The Birth of A Volleyball Legend

A few days later, Yuki found himself scowling, glaring at the piece of newspaper in front of him, particularly at one article in a small section that no one would read unless they were specifically searching for it.

In a heartwarming display of community support, local politician Yusuke Sugawara announced at a recent press conference that he would be a regular donor to the newly established Hope Orphanage. This facility has been providing refuge and care for children who lost their parents in the devastating disaster that struck the Fukuoka prefecture six months ago. Faced with persistent funding shortages that threatened to shut down the orphanage, Sugawara's promise to contribute monthly donations has infused new hope into the hearts of both the residents and the staff. The announcement comes as a relief to the dedicated individuals behind the orphanage, who have been tirelessly working to maintain a safe haven for these vulnerable children.

Speaking candidly to the media, Sugawara shared his motivation behind the decision to support the orphanage. "Seeing the suffering and trauma these children have endured has profoundly affected me," he explained. "As a parent myself, I can't imagine the pain of losing a child or the joy of watching them grow up in a loving environment. It's our duty as a community to step up and lend a hand, especially in moments like these. I firmly believe that if we all contribute, no matter how small, we can help these children build a brighter future." His words resonated deeply with many, igniting a renewed sense of responsibility among local citizens to support their homegrown heroes in nurturing their community.

The matron of The Hope Orphanage, Aiko Takahashi, expressed her gratitude for Sugawara's commitment while maintaining her trademark modesty. "We truly appreciate Sugawara-san's generosity and his willingness to stand alongside us during this challenging journey," Takahashi remarked. "His support will go a long way in ensuring that we can continue providing for these children. We are grateful for his kindness and hope that others will be inspired to contribute as well, but we believe in keeping our focus on the children rather than on any individual. After all, it is their well-being that matters most." Her measured praise embodies the spirit of community cooperation that is crucial for the orphanage's future.

Even though it was a relatively normal article – short, even – that illuminated the help offered by Arina Sugawara's father to the orphanage, Yuki still felt unhappy about the exposure. It felt as if Arina Sugawara's father was taking advantage of this situation to increase his influence within the neighborhood.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"Still mad over that article?" Aiko's question snapped him out of his thoughts. She offered him a glass of water, looking at him amusedly.

"How could you accept this, Obaasan?!" Yuki exclaimed frustratingly. "He's taking advantage of us!"

"Well, I wouldn't say it that way. It's not like we suddenly have a constant source of funding, right?" Aiko replied casually. Seeing the deflated look on Yuki's face, she patted his shoulder and explained patiently. "I know you feel betrayed since Sugawara-san appeared sincere when he offered help, but you don't have to. It was an agreement between me and her father, and it benefits both sides. He gets the exposure, and we get the help we need. Now, your siblings don't have to worry about getting new clothes or if they want to join camp activities that require registration fees. It's a win-win solution, right?"

"… I guess you're right," Yuki grumbled unhappily.

"The thing is, as you grow older, you'll learn that no one gives you anything for free. You have to compensate for everything you receive, and you need to think about whether what you receive is worth the sacrifice or not. In this case, I don't mind Sugawara-san stealing the limelight since he can provide us with a better life, so I agree with his offer. Do you understand?" She explained patiently while rubbing his head affectionately.

"Yes, Obaasan," Yuki finally sighed, knowing there was nothing he could do about it. A moment later, his phone pinged, signaling a new message for him.

Arina Sugawara: Kobayashi-kun, I'm sorry! I know this isn't part of our agreement, and I don't know why Papa suddenly put this in the newspaper. I swear, I don't know anything about it! Please forgive me!

Yuki and Aiko, who read the message, stared at each other before the latter shrugged. "She has already explained her reasons and apologized to you, so it's up to you whether to accept it or not."

Yuki pondered for a while before letting out a deep sigh. "Is this what I have to deal with as a grown man?" He didn't need to hear the answer; Aiko's expression alone was enough to explain. He hummed for a second before his fingers moved quickly across the screen, texting a short message to Arina Sugawara.

You: Don't worry, Senpai, I'm not mad.

Aiko beamed with pride at the maturity shown by the boy. Still, she knew this conversation had taken a toll on him, so the woman decided to change the topic immediately. "So, what are you going to do today?"

"Oh, I'm waiting for Riku to come here!" Yuki answered. "Today is the scheduled training for Tokyo Thunder, and next weekend, we will have a game where I will probably make my debut, so I need to be prepared."

"Oh, your debut? Can we go and show our support?" Aiko asked, excitedly.

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"I'm not sure about that, but I will ask the coach later."

"Good! And speaking of which, here he comes!" Just after she said that, they all could hear the children squealing outside his room at the blonde boy's arrival. "Riku-nii! Long time no see!"

"Yeah, long time no see, kiddo," Riku smiled warmly as he was surrounded by the children. "Unfortunately, I have to go with your big brother for now. So, we will play together later, okay?"

After the collective "Aw…" groans from the children, they finally let Riku escape from their clutch. Yuki shook his head fondly at their interaction before asking his friend, "So, are you ready to go?"

Riku grinned widely as he nodded, "Sure!"