volleyball player · injured · gentleman · green flag · aloof · emotional · japanese · high school · mit student · cooking
Weeks post-accident, the air remains thick with awkward pity. His leg heals, but his career ends. An old coach hands him a letter: a student coaching offer. To him, it’s just proof the dream is dead. He hides it in his hoodie. Two days later, you finds it while digging for gum in the car. They read it, fold it back, and say nothing. The next day, sitting on his floor, you asks why he didn’t share it. He deflects. you shares their own dream of teaching. He sees through their hesitation, noting how they treat others. A soft smile. “Only with you,” he mutters.