Crossing courts | Rin Itoshi

XXXIV

As Y/n's birthday approached, Rin had been acting distant lately.

Y/n couldn't help but notice the change in his behavior, and it left her feeling a bit uneasy.

She wondered if something was bothering him or if there was a reason behind his recent distance. Despite her concerns, she decided to give him some space, hoping that he would open up to her when he was ready.

As the days passed, Y/n couldn't shake off the feeling of anticipation mixed with a hint of worry about how Rin would act on her special day.

It was a regular day at volleyball practice, and Y/n, along with her teammate Kumi, was fully engaged in their training drills.

The rhythmic sound of balls hitting the floor echoed in the gym as they practiced their serves, spikes, and receives.

Y/n was determined to stay focused on the game, but thoughts of Rin's recent distant behavior lingered in the back of her mind, making it a bit challenging to give her full attention to the practice.

Despite the distractions, she tried her best to perform well and enjoy the sport she loved.

As they finished cleaning the gym, Kumi turned to Y/n with a smile, "Hey, Y/n, your birthday is coming up in two days! Any plans on how you want to celebrate?"

Y/n sighed, a mix of excitement for her birthday and concern about Rin's recent distance. "I'm not sure yet, Kumi. I mean, I'd love to spend time with Rin, but he's been a bit distant lately. I don't even know if he remembers it's my birthday." She couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment.

Kumi frowned, "Oh no, that doesn't sound good. Have you talked to him about it?"

Y/n shook her head, "Not yet. I don't want to ruin the mood, you know? Maybe he's just busy with soccer and stuff."

Kumi gave her a reassuring smile, "Well, whatever happens, I'm here for you. Let's make sure your birthday is amazing, even if Rin is being weird."

Y/n chuckled, grateful for Kumi's support, "Thanks, Kumi. Let's plan something fun, just in case."

The next day arrived, and Rin continued to be distant. Y/n, though a bit disappointed, decided to give him some space, thinking he might be caught up with soccer or personal matters.

She reasoned with herself, "Maybe he's just going through a busy time. I'll give him some space; he'll come around."

Despite her understanding approach, Y/n couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness.

She hoped that Rin would remember her birthday, but with his recent behavior, uncertainty clouded her anticipation.

Surprisingly, Osamu, with a warm smile on his face, approached Y/n and asked, "Hey, are you excited for your special day?" Y/n couldn't help but laugh at the unexpected gesture.

She hadn't expected Osamu to remember her birthday, but his thoughtful words brightened her mood.

"Yeah, I am," Y/n replied, appreciating the genuine concern in Osamu's eyes. Even with Rin's recent distance, it was comforting to know that there were friends like Osamu who cared about her.

However

During this time, Rin had been distancing himself from Y/n not out of neglect, but because he was engrossed in planning a special birthday surprise for her.

Uncertain about the perfect gift, Rin decided to seek advice from his friend Reo. He wanted to make Y/n's birthday memorable, and he knew he needed some guidance to make it truly special.

Reo, being the supportive friend he was, gladly shared his insights and helped Rin come up with a thoughtful gift that would express his feelings for Y/n.

As the birthday drew nearer, Rin couldn't wait to see Y/n's reaction to the surprise he had meticulously planned.

Rin and Reo found themselves wandering through the bustling mall, searching for the perfect birthday gift for Y/n.

As they passed by various shops, they eventually stumbled upon a Cartier store.

Glancing through the beautifully displayed jewelry, Rin's eyes caught the gleam of a Love necklace set with diamonds.

"Wow, that's beautiful," Rin remarked, admiring the intricate design of the necklace.

Reo, his trusted friend, nodded in agreement. "That necklace would be a perfect gift. It's elegant and meaningful."

Feeling confident in their choice, Rin decided that the Love necklace would indeed make a splendid present for Y/n's birthday.

Rin and Reo continued their shopping expedition, now venturing into the luxurious realm of Dior.

As they explored the high-end items, Rin's eyes were captivated by a stunning Dior saddle bag.

It was not just a bag; it was a statement piece that exuded elegance and style.

Unable to resist, Rin decided to purchase the Dior saddle bag, envisioning how it would complement Y/n's taste.

Reo, who had been accompanying him on this shopping journey, couldn't help but express his amazement.

"Man, you're really going all out for her," Reo commented, a mixture of surprise and admiration in his voice. "Are you sure about this?"

Rin nodded resolutely, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "I want to make her birthday special. She deserves it. I care about her a lot, and I want her to know how much she means to me."

Reo, understanding the depth of Rin's feelings, smiled back. "You're going above and beyond, Rin. It's clear that you love her."

Rin nodded again, his eyes reflecting sincerity. "I do. She's important to me, and I want her to feel cherished. This birthday is a chance to show her that."

With their purchases in hand, Rin and Reo left the Dior store, the anticipation of the upcoming birthday celebration lingering in the air.

Rin couldn't wait to see the joy on Y/n's face when she received the thoughtful gifts he had chosen for her.

As Rin and Reo wrapped up their shopping spree, they stumbled upon a florist showcasing an array of vibrant blooms.

Rin's gaze landed on a breathtaking bouquet of deep red roses, an embodiment of love and passion.

He thought it would be the perfect finishing touch to the gifts he had meticulously selected for Y/n.

Unable to resist the allure of the roses, Rin decided to purchase the magnificent bouquet.

The rich, velvety petals held a timeless charm, symbolizing the depth of his affection for Y/n.

The florist carefully arranged the roses, creating a stunning ensemble that would undoubtedly captivate Y/n's heart.

With the Dior saddle bag, the exquisite Love necklace set with diamonds, and now the resplendent bouquet of red roses, Rin felt a sense of satisfaction.

He knew that these gifts, chosen with love and care, would convey his feelings to Y/n in the most enchanting way.

As they left the florist, Rin clutched the bouquet in his hand, a symbol of the love and warmth he intended to shower upon Y/n on her special day.

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Y/n's birthday arrived, but the day began with a tinge of disappointment as Rin had chosen to skip school.

Nevertheless, the void left by Rin's absence was filled with an outpouring of love from friends, fanboys, volleyball teammates, and even some soccer players who had taken the time to acknowledge her special day.

The classroom was adorned with colorful balloons and streamers, and a small group of friends gathered to celebrate. Y/n received a multitude of gifts, each wrapped with care and adorned with birthday wishes.

Fanboys expressed their admiration with heartfelt notes and tokens of appreciation, adding to the festive atmosphere. Y/n's volleyball teammates and soccer players, having formed a tight-knit bond, showered her with gifts and warm wishes, creating an uplifting ambiance in the midst of Rin's absence.