Crossing courts | Rin Itoshi

XXII

As the days unfolded, a noticeable shift occurred in the dynamics between Y/n and Rin.

Their once vibrant friendship seemed to lose its spark, and conversations became less frequent.

Y/n, finding solace in her friendship with Osamu, grew closer to him, reminiscent of the camaraderie they shared in the past.

On the other hand, Rin found himself navigating through the complicated situation with Aoi. Despite Aoi's attempts to get closer to him, Rin had made it clear that he preferred his personal space.

The hallways and classrooms that used to witness the lively exchanges between Y/n and Rin now felt quieter, the unspoken distance between them palpable.

Y/n's laughter resonated with Osamu, while Rin found himself navigating the complexities of interpersonal relationships. 

Otoya couldn't resist the opportunity to tease Rin about the growing closeness between Y/n and Osamu. He playfully nudged Rin and said, "Hey, Rin, better watch out. Looks like Osamu is stealing your girl!"

Shidou, always ready to join in on the banter, chimed in, "Yeah, man! You snooze, you lose. Looks like it's your loss!"

Rin, however, didn't respond to their taunts with his usual stoic demeanor. Instead, he merely shrugged off their comments, choosing not to engage in the playful banter.

Otoya continued the teasing, a mischievous grin on his face, "Come on, Rin, did Aoi take all your attention? Or is it that you're forgetting about Y/n because you're too busy with soccer?"

Rin, with a furrowed brow, responded firmly, "It's not like that. I'm just focused on soccer right now. Nothing more, nothing less."

Despite Rin's attempt to downplay it, Otoya and Shidou exchanged glances, sensing that there might be more to the story than Rin was letting on.

-

Kumi, noticing the change in Y/n's interactions with Rin, took a break from their volleyball drills to inquire about their relationship. As they caught their breath, Kumi asked, "Hey, Y/n, have you been talking to Rin lately? It feels like you two aren't as close as before."

Y/n sighed, her expression revealing a hint of sadness, "No, we haven't really been talking much. Things just feel different now."

Concern etched on her face, Kumi leaned against the net, "Did something happen between you two?"

Y/n hesitated for a moment before responding, "I don't know. It's just been a bit awkward. I feel like we're drifting apart."

Kumi nodded understandingly, "Maybe you should talk to him about it. Communication can clear up misunderstandings, you know?"

Y/n sighed again, contemplating the idea of having a conversation with Rin about their current situation.

After their volleyball practice concluded, Y/n and Kumi decided to head to the nearby soccer field. The rhythmic thuds of soccer balls echoed across the open field as they approached.

As they neared the field, Y/n couldn't help but glance over to where Rin and the soccer team were engaged in their training. A sense of nostalgia crept in, reminding her of the times when she and Rin used to spend hours together after their respective practices.

Kumi noticed Y/n's wistful expression and nudged her playfully, "Thinking about someone?"

Y/n chuckled, "Maybe. Just reminiscing a bit."

They found a spot to sit on the grass, watching the soccer players go through their drills. Y/n's eyes unintentionally sought out Rin, who seemed immersed in his soccer routine. The distance between them felt more pronounced than ever.

Kumi nudged Y/n again, "You should go talk to him. It might help."

Y/n sighed, contemplating the idea. "Yeah, maybe you're right. I just miss the way things used to be."

Kumi nodded in understanding, offering her support, "Well, there's no harm in trying to fix things. Go ahead, Y/n."

Encouraged by Kumi's words, Y/n took a deep breath, deciding that it was time to have that conversation with Rin.

As Y/n approached the soccer field, Rin was deeply engrossed in his soccer training, practicing drills with the ball.

He hadn't expected Y/n to be there, so when he noticed her presence out of the corner of his eye, surprise flickered across his face.

Rin paused for a moment, letting the soccer ball come to a stop at his feet. He turned to face Y/n, his expression a mix of astonishment and curiosity. The soccer field seemed to hold a different energy now, as if the dynamics were shifting.

Y/n mustered a small smile, attempting to ease the tension that lingered between them. "Hey, Rin. Mind if I join you for a bit?"

Rin nodded, though the surprise still lingered in his eyes. "Sure, Y/n. I didn't expect to see you here."

She chuckled softly, "Well, I thought it was about time we had a chat. Mind if we talk?"

Rin agreed, setting the soccer ball aside and gesturing for her to join him on the field. As they found a quiet spot away from the rest of the team, both Y/n and Rin felt a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, unsure of where this conversation might lead.

As Y/n and Rin settled into a quiet corner of the soccer field, the air was filled with a mix of nostalgia and unspoken emotions. Y/n took a deep breath, breaking the silence that hung between them.

"You know, Rin, things have been different lately," Y/n began, her voice carrying a hint of sadness. "We used to be so close, like we could talk about anything. I miss that, and I miss our friendship."

Rin's gaze softened as he listened, realizing the weight of Y/n's words. "Yeah, I've noticed it too. It's not the same as before, and I can't help but think about it."

Y/n nodded, her eyes reflecting a mixture of longing and regret. "I never wanted things to change, but it feels like we're drifting apart. I valued our friendship, and I don't want to lose that."

Rin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Y/n, it's not that I wanted this to happen. My focus has been on soccer, and maybe I got too caught up in it. I didn't mean to neglect our friendship."

Y/n understood the pressures Rin faced, but her heart still ached. "I get it, Rin. Soccer is important to you, and I've always supported that. But I can't help feeling like I've lost a friend."

Rin looked into Y/n's eyes, a sense of regret etched on his face. "I don't want to lose you, Y/n. You've been an important part of my life, and I miss the times we spent together. Maybe I messed up, but I don't want things to stay like this."

Y/n's expression softened, and she reached out to gently place a hand on Rin's shoulder. "Rin, I don't want to lose you either. Maybe we can find a balance, a way to still be friends while you pursue your soccer dreams. But we need communication, Rin. We can't let misunderstandings drift us apart."

Rin nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "You're right, Y/n. I don't want to lose our friendship. Let's work on this together."

As they shared their feelings and thoughts, a spark of hope flickered between them. The conversation became a bridge, connecting two hearts that had momentarily drifted apart.