A game of hearts {Kuroo}

Epilogue

The sound of the volleyball echoed through the gymnasium, a familiar rhythm that brought back a flood of memories for both Kuroo and Y/N. It had been a few months since their reunion, and life had settled into a new rhythm—one filled with promise, growth, and excitement for the future.

Kuroo stood on the court, his eyes scanning the team as they practiced under his guidance. Though he had taken up a position on a professional volleyball team, today he was back at the university, visiting old teammates and offering pointers during their practice. His love for the game had only grown, but he had learned to balance his passions, both on and off the court.

From the bleachers, Y/N watched him with a soft smile. She was back for a short break from her studies abroad, enjoying every minute of being close to Kuroo again. Their long-distance relationship had its challenges, but they had made it work through constant communication and unwavering support for each other's dreams.

She watched as Kuroo barked out instructions to the players, his commanding presence unmistakable. Yet, every now and then, he would glance her way, his eyes lighting up with the same affection he had always had for her. It warmed her heart, reminding her of how far they had come.

After practice ended, Kuroo made his way over to Y/N, his expression softening as he approached. He was sweaty and tired, but there was a glow of contentment on his face.

"You're still my number one fan, huh?" he teased, pulling her into a quick embrace.

Y/N grinned, resting her head against his chest. "Always," she replied, her voice full of affection. "You did great out there, as usual."

They stood there for a moment, soaking in each other's presence. It was in these small, quiet moments that they found the greatest peace—knowing that, no matter where their individual paths took them, they would always have each other to lean on.

"Have you decided what you're going to do after your program finishes?" Kuroo asked as they walked out of the gym, the evening sun casting a golden glow across the campus.

Y/N hesitated for a moment, glancing up at him. She had been offered an opportunity to extend her stay abroad for further research, but she had also been considering something else—something that would bring her closer to Kuroo.

"I have," she said softly, turning to face him fully. "I'm coming back here."

Kuroo's steps faltered as he stopped to look at her, surprise flickering across his face. "Wait, really? What about your research?"

Y/N smiled, her eyes twinkling with certainty. "I talked to my advisor. I can finish my research here and still pursue the same career path. I don't want to be apart from you anymore."

For a moment, Kuroo just stared at her, processing the weight of her decision. Then, slowly, a wide grin spread across his face—a grin that was filled with so much love and pride that it made Y/N's heart skip a beat.

"You're serious?" he asked, still trying to contain his excitement.

Y/N nodded. "I've thought about it a lot, and I realized that my life isn't just about work or academics anymore. It's about us too. I want to be where you are."

Kuroo let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, pulling her into his arms and holding her close. "You have no idea how happy that makes me," he murmured against her hair. "I was ready to support you no matter where you went, but having you here... it's everything."

They stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace, the world around them fading into the background. It wasn't about volleyball or academics or any external pressures anymore. It was about the life they were building together, step by step.

"I love you," Kuroo whispered, his voice soft and full of emotion.

Y/N smiled, her heart swelling with warmth. "I love you too, Tetsurō. Always."

---

The next few weeks flew by as they settled into their new normal. Y/N completed her studies while Kuroo continued to excel in his professional volleyball career. The future was still full of uncertainty, but they faced it with a newfound sense of security in each other.

One evening, as they sat on the balcony of their shared apartment, watching the sunset, Kuroo reached over and took Y/N's hand in his.

"You know," he said, his voice thoughtful, "I've been thinking about the future."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, glancing over at him. "Oh? What kind of future?"

Kuroo's smile was soft, his eyes full of love as he met her gaze. "Our future. The one we'll build together."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat as she squeezed his hand. "I like the sound of that."

Together, they sat there, the quiet of the evening surrounding them, dreaming of all the possibilities that lay ahead. They knew there would be challenges, but they also knew that they would face them side by side, just as they always had.

And in that moment, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the stars began to twinkle in the sky, they knew one thing for certain: no matter where life took them next, their love was strong enough to carry them through.