Childhood friends

6. Graduation Is For Separation

You hobble on your crutches, finally returning to school. Even though you're injured, the whole school still congratulates you on your victory at nationals. Many people walk up to you, expressing their joy with how you won the nationals for them. No one seemed concerned about you, no one asked how your leg was doing.

That was until Kawanishi walked up to you. "Alright, stop crowding the injured girl already." He turns to you with a sweet smile. "Hey, Y/n. Let me carry your things for you. You need to take it easy, since you're healing. Actually, maybe I should just carry you to class. It must be quite difficult to walk around with the crutches."

You quickly shake your head. "I can walk myself, but I can't stop you from carrying my bag for me. And you don't really need to worry about me, today is our last day here. We graduate at the end of the day."

He beams at you. "Then we get a week off, then we'll be going to Shiratorizawa together."

"About that-"

"I can't even begin to express how excited I am that you'll be my manager. I get to brag to all the guys that I'm the closest person to our beautiful manager. And, of course, when we start dating, I'll be the envy of the team for managing to get such a girl like you to date me and no one else could pull you. Man, I'm so excited. Oh, here we are. Here's your bag. I'll see you later." He sends you a wink before walking off.

You sigh heavily, knowing you'd have to tell him the bad news at some point. "Today is gonna be horrible."

Riko comes into the room, sitting right next to you. "Hey, Y/n. How are you doing today? Is your leg getting better?"

You shrug. "I got a surgery for the torn ACL, but I still have a few weeks, maybe even a month, before I can walk without these crutches. Thanks for being the only person to come up to me and ask about my injury."

The girl chuckles. "Yeah, everyone else only cares about the fact that we won at nationals. It's like they can't see you're in pain, or that you have to use crutches. On an unrelated note, how are you feeling about graduating today?"

You groan, laying your head on the desk. "Moving around is gonna suck. My parents said they'd pick me up by the time it ends. They'd rather have me on bedrest than have me move around so much. They would've made me stay home if it weren't for today being our graduation."

The brunette girl nods. "Right. So, no more volleyball?"

You shake your head. "No more sports. I have to minimize my activity to prevent the injury from happening again. At most, I can be a manager for the volleyball team instead of playing for myself. What about you? Are you still gonna play?"

She hesitates. "I was thinking about it. I think that I will continue playing. I know that'll mean we'll have less time together, but I want to play for three more years. After high school, I'm going to have to quit in order to work a part time job while going to college. I won't have time for volleyball as an adult."

"I see. Well, I hope you do well in high school. It's gonna be sad to not be with you so much, but I'll be fine as long as you're happy." You give her a sad smile, trying your best to support your friend instead of feeling bad for yourself.

The moment the teacher walked into the room, she made an announcement. "Congratulations, all of you. You all worked so hard this year, and for the past two years to get this far. There are no actual classes for any of the third years. Us teachers are pretty much just going to be giving speeches and explain how graduation is gonna work to all of you. I just want to say I'm proud of you all, and that it's been an absolute honor to work with all of you. Nothing has made me happier than helping all of you, and seeing you grow. You've earned the right to celebrate today. And I hope that you'll all be happy with what comes next. A new, big part of your life is about to start. In high school, you'll grow into wonderful adults. I'm sure of it. I also want to take this moment to congratulate the star volleyball player in this class, who was the reason why our team won at nationals. L/n Y/n, without you our team wouldn't have made it as far as we have these past few years. You will be greatly missed by everyone in this school. I know you got injured, and that you might not play volleyball again. I just know that whatever you do, you'll give it everything you got and become the best. Don't let all the bad things drag you down. Think about all the good, and you'll live a life you'll be happy with. All of you, remember everything you experienced in middle school. One day, all these memories will help you live your lives. Well, I don't really know what else I can say. I'm just proud of you all and hope for the best for each and every one of you, no matter where you go or what you do." She bows to the students.

The room goes quiet for a bit. Then, all of the student burst out crying, giving their thanks to the teacher. You were no different. You spoke louder than the rest when thanking your teacher for her kind words, and for allowing people to be aware of the injury that has cost you your volleyball career. A few of the other students started asking you about your injury, asking how you got it, and just checking to make sure you were still doing alright.

Before you knew it, you were all being led outside to where the graduation ceremony was being held. The principal and vice principal gave similar words as to what your teacher had told you. All the students were emotional, but happiness took hold of all the third years. They all cheered and finally felt free from middle school. Everyone was ready for the next step in their lives.

You look around, noticing a somewhat tall figure walking up to you with a smile on their face. "Hey, Taichi."

"Hey, Y/n. We're finally high schoolers now. Are you ready?"

You look down, taking a deep breath. "About that... I'm not going to Shiratorizawa."

Kawanishi's smile fell, a frown replacing it on his face. "What? Why not?"

You still couldn't look him in the eye. "My parents said I couldn't go. I'll be going to Aoba Johsai instead. I was trying to tell you earlier, but you left before I got the chance. I'm sorry. I really wanted to stick with you, but it looks like I won't be able to."

"I see. Well, I'm sorry then. I'll see you later." He walks away, not having the strength to look at you anymore. Right now, he was hurt. He needed space, and time just so he could smile in front of you again.

You watch as he walks away, letting out a sigh. You turn and head to where your parents are now waiting for you. You head home, not being able to say anything else to your best friend.

You and Kawanishi will be going your separate ways.