beyond the net - RAN TAKAHASHI.

003. practices and sightseeing

₊˚ . 🌱 ₊˚ ⌗﹒ﾟ.

── .✦ THE MORNING SUN BATHED the palais des sports in a soft, golden light, its rays filtering through the expansive windows and casting long, gentle shadows across the court. the japan national volleyball team was already hard at work, their dedication evident in the synchronized rhythm of their movements. the sharp sounds of volleyballs being hit, the squeak of shoes on the polished floor, and the encouraging shouts of teammates filled the air. it was a scene of focused intensity, the upcoming semifinal match loomed large in everyone's mind, but for ran takahashi, there was another presence lingering in the corners of his thoughts.

as ran moved through the drills with his usual precision, his vertical jump seemed almost effortless, launching him high above the net. the ball met his hand with a satisfying smack as he spiked it down with force, leaving no room for the imaginary opponent on the other side of the net to respond. his teammates clapped and cheered, recognizing the skill and power of his play, but ran barely registered the praise. his mind was occupied elsewhere, replaying a moment that had taken place just two days earlier.

since that brief encounter with yn after the match, she had become a constant presence in his thoughts. it was strange, almost unsettling, how someone he had just met could occupy so much of his mind. but there was something about her - something in the way she had carried herself, the quiet confidence she exuded, and the genuine admiration she had shown for him - that had struck a chord deep within him.

as the practice session continued, ran found himself lost in reflection. his movements were automatic, his form perfect, but his mind was elsewhere, replaying the small details of their interaction. he remembered how her eyes had lit up when he had approached her, the way she had hesitated before asking him to sign her jersey, her voice trembling just slightly as she spoke. it wasn't just that she had recognized him as a player from monza; it was the way she had worn his jersey, with his name and number, that had made him feel a connection with her. it was as if, in that brief moment, they had shared something meaningful, something that went beyond the usual player fan interaction.

ram was struck by how endearing she had been, how her genuine admiration and the way she had connected her personal passion with his own had made an impact on him. there was a certain warmth to her presence, an authentic quality that had caught his attention and refused to let go.

he found himself wondering about her, about the life she led, and how she had come to be such a devoted fan. the image of her standing in the crowd, her excitement palpable, seemed to have woven itself into his thoughts. even as he spiked the ball with precision and executed flawless serves, a part of him remained tethered to that moment, to yn.

the coach's voice, sharp and commanding, cut through his reverie. "let's keep the intensity up, everyone! remember, the semifinal is just around the corner."