Bestfriend | Ran Takahashi

Start Over

I spoke with Yuki-senpai regarding our relationship. I told him that while his actions towards me are very sweet and more than what I deserve, it wasn't right.

"You deserve it, but I'm not the right person who's giving it to you," he told me.

"You're a wonderful woman, beautiful, simple, kind... You're someone men would kill for. I know I would," he added.

"Arigato.., I did enjoy those times we spent together, but it didn't feel right," I admitted.

"Because I'm not him," he smiled and ruffled my hair.

"Hey!" I protested.

"Don't be a stranger to me, promise?" he asked.

"Of course, Yuki-senpai"

We established a sister-brother relationship after that. After that miserable break, I focused on my studies and volleyball. I managed to get in the Nittai volleyball club for women, but I still needed work to get to where I once was and go from there. Team captain told me to work on my jumps, they're lacking height, which I completely agree.

I ended up with a daily routine which keeps me going and busy. Doing nothing makes me think of the what ifs. I also applied for a short athletic trainer camp in the US. It's about a month long program that provides some classes, on site work, tips and tricks, and a lot of hands on experience. I figured it's my best option since athletic trainer is big in the US.

I have not spoken to Ran. I've seen him around the university and whenever they have practice since the gym that we use is right next to theirs. He looked happy, content, and free. I'm happy for him. I've also seen him around JVA whenever they have the team in the office for some PR project for the upcoming FIVB in May. I worked with a few of the players during the PR project. I fixed their uniform for their photoshoot, making sure that they look good and posing correctly, etc. They were all very nice and funny and tall. I felt so little, the closest to my height is Yamamoto-san. I try not to stand next to Yamauchi-san, he is TALL. He towers over me. He makes me feel like I'm an oompa loompa.

During the last day of the project, I let my manager know that I will be resigning from my position. I was accepted to the month long program starting on March, which was in a week. My manager told me that she enjoyed having me on the team and that if I decided to work for JVA again, the position will be waiting. I thank her tremendously. At the end of the project, my manager announced to everyone that I will be leaving JVA for an opportunity in the US. I thanked everyone for taking care of me and that I enjoyed every minute working here.

The team congratulated me and wished me luck, saying that they hope to see me again soon.

"I'm not leaving Japan for good, silly" I told them.

"One month is a long time," I heard Yuki-senpai from the back.

"It is, but I'll be back, I don't think the PR team can handle you guys," I joked.

I hugged everyone and wished them well on their practice and upcoming matches. Yuki-senpai was the last person I said goodbye to, Ran left early, he had to study for an upcoming exam was what they said.

"Thank you for taking care of me" I bowed and thanked them again.

I left for the US a week later, excited to start this new adventure ahead of me.

Mid-April...

I arrived in Narita airport after spending a month in the US. I got my luggage and found Daisuke-nii and Aro-nii waiting for me with balloons and pocky and strawberry milk. Silly.

I rushed to them as best as I could considering I have a few luggage. "I miss you guys!" I said, going for the pocky and strawberry milk. Aro-nii hit my head lightly. "I'm kidding!"