Kurai pulled into the driveway of his family home, the familiar sight of the modest house bringing a wave of nostalgia. He hadn't been home in a while, and as he stepped out of the car, he could already smell the faint aroma of grilled burgers wafting from the family's restaurant next door, Vlast Burgers. It was a scent he associated with home—comforting, rich, and always welcoming. The moment he opened the door, a small whirlwind launched itself at him.
"Kurai!" His four-year-old sister, Emi, giggled as she clung to his legs, looking up at him with big, bright eyes that sparkled with excitement. Kurai smiled, scooping her up effortlessly despite the slight twinge in his knee and his towering height.
"Hey, Emi! I missed you, munchkin." She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed.
"I missed you too! Mom said you were coming home, so I waited and waited." He laughed, adjusting her on his hip as he shut the door behind him.
"Yeah? What have you been up to while I've been gone? Helping Mom at the restaurant?" Emi's face lit up.
"I take orders now! Everyone says I'm really good at it." She puffed her chest out proudly, and Kurai couldn't help but grin at her enthusiasm.
"Is that so? Sounds like you're running the place now," he teased, making her giggle even louder.
As they made their way further into the house, Kurai spotted his mom in the kitchen, busy preparing ingredients. Her hair was cut short and was slightly gray. She looked up at the sound of their voices and smiled warmly when she saw him. Some small wrinkles on her face.
"Kurai, you're back," she said, wiping her hands on a towel before walking over to greet him.
"It's so good to have you home." Kurai set Emi down and pulled his mom into a hug.
"It's good to be back. I missed this place." His mom pulled back slightly, giving him a once-over.
"You look like you've been working hard. How's your knee? Your burns are okay, they look okay at least… How was your first college semester?" Kurai's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly masked it.
"It's getting better, slowly. Still hurts a bit, though… my college made it all the way to the first round of nationals" His mom gave him a knowing look, one that told him she could see right through him.
"You'll heal. Just don't push yourself too hard… sorry I couldn't have been there for our volleyball season, with the shop exploding in popularity recently, I've been slightly stressed" He nodded, feeling the weight of her concern.
"I know… I'll help as much as I can while I'm here" Emi tugged on his pants, looking up at him eagerly.
"Can we play now, Kurai? Please?" Kurai glanced at his mom, who gave him a small smile and nodded.
"Go ahead. I'll call you both when dinner's ready." With a grin, Kurai followed Emi into the living room, where she had already set up her favorite board game on the floor.
They played for a while, Emi's infectious laughter filling the room as she dramatically celebrated every time she gained the upper hand. It was moments like these that Kurai cherished. Moments where he could just be her big brother, with no worries about his future or the weight of expectations. As they played, Kurai couldn't help but marvel at how quickly Emi was growing. Her tiny fingers deftly maneuvered the game pieces, her concentration unwavering.
"You're getting really good at this, you know," he said, genuinely impressed.
"I have to practice! I want to beat you!" she declared, sticking her tongue out in determination.
"Is that so? Well, I might have to take you a bit more seriously, then," he replied, pretending to be worried. She giggled, eyes sparkling with mischief.
After a while, Emi grew tired and settled down on the couch next to him, her head resting on his arm as she dozed off. Kurai watched her for a few moments, his heart swelling with affection. She was growing up so fast, and he realized how much he missed out on being away for school and tournaments.
He carefully tucked a blanket around her before quietly getting up and heading back to the kitchen, where his mom was setting the table for dinner.
"How's she doing?" his mom asked softly as she arranged the plates.
"She's good," Kurai replied, leaning against the counter.
"Getting bigger every time I see her." His mom smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"She's growing up fast. Sometimes I wish she could stay this little forever." Kurai nodded, understanding the sentiment.
"Yeah… time's flying by." They stood in comfortable silence for a moment before his mom broke it.
"I heard about the Olympics offer. Have you made a decision yet?" Kurai hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I've been thinking about it. A lot. But it's... hard. With the knee injury, Nationals, and everything else… I'm not sure if I'm ready." His mom turned to face him, her expression soft yet serious.
"You've always known when the right time is, Kurai. And I've seen you work harder than anyone else to get where you are. You deserve this opportunity." Kurai sighed, the weight of the decision pressing on him again.
"Yeah, but it's not just about me. I don't want to join the team only to hold them back because of this injury." She stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm.
"You've overcome so much already, Kurai. The knee injury is just another challenge, and you'll tackle it the same way you've tackled everything else… even the plane crash… and dad's death—with determination and grit. You've never let anything stop you before…. Sure, it's slowed you down, but you've never stopped" He looked down, taking in her words.
"And then there's Kaneko..." His mom's eyes softened.
"I know you've always compared yourself to him, but you and your brother have different journeys. Kaneko's path is his own, and yours is no less important. You're both talented in your own right, and that's something to be proud of… you'll share the same court again someday" Kurai nodded, feeling the familiar pang of sibling rivalry mixed with admiration. Kaneko was a star in his own right, dominating the volleyball world for Russia. They had always pushed each other, but Kurai knew that their paths, while parallel in some ways, were ultimately different.
"I guess I've just been wondering what he thinks about all this," Kurai admitted quietly.
"We don't talk as much as we used to, but... do you think he still thinks about me?" His mom smiled warmly.
"Of course he does. Kaneko might not say it often, but I talk to him often and he's still jealous of everything you've accomplished. You're his twin brother, Kurai, and no matter how far apart you are, that bond is always there." Kurai's chest tightened. He had always felt that connection with Kaneko, even when they weren't speaking. They had grown up together, trained together, and while their lives had taken different turns, the bond remained strong beneath it all.
"Sometimes, I feel like I'm in his shadow," Kurai confessed, running a hand through his hair.
"He's the best spiker in the world right now, and I'm... recovering from an injury in college." His mom shook her head.
"You're not in anyone's shadow. You both shine in different ways. And you have your own journey to embark on… The Olympics isn't about living up to someone else's expectations; it's about doing what you love and showing the world what you can do." Kurai took a deep breath, her words settling within him.
"You're right. I just need to focus on my own path." His mom patted his arm gently.
"Whatever you decide, just know that we're all proud of you—Emi, Kaneko, Dad, and me. You've worked so hard to get here, and this decision is yours to make." Kurai took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and determination wash over him. He thought about the offer, the excitement it sparked within him, and the responsibility it brought. His heart raced at the thought of stepping onto the Olympic stage, representing his country.
"I'm ready to make a decision," he said finally, determination glinting in his eyes. His mom smiled, and he could see the pride shining through.
"That's my boy. Just trust yourself." Kurai stood and walked towards the hallway to the bathroom, he couldn't help but reflect on the decision looming over him. 'Is this what's next for me? The Olympics… This is a once in a lifetime opportunity…' Kurai rubs his hand on the family picture frame. His Dad was smiling brightly. Kurai remembered when he and Kaneko made a promise to each other. For Kurai and Kaneko to become the best setter, wing spiker duo in the world respectively. While his knee wasn't fully healed, the thought of standing on the world's biggest stage was too tempting to ignore.
After washing up, he returned to the living room, where Emi was still curled up on the couch, fast asleep. The smell of dinner filling the air. His phone buzzed in his pocket, and for a moment, he hesitated. Pulling it out, he saw the contact's name—Coach Copley - Team USA.
Kurai sat down on the arm of the couch, staring at the screen. His mom's words echoed in his mind, along with everything he had worked for. He had a choice to make. Taking a deep breath, he pressed the answer button. The phone rang twice before a familiar voice answered.
"Kurai? You finally picked up… Glad to hear from you." Kurai paused for a moment.
"Hey, Coach," Kurai began, his voice steady despite the nerves swirling in his gut.
"I've been thinking about the offer." There was a pause on the other end, the anticipation hanging in the air.
"And?" Kurai closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them, clarity washing over him.
"I'm in. I want to join Team USA for the Olympics." Coach Copley's voice was filled with enthusiasm.
"That's fantastic news! We'll work together to get you ready for the trials."