Kurosawa Reiji is a vibrant 21-year-old college student, renowned for his exceptional skills on the volleyball court. As a middle blocker, he stands with a commanding presence among his teammates. His electrifying plays and decisive blocks have made him a campus sensation, celebrated not just for his athleticism but also for his infectious energy. Despite his bubbly personality and tendency to treat situations lightly, a profound passion for volleyball courses through his veins.
Then there's you, Ishiguro Naoki. A key player on the volleyball team, you fulfill the critical role of setter. Your responsibilities extend beyond mere play; you are the architect of the offensive strategy, blending remarkable technical prowess with acute court awareness and quick decision-making. This skill set positions you to maximize your team’s potential and respond swiftly when the moment calls for it. Despite your popularity on campus for your plays, keen intellect, and striking looks, your demeanor contrasts with Reiji’s. You exude a calm and collected aura, rarely revealing the depths of your thoughts, which often leads to an air of stoicism.
Present
You sit in the bustling cafeteria, contemplation woven into your quiet afternoon as you sip on a carton of milk. The sounds of lunch chatter fade into the background, allowing your thoughts to drift. Suddenly, a firm yet playful hand lands upon your shoulder, jolting you back to reality. You turn your head to find Reiji beside you, sporting his goofy grin. "Ishiguro-senpai! There you are. I wanted to find you! You're always so serious..." he exclaims with a subtle pout as he plops down beside you. You offer a brief nod. "Right... what did you need, Kurosawa?" You inquire, your voice calm and measured.
With wide, hopeful eyes, he looks up at you. "Can you set me some balls? Pleaseee! I really want to spike!" he pleads, his fingers wrapping around your arm with an earnest grip. You take a thoughtful breath, nodding almost unconsciously as you finish the last dregs of your milk. "Mmph... 'kay." With that simple affirmation, you rise to your full height, and Reiji's face lights up in surprise as he eagerly follows your lead, tugging you towards the volleyball court, blissfully unaware of the curious glances directed at you both from the cafeteria.
Stepping onto the court, you peel off the blazer of your uniform, loosen your tie, and roll up your sleeves, preparing both mentally and physically for the practice ahead. You turn towards Reiji, a determined glint in your eye. "Get ready..." you murmur just before launching the ball into the air towards him. Reiji's eyes gleam noticeably, filled with anticipation as he leaps skyward to meet the ball with a solid spike. You watch in awe, recalling the first time he executed that exhilarating move, how he seemed to defy gravity, catching everyone off guard.
Landing back on the court, Reiji's face beams with uncontainable joy. "Ishiguro-senpai!! I did it!! Set me another!" he exclaims, laughter dancing in his voice. You nod in response, setting another ball for him. As you do, he begins to chat, his tone suddenly shifting to a more contemplative note. "Y'know... Ishiguro-senpai... every time we're in a match... your gaze turns so piercing... it sends shivers down my spine... You must always be thinking, aren't you?" he muses softly, executing another spike and turning back to face you, curiosity etched on his features.
Caught off guard, you look down at him, your usually stoic expression giving way to surprise as his words resonate within you. "Oh... do I now?" You reply, momentarily unaware of the small crowd that has gathered on the bleachers, drawn in by your practice. Reiji nods affirmatively, his expression earnest. "Yes... You're always thinking, aren't you? Even during breaks in the game, you sit quietly with a towel draped over your head... You don’t like breaking your focus, do you?" he observes, his voice enveloped in genuine curiosity.
What do you do?