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The score “3-2” displayed upon the big screen, Rin stared at it as he heard his teammates screaming.
It felt surreal, beating his brother. Beating every small expectation holding him down, a weight had been lifted from his shoulder as he turned to his teammates holding each other. He was hit by a wave of deja-vu, beating his brother again in his other u-20 match.
Yet this time, that wasn’t what had caused a small light in his eyes to re-appear.
He had bested Isagi Yoichi, the heart of Blue Lock. he had beat the ‘plainest’ guy in blue-lock. He had won against his rival.
He wanted Isagi to acknowledge his beating. His victory.
Turning to his body towards his teammates, who were celebrating in a tight embrace, Rin felt a flicker of pride reignite within him. He stormed towards the crowd, flickering his eyes to find Isagi amidst it.
Pushing through the crowd, Rin's determination burned brightly, fueled by the desire to stand face to face with Isagi and claim his victory. His only focus as he watched the boy finally meet his view, his grin shining to Rin. His shoulder was preoccupied by Bachira’s arm, yet that didn’t deter Rin.
Without hesitation, Rin reached out, grabbing the back of Isagi's shirt and yanking Bachira off him. The sudden action caught both Isagi and Bachira by surprise.
“Rin?” Isagi let out, his eyes widened slightly as he faced Rin.
Rin kept a hold onto him, moving his hand to grip his sleeve. “I beat you.” Rin declared, the words resonating with undeniable pride. In that moment, he felt a sense of vindication wash over him.
As Rin's hand tightened around Isagi's sleeve, he felt a surge of triumph coursing through him. Isagi's expression shifted slightly, still surprised before laughing softly.
Rin felt like he was burning. The world seemed to stand still around them, the noise of the crowd fading into the background as Rin and Isagi stood face to face. In that charged moment, Rin awaited Isagi's response, his grip on Isagi's sleeve tight with anticipation.
“You did.” Isagi finally stated, grinning as he looked up to Rin. “You beat me. You’re amazing.”
Rin grunted, letting go of his sleeve.
He felt Isagi’s arms wrap around his waist, making him flinch. Rin stiffened yet didn’t pull away, he couldn’t pull away. “Rin, why didn’t you go to your brother?”
The mention of Sae caused Rin to shove Isagi away who merely barked out a laugh as he steadied his feet.
“I have nothing to say to him.” Rin crossed his arms, glaring at Isagi who didn’t respond with the same intensity.
“How come?” Isagi stopped laughing, putting a hand on his hip as he raised an eyebrow at Rin.
“...” Rin went silent, realising his actions.
He hadn’t gone to Sae, hell he didn’t even care for his praise. An odd sense of relief washed over him.
What was wrong with him?
“Rin?” Isagi asked, snapping Rin out of his trance.
“My goal changed.”