[ a/n: where have i been hahahaha. don't expect much from me tbh. might not update soon, again. ]

You followed Bernard for a bit longer than a person should, for the sake of having a quick lunch. Bernard brought you to a fancy place diner, and since the weather was nice, you both sat outside. As the waitress came by, you gave your order for something that spiked your interest on the menu.

"You're probably wondering why we need to eat out here." Bernard gave you a small smile, to that which you didn't return.

"I do. . ." You trailed off. It seemed rude to ask, so you didn't. Now he read your mind, and you refused to lie. For the past while you'd been here, you ate sparingly in your office, while sill doing work. Contacting sponsors, emailing CEO's, researching opposing teams, managing the budget, etc. . .

"You've been working too hard. You should relax for a while." Bernard made a good point, so you nodded. The waitress brought around your dishes and drinks, and Bernard paid.

"I-"

"No." He lifted a finger and shut you up immediately. There was no winning with this guy.

The meal was rather silent, you were rather nervous to bring up anything work related, afraid he'd scold you. So neither of you said much, until it was time to get up and head back.

"I want you to tell me what your goal is." While walking, Bernard asked you this, his hands shoved into his pockets. You didn't expect him to ask this, so late at that. It was a good think you already thought up your answer, so, you wouldn't mess this one up.

"I want to be able to save children and their families from poverty with soccer. The FFI makes a lot of money, which shouldn't go to only large corporations. They already have too much. It should go to kids like Malik, and the teams who participate. I want our kids to be able to play soccer, and earn money for their families at the same time." Such an admirable answer you have, but it's a far, far away goal to reach.

The Bernard foundation has money and all, but it's only enough for what it has now. Not enough for more kids on a street, but this is what you want to change.

"You're an admirable young woman." Bernard responded with a gentle chuckle. You couldn't tell if he was laugh at you or not. You'd like to think he wasn't.

"That is my goal as well. I'm happy we can work on it together." As you looked up at him, you could see the smile on his face. A genuine one.

"Are you not going to miss your friends in Japan?" His next question, stopped you right in your tracks. Bernard slowed down, and turned to face you. "I apologize. You've no need to answer that." It was a sensitive topic, but he wouldn't know why. Not unless you tell him, and, you won't. Just, not now.

"It's alright. I will miss them, but it's alright." You started to lead the way this time. "I will see them again, so I will be alright. I'm sure they'll understand why I left. . ." You hoped they could understand why you left.

"I see. . ." Bernard slowly walked alongside you.

"There you are!" Suddenly, there's a loud voice. You slightly jumped, and lifted your head. It was Froy, off in the distance. Uh oh.

"You said you were going for lunch!" It didn't take Froy long at all for him to dash over to you and Bernard. Trailing behind him, was Malik. The little boy was quick to hug onto your legs.

"We did go for lunch." Bernard replied to Froy, bluntly.

"No, no, no! You said YOU were going for lunch. Not you AND [Y/n]." Froy seemed disappointed he wasn't invited. Poor thing.

"Why are you so angry?" You furrowed your brows, patting Malik's head in the process. Why did Froy bring the poor kid. . .

"Because I waited in your office for almost an hour, waiting for you." Froy's irritation melted away, as he inched closer to you, and took one of your hands. "But you never showed up, my dear. . ."

". . . Dramatic." You pulled your hand back.

He was heartbroken. Or, pretending to be heartbroken. Right, right. . .

"Big sis! Come play soccer with me. Please, please!" Malik started tugging at your sleeve, now how can you possibly say no to this sweet child. You can't.

"Of course, let's go." You chirped, and held his smaller hand. Without missing a beat, you and Malik were off. Leaving Bernard and Froy behind.

Froy, who was grieving over his 'rejection'.