Next Gen. (The rivalry continues)

𝐱𝐢𝐢𝐢

- Leon -

After the short talk with Natsuki's mom, I went home with a heavy heart. I calculated how I would approach him, tried to come up with reasons and explanations but none of it mattered right when I step inside the house. Knowing my dad--no, knowing him just a little bit, once he's

set on something there's no way you'd be able to change his mind from it. If that meant that I'd have to go to Seijoh because he says so, then it means I really am going there.

The door loudly creaked as I push it open. It was unfortunate timing as my father, who seems to have just arrived, appeared in front of me. He took off his shoes and greeted his girlfriend.

Ayako-san waved at me and smiled, attracting my dad's attention. He turned around and greeted me with a pat on my head.

" Where have you been?" He asked while gently putting his shoes on the rack.

" Store. Ayako-san asked me to buy something." I told him and gave the bag filled with ingredients to her.

" Oh, alrighty then." He smiled and turned around. I stared at his back, it was broad and it reminded me how stupidly small I was. At the height of 5'8, I still continue to wish I'd be just like him. I thought hard about what Oba-san said,

to give my father another chance, and the more I look at how happy he seems when talking to his girlfriend the more it saddens me.

" Leon, help Ayako set the table." He commanded while he walked himself to the kitchen. I did as he told and placed the dinner set on the large table.

All three of us gathered around and readied ourselves to eat. With a plethora of meals to enjoy, I wonder how I can start the conversation.

" Woah, Aya-chan. You didn't have to make a lot of food tonight. We might not finish them all." Dad chuckled and smiled at her. Ayako-san sat down with a grin on her face as she placed the last dish on the table for tonight.

" I was inspired that's all. And, as your girlfriend, I should make healthy meals for you and Yuu-chan right?" Her energy beamed at us, at me. She was that sunny person you'd always feel drained after spending too much time with them.

Dad paused for one moment and placed his chopsticks down. He cleared his throat and reached for something in his pocket. I sat silently, staring at the two in confusion. Not only was I too nervous to start a normal, unsarcastic conversation

with my dad, I was also slowed down by this weird situation.

He placed a small pink box on the table and slid it near Ayako-san. I furrowed my brows upon looking at it.

" W-what is this, Oikawa-san?" She placed her pale hands on her chest as if she was not expecting it.

" I'm sorry I can't find any other time to do this, Ayako. But.. I thought this was a good time to give it to you." He smiled at me and at his girlfriend. His big hands reached for the small box and carefully

revealed what was inside.

I was hit by the realization. Ayako-san's teary eyes confirmed it for me. My dad was proposing to his girlfriend. The next few minutes became a blur, it was like my ears were not chiming in on what happened next as my mind tried to

process everything.

' Will you marry me? ' was like a whisper in my ear. All the pent up frustration and anger seemed to have reached its utmost limit. I clenched my fist, my throat stung as I tried to hold in my stupid tears.

" Ye-"

" Are you kidding me?" My reflexes made me stand up with no warning, I could imagine m face being beet red in anger. Why the hell would he pretend like he hasn't got one issue about being a terrible father and proposed all happily in front of me? Why can't he see my pleading stares as I was looking for his attention? Why the hell did he even take me from my real mother in the first place? I could've been happier in Argentina. I could've been a different person.