Side chapter surprise! I present you Jun's perspective!

*NEW!!* Edit: I wasn't satisfied with this chapter so I edited it more to make it flow better. I apologize for this rushed side chapter if you have read this previous to the edit, I like to keep my scheduled updates on time...

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Once a year Jun would find time to visit his hometown to catch up with your guys' parents, his high school friends...and you. He couldn't pinpoint when it exactly happened but the divide between you two seemed to grow wider and wider each passing year. You always had something to do when he visited but he hoped that this year would be the year where he could at least try and mend things that were breaking over time.

Jun wasn't ignorant to why you were acting this way towards him. There was a lot of pressure coming from a lot of different areas, it wasn't unusual to feel overwhelmed by it all. What he didn't like was how the pressure was stopping you from the things he knew you loved to do.

After you had left to walk Oikawa out, the dinner table became quieter, the parents mulling over if what they said was too much and Jun mulling over how he should of spoken up sooner. He glanced at his half eaten plate and looked up towards his parents. He wanted to make sure you got the chance you deserved.

Jun's hand reaches into his pants pocket as it brushes against a pamphlet containing information on an art university around where he works. Jun had obtained it while he was in contact with one of his acquaintances. He supposed that this pamphlet would be a good time to throw in that chance for you.

He sighs as he combs his fingers through his hair to compose himself, the sound making the parents turn their attention to him. Jun is quiet for a while until he gathers his bearings before he finally speaks. "There's an art school close by my place that [Name] can try applying for. It'll also save a lot of money rather than living in a dorm." He pulls out a slightly wrinkled pamphlet from his pants pocket and hands it to your dad.

Jun pauses for a moment, trying to figure out his next few words. Your dad looks at your brother expectantly, knowing he still had more to say. However, Jun turns away from the expectant gaze, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. Although he was unsure of his opinion on your particular matter held much value, he wanted to support you in any way he could.

A moment more passes until Jun finally mulls up the will to speak again. "...I'll let you decide whether to let her know about that option or not. It's still important to have everyone's support."

Your dad glances at the art pamphlet with a scrutinizing gaze, putting his attention on each section of the pamphlet and then handing over the pamphlet to your mom before turning his attention back to Jun. "...We'd like to do some research on this art school you were referring to before we do anything else."

Jun lets out an internal sigh of relief as he nods at your dad. "I leave it up to you. Thank you for considering it."

The relief calmed down his nerves as he glanced back at his half eaten plate before making a move to finish the rest of it. By the way the parents had reacted to his proposal, there was a definite chance that you would be able to pursue art out of high school.

Knowing that your will and motivation was building up in strength, Jun felt it was time to let the parents know about the art school considering when he saw you for dinner that day. Your eyes held that light he hadn't seen for ages and when Oikawa walked up beside you he knew how exactly you got it back.

He would have to thank Oikawa if he has a chance to talk to him again.

~~

In the middle of the week, prior to your art exhibition, Jun obtained an art book from the book store containing basic art terms and techniques he would see on Saturday. He was comfortably reading through the thin book as he was settled onto the couch in the living room. His mind filed through each term with immaculate speed as his brain absorbed the definitions like a sponge. He wanted to properly understand what you loved to do, especially now that you had finally let him into your little world.

Finally finishing the last page of the book, he closes it shut and places it on the table. Closing his eyes, he shifts himself on the couch and lies down on it, propping his feet on the arms of the couch. Jun takes this time to relax his mind for a couple minutes as he thinks through what he could do at this point forward.

The sound of the door to the living room creaking open leads Jun's eyes to flutter open to identify who entered the room. The two males in the room catch each other's eyes before your dad makes his way towards Jun.

Your dad looks to the lounging Jun for a moment before his eyes lock onto the lone book on the table. As your dad studies the title and the cover of the book, Jun observes him silently, trying to figure out what your dad was thinking about. A minute passes before your dad clears his throat a little awkwardly before pointing at the book. "Are you done with this?"

Jun blinks, surprised at your dad's question and just nods. When Jun does so, your dad takes the book off the table, gives Jun a small nod and then walks out of the room without another word.

When Jun hears the door of the living room close shut, he chuckles. "We're all so awkward."

~~

When the day of your art exhibition came, Jun wasn't surprised to see Oikawa by your side as he saw you chatting to him with a smile he hadn't seen for far too long. He observed your interactions with Ami as she went ahead and began excitedly talking to you before him and your guys' parents made it to you.

As the parents were chatting to you, Jun subtly fell into step beside Oikawa while you were preoccupied with showing everyone to your works. Oikawa gives Jun a broad smile before Jun spoke to him.

"It's Oikawa right?"

Oikawa turns his attention towards Jun, the broad smile never leaving his face. "Ah, yes. And you would be [Surname]-san right?"

Jun chuckles and waves off the last bit of what Oikawa said. "Just Jun is fine by me. It would be quite confusing since the whole family is here."

"Hm~ Jun-san then?" Oikawa's words are light and airy, making Jun realize just how you managed to let loose even just a little bit.

Jun nods and lets out a hum of acknowledgement when Oikawa utters his name. "Yeah that'll be fine by me."

The conversation dies down after the formal introduction; both males glanced over to your elated expression as you were seen still excitedly showing everyone the paintings you made. It wasn't hard to tell that you were thrilled that the parents had showed up.

Jun was so proud that you had taken a step forward, so glad you had found friends that supported what you love. But most of all...

"...I'm glad to see [Name] painting again," Jun trails off softly. It was a part of you, and for you to take a step back in order to fulfill what you expected the parents wanted you to do instead broke his heart. More than anything, he wanted you to live a life that had an enjoyable journey and destination. He breaks out of his thoughts when he hears Oikawa let out a lighthearted laugh.

"I'm not sure she could ever stop painting!" Oikawa grins, his eyes sparkling with admiration for you. "She gives it her all and always tries to find solutions when one of her techniques sends her into a rut."

Jun takes in Oikawa's words, feeling more and more relieved as he repeated it to himself. Has it really been that long? He realized you were no longer the passive sister he had that blankly followed through with the parents expectations you thought they had for you. You had grown so much and were actively working to improve yourself in each and every step.

Oikawa rubs the back of his neck as his eyes lock onto your form. "You know, she's glad that you're here too." Jun blinks in surprise as his eyes also dart to you before looking back to Oikawa.

When Oikawa doesn't elaborate further, Jun gives Oikawa a smile before lightly patting his back and leaning in slightly. "I'll let you in on a little tidbit," he urges Oikawa to come closer to share the secret. "A certain someone's special day is coming up soon, good luck." Jun leans back and chuckles at Oikawa's questioning gaze. "I'll leave the rest for you to figure out~"

Feeling accomplished that he had also left something for Oikawa to mull over, Jun spares Oikawa a side grin before making his way over to you.

As Jun patted your shoulder to catch your attention, he observed your wondering gaze morph into a look of disbelief as he shared the information about the parent's efforts. He relished in the hints of excitement embedded within your expression before he excused himself from your side to get a better look at your work with the parents. After all, he didn't want that art cram session to go to waste.

For most of the time in the exhibit Jun carefully took a look at each work you made, being blown away at the different styles you executed and the little hints of yourself put into each work. Although you had looked up to him as a child, he couldn't help look up to you from this moment forward. The way you strived for what you loved at full force knocked him off his feet. You presented yourself as is in each and every work, not bothering to put up any sort of façade.

...A façade like what he had been putting up for ages. For once, Jun let his smile fall from his face and relaxed.

Unlike you, Jun had trouble presenting himself wholly as is. Everything came with a price after all. Since he had been gifted with a more than average intelligence, he found it hard to find people who genuinely wanted to befriend him.

It was always people using him to get to the top, to make themselves more likeable—he was like some sort of trophy that everyone each took turns using. He was everyone's Jun, the guy who happened to bring in people because of what he did rather than what he was.

But would it be just the way it had to be?

It made him realize that he also had much to improve on as well. Seeing you breaking free and not compromising how you acted for the sake of others made Jun want to strive to do the same. You reminded him that development was not stagnant.

From that point on, he decided to leave his mask behind.

As he said his goodbyes, he laid his eyes on you for a moment and smiled fondly. He would work hard to find someone who would see him as he was, not what he did. Be it a friend or a lover, he wanted to become a Jun that was special to someone.

He trails his eyes over to an amusing scene before him. Oikawa had wrapped his arms almost possessively around you, giving the guy you were speaking to a hard stare. When you would turn your attention to Oikawa, his eyes would soften, making Jun notice that all too familiar look.

It seems that you were already special to a certain someone.

~~

A couple days later after the exhibit, Jun continued to figure out solutions for his current troubles, lying idly on his bed before sitting up. He sighs heavily as he roughly combs through his hair and stands up from the bed.

The silence is broken when he hears muffled talking in the next room over. Curiously, Jun makes his way out the door to find the source of the noise, his footsteps quiet as to not be detected.

When he finds the source, he pops his head in the room catching the backs of the parents hovered over a computer. As he strains to eavesdrop, his eyes widen slightly at what he hears.

They were researching the art school he mentioned a couple days ago. Jun pulls back from the door before giving them one last glance as he walks off with a light hum escaping his lips. His hums stop abruptly when he realizes something.

He knew Oikawa was a big support to you but Jun wondered how far that support went... He bit the inside of his cheek in thought.

Well, there was still time before graduation to tell what path you would decide to choose.