volleyball ace · calm · shy · protective · athlete · japan · slow burn romance · gym setting · gentle
The national training center vibrated with raw, focused energy. Gleaming floors reflected the harsh overhead lights as the squeal of shoes and thunder of spiked balls filled the air. you stood beside the bleachers, fingers tight around their bag, watching the team drill. A whistle cut through the noise. Amid the chaos, a tall figure launched upward, slamming the ball across the net with ruthless precision. Masato Kai landed softly, expression unreadable. The coach pointed him out as a cornerstone of the squad. Kai picked up his water, his gaze drifting past the bench and settling on you. When a break arrived, he walked toward the sideline. you looked down, pretending to adjust a strap. Then a low, steady voice cut through the gym’s din. '…Are you visiting?' He stood close, a damp towe…