REUNION | T. OIKAWA

02.

YEAR AND A HALF LATER.

The future of your college life unfolded just as you had predicted. It wasn't remarkable, but it was enough. Tooru left for Argentina three days after that night—the night that altered the course of your life forever.  His absence marked the end of the relationship, though neither of you ever said the words aloud. When the lease on your one-bedroom apartment ended, you returned to your parents' house—where they welcomed you with quiet understanding.

However, life didn't stop. You kept your friends close, attended social events, and studied late into the night. It wasn't perfect, but it helped. The familiar faces, the energy of campus life—these became your distractions. You found comfort in the routine, immersing yourself in your studies, because it eased the constant hum of thoughts that wouldn't leave you alone. You clung to your original goals with renewed focus. After all, wasn't that why you were here in the first place?

Sometimes, when the night was quiet, there were moments when your mind wandered. What if things had been different? Would you have followed him to Argentina? The question was always there, lingering at the edge of your mind, but you never let it pull you under. You had to learn how to carry it, just like everything else.

—

"Huh, a senior now? Time really flies, doesn't it?" The man in front of you teased, a nostalgic smile crossing his face.

You rolled your eyes, a small smile playing on your lips. His sharp olive-green eyes watched your reaction closely, and a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth in return. "Please, we would've been in the same year if you hadn't graduated early," you shot back, your tone lighthearted but affectionate.

Hajime Iwaizumi—your old friend from high school. The two of you had always been close, despite him being your ex-boyfriend's best friend and teammate.  It had been a long time since you'd last seen each other. After high school, Iwaizumi left the country to study in America, and life pulled you both in different directions. But now, sitting in front of him, it felt like no time had passed.

Your relationship had always been purely platonic. You were open with each other, looking out for one another and offering a steady shoulder when needed. In fact, he was the first person you confided in after the breakup with Oikawa, and he never let that awkwardness ruin the special bond you two had created. Iwaizumi was perfect in that way—reliable and honest, never one to sugarcoat the truth.

"So... have you talked to him?" Iwaizumi's voice broke through your thoughts, his tone careful yet direct. There was no need to ask who he meant.

You paused for a moment, letting out a quiet sigh. "Not since he left for Argentina," you admitted, eyes flickering down before meeting his gaze again. "It's been... a while." Clearing your throat, you tried to shake off the flutter of emotion that still lingered inside. "What about you?"

Despite not being in contact with one another, Oikawa was plastered everywhere in the media. "The New and Sexy Setter of CA San Juan" and "The Top Ten Sexiest Volleyball Players That Could Steal Your Wives." were just two of the more ridiculous titles you'd seen recently. Ultimately, a part of you couldn't help but feel happy for him, even after everything that had happened. Oikawa reached his dreams of going pro, just without you in the picture.

Iwaizumi nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Nah, not recently," he admitted with a low chuckle, his tone laced with the same familiarity. "That bastard is too busy nowadays to even pick up the phone."

You let out a soft laugh, feeling a twinge of bittersweetness. Iwaizumi could see the way your expression shifted, how your smile didn't quite reach your eyes. He knew you still cared about Oikawa, even if you wouldn't—or couldn't—admit it out loud. But being the person he was, Iwaizumi didn't pry. He simply gave you a moment, then leaned forward, resting his arms on the table.

"Shimizu," he began, his voice a bit more serious now, his olive eyes locking onto yours. "The team I'm working with is looking for a new physical therapist. I could put in a word for you, maybe get you in as a trainee.

You blinked, caught off guard by the offer. "Wait, seriously?" Your heart raced for a moment, excitement and nerves blending together.

"Why not?," Iwaizumi said with a small grin, clearly enjoying that look of surprise. "You've always been passionate about that stuff. I think you'd be great."

For a moment, you just stared at him, the weight of his words settling in. He believed in you, and that alone sparked something inside. "Iwa, that's so sweet of you...Thank you."

He shrugged, ever modest, but his eyes gleamed with sincerity. "Don't thank me Y/N, you got the skills."

A smile spread across your face—genuine this time—and you felt a flicker of hope, a new path unfolding before you. "Yeah– I'll think about it."

Iwaizumi nodded, leaning back with a satisfied look. "Good. I'll get the details and send them over. Just..." He paused, a hint of hesitation creeping into his voice as his eyes flickered away for a moment. "I don't want to scare you off already, but... the team you'd be working with can be a bit... challenging to handle."

You laughed, though there was curiosity behind it, not fully grasping the seriousness in his tone. "Challenging? What do you mean by that?" You tilted your head, brushing off the concern as a joke, too caught up in the excitement to notice his shift in demeanor.

Iwaizumi chuckled softly, rubbing his neck. "Let's just say... They've got big personalities. You'll see what I mean soon enough."

Spoiler: MSBY Black Jackals