Against All Odds | Ran Takahashi

7

2026. May

It was a typical day in May. Ran has already wrapped up his season in the Italian Super Lega and is finally returning to Japan for the national team season. He sent me a message this morning with a photo of him at the Dubai airport, eagerly waiting for his flight back home.

Little did I know what would surprise me later that day.

That afternoon, as I exited my office building, I couldn't believe what my eyes saw. It was Ran standing outside my workplace. I was so surprised to see him.

For a moment, I stood frozen in disbelief.

He quickly went up to me as soon as he saw me. "Ryann-chan! Surprise!!" he said, spreading his arms as if asking for a welcome hug.

Still frozen in my position, I asked, "Ran, what are you doing here? I thought you were going back to Japan?"

He grinned and said, "Didn't I tell you that I would definitely bring you to Kyoto?"

I bit my lower lip as I recalled the long conversation we had. I'd never expect him to actually do this.

"It has almost been a year since we last saw each other, and you're still frowning? Oh, come on, Ryann-chan," he playfully teased.

I remained speechless, still shocked to see him here.

He chuckled, "I told you I would find you," he said with a smirk.

I was overwhelmed with mixed emotions. Ran had taken time out of his little vacation before starting his training for the national team season just to come and see me. It almost moved me to tears.

Ran widened his smile and squinted his eyes, "Oh, my precious friend looked so moved."

"No!" I defended, but my voice wavered.

He laughed. "Ryann-chan, be more honest," he said as if he already knew I was lying. "Pack your bags, and we're flying out tonight."

I was even more flabbergasted. "Tonight?!" I exclaimed.

He nodded, looking innocently good. "Yes," he replied.

"I don't even have tickets yet!" I retorted.

"Did you honestly believe I would come unprepared?" he asked as if challenging me.

I was so confused. And then he flashed his phone screen showing the ticket confirmation with my name on it. We'd be flying to Tokyo Haneda in five hours.

I had to blink several times to see if I was seeing the real thing.

"You really did?!" I exclaimed.

He looked at me disinterestedly. "I've told you a hundred times already. We're going to Kyoto!"

I scoffed, "Argh! I can't believe you did this!"

"Be more honest, Ryann-chan~ I know you're deeply touched," he sang teasingly, his mischievous tone ringing in the air.

Admitting defeat, I went home with him. As we entered the gate, we were greeted by Marco at the door.

Marco was stunned as he tried to assess who I brought with me.

Ran was just all smiles, waiting to be introduced. He already knew about my brother.

"Uh...Marco...this is Ran," I pointed at the guy beside me. "Friend," I added with hesitation.

Marco squinted his eyes and chuckled, "Friend?" he asked curiously.