Nine weeks into the regular season - Divers' current record: 11-7

  Good beautiful, lovely, gorgeous morning. The sun shot through the gaps in the bedroom blinds, slicing across the pillow in stripes of shining white gold. Some of the light hit Himeko's face, waking her up. She groaned like a cat, rolling onto her back to escape the glare. The birds were chirping outside, singing its warble lively and melodically, if a bit loudly, urging the youth, the life-livers, and the hustlers to seize the day.

  Her hand wandered around the nightstand, fingers brushing against her phone, feeling its surface. She pulled the device into the bed, squinting as the screen illuminated her face.

  One new notification.

  Himeko tapped the bubble, and an image loaded onto her screen. Kevin was standing in front of a giant green screen, wearing his pristine Victoria Dragons uniform. Atop his head sat a cartoonishly huge dragon hat, its stuffed googly eyes staring into the camera lens. Kevin himself was giving a thumbs-up with a branded cup in his other hand, a bright grin on his face looking like he was genuinely enjoying this whole silly campaign.

  Kewkvin145: New franchise energy drink. How do I look?

  A short puff of air escaped Himeko's nose. Amazingly, in every shape, form, and ridiculous outfit, Kevin still somehow managed to show exactly how good he looked.

  She tossed the phone onto the duvet and swung her legs out of bed.

  …

  Himeko stepped barefoot into the bathroom, the floor was a bit cold and wet. She gathered her dark hair back, tying it neatly with a band. Turning on the faucet, she splashed cold water against her face. She dispensed her cleanser, massaging the gel into her skin, following the exact routine she performed every single morning.

  Rinsing the foam away, she patted her face dry with a white towel. She lowered the fabric and looked directly into the mirror.

  This was Himeko Nakamura, had it never been? If she looked hard enough, it seemed like she was a bit different from last year. Older? More confident? More… beautiful? She leaned closer to the glass, inspecting the natural lines of her face. An unfamiliar thought came into her mind. Maybe she should buy some blush, or perhaps a new eyeliner.

  Back at the Siqelong beach, she had applied a very thin layer of lip tint and some basic sunscreen. She wondered if he had noticed. She tilted her head, analyzing her own reflection, seriously considering a trip to a cosmetics store later that afternoon.

  Himeko sighed, shaking the idea from her head, and stepped away from the mirror.

  …

  The coffee maker hummed its weekend jazz, dripping the drops down slowly. The frying aroma of dark roast filled the apartment, awakening the minds of those who were asleep and calming the minds of those who were anxious. Himeko pulled her favorite black cat mug from the drying rack, pouring the steaming liquid inside.

  Bzzz.

  Her phone vibrated on the kitchen island. She picked it up, unlocking the chat. Kevin had sent another update.

  Kewkvin145: [Image Attachment]

  Kevin sat in a brightly lit dressing room, wearing a sequin-studded blazer over a black dress shirt. A makeup artist hovered behind him, dabbing powder on his cheekbones. Himeko could barely make out his face, considering how blinding the light was.

  Kewkvin145: Save me, Captain.

  Himeko took a sip of her hot coffee, typing with one hand.

  Himeko: Have fun playing dress-up.

  Kewkvin145: Man Osea was infinitely better than here. How about I dip and we hit that Huzebip later? Sound good?

  Himeko rolled her eyes.

  Himeko: Cut it out, Kevin. Go do your job.

  She set the phone face-down on the counter, ending the exchange before he could send another flirt.

  Himeko pulled out a stool and sat at the island. She reached for her tablet, tapping the screen to boot up the VNL archives app. She scrolled past the Divers' upcoming opponents, navigating straight to the Victoria Dragons' page.

  She queued up the VOD of Kevin's match from two nights prior. Pressing play, she leaned her chin on her hand. The steam from her black cat mug curled into the air as she quietly watched the Men's MVP play.

  Fourteen weeks into the regular season - Divers' current record: 16-10.

  Port Osea Divers' gym, 15:30 p.m.

  TWEEEEEEEEET!

  Elena blew her whistle, which basically meant the end of a grueling three-hour endurance session. "Stamina wins you games, girls," Elena quoted.

  Jules Moreno collapsed onto all fours, pressing her sweaty forehead against the cool varnish, letting out a prolonged groan.

  Elena marched straight past the human puddle, pointing a finger directly at Willow Vance.

  "Too slow, Willow," the coach barked. "You know that, and it affects your next plays as well."

  I'm too slow... She thought. The only way forward is to end myself.

  "You hesitate way too much," Elena continued. "Stop overthinking the strategy! Just push it. Let Julia handles it, right Jules?"

  "Ughhhhhhhhhh…" Jules replied on the ground.

  …

  Sarah Lemear skipped toward the cooler, grabbing a chilled water bottle. She handed it to Himeko with a smile, looking quite unbothered by the hellish training session.

  Himeko took the bottle, observing the veteran hitter's radiant energy. Of course it's not that surprising, considering Sarah's wedding was fast approaching; invitations had already been handed out. Himeko thought about how love could change a person's mood so much. Luckily, it hadn't happened to her… yet.

  Jules escalated her misery. She dragged herself across the wood with her elbows, lunging forward to wrap both arms around Lisa's calves.

  "Please, Lisa!" Jules wailed, burying her face against the libero's shins. "Piggyback ride to the showers! I'm paralyzed!"

  Lisa stared down. She attempted to walk forward, dragging the whining outside hitter across the polished floor like a mop.

  "Tsk. Release me," Lisa mumbled, shaking her leg free from the vice grip. Jules squeezed tighter, refusing to let go.

  …

  Almost everyone headed towards the team's showers, but Himeko lingered. She sat down on the bench, dropping her bag by her feet.

  Pulling out her phone, a notification banner waited right there on the lock screen, exactly as she had anticipated.

  She tapped the icon, opening the chat.

  Kewkvin145: So, how are the new toys treating you?

  A small smile touched her lips. He was asking about the expensive set of copper cookware he had bought for her.

  Himeko: They are decent, quite good looking designs. I like it, Kevin.

  Himeko: Though you really need to stop wasting your money on ridiculous things.

  Three days ago, someone buzzed her front door. Opening it, she found Kevin standing in the hallway, hiding a giant cardboard box behind his back. Before she could even ask, he shoved the package into her arms, yelled "Happy Thursday!", and sprinted down the corridor. He knew her stubbornness intimately, and would have met with instant rejections had it been any other way.

  Kewkvin145: Hey, just a fan support. Investing in my future world class chef and future volleyball champion.

  The financial irresponsibility of this particular athlete always baffled her, someone need to ground him, manage his money wisely.

  Himeko: Tell me what I can give you in return. I despise owing people.

  She watched the screen. The typing indicator danced, vanished, and then reappeared a few seconds later.

  Kewkvin145: Well, you can certainly test them out. Cook me something using them when I'm over there. That was the whole master plan from the start anyway.

  He planned… She pressed the power button hard. The screen clicked to black.

  Himeko tossed the phone into her gym bag. She leaned her elbows on her knees and let out a long sigh.

  Eighteen weeks into the regular season - Divers' current record: 20-13.

  Himeko turned on her stove.

  Just a beef and potato stew for today. Himeko washed her hands clean, drying them with a towel, then grabbed a cut of beef from the cutting board, using her knife and diced it into bite-sized cubes. She tossed the beef into the pot, drizzling just a bit of oil.

  Szzzzzzzz.

  The searing meat scent filled the apartment, browning and caramelizing ever so gently. Chunks of potatoes, slices of carrots, and chopped onions were tossed after the juices had reduced, and then water was added. Liquid bubbles inflated, giving even more aroma as they popped.

  Himeko covered the pot, and then lowered the flame into a simmer.

  …

  Thirty minutes later, Himeko lifted the lid. A fragrant cloud of steam billowed outward, capable of making a person float cartoonishly, with their nose drifting toward the pot. Inside the pot, the beef looked like they it would melt on the tastebud upon contact, yet the potatoes were not mushed, just the right consistency.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  She reached for her ladle, preparing to serve herself a bowl. The metal spoon dipped into the rich sauce, Himeko paused. Was this just too much food just for her own?

  She stared down into the massive copper pot. The volume of food bubbling there was absurd for a single person. Once again, she had unconsciously prepared enough stew to feed a small army.

  An embarrassing thought crept into her mind.

  Himeko abandoned the ladle and grabbed her phone from the counter.

  Himeko: I accidentally prepared too much stew. If you happen to be in the area, you can come over to help finish it.

  The typing bubble popped up almost instantly.

  Kewkvin145: Really? Sounds amazing aint gonna lie.

  Kewkvin145: Man I'm stuck at a promotional shoot until super late tonight.

  Himeko felt a bit disappointed. She quickly typed back, making sure her tone remained casual.

  Himeko: That is fine. I will pack the rest into Tupperware for the team tomorrow. Have fun shooting.

  Kewkvin145: I'm NOT having fun, oh well I guess I will eat in another chance then.

  Himeko set the phone down. She ate her dinner in the quiet apartment, the flavor of the stew feeling a little less satisfying than she had anticipated.

  ...

  10:34 PM.

  Himeko stood in her bathroom, wearing an oversized t-shirt. She squeezed toothpaste onto her brush, preparing for her nighttime routine.

  BZZZZZZT.

  Himeko froze, her toothbrush hovering inches from her mouth. She rinsed the paste down the sink and padded out to the living room. No one should be buzzing her apartment this late at night.

  She pressed the video button. The screen flickered on.

  He looked exhausted but somehow, still very energetic, the comparison one could make akin to a marathon runner had just finished his race. He was still wearing parts of his promotional outfit - tailored vest over a dress shirt, the tie a bit undone around his neck.

  Himeko jabbed the talk button.

  "What are you doing here?"

  "I got off early," Kevin's voice crackled through the speaker, breathless and eager. "Drove straight here." He panted. "Hope you haven't handed them all out yet."

  Himeko sighed.

  "Wait here."

  She sprinted toward her bedroom. The oversized sleep shirt was discarded. She dug frantically through her drawers, putting on her underwear, pulling out a pair of leggings and an oversized sweater. She threw the clothes on, quickly smoothing down her hair in the mirror.

  Returning to the entryway, she took a deep breath, trying to look as mildly annoyed as possible.

  She unlocked the deadbolt and pulled the door open.

  "Evening, Captain," Kevin greeted, leaning against the hallway's doorplant, looking quite ridiculous for the expensive suit he was wearing.

  "I can't believe you actually drove all the way here," Himeko said. "For stew."

  He shrugged. "Do I really have any other choice? Missing out on Himeko Nakamura's cooking, name one worse feeling. So… any leftover?"

  "I'm giving them out tommorow not today," Himeko answered, stepping aside to let him pass. "I need to heat it up first."

  She closed the door behind him. Her heart did this strange, fluttering rhythm against her ribs. Why did she think it was a good idea to have him in her apartment this late at night...

  Kevin slipped his shoes off, leaving them near the mat. He followed her into the kitchen. He slumped onto one of the stools at the island, resting his forearms on the cool granite.

  "Man, that shoot took forever," Kevin groaned, watching Himeko turn on the stove. "I think it's already good for the first couple takes, it's just what working with a perfectionist is like I guess."

  Himeko stirred the pot, the smell of beef and potatoes rising into the air once again.

  "Life of a superstar," she commented dryly. "I always turn those deals down, too much headache for the money."

  "Of course you do," Kevin laughed. He watched as she plated the meal. "So I guess Divers' playoffs locked huh?"

  "The remaining schedule is less stressful, and yes we are likely locked in, but we shouldn't be to arrogant if I'm being honest."

  She turned, holding a steaming bowl of stew in one hand and a cup of hot chamomile tea in the other. She placed the bowl directly in front of him, sliding a spoon next to it. Taking the seat across from him, she wrapped her hands around her warm mug.

  Kevin wasted zero time. He dug his spoon into the broth, blowing on it hastily before taking a massive bite. He closed his eyes, letting out a loud, dramatic moan of satisfaction.

  "Ahhh yeah, tight tight, that hits the spot," he mumbled, immediately going back for another bite. "Lwiterally bwrings mwe bwack two lwife."

  Himeko took a sip of her tea. She watched him eat. The exhaustion lined his face, dark shadows clinging under his eyes, yet he attacked the food with such excitement, eating like a man who hadn't seen a hot meal in days. Was this the same perfect superstar with the perfect smile on the magazines?

  Himeko found her gaze lingering on his features, studying the sharp line of his jaw and the messy state of his hair.

  Kevin paused, his spoon halfway to his mouth. He looked up, catching her stare.

  "See something you like, Captain?" he asked, grinning annoyingly.

  Himeko's face heated up. She snapped her gaze down to her tea, gripping the mug tighter.

  "You are eating too fast…" she excused herself quietly. "….It is a choking hazard."

  "Mhmm," Kevin chuckled, leaning forward over the table. "You know, it's okay to admit. I'm wearing quite a nice suit."

  "Shut up and eat your stew, Kevin."

  "Yes, ma'am."

  He finished the bowl in record time, scraping the bottom clean. Tapping his stomach, he let out a contented sigh, pushing the empty dish away. He stretched his arms high above his head.

  "Thank you for the meal, Himeko," Kevin said, his tone softening into genuine gratitude. "Really needed that."

  He grabbed his tie, pulling it completely loose from his collar. "Alright. I should probably hit the road. Let you get some sleep."

  Himeko looked at the clock on the microwave. 11:15 PM. The road Kevin was about to take... there were strong winds, treacherous cliffs, and heavy fog rolling on for miles. She scanned Kevin’s tired eyes. He had probably worked to his limit today, driving hours just to have some relax time with her, only to have to drive back again when he deserved rest more than anything else right now.

  "It is very late," Himeko said quietly. "Driving back to Victoria now... is dangerous. The fog is very thick."

  "Yeah, it's a bit of a haul," Kevin rubbed the back of his neck. "But don't worry, I'll just grab a room at a hotel downtown. No big deal."

  Himeko bit her lip. Hotels in Osea were not that cheap, especially the ones near the city center. The financial irresponsibility of this man annoyed her deeply.

  "That's a waste of money," Himeko said.

  "I mean, it's safer than driving."

  Himeko stared at her empty tea mug. The silence in the kitchen between them stretched . She took a deep breath, forcing the words out before she could overthink them.

  "You can stay here," she said.

  Kevin opened his eyes wide as he stared at her, processing the offer. Himeko Nakamura, he repeated, Himeko Nakamura, inviting him to sleep in her apartment.

  "I bought a floor mattress and some extra sheets," Himeko added quickly, feeling the need to justify the invitation. "Just... in case. For emergencies. It is better than spending hundreds of Vomds on a hotel room for six hours of sleep."

  Kevin's surprise melted into a brilliant smile. He put a thinking finger on his lips.

  "A mattress, huh?" he asked rhetorically. "Bought 'just in case'? Planning for sleepovers, Captain?"

  Himeko's cheeks flushed in deep red. She stood up abruptly, grabbing his empty bowl from the table.

  "It is a practical item to own," her voice sharp. "If you are going to be insufferable about it, you can leave."

  "No, no, no!" Kevin laughed, holding his hands up in surrender. "I accept the generous offer! Thank you for your hospitality."

  Himeko carried the bowl to the sink, her back to him to hide her burning face.

  "There are rules," she stated over the sound of running water. "You sleep in the living room. You do not come anywhere near my bedroom. And absolutely no funny business."

  "Got it," Kevin said. "You have my word. No one respects boundaries more than Kevin Marvant."

  …

  Ten minutes later, a comfortable floor mattress lay rolled out on the rug.

  Kevin stood by the edge of the bed, wearing a borrowed, oversized t-shirt that for those who might had misunderstood, Himeko never wore. He looked ridiculous, but at least, he was comfortable.

  "Goodnight, Kevin," Himeko said, fingers hovering around the light switch of the living room.

  "Night, Himeko. Thanks again."

  She turned off the light for him and retreated to her bedroom. She climbed into her own bed, pulling the duvet up to her chin.

  Out in the living room, the sounds of movement ceased quickly, replaced by Kevin's snoring. Within five minutes, Kevin was out, sleeping like a baby.

  Himeko lay awake in the dark. She stared at the ceiling, her heart still performing that stupid flutter. It took her a very long time to finally fall asleep.