Shiro had everything.
He achieved his dream to become a volleyball coach. After graduating from university, he taught at a youth academy before his high school team. He loved the idea of encouraging players to live up to their potential, accepting the vacancy when Nekoma retired.
He also had the responsibility of overseeing the 12 and under national team.
Girls and boys practiced the fundamentals of volleyball. It's not like they didn't know them - the point was to polish the basics. They were the most important thing to master, no matter the age or league.
The same spike, the same receive, the same blocks; professionals practiced these thousands, if not tens of thousands of times.
Well, that wasn't the point. Because right now--
Japan won the International against long-time champions, Korea's under 12 team.
He looked back to the court as Irina cheered happily, calling out to her mother as she waved her hands in the air, jumping up and down.
Alisa cried tears of joy as she hugged Akane.
It was a happy day but he felt empty.
The consequences followed when he gave up on Alisa. He remembered their conversation about having kids during a date many years ago, and that made his chest ache. She promised to cook for him every day, yet he can't come home to her food. He can't give her endless hugs and kisses. He can't give her the love she deserved. [1]
Another man had already taken that away, but he was glad. She deserved someone better.
However, there was only one thing going through his mind.
Would it have been different if that day never happened, Alisa?
Alisa hummed a tune as she concentrated on knitting a scarf. Winter was here, and a special date with Shiro was near. She heard a doorbell, assuming it was her food that came.
Opening the door slightly, she saw her boyfriend standing on the front porch. "Shiro! I thought you weren't coming until seven," she gasped, "what you're wearing is too light for the weather. Come in."
"Lis, it's okay. I need to talk to you."
"Hm? Alright, but you have to come in. I don't want you catching a cold."
Shiro nodded slightly before entering the house.
Alisa continued to knit as he sat down next to her. "What do you have to tell me?"
Shiro hunched over and let his head hang down, "I think we need to break up."
She slowly put down her knitting equipment, taking a deep breath. Tears began to well in her eyes as she mustered a small smile, "am I not enough for you, Shiro?"
"No! No... I applied to a university overseas, and I'm in a good position to actually get accepted."
Shiro had everything, but he felt empty.
He had lots of regrets, but this was one he rued the most.
"I'm sorry, Alisa."
It certainly would have been different if that day never happened.
Notes:
[1] Reference to a popular Japanese marriage proposal, "I want to eat your home cooking for the rest of my life."
