Waves of Fate - iwaoi fluff + angst

Chapter Two: Return to the Court

As the days turned into weeks, Oikawa's decision to return to Japan became the talk of the volleyball community. Fans, former teammates, and even rivals were curious about his next move. Would he be joining a national team? Or perhaps one of the top league teams?

It was during one of their regular meet-ups in a small Miyagi café that Oikawa revealed his decision to Iwaizumi.

"I've been offered a spot in the MSBY Black Jackals," Oikawa said, looking at Iwaizumi for a reaction.

Iwaizumi almost choked on his coffee. The Black Jackals were one of the top teams in the nation, and joining them was no small feat. "That's... impressive, Oikawa."

Oikawa smirked, his usual confident demeanor slipping back into place. "Of course it is. They recognize talent when they see it."

But Iwaizumi could see past the façade. Oikawa was nervous, uncertain. This was a big step, and the weight of expectations was heavy.

"You'll do great," Iwaizumi assured, reaching over to pat Oikawa's hand. "They're lucky to have you."

Oikawa's expression softened, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thanks, Iwa-chan."

Over the next few months, Oikawa's transition to the Black Jackals was watched with bated breath. The combination of his skill and the team's already powerful lineup was a force to be reckoned with. The media loved every bit of it - the drama, the anticipation, and most of all, the reunion of Oikawa and several former players from his high school days.

Meanwhile, Iwaizumi was working hard with his own team, the Adlers. Their friendly rivalry with the Black Jackals intensified with Oikawa's addition to the opposing team. However, for Iwaizumi and Oikawa, it added a layer of personal competition.

Their first face-off was electric. The stadium was packed, fans divided in their loyalties. As Iwaizumi and Oikawa stood on opposite sides of the net, their intense gaze locking onto each other, the crowd could feel the tension.

The match began with the Black Jackals taking the lead. Oikawa's serves were on point, and his sets were nothing short of artistic. But Iwaizumi wasn't one to be outdone. He powered through, his spikes almost impossible to stop.

Despite the fierce competition, there were moments of light-hearted banter between the two. After one particularly powerful serve from Oikawa, which Iwaizumi failed to receive, Oikawa teased, "Losing your touch, Iwa-chan?"

Iwaizumi simply smirked, signaling to his team to set up for a play that had Oikawa scrambling to defend.

The match was close, each set a battle in its own right. In the end, the Adlers managed to clinch the victory, but it was clear to everyone that the real winners were the fans who got to witness such a spectacular game.

As the players walked off the court, Iwaizumi approached Oikawa, a grin on his face. "Not bad, Shittykawa. But not good enough."

Oikawa huffed, but there was no real anger in his eyes. "Next time, Iwa-chan. Next time."

The two friends walked out of the arena together, their rivalry left behind on the court. The bond between them was stronger than ever, and both knew that no matter the outcomes of their games, their friendship was the true prize.