A Thousand Cranes for a Wish (USHIJIMA X OC)

This is Fate

- ----EIGHT YEARS LATER-----

"Alright class that'll be all for today. Don't forget about the project. It's due in three days." Umeko waved her students goodbye as she dismissed them.

"Um, Professor... I'm not quite sure what to draw for the topic." The student furrowed their eyebrows clearly in distress. "I just feel like the topic is too vague."

Umeko took a moment to reply. Since becoming a college art professor, she was used to all kinds of questions and people. "The topic is supposed to give you creative liberties. 'Attainable destiny' can be interpreted in countless ways and as a college class it's a chance to show off those ideas and make something of it." Umeko began to pack her own belongings in her bag. "Art is an expression and application of human creativity and imagination. The freedom to think for yourself. If I were to give an overly specific topic wouldn't it go against that?"

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Ushijima walked into the locker room and began to change into his volleyball uniform. His eyes wandered to the paper bunny inside his locker. Even after all those years he still kept good care of the charm. Originally, Umeko was going to make him a new one but he refused. There was something special about the current bunny and he wasn't going to get rid of it any time soon.

After graduation he was scouted by a fair number of teams. He started in Schweiden Adlers then moved on to Japan's National Team. Though it was surprising to see some old opponents in the team; he had no regrets with his decision. They were teammates now and that's all that mattered.

"It's almost time to warm up! All of you get on court in thirty minutes." Their coach called from outside the locker room.

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Umeko walked out of the college campus and looked at her watch. Looks like I can make it. Luckily her class didn't go over time and she didn't have much homework to grade.

Umeko hastily dialed a number and hoped for the best. "Hello, Hashimoto? Yeah. Sorry I don't think I'll be able to make it today. I have something really important that I can't miss."

Hashimoto sighed from the other end of the phone. "I figured. But next time alright?"

"I promise. Though it is your fault that you decided on going out last minute." Umeko responded ruefully.

"That was not my fault at all. Sakuma was the one who forgot to tell you earlier." Hashimoto sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Sometimes I wonder how he manages to be an adult."

Umeko laughed. "He is just trying his best. Anyway, I need to go now! Bye! See you some time later!" Umeko hung up and put her phone away as soon as she got to her car. It didn't take very long to drive to the venue and thankfully she found a parking space near the entrance doors.

Hastily she got out of her car, locked it then practically jogged to the entrance. It was a little chilly outside and she regretted not bringing a jacket. She pulled out her phone and began to text Shirabu.

Umeko: Are you coming to watch the game?

Shirabu: Of course. I'm about to leave work.

Umeko: Ok, drive safely

Shirabu: Who do you take me for? I'm the safer driver between the two of us.

Umeko: Whatever you say.

Umeko: Wait!

Umeko: Isn't Tendou coming to visit this week?

Shirabu: You asked this yesterday.

Shirabu: He's still in France, he is coming NEXT week.

Umeko: Ohhhhhhh lol thanks :D

Umeko put her phone back in her pocket then continued to walk to the viewing area.

"Watch out!" A voice called from her left, but it was too late. The pair crashed into each other and landed on the ground with a hard thump.

Umeko looked at who had bumped into her. It was a boy clad completely in the Japan volleyball team merchandise and he didn't look at all older than her students. "Sorry, I should have been more careful." The boy stood up abruptly and offered his hand to Umeko.

"No, no. I should have paid more attention to what was going on around me." She allowed herself to be helped up then patted herself down. "Don't worry, it was my bad too."

"Ah! Call me Alex by the way!" He held out his hand for a handshake. The boy rubbed the back of his head embarrassed at his blunder. "I, uh...Nice to bump into you?"

"You can call me Umeko then" Umeko smiled and shook his hand. She was now much more comfortable meeting new people and she daresay sometimes enjoyed it.

"Oh, you dropped something." He picked up a small book by Umeko's feet then handed it back to her. "You're learning how to speak polish?"

Umeko nodded. "Yeah, we are thinking of moving there soon so it's important for me to learn the language."

"We?" Alex raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, my husband and I are planning on going after this volleyball season."

"Is he a player in the Japan team!?"

Umeko felt a surge of pride, "Yep!" she chirped happily.

Alex's eyes widened "That's so cool!" He practically vibrated on spot, he was a diehard fan and nothing would ever change that. "What position does your husband play?! No, wait. Who is he!?"

"Opposite hitter. Ushijima Wakatoshi." A familiar voice approached the pair.

Umeko immediately turned around to face her husband and wrap him in a hug. "Hi there, I missed you."

"I missed you too." Ushijima held Umeko in a tight embrace and gave her a quick kiss before releasing her. "Did you have a good day at work?"

"Mhn, it was good."

Alex looked two seconds away from fanboying as he gawked at the pair. "U-Ushijima! I-I'm a big fan of yours!" He held out a pen and an autograph card. "Can I have your autograph please?! A-and...and maybe a picture too?" His voice dwindled near the end as he added to his request.

Umeko and Ushijima looked at each other then back at Alex. They were in agreement. "One autograph and one quick photo. I have to warm up for the match soon."

It didn't even take five minutes for both the autograph and photo to be completed. "Thank you so much! I'll never forget this day for as long as I live! I'll pass this down as a family heirloom." Alex hugged the autograph and fanned himself. As if reading the mood, he hastily excused himself from the conversation. "I-uh, good luck! I'll leave you two to...uh...do whatever you do."

The pair watched as Alex awkwardly scampered away. "Looks like you have another diehard fan." Umeko giggled. "But I think I'm still your biggest fan."

"That seems to be the case." Ushijima kissed her forehead then looked at the time "I need to head back now. It's time to warm up."

"Aw, alright. Good luck!" He gave him another hug. "Do your best."

"Anything for my wife."

~FIN