Author's Note: Here goes the second chapter of my story. I know a lot of you like something of the romance genre, but I decided to write about my favorite topic first—and that's sports. I'll come up with something like that in my next story, maybe. Besides a lot of you were writing about that stuff, so I decided to go against the flow.
Disclaimer: Like everyone who writes about Detective Conan, I don't own it. Ask Gosho Aoyama who does.
It's been a week since that fateful night in Tokyo, when Shinichi scored the winning goal for his club. Now, he was eagerly waiting for a solitary announcement from the Japanese team's manager regarding that vacant position in the squad. It's like waiting for Ran's answer when I confessed to her, he thought.
As on cue, the telephone in his living room rang. An all too familiar voice greeted him on the other line. "Hi Shinichi, Ran excitedly said, I hope you're doing fine. You better turn on that TV set of yours, though. The Japanese manager is about to hold a press conference announcing the identity of the final player in our World Cup squad."
"What? Shinichi suddenly exclaimed. Man, I'm so nervous Ran. I can't believe it's about to come. Wait a sec, I'm gonna turn it on right now."
When the picture tube of Shinichi's television came to life, he immediately recognized that familiar face of the Japanese manager, Zico. Zico is a Brazilian-born turned Japanese citizen, and was the star of Brazil's 1982 World Cup campaign. He was now treated as a celebrity in Japan, like the way he was treated back in his homeland of Brazil. He is a great coach with his amazing motivational skills and tactical genius.
"I am here now to make public my decision regarding the vacant slot left by the injured forward, Shinsuke Takaharo. Although, it's really unfortunate that he suffered that injury, we have to move on, and I have already chosen his replacement in the national team. Without further adieu, I inform the Japanese public that 17 year-old forward Shinichi Kudo of Tokyo Verdy Football Club will be called up to the national team to join us in Germany on June the 9th. Thank you everyone for attending this presscon. I look forward to guide the team to its first ever World Cup final and we will be looking to win it." This was Zico's statement.
Back in the Kudo living room, Shinichi was so ecstatic that he was leaping up and down into the air with joy, and he forgot Ran was on the phone. "Hey, Shinichi, congratulations! Shinichi? Shinichi!" Ran shouted onto the receiver. Finally back to his normal senses, Shinichi heard Ran's rants and hurriedly picked up the phone. "Oh sorry Ran, I was so overjoyed I forgot you were there. Thank you, without you I wouldn't have made it this far. You are always there for me. I love you Ran, I really do." Shinichi blushed as he said those words of love to his girlfriend on the other line.
Meanwhile, Ran was also feeling mushy at that moment. "Oh, you don't have to say that. I love you too, my dear." She said lovingly. "Why don't we go out tonight? Want to go to our favorite spot in the park?" Ran offered him. "Sure, I wouldn't miss spending this special moment with you, Ran." Shinichi gladly accepted.
In the media, some reporters were still asking Zico about his decision. Raised one of them, "Mr. Manager, we know that Shinichi is a very talented kid, but do you think he will be able to handle the pressure at football's grandest stage?" Zico replied, "Well, Shinichi has all the skills of a very good striker. He has electric pace, strength to hold off defenders, good control, good technique in finishing, he can score with both feet and his head, too. I'm so amazed by his talent, I might start him alongside. As for the pressure, I think he can cope with it. I'll bring him slowly and assist him. I know how tough it is to perform in the World Cup, having played there myself. But in 1958, Pele' was only 17 too when he led Brazil to victory against Sweden in the final. And today, Rooney of England was also 17 when he made his debut in the national team. These are good examples for your query."
Later that night, two childhood friends and now lovers spent their night together at the park under their favorite Sakura tree. "Well, here we are again, at our favorite spot since childhood" Shinichi reminisced as Ran was leaning on his shoulder. "Yeah, I can't believe it, how many long years we've been together, it's amazing" Ran happily said to her sweetheart.
"Let's go home now, it's getting late and your father might kill me" Shinichi joked. "Okay" Ran agreed with him. "But before that, accept my token of appreciation Ran" Shinichi suddenly turned to her and kissed her on the cheek.
After that, they were quite blushing. "Hmmm… if that's what I get now that you're gonna be part of the World Cup, I wonder what it will be when you win it." Ran naughtily wondered aloud. "Well, we'll see" was the sheepish reply of the now World Cup bound Shinichi Kudo.
AN: 2 chapters down, finally. Well, I put more romance into this than the last one. Just had the idea, because it is indeed special to play in a World Cup, and everyone would like to spend that with a special person, is that right? And that "favorite spot" idea? Thanks to Candyland for that. I really admire the way you write romantic themes, especially the 30 Kisses series. I'm really into World Cup fever right now. Less than a month before the opening game! See you guys for my next chapter!