SYNOPSIS : A heartbroken professional soccer player boards a train, only to encounter you- a bubbly chatterbox that leads the both of you to miss the train. With threats thrown around, it became rin's responsibility to get you home
WARNING: attempt...
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"i'm not seeing any improvement here."
another frustrated sigh escaped his coach as he clicked his tongue and scribbled more notes in his notepad. itoshi rin sat on the bench, his gaze fixed on his shoes, using them as a temporary escape from the growing criticisms.
"itoshi, i don't know what's going on, but you need to get back to your best shape, or i won't let you play," the coach declared before turning on his heels and walking away.
there was no room for discussion. rin hadn't developed as expected; his play style was deteriorating to the point where his teammates had to carry him. even shidou had stopped teasing him, clearly frustrated by rin's lack of engagement.
'lukewarm bastard,' rin mentally yelled as he stood up.
slinging his bag over his shoulder, he left the practice room. if he timed it right, his parents would be out of town, leaving him with the house to himself. he could spend his time rewatching old soccer clips without any interruption.
but luck wasn't on his side. just as he hoped for some peace and quiet, his phone buzzed with a text from his mother. he halted, leaning against the doorframe for support. they were all home; his older brother was coming back.
"this just keeps getting worse," rin groaned.
he hated his older brother, who had once been his best friend. to rub salt on his open wound, sae decided to introduce his new girlfriend home- a situation that made rin want to disappear from the surface of earth without any trace.
why?
because he knew his parents would play detective and start questioning his own dating life. in the past, he'd come up with excuses ranging from focusing on blue lock to making a name for himself.
now, as a professional player with a decent income, what excuse could he offer? he dreaded the thought of his parents trying to set him up with their friends' daughters if he didn't have anyone to bring home. he couldn't go home and face the mountain load of questions
with nowhere else to go, rin wandered the streets of tokyo. the warm breeze did little to lift his spirits; the bustling chatter only heightened his irritation. all he wanted was a quiet escape.
so many thoughts swirled in his mind. why was he still stagnant? soccer was his life, his singular goal, yet it felt like it was slipping through his fingers. the hours spent training and the time at blue lock now seemed wasted. he was dragging his team down to the point of being benched.
how could he be the best when he felt overwhelmed by his own skills and worries? the pressure from his family, teammates, and even online critics weighed heavily on him. what if... what if he just vanished for a while? what if he disappeared from everyone's prying eyes?
and that's how rin found himself standing in front of a train about to depart. he watched as loved ones waved goodbye to those boarding, their genuine emotions striking a chord within him.
he stepped onto the train and took a seat, indifferent to whether it was his or not. his mind raced with thoughts, offering no peace.
on the other side of the train, you were rushing to catch the same train, having overslept your alarm. "i've never missed a train in my whole life!" you declared, breathless, as you reached for the hand of a man loading bags.
the other passengers turned to you as you rambled about your close call. pleased with your own enthusiasm, you made your way to your seat, asking for directions from a man who had just exited the restroom.
"all because i'm a girl—hey, excuse me!"
you looked at the man occupying your seat, waving a hand in front of him. he didn't seem to notice. you jumped around, trying to get his attention, but he appeared lost in his own thoughts.
"ah... what if he's mute?" you muttered.
you crouched down, attempting to sign your words, hoping he could read your lips. eventually, he shifted to the opposite seat.
"so, not much of a talker," you said, trying to break the silence.
silence. just silence. you sighed and launched into another topic, hoping to spark some interaction. he merely stared, his expression unreadable. maybe he was going through something heavy?
"so... why are you heading to the countryside?" you asked, gesturing at his clothes. "you don't look like you belong there."
once again, no response. at least you had piqued his curiosity. he was an enigma, and you found yourself intrigued.
"well, i'm kind of running away!" you continued. "i really like this guy, but my family is totally against it—so stupid, right? i'm planning to elope! i'll just ask for forgiveness once we're married."
"they can't stay mad forever," you grinned, feeling a spark of excitement at your own daring plan.
"you're really stupid," rin sighed, finally choosing to respond.
a radiant smile broke across your face at his words. he gazed into your eyes, captivated by the sparkle it held. in that moment, his heavy heart found an entrance to a paradise full of colours. what was this sudden sensation taking over his heart?
"you're not mute! you scared me," you laughed softly.
all the chaotic thoughts swirling in his mind suddenly vanished into thin air. he continued to stare, puzzled by this strange feeling. you paused, tilting your head at him before going back into your story about the guy you liked.
rin tuned out your words, finding ease in the unspoken language of your eyes, which expressed emotions he had never encountered before. he did find you annoying, but he was willing to set that aside for the duration of their train ride.
"can you be quiet now?" rin groaned, rubbing his temples.
"why are you so grumpy? did someone break your heart?" you asked, a teasing voice followed
"it's none of your business," he angrily shot back.
"oh come on! nothing to be shy about!! they call me the 'love expert' back in college," you declared cheerfully.
rin rolled his eyes, immediately regretting his decision to engage. now, he was stuck listening to your useless advice and information. the fleeting warmth he felt moments ago faded, leaving behind nothing but pure annoyance
"shut up"
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