The night breeze in Utrecht felt soft against Richard's skin as he stepped out of the club's dormitory complex, wearing only a thin jacket and a small smile that just wouldn't fade.
The world kept spinning like usual, but for him… today was different.
Today, he was no longer just a village boy from Lamongan carrying a backpack full of dreams — today, he was officially a Jong Utrecht player.
He took a deep breath.
"Finally… one big step."
His phone buzzed.
A message from Ivar.
"Bro, we're already waiting at the gate!"
Richard replied quickly.
"On my way."
While walking, the warmth of everyone's congratulations still lingered in his chest — the U18 players' cheers, Coach Bram's hug, Coach De Vries' proud pat on the back, and even a respectful nod from the club scout. It all felt surreal.
But what made his heart the warmest was Ivar's family inviting him to dinner. The kid was so excited he had sent three voice notes just to make sure Richard wouldn't cancel.
When he reached the gate, a small black car was already waiting. The window rolled down, revealing Ivar with a grin big enough for two people.
"Bang Richard!" he shouted, waving wildly.
Justin sat next to him, calmer but clearly proud.
Richard laughed and got in.
"How are my two future national-team stars doing?"
Justin immediately protested.
"Hey! I'm not a kid!"
Ivar chimed in, "But I still am, Bang!"
Richard pinched his cheek.
"Yeah, you're a kid… but a talented one."
Ivar's parents greeted him warmly.
As the car started moving to their home — a simple but cozy Utrecht-style house — the two boys talked nonstop.
"Bro, I saw your test clips! Your first touch is insane!"
"You looked like you were about to cry at the announcement!"
"I'm sure you'll make the first team one day!"
"Justin, don't exaggerate."
"But he could!"
Richard just chuckled.
Their genuine admiration made his chest warm in a way he hadn't felt in a long time.
For someone who never had younger brothers, this felt like discovering a new kind of home.
---
Ivar's Family Home
The moment they stepped into the house's yard, the smell of Indonesian cooking filled the air.
He froze for a moment.
"… Is that… ayam kecap?"
Ivar nodded proudly.
"Mom cooked Indonesian food! She said she wanted you to feel at home!"
Justin added, "I helped cut the veggies!"
Ivar followed up with, "I helped eat!"
Richard burst out laughing.
Inside, Ivar's mom welcomed him with the warmth of an Indonesian auntie.
"Richard, congratulations. Getting into Jong Utrecht is no small achievement. Come, sit. Eat a lot. You need the energy."
Richard nodded softly.
"Thank you so much, Auntie… I really didn't expect all this."
The dining table was filled with comforting foods — chicken kecap, fried tofu, "bule-level" sambal, warm soup, and white rice.
For a moment, Richard felt like he was back in Lamongan.
"Bang, eat!" Ivar shouted, holding a big spoon.
They talked and laughed through dinner, and for the first time since he arrived in the Netherlands…
Richard didn't feel alone.
---
A Conversation He Didn't Expect
After dinner, Ivar's dad invited him to sit in the living room.
"Richard, we heard a little about your family from Ivar."
His tone wasn't nosy — just gentle, caring.
Richard fell silent.
About his mother.
His siblings.
His father who left.
His journey to Utrecht, fueled by determination, a bit of savings, and a lot of courage.
"If you ever need anything, just tell us," Ivar's dad said.
"Ivar and Justin look up to you. We're grateful for how you treat them."
Richard lowered his head slightly.
"Thank you, Uncle."
No dramatic words.
Just something real.
Something warm.
Across the room, the boys were still talking about the U18 match highlights, occasionally shouting Richard's name like he was some kind of superhero.
He couldn't help smiling.
---
A Small but Meaningful Confession
When the adults went to the kitchen, Ivar and Justin walked up to Richard.
Ivar sat cross-legged on the carpet, looking unusually serious.
"Bang… can I be honest?"
"Of course."
He took a deep breath.
"I want to play for Indonesia's national team. I know I was born here… but the Indonesian blood just feels real, you know?"
Justin nodded quietly.
"Me too, Bang. We… we wanna make a difference someday. And you're the first player who makes us feel like it's possible."
Richard didn't speak at first.
Their words hit him — not painfully, but deeply.
Slowly, he ruffled their hair.
"You know what? If you two really chase that dream… I'll support you. You both have talent. It's just a matter of time."
"Really, Bang?"
"Really."
"And who knows… maybe one day we'll wear the red jersey together."
Ivar's eyes sparkled.
Justin clenched his small fist, excited.
---
Going Back With a Full Heart
It was already late when they dropped Richard back at the dorm.
Before he stepped out, Ivar suddenly hugged him tight.
"Bang… don't ever change, okay? Stay the big brother we look up to."
Richard held his breath for a moment.
A promise like that wasn't easy to make.
But…
"I promise," he whispered, patting Ivar's back.
Justin just smiled softly, but his eyes said the same thing.
When the car drove away, Richard stood alone in front of the dorm.
The night air was cold, but his heart felt warm.
Today wasn't just about making it into Jong Utrecht.
Today…
he found a new family, new little brothers, and a future that had finally begun to take shape.
And deep down, he knew—
this is only the beginning.