001

She woke up in a sweat, another one of those nightmares. She looked at the alarm clock

*oh crap it's so late, I'll miss my plane*

 

Keyla jumped up, ran to the bathroom to get ready and hoped to catch her plane. She called a taxi, which was already 5 minutes later in front of her apartment.

*to the airport please.* The driver nodded and off he went. 10 minutes later they arrived at the airport, where their flight was already called

*boarding closes in 5 minutes*, it sounded from the loudspeakers. Keyla hurried as fast as she could and reached the check-in in time.

 

When she arrived, she let herself fall into her seat, knowing that she made it in time. She buckled herself, the captain made one last announcement and the plane rolled down the runway.

*now I'm sitting here, on my way to Japan* Keyla sank deep into her thoughts. Here she was, her chance to get a foothold as the team doctor for the Japan national team. She had already organized everything from home, she already had a small furnished house, she hated hotels. After almost 20 hours of flight, Keyla struggled to get out of the plane, the flight was exhausting and everything hurt * finally arrived * she sighs

 

She made her way to get her suitcase and then she headed straight for the exit, where Mr. Mikami was already waiting for her

*Hello Keyla, nice to see you again, did you have a pleasant flight? *

*I'm also happy Mr. Mikami, exhausting but I'm glad to be here now*

*my car is over there* he waved her over

*can we drive by my apartment for a moment, I'd like to freshen up a bit? *

*no problem, surely you want to make a good impression on the players? * quipped Mr. Mikami.

 

Keyla has known Mr. Mikami since elementary school, where she played volleyball in Nankatsu. They often crossed paths there. Keyla moved here when she was 2 years old, her mother lived here for love. But when she died, Keyla went back to Germany. She started there from scratch, finished school and studied sports medicine until the call came from Japan that she was needed there. After the team doctor retired, they were looking for a replacement and Mr. Mikami wanted to give her a chance.

 

She didn't think twice and immediately agreed.

 

Arrived at the apartment, she brought her suitcase in and freshened up, combed her long dark hair, looked briefly in the mirror, turned around and went out again, where Mr. Mikami was waiting for her

* well then we want you the boys introduce me*

*How long are you staying here in Japan? *

*I think until after the World Cup, although I'm considering keeping this house to come to Nankatsu more often* she replied

 

After a 10-minute drive, they arrived at the national team's training ground. But nobody to be seen far and wide

*the training starts in an hour, you can look around a bit during that time*

She accepted the offer with thanks, as she wasn't really fit after the flight and had to wake up a little first .

 

Less than 20 minutes passed before the first players arrived.

 

Kisugi, Taki, Matsuyama and Misugi entered the court. And gradually the rest of the players too. They joked around, teased each other. Until Taro's eyes fell on her

*hey look, what is she doing here, do any of you know her? * but all denied. Then coach Mikami came and waved everyone over to him.

*since we no longer have a team doctor and cannot fly to the World Cup, I decided to call someone up. This is Keyla, she comes from Germany and studied sports medicine. She will be working for us from today*

Tsubasa, Taro and some others nodded to greet her. Kojiro and Genzo weren't thrilled at all though

*do you really think she has enough experience? * Kojiro growled at the trainer and Genzo agreed

*yes Kojiro, I've known Keyla since she played volleyball here in elementary school and was successful, she has my full trust*

*didn't you say she's from Germany? *

*yes I do too* she defended herself

* I moved to Nankatsu when I was 2 years old and when my mother died I went back to Germany* she growled at Genzo who had to question everything.

 

*okay guys start training if anything, Keyla is here for you*

 

Keyla sat down on the bench and began watching the players to see if anyone might be injured and might not have noticed themselves. But thank God she didn't notice anything. 2 hours passed, the training was over and the players said goodbye, only Genzo and Kojiro were on their way to the coach.

*does it really have to be a woman with zero experience? * Kojiro hissed and Genzo nodded.

 

But the trainer calmed her down, after all, nobody wanted anything bad and he confirmed again in detail that Keyla would be a good doctor and that the two of them needn't be afraid of anything, after all she only wanted her best. Genzo and Kojiro also said goodbye and trainer Mikami turned to Keyla again

*you see, the first day is over, should I drive you home? *

*thanks Mr. Mikami, but I would rather have a look around the area*

With that she said goodbye to him and left

 

Keyla took the path through the park, she wanted to see where she could go over the next few days. The path through the park led directly from her apartment to the soccer field.

*It couldn't be more perfect* she thought to herself. When she got home, she took a shower and went to bed, it was already late, and tomorrow after training, she had decided to see the city a little more. So she went to bed and fell asleep a little later.

 

The next day dawned. No, it wasn't a dream, she was really in Japan and looked after the national team. She got up slowly, took a shower, got dressed, went into the kitchen and made herself some coffee and something to eat. She was far too excited, a new chapter in her life was about to begin. A quick look in the mirror and she was on her way. Nankatsu hadn't changed much, everyone was still as friendly as before. Which put a smile on her face. She walked through the park to practice. Not everyone was there yet... Tsubasa and Taro were still missing. In the corner of her eye she saw the two of them running up, panting. Apparently both had overslept and hoped to be there in time to not collect a penalty.

*Oh, the gentlemen are already there? Just in time* Mr. Mikami laughed.

 

The boys warmed up, 4 laps passed. Her gaze swept over each individual player before settling on Genzo and Kojiro. *what did you have against me? * she murmured to herself. But before she could finish the thought, there was a crash and Genzo and Kojiro attacked each other. Tsubasa and Hikaru intervened to prevent worse from happening.

*What happened that made them attack each other like that? * Keyla couldn't believe it, they stood by each other yesterday when she was introduced to the boys.

*Guys short break, training briefing* called Mr. Mikami

 

Everyone gathered around the coach and around her. But Keyla was still looking confused at Kojiro and Genzo.

*those are 2 hotheads* Taro whispered, noticing her look and Keyla started to grin.

*Practicing passing is the order of the day, so find a partner and start* Mr. Mikami tore her away from her thoughts with the statement and she looked at all the players carefully and with a serious expression.

*Look boys, the little one can also look serious* grinned Ryo, to whom she immediately gave a devastating look, which the others noticed and began to laugh.

*yes yes our Ryo, funny as always* Genzo replied dryly and shrugged his shoulders

*come on boys, don't fall asleep* Mr. Mikami admonished

 

And so they set out to practice passing.

 

Keyla walked up and down the edge to observe everything and everyone and was just so thoughtful that she didn't even notice Hikaru calling out to her. It was too late, a ball just missed her head a few millimeters and she flinched. She wasn't prepared for something like this.

*Ryo where are you shooting at, is she distracting you that much? * Genzo couldn't help

it *sorry* Ryo whispered and scratched his head before laughter broke out again.

*Now finally get the ball, Ryo* Tsubasa admonished him

*yes yes* he growled, because he didn't let himself be told twice, got the ball and apologized again while passing.

*okay guys for today it's over, off to the shower and see you tomorrow* Mr. Mikami spoke up.

 

Keyla packed her things and said goodbye before heading home. When she got home, she freshened up and ran out the door again, she wanted to go into town. She slowly strolled down the street, strolled past the shop windows before she discovered a café. She went in and took a little break.

*a coffee please* she called to the waiter. She enjoyed the free time when it wasn't about football. Half an hour later she paid and went home.

 

Once there, she dropped onto the couch and turned on the TV, where she dozed off a little later. It was 4 a.m. when she woke up, but she couldn't sleep any longer. So she made herself some coffee and decided to go jogging. She put on her workout clothes and was on her way. She made a big lap through the park, where she actually thought that it wasn't that big, because she only knew one way and now she walked around the whole park. But she didn't run alone, another jogger was already up and running his rounds. When he got closer, she only heard a voice

*good morning Keyla, already on the way* it was Kojiro, who promptly stopped next to her... Keyla greeted back as friendly as he could, but he wasn't at all enthusiastic that she was the new team doctor was.

*you already awake and running? * she covered her insecurity.

*Of course, at this time, you can do your rounds relaxed. Tell me, do you already have plans after training today? * Keyla winced a little, she would have expected anything but this question. *um not yet, why do you ask? * and uncertainty again, but Kojiro didn't let up.

*Would you like to go out for a drink? *

*I'd love to* like that, at least I'll get to know the players, she thought.

*I'm happy, I'll wait for you after training* and he was on his way without waiting for an answer. Keyla couldn't do more than shake her head because she was still amazed.

 

At home she showered, changed again and made her way to the training ground

 

Lost in thoughts as to why Kojiro was being so nice to her, she was about to cross the street when someone grabbed her arm from behind

*just gone fine, where were your thoughts? * Only now did she realize that she hadn't noticed the approaching car. She turned to thank her *savior*

*I'm sorry, thank you very much, who knows what would have happened otherwise* and only now did she see who she was looking at. It was Genzo Wakabayashi, the Genzo who had railed against them just 2 days ago. But she showed nothing. Genzo already said goodbye and called her

*take better care of yourself, we'll see each other later at training*, still completely perplexed and as if in shock, she looked after him. What was wrong with her all of a sudden? Thoughts still revolved around the almost accident and that the man who was absolutely against her the day before yesterday saved her.

*he could have just called me* she thought to herself, but quickly dismissed the thought. Maybe he had tried it and she hadn't heard, because she hadn't even noticed the car. She continued on her way, she went into the park and sat down on a bench and watched the other walkers.

*everyone is so happy here* she murmured to herself.

*yes they are* came a male voice behind her. She flinched, not expecting anyone to hear her mumbling, much less respond. It was Genzo again

*are you following me? * she joked

Genzo didn't know what to say at first because now that he thought about it it almost looked like it

*no, I'm on my way to training, it was pure coincidence earlier because I had to go there*

 

And just like that he was gone. Keyla shook her head. First Kojiro, then Genzo. She no longer understood the world and then the argument from the day before.

 

Keyla got up and walked on, where the boys were already training diligently. She sat on the bench as usual and watched. Took a few notes before looking back at the field. But today, thank God, without incident.

*Keyla do you have a little time*, startled, she looked into Mr. Mikami's face

*yes please*

*do you still play volleyball or have you given up? *

Keyla didn't really know what to think of the question because she wasn't allowed to play anymore. Her doctor had forbidden it after a car accident with traumatic brain injury. That was the worst time of her life. First the accident and then the doctor told her she should never play again. Because the next hit she took on the head could end up going back to the hospital, or worse, not getting up. At that time, her world collapsed. Hence the study of sports medicine. But she couldn't tell Mr. Mikami that, she almost hit Ryo's shot yesterday and only now did she realize how close it was that he didn't hit her.

*no Mister Mikami, I don't have time* she lied so he wouldn't worry

*too bad we have a team here that could use some support* he continued

 

Keyla thought how much she would like to play, but no, it wasn't possible, if so she would have to go to the doctor, tell him everything and then get permission. She didn't want that, not now that she had this job.

*it's nice that you're thinking of me, but I have to decline with thanks* so she left Mr. Mikami, but her thoughts only revolved around one thing. Volleyball... just a few years ago it was her greatest passion. But she had to get rid of these thoughts, she would feel as bad as before. But then he made his way, because Kojiro was already waiting, which Genzo noticed and gave him a hateful look, but Kojiro just smiled at him. Question marks buzzed over Keyla. What happened between the two that they now behave like this. But before she could really think about it, Kojiro asked whether it was coffee or something else.

*coffee sounds great* and so they ended up in the cafe where she had been the day before. Kojiro ordered 2 coffees and then sat down with her. Neither of them really knew what to say, but Kojiro broke the silence *I'm sorry I reacted to you like that the first day* had Keyla heard correctly, had he apologized? He, who was otherwise always unapproachable on the pitch.

*no big deal, I didn't expect myself to work for you anytime soon* she didn't show anything, but she still didn't understand what was going on right now. But Kojiro asked the next questions, which she answered dutifully... where are you from, what did you do... just the usual. But then came a question that surprised her.

*do you actually have a boyfriend? * What was the point of this question now, she thought, but he was already talking

*well, how should I put it, I'm interested in getting to know you better* WUSH, that was fine, he had now seriously asked whether she had a boyfriend, because he is interested in her? but Keyla skilfully avoided the question at first, after all she was the team doctor... she couldn't get involved in anything at the moment. Kojiro just made a face and continued digging happily... Keyla couldn't stand it anymore and looked at the clock.

*don't be angry with me, it's getting late, I'd like to go now. * Kojiro, however, urgently wanted to accompany her home, but what should she do now? Say yes, then he would know where she lives, which she didn't want, because she had a queasy feeling about it, or say no and hope that he wouldn't be too angry.

*love of you Kojiro, but I forgot something on the training ground. We'll see each other tomorrow anyway, at training*

 

Kojiro understood that and when she wanted to say goodbye, he tried to kiss her. Keyla was overwhelmed and dodged backwards, reassuring him that she was going too fast. And just shook his hand. Whereupon they parted ways. And she felt exactly that his eyes followed her.

She was on her way to the training ground, but she hadn't forgotten anything here, like she just said to Kojiro, she just wanted to be alone to think about what he had told her...

*he's interested in me* she murmured .. She sat down on the steps that led down to the training ground. Then she thought about Kojiro and Genzo. She desperately needed to find out what had happened. Just because she didn't know the players that well, she couldn't really ask the coach...

 

*Earth to Keyla* she jumped when Genzo stood behind her and tried to tear her out of her thoughts

*what's the matter* she growled, which she felt sorry for in the next moment. It wasn't his fault

*I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you like that* she said sheepishly

 

Genzo was visibly irritated. He had just fished her off the street this morning, before anything worse happened, and now her thoughts were already in other spheres. He shook his head