A hero syndrome.
Kumiko didn’t even mince her words here, saying so bluntly that Higo had to flinch at that mere memory. Still, in retrospect, Higo couldn’t deny that he had it within him, especially after listening to Kumiko’s description earlier.
"It is a psychological trait that makes you think you are the main character of everything, that without you here, everything will crumble." The girl spoke. "I guess I should’ve seen this coming from you. I mean, our appearance in Hakodate Nishi was so close to a hero saving the day, and in the national team, you also brought your own energy to affect the whole team. It is understandable for you to think that you have to do something even in your new club."
The way Kumiko said it made Higo believe for a moment that this was not a bad trait to have. However, it would be a lie if Higo said that he wasn’t concerned about this. Fortunately, Kumiko, a genius she was, was able to alleviate his worry so easily.
"Well, try to think, after joining the team, is there any way you can help the team gain its best form?"
The question was simple, but enough to stump Higo. After thinking for a second, he finally shook his head, unable to find a way to help the team. At the end of the day, he would only be placed in the second team, and his influence wasn’t that big enough in the first place to affect anything in the whole team.
And even if he somehow managed to get into the first team, the boy wouldn’t be able to change that much. This was just a limitation of a goalkeeper. They could only affect a team that had a terrible defense. However, Schalke’s problem wasn’t just that. No, they were also among the worst teams in Europe when it came to offense, and that told the boy everything he needed to know.
"Well, you know it yourself, you will not be able to change a lot, so don’t try to overthink too much right now," Kumiko said. "Thing is, you will have to learn to accept that not everything can be solved just by your mere presence. Some problems are big enough that only through the whole effort of the team can they be solved. So, don’t always try thinking of the bigger picture here, and just enjoy every moment you have with your new team!"
Well, at least the conversation was enough to enlighten Higo for a bit.
’Indeed, not everything can be solved by me alone. I just need to face what is in front of me first before thinking about the big picture or something bullshit like that.’
After enjoying a day watching the real Bundesliga game, the next day, Higo was ready to fly back home. Yeah, the contract only effectively started next season, around the month of July. So, right now, he still doesn’t have any obligation to stay here. It was better to spend his next few weeks hanging out with family, and that was also what the head coach asked him to do.
Of course, before going back, the boy didn’t forget to buy so many presents for people back home. Well, he was never that creative with gifts, so the boy just bought so many Schalke jerseys for the people he intended to give to.
’Mom, Big sis... Well, yeah, she would need one. Kumiko-chan, Teme, and probably Kuroki-kun as well. So, I would need at least five, huh? Man, this is going to be costly...’ He winced unconsciously while counting the money inside his head.
Fortunately, all the bonuses he received after the winter tournament were still there, so he could still afford to buy everything right now. After that, he and Ayaka met with Fujita at the station, and only then did they start their journey back to Japan.
"So, when are you going to start living here?" Fabian, who accompanied Higo with Randy to the station, couldn’t help but ask.
"I don’t know, but if there is nothing wrong, it should be around early July." Higo shrugged. Then, a mischievous smirk formed as he added, "What, don’t tell me you are going to miss me? Sorry, I don’t swing that way, you know?"
Fabian had the corner of his lips twitching speechlessly. "Don’t be shameless. You are just the first teammates I feel have positive energy around, so I just thought maybe we can change the team together. Don’t you dare come back with a negative aura, okay?"
Before Higo could say anything, Randy also chimed in here. "Also, when you are coming here again, don’t forget a Naruto action figure, okay? I want the Tsunade one with... You know what I mean, right?" He wiggled his eyebrows lecherously.
Higo just stared at the man in disgust, trying to get away from him as far as possible. He didn’t mind the man being an otaku, but this? This was a little bit over the top, not something the boy could handle so easily.
Fortunately, Ayaka came in clutch here, saving the boy from the awkward state.
"Ryukkun! Come on, say goodbye to your friends! Our train is about to go!" She came out of the train just to say that.
"Oh, yeah, sorry, Aya-nee! I am coming!" Higo perked up immediately. "Anyway, thank you for your hospitality during my time here. Just wait patiently until I arrive here again, okay? Who knows, maybe we can wreak havoc in the first team in the future!"
"Ha! I like your confidence!" Fabian let out a little laugh. "Anyway, just go! We will wait for you here!"
"See you later, Higo!" Randy also waved at him enthusiastically.
As Higo was back on the train, sitting next to his sister while also watching the scenery moving so fast from the window, he couldn’t help but let out a little sigh. The boy had only been here for four days in total, and yet, somehow, he felt like he had gained more than all of his time playing football with his high school team.
’Yeah, as expected, a professional team sure is different, huh?’ A smile curled unconsciously on the corner of his lips. ’Man, I cannot wait for the next season to begin!’