Ekans_Kumar

Renji Takahashi, a quiet and withdrawn first-year student, has always struggled to connect with others. While his social anxiety keeps him isolated, his talent for volleyball is undeniable. Renji's ability to read the flow of the game, combined with his exceptional defensive skills as a libero, makes him a hidden gem.

Enter Asuka Fujisawa, the charismatic and caring manager of the Misaki High volleyball team. Determined to bring out Renji’s potential, Asuka pushes him to step out of his comfort zone — both on and off the court.

As Renji opens up, he finds himself forming bonds with his teammates, developing newfound confidence, and discovering that the heart of volleyball isn’t just about skill — it’s about connection, trust, and passion

Hearts on The Court

After a grueling week of matches and training, Coach Fujimoto granted the team a rare day off. No drills, no strategy meetings—just a chance to breathe.

It wasn't long before someone suggested heading out.

They ended up in a bustling shopping district, where narrow streets were lined with sports shops, cafés, and small boutiques. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the city, and the team took their time wandering, stopping to check out sneakers, volleyball gear, and street food along the way.

Naturally, Renji, Asuka, and Yuuto stuck together, their trio falling into step without a second thought.

But Asuka—still very amused by Renji's earlier reaction at practice—wasn't about to let it go so easily.

They eventually ducked into a cozy café, grabbing a small table near the window.

The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as Asuka took a sip of her drink, watching Renji with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

She leaned in slightly, resting her chin on one hand.

"So, Renji…" she started, a slow grin forming.

He blinked, mid-sip of his iced tea. "Hmm?"

He barely managed to set his drink down without spilling it, coughing as he struggled to regain composure. His ears instantly turned red.

Asuka snickered. "That's twice in one day. I think I've discovered something fun."

Renji groaned, covering his face with one hand. "Can you not?"

Asuka tilted her head, clearly enjoying herself. "But it's so easy."

Renji sighed. He knew there was no escaping this.

Across the table, Yuuto watched the exchange carefully.

At first, he had only suspected it. Renji had been acting strange around Asuka lately—hesitating more, reacting differently to her teasing.

Watching the way Renji stiffened, the way his eyes darted to avoid looking at Asuka, the way his entire face turned red—it was obvious.

Yuuto leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. A small smirk tugged at his lips.

"You're not very good at hiding things, you know."

Renji's head snapped up. His expression flickered—brief panic before he forced himself to stay neutral. "Hiding what?"

Instead, Asuka shrugged, oblivious to the shift in atmosphere. "It's cute, though."

His brain completely short-circuited.

Yuuto caught the way Renji's fingers tensed slightly against his drink.

Renji wasn't just embarrassed—he was flustered.

For the rest of the outing, there was a subtle, unspoken shift.

Asuka continued acting normally, completely unaware of the undercurrents shifting between her two teammates.

The weight of Yuuto's glance, the way his presence suddenly felt heavier. Did Yuuto figure it out? If so, what did that mean?

He tried to shake off the feeling, but by the end of the day, the distance between him and Yuuto felt more real than ever.

And for the first time, Renji wondered—

Was this just about volleyball anymore?

Realization and Teasing