𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 | 𝒎. 𝒂𝒕𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒖

40. 𝒕𝒐𝒌𝒚𝒐 𝒗𝒊𝒃𝒆𝒔

Walking into the house, you're expecting to be greeted by your dad and Rina but are only greeted with silence. Mikage notices your confused expression as he removes his shoes.

"Dad's currently at his office at work. He said that we could have a lunch celebration tomorrow," Mikage expressionless answers as he walks in before you.

"And Rina?"

"She went to sleep."

Understandingly, you nod and start to head towards your room. Before you could go though, Mikage stops you.

"F/n," he calls you.

Stopping in your tracks, you turn around to have a hand on your head.

"Congratulations on your win, baby sister. You played amazing like always; I'm proud to have a hard working sister like you."

Blush covers your face as you look away.

"What's with that, Mika? No need to be proud about your sister winning nationals; it's not like I won alone."

"Yeah, but I don't only mean I'm proud about your skills, I'm proud of you for also taking care of Rina when I wasn't there and even leaving volleyball behind for family." Guilty, he looks down. "I'm sorry I left you both behind and ended up like Dad. I promise I won't do it again, F/n."

Gratefully, you simply smile at your brother and embrace his waist.

"I forgive you... Thank you for coming back to take care of us."

The next day

Awkwardly, the four of your family members--including you--sit at the dinner table. Playing with your fingers, your heart starts beating rapidly and you become very nervous.

'This is our first family gathering in so long,' you think as Rina happily hums a tune besides you.

Mikage, on the other hand, is trying his best to stay optimistic and not ruin the mood since the lunch was a celebration for your win. However, he couldn't help but feel resentment towards your guys' father who never showed attention towards his children unless it had to do with volleyball.

"Ottosan! Guess what?" Rina suddenly asks your dad.

"What is it, Rina?"

"Oneesan and Oniisan are both teaching me how to play volleyball!" she excitedly exclaims.
A smile grows on your father's face--surprising you and Mikage.

"That's great, Rina. Make sure you learn well and practice hard so you can become just as good or even better than your siblings."

Mikage flinches at what your dad says.

'Always talking about getting better and better at volleyball,' he thinks, 'it's never about truly being happy while playing the sport.'

"So, F/n," your dad calls.

"Yes?" You turn your attention away from Rina.

Happily, your dad places a hand on your shoulder and smiles. Your stomach does a twist and you feel your stomach twist. 'What is this feeling? I haven't done anything like this with Dad in so long.'

"I'm proud that you won, F/n. It just proves that you really are my daughter. Your future is really bright, I can already see it."

Your eyes start to water and you're about to launch a hug at your dad due to how much you've always wanted this warmth from him, but it immediately goes away when he continues speaking.

"So, good job on keeping the L/n family's volleyball name alive. If you do more interviews, it will increase your popularity and scouting for the future. You could also come work with me sometimes and—"