𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐀 | Ran Takahashi ✓

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗲

Ran's face comes from the shadows. Smooth features suspended between exhaustion and joy as he walk towards me. It took me a seconds, my brain taking him in, trying to comprehend that he is the reason why I show up in the gym now, this is real.
 
 
 
 
 
"Hey," He approached me. "I'm happy you visit me, it's the first time to see you here again..."
 
 
 

I was aware that Coach Nakagaichi has gotten stricter, that is why I decided to show up during their an hour long break. "Yeah, it's been a long time. I got you water, dry towel and a snack.."
  
 
 
  
 
*So, this is what a student Himari Hina does..* Ran spoke to himself as he carefully watch her taking out the things she brought inside her bag. *She's too cute.* He smiled. "..Hey?"
  
 
 
 
 
"Oh, yes. Thanks, I actually needed extra dry towels. I'm taking these all." He wrapped it around his neck. The sweat settled upon his skin. "I think that's all for now. We actually have to leave-"
  
 
 

 
"No, no, you should take a sit. It's not even half an hour. Stay here, with me." We took a sit on the bleachers. I just followed wherever he goes. While the rest of the guys cooed, teasing the two of us. "Don't mind them. They're just that..Look, Akari is having too much fun even when Yanagida is not around." Akari waves at us.
  
 
  
 
  
"I know but she missed him. In fact she's been pouting the whole morning." I answered while watching Akari entertaining the others. "Really?  Well, you have to tell her that he's going to show up to the next training. You should always come with her. I'd be happy."
  
 
  
 

"..Me? Always here? I don't think that'll work. I mean, you can't afford any distractions now that you're almost a month away from Olympics."
 
 
 
 
 
He shook his head, "Just show up. It's all alright for me. I will wait for you,"
 
  
 
   
 
I could feel my heart beating faster. He probably doesn't know it— but I could really feel his sincerity. I nodded my head, "If that's what you want. I guess why not?"
 
 
 
  
 

"It's a promise. Yeah?" He smiled brightly. I nod my head in return.

  
 
 

We stayed at the same spot for almost an hour, just casually talking until his team showed up. They were circling around us but it wasn't that uncomfortable. It was like one of the small reunion you do with your friends. As usual they were very welcoming to the three of us. "It's a surprise that Aimi is not here for our dear Yuki..Why is that?"
 
 
 
 
"She's busy, I think. It's alright...We'll get to see each other over the weekend." Yuki announced, landing his eyes upon me. I looked away. Tomohiro shift his gaze between me and Yuki, smirking. "Right, we only have few minutes left. "
  
 
 
 
Then I look at Ran, he let out a smile but he was quiet. *Does he know?* Thoughts played inside my head.

 
  
 
"Gather up, the training will begin shortly. Hydrate yourself. Unwanted visitors can leave now until the training ends, go back here this afternoon.." Coach Nakagaichi said in stern.
  
  
  
 
I look at Ran as he stands up head back to the court. His sweat brought a deeper hue to his jersey, yet this is how I knew everything would work out for him. He's been working hard for Olympics. I want him to remain in good shape, proud of himself and focused.
  
  
  
  
 
"You two look good together, ughh." Akari giggles. I flung my arm around her neck, "..All because of you and Yui, Aimi-wait, speaking if Yui where is she?"
  
  
 
    
  
"She said she's running some errands. I don't know but they too has some plans..For now, let's go back to class."