The volleyball court was louder than the track field—cheers, whistles, the sharp echo of the ball hitting palms—but the moment Ana stepped in with Kel, everything felt strangely focused, like the noise blurred at the edges.
She rolled her shoulders slightly, trying to loosen up, while Kel stood just a step behind her, eyes scanning the other side of the net with quiet intensity.
His presence felt… close.
Too close.
Not suffocating—but constant.
Like he was always aware of where she was.
“You don’t need to overdo it,” Ana said, glancing back at him.
“It’s just a game.” Kel didn’t respond immediately.
Instead, he shifted slightly, positioning himself in a way that naturally covered her side of the court.
“It’s not about the game,” he said finally.
Ana frowned slightly.
“…Then what?” He didn’t answer.
Whistle.
The match started.
The ball came fast—too fast—and Ana barely had time to react before Kel stepped in front of her, receiving it cleanly.
The sound echoed sharply as the ball went up into the air.
“I had that,” Ana said, a little annoyed.
“I know,” Kel replied, already moving into position again.
But he didn’t move away.
He stayed close.
Every time the ball came toward her— He was there first.
Blocking.
Receiving.
Intercepting.
At first, Ana tried to ignore it, adjusting her position, trying to take control of her side—but it kept happening.
Every near miss, every risky angle—Kel would step in, like he was calculating everything ahead of time.
“You’re doing too much,” she said, slightly out of breath after a rally.
Kel glanced at her briefly.
“…Am I?” Another serve came.This time, Ana moved first.
She jumped, reaching for the ball—but just as she was about to hit it, she felt his hand brush past hers, taking control mid-air and sending the ball cleanly over the net.
They landed— too close.
Closer than before.
Her shoulder almost against his chest.
For a second, neither moved.
“Kel—” she started, irritated.
But when she looked up— his expression stopped her.
Seriously.
Focused.
But there was something else there too.
Something softer.
Something she hadn’t seen before.
“You’re too exposed from that angle,” he said quietly.
“If you miss, you fall hard.” Ana blinked.
“…You think I can’t handle it?” “It’s not about that,” he said.
Then, more softly— “I just don’t want you to get hurt.” That again.
That tone.
That certainty.
Her chest tightened slightly.
Before she could respond, the ball came again—fast and aggressive.
This time, it was aimed directly at her.
Ana moved instinctively— but Kel stepped in front of her.
The ball hit his arm hard.
A sharp sound.
He didn’t flinch.
He just sent it back.
Points scored.
The whistle blew.
Cheers erupted around them.
But Ana wasn’t looking at the scoreboard.
She was looking at him.
“…Why are you doing this?” she asked, her voice quieter now.
Kel turned to her.
For once— no hesitation.
“No reason,” he said.
Then after a pause— “…I just can’t stand it.” he said.
“Stand what?” “The idea of you getting hurt.” The words were simple.
But they landed heavy.
Ana looked away for a second, trying to steady herself.
“…You’re overprotective,” she muttered.
Kel let out a small breath—almost like a laugh.
“…Maybe.” The next round started again.
This time, Ana didn’t argue.
She didn’t try to take the lead forcefully.
Instead— she adjusted.
Trusted.
When the ball came, she moved—but didn’t overreach.
And when Kel stepped in— She didn’t stop him.
Their rhythm changed.
Not one leading.
Not one following.
But moving around each other naturally.
Like they understood each other’s timing.
At one point, the ball came low and fast between them.
Both reached for it at the same time—their hands brushing against each other mid-motion.
The contact was brief—but it sent a small shock through both of them.
They both paused for half a second.
Just enough to notice.
Then continued.
The final point came.
A high set.
Perfect angle.
Kel jumped— spiked— and the ball hit the ground hard.
And Game over.
They won.
The whistle blew again, louder this time.
Ana exhaled deeply, placing her hands on her knees.
“Huff… that was tiring…” Kel stepped closer.
“You okay?” “I’m fine,” she said, straightening up.
But before she could take a step— her foot slipped slightly on the grass.
In an instant— Kel caught her.
One arm around her waist.
The other steadying her hand.
Pulling her back before she could fall.
They froze.
Too close.
Closer than before.
Her hand is still in his.
His arm is still around her.
Their faces are only inches apart.
“You said you wouldn’t fall,” he said quietly.
Ana’s breath caught slightly.
“…I didn’t.” A faint smile appeared on his lips.
“Good.” But he didn’t let go.
Not immediately.
And this time— Ana didn’t pull away either.
For a moment— the noise of the field disappeared again.
Just like before.
But different.
Softer.
Heavier.
And when they finally stepped back— something had changed.
Not obvious.
Not spoken.
But there— between them.
Growing quietly.