You Did it Sumire!

The Path Forward

Today was Monday, and Sumire was up early, bustling around her kitchen as she prepared her signature sandwiches and brewed some fragrant tea. This morning was special because she was going to have breakfast with her friends. Her first class was free, which meant she had the perfect opportunity to watch her friends' practice and finally share her decision with the coach. For the first time, Sumire wasn't nervous about the conversation, a sign she took as a good omen.

They had agreed to meet at the designated spot at 6 am. As always, Kita-san texted Sumire to let her know he was close to her place, but this time, Suna-san wasn't with him. With the once-a-month practice match against a professional team looming, the coach had intensified their training. Suna-san was already at the gym, practicing hard, but planned to take a break at 6 am, which worked out perfectly for their breakfast gathering.

"Kita-san, um, I hope you don't mind me asking. I know I'm young and we haven't known each other for long, but..." Sumire took a deep breath to steady herself. "What do you think of Onee-san?" She realized this might be her only chance to speak with Kita-san alone.

Kita-san looked at her, surprised, but quickly regained his usual composed demeanor.

"Sumire, is it okay if I call you that?" he asked, and Sumire nodded.

"You can ask me anything; you are my friend. Remember that." He continued, "To answer your question—Himari-san has matured a lot since I first met her. Ever since she got her job and took on the responsibility of her father's treatment, she's changed, which I suppose is normal."

Kita-san paused, waiting for Sumire to respond, but when she didn't, he continued.

"Last time we talked about Himari-san, I mentioned that I don't have space for anyone in my life, and that's true. However, I didn't mention that she has always been there for me. She attended all my matches, even when I wasn't a starter, even when I was just a strategist. She would watch from the sidelines and then disappear, never trying to talk. She was present at my birthday celebrations and my grandmother's as well. But since her father's condition worsened, she hasn't come to any of my matches. I didn't even see her at my birthday celebration last year, and I realized I missed her more than I thought."

Kita-san looked up at the sky, a soft smile crossing his face. "It's as if, without me realizing it, she became a part of my life, a part of my routine. But once our marriage was arranged, she started avoiding me. If we happened to see each other, she would walk faster and wouldn't even glance my way. I thought she was still mad at me for rejecting her back in middle school, but I guess I was wrong." He stopped walking, and Sumire followed suit.

"She thought I hated her. I can't believe it. Was I really that poor at communicating that she misunderstood me? Now, when she finally expresses her feelings so openly, I can't even tell her what I truly want," Kita-san said, his voice tinged with pain as his fists clenched.

This was the first time Sumire had seen him so vulnerable, and she understood. She understood all too well the feeling of being misunderstood.

"Kita-san, you know I was there when you told her how you felt. When you said you don't hate her and that you need time to understand your feelings—that takes guts, bruh." Kita-san looked at Sumire, surprised by her candidness; she usually spoke so politely and formally.

"You see, from what you've said, I feel like you've never really fallen for anyone. You've never had a girlfriend, right?" Kita-san simply nodded.

"Hmmm, just as I thought. You're confused about your feelings. When she's around, you feel one way, but when she's not, you miss her presence, right?" He nodded again.

"Which, in short, means you're confused. Last night, you cleared the biggest misunderstanding by telling Onee-san that you DO NOT hate her, right?" Another nod.

"And not only that, you told her you need time to understand your feelings, correct?" He nodded again.

"Kita-san, I need words!"

"Yes.. ma'am,"

"Good! And from Onee-san's reaction—pinching you and crying happy tears—" Sumire's tone softened as she smiled at him. "That means you said the right things and did a great job."

She paused, then added, "Kita-san, communication isn't your strongest point, especially when it comes to emotions. You can be a bit too blunt. But you know what? At least you have the guts to express how you feel, just like you did yesterday. So instead of sulking about it, why not communicate more with Onee-san to figure out your feelings for her and to understand what led her to think you hate her?"

"Yeah, you're right. We did exchange numbers yesterday," he replied thoughtfully.

"Well, there's a start," Sumire said, giving him a supportive pat on the back, which made Kita-san chuckle.

"It feels like I'm your junior."Kita san said

"Oh no, not at all! I'm sorry," Sumire said, a bit flustered.

"No, not at all. Thank you; I really needed that. For the first time in a long while, it feels like I'm being scolded by my mother. Thank you, Sumire," Kita-san said with a warm smile.

"Anything for my friends," she replied, returning his smile.

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Both of them walked briskly toward the gym, aware they were running late. Suna-san was already lying on the grass near the bench, looking up as he heard their footsteps approach.

"Finally! I thought I was going to die waiting for you two!" he exclaimed.

"As if, Suna-san. Please put on your jacket; it's cold!" Sumire replied, shaking her head with a smile.

"Man, it's like there are two Kita-sans now," Suna teased, earning a laugh from Sumire.

Once everyone settled, Sumire handed Suna his bento and tea, which he gratefully accepted and began to eat. Meanwhile, Kita-san and Sumire quietly sipped their tea, enjoying the moment.

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As the clock struck 7, they all moved into the gym. While the guys went to join their teammates Sumire quickly made her way to the coach, ready to share her decision.

While Kita-san addressed the team about new strategies, the coach called for everyone's attention. Suna-san and Kita-san exchanged glances when they noticed Sumire standing next to the coach, her presence catching the eye of the other team members as well. The atmosphere shifted slightly, curiosity buzzing among the players as they wondered what Sumire had to share.

"I think Yamashita-san has finally decided to be our manager!" Yuki Ogawa exclaimed happily. "Won't it be nice to have a bright face around when we're surrounded by sweaty and gloomy guys?" A few members nodded in agreement, their spirits lifting at the thought.

But then, the captain, Koita Nishida, spoke up with an intimidating smile. "Well, you can go sit next to the pretty manager for the rest of the year while the gloomy guys practice!"

"No, thank you, Captain," Ogawa replied, even saluting playfully.

"I don't think she'll be our captain, though," Kita-san added, with Suna-san nodding in agreement.

"Hm, well, you know her best, but I was hoping she would, because we really need some support," Nishida said.

"All right, everyone," the coach began, commanding attention. "Yamashita-san, a first-year psychology student, will not join us as our manager. However, she will be here with our team to help us out on a temporary basis whenever our team needs one, and her schedule allows. She will mainly be with us for tournaments as our official manager. For practice, her role will be limited to helping with the nets, uniforms and taking care of your hydration and health—nothing more."

With that, the coach announced, "Let's welcome Yamashita Sumire to our team!"

Everyone erupted into applause. Sumire, flustered, bowed slightly and glanced at Kita-san and Suna-san, who smiled encouragingly at her. "Thank you, I will do my best," she said, her voice steady despite her nerves.