Next Gen. (The rivalry continues)

𝐱𝐯

- Leon -

" Good one guys!" My father cheered. I dropped to my feet, feeling all sorts of exhaustion. My hands pushed against my knees as I tried to catch my breath. I raised my head to see how the seniors were doing and surprisingly they looked less exhausted than I am. Their faces had an excited and satisfied expression, while I'm here barely trying to keep myself together and gasping for air. 

So this is what their playground looks like. No holding back, no matter who you're facing. These seniors are no joke. 

Nakamura-san received a bottle of water from their manager and slowly wiped off his sweat with a towel. He looked at me with piqued interest and a smug expression.

" Tired?"

I cleared my throat and stood straight. I can't show them I'm weak, it'd be embarrassing. 

" I was just getting warmed up," I told him almost too confidently that it caused him a smirk. 

" Good." I sighed, letting go of my breath. 

" Alright. Good job. Kiyoshi-chan's team wins again!" The other players behind me celebrated enthusiastically with big fist pumps in the air. 

The four of them jolted towards Nakamura-san and teased him. 

" That last spike was awesome, Nakamura-senpai!" A boy not much older than I am grinned at his senior with pure joy. 

" Thanks. You all did well." Nakamura-san showed them a tight-lipped smile. They all turned to me with a big smile on their faces. 

" Yo Leon. You're an insane setter." I pursed my lips to prevent myself from grinning. It felt good to hear that compliment from people who are much better than I am. It made me feel giddy. 

" Thanks." I caressed my neck in embarrassment and witheld my excitement. 

" Seriously? You're gonna say that to our coach's son?" The other one with blonde hair like mine teased. 

" What? I'm giving out compliments for free. C'mon man." 

Nakamura-san's intimidating aura wore off the moment he came forward. He had a satisfied expression on his face. 

" Not bad. Better than Rei, at least." His big hand tapped on my shoulder as he walked past us. 

" I heard that!" Rei-san shouted from across the gym as loudly as he could. His voice echoed throughout the room that it caught everyone's attention. 

So Rei-san is their current setter. His easy going attitude reminded me of dad, I wonder how he is when a real game happens. 

" Hey Leon. Where you heading to next?" The pretty manager asked carefully. Her arms were busied by a couple of notebooks as she clutched it. 

" Uhm, I'm going home Senpai." She chuckled as her hand carressed the top of my head. 

" You're adorable." I laughed awkwardly. Adorable is a compliment I very rarely get, especially from older women and surprisingly enough, I liked it. 

" Woah. Relax there, Sakura-chan. He's fifteen." Dad rested both his hands on my shoulders. I could imagine his smug smile as he replied. Sakura-san's cheeks turned pale pink as she stomped her foot on the ground.

" Coach! Not funny. Ugh." Dad let out a chuckle and raised up a peace sign. Very typical of him. 

" Just kidding." He teased and gathered all of our attention as he clapped his hands together. The men and the manager all formed a circle around my father. I garnered a new level of respect for the man who I grew up with. From the way way these players play, I see my dad's influence in each and every one of them.