𝙻𝙰𝚂𝚃 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴

Chapter 28

M/n kept his gaze on his paper, trying to remember what the teacher had taught. Sighing quietly, he simply guessed on that question. Exams were finally here. There was so little time before the third years graduated and left Iwatobi. As M/n looked at the next question, his thoughts drifted back to his conversation with Nakamura-sensei.

<Flashback>

"L/n. Can I see you for a minute? And please, don't refuse."

"Huh?"

"If you refuse", he started, a dark aura forming around him. "I'll be forced to take desperate measures."

Sighing, I turned around and started walking towards him. Sitting down, I didn't bother to look at him. "Listen, L/n--"

"I know what you're gonna say. But, I already decided--"

"That's not what I was gonna say."

In surprise, I looked at him. Sighing heavily, he sat down at his desk. "There's just nothing else I can do to convince you. And knowing that you were at the hospital not long ago. I'm not gonna force you to do anything, L/n. You have to decide what's best for you. And if you think you're not well enough to continue with competitive swimming, then don't. Your health comes first. It always does when you're an athlete. I just want you to do something, L/n. Whether you become a doctor, officer, restaurant owner, or a teacher if you really want to. Just be something worth all these years you've been here. It'd be a waste for you to sit around and not do anything. It really is a waste. A waste of potential talent."

I looked down, taking in his words.

"Believe me, I quit with the forcing college and swimming on you. I've given up because of what happened. I don't want to be another person to cause you to hate it more. If you really love swimming, you'll come around to it when you're ready. Not when anyone else tells you. Understand?"

I nodded. "Thank you for being considerate", I responded with a small smile.

<End>

If I really love swimming...I'll come around to it when I feel like I can...I just hope that's true.

"Time's up."

The teacher grabbed the exam papers and took it to her desk. "Congratulations, third years. You're almost there. You're free to leave if you wish."

[Idk how exams work in Japan. Sorry, but I have to add that American school touch along with my purest wishes]

M/n got up, slinging his bag over his shoulder. Just as he was about to leave, Makoto came up to him. "How are you holding up, M/n?"

"I'm better."

"That's good. I'm glad to hear you're doing okay."

"Hey, uh...Makoto?"

"Hmm? What is it?"

"I...want to take a break from the club."

"That's fine, M/n. I mean, after everything that's happening, it's only natural--"

"Until I'm ready."

"Huh?"

"Until I'm ready...and at my full potential, I'll join you guys. I want you guys to go to Nationals before we graduate."