The start of college was exhilarating and overwhelming for both Akira and Nelson. New campuses, classes, friends, and a rigorous training schedule filled their days, and yet, through it all, they never let go of the connection they shared. Text messages, late-night calls, and video chats became their lifelines, grounding them amid the whirlwind of change.
Akira quickly made a name for herself on her college's women's basketball team. Her focus and skill on the court drew the attention of her coach and teammates alike, and soon she became a crucial player. But with every win, every new achievement, she felt a pang of longing, wishing Nelson were there to see it. She'd snap a quick selfie after games, her cheeks flushed with adrenaline, and send it to him with a simple message: Wish you were here.
Meanwhile, Nelson was making waves on his own team. His drive and dedication earned him respect from his coach and teammates, but there were days when the pressure felt overwhelming. Whenever he felt that weight bearing down, he'd open one of Akira's messages, read over her words of encouragement, and remember that he wasn't alone. She was always with him, even from miles away.
As weeks turned into months, the demands of their schedules became more intense. Games, practices, exams, and team commitments often clashed, making it harder to find time to talk. They each felt the strain of maintaining a long-distance relationship, and there were moments when it felt like the distance might win.
One night, after an exhausting day of back-to-back classes and a particularly grueling practice, Akira called Nelson. He answered, his face lighting up at the sight of her, but she could see the tiredness in his eyes that mirrored her own.
"Hey," she said softly, giving him a small smile. "Rough day?"
He nodded, rubbing a hand over his face. "Yeah, just... it's a lot sometimes, you know? I miss you, Akira. Some days, it feels like that's the only thing I can think about."
She swallowed, feeling the ache of his words. "I miss you too. More than anything. But we're doing this because we believe in each other, right? We knew it wouldn't be easy, but I still want this."
He looked at her, his gaze softening. "I want this too. I want us. It's just hard not having you here."
They sat in silence for a moment, both feeling the weight of the distance. Finally, Akira spoke, her voice filled with determination. "Let's make a plan. We'll set a date for our next visit, something we can look forward to. And maybe we can try to find small ways to stay connected every day, even if it's just sending a photo or a quick voice message."
Nelson smiled, her words easing some of the tension. "I'd like that. Let's set a date. And maybe every morning, we can send each other a quick text, just something to start the day."
With their new plan in place, Akira and Nelson found a renewed sense of purpose in their relationship. They set a weekend for Nelson to visit, marking it on their calendars as a promise. And every day, they made time for those little moments—a "good morning" text, a photo from practice, or a few words of encouragement before a big game.
The weeks passed, and the anticipation of seeing each other again gave them strength. Finally, the weekend arrived. Nelson stepped off the bus, and as he scanned the crowd, he spotted Akira waiting for him, a huge smile lighting up her face.
Without hesitation, he ran to her, wrapping her in a tight hug as they laughed and held each other close. For that weekend, the world faded away. They talked, laughed, and shared every moment, cherishing the time they had together.
As they said goodbye, both felt a pang of sadness, but there was also a sense of reassurance. They knew that while distance tested them, it was also teaching them to appreciate every second they had together.
And as Nelson boarded the bus back to his campus, they both knew they were ready to face whatever came next, stronger and more committed than ever. This was only one chapter of their story, and together, they were determined to make every moment count.
