Chapter 21 : Decision

The sun had started to dip below the horizon as Barou, Wakabayashi, and Aoyama stood in front of the townhouse, taking in the sight of their new home. The place was modest but inviting, with ivy climbing up the sides and a small garden out front, where herbs and flowers gave the air a pleasant, earthy aroma. It was the kind of place that felt solid, rooted—something none of them had expected to find in this unfamiliar town.

Barou, usually the first to stride forward without hesitation, stood back, studying the place with a mix of curiosity and guardedness. Wakabayashi, on the other hand, had no reservations. He stepped forward, his eyes bright with excitement as he examined the front door and peered through the windows.

"Well, what do you think?" Rahmat asked, his gaze shifting from each of them, his pride evident.

"It's... alright," Barou muttered, feigning indifference but unable to hide the hint of intrigue in his eyes.

Wakabayashi grinned, nudging Barou. "Come on, even you've got to admit this is a step up from the dorms. It's not just alright—it's home."

Aoyama, standing quietly by Rahmat's side, nodded. "It has a good atmosphere. Quiet. Clean."

Rahmat laughed, placing a hand on Aoyama's shoulder. "I thought you'd like that, Aoyama. And don't worry, there's plenty of space for everyone." With a small gesture, he unlocked the door, letting them step inside.

---

The interior was just as cozy as the exterior. The living room was furnished with comfortable couches, a sturdy coffee table, and a wall decorated with framed photographs of Luton's matches and landscapes of the town. The kitchen was compact yet welcoming, its shelves neatly stocked with essentials, and a handwritten note from Rahmat sat on the counter: "Make yourselves at home, and let me know if you need any recipes."

Wakabayashi noticed the note and chuckled, holding it up to show the others. "Seems like we've got someone looking out for us."

Barou rolled his eyes, though a faint smirk betrayed his amusement. "We don't need pampering. I just need a bed and a training ground."

As they explored further, each took in the personal touches Rahmat had arranged. The bedrooms were simple but comfortable, each one subtly tailored to their preferences. Wakabayashi's room had a set of weights by the window, Aoyama's came with extra storage for cleaning supplies, and Barou's walls were bare, as if to remind him that his only focus was training.

Wakabayashi leaned against the doorframe of Aoyama's room, grinning. "Looks like Rahmat knew exactly what you'd need, Mr. Clean."

Aoyama inspected the room with approval, his expression softening. "It's well-organized. I appreciate the thoughtfulness."

Rahmat entered the hallway, a warm smile on his face. "I'm glad you like it, Aoyama. And Barou," he added, turning to the striker, "I left the walls in your room bare on purpose. I thought you'd like it that way—a blank canvas, for someone always looking forward."

Barou shrugged, but the small spark in his eyes showed that he appreciated the gesture. "It'll do."

---

Later, the three of them gathered in the living room, where Rahmat brought out a set of papers and laid them on the table. "There's something else I want to talk to you all about," he said, his tone serious yet kind. "I mentioned this before, but now that you've settled in, I'd like you to really consider it. Football is the center of your world right now, and I respect that. But I want you to think about what else you might want to pursue—what other skills you could develop outside of football."

Wakabayashi leaned forward, intrigued, as Rahmat continued, "Think of this as a way to grow. Being a great athlete isn't just about what you do on the field—it's about mental resilience, discipline, and having a well-rounded perspective. Developing other skills might even help you perform better in the game, and it'll give you a foundation for the future."

He slid a few brochures across the table, each one showcasing different programs from the local college. "I know I mentioned some of these programs before, but I wanted to show you more options and see if anything really catches your interest."

Wakabayashi picked up a brochure, flipping through it with visible excitement. "Could be fun," he said, stopping on a page that described a class on sports physiology. "Learning how to stay in peak condition wouldn't hurt on the field, right?"

Aoyama nodded thoughtfully, his gaze landing on a course in psychology. "There's value in understanding the mind. It could help us control our focus, even in high-pressure games."

Barou, however, scoffed, leaning back on the couch with his arms crossed. "Why bother with all that? I don't need psychology or physiology. Just give me a ball and the field."

Rahmat chuckled, clearly anticipating Barou's reaction. "That's your choice, Barou. But think about it. Developing these skills could make you an even more formidable player and an even stronger person. And who knows? You might find something you never knew you were passionate about."

Barou shifted uncomfortably, and though he tried to appear indifferent, a thoughtful expression flickered in his eyes. After a moment, he shrugged, muttering, "Fine, I'll give it a shot. But if I'm bored, I'm out."

Wakabayashi clapped his hands together, grinning. "Guess we're all in, then. Should be interesting, right?"

Rahmat smiled, clearly pleased. "Good. You won't regret it. This could open doors for each of you in ways you might not expect."

---

Later that day, Rahmat decided to formally introduce the trio to their new agent, Mina,in the team's conference rooms at the training facility. As Rahmat walked in with the trio, Mina stood, her excitement visible in her bright smile. She was a young woman with an air of confidence and a deep love for the game—a passion that was clear from the Luton scarf she proudly wore around her neck.

"Everyone," Rahmat began, "I'd like to introduce you to Mina, your new agent. She'll be handling all the media requests, sponsorships, and anything else to help keep you focused on what you do best."

Mina nodded, giving each of them a warm smile. "It's such an honor to work with all of you. I've been a Luton Town fan for years, so seeing the team rise with talents like yours… it's a dream come true."

Barou, crossing his arms with a slight frown, studied her skeptically. "So, you're a fan, huh? Don't think that means we're gonna be all buddy-buddy," he said, his usual bluntness on display. "And you'd better not get in the way of my training," he added, eyes sharp as ever.

Mina chuckled, unfazed by Barou's intensity. "I understand, Barou. I know how serious you are about being the best. My job is to support you, not distract you. I'll make sure the world sees what you're capable of." She glanced over at Wakabayashi with a grin. "But I have to admit, Wakabayashi here has become my favorite with those incredible saves."

Aoyama, who had been quietly observing stepped forward with a polite nod. "It's nice to meet someone who understands the club's spirit. But, please… try to keep things orderly and clean," he added, glancing at a small smudge on the conference table with a hint of discomfort.

Rahmat chuckled at Aoyama's comment before stepping in to add more details. "Mina will also be helping you with something else. As you know, we discussed some additional courses you'll be taking. Mina's going to help each of you settle in at the school, handle any scheduling issues, and make sure you're all set up with classes that fit around your training schedule."

Wakabayashi couldn't help but smile, enjoying the thought of having a dedicated fan by their side. "Well, Mina, here's to many more saves and wins," he said, reaching out to shake her hand.

Mina smiled, shaking his hand with a look of determination. "And here's to showing the world what Luton Town and the three of you are all about."