Colours of the Snow | Yuki Ishikawa

4

It was a Monday morning, and I had to get ready for work, but my body was refusing to cooperate.  That Saturday night was replaying in my mind. It was one for the books.

When we arrived at our complex, Yuki didn't let go of my hand until we reached the elevator. He knew I was feeling homesick, and he wanted to comfort me.

Yesterday, I was feeling down, trying to untangle these confusing emotions. I'll just admire Yuki from afar because I don't want to risk getting hurt if we ever end up together. We're in different leagues, after all.

I dragged myself out of bed and prepared for the day. The team was heading for a two-day training camp with some guest coaches to help us prepare for the upcoming games next week.

Yuki didn't message me about going to the gym together, so I was surprised when I saw him waiting for me in the lobby of my building.  "Yuki, you didn't tell me you'd be waiting. I should have gotten ready earlier," I said.

"It's fine. I just got here too," he replied.

"Oh, I see."

He noticed the extra bag I had with me since I had to bring some additional stuff as the assistant manager.

"Let me take that for you," Yuki offered.  I nodded and let him take the extra stuff. I never hesitate when he offers to help because it's such a relief, and he genuinely wants to help, so why not?

"This is heavy," he commented.

Again, I just nodded.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I nodded again, but this time with more conviction that I was indeed okay.

"Alright, just let me know if you're not," he said, seeming convinced.

One last nod from me.

I don't know what kind of help he could provide if I admitted I wasn't okay, but I didn't want to delve into that.  I'm doing my best to stop myself from thinking about him too much.  Yuki is too good for me.

Yuki and I rode in silence to the meeting place. He didn't press me for conversation since he could tell I wasn't in the mood.

We were the first ones, aside from Mr. Luigi, to arrive at the meeting place. We were actually an hour early.

Yuki took my things inside the service bus before he went inside the gym."I'll just do some stretching inside. Are you okay here?" he asked.

"Yes, don't worry. I have a few things to take care of," I replied.We exchanged smiles, and he proceeded inside.

Time flew by, and before we knew it, we were on our way to the camp venue. I was seated by the window next to Ms. Sylvana near the front of the bus, while the players sat in the back. I could hear their laughter and chatter. Those Italians sure do know how to make some noise.

I couldn't help but sneak a glance at them, curious as to what they were so loud about. Turns out, they were teasing Yuki and he was laughing along with them. I quickly averted my gaze.

"Got a good look?" Ms. Sylvana teased me.

"No! I was just curious," I defended.

She chuckled. "You're cute," she remarked, before resuming her conversation with the other staff.

Ms. Sylvana and I were the only female staff members, surrounded by a sea of guys. That's why she always looked out for me.

We finally reached the camp venue and got busy with preparations for the two-day event. The staff had coordinating and operational meetings, while the players and coaches focused on their own tasks. I learned a lot during these two productive days.On the second night, we made our way back to Milan.