After Our Universe Collided

UNIVERSE 2

There is a limit to meeting you.

あなたに会うのには限界があります。

Anata ni au no ni wa genkai ga ari masu.

San Pablo City, Laguna; July 3, 2023.

BECAUSE OF ELIANA'S EXTREME joy, she continues to disturb Ran through social media accounts, especially on YouTube and IG. But she couldn't help but feel sad when she realized that his beloved was in the Philippines.

All she can do is cry because she has no money to buy a ticket for VNL. At that event, she will see Ryujin Nippon, especially Ran Takahashi.

Whenever she opens her phone and goes to her FB, she sees Ran meet and greet famous volleyball stars in the Philippines.

"Sana ako rin," she said to herself. Every time she tells this to herself, her chest tightens. It is her dream to see Ran even though she is at the end of the seat. She turned off her smartphone and didn't open social media first.

She knew to herself that even if she assumed, she still could not go to an event outside of their province. Not only because she didn't have money to buy a ticket but because her parents wouldn't allow her to go to Manila.

Eliana couldn't stand it and chatted with her friend from high school, Jaz. "Jaz, ano ngang course mo? Tourism?"

"Oo, bakit mo naitanong?" Jaznin asked back.

"Ano . . . nasa Pilipinas kasi 'yung big crush ko na mula sa Japan," Eliana replied through chat.

"Aba sino?"

"Si Ran Takahashi, 'yung volleyball player," Eliana answered. "Nasa Pilipinas kasi, ilang beses na akong na-notice hindi ko lang makita in person."

"Tara samahan kita, may tutulugan naman tayo sa Maynila, hahaha!"

Eliana hearted Jaz's chat and said, "Soon na, wala pa akong ticket eh," Eliana's voice was mixed with frustration as she typed what she conveyed.

After that conversation, Eliana logged out of her Facebook and just learned to write in Japanese.

While she was writing, her tears were falling. "Ilang taon na naman, magtiis ka na. Una muna ang pamilya, bago si Ran."

MOA Pasay, Philippines

Many people came to take pictures with the famous volleyball players involved in the VNL, including a member of Ryujin Nippon. It can be seen that Team Japan is very popular in the Philippines. The fans scream non-stop and shout the name of Ryujin Nippon.

Other famous volleyball stars in the Philippines also had a chance to take pictures with Ran.

Ran is friendly and asks questions to them. "So how could you conquer those things? Surprisingly, you continue pursuing volleyball despite the challenges you had."

"It's because I love volleyball, so continue striving for your dreams and keep improving," said one of the famous volleyball players in the Philippines.

"We're happy to talk with you," Yuji Nishida said.

Ran continues to sign an autograph and have a picture with fans. He somewhat felt that something missing piece in his heart that could not be filled. He looked at the last row of seats which made him feel something in his stomach, a nervousness.

San Pablo City, Laguna; July 9, 2023

Eliana made a story on her IG and tagged Ran again, hoping that Ran would notice her again. Because team Japan lost against Italy and also against Poland. This is the second time that Ran has not seen her IG story. Eliana got confused which is usually he is seeing those who tagged him.

From what she sees in the videos on social media, she feels that Ran is not in a good mood. Ran is always serious when the camera always focuses on him. Maybe it's because he wants to play but because of his injury he can't.

Eliana felt sad and cried secretly. That secret cry was so painful in her chest. It's like a thorn that hurts when swallowed. "Ayos lang, wala naman akong karapatang masaktan," she said on her mind. She is hurting, crying, and hopeless. "Ayaw ko na, nakakapagod na."

Eliana continues to look for Ran's update. As a fan of Ran, she is worried about Ran's condition. Maybe it meant she couldn't go because if that happened she would worry about Ran's condition. She couldn't help but type a message to herself through her messenger.

Dear self,

Balang araw, makikita mo rin si Ran Takahashi at masasabi mo sa kanya na mahal mo siya. Pero sa ngayon, puwede ka munang mamahinga at hintayin ang pagkakataon. Sa ngayon ay magsumikap ka muna sa hamon ng buhay dahil ang totoong laban ay makikita mo kapag nagtatrabaho ka na.

One day, you and Ran's universe will collide if it is God's will.