Next Gen. (The rivalry continues)

𝐱𝐢𝐢

- Leon - 

My eyes focused on one spot on the ground as I walked home. I was brought down by the problems that my mind refused to leave me alone. How the hell do I talk to my dad about high school? How can I change his mind? 

I don't want to disappoint Natsuki again. He's a good friend of mine. 

I entered my house and was greeted by the smell of good food.  Probably Ayako-san cooking dinner. 

" Yuu-chan, you're home. Come here, try this out." She smiled brightly at me. No matter how many times I try to push her away, telling her that she'll never replace my mother, she always keeps that bright smile on her face. It leaves a tinge of guilt every time I see her be kind to me.

I sighed, I couldn't refuse her anymore. I've got no energy to do so. 

" It's good." I complimented her cooking as I took one bite. The look on her face told me she was surprised I cooperated with her.

" R-really?" Her pale hands clapped in delight. 

" Where's dad?" I asked and looked for answers. Her expression toned down as she let out an expressive sigh. 

" He's busy coaching his team. But don't worry, he said he'll come back for dinner." I avoided her gaze. 

" Sure. I'll believe that." I trailed off the kitchen and walked to the living room. 

" Don't talk like that, Yuu." I lazily rested my body on the couch without changing. A lot has happened today and it has started to weigh me down. 

" He might as well just marry volleyball," I mumbled and hoped Ayako-san wouldn't hear it. Throughout my childhood, I was taught to love volleyball. Dad and I would play together and he'd teach me a lot of things. Sure, It was fun, but it rarely occurred to me that I want to play volleyball on a random day. 

Later on, I realized that It was only fun because I got to spend time with him. That's how much of a bad father he is. Even his girlfriend, who he has only met not a long time ago takes better care of me. 

I tried to loathe him, but I just couldn't. I hate that about myself.

I closed my eyes and tried to drift my mind somewhere else but I felt a cold hand on my arm. 

" Yuu, I know you're upset at your dad. But he's trying his best too." I opened my eyes and narrowed them as I looked at her. 

" Maybe if he didn't miss my fourteenth birthday I'd be convinced." Her eyes looked sad like she was pitying me. But I don't need pity, I want reasons. 

" He was in Argentina. He was very guilty about it. Please give him another chance."

" He was there for every other birthday, right?" She added. I turned around, denying any chances of me forgiving him.  

" Leon..." 

" I know. I just don't want to talk about him right now." I told her and closed my eyes again. 

" Alright. Well, can you do me a favour and go to the store for me?" I faced her and furrowed my brows. 

" You said you didn't want to talk about him anymore."  I frowned and sat up. If it means I get to spend more time outside instead of my boring house, then I'll do as she says. 

" Sure." I sighed and left the living room. 

I strolled through the aisles to look for what Ayako-san was asking for. I grunted as I looked at the list for the twentieth time. 

" What the hell is Agar-agar powder." I looked furiously at the list and then at the array of products in front of me. 

" It's a thickening powder." A woman's voice replied to my question. It startled me to the point that I immediately turned around to look for her. I was completely surprised to see Natsuki's mother in front of me.