from the start | ran takahashi

Chapter 3

"Thank you so much everyone! Grazie!" I spoke through the wireless mic.

I bowed and went to where my stuff was placed. A few people came up to me and said their thanks, as I cheered them on for their upcoming show. As I was gathering my things, The staff member that took care of me came up and said someone was looking for me. Thinking it was a fellow teacher or a student, I followed them.

As I went out and turned towards the hall, I was met by the director of the company. We chatted for a few minutes before finally ending the conversation. I went back to get my stuff to finally rest after the long flight since I came straight from the airport.

I came out of the studio and called an uber to get to my hotel. Normally, I would take the train to get to where I needed to be, but after that flight was big no.

After I arrived to the hotel, I immediately settled in. I took a shower and changed into my pyjamas, then scrolled through social media to help me fall asleep.

As I was scrolling mindlessly, something caught my eye. It was a video of a volleyball team wearing all blue. Curious, I continued to watch as it reminded me of fond memories.

And bad ones.

The blue team scored against the red, making the crowd scream. As the video progressed, it zoomed in to the person who hit the ball. A familiar face popped up, making me drop my phone. After a few seconds of being shocked, I picked up my phone to check whether I was dreaming or not and I wasn't.

It really was him.

Number 12.

Ran Takahashi.

I had so many questions. Why did he suddenly pop up on my feed? Why am I seeing this? What the hell is going on? Why is he playing with different players? I thought he was in the national team? Where is this? Is this in Italy? When did I like this?

Oh shit.

"Fuck.. fuck.. fuck.." I muttered, realizing the mistake I made.

I accidentally liked the post when I dropped my phone from the shock. I checked to see the account and noticed that it was the official account.

Meaning, it was his account. Meaning, he might've seen the notification. Meaning, I'm doomed.

I screamed at my pillow, feeling the tiredness run away from my body. I picked up my phone again to unlike the video until a notification came through.

(@ran.volleyball0902) 髙橋 藍 Ran Takahashi has followed you

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I walked through the crowded streets of Milan, feeling a sense of coziness for some reason.

After the whole fiasco earlier, I immediately turned my phone off and shoved it in my purse to call it a day.

'No way am I facing that.'

To take my mind off of it, I decided to stroll around since I felt too anxious and jittery to fall asleep.

I visited a few shops to buy some souvenirs for my home and my older brother. I was pretty sure that my brother was messaging me right now but I couldn't be bothered to turn my phone on, scared that I might see something more than a follow.

The last thing that I needed to do was to buy something for Kenzo. Though he hasn't messaged since the day I left, I still wanted to get something for him. We all make mistakes but sometimes I feel like I'm just gaslighting myself.