Bestfriend | Ran Takahashi

Birthday

It was the middle of the All Japan Intercollegiate Volleyball tournament. This next few days will be my last days with the team as my project is coming to an end. I enjoyed spending time with them, they're such goofballs off the court but they take their practice and matches seriously. I've also established a decent routine with Ran. We would get into the gym early to set up the equipments in exchange of his thoughts about my project and an interview with him. I also taught him how to finally tape his fingers properly, but he still insists that he likes the way I do it.

Anyway, we're currently in a knock out match, if we lose this then we're done. We've had set points a few times but the other team keeps coming back from it. I can tell Ran's getting frustrated, which is new, he's always level headed on matches. All players looked tired, they need to end this but both teams are putting up a fight to move on to the next round.

Ran was serving, it was match point for the other team. He toss the ball up in the air and took a couple of steps forward before jumping and hitting the ball. I thought it was an ace, but the other team's libero managed to dig it. It was set up, their captain went for it... or so we thought. One of their shorter players came out of nowhere and hit the ball to an empty area just near Ran. He went and dove for the ball, hoping to save it, but he was just a few inches too far. The referee called the match. The other team celebrated while Nittai went to their side of the court, tears seeming to form in their eyes. Ran was still on the ground, still in disbelief that he missed that.

I wanted to walk over to him, to comfort him, to tell him that it was not his fault, but I couldn't, they still have to congratulate the other team. They all went to their locker room after the match, I waited outside as they all had to change. As I was waiting, I saw Hana passing by with snacks in her hands.

"Hana!" I called out.

She turned towards me and smiled.

"Aya-chan!"

"How are you?" I asked?

"Oh, I'm great actually, I'm here to support my boyfriend.. well technically he's not my boyfriend yet, but you know.." she said shyly.

Since when was Hana shy?

"Ohhh, that's great, good luck to your team then. I'm waiting for the team to come out of their locker room," I told her.

"I didn't know you were their assistant manager, I'm also sorry for the loss," she said.

"I'm technically not, but they gave me the position just so I can do my project while they're on matches. Easy access," I explained.

"I see. I have lots of things I have to tell you and you have some explaining to do too, missy. That photo with THE Ishikawa Yuki! Also, Ran's been asking for updates regarding you once in a while. I told him I'm not your keeper and that he's going to have to ask you himself if he wanted updates," she rolled her eyes.

"Coffee sometime then? And Ran? I doubt that, he's too busy with volleyball right now, I mean when is he not busy with volleyball," I replied.

"You'll be surprised, Aya-chan, anyway, just let me know when and where for that coffee, I have to go since Waseda's match is starting soon" she tried to wave goodbye but her hands were full.

I waited a few more minutes before the team started walking out of their locker room. I waited for him, but he didn't walk out. I asked the coach and he said that he was still in there. I told him that I'll get him and that they can wait outside.

I walked inside the locker room and found him there, sitting. I wasn't sure on how to approach him since I've never seen him like this. He's lost matches before but he's never acted like this.