The days after Nelson's surgery were tough. The pain, the endless appointments, and the frustration of being sidelined weighed heavily on him. Akira visited every chance she got, bringing him his favorite snacks, study notes, and updates from their teams. But no matter how hard she tried to cheer him up, she could see the pain in his eyes, a mix of physical hurt and the sting of lost opportunities.
One evening, as she sat by his side in his room, she noticed him staring at his knee, which was now wrapped in a thick brace. His expression was distant, as if he were somewhere else entirely.
"You okay?" she asked gently.
He looked up, a forced smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I just... I don't know how to handle this. I feel like everything I've worked for is slipping away."
Akira reached for his hand, squeezing it. "You're still the same amazing player, Nelson. This is just a setback, not the end."
He sighed, his voice barely a whisper. "I know that's what people say, but it doesn't feel that way. Watching my team practice without me, knowing they're moving on... It's hard, Akira."
She moved closer, looking him straight in the eyes. "Look, I get that this is tough. But you've always been the kind of person who pushes through. This is just another challenge, and I know you can beat it. Besides," she added with a small smile, "you're not going through this alone."
He softened, his fingers interlacing with hers. "You've been amazing through all this, Akira. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Then don't think about it. Just focus on getting stronger. I'll be right here."
As weeks turned into months, Nelson's recovery became their shared mission. Akira would come over to help him with his exercises, cheering him on with every tiny victory. Each step forward was a small triumph, and each setback only made him more determined.
One day, after an intense therapy session, Nelson's therapist left them alone in the gym, and Akira watched as he gingerly tested his weight on his injured leg, the tension clear in his face.
"Need a hand?" she called, walking over.
He chuckled, shaking his head. "Maybe just some encouragement."
She smiled, positioning herself next to him, her eyes bright with unwavering belief. "Alright, let's do this. Just take it slow."
He nodded, focusing as he took a step forward. His face contorted in pain, but he pushed through, moving one step at a time. When he finally reached the end of the therapy mat, he looked up at her, a faint smile breaking through his sweat and exhaustion.
"You did it," she said, pride shining in her eyes.
"Couldn't have done it without you," he murmured, reaching for her hand.
Their fingers intertwined, and in that moment, Nelson realized that the injury hadn't taken everything away. Sure, it had changed his life, but it had also deepened the bond he shared with Akira, who had stood by him through his darkest days, believing in him even when he doubted himself.
"Akira, you've been my rock," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm going to get back on that court, for myself—but also for you. You've given me strength I didn't know I had."
She smiled, her gaze warm. "You're already the strongest person I know, Nelson. And whatever happens, we'll face it together."
They leaned in, and as their lips met in a kiss filled with promise and determination, they both knew that this was only the beginning.
