Chapter Text
It continues to rain for the next few days.
The sky is stormy, dark from where Soushirou sits with an open book on his lap. It has remained untouched for nearly half an hour now as he stares up at the dark, dreary clouds expanding in the sky to leave no room for the sun to peek in. He shivers a bit from a sudden gust of wind through the window, tucking his chin in as he continues to watch the forming clouds take place.
The room he’s in is a bit dark with only one small lamp table to light it up. It’s supposed to be afternoon right now, but it certainly doesn’t look like a summer afternoon. If Soushirou fools himself, he can imagine it’s a rainy spring day if not for the muggy nights which he lately spends tossing around on his futon.
Resting his head against the wooden beam behind him, he contemplates taking a nap, his eyes heavy. Before he can do so, he catches a glimpse of black and white among the greeneries outside, and his sleepiness is immediately chased away.
Bitterness settles on his tongue as he watches Narumi walking side-by-side with Kaburagi-san. He’s slouching, his hands in the pockets of his shorts as he drags himself while Kaburagi-san remains tall and poised. They might be on their lunch break right now, as they appear to be strolling leisurely rather than working on something.
Soushirou tracks the way Narumi’s hair dances in the wind, strands of black and white wildly swept back, revealing his healthy, unbruised eye. From this angle, Soushirou can only see it, and he doesn’t know if he should be feeling grateful for not knowing how his injury looks right now. He doesn’t need anything else added on this turmoil of feelings brewing inside him as he stares at Narumi’s side profile. He tries not to think about the painful yearning in his chest.
They’re probably talking about something unpleasant, evident by the deepening scowl on Narumi’s face with each passing second. Soushirou doesn’t expect for him to know what they may be doing despite his curiosity, so it comes as a surprise when instead of walking past, they stop near the window, the room he’s in high enough that he can peek down on them without any suspicion.
“ - just sayin’, Gen.”
Narumi clicks his tongue, awkwardly shifting on his feet as Kaburagi-san continues. “Think yer up for it?”
Exhaling loudly, Narumi complains. “He’s been avoiding me.”
Heart in his throat, Soushirou ducks despite knowing he’s safe. His heart thunders together with a slight flutter because it doesn’t take for a genius to notice who Narumi is clearly referring to. Soushirou refuses to believe it at first, but then Narumi goes to speak.
“I can’t find bowlcut anywhere. He’s avoiding me, old man.”
A loud sigh. “How badly did ya mess up for him to avoid ya like this?”
“It wasn’t -”
“If he could, he wouldn't want to spend a day without ya.”
His heart leaping once again, the heat to his cheeks come unannounced at the revelation. Narumi has the same reaction as he splutters. “IT’S NOT THAT -”
Kaburagi-san shushes him, speaking loudly over his indignant remark. “You’ve been miserable these past few days, Gen. Forgive this old man for tryin’ to cheer you up.”
“I’M NOT MISERABLE!”
“If it makes ya feel better, Soushirou feels the same as ya.”
A short silence to which Soushirou comically freezes, eyes wide open and this time, Narumi’s shock is apparent as he stammers out. “Hoshi - Bowlcut does?”
“He doesn’t tell me anythin’, but I know when he feels a bit down.”
His skin is clammy, his blood roaring in his ears as Soushirou tries to make sense of the conversation. Hand covering his mouth, he tries to calm down because surely he hasn’t been that obvious, has he? His mind goes back to what he has done the past few days, he simply had holed up in the library most of the time, only venturing out when he knew Narumi’s work hours were over. He had encountered Kaburagi-san only a handful of times, but they rarely exchanged anything else aside from greetings.
It couldn't have been that obvious that he was missing Narumi by his side.
He’s proven wrong a bit after Narumi asks, doubtful. “Why do you think so?”
“You’ve been stuck to each other ever since ya two met. When I saw youn’ master all alone, I know that somethin’ must had happened between you two.”
There’s no comeback from Narumi. He lets out a sigh after a few seconds of not saying anything. Soushirou doesn’t know what’s going on, so he slowly peeks out, seeing Kaburagi-san gently patting Narumi’s shoulder before they both continue walking, gravel scrunching beneath their feet.
Soushirou watches as they disappear from view, staring at their retreating backs before he slides down, hands gripping the windowsill and heart beating fast. Forehead pressed to the wooden wall, he grounds himself by desperately not thinking of the thoughts threatening to take over his mind. It’s futile when he remembers how it was like to have Narumi by his side, the warmth he longs for a desperate need after a tormenting moment of self-solitude and avoidance.
He gulps, cursing himself for being weak.
The ground is muddy, squelching under his feet when Soushirou steps into the garden.
There are puddles everywhere, pools of water that reflect his face when he stares into them. They ripple when raindrops clinging stubbornly onto leaves and branches finally let go, falling down and distorting his reflection.
The weatherman had said it will no longer be raining today, and it’s true as the blue sky greets him, white clouds floating around and hiding the sun, sparing him from the heat of it. Soushirou breathes in the petrichor before he moves, slowly walking.
After resting for a while, his foot has healed now. There is no twinge of pain as he guides himself past the small bridge and the blooming flower bushes, his eyes on the search for the figure he loathes to admit has been missed by him. His heart stutters to a temporary stop when he spots Narumi crouching down near one of the flowerbeds, as he finds himself forgetting to breathe for a short second.
He’s weeding out the flowerbed, a trowel in hand as he digs into the soft, mushy dirt. He appears not to notice Soushirou watching him, pulling out the weeds in deep concentration.
Soushirou tries not to remember it, the immeasurable disappointment or his heart being crushed, in fear of himself not having the courage to talk to him. This close to Narumi, his heart beats stronger, his fingers clammy and he wishes nothing more than to go near him, to have Narumi facing him again.
“Narumi-san.”
Narumi stops, tossing the weeds towards a pile before he turns around, boots scraping the tiny garden pebbles.
His bangs have gotten longer. Soushirou can’t see his eyes now. Maybe for good as he says, gesturing with his head.
“Follow me.”
He expects Narumi not to follow him. With how he has been avoiding him, Soushirou won’t blame him if he doesn’t because he would have done the same. It comes as a surprise when he hears him moving, footsteps shuffling on the dirt before he soon follows him from a safe distance.
Soushirou leads them to the nearby dojo, knowing it’s empty at this time. Narumi is silent, stepping inside and closing the door behind him, leaving them two inside.
Soushirou declares. “Spar with me.”
That gets Narumi to speak up, breaking the silence he has been withholding. “Seriously?” He asks in an incredulous tone.
“Don’t make me repeat it twice.”
Narumi looks like he’s ready to storm out - and Soushirou expects him to, but instead he squares up, gritting his teeth as he steps forward. “Fine.”
It has been a long time since Soushirou has stepped inside a dojo, the last time when his hands still remained rigid and his back battered from exhaustion. It smells the same. His gaze lingers at the rack of wooden swords in longing, but he is not here for that, so instead he gets into position after a few stretches, looking at Narumi. His laid backness is gone, in its place a strict starting posture, textbook if not for Narumi’s own modifications to it.
“What does the winner get?”
“If ya lose,” Soushirou taunts, drinking in the tick of Narumi’s jaw. “Ya tell me the truth.”
“Fine.” Narumi spits out. “And if you lose, forget everything about it.”
That riles Soushirou up as he grins, irritation simmering underneath his skin. He widens his stance and clenches his fists.
“Don’t worry. I won’t lose.”
Narumi narrows his eyes, and widens as Soushirou lunges forward.
The punch is easily avoided with a swerve of his head, the other punch this time he is quick to block with his arms. Forcing him into a defensive position, Soushirou doesn’t give Narumi to breathe or think.
Quicker.
Another jab, to which Narumi blocks at the last minute.
Faster!
A kick to the side. Narumi grits his teeth.
You can go faster!
Narumi doesn’t make a sound when Soushirou’s fist hits his cheek. Nothing to indicate it hurts if not for the start of a red blossom on his pale skin, and the miniscule beads of blood on his lower lip that he gingerly licks off.
“Take me seriously!”
The heat in Narumi’s eyes through long bangs is smoldering, irritated and much more. He brings up his fists and this time, he rushes forward first.
He’s an erratic fighter, Soushirou quickly sums up. Narumi brings forward a mix of punches, kicks and feints, random in rotation and position as Soushirou soon learns. He favours his right side heavily, and he plays dirty when he goes in. A punch from the left, a kick that if hits will make his head spin – Soushirou blocks and heads in for retaliation.
They exchange blows, fighting each other tooth and nail. Among his injuries, there’s a nasty bruise that will form on his abdomen soon, courtesy of a vicious front kick. His jaw stings from a laid punch. His scalp is wet with sweat. His lungs beg for air. His arms are falling off.
Narumi doesn’t look any better. Heaving, the focus in his eyes are intense when he steps in for another kick. Soushirou blocks it, barely managing to twist his body to avoid an incoming punch and a grapple to toss him.
Took judo, his ass. He is definitely a champion.
That annoys Soushirou. Just how much does he not know about Narumi? When he himself had laid himself bare with all the humiliation free for taking, Narumi is ferreting his own secrets away. Narumi knows pretty much everything about him, and in return Soushirou only knows that he is annoying as hell!
There’s a tiny slip of opportunity when Narumi diverges from a punch, leaving a small part of his upper torso visible. It’s barely there, a gap in Narumi’s annoyingly tight defense that in the blink of an eye would usually be gone, but to Soushirou’s trained eye aided by his rising anger, he doesn’t miss it.
Narumi’s eyes widen in brief surprise when Soushirou jabs in and in the next second, they’re rolling on the floor, the tatami mats softening the impact when he is brought under. They grapple, tossing and turning like a pair of wild dogs, all pretense of elegance thrown out of the window when Narumi yanks the short ends of his hair. He snarls, attempting to throw the fist off only for Narumi to tug harder and fuck, that hurts before he is thrown, caught off guard.
Straddling him, Narumi grins. “I win.”
Soushirou smiles before head-butting him.
A fuck! from Narumi’s potty mouth. Soushirou twists his ankles around Narumi’s waist. Narumi yelps when his face hits the floor, Soushirou’s knee jabbing him in the back and pinning him under.
They’re both breathing heavily. Against his arm, Narumi’s skin is boiling hot through his shirt. He tries to buck him off, but Soushirou only puts down his weight more until Narumi can only grunt and flop down like a fish on dry land. Sweat rolling down his chin, Soushirou huffs out. “I win.”
Narumi is quiet for a while. Soushirou wonders if he will admit to defeat and if not, just how he must wrangle it out. To his surprise, Narumi grunts. “Fine. You win. Get off me.”
He hesitates.
Narumi must have sensed it because he deflates, appearing to become one with the tatami. “You’re heavy, bowl cut.”
Soushirou doesn’t like the bitter taste in his mouth when he asks. “Ya won’t run?”
Twisting his head, Narumi looks at him for the first time in this position. Cheek smushed on the tatami, he stares at him as if he’s grown a second head. He snorts. “Where? You’re just gonna hunt me down, aren’t you? Unless you’re gonna give me a headstart by avoiding my ass.”
That stings. Soushirou shoots back. “Only because you were being an asshole.”
Despite his reluctance, he lets him go. Narumi winces when he pushes himself up, rolling over to sprawl on the floor. Soushirou sits down, crossing his legs while palming a tender bruise on his ribs. Back turned on him, Narumi doesn’t look better. His split lip is twisted in a scowl, a bruise already forming on his cheek. He doesn’t try to turn around, letting Soushirou stare at his back.
It reminds him of back in the early days of summer, when Narumi came in unannounced and his back littered with bruises. It seems so far away ago and here they are, not much different than before.
Soushirou stares. Worrying on his lower lip, he asks. “Do ya have any new bruises?”
“Yeah. You just made a few.”
“Ya know that’s not what I’m talking about.”
Narumi’s shoulders tense, as if he wants to deny. “No.” He mumbles. “Nothing new.”
Soushirou says, unimpressed. “Yer lying.”
That accusation is enough to have Narumi turning to look at him. He seethes out. “I’m not.”
Still unimpressed, Soushirou pokes his left, where he definitely saw Narumi wincing when he took a hit. As predicted, Narumi winces again, louder this time.
“Are ya sure?” Soushirou asks, and his tone must have done something as Narumi visibly tenses. He can see the dilemma in his eyes, wondering whether to confess or not. He looks as if he just swallowed something bitter when he admits, his words sounding as if he’s pulling out teeth. “I have a few.”
He tugs on his shirt. Narumi rolls his eyes before begrudgingly taking it off. There’s not a lot like last time, but Soushirou’s eyes still snag on the large purple bruise near his tailbone.
The silence is awkward. Narumi would have usually broken the silence by then, or Soushirou would have with a quip of his, but neither of them takes the first move. Slowly, as not to startle him, Soushirou lays his forehead on the back before him. Narumi stiffens, but he doesn’t move away. He gradually relaxes when Soushirou doesn’t do anything else, only closing his eyes as his skin soaks in the contact with the other’s cold, clammy back.
His heart tugs, a feeling of longing he doesn’t admit out loud. Surprising how a period of absence can make him miss this idiot so much.
Soushirou can go through this without any talking. He’s way too exhausted to open his mouth, feeling the leftovers of the fight weighing down his body. Narumi lets out a deep exhale of breath, and pressed this close, Soushirou hears his voice rumbling quietly.
“The kids at school hate me.”
It’s the holidays, Soushirou thinks and Narumi must have guessed his line of thought as he says. “They’re fucking jerks, a bunch of bullies and they like to pick fights with any idiot in the class.”
“They’ve been at it since elementary, apparently. Took cash and stuff from the kids that are too scared to do anything. I usually ignore them.”
It’s difficult to imagine Narumi not being righteous, the memory of him calming down the children in the bunker immediately coming up to the surface. Narumi continues, and Soushirou knows he’s fiddling with his fingers. “They’re annoying. They have this one guy they like to bully. Had his head down the toilet bowl and everything. Yea. Like in the movies.”
Soushirou doesn’t know just what kind of movies. He tries to imagine what Narumi’s talking about and failing, his home education enabling him to have the concept of a bully being his brother the closest he can muster. Still, he thinks that’s a very unfair comparison.
Narumi is quiet. “They pushed the guy into the pool.”
His tone grows low. “He can’t swim. I’ve seen him in swimming class, that guy can’t swim at all. If I was a second late –”
His throat clamps shout. He’s breathing heavily. Worried he will do something drastic such as stand up on his feet and stomp away, Soushirou speaks up for the first time, tripping over his words. “Ya don’t have to –”
“Shut up, bowl cut.” Narumi heaves out. He runs a hand through his hair, sweeping his bangs back. He’s still avoiding eye contact with him. “The assholes decide to beat me up for ruining their fun. When they’re bored, they come to me and beat me up. That’s the story. You can laugh now.”
Soushirou asks. “Ya didn’t fight back?”
“And get another suspension?” Narumi shoots back. It appears the wrong thing for him to say as he blanches. “Fuck. One of the assholes has their dad as some sort of minister, they give money to keep the school quiet or fucking me quiet.”
That’s the end of it. Narumi twitches, uncomfortable. Soushirou deadpans. “Are ya fuckin’ stupid?”
Narumi shrugs.
“If yer not injured, I will literally punch ya in the face right now, Narumi-san.”
“You won’t.” Narumi declares. “You’re too dignified to do that.”
“Don’t test me, Narumi-san.”
Narumi snorts and for a second, Soushirou does contemplate punching him in the face again, only refusing to do so when he sees the way Narumi’s eyes are closed, a relaxed expression on his admittingly bruised face. The edges of his lips are a flatline, and he’s breathing audibly, and Soushirou stares.
Soushirou closes his eyes too.
He rests his forehead on his back again. This time, Narumi doesn’t tense at all.
“Yer so stupid.”
“I can’t leave the guy to drown. I’m not that stupid.”
“Ya, yer not that stupid.”
“You’re not supposed to agree with me.”
“What I agree with is none of yer business.” Bitter, Soushirou huffs out. “Ya should avoid them.”
Narumi answers. “I try to. They catch me off guard once in a while.”
“And ya get a beatin’.”
“Either that or they find some other orphan to beat up. At least I know how to defend myself.”
“What are their names?”
Narumi is staring at him, probably figuring out what he’s thinking. “I’m not giving you their names.”
His father can easily handle this situation. Just a few phone calls and Narumi would be left alone. There would be no more bruises, no more anxiety clogging Soushirou’s throat in exchange of him swallowing his pride to ask help from his family. His brother would have a field day if he knows, but Soushirou can keep his father’s mouth shut with a bit of coaxing. The only problem lies in the fact that he knows Narumi won’t take kindly to it and as much as he wants to help, is aware it’ll only ruin their friendship.
Friendship, is that what you’re calling it? A tiny voice inquires, sarcastic.
Of course it’s a friendship. Friends look out for each other. Soushirou declares snippily.
“Don’t bother, bowl cut. I’ve been dealing with them for months now.”
That isn’t exactly helping to ease his worries. As if sensing them, Narumi looks at him.
“I can take care of myself, trust me on that.”
Does he even know what he’s asking for? Stupid. Soushirou rolls his eyes. He may have won their fight, but he can’t win this one. So stupid. He reluctantly relents, swallowing the worry and shoving it back down into his throat. He should have learned by now that worriness is a constant emotion when dealing with one Narumi Gen.
“‘Kay.”
Narumi raises one eyebrow. “Not going to fight me on that?”
Soushirou shakes his head. “No, but ya hafta agree with me here. Ya get beaten up, ya tell me, ‘kay? Ya don’t need to go around without treatin’ yer injuries anymore.”
“Your house is so far!” Narumi protests.
“When we meet, of course.” He gives the bruise another poke, laughing when Narumi yelps and tries to elbow him. Ignoring the death glare, he continues. “Yer an idiot if ya think I’m gonna leave ya alone.”
Narumi grumbles something unintelligible. From here, he barely notices the redness dusting the tips of his ears. He really does blush when he gets embarrassed, how adorable.
After a few exchanges of snide comments, he caves in. Slumping down, he whines out. “Ugh. Fineeee. I’ll come to you. Satisfied now, bowl cut?”
It’s better than nothing. Soushirou’s heart is lighter as he jabs him in the side, careful to avoid his injury. “No stupid secrets anymore?”
Narumi looks at him, for once not shying away when he says. “No secrets.”
Their friendship continues on normally.
It’s astonishing how easily they bounce back. Soushirou expects for there to be resentment or lingering awkwardness from what had been spilled, but there is no sign of it as they continue to bicker with each other, prodding and jabbing as their normal. Narumi insults him with words that if Tamako-san hears would have him eating soap while Soushirou provokes him about his idiotic tendencies just to pull out a flush or screech. Maybe it’s only to Soushirou that the air between them feels lighter, that Narumi isn’t very strung up now and he himself is in the happiest mood summer has provided to him so far.
It’s on one sweltering afternoon where they are strolling on the beach that Narumi grabs his hand.
Their hands are sweaty. Narumi’s grip tightens. He doesn’t let go even when Soushirou shoots him an inquisitive look, so they continue to hold hands as they walk on the shore. They only let go when they have to go their separate ways. Yet, the touch lingers even after Soushirou has tucked himself into his futon, staring at his palm.
It’s not only the touching. Narumi is prickly on a good day at best, but his defensive posture and barbed words have reduced to almost containing good humour on his worst ones. He’s still witty, insulting everything left and right, but it’s certainly not to Soushirou’s imagination that he smiles more now. None of that infuriatingly arrogant smirk. It’s more gentle, if that word can be associated with him. A small quirk of his lips, a hint of his real smile. Quick to be seen and quick to disappear.
Narumi smiles longingly at him once when Soushirou can’t think of a comeback to his snide commentary. Any effort to string a sentence dies when he catches the small gesture, as he fixates heavily on the show of thin lips curled up unknowingly. The breeze ruffles his bangs then, exposing all the fondness drowning his eyes, steady magenta irises sure in their target of sight. Gentle his gaze is. When Soushirou is unable to do anything but stare, stare with Narumi staring at him back, his heart thumps the loudest it has this summer.
He breaks it with an awkward laugh, and the smile is quick to be gone when he provokes him with an off-handed commentary. Soon, they’re back to jabbing at each other, laughing and making fun of the smallest matters. Yet, the smile haunts Soushirou’s memory to his futon.
The smiling, the touching, the small gestures since the beginning of Narumi showing care. They all pile up, growing bigger and bigger, until they want to barrel out of his ribcage while carrying his beating heart away in a victorious cheer. Soushirou does what he thinks is best, shoving it all down and ignoring the grumbling demand it wants from him.
After all, if he ignores it, it should be all good.
-
“Sou, look at me. Sou~”
Soushirou ignores his brother’s insistent calling of his name, his eyes staring at the calligraphy painting hanging from the wall rather than his brother whining for attention.
“Sou~”
He remembers his father mentioning that he bought this from an auction a while ago. It’s beautiful, Soushirou approves of the depth of the strokes, the penmanship exquisite while the message itself -
“Sou~”
His brother pokes his cheek and he slaps it away.
He turns to him, scowling at his brother’s cheerful expression. “What do ya want?”
His brother puts a hand on his heart, faking hurt as he sighs deeply. “Where’s my goodbye hug?”
Unamused, Soushirou dryly says. “Can ya just go and no longer sully this house with your presence?”
“OUCH!”
Rolling his eyes because his brother is such a drama queen at times, Soushirou has the sudden urge to just kick him out. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the energy to do so after not managing to sleep a wink at all last night after dreaming of Narumi’s biceps.
They’re at the front entrance, his brother wearing his formal military uniform with his hat tucked underneath his arm. His summer break is ending today and he has to report to duty immediately, which is good riddance in Soushirou’s opinion. One less thing for him to worry about aside from Narumi’s stupid smirk.
He had avoided the little farewell gathering just now, using his recently-injured foot as an excuse for not going. His father had let him with one simple request and that is to at least say goodbye to his brother and Soushirou knows better than to go against it. Souichirou will bombard their father with complaints and Soushirou doesn’t exactly find his stern lectures fun.
“No goodbye hug?” Here he is, the Hoshina heir, who is a fully-grown adult pleading with tears in his eyes. Oh, how his fanclub will be devastated. “Handshake? Kiss?”
“In your damn dreams!”
He elbows him hard, but that doesn’t stop his brother from draping all over him, whining about how cold his little brother is. Soushirou yelps, goosebumps crawling all over his skin as he shoves him off. His brother stumbles before straightening himself.
“Ugh, stop bein’ all over me!”
His brother pouts. “Meanie.”
“Look in the damn mirror.”
Sighing dramatically, his brother swoons, back of his hand pressed to his forehead. “Ah, how woeful! I came back to spend my time with my family but my lil bro’s too busy suckin’ faces with his new boyfriend.”
Soushirou freezes, then the meaning of the words sinks in and he explodes.
Yanking his brother by the lapels of his uniform, he shakes him, blushing furiously while his brother cackles, loud and pleased with himself. “Ya - He’s - He’s not my boyfriend! How do ya even know about him?!”
His brother chortles, unaffected by the rough shaking or the multitude of questions coming out of Soushirou’s mouth. “My god, yer so red! He’s really yer boyfriend!”
“He’s not my boyfriend -”
“Yer boy toy then!”
“THAT’S WORSE!”
“Aww, don’t be shy!” His brother pokes his tongue out, ruffling his head while Soushirou tries to bat away that latching hand. “When I was at yer age, I was doin’ more than just shoving my tongue down a dude’s throat, yer still a baby!”
“Stop talkin’!”
“Whatcha gonna do - OW!”
His brother lets out a scream of pain when Soushirou kicks him in the shin. He lets him go in favour of rubbing the spot, hissing as Soushirou stares down at him mutinously. His mind runs a hundred miles at once, having difficulty coming up to terms that his brother had literally assumed he and Narumi had been. Had been -
Then Soushirou is reminded of the fact that his brother had actually been frivoling around and he hisses out in indignation when he realises what that actually means. “Wait. So when ya said ya were sick for a week and I had to cover up for yer ass, ya were busy makin’ out -”
“Ah, I think I gotta go now! Kaiju wait for no men!”
“GET BACK HERE!”
Soushirou manages to stop him in place by grabbing the back of his collar. Expression twisted, his brother slowly turns around and drawls out. “I won’t tell father, kay? Ya can have yer little summer scandal.”
Spluttering, he manages to weakly explain. “I. We’re not datin’ or anything. And it’s definitely not a scandal!”
“But ya do wanna hook up with him, right?”
He drops his head, aware of how red he must look like right now. He doesn’t look forward to his brother teasing him with this in the future and he desperately wants to hide away, but he doesn’t want to leave this conversation hanging. “Don’t be so vulgar. It’s. It’s nothin’. We are just friends.”
His brother hums, unconvinced judging by his tone and unimpressed face. There’s a bit of a silence where Soushirou regrets even trying to explain what’s happening, and it shifts into awkwardness when his brother clears his throat, his voice stilted.
“I don’t mind if yer dating a guy.”
Soushirou frowns. He mumbles. “I don’t need yer approval.”
“Ya, ya.” His brother waves a hand absent-mindedly. “Will ya let me go now? I really gotta go before my Captain kicks my ass.”
“I hope they do.”
Despite his words, he lets him go. His brother pats down his uniform, tucking long strands of his hair behind his ears before putting on his hat. He looks from beneath it, grinning. “See ya, Sou.”
Soushirou doesn’t bother replying, watching in silence as his brother heads out, sliding the door shut behind him. He hears the sound of his boots stepping on the pavement slowly fading before there’s nothing and it’s just quiet.
He stares at the closed door for a bit more. His brother is gone now, the realisation sinks in. His shoulders grow lighter despite the heavy pit of his stomach. No more Hoshina Souichirou until their next unfortunate encounter. And he knows it will come - he will barrel through the obstacles in his path for that day when his brother will finally acknowledge him.
Then, he remembers his brother’s colourful remarks. He scoffs. He and Narumi aren’t dating, they’re not. His brother is just as blind as a bat. Besides, Narumi doesn’t even like him that way.
Does he? The voice inside his head piques out.
Soushirou loudly scoffs. Of course he does not.
Whatever ya say. The voice drawls out.
Now, he’s the one that sounds stupid. Arguing with the voice inside his head all day long isn’t a healthy thing to do. Pursing his lips, Soushirou decides to hunt down Narumi.
While he walks down the long corridor to one of the gardens, his mind unhelpfully picks up that in just a matter of time, his main stress outlet has switched from hitting the dojo to finding out wherever Narumi can be hiding in the humongous estate. He is still unable to find the drive to swing his sword, he knows as he has tested it the night before. There’s not really much to do except for playing a one-sided hide and seek with Narumi, and the teenager in question makes it quite difficult to be easily disturbed.
Unsurprisingly, the dojo is not where he is. While it’s comfortable, there’s always an influx of people occupying it and after the second time Soushirou had caught him lazying there, Narumi decided to hunt for other places. Soushirou checks the scattered gazebos around, walking in circles trying to find a mop of nastily-dyed hair. Nope. Nothing. There is also no sight of him in the vast garden and a quick questioning from a working Kaburagi-san gives no clue for his whereabouts.
Despite being unpredictable, Narumi is a man of convenience. Soushirou strikes out places that are noisy or occupied, peering in dark corners or behind pillars where the sun doesn’t shine. After some time searching, he finally spots a figure sprawled at the end of the corridor.
Grinning, he is about to jump in front and startle him, but stops once he catches notice of long eyelashes shut behind his messy bangs.
He’s sleeping, Soushirou notes. Quietly, he sits down behind him, his eyes unable to tear away from Narumi’s peaceful expression.
It’s not the first time Narumi has slept near him. He often dozes whenever he’s bored out of his mind. It’s always light and he wakes up with just one jerk to not miss anything. Even during one of his lazy long naps, he immediately wakes up without any prompting. It's however, the first time Soushirou has seen him sleep soundly when he’s near him.
His arms folded behind his head, Narumi sleeps with a small snore. It picks up with a soft rumble before dying down, and repeats at random intervals. It’s clear he’s deep in sleep when the sound of Soushirou moving behind him isn’t enough to wake him up. He can see why, staring at the deep eyebags highlighting his now slightly tanned complexion.
It must have been minutes of Soushirou just staring at him. He shifts in his place, sitting more comfortably, but his eyes keep falling back to Narumi’s slumbering figure. It’s - Narumi is so still. He is always shouting, moving around or peering from beneath his bangs. He is always focused and alert even when his mind seems far away, that’s the kind of Narumi Soushirou is familiar with. He is unfamiliar with a Narumi that is resting, letting himself sleep so deeply outside in the open.
However, it is not uncomfortable. Instead of feeling as if he’s intruding, Soushirou finds himself captivated. This Narumi is so different. He sleeps with a light snore, smacking his lips a few times before continuing. His eyes are not open to scrutinise each of Soushirou’s movements, so he takes the opportunity to really look at him.
Narumi turns onto his side facing him, huffing. Soushirou tenses, but Narumi doesn’t open his eyes, his bangs curtaining them. He continues to sleep, undisturbed.
This is bad. Soushirou’s heart beats loudly when his hand itches to swipe his bangs away.
This is bad. Soushirou gulps when he looks at dry, chapped lips.
This is bad. Soushirou leaps on his feet and runs off before he can do something as stupid as kissing a sleeping Narumi Gen.
He shouldn’t have let his brother’s words haunt him, Soushirou thinks as he stares at the lone wind chime. It sways in the wind, unbothered by Soushirou’s muddled thoughts.
Ya wanna kiss him so bad. Hoshina Souichirou’s voice unhelpfully glees. He’s far away from home and his brother’s still haunting his thoughts, that is bad for his mental health. He vehemently shooes away Souichirou’s cackling face, but in his place, Narumi’s face pops up instead.
You want to kiss me so bad. Narumi says with that infuriating smirk that Soushirou wants to kiss him so bad -
He waves the imagination away, unable to ignore the rising heat in his cheeks. Get your mind out of the gutter, Hoshina Soushirou. You’ve faced public humiliation in front of your family and you didn’t keel over, you can handle a stupid, idiotic teenage crush that comes with an additional problem of wanting to snog a mouth that spits out only foul words.
Although the mouth comes with a hot body.
Soushirou hisses, stomping the voice away. It’s as if once he has admitted the K word, all the floodgates are now open and there’s a competition inside both his heart and mind to run him wild. Soushirou’s not in denial, he knows what he wants. Doesn’t mean he has to do something when he can still try his best to ignore it.
Narumi doesn’t make it easier. Soushirou has done a good job of putting up a cool front because he hasn’t suspected anything. Probably. Narumi’s far too observant to not notice anything amiss, but if he’s not addressing anything, they can both keep quiet about it. He definitely doesn’t act as if he knows Soushirou is one thread away from hauling him by the stretched collar of his shirt and kissing him senseless. Knowing Narumi, he would have shown something if he actually knew. Maybe he thinks Soushirou is thinking about something else, which is more understandable when they’ve just settled their lack of communication regarding his injuries. And that should be the reason why Soushirou must not launch at him and smash their lips together, because Narumi surely wouldn’t like it.
He needs to stop rambling inside his head, Soushirou chides himself. Laying a palm on his face, he sighs deeply.
“Earth to bowl cut?”
He jumps in his seat, his heart beating way too loud in his ears when Narumi comes into view. He’s crouching beside him, a playful grin on his face.
“Narumi-san.” Soushirou calls out.
“You’re spacing out.” Narumi snickers.
Soushirou huffs, turning his head to the courtyard where a few kids are running around. “The heat’s gettin’ ta me.”
They’re currently at the orphanage courtyard, sitting in the hallway while suffering from the summer heat. Lately on Narumi’s day off, they tend to spend time here, where they sometimes get ambushed by a group of kids to play with them. Who knows how many tea parties they’ve both had? Soushirou is pretty sure he now has more than ten families he belongs to in the kids’ play pretend. Today, they seem content with playing among themselves, stopping once in a while at their place of shade to get one of the watermelon slices Narumi’s cutting for them before scrambling away with a thanks, Gen-nii!
Soushirou tosses a glance to the few uncut watermelons behind them. Narumi had begrudgingly accepted the knife from Tamako-san, delegating himself as the watermelon cutter for the day. Soushirou had offered as per politeness, but was predictably denied.
He grabs one of the slices, relishing in the watermelon’s cool sweetness inside his mouth. Beside him, Narumi rolls a watermelon on the floor, carefully cutting it in half.
Finishing his slice, he goes to grab another one. Before he can, Narumi smacks him away gently. “If you’re going to eat that much, you should be the one cutting it, bowl cut.”
Soushirou raises an eyebrow, trying to sneak his other hand in. Narumi smacks it firmly.
“I’m a guest, Narumi-san.”
Narumi snorts. “Funny. You’ve been here way too many times to be called a guest.”
“Yer the one that invited me.”
“You came here willingly and invited yourself!”
A kid comes up to them, Soushirou realising it’s Akko when she stops. She blinks her eyes up at both of them before stopping at Narumi. “Gen-nii, can I have one slice?”
Narumi nudges the plate. “Only one?”
“Yep!”
Soushirou hands her one. Narumi doesn’t stop him, but he does glare at him when Soushirou takes another one for himself. Akko smiles. “Thanks, Sou-nii!”
She bounces away. Eating his slice victoriously, Soushirou only smiles at Narumi’s venom. “Less glaring, more cutting.”
Narumi seethes, although he’s continuing to cut more slices anyway. “The kid called you by a damn nickname. You’re no longer a guest, bowl cut.”
“My name’s way too long.” Soushirou refutes. It is way too long, and he doesn’t want the kids to trip over his name. “You also call me by a nickname.”
“Open your squinty eyes more. Bowl cut is your official name!”
“If ya want a slice, ya can just say it, ya know.”
“I don’t - MMPFP!”
Soushirou chuckles when he shoves a slice into Narumi’s mouth. The look on his face is downright lethal, but it is played down by the absurdity of his mouth stretched around the red watermelon. He chomps on it, his cheeks puffing out in anger when he chews on it properly.
They eat their watermelon slices in silence. The kids are playing tag it and you’re the kaiju!, running around shrieking and yelling. Soushirou remembers when he was the kaiju last time he came over, having to pretend bite the children while Narumi strategises with the kids to run away and seek cover from the ugly kaiju with an uglier bowl cut. Fun times.
Something nudges his leg. He looks down and sees a watermelon pressed onto him. Narumi holds out the knife to him. “Ya cut it. I gotta check on what’s old granny cookin’.”
Soushirou takes the knife, partly realising that Narumi just spoke in Kansai-ben and he sounds so good speaking in Kansai-ben. He only snaps into awareness when Narumi has walked away, leaving him alone with the fruit and knife.
Staring down at the watermelon, he tries to recall how Narumi had done it. He believes it’s like this …? Twirling the fruit, he carefully slots in the knife. Hefting down, he cracks it open in half - quite smoothly as he avoids creating uneven, jagged edges for the slices. He cuts it in smaller pieces like how Narumi did, finding the cutting job too easy once he gets the hang of it.
Narumi comes back in a few minutes, lifting an unimpressed eyebrow at the new slices lined on the plate. Soushirou catches the reaction. “What?”
Flopping down, Narumi grabs one. “I thought it’s your first time cutting it.”
“It is.” Then, Soushirou notices the implication behind it. He glares at him. “Were ya trying to make fun of me, Narumi-san?”
“You wish.” He retorts, staring down at the slice. There’s nothing imperfect about it, it’s a perfect triangle-shaped watermelon slice in the colour of red and green. It doesn’t excuse how Narumi’s looking at it as if it has personally aggravated him.
The kids have finished a round of their game, flocking to them for some watermelon before heading off again. A few teenagers around their age walk past, grabbing a slice or two while at it. Tamako-san peeks out soon, checking on their progress and delighting that it’s going well. After a remark of needing some to blend into juice, they’re handed another knife and are working silently to cut the leftovers into small cubes.
Soushirou’s fingers are pruny by the end of it. He smells strongly of watermelon, his skin sticky sweet combined with the summer sweat. When he was coming over, he didn’t expect to be met with a large carton filled to the brim with watermelons. They’re making good progress, but Soushirou still hands over a silent prayer to the people at the orphanage who will be eating only watermelon for the next few days. He doesn’t think he can spare a glance at any of it for the entire summer.
Palms resting on the floor, he leans back. The chirping of crickets is loud, buzzing incessantly in his ears. Listening to the kids chattering in Kansai-ben, his mind pulls itself back to Narumi’s recent slight.
“Narumi-san.”
“Hm?”
“Do that thin’ again.”
“What thing?”
“Ya speakin’ Kansai-ben.”
Narumi pulls a disgusted face. “I didn’t.”
Soushirou eggs him. “Nah, ya totally did. Come on, bring out that Kansai-ben.”
“I don’t.” Narumi refuses, his expression growing more disgusted. “It would take me a million years before I try to speak like you, bowl cut.”
“Ya’ve been here for some time now. Ya definitely know some words. Come on!”
“I don’t!”
“Repeat after me -”
“Hell no!”
While Soushirou attempts to give a few word examples, Narumi sputters in outrage. Maybe if he’s angry, he would let it slip out? Soushirou dares to try more, provoking him and watching as he grows redder and redder.
“Say with me.” He says in a serious tone, although his grinning face reveals everything. “Yer an idiot.”
“You’re an idiot.” Narumi snarls out. The heat is barely there, evident when his eyes are lukewarm.
“Narumi-san is an idiot who only knows how to lose.”
“Don’t test me, bowl cut.”
Grinning widely, Soushirou thinks it can fall off his lips. “Bowl cut.”
Narumi narrows his eyes, but he plays along. “Bowl cut.”
Really wants to kiss ya right now. His brain interjects very unhelpfully. The next few words are forgotten because their faces are way too close. There was a handful of distance between them before this, but somehow over the time when they’re bickering, they’ve gravitated closer to each other. Just the slightest movement - if he leans forward, their lips would touch.
“Bowl cut?” Narumi asks, a hint of concern in his tone. Shit, he’s been silent for too long.
Soushirou blinks a few times before he pulls away with a laugh a bit too loud for his comfort. He speaks up when there’s now a healthy amount of distance. “Sorry. The heat’s really somethin’.”
Maybe it is. He is usually more eloquent than this. Before he can give Narumi a chance to suspect anything, he continues. “Ya should really try talking Kansai-ben. Tamako-san would be happy.”
Narumi says. “She can talk with the kids or something. Point is, I’m not going to speak like you, bowl cut.”
“It’s not that bad to sound like me.”
“It’s a you thing. It’s more than bad!”
“Two bowl cuts.” Soushirou hums, he idly picks up the knife. “We need to get you a bowl cut too, then we will match!”
“You are not touching my hair.” He yelps when Soushirou goes to touch it, his eyes warily tracking the blade in hand. “I’m not getting a lame ass bowl cut!”
“As if yers is any less lamer.” He laughs, envisioning Narumi with a hairstyle like his. Unsurprisingly, he won’t look good like he is with his current appearance. He fits the more ruggish, unkempt look. It’ll simply not be Narumi if he discards it. He keeps the thought to himself, can’t be feeding his inflated ego.
“If we trim it here and get rid of yer ugly bangs -”
“They’re not ugly - “
“Yer very ugly bangs that have grown longer, I noticed. Keep at it and it’ll drag on the floor. And what’s that ya said a while ago? Put a bowl over yer head? ‘Kay, we can do that.”
“I’m not going to accept hairstyle tips from you, Hoshina!”
Soushirou laughs at the use of his name. Narumi grumbles, swatting away his touch like a feisty cat, mindful of the knife in his hand. Deep in their tussle, they don’t notice a pair of kids running around in the hallway until they come across them - or more specifically, bowling over them both with a ferocity only energetic children can possess.
There’s a split second where Soushirou’s hyperaware that he’s still holding the knife. A split second of thinking he doesn’t want to accidentally stab Narumi in the guts, but it’s far too fast for him to do anything. Narumi’s eyes widen, and he goes to grab his wrist and wrench it above his head before they tumble down, his weight pinning Soushirou from above.
“So sorry, Gen-nii!” The problematic kid squeaks out before taking off.
Or maybe the kid didn’t say it, because Soushirou can’t help but focus on the press of lips against his. It’s warm, sweet and wet, tasting of watermelon and sugar. There’s a distinct clatter in the distance, and he belatedly realises it’s the knife falling out of his grip and landing a safe distance away. It’s only for a short moment, because he takes in the warmth of their pressed knees and the subtle flex of Narumi’s wrist over him.
Narumi pulls away, looking as dazed as Soushirou thinks he is. This close, his bangs tickle his face, revealing wide magenta eyes. Narumi speaks, his breath wild. “Hoshina - ”
Soushirou pushes him off. Narumi lets him, weak-limbed as he sprawls on his back. Soushirou doesn’t dare look at his face when he gets hastily up to his feet. Walking backward, he mutters, eyes unable to lift up from the floor. “I’m gonna go home.”
“Hoshina!”
Too late. Soushirou has already begun a sprint, reaching the front entrance in record time. There’s a kid that glances at him, curious to his flushed state no doubt, but he doesn’t stop as he fumbles to wear his shoes. There are urgent footsteps behind him.
Soushirou runs.
Soushirou runs, runs until his lungs hurt. Until his feet are aching, his shoes slamming on the pavement and the wind a cool relief on his warm skin. Until his heart wants to leap out of his throat. He stops running when he can no longer feel his legs.
Trembling, he bends forward, one hand resting on the concrete wall beside him. His mind is a mess and his breaths are shaky. His fingers come to rest on his lips, recalling the warm press of Narumi’s.
He tastes like watermelon.
A shaky laugh tumbling out, he rests his back against the wall before sliding down. He wonders what Narumi is thinking right now: if he thinks Soushirou is a coward for running off, if he is feeling repulsed from the kiss they share or if he is touching his lips in a moment of daze.
His breaths weak, he hides his face in the crook of his elbow. Fuck. Even his breath smells like watermelon. He really can’t be looking at the fruit or he will remember how Narumi laid on top of him, the heavy weight of him comforting. How dizzying that one press of lips is, enough to unravel his tight composure. One point of contact and he is a goner. He can hear his brother’s ringing laughter.
He needs to go back home and take a cool shower. Tomorrow he can waltz up to Narumi and pretend everything is fine. Yep. The kiss must surely be a one-time thing, he won’t want to kiss him again. Narumi will surely understand.
“Hoshina!”
Soushirou whips his face to the side. A couple of feet away, Narumi is panting, his hands on his knees. Did he chase after him?
That question is soon discarded when he begins to move. “Hoshina.”
Acting on pure instincts, Soushirou leaps up to his feet and breaks into another run. Narumi screams a fuck! that is definitely not appreciated by the quiet neighbourhood they’re in and soon, he’s chasing after him.
It’s a surreal game of tag with Soushirou’s emotions on the line. If he is confronted right now, he knows he can’t keep them quiet - that they will burst out uncontrollably. He needs to be away from Narumi for both of their sakes. “Stop chasin’ me!” He screams in dread, picking up speed when Narumi’s getting dangerously way too close.
There’s a determined glint in Narumi’s eyes. “You stop, Hoshina!” He barks out.
Soushirou doesn’t respond, saving his breath as he veers into an alleyway. He knocks over the trash bins, hearing Narumi let out a string of curses. He jumps over a small puddle of water, navigating blindly until he emerges out into a mountainside road, the sun setting beyond the ocean.
He crosses the road, thankful there’s no traffic in the area and begins running downhill. He ignores Narumi calling out his name, praying he will run out of energy before he can catch up to him. It’s futile because Narumi does the opposite, no doubt all that practice running around with the kids aiding him because Soushirou is stopped with a rough yank around his wrist before he can round and disappear into another corner.
“Lemme go!”
“You stop running first!”
“I’m - “ Soushirou’s words die down when he takes a good look at Narumi’s pissed expression. He blinks before trying to wrench away, continuing his struggle to break free. He contemplates resorting to physical violence until Narumi takes a step forward and angrily smushes their lips together.
An embarrassed eep! lets itself out of Soushirou, but Narumi simply doesn’t care when he presses in closer, letting go of his wrist to reel him in by the waist. The kiss, if it can be called one, is harsh, barely gentle. It’s volatile, Narumi’s anger melted down to one touch and almost voluntarily, Soushirou gives into the feeling. Narumi kisses him like how he acts when something catches his eye, aggressive with rough edges and Soushirou the defense he’s whittling down.
When they break apart, it’s to air. Soushirou takes in huge gulps of it, wondering just how close he was to drowning. Narumi’s fever-flushed, the sunset dancing on his eyelids, his eyes themselves pinballing everywhere on Soushirou’s face. He brings his hands between them and leans in for another kiss.
The kiss this time is softer, their lips slotting perfectly against each other. It still tastes like watermelon, bringing him to a sugar high when he doesn’t want to let go of him. They both don’t want to let go, Narumi’s hands cradling his jaw and nape while Soushirou has his arms looped around him, fisting the back of Narumi’s shirt. Narumi hums then, a curious sound and he licks into his mouth, his tongue sending shivers down Soushirou’s spine.
They break apart again, panting in each other’s embrace. Soushirou’s legs are so shaky that if Narumi decides to let go, he will surely crumple to the ground. Narumi does none of the sort, his grip tightening before he dives in for another determined kiss.
Unfair. Simply unfair. His dizzy brain whines out.
“Hoshina,” Narumi pants out when he pulls back, stealing his breath away. “I -”
His words are muffled when Soushirou yanks him down until they’re kissing again. He grunts and Soushirou needs more of that sound, more of the sugar and heat. He tugs it out with his teeth, nibbling his lower lip before slotting their mouths again.
“Hoshina.” Narumi groans. He tries to pull back, but Soushirou isn’t letting him.
“Narumi-san.” He calls out, diving in for another kiss.
They kiss for who knows how long. The sun is still setting when Soushirou feels he would still be alive without Narumi’s lips on him. They stay there wrapped around each other, Soushirou resting his head on Narumi’s shoulder as they catch their respective breath. His heart thumps, his mind full of unaware bliss and at ease.
He croaks out. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time.”
And because Narumi is someone who always acts on impulse on the worst timing possible, he blurts out. “I noticed.”
Soushirou lifts his head, staring at Narumi who is refusing to meet his gaze. “You noticed.” He states in an accusatory tone. “Since when?”
Narumi flicks his eyes at him before looking away. Shy. Soushirou notes when he sees the red shade of his ears. He is shy. “Since we fell into the river.”
Soushirou gapes. “That’s - “
“A long time ago.” Narumi mumbles.
“And ya didn’t do anythin’?!”
“What am I supposed to do? Kiss you?” Narumi says. The meaning sinks in and he makes a sour face. It’s so absurd with his swollen lips that Soushirou laughs.
“Kinda too late for that.” He plays with the ends of Narumi’s hair. “Whatcha even gonna do anyway?”
Scrunching his nose, Narumi leans in. Soushirou gulps when lips brush against his, transfixed by intense magenta eyes. “This.”
Their time kissing is cut short by Soushirou pulling himself away, despite his desire not to do so. He flushes. “So, ya also wanted to kiss me for a long time.”
Narumi frowns, annoyed. “You talk way too much, bowl cut.”
It’s not a no. Soushirou hounds on it like the obvious deflection it is. “Since when? Ah, ah.” He plants a palm on Narumi’s mouth to steer him away. Narumi looks royally and properly annoyed now. “I’m not letting ya kiss me until ya say when.”
Narumi clicks his tongue, but he obliges. “Since the fireworks.”
That’s way more recent than his. Soushirou feels a strong sense of fluster at the thought, then he catches Narumi’s eyes shifting - a telltale sign that he is lying.
“Yer lying.” He points out. “Ya can’t look me in the eye when ya lie.” He adds on before Narumi can deny.
“I don’t look anyone in the eye.” He grumbles before staring at Soushirou, taking in the seriousness of his question. “Fine.” He spits out. “When we first met, okay?”
“When we - “
When they first met, when Soushirou failed to swing his sword? It’ll be flattering if it were not for the fact that Narumi wanted to kiss him when he was at his lowest.
“What?” He quizzes out, genuinely confused. There’s nothing remotely attractive about him failing at the one thing he’s good at. “Why?”
Narumi mumbles something along the line of this is why I don’t want to tell you, before Soushirou smacks him in the arm to speak louder. Narumi answers. “You pouted.”
Taking Soushirou’s silence as an opportunity, Narumi brings up his hand, thumbing his lower lip. “When something doesn’t go your way, you pout. Like this.”
He kneads his face, swiping a thumb over his lips before leaning down and kissing him. All thoughts scatter like dust in Soushirou’s head as he leans in, opening his mouth. The kiss is breathtaking, and they part with shinier mouths and redder cheeks.
“Since the beginning?” He pants out, grinning.
Narumi glares, his entire face red. “Shut up.”
Soushirou grins wider. “Make me.”
Narumi’s glare turns sharper, but he does lean in to kiss away Soushirou’s grin anyway.