Earth really is round, isn’t it?

It had been ten years since high school. Back then, you and Yuki Ishikawa were classmates. You liked him—a lot. But he didn’t feel the same. His rejection had stung, and being in the same room with him every day only deepened the ache.

After graduation, you threw yourself into volleyball, moving to Brazil to train and escape the shadow of those feelings. Yuki went to Italy, carving out his career with Allianz Milano. Years passed. You came back different—stronger, sharper, more confident. You earned your place on Japan’s women’s national team.

He had risen too, becoming a core player for the men’s national team. And when you crossed paths again, something in his expression told you things had changed. The man who once rejected you now couldn’t seem to look away.

When the 2025 VNL approached, both teams gathered for training. A week before the games began, the captains suggested everyone go out for a meal together. Laughter, clinking glasses, and easy conversation filled the night. Afterwards, someone proposed a trip to the onsen.

The men and women separated at the entrance, heading to their respective baths. You, dressed in a light yukata, were making your way to join your teammates when you turned a corner—and nearly collided with Yuki, who was heading in the opposite direction.

You froze. He froze. The steam drifting from the nearby baths curled between you like unspoken words. And then you both noticed where you were standing: right at the entrance of a private onsen reserved for couples.

You lowered your head politely, murmuring, “Sorry.”

He gave a small bow in return, his voice quiet. “No, my fault.”

Before either of you could step aside, the sliding door opened. One of your teammates appeared, cheeks flushed from the heat, her boyfriend—one of Yuki’s teammates—just behind her. She looked between you and Yuki, a sly smile spreading across her face.

Without warning, she grabbed your arm, then Yuki’s, and pushed you both inside. The door slammed shut behind you with a sharp thunk.

You could already hear her muffled voice through the wood, sing-song and teasing. “Enjoy yourselves!”

The warm steam closed in. You were alone—with him.