You weren’t exactly a volleyball fan. But with a five-hour flight delay and nothing else to do, the buzz of a nearby stadium in Italy had called to you. Tickets were cheap, and the crowd’s energy was contagious, so you decided to go for it.
Settling into a seat, you watched as two teams warmed up on the court. Most players looked Italian, except for one player whose focused expression and fluid movements captured your attention—a Japanese man with sharp eyes, exuding both grace and strength as he spiked the ball. You found yourself watching him, your interest piqued.
The game kicked off, and you were drawn into the rhythm, watching this mystery player dominate the court. But then, suddenly, the action zoomed in on you in the worst way possible. With a deafening smack, the volleyball—his spike—struck you straight on the head. Darkness overtook your vision.
When you opened your eyes, you found yourself lying on a crisp hospital bed, the ceiling lights casting a soft glow around the room. Panic gripped you as you remembered your flight. You shot up, quickly checking your phone only to see that the flight had already departed.
"Oh no, no, no!" you muttered, rubbing your forehead and trying to piece together what had just happened.
A gentle knock on the door drew your attention. You turned and there he was—the mystery man, the volleyball player. Tall and athletic, his face softened with genuine concern.
“I’m so sorry about earlier.” He bowed slightly, his voice steady yet apologetic. “I’m Yuki Ishikawa. I didn’t mean to… uh… knock you out.”
“Oh! Um, it’s okay, I guess?” you replied, feeling your face heat up from embarrassment. "I didn’t even know volleyballs could be that... lethal."
Yuki looked away, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Well, that spike was meant for the court… not a fan in the stands.”
You gave a nervous laugh. “To be honest, I didn’t even know who you were. I was just... killing time.”
He chuckled, amused. “Then I guess you’ll never forget me now.”
The humor melted away as you remembered your missed flight. “Well, speaking of unforgettable… I just missed my flight back to Japan because of… that.” You gestured weakly toward him, regretting the sour turn in the conversation.
Yuki’s expression shifted, his concern deepening. “I feel responsible. Is there anything I can do?”
“Only if you can get me another ticket!” you replied, attempting to rebook on your phone. “Everything’s fully booked, and the earliest I can get is two days from now.”
You sighed, realizing you had already checked out of your hotel. The mere thought of staying at the airport for two days made you wince.
Yuki seemed to read your expression. “I know it might seem forward, but if you’re okay with it, you could stay at my apartment. I mean, it’s the least I can offer after... what happened.”
Your mind raced with mixed feelings. You didn’t even know this guy, and yet, here he was, a famous athlete offering you his place for the next two days. After a moment of hesitation, you nodded, realizing you didn’t have any better options.
“Thank you, Yuki. This is... really generous of you.”
Title: Love at First Spike
You weren’t exactly a volleyball fan. But with a five-hour flight delay and nothing else to do, the buzz of a nearby stadium in Italy had called to you. Tickets were cheap, and the crowd’s energy was contagious, so you decided to go for it.
Settling into a seat, you watched as two teams warmed up on the court. Most players looked Italian, except for one player whose focused expression and fluid movements captured your attention—a Japanese man with sharp eyes, exuding both grace and strength as he spiked the ball. You found yourself watching him, your interest piqued.
The game kicked off, and you were drawn into the rhythm, watching this mystery player dominate the court. But then, suddenly, the action zoomed in on you in the worst way possible. With a deafening smack, the volleyball—his spike—struck you straight on the head. Darkness overtook your vision.
When you opened your eyes, you found yourself lying on a crisp hospital bed, the ceiling lights casting a soft glow around the room. Panic gripped you as you remembered your flight. You shot up, quickly checking your phone only to see that the flight had already departed.
"Oh no, no, no!" you muttered, rubbing your forehead and trying to piece together what had just happened.
A gentle knock on the door drew your attention. You turned and there he was—the mystery man, the volleyball player. Tall and athletic, his face softened with genuine concern.
“I’m so sorry about earlier.” He bowed slightly, his voice steady yet apologetic. “I’m Yuki Ishikawa. I didn’t mean to… uh… knock you out.”
“Oh! Um, it’s okay, I guess?” you replied, feeling your face heat up from embarrassment. "I didn’t even know volleyballs could be that... lethal."
Yuki looked away, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Well, that spike was meant for the court… not a fan in the stands.”
You gave a nervous laugh. “To be honest, I didn’t even know who you were. I was just... killing time.”
He chuckled, amused. “Then I guess you’ll never forget me now.”
The humor melted away as you remembered your missed flight. “Well, speaking of unforgettable… I just missed my flight back to Japan because of… that.” You gestured weakly toward him, regretting the sour turn in the conversation.
Yuki’s expression shifted, his concern deepening. “I feel responsible. Is there anything I can do?”
“Only if you can get me another ticket!” you replied, attempting to rebook on your phone. “Everything’s fully booked, and the earliest I can get is two days from now.”
You sighed, realizing you had already checked out of your hotel. The mere thought of staying at the airport for two days made you wince.
Yuki seemed to read your expression. “I know it might seem forward, but if you’re okay with it, you could stay at my apartment. I mean, it’s the least I can offer after... what happened.”
Your mind raced with mixed feelings. You didn’t even know this guy, and yet, here he was, a famous athlete offering you his place for the next two days. After a moment of hesitation, you nodded, realizing you didn’t have any better options.
“Thank you, Yuki. This is... really generous of you.”
The drive to Yuki’s apartment was surprisingly comfortable. He had a calm, quiet demeanor that put you at ease. You learned he had been playing volleyball in Italy for a few years and often missed home, just like you.
When you arrived, Yuki handed you a spare key and gave you a brief tour of the apartment. It was cozy, with minimalistic decor and a few personal touches—like family photos, awards, and, unsurprisingly, a volleyball on the couch.
“Make yourself at home,” he said. “The fridge is stocked, and feel free to use anything you need.”
You thanked him again and spent the evening exploring the place, trying to distract yourself from your delayed plans. By the time you went to bed, exhaustion had finally caught up with you.
The next morning, you woke to the faint sounds of sizzling in the kitchen. Yuki was making breakfast, wearing a simple t-shirt and sweatpants, his hair slightly messy from sleep. The casual, homey sight of him felt oddly intimate.
“Good morning,” he greeted you, motioning toward the kitchen counter. “I made coffee, and there are eggs and toast.”
“Wow, you didn’t have to do this.” You took a seat, feeling a warmth bloom in your chest at his kindness.
As you ate, conversation flowed more freely. You learned that Yuki was surprisingly down-to-earth despite his fame, and he shared stories about the volleyball matches and the places he’d visited.
As the days went by, you settled into a relaxed rhythm. Yuki took you around the city during his free time, showing you his favorite spots and giving you a taste of Italian culture. You couldn’t help but notice how attentive he was, always checking if you were comfortable, listening to you intently, and making sure you were having a good time.
On the evening before your new flight, the two of you shared dinner on his balcony, watching the city lights. There was a lull in the conversation, and Yuki suddenly turned toward you.
“I hope you’re not… upset about the whole situation. I mean, having to stay here with me and missing your flight…”
You shook your head, smiling softly. “Honestly? I feel like it was fate. I mean, who else can say they’ve been knocked out by a volleyball and ended up with a new friend?”
He looked at you, his expression serious yet warm. “Maybe more than just a friend.”
Your heart skipped a beat, caught off guard by his words and the way he held your gaze. Before you could respond, he leaned in slightly, close enough that you could feel the warmth radiating from him.
“Is it too forward to say I’m glad we met this way?” he asked softly, his eyes searching yours.
You smiled, feeling a surge of courage. “Not at all. I’m glad too.”
Yuki’s smile widened, and he reached out, his hand finding yours in a gentle, steady grip. The city lights sparkled around you as the two of you sat there in comfortable silence, sharing a moment that felt destined, no matter how unusual the beginning.
And so, what began with a spike to the head blossomed into something entirely unexpected—a connection neither of you saw coming, but one that neither of you would ever forget.
"So, I know you’re free today, and… if you want, maybe you could come watch our training?” His tone was casual, but there was a sparkle of hope in his eyes. “I promise it’s not as dangerous as the last time you watched,” he added with a chuckle.
You laughed, unable to resist the lightness he brought to the situation. "Why not? I mean, I've already experienced the worst that can happen, right?"
Yuki grinned, and soon you found yourself standing in a bustling gym, surrounded by the hum of volleyballs hitting the court, players warming up, and coaches discussing strategies. It felt thrilling and unfamiliar, a glimpse into Yuki’s everyday world.
The moment his teammates noticed you with Yuki, they immediately went from serious players to nosy friends, sharing glances and grins, exchanging hushed whispers. One of the players, a tall man with curly hair and a wide smile, approached Yuki with an exaggerated wink.
“Well, well, what do we have here?” he said, looking between you and Yuki, his smile growing as he nudged Yuki playfully. “Did you bring your fan club with you today, Ishikawa?”
Yuki looked down, scratching the back of his head in slight embarrassment. “She’s… a friend from Japan,” he managed, glancing at you, his ears turning pink.
Another player joined in, this time a scruffy, energetic guy who gave Yuki a hearty pat on the back. “Since when does Ishikawa bring his ‘friends’ to practice?” He winked at you, making you smile. “Welcome to the team’s secret hangout spot,” he said. “And you’re the first ‘friend’ of Yuki’s we’ve ever seen here, by the way.”
You laughed, enjoying their friendly teasing. “Thank you for having me. I didn’t know I’d get such a VIP invitation!”
Yuki shot his teammates a warning look, though there was a hint of a smile there, too. “Alright, that’s enough. Let’s get started,” he muttered, shooing them back onto the court.
Despite the teasing, you could feel how the team adored Yuki and enjoyed messing with him in a way only close friends could. As practice started, Yuki shifted into a different mode, his expression calm and his movements precise. You were captivated watching him, not just for his skill but for the dedication and focus he displayed.
Every so often, he’d glance over, his gaze softening when he noticed you watching. When he’d make an impressive play, a few of his teammates would whistle or nudge each other, casting you knowing smiles as if trying to get you to notice his skill. It was impossible not to feel a bit of pride in his talent, even if you’d just met him days before.
Finally, during a break, a few of the teammates approached you.
“So, how did you two meet?” one of them asked with a mischievous grin.
You felt your cheeks warm. “Oh, you know, just a… memorable introduction,” you said with a laugh, glancing at Yuki.
Yuki, shaking his head with a smile, added, “Let’s just say my spike really left an impression.”
The teammates burst into laughter, some giving him high-fives and clapping him on the back. One of them patted your shoulder, a warm smile on his face. “Well, you’re a good sport for taking that hit like a champ—and for sticking around after.”
Before you knew it, the teasing and laughter made you feel like part of their circle, and Yuki’s teammates offered you sideline commentary as you watched the rest of their practice. You cheered Yuki on along with them, and for the first time in a long while, you felt a sense of belonging in this unexpected place, all thanks to a serendipitous spike to the head.
After practice, as Yuki gathered his things, he came up to you, his face glowing with a mixture of exhaustion and contentment. “Thanks for coming today. It was… nice having you here,” he said, his voice softer than usual.
“Thanks for inviting me,” you replied. “Your team’s amazing—and I can see why they’d give you a hard time about bringing me.”
Yuki laughed, rubbing his neck. “They’ll probably keep teasing me about this for months.”
You shrugged, teasing him back. “Maybe I’ll come back to keep the rumors going.”
He looked at you, his gaze tender and thoughtful. “You know, I wouldn’t mind that.”
As the day came to an end and you prepared for your flight the next morning, you knew this chance encounter had been something special. You’d come to Italy expecting nothing more than a flight delay, but instead, you were taking home a whirlwind of memories—and the feeling that this was only the beginning.
The drive to the airport was quiet, though it wasn’t exactly uncomfortable. It was more like an unspoken weight had settled between you and Yuki, as if both of you knew something important was drawing to a close but neither wanted to admit it.
As you glanced over, you caught Yuki’s profile, calm and collected, but there was a slight tension in his expression that you hadn’t seen before. He drove with one hand on the wheel, his other resting on the gearshift, fingers drumming lightly, almost as if he was holding back words he wanted to say.
Soon, the airport came into view, and with it, a pang of sadness you hadn’t anticipated. You hadn’t realized how much you’d grown to enjoy his company, the unexpected friendship you’d formed, and even the teasing camaraderie of his teammates. Part of you didn’t want to go back. But as your destination loomed closer, you also knew you didn’t really have a choice.
Yuki pulled up to the curb and parked, helping you with your bag. He looked down at you, his gaze soft, his usual composed expression melting into something warmer, yet slightly sad.
“Well,” he began, his voice a bit more subdued than usual, “I guess this is it.”
You nodded, trying to keep a steady tone. “Thank you, Yuki. For everything—for helping me and for… well, just making this whole experience more memorable.” You forced a smile, though you could feel your heart pounding, urging you to say something else, anything to make this moment last longer.
He opened his mouth as if to respond, then closed it, his gaze flickering to the ground. “It was… my pleasure,” he said finally. There was a flicker of something in his eyes, something he seemed hesitant to let you see, and it stirred something in you, a longing you didn’t want to ignore.
You took a shaky breath, deciding to take a risk, one you knew you might regret if you didn’t follow through. “Yuki…” you whispered, your heart racing as you stepped a bit closer, leaning up on your toes. Before you could second-guess yourself, you pressed a soft, quick kiss to his cheek, feeling his warmth under your lips.
But somehow, it didn’t feel like enough. Your heart pounding, you tilted your head, closing the distance, and brushed your lips gently against his. The kiss was light, but it held every feeling you’d been afraid to say out loud, an unspoken farewell wrapped in that fleeting touch.
Yuki froze, his eyes widening in shock as he tried to process what had just happened. His lips were still parted slightly as if he were about to say something, but no words came out. You pulled back, catching the stunned look on his face, and felt your cheeks flush with embarrassment and exhilaration.
Without a word, you turned and quickly made your way toward the airport entrance, fighting the urge to look back. You knew that if you did, you might not be able to leave. But just as you passed through the doors, you allowed yourself a quick glance over your shoulder.
Yuki was still standing there, staring after you, his hand raised halfway in a dazed wave, his expression both bewildered and touched. And in that instant, you knew he felt it too—the connection that had formed in just a short time.
Inside, as you approached your gate, your phone vibrated. You checked it and saw a new message from an unknown number. When you opened it, your heart skipped a beat.
“Have a safe flight, and… come back to Italy anytime. Maybe next time, you’ll stay longer. - Yuki”
A smile spread across your face, and you replied with a simple “Grazie.” Then, with your heart full and your thoughts lingering on him, you boarded your flight, a piece of Italy—and Yuki—tucked away with you.
Five months had passed since your whirlwind encounter with Yuki in Italy. Life had returned to its familiar pace, yet every so often, memories of those brief days with him would sneak into your thoughts, leaving a warmth in your chest. You’d wonder what he was doing, if he’d found someone else to tease him and keep him company. And maybe, just maybe, you’d wonder if he ever thought about you, too.
One day, you were deep in paperwork at the office when one of your coworkers popped their head in, a smirk playing on their lips. “Hey, someone’s here looking for you downstairs.”
You looked up, confused. “Someone… for me?”
“Yep,” they said, winking. “And he’s pretty tall, too.”
Puzzled but intrigued, you made your way down to the lobby, adjusting your blazer as you approached the entrance. But as soon as you caught sight of who was waiting, you stopped in your tracks, your heart hammering wildly.
Standing there, looking as composed as ever with his hands in his pockets, was Yuki. He hadn’t changed much, though maybe there was a bit more warmth in his eyes, an ease in his stance. When he noticed you, he broke into a small, almost mischievous smile.
“Yuki…” you managed, the surprise nearly making you forget how to breathe. “What… what are you doing here?”
He took a step closer, and his gaze held yours with that same focus you’d seen on the volleyball court, intense and unyielding. “I’m here to take back the kiss you stole from me,” he said, his voice soft yet clear, his expression a mixture of playfulness and something deeper.
Your cheeks flamed as his words sank in, and you let out a nervous laugh. “What—what do you mean?” you stammered, heart racing as you tried to wrap your mind around the fact that he was really here, in front of you, saying these words.
He gave a small shrug, his gaze never leaving yours. “I haven’t been able to forget it—or you,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper now. “I tried. But all I kept thinking about was that moment… and how I’d never get the chance to do it back if I didn’t come find you.”
Your breath hitched as he closed the distance between you, his hand coming up to brush a loose strand of hair from your face. His touch was gentle, lingering just a second longer than necessary, and you felt your heart leap in response.
Without another word, he leaned in, his eyes closing as his lips met yours. This time, the kiss was different—gentler but filled with all the emotions neither of you had been able to say. It was as if time had paused, the world around you fading until it was just you and him.
When he pulled back, his gaze softened, he whispered, “Does this mean you’ll come back to Italy with me?”
You couldn’t help but smile, all the tension and uncertainty melting away. “Only if you promise to let me steal a few more kisses,” you replied, your voice teasing, but your heart serious.
Yuki’s laugh was soft, and he took your hand in his, squeezing it gently. “Deal.”
