Everything has changed

Chapter 32: Unspoken Truths

The rain pounded against the large office windows with an insistent, almost desperate rhythm, as if trying to force its way inside. Each droplet that traced a path down the glass mirrored the uneasy pulse in Yachi's chest. It had been nearly a week since she and Kuroo had visited the players of MSBY black jackals, an evening that had felt like a brief return to the easy warmth they once shared. But that night had faded into the cold distance of recent days, leaving behind only questions and unspoken words.

Kuroo had grown distant, a quiet void filling the spaces where his laughter and sharp comments used to be. The others didn't seem to notice, but Yachi did. She noticed the subtle shift in his gaze when their eyes met across the room, how he would smile with his lips but not his eyes. The change gnawed at her, its sharp edges catching at every thought, pulling her back to moments replayed over and over in her mind.

A sudden clap of thunder jarred her out of her reverie, rattling the windows and making her blink as the office lights flickered briefly. The storm had arrived in full force, transforming the world outside into a haze of rain and shadow. Yachi rubbed her temples, her focus wavering as she scanned the final batch of documents sprawled across her desk. The charity event loomed ever closer, and every detail had to be perfect-not just for her own satisfaction, but because it was more than just work. It was a testament to the spirit of community and camaraderie that volleyball had always represented.

She sighed, her eyes drifting to the poster she'd designed that now sat propped up on her desk. Bright, bold lettering read A Game for Change, accompanied by a collage of smiling players and enthusiastic fans. It was her favorite piece, a blend of inspiration and countless hours of meticulous design. Yet even the vibrant colors couldn't dispel the sense of unease coiled tight in her chest.

The office around her buzzed softly as people began to leave, their voices mingling in a symphony of goodbyes and reminders for tomorrow. The gentle clatter of keyboards being shut down and the shuffling of papers filled the air, familiar sounds that brought a small measure of comfort.

"Yachi, you're still here?" The voice startled her, and she glanced up to see Haruto, a colleague whose easy-going nature had made him a friend over the past few months. He stood at the entrance to the room, one hand holding the strap of his messenger bag while the other was tucked into the pocket of his raincoat.

"Oh, yeah. Just wrapping up," Yachi said, a practiced smile lifting the corners of her lips. She glanced at her computer screen, where the clock blinked 6:45 p.m. Almost everyone had left, and soon the office would be engulfed in the quiet hum of overnight solitude.

Haruto's eyes followed hers, a flicker of concern crossing his features. "It's getting pretty bad out there," he said, nodding towards the window where the rain came down in sheets, a relentless gray that blurred the cityscape. "Got an umbrella?"

Yachi's expression faltered, and she let out a soft, almost embarrassed laugh. "No, I didn't think it would rain like this."

Haruto chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "You're not alone. Half the office probably forgot to check the forecast this morning. I've got to catch the last train, but you should head out soon, too. Don't want to get caught in this if it gets worse."

She nodded, the tightness in her chest easing a fraction. "Thanks, Haruto. I will."

"Be safe, Yachi," he said with a friendly wave before disappearing down the hallway, his footsteps fading into the distance.

As the office emptied further, silence settled around her like a thick blanket. Yachi saved her work and shut down her computer, the screen dimming to black with a soft whir. She gathered her things slowly, hesitating as she glanced at the rain. Thunder rolled again, deeper this time, reverberating through the floor and sending a shiver down her spine. Resigned, she stood up, slinging her bag over her shoulder, and made her way to the elevator.