xi. our graduation

The third years' graduation was in late February. The graduation song was sung in the hall, which felt like an ice box thanks to the broken heating system. But still, the students trudged forward, making do with hats, coats, and scarves. Oikawa threw a wink and an air kiss at Naoko, which many female fans misinterpreted as being for them. For twenty seconds, the audience erupted into happy squealing. Naoko merely caught the kiss and pressed her hand against her heart, smiling knowingly.

And then, just like that, the ceremony was over.

The students were evacuated outside, and Naoko converged with her third year friends for one more time.

"Aww, we'll miss you!" Yui saw Akiyama Midori from the drama club sobbing as she draped herself over Naoko's shoulder like a lazy cat. "Take good care of the club when we're gone!"

Yui stood with Aoi, who couldn't hold back tears, watching the scene unfold. Then someone appeared next to her, and she grinned when she saw it was Iwaizumi. "Hey, you."

Iwaizumi ruffled her hair, which had miraculously combed today. "Hey. So everything's all over, huh?"

"Yep. Everything's all over."

"Iwa-chaaaann!" That was Oikawa. A sobbing mess, he threw himself at Iwaizumi. "I can't believe we're graduating! Class of 2012! It feels so unreal."

Grinning impishly, Yui and Aoi both patted him on the back as Iwaizumi tried to pry his best friend off him.

"There, there," simpered Aoi, as if she hadn't been crying just moments before. "Hey, your girlfriend's looking over here. Go bother her instead of Okayui's man."

Sniffling, Oikawa unlocked Iwaizumi from his grip and shuffled over to Naoko, who was standing with her pale-haired brother.

"Come on, let's go," Iwaizumi said eventually, intertwining his fingers with Yui. On her left, Aoi nodded, looping her arm around Yui's. "Oikawa's going to get hit by a bus if we don't get moving. Yui."

"Hm?"

Iwaizumi smiled. "Thanks. For making high school fun. Ah." He peered around her to see Aoi. "You too, Aoi-san."

Aoi chortled. "Oh, save it."

"I had a great time, too," Yui admitted, unable to help a grin. "So thanks, guys!"

Idly, they took their time as they walked toward the school gates for the last time as students.

As they passed through, Yui glanced back once, her face unreadable. Then her features softened, and her smile returned.

Goodbye, and thank you for the memories.

end.