teasing through her blush. "Even if I'm annoying, I'll listen."
Dranred laughed, shaking his head. "Yes, you're annoying — annoyingly beautiful. Annoying enough to drive me crazy thinking about you." He pulled her gently into his arms. "Now, give me a recharge."
Rosette laughed softly against his chest. "Are your hands okay? Do they still feel numb?"
"I'm perfectly fine," he said, smiling. "Thanks to my medicine. And to you." He looked down at her, eyes steady. "Wait for me, Rosette. After the game, I'll finally say it."
"I'll be waiting," she whispered.