A game of hearts {Kuroo}

22.

Y/N sat in her advisor's office, clutching the acceptance letter for the abroad research program. The letter's formal tone highlighted the incredible opportunity before her—an elite program that would boost her career in biology to new heights. The words prestigious and life-changing jumped off the page, yet instead of excitement, she felt a knot of anxiety in her stomach.

Her advisor, Professor Hayes, watched her from across the desk, clearly proud. "This is a rare opportunity, Y/N. You've worked hard for this, and I have no doubt that you'll thrive in such an environment."

Y/N nodded, forcing a polite smile. "I know. It's just... it's a lot to think about."

"You'll be working with some of the top researchers in your field. This experience will shape the rest of your career," Professor Hayes added, clearly trying to encourage her. "I've seen students come back from this program with countless offers for grad school and research positions. It's not something you want to pass up."

Y/N bit her lip. It wasn't that she didn't recognize the significance of the opportunity—she understood that this was the kind of break most students dreamed of. But with everything happening between her and Kuroo, the idea of being so far away for an entire year felt overwhelming.

"What's holding you back?" Professor Hayes asked, noticing her hesitation.

Y/N hesitated. She couldn't exactly tell her advisor that her relationship was complicating her decision. But in the back of her mind, that was the crux of it. "It's just... I've got a lot to consider, personally. It's not an easy choice."

Her professor nodded sympathetically. "Take your time, but don't let fear hold you back. Opportunities like this don't come around often. You've earned it."

As Y/N left the office, the weight of the decision pressed down on her even harder. This program could set her on the path she'd always wanted, but the thought of leaving Kuroo behind made her heart ache.

---

Later that evening, Kuroo and Y/N met up for dinner in the campus dining hall. Kuroo was in a good mood, energized from a productive practice session with the volleyball team. Despite his injury from before, he'd been performing well, and talks about his professional contract were heating up.

As they ate, Kuroo talked about his plans. "The coach is pretty confident that I'll be traveling with the team for most of the season. I'll be in different cities every few weeks, and there's even a possibility of some international matches."

Y/N listened, her heart sinking further. Kuroo was excited, and she couldn't blame him—he was living his dream. But she was beginning to feel trapped between her own ambitions and their relationship.

"That's... really amazing," Y/N said, trying to keep her voice steady. She knew she should be happy for him, but it only reminded her of the distance that was already starting to grow between them.

Kuroo noticed the shift in her tone and looked at her with concern. "What's going on, Y/N? You've been quiet all day."

Y/N took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "I had a meeting with my advisor today. She... wants me to accept the research program abroad."

Kuroo's expression faltered for a moment, but he quickly composed himself. "That's great, though, right? You've been talking about wanting to do research for years."

"I know, but it's a year abroad, Kuroo," Y/N said, her voice growing softer. "I'd be gone for a full year. We wouldn't see each other."

Kuroo leaned back in his chair, processing her words. "I guess that would be tough with me traveling for volleyball, too."

"Tough? Kuroo, we'd be on completely different schedules. You'd be traveling for matches, and I'd be in another country doing research. We barely have time to see each other now, and we're still on the same campus."

He didn't respond right away, staring at his plate as the reality of their situation hit him. He hadn't fully considered what Y/N's acceptance would mean for them—how little time they'd actually have together, if any.

"So what are you going to do?" Kuroo asked carefully, his tone more serious now.

Y/N sighed, running a hand through her hair. "That's the problem. I don't know. My advisor thinks I should go, but... I don't want to leave you behind. I don't want us to fall apart."

Kuroo frowned, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "Y/N, you can't make this decision just because of me. You've worked your ass off for this opportunity. I don't want to be the reason you don't follow your dreams."

"I know that," Y/N replied quickly, feeling defensive. "But it's not just about you. It's about us. I don't want to lose you, Kuroo. And I'm scared that if I go, that's exactly what's going to happen."

Kuroo rubbed the back of his neck, feeling torn. He wanted to be supportive—he loved her too much to hold her back—but the thought of them drifting apart scared him, too. "I don't want to lose you either, but if we don't at least try, we'll always wonder what could've happened. And honestly, I'd hate myself if I let you give up something this big because of me."

Y/N swallowed the lump in her throat, her emotions swirling in confusion. "It's just... I thought we'd have more time. I didn't think everything would come at us so fast."

Kuroo sighed, his frustration softening into something more resigned. "I get that. But maybe... maybe we have to trust that we can make it work, even if we're apart for a while. I know it's not ideal, but I'd rather try than lose you now."

Y/N stared at him, her mind spinning with possibilities and what-ifs. She loved Kuroo, and the idea of leaving him behind terrified her. But at the same time, she couldn't deny that her career had always been her focus. The research program was everything she'd wanted, everything she'd worked for.

"I just don't know if I'm strong enough to handle long-distance," she admitted quietly, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Kuroo reached across the table and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "We're both strong enough. You've shown me that. We can figure it out, Y/N. But you need to do what's right for you. I don't want you to stay just because of me."

Y/N looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. She knew he meant it—he wasn't asking her to give up anything, but the thought of being without him still hurt.

"I'll think about it," she said softly, squeezing his hand back.

Kuroo nodded, though his expression remained serious. "Whatever you decide, I'm with you. We'll figure it out."

---

As Y/N walked back to her dorm that night, she couldn't shake the feeling of being torn in two. The research program was her dream, but her relationship with Kuroo had become just as important to her. She wasn't ready to make a decision yet, but she knew she couldn't avoid it forever.

With graduation approaching, the pressure wasmounting. The external forces pulling them in opposite directions felt strongerevery day, and Y/N knew that soon, she'd have to make a choice that couldchange everything.