𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 | 𝐔. 𝐖𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐒𝐇𝐈

*.・+★ 07 || The Unexpected

As Ayumi, Hiroki, and I walked together towards school, engrossed in lighthearted banter, my phone buzzed in my pocket, indicating the arrival of a new message. Curious, I pulled it out and saw that it was from an unknown number. Confusion flickered across my face as I read the message aloud.

"Hey, it's been a while. I hope you're doing well."

Ayumi glanced over, her curiosity flashed.  "Who's it from? Do you know the number?"

"No, it's an unknown number. They say it's been a while, but I can't figure out who it might be."

Hiroki, always the voice of reason, chimed in. "Hmm, maybe it's someone from your past. Have you recently changed your number?"

"No, I've had the same number for years. It's strange."

As we continued walking, I couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that there was more to this message than met the eye. It felt oddly familiar as if I should know the sender, but my memory failed me.

"Well, it's not every day you receive a message from an unknown sender. Maybe you should reply and see if they reveal their identity."

"You're right. It wouldn't hurt to find out who it is."

Taking Ayumi's advice, I typed a quick response, my fingers slightly trembling with anticipation.

: "I'm sorry, but I don't recognize this number. Could you please let me know who you are?"

As we walked, my mind was flooded with possibilities. Could it be an old friend, a distant relative, or perhaps someone from a past school? The unknown sender had managed to pique my curiosity, and I couldn't help but wonder about their identity.

Minutes later, my phone buzzed once again, indicating a reply. I opened the message and felt a strange mix of surprise and disbelief wash over me.

"It's been years, Y/N. I never forgot about you."

The sender's words echoed in my mind, leaving me in a state of confusion and disbelief. The pieces started to fall into place, and it hit me with a sudden realization.

Y/N: "Oh my... It's my ex."

Ayumi and Hiroki exchanged surprised glances, clearly taken aback by the revelation.
"Your ex, the one that you told us about from middle school?"

Y/N nodded, her mind reeling with a mix of emotions. Memories of our time together flooded back, both the good and the not-so-good. I remembered the intensity of our relationship and the eventual heartbreak that followed. I never told them who it was because I didn't want to worship them and brag.

"What do you want to do? Do you want to reconnect with them?"

"I'm not sure. It's been so long, and we've both moved on with our lives. But part of me is curious to see what he has to say."

"Just be cautious, Y/N. You deserve happiness and shouldn't rush into anything if you're not ready."

Her words resonated with me, reminding me to prioritize my own well-being above all else. As we reached the school gates, I pondered over my next steps. Would I respond to the message, or would I let the past remain in the past? Only time would tell.

-


I cautiously entered the bathroom, hoping for a moment of privacy to freshen up before joining the volleyball team for their game. As I stepped in, the sound of hushed voices reached my ears, catching my attention. Curiosity piqued, I decided to investigate further, seeking out the source of the gossip.

I made my way towards the sinks, pretending to fix my hair while keeping my ears open for any snippets of conversation. Two girls stood near the mirrors, whispering to each other with animated expressions. It seemed they were deeply engrossed in discussing something juicy.

"Did you hear about Y/N? I can't believe it!"

"I know, right? It's such a scandal. I never thought she would do something like that."My curiosity grew stronger, and I quietly slipped into an unoccupied stall, positioning myself so I could hear them better without being noticed.

"Apparently, she was seen hanging out with that guy, Semi, from the volleyball team. They seem pretty close."

"Wait, isn't she also friends with Ushijima? I wonder how he feels about it."

The mention of Ushijima's name made my heart skip a beat. What were they saying about me and Semi? And why would it concern Ushijima?

"I heard they used to be really close, but now it seems like Y/N is getting close to Semi. I wonder if there's something going on. I bet she's just another girl that can't keep one guy to herself. I bet she'll be on the whole volleyball team by the end of the year."

"I bet! She should be with the rest of whores."

My mind raced with a mix of confusion, concern, and frustration. I hated how they referred to those despicable words to me. I had no idea that my interactions with Semi and Ushijima would attract such attention and speculation.

Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself to stay calm and not let the gossip affect me. I couldn't control what others said or thought, but I could control how I handled the situation.Stepping out of the stall, I walked towards the sink with a composed demeanor, making sure to avoid eye contact with the gossiping girls. Their whispers still lingered in the air, but I chose not to engage with their rumors.

As I washed my hands, I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I reminded myself of the genuine friendships I had formed with both Semi and Ushijima. It was important not to let gossip or misunderstandings tarnish those connections.

With renewed determination, I straightened my posture and left the bathroom, ready to await the game and leave everything else behind.

-

I entered the gym with my tote bag slung over my shoulder, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. The coach who had invited me approached me, and we exchanged greetings before finding seats next to each other. As we settled in, he struck up a conversation, asking me about my dreams and aspirations in volleyball.

We delved into a discussion about my goals and the steps I needed to take to achieve them. The coach shared his insights and advice, fueling my determination to excel on the court. I felt a genuine connection with him, appreciating his support and guidance.

As the time to board the bus approached, the coach and I concluded our conversation. He wished me luck, reminding me to stay focused and play my best. I thanked him for the opportunity and took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the challenge ahead.

As I stepped onto the bus with my teammates, my heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves. The bus ride was filled with a mix of anticipation and friendship among the teammates. We exchanged words of encouragement, discussing our strategies and visualizing our success on the court. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence building within me.

Arriving at the destination, I stepped off the bus, feeling a surge of determination coursing through my veins. As I made my way to the locker room, I reminded myself to embrace the challenge and cherish every moment on the court. 

While everyone was getting ready in the locker room, I fixed my seat where the coaches and managers are located, and I noticed someone oddly familiar. They walked in the gym with their hands on their hips with a smile on their face.

My heart skipped a beat, and I instinctively looked away, hoping to avoid any interaction. I didn't want to delve into the past or let any distractions hinder my focus on the upcoming match. But it seemed that fate had different plans, as his gaze locked onto mine, and he began walking toward me.

I felt a mixture of apprehension and curiosity as he approached. His charismatic smile was still as captivating as ever, but I knew better than to let myself get swept up in old memories. I braced myself for the conversation that was about to unfold.

"Y/N, fancy meeting you here," he greeted me with a casual tone, his eyes glimmering with a hint of nostalgia.

I mustered a polite smile, keeping my guard up. "Hello, Oikawa. It's been a while."

He leaned against a nearby wall, studying me for a moment. "You've grown even more beautiful, you know," he remarked, his words laced with a touch of sincerity.

I felt a pang of mixed emotions, memories flooding back from our past relationship. But I reminded myself to stay grounded and focused on the present. "Thank you, Oikawa. We're here for a game, so I should probably focus on that."

Oikawa nodded a hint of understanding in his eyes. "Of course, the game. It's great to see you still passionate about volleyball. You were always talented."

I appreciated his compliment but didn't want to linger on the past. "Thank you, Oikawa. I've been working hard to learn about the sport. Excuse me."

As I turned to walk away, he called out, his voice tinged with a mix of sincerity and regret. "Y/N, I hope your team does well in the game. I'll be watching."

I paused for a moment, meeting his gaze one last time. There was a complexity of emotions in that fleeting exchange, but I knew I had to prioritize my focus and determination. "Thank you, Oikawa. Good luck to your team as well."

Before I fully left, the male shouted out to me one last time with sincerity. "I wanted to apologize, Y/N. I know things didn't end well between us, and I've had time to reflect on my actions. I've grown since then, and I wanted to make amends."

His words held a weight that I could sense. I knew that forgiveness and healing were essential for both of us to move forward. I took a moment to gather my thoughts, considering his apology.

"I appreciate your apology, Oikawa," I replied, my voice filled with a mix of honesty and caution. "But it's going to take time for me to process everything. Let's focus on the game for now."

Oikawa nodded, his gaze shifting towards the court. "I understand."

With that, we exchanged a nod, acknowledging the unspoken understanding between us. The conversation had opened a door to potential reconciliation, but it was clear that it would take time and effort from both sides.

-

As I left the gym after the outstanding game that I congratulated everyone on, a heaviness settled in my heart. The encounter with my ex had stirred up old emotions, and just now witnessing him with someone else only intensified the pain. I tried to remind myself of the reasons our relationship had ended, the flaws and inconsistencies that I had grown tired of. But the lingering desire to forgive and reconcile tugged at my heartstrings.

I thought he meant that, but sadly he didn't.

With each step, I replayed his words in my mind, questioning if I had made the right decision to walk away. The allure of familiarity and the possibility of a renewed connection clouded my judgment, leading me down a path of uncertainty.

Feeling overwhelmed, I sought solace in the nearby park, hoping the serenity of nature would help calm my troubled mind. I found an empty bench and sat down, allowing my tears to flow freely. The weight of disappointment and heartache consumed me, and I let myself grieve for the loss of what could have been.

As I sat on the bench, tears streaming down my face, a shadow cast over me, and I looked up to see Ushijima standing there. His presence surprised me, and with my puffy eyes and quivering voice, I denied that anything was wrong. But he didn't back down. He sat down beside me, unsure of what to do or say, but his mere presence offered a sense of comfort.

After a few moments of silence, I couldn't hold it in any longer. I let out a shaky breath and began to tell him about what had happened, the pain and disappointment that had overwhelmed me. His expressions remained stoic, but his words were filled with empathy and understanding.

"It's okay to cry," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "Sometimes we need to let it all out to find our strength again."

His simple words resonated deep within me, and I felt a warmth spread through my heart. I couldn't help but open up further, sharing my fears, insecurities, and lingering emotions that had resurfaced. Ushijima listened attentively, his calm demeanor and unwavering support becoming my anchor in that moment of vulnerability.

And then, without hesitation, he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me closer. It was a gesture of comfort, a silent reassurance that I wasn't alone in my pain. I leaned into his embrace, allowing myself to cry freely, releasing the pent-up emotions that had weighed me down.

As tears continued to flow, I felt a mix of emotions, both the pain of my recent heartbreak and the solace of Ushijima's presence. In that moment, I realized how much I appreciated his unwavering support, his ability to offer comfort without needing to say much.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to us, Semi had been searching for me as well. When he finally spotted us, he stopped in his tracks, his expression a mixture of disappointment and sadness. Without a word, he turned and walked away, his heart heavy with unspoken emotions. Deep down, he wished that he could be the one comforting me, sharing that intimate moment. But I was completely unaware of his presence, lost in my vulnerability and the solace that Ushijima provided.

Time seemed to stand still as Ushijima and I remained on that bench, his arm around me, offering a silent reassurance. And in that shared moment of vulnerability, I felt a glimmer of hope begin to emerge. I realized that even in the depths of despair, there were people who cared, and were willing to lend a comforting presence when words failed.

As my tears gradually subsided and a sense of calm settled within me, I knew that the journey to heal and rebuild was just beginning. But with the support of people like Ushijima and the resilience within my own heart, I felt ready to face whatever lay ahead. And as we eventually stood up from the bench, a renewed strength coursed through my veins, reminding me that even in the darkest moments, there was always a glimmer of light to guide me forward.

He guided me to the bus as we made our departure. I still needed to thank him for everything he did for me. Deep down, I wished that could have lasted forever as I looked out the window from what was just now present to the past.