Chapter Text
Two years after their marriage, life for Riku and Daeyoung had found a perfect rhythm—one built on love, unwavering support, and the pursuit of their individual dreams. Their days were filled with small domestic joys: waking up to soft kisses, Daeyoung brewing coffee while Riku took Jelly out for a run, quiet evenings spent together despite their busy schedules. But even as they found happiness in the mundane, the future loomed brightly ahead.
Riku’s volleyball career had skyrocketed, earning him national recognition. Multiple championships, MVP titles, and a growing fanbase—he had achieved more than he ever imagined. But now, he stood before his biggest challenge yet: earning a spot on Japan’s Olympic team.
It wasn’t just a dream anymore. It was within reach.
But with that dream came sacrifice.
His days had become grueling. The national training camp pushed him harder than he’d ever been pushed before. Hours of drilling, conditioning, and tactical training had left his body in a constant state of exhaustion. He spent more nights soaking in ice baths than in bed. His hands were rough, his muscles ached, and sometimes, he was so tired he could barely speak when he got home.
Yet, through it all, Daeyoung was there.
On nights when Riku came home too exhausted to even lift his arms, Daeyoung was waiting with warm food and gentle hands. He never complained when Riku passed out on the couch mid-sentence, nor when their dates had to be rescheduled because of last-minute practices. Instead, he supported Riku in all the ways that mattered—reminding him to eat, massaging his sore shoulders, pressing soft kisses against his forehead and telling him, “You’ve got this, jagi.”
And Riku needed that support more than ever.
The competition for the Olympic team was ruthless. Even with his talent, nothing was guaranteed. He had to fight for his spot. Every single day, he pushed himself harder, training from dawn until well past dusk. He studied his opponents, watched his own plays on repeat, and corrected every minor mistake. His world revolved around volleyball, and though it drained him, the fire in his heart never dimmed.
One evening, after an especially brutal day at camp, Riku returned home late. His body ached down to his bones, and as he dropped his bag by the door, he let out a long sigh. He barely had the energy to move, but the moment he smelled something warm from the kitchen, he forced himself to follow the scent.
Daeyoung stood at the stove, stirring something in a pot. When he turned and saw Riku, his expression softened instantly.
“Welcome home,” he murmured, stepping forward to press a gentle kiss to Riku’s lips. “You look exhausted.”
Riku exhaled against him, resting his forehead against Daeyoung’s shoulder. “Because I am.”
Daeyoung wrapped an arm around him, rubbing slow circles into his back. “Did you eat today?”
Riku let out a sheepish hum. “A protein bar. And some coffee.”
Daeyoung sighed, pulling back just enough to cup Riku’s face. “Sit down. I made your favorite.”
Riku smiled, leaning into Daeyoung’s touch. He let himself be guided to the dining table, and when a steaming bowl of food was placed in front of him, he nearly moaned at the smell alone.
As he ate, Daeyoung sat across from him, watching with quiet fondness. After a few moments, Riku looked up, chewing slowly.
“They sent the final selection email today,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
Daeyoung’s fingers, which had been resting on the table, curled slightly. His heart pounded, but he stayed calm for Riku’s sake. “And?”
Riku took a slow breath before answering. “I’m one step away from making the Olympic team.”
For a moment, there was only silence. Then, Daeyoung stood up, walked around the table, and pulled Riku into a tight embrace. “I never doubted you,” he whispered, his voice full of certainty.
Riku closed his eyes, melting into his husband’s warmth. “Yeah?”
Daeyoung pulled back just enough to look at him, his expression soft but unwavering. “Of course. Now, what’s the next step?”
“Final selection matches,” Riku said. “The last spots will be decided based on those. It’s going to be some of the hardest games I’ve ever played, but…” He swallowed, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. “I want this, Daeyoung. I really want this.”
Daeyoung cupped Riku’s face, his thumbs brushing over his cheekbones. “Then we’ll do everything we can to make sure you get it.” His voice was steady, firm. “You’re not in this alone, jagi.”
Riku melted at the nickname, a quiet laugh escaping his lips. He leaned forward, pressing a slow, deep kiss against Daeyoung’s lips—one that spoke of gratitude, love, and all the unspoken words between them. “I love you,” he murmured.
Daeyoung smiled, pressing another quick kiss to Riku’s lips. “I love you too.”
A warm silence settled between them before Daeyoung whispered, “Now, let’s get you to the Olympics.”
And with that, the next chapter of their lives truly began.