Next Gen. (The rivalry continues)

𝐱𝐱𝐢

- 3rd Person POV -

A p r i l    2 0 3 1

"Come on, just smile!" Leon let out an annoyed sigh at his father's request. He had recently returned from Argentina after taking a three-week-long break and this April marks the beginning of his high school experience. 

"Do you have to take pictures?" asked Leon, who had an embarrassed look on his face. Oikawa's fiance, Ayako-san, couldn't resist but smile at the adorable duo. 

"You have to, Leon! It's your first day of high school. Aren't you excited?!" Ayako smiled and rubbed his shoulder to ease Leon's embarrassment. 

"Well, not really." He rolled his eyes one more time and faked a smile. Oikawa raised a thumbs up and began snapping pictures left and right. Leon looked down and noticed the uniform he was wearing: it was much more vibrant than his junior high school uniform. It felt weird and awkward to embrace the fact that he is now a high school student-- that he is now closer to adulthood. 

Oikawa looked at his wrist and noticed the time. "Yikes, come on. We're gonna be late." He gestured to Leon to come closer. 

"Good luck guys! Take care and drive safely." Ayako had a beaming smile. She couldn't help but feel proud. It took her a while to finally have Leon's trust and seeing him grow from the short period of time she's been with him made her feel happy. Even though he's not her son, she loved him as her own. 

While in the car, Oikawa and his son talked about Aoba Johsai. And as talkative as ever, Oikawa couldn't help but tell stories about him and his team during his high school days-- especially about Leon's uncle, Iwaizumi Hajime. 

"Oh man, you're gonna have tons of fun in the team. Trust me," said Oikawa. As soon as he parked in front of the school gates, the look of excitement on Leon's face showed. Hundreds of students were in front of the school campus, catching up with their friends and making new ones. Leon felt nervous but refused to show it. 

They both stepped out, while Oikawa had a proud smile on his face. 

"Yay, I can't wait to start a new day." He smiled and stretched his arms up in the air. The chilly air that surrounded them added to Leon's nervousness. At the same time, the falling cherry blossom trees blowing in the air eased his anxiety. Many boys and girls looked just as excited as his father-- excited for a new school year, for a new chapter of their lives. The senior had already graduated and had already passed the baton to the younger batch. 

A message notification rang in Leon's phone. And with a smile, he checked to see Nagisa's name on the screen. 

Good luck with school, Leon! Wishing you the best thirty minutes from here! <3

With a deep breath of fresh air, Leon looked at the path ahead of him. And with a close-lipped smile, he walked forward-- toward a new chapter of his life. 

~

K a r a s u n o   H i g h   S c h o o l 

"Kyaa! We're in the same class!" Suzumi almost belted in the air, with a tight hug she engulfs Nagisa in her arms. A flood of students stood by a corkboard that held the class lists of the entire first years. Nagisa and Suzumi couldn't have been happier to be in the same class just like last time. 

Nagisa's phone rang in her pocket, excited to see Leon's reply, she immediately took it out and had a look. 

Thanks, Sawamura-chan. Hope you're doing well in Karasuno.

Nagisa bit her lip, trying to prevent her cheeky smile and Suzumi took notice of it. 

"Eh? Who's that? Your boyfriend? Your crush? Come on lemme see--" Nagisa rolled her eyes and let out a breathy laugh. She turned around so her chatty friend couldn't see.