Until winter ends - BokuAka [haikyuu]

[9] The arrogance of flowers

{3 months later}

[Akaashi's point of view]

It's March, and spring has finally arrived, bringing with it the end of the cold and the rebirth of flowers. I'm in my room, getting ready for graduation, a moment that should be joyful but brings a mix of conflicting emotions. The flowers outside insist on blooming with an almost arrogant joy.

As I adjust my tie, my mother enters the room. Her look is gentle but full of pride.

- You look handsome, Keiji. Ready for the big day?

I give a small smile, trying to hide the mix of emotions.

- Yes, mom. I think so. It's just... it feels surreal that it's all ending.

She approaches and places a loving hand on my shoulder.

- End of one phase, beginning of another. And you're ready for everything that comes next.

I nod, swallowing my emotion. School has always been a constant part of my life, and now, seeing everything that defines me end and leave is a strange process.

We leave home and, upon arriving at school, the atmosphere is vibrant. Students are walking around, taking pictures, laughing, and sharing memories. The field is covered with sakura petals, creating an almost dreamlike landscape.

As I walk down the hallway, memories from the past years come to the surface. I see familiar faces, some filled with tears, others with ear-to-ear smiles.

I meet Bokuto in the courtyard where we agreed to meet. He is surrounded by friends, but when he sees me, his smile widens.

- Agaashe! - He runs to me, and we hug tightly.

- Ready for the big day? - I ask, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest.

- Absolutely! - he replies, his eyes shining with excitement. - And you? Ready to be officially graduated?

I shrug, trying to seem carefree.

- I think so. More ready than ever, actually.

We spend the rest of the time before the ceremony talking, trying to keep the mood light and avoid thinking about the approaching farewell. The school is decorated with banners and balloons, a celebration of an end and a new beginning.

During the ceremony, when our names are called, I cross the stage with the feeling that something monumental is ending. I receive my diploma and, as I look at the audience, I see my mother applauding, her eyes shining with pride.

::

After the graduation, I meet Bokuto at the park where we first met. Spring has transformed everything, flowers carpeting the ground like a pink snowy blanket. I walk to the swing with our initials engraved on the metal, and I see Bokuto waiting for me. He smiles when he sees me, but his eyes hold a mix of joy and sadness.

We sit on the swing, the familiar sound of creaking metal filling the air. Bokuto picks up a small stone and starts scratching the metal around our initials, drawing a heart.

- Now it's complete - he says, looking at his work with a melancholic smile.

I take the confirmation letter from my college out of my pocket and show it to him.

- I made it, Bokuto. I'm going to art school in Tokyo.

His eyes light up with genuine happiness, and he pulls me into a tight hug.

- I'm so proud of you, Akaashi! You deserve this. I know how hard you worked for it.

I smile, but the reality of what this means hits us. We know we have to part ways. Bokuto is going to Brazil, an incredible opportunity he can't miss.