Bestfriend | Ran Takahashi

Uncomfortable

Our trip to Rimini is coming to an end. The men's team didn't make it to the semi-finals. They all worked hard and gave it their best. It was sad seeing Ran just sitting there, knowing that his first international competioton already came to an end. He will be heading home first as the women's team will be staying longer since we made it to the bronze medal match. We lost semi-finals to Brazil and will be up against Turkey for 3rd place on the 25th. The men's team will be leaving that same day.

I have been benched the majority of the month long competition, coach would put me in as a libero whenever we're up by a few points, she wanted me to gain more experience. I can raise my arms up, it's just the swinging/spiking movement that gives me a little bit of pain. So, I guess I'm not one hit wonder after all.

The day before the men's team departure, Ran told me to meet him at the beach after dinner. So, I did. He was just sitting on the sand, enjoying the breeze. "Hey there, handsome" I greeted, hugging him from behind and giving him a quick kiss on his cheek. He smiled and motioned for me to sit down between his legs, infront of him. He wrapped his arms around me, resting his head on my left shoulder.

"I'm going to miss you.." he whispered.

"It's only for a couple of days, then we'll be back to our daily routine" I told him.

"Yeah, but it's just different not seeing you everyday"

"I know... it was hard when I got here, it was lonely" I admitted.

"Tomorrow, if they put you in, make sure you don't hurt yourself. You're still healing, I know the bruise is fading.. slowly, but the muscles are still tender and slight irritation can cause serious damage.."

"I know, you've told me that a few times this past few days"

"And yet you're still diving for balls and landing on your side"

"I know.. I'm sorry.. it's the last day of competition and I promise I'll take some time off to heal when we get back"

"You better, also, mom wants to see us soon, I think your dad mentioned that we're going out, so she sent me multiple messages asking for us to visit as soon as possible"

I nodded in reply.

It was getting a bit chilly and I was only wearing a tshirt and shorts, I shivered a little. He hugged me tighter, trying to protect me from the cold breeze. I feel so tiny when his whole body basically engulfed me into a nice, tight hug.

"Ran... do you want to go to a mini vacation after the Olympics?" I asked.

"Of course, where at?"

"I don't know... anywhere is fine as long as you're with me"

"Sounds good, we'll plan it when we get back"

At this time, I was getting sleepy, but I didn't want to leave yet. I didn't want this moment to end. I don't think we'll ever get a chance to be like this in a while. I just want to cherish it.

"Let's get you back to your room" he said and started to get up.

"10 more minutes, please?" I asked and looked up to him. He seemed to understand why as he sat back down and engulfed me into another hug.

The men's team were leaving early that next day, so I made sure to wake up early to see them off. I was in the lobby and the men were gathering all their belongings and putting them in the bus outside. I said my goodbyes to the other guys, telling them that I'll see them later. They told me to do my best at the match today.

"I'll see you in a couple of days," Ran said as he was taking out something from his bag.

"I'll miss you" I said.