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Keyla was almost startled that he had poured out his heart to her and even now she noticed that he said the 3 words to her that she wished for the most... even if she might have preferred it in a different situation. Now she finally looked at him again, with tear-filled eyes. He sat down next to her as he hesitated but still put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her towards him. He turned her face gently in his direction so that she now had to look into his eyes 

*Key, I love you, and have from the first moment*. he whispered to her. 

*promise me I'll never have to see anything like that again! * she almost begged him. And as a sign of affirmation, he kissed her tenderly on the forehead 

*I promise*. Even if she couldn't get the pictures out of her head at first, his declaration of love was so beautiful. When she looked past him at the clock, she was almost startled, it was already 2 a.m. and the first game was supposed to be at 3 a.m. 

*Genzo, I don't want to get rid of you, but the game is in an hour and I want to take a shower again* she gave him a kiss and disappeared into the bathroom. He didn't really want to leave, but he had to, after all he was in goal in the starting XI. He heard the shower start and then closed the door behind him. He hadn't been this relieved in a long time. Keyla was ready and on her way, the stadium was already full and everyone was waiting for the teams, because today Japan is playing Argentina. She sat on the dugout and waited for the two teams to arrive. 15 minutes later the referee whistled the game and Keyla just kept her fingers crossed that everything went well. After 45 minutes Keyla went to the dressing room, 2 minutes would be replayed and she wanted to get an overview of whether everything was ok with the boys. They finally came, signaled to Keyla that nobody was in pain or anything like that and walked past her into the dressing room for a meeting with the trainer, when Genzo passed he gave her a kiss and whispered 

*I love you* Keyla calmed down and went back upstairs and waited for the 2nd half. After 90 minutes + 4 minutes added time it was done, the Japanese won 2-0 against Argentina. Her work was done for today and she could relax. At dinner everyone analyzed the game, of course, including Genzo, but he couldn't keep his hands off Keyla because he was glad that she had forgiven him.

The next few days were difficult because they hardly had any time for each other. The team, winning one game after the other, of course had to give a lot of interviews and in the evening they fell exhausted into bed. But it came as it had to come. 6 days left until the final and 2 more games separating them to play there. It was the quarterfinals and Japan had to play against Spain. The referee whistled and it seemed like things were going as usual. Then it happened in the 57th minute. Japan were leading 2-0 when a Spanish player threw the ball away in frustration. But Keyla couldn't react so quickly when she hit her head. Her eyes went black and she collapsed. Genzo dropped everything and the others ran to the edge of the field. 

*an ambulance* Mr. Mikami called. All attempts to regain consciousness failed, and her pulse and heartbeat grew weaker by the minute. When the ambulance arrived to take her to the hospital, Genzo looked at Mr. Mikami 

*Coach, please, I have to go with you now, I can't leave her alone now* the coach understood this and meanwhile sent Wakashimazu onto the court.

 

They drove to the Charité in an ambulance, and she was immediately wheeled into the emergency room. However, Genzo had to wait outside and hope and fear began. Because he didn't know what was going on. 2 hours later still no sign of a doctor or Keyla. Anger and sadness rose in him. Anger at the player she owed it to and sadness because he didn't know what was going on and he was completely helpless at the moment. His cell phone beeped

 

 *how are you Key? Don't worry about us, we won 3-0. taro

 

 *I don't know about her, she's still in the ER. Genzo

 

After another 2 hours a doctor finally came and Genzo jumped up 

*how is she, where is she, can I go to her* the doctor gave him an irritated look because he knew him from television. 

*Listen, we've done everything in our power. Because of her history, she shouldn't have put it on it. We just have to wait now. She has to wake up on her own, only then will she have survived everything* the doctor put his hand compassionately on Genzo's shoulder 

*she can do it, she's already done that, she's a fighter* 

*can I go to her, please* he begged the doctor at, he nodded 

*but she needs a lot of rest now, so it would be nice if you would remain the only visitor for the time being*

 

The doctor took him to her room, but one thing didn't let him go 

*her history…she's done it before* he murmured. 

*Doctor? You just said that she should have been careful because of her history and that she got over it before, what exactly did you mean by that? *

 

The doctor knew from her file that there were no longer any relatives, so he told Genzo, who introduced himself as her boyfriend, the story that had happened 5 years ago. 

*She was admitted to us 5 years ago because she collapsed after being hit in the head at a volleyball tournament. Her condition was critical, but she struggled and woke up again after one night. The diagnosis I then made to her threw her completely off track. Because her dream of continuing to play volleyball burst shortly before the championships. I told her not to play again because if she gets hit in the head again by a ball or anything, I can't guarantee she'll even get up.* the doctor said nothing and looked at Genzo

 

He stood there with his mouth open, because he was visibly shocked, only now did he remember how shocked Keyla was when Ryo just missed her and understood her reaction. 

*if you need anything else or if there is anything, ring the bell or speak to me personally* were the doctor's words before he left

 

There he was, standing in front of the door and didn't know what to expect. He slowly opened it and saw her. Cables and monitors everywhere. Tears welled up in his eyes, it hurt him to see her lying there like that. So helpless and there was nothing he could do now but be there for her like she was with him in the hospital that time.

 

He had to go out for a moment to get his thoughts straight again and called Taro in the meantime

 

*hey Taro, 

...no, she's not feeling well at all, she's not conscious and the doctor didn't rule out that she couldn't make it, because she has to wake up by herself 

... Unfortunately, visitors aren't allowed, but I am Hold you up to date

 

he swallowed before continuing

 

...can you give me Mr. Mikami? 

...Mr. Mikami, I'm sorry but I'll stay with Keyla until she wakes up 

...thanks Mr. Mikami 

...see you again

 

 

With all his courage he went back inside and sat down next to her and held her hand. He watched her the whole time and at every beep or noise that sounded different than before, he winced. He had to stay with her, he couldn't play anyway as long as he didn't know what was wrong with her. A nurse came in every 1-2 hours to see if anything had changed or to change infusions. He looked at Keyla and gave her a gentle kiss before even he fell asleep by her bed. The night passed, he woke up, but his Keyla was still asleep. A sister came in 

*Mr. Wakabayashi? Your friend got a high fever during the night. We try everything to lower it, but that also has something positive, because that means she fights* said the sister

 

He was glad, even if not everything about it sounded positive. The day passed, still no change. 

*Tomorrow we play against France, hopefully the boys can do it* he thought to himself, because they were worried too. During the night he also woke up briefly when a nurse had checked again whether the fever had dropped and in fact her temperature was normal again. The next day he thought it over carefully again. 

*why didn't she tell me that* he mused, but other than that she didn't want him to worry, he couldn't find anything. Only now did he realize that she too wanted to protect him. It was already afternoon when his cell phone beeped

 

 *You're in our thoughts. France can go home, we scored 4 goals for them. Push key from us. The day after tomorrow we are in the final against Germany, Taro*

 

He was so thankful to the boys that they fought with Keyla and succeeded too, only Keyla was still struggling. It was 5 p.m. and because the nurse had woken him up last night, he fell asleep again. When he opened his eyes around 8 p.m., she smiled at him. She had made it, she had won the fight. Tears welled up in Genzo, tears of relief, he immediately pressed the alarm button, whereupon a nurse came in, but immediately afterwards summoned the doctor.

 

He freed her from the apparatus and turned off the beeping from the monitor 

*how are you Keyla* asked the doctor 

*it's been better* came the prompt answer 

*rest a little, I'll check on you later* with the Words went the doctor

 

Genzo threw his arms around his Keyla to finally kiss her again, now that all the cables were gone, he dared to do it again, before he was afraid that he could break something. 

*What actually happened* she asked 

*you were hit by the ball and you only woke up on the 3rd day. key? The doctor told me what happened 5 years ago. I was so afraid for you* and now he let his feelings run free and the first tears rolled down his face. Keyla pulled away from his hand to wipe away his tears, she was so glad that he seemed to be here all the time, she had always felt that and fought for it. 

*but if you say 3 days ago...what happened to the quarter and half finals? *

 

Genzo took his Keyla's hand again 

*don't worry, Wakashimazu represented me and we're in the final against Germany* 

*against Schneider ie* she blurted out

 

*How do you know Schneider* visibly irritated by her statement 

*I was playing for FC Grünwald at the time, or their volleyball team, Karl and I always got along well. And he was there when the accident happened, he put me here because the best hospital is said to be here when it comes to head injuries, and I also know that you played with Schneider because I did seen a few of your games, I was in the stadium myself* now she winked at him, because of course she knew Genzo beforehand, namely from his games and from Schneider's stories.

 

Genzo tried not to appear too disturbed, because he didn't know any of that. 

*I'm glad you're back, we can talk about the other things later, you should rest*

 

He gave her a very intense kiss 

*I'll just get in touch with Taro and I'll be right back for you* with these words he left the room

 

 

 *Key woke up, she's fine so far. If she allows it, I will train tomorrow and play the day after tomorrow, please tell the coach, Genzo*

 

 The answer came quickly

 

 *send her greetings, the trainer agrees. *Taro

 

 

When Genzo entered the room again, Keyla was already asleep and he closed his eyes again.

 

When he woke up the next morning, she was already beaming at him because she was sitting in bed and had been watching him the whole time. There was a knock and the doctor entered the room 

*Keyla I need to speak to you* looking at Genzo 

*no Doctor, if you don't mind I want him to stay* 

*well, what I'm about to tell you , you probably won't think it's possible because I didn't either and I checked it 3 times...*he paused. Keyla and Genzo looked at each other in shock, then the doctor continued 

*the reason I banned them from playing volleyball back then, that's what we found on the CT back then...well how should I put it...it's gone* 

Keyla and Genzo kept looking at each other because they didn't understand a word 

*what does that mean now? * Keyla asked cautiously 

*So either it's healed and her collapse was just a coincidence, or the goal did the trick, which means that if you take it easy, there's nothing standing in the way of your volleyball career. Unfortunately, I can't explain to you how exactly, because I'm a bit at a loss myself. But her head is fine again* Keyla couldn't stop being amazed and the tears were rolling down her face, she heard that right, she can play again... Genzo jumped up to hug his Keyla, because it was good news. 

*I'm so happy for you* he whispered and kissed her on the lips. *thank you doctor* she just stammered, because she couldn't find the words. The doctor left the room and Keyla still sat there and couldn't believe what she had just heard. 

*key? I don't want to push and I don't want to leave, but today is the last official practice before tomorrow and I'd like to play tomorrow for you* Keyla put her finger on his lips to stop him talking *and why are you you still here? * She grinned at him 

*go away, I know how important this is to you* and looked at him understandingly. 

*I'll visit you tomorrow after the game, my little one* he gave her a long, heartfelt kiss and scurried through the door. As soon as he was gone, Keyla got up because she was doing really well and wanted to talk to the doctor again. In the corridor she asked a nurse where he was *wait here for a moment, I'll get him* and with that she disappeared into a room. When the doctor saw Keyla, he just shook his head at how she was able to get up now. 

*Herr Doktor, I have a request, much more a request. My boyfriend is playing the final against Germany tomorrow and I'd like to be with him, not just as a friend but as the team doctor, I owe it to him and the lads. I'm also taking it easy all day today, but please let me see him tomorrow! * the doctor smiled 

*Keyla, I wanted to discuss this with you anyway, because I was planning on dismissing you tomorrow. Since we didn't find anything, but we would still like to have her here for observation that night, nothing stands in the way of our plan to be there tomorrow*

 

Keyla didn't believe what she heard, she went to her room, got out her cell phone, and texted Genzo, who had only been gone for 20 minutes, but she already missed him.

 

 *Thank you for being there for me. I love you* K