It had been a week since Yuuto's early morning training session—since things started shifting again.
Renji could feel it.
The team was improving. Yuuto was back to yelling play calls, spiking with renewed fire, and laughing during breaks. The court felt like home again.
But off the court?
Things were… different.
---
A Cold Breeze
"Asuka's been quiet lately," Yuuto said casually one afternoon as the two walked out of class.
Renji looked up. "You noticed too?"
Yuuto gave him a sideways glance. "She's your girlfriend. Shouldn't you know what's up?"
Renji frowned. "She's been distant. Less talkative. I thought it was just stress."
"Maybe it is." Yuuto shrugged. "But it's weird. Especially after… you know. Everything."
Renji nodded slowly. "I'll talk to her."
He told himself that.
But he didn't.
---
Practice Tension
That evening's practice was intense. Coach Anzai introduced a new blocking drill—one that forced quick, instinctive reactions from the front line. Renji thrived in it, reading the setups like a book.
But Asuka?
She was off her rhythm.
A couple missed sets. A dropped serve. Even her usual sharp calls felt flat.
"Take five," Coach called.
Renji jogged over as she sat by the bench, sipping water but not meeting his eyes.
"You okay?" he asked.
She nodded.
But still wouldn't look at him.
"Asuka…"
"I'm fine, Renji," she said, too quickly. "Just tired."
He didn't push. Not yet.
But the knot in his chest tightened.
---
Cracks in the Glass
Later that night, Renji found himself staring at his phone, thumb hovering over Asuka's contact. Texting felt too distant. Calling felt too forward.
He remembered how easy it used to be—how their post-practice talks were the highlight of his day.
But now? Silence.
When the message finally came through, it wasn't from her.
It was from Arai.
> "Yo, heads up. Tomorrow's away practice got moved. Saitama West. And I heard their captain's fired up about beating us."
Renji frowned.
A strong opponent, short notice, and team chemistry beginning to fracture?
Not ideal.
---
Away Game – Saitama West
The next day, the team arrived at Saitama West's court, greeted by blaring music and loud warm-ups. Their opponents were taller. Broader. Louder.
And apparently had something to prove.
"They're known for trash talk," Coach muttered. "Stay sharp."
The first set began—and it was chaos.
Saitama West's spikes were brutal. Their libero kept picking up even Yuuto's fastest shots. Their setter had perfect chemistry with their captain, a lean, wiry outside hitter named Jin.
Midway through the first set, Seiwa was down 12–19.
---
Disconnection
Asuka called for a fast set.
Renji tossed it cleanly—but she wasn't there in time. The ball dropped untouched.
A timeout was called.
As the team huddled, the silence between Renji and Asuka was deafening.
Yuuto broke it. "What's going on with you two?"
Renji didn't respond.
Asuka didn't either.
Coach's eyes narrowed, but he didn't pry. "Get it together."
The second set started worse than the first.
---
The Talk
After the match—an ugly two-set loss—Renji finally caught her alone near the locker room.
"Asuka," he began, "talk to me. Please."
She hesitated, hands clenched around her towel. "You've been changing, Renji."
He blinked. "Changing?"
"You're leading more. Talking more. It's good—great, actually. But I feel like… like you don't need me anymore."
"What?" His voice cracked. "That's not true. I need you all the time. On and off the court."
She finally looked at him. Her eyes were uncertain. "Then why didn't you say anything when you noticed I was off?"
"I didn't want to pressure you," he said softly. "I thought maybe you needed space."
"I needed you," she whispered.
And just like that—
The walls between them cracked.
---
Mending What Matters
The bus ride home was quieter than usual.
But this time, Renji sat next to Asuka.
Their shoulders brushed. Her head eventually leaned on his.
Words weren't needed.
What was broken wasn't gone.
It just needed to be rebuilt.
One moment at a time.
---
End of Chapter 60
---
To Be Continued