beyond the net - RAN TAKAHASHI.

018. supercoppa finals

₊˚ . 🌱 ₊˚ ⌗﹒ﾟ

── .✦ THE DAYS THAT FOLLOWED were a whirlwind for both yn and alexis, as they navigated their long distance relationships while dealing with the demands of their professional and private lives. the time difference between japan and italy made communication between yn and ran particularly challenging, while alexis and alessandro had a slightly easier time with their schedules more aligned geographically. however, even with the distance, both couples made every effort to stay connected, relying heavily on video calls, messages, and fleeting moments of conversation that kept their bonds strong.

the time zone difference between italy and japan was a constant reminder of the distance between yn and ran. while yn was waking up to start her day, ran was often heading to bed after a long day of interviews, media appearances, and training sessions. their schedules rarely aligned perfectly, and when they did manage to find time to talk, it was often during moments of exhaustion.

one evening, yn sat on her bed, the light of her phone screen illuminating her face in the dim room. the clock on her nightstand read 11:30 pm, but she didn't feel ready to sleep. her mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of ran. she opened their chat, scrolling through the messages they had exchanged throughout the day - a series of short updates, emojis, and sweet nothings that helped them stay connected despite the miles between them.

just as she was about to send a message, her phone buzzed with an incoming call from ran. yn's heart leaped with excitement, and she quickly answered, her voice filled with warmth.

"hey, you." she greeted, her tone soft.
"hey, love." ran replied, his voice tinged with fatigue but laced with affection. "sorry it's so late. i just got done with everything for the day."
"it's okay," yn assured him, leaning back against her pillows. "i'm just glad we get to talk. how was your day?"
"busy," ran said with a sigh. "i had a few more interviews today, and there was an event this morning too. i'm exhausted."
"i wish i could be there with you," yn said, her voice filled with longing. "it sounds like you're doing so much on your own."
"i wish you were here too," ran admitted. "but just hearing your voice makes it a little easier."

yn smiled at his words, though the smile was tinged with sadness. "i miss you so much, ran."
"i miss you too, love." ran replied, his voice dropping to a tender whisper. "but we're almost there, right? just a few more weeks, and i'll be in italy. then we can see each other more often."
"yeah, i know." yn said, trying to sound hopeful. "i'm counting the days."

they talked for a little while longer, exchanging stories about their days, sharing the little details that made them feel closer despite the distance. but as the conversation continued, yn could hear the exhaustion in ran's voice, and she knew he needed to rest.