Everything has changed

Chapter 10: Thoughts

The morning light filtered gently through the thin curtains of the gym, casting long, soft shadows on the polished floor. Another day had begun, and with it came the familiar buzz of activity that always filled the air of a training camp. Yachi stretched, yawning as the grogginess of sleep slipped away, replaced by the warmth of anticipation. It had become routine-waking up early, getting the managers ready for the day's work, watching the boys push themselves during practice, and occasionally stealing a moment of peace to let her mind wander.

But today, as she tied her sneakers and gathered her things, she felt something different stirring inside her. A quiet, subtle shift. Lately, she had found herself contemplating more-about herself, her role here, and the life she was slowly shaping. She wasn't sure what exactly had changed. Maybe it was steady encouragement from the others, but the doubts that had once overshadowed her were beginning to feel less like obstacles and more like questions to explore.

As the team gathered for breakfast, Yachi found herself sitting next to Kiyoko. The older girl's presence was a source of calm, and Yachi had come to appreciate the quiet wisdom she offered. Today, however, there was a new air about her-an openness that invited deeper conversation. As they sipped their juice, Yachi hesitated, then spoke.

"Kiyoko-senpai," she began, her voice soft but steady, "do you ever think about the future? Like... what comes after all this?"

Kiyoko glanced at her, eyes thoughtful, as though the question had been coming for a while. "Of course I do," she said with a small smile. "I think it's natural to wonder about what's next. But, to be honest, I don't think we need to have everything figured out right away. It's okay to not know."

Yachi nodded slowly, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She had been questioning what she wanted beyond this camp, beyond being a manager. Would she continue helping the team? Or would she go down a different path entirely? She had no clear answers, and that uncertainty had been unsettling. But hearing Kiyoko's words made her realize that it was okay to not have a plan just yet.

"I've always been the kind of person who tries to stay ahead," Kiyoko continued, her tone light, "but sometimes, staying in the moment is enough. You're doing a great job here, Yachi. Maybe the best thing for you is to take it one step at a time."

Yachi looked at her, grateful for the reassurance. It wasn't that she needed to have everything planned out. The pressure she had placed on herself for so long seemed almost foreign now, in the presence of Kiyoko's calm confidence. Perhaps the future would come when it was ready-and all she had to do was keep moving forward.

After breakfast, the teams assembled for a full day of practice.

---

Yachi absorbed it all, watching with careful eyes, taking notes on her clipboard but also feeling the weight of her own role. This was more than just a practice session; it was a testament to the trust the team had placed in one another and in her. She could sense how each movement, each step, contributed to the delicate choreography that made up the sport she had grown to love so deeply. Though she was not on the court, every detail she noted, every piece of feedback she provided, played a role in shaping the team's performance.

The gym was a world in itself. The air hummed with the collective focus of the team, each member pushing past their own fatigue and limits. The captains led by example, barking encouragements and critiques that spurred their teammates into sharper, more precise movements. The junior players watched intently, eager to learn and to match the intensity of their seniors. The experienced players guided the younger ones, giving quick tips as they prepared for another rally, their leadership apparent in the subtle gestures and the nods exchanged.