#hikariare

The weekend before Karasuno’s graduation ceremony, the boys’ volleyball club decided to head to a spot in the mountains for a bonfire night.

It was a cool Friday afternoon, and the sun was just getting ready to set. With college entrance exams finished, the third years of the club had been hard at studying and hadn’t officially resigned from the club. At Suga’s suggestion, they planned a bonfire party to celebrate them passing their preferred universities.

“Ahh, I can’t wait to roast marshmallows!” Hinata chimed as they started setting up in the woods, with Tanaka joining in.

“And maybe share some ghost stories while we’re at it.” Nishinoya grinned mischievously at Asahi, who shuddered almost visibly.

They finished setting up their stools, mats, and tents, and circled the bonfire. As the sun set and the stars appeared, they recalled the trials the club has gone through in the past years. Their laughing faces were illuminated by the glow of the fire, and everyone felt warm.

“Hai hai, how about a little song, then?” Suga clapped.

“WOAH!! I did see Daichi-san bringing a guitar!” Hinata exclaimed.

“How about I serenade you, Shimizu-san?” Tanaka cozied up to Shimizu. He was brushed off, but not without a slight blush dusting Shimizu’s cheeks.

Daichi set up his guitar amidst the chatter between his juniors. He cleared his throat as he was done, getting everyone’s attention. From each of his side, Suga and Asahi smiled at him warmly.

“Well, I don’t really have much to say.“ Daichi started, “We all fought hard this past year. We won, we lost, but most importantly, we grew. No longer are we the fallen crows, because we all worked hard to get back up—to sprout from the concrete and show them that Karasuno isn’t out of the game yet.”

Everyone was listening intently. Daichi smiled. “Thanks to everyone’s presence, we third years are ending high school without regrets.” The realization dawned that this family of 12 would soon change with their seniors graduating the following week. The mood became somber. Suga and Asahi each placed a hand on Daichi’s shoulders as he let out a shaky breath. “Thank you, guys, for everything.”

He started strumming his guitar.

Like lighting a fire to the cells of the body

I breathed in the air as much as I could

With blood and sweat as offerings, amd admiration as the sacred fire

Shout out, with full volume

Let there be light—

Memories of their high school days crossed Daichi’s mind as he serenaded everyone. Asahi was about to burst beside him. Suga’s grip on his shoulder tightened.

Let there be light

There's only one reason to kick the ground

I can fly even more radiantly

Let there be light

Your sparkles from today

Will light up a hesitating friend's way

Slowly, everyone joined in, echoing the lyrics. Unable to hold their tears back, the third years sang with their whole hearts, expressing their joy and sadness.

Their juniors backed them up, singing in the hopes that their gratitude will reach their seniors. Thank you for guiding us. Thank you for motivating us. Thank you for helping us grow.

Their voices echoed through the woods amidst the crackle of the bonfire and the chimes of the crickets. They won’t be the same after this, and it’s okay. After all, they have grown well.

With the prayer for the future as the signal, start it up

Carrying infinite dreams as if they were crosses

To the warriors that look forward to Eden, let there be light

Oh, ohh, ohhh