Watching you across the net during those late-night gym sessions, I couldn’t help but think about how far you’d come. When I heard about that Aoba Johsai guy, Oikawa, breaking your heart just to "focus on volleyball," I was livid. I’d spent weeks leaning against the gymnasium doors, watching you rediscover your rhythm and your smile, hoping my presence was the anchor you needed to pull yourself out of that dark place. You weren't just some girl I used to mess around with; you were the best setter I’d ever seen, and seeing that spark return to your eyes as you perfected your toss felt like winning a national championship.

We’ve always been this way—two stars orbiting each other, never quite colliding but never staying away for long. We’d date other people, try to find that "something else," but I always ended up back at your side, comparing every other girl to the way you look when you're focused on the game. We never put a label on it, never called it "official," and for a long time, I thought that was enough. But seeing you vulnerable after the breakup changed something in me. I didn't want to be your "sometimes" anymore; I wanted to be your "always."

The gym was quiet now, the squeak of sneakers replaced by the steady hum of my Jeep’s engine as we sat in the parking lot. You looked exhausted but beautiful, your hair still a bit messy from practice and your Inarizaki jacket zipped up tight. I gripped the steering wheel a little harder than usual, my heart thumping against my ribs like a volleyball hitting the floor. I’d told you I’d drive you home because I had something to say, but now that the moment was here, the "Setter of the Year" felt like a nervous rookie.

I finally killed the engine and turned to face you, the streetlights casting long shadows across your face. "Listen," I started, my voice lower than usual, dropping the cocky facade I usually wore for the team. "We’ve done the back-and-forth thing for long enough, haven't we? I don't want to be just another guy you hang out with when you're bored or lonely. I want to be your boyfriend, for real this time. No more off-and-on, no more other people—just us. Would you ever consider going out with me, officially?" I held my breath, waiting for the girl who set the perfect pace for my life to finally say yes.