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Fukuzawa is not nervous, because there is nothing to be nervous about.
He woke up earlier than Ranpo—like he always does—and if it was half an hour earlier than his usual awake time, then that just happens.
Fukuzawa headed to the bathroom to wash up. He squeezed some toothpaste out, a little extra than usual, but no one can always be precise. Then, rather than the usual lukewarm temperature water, he washed his face with cold water today. He read somewhere that cold water is good for health. Yes, that is the only reason for this sudden change.
He walked to the kitchen, getting ready to prepare breakfast for the day: egg rolls and toast. He set the bread into the toaster and retrieved two eggs from the fridge. Fukuzawa cracked the two eggs into a bowl. He failed. One of the eggs slipped from his hand, its shell shattering into pieces and mixing with the egg.
Fukuzawa stared at the shattered egg and took a deep breath. Nothing goes perfectly all the time, yes. The rest of the day will be fine, yes.
And for a while, it was. He carefully removed all the eggshell pieces from the mixture and managed not to make any more mistakes for the rest of breakfast. The bread was perfectly toasted, and the eggroll was made perfectly fluffy and cut into perfect pillows. He had also warmed up the bento he made the night before for Ranpo.
Fukuzawa set the table and let out a small breath of relief. Everything was just like any other day.
That was until Ranpo appeared from his room in his school uniform with a lopsided tie. The boy yawned before taking a look at Fukuzawa, “Wow, who knew that Fukuzawa-san has bed hair too.” Taking another glance at the breakfast on the table, he raised an eyebrow, “You’re not eating breakfast?” Ranpo sat down and started helping himself to the prepared breakfast, still glancing at Fukuzawa with some surprise.
Bed hair? Fukuzawa mentally reviewed his morning routine. Goodness, he had forgotten to brush his hair this morning and hadn't checked his appearance in the mirror either. Fukuzawa shifted his attention to the breakfast he had prepared for today and furrowed his brows slightly. Did he really forget to make a serving for himself too? Could this be a sign of his growing age?
“I’m done!” Ranpo said through the half-swallowed toast that he stuffed in his mouth, pulling Fukuzawa back into the present. “I’ll be on my way now!”
“Ranpo, wait,” Fukuzawa called after him, “your tie.”
Ranpo stopped and turned to face Fukuzawa, allowing the elder to redo his tie. As Fukuzawa did, he whined, “Ahhhhhh, what does it matter anywayyyyy. It’s my last day!”
Tightening the tie, but not too much because Ranpo would definitely undo it completely if it was too tight, Fukuzawa’s hand shook a bit at Ranpo’s statement. “It’s your graduation,” he sighed.
“Oh, right. I have to attend that long and boring ceremony and give a speech,” Ranpo grumbled, fiddling with a strand of his hair. “You’ll be there right?” Expectations sparkled in his eyes.
Fukuzawa handed Ranpo the bento he warmed up. “Yes, I will.”
“Great! Fukuzawa-san should treat me after it then. I worked so hard, you know?” Ranpo beamed, his mind already thinking of the treats that he would be asking Fukuzawa to pay for.
Fukuzawa thought back to all the nights when he would come back home to see the younger boy playing games on the console, complaining about how boring and easy school was. Ranpo's teacher, during Fukuzawa's parent-teacher conference, had even apologized for being unable to teach the kid anything new, as Ranpo seemed to effortlessly grasp understanding with everything they taught.
“Alright.” Still, Fukuzawa thought, with how Ranpo was able to make friends and finish high school happily as he did, it is proof that Ranpo worked hard. To be able to happily live and healthily grow is challenging enough.
With a bright smile adorning his face, Ranpo rushed out the door upon hearing Fukuzawa's response. His schoolbag bounced as he went. Fukuzawa watched until Ranpo was no longer in his sight and then closed the door.
Fukuzawa, however, didn’t move from the door after closing it. What was he supposed to do now? He took a look at the clock on the wall; he had plenty of time before he eventually would have to head to Ranpo’s graduation.
What to do? Fukuzawa felt like he should be doing something. He had taken the day off to attend Ranpo's graduation because, of course, such an important day deserved his full attention. Yet, now that the boy had gone off to prepare for the ceremony, Fukuzawa found himself growing increasingly restless.
—Because he was so used to working, of course, not at all because he was nervous.
With the intention of working on something, he walked to the kitchen. As he entered, his attention was drawn to the unwashed dishes and pots next to the stove. He promptly washed them. His gaze then shifted to the dirty table, a remnant from Ranpo's breakfast. He proceeded to tidy that up as well.
Having wiped the table clean with a towel, Fukuzawa thought, what else? What else... What else was there to do?
He eyed the floors. He had just cleaned them two days ago…but what’s the harm in cleaning them again? He grabbed a mop and bucket.
-
Fukuzawa had cleaned his entire house inside out and upside down. In fact, his house had never been this clean after he took in Ranpo.
Just one issue: he still got a couple of hours before he has to head to the graduation ceremony.
Fukuzawa stood in the middle of the living room. What was he supposed to do now? He washed the dishes, threw out the trash, mopped the floors, vacuumed, and organized the entire house—he even rearranged all the cabinets.
Should he head over to the company? There were no rules against the boss of the company returning on a day off, and there was definitely paperwork waiting for him to approve and look over. After all, he is the CEO.
With a final sigh, Fukuzawa decided it was best to go to the office and take care of the pending tasks. He quickly gathered his belongings and made his way towards the company. It seemed like he wouldn't be able to sit still at all today. The strange restlessness refused to leave him despite a thorough house deep cleaning.
-
Kunikida is a bit uncomfortable. Actually, a bit is an understatement; he is very uncomfortable.
Kunikida pours a cup of freshly brewed sencha* for Fukuzawa, waiting for the man to finish looking over some documents that were meant to be reviewed tomorrow.
It is the President’s day off so why is the President back in office again? Isn’t it Ranpo’s graduation today? The President even showed up wearing a freshly washed and ironed kimono. Did something come up that troubled the company so much that the President himself had to return from his day off to deal with it? Is there anything Kunikida could do to help?
Whatever it is, Fukuzawa has definitely been looking through the documents for way longer than usual. In addition to that, Kunikida has counted the President checking the clock a total of 12 times ever since he came in. And forgive him if he is wrong, but the President appears quite nervous.
“Kunikida,” Fukuzawa breaks the silence in the room. “What is a suitable gift for a high schooler’s graduation?” He set down the papers in his hand. “You were a teacher before this job, so I figured you would know more about this.”
Kunikida feels a weight being lifted up from his shoulders.“For Ranpo-san I’m sure any sweet treats will do. Maybe you can get him his favorite food?” So the tense nerves are about Ranpo’s graduation. It makes sense, it is a big day in Ranpo’s life. “Flowers are also a typical gift. Carnations are one of the most common gifted, but sunflowers have also been gaining popularity as graduation flowers.”
“Is that so…” Fukuzawa takes a sip of the slightly cooled down tea. “Thank you, Kunikida.”
"Of course. There's no need for Fukuzawa-san to feel nervous," Kunikida assures. "I'm sure Ranpo-san will appreciate whatever you gift him.”
“Nervous?” Fukuzawa slightly furrows his brows.
“It is not uncommon for parents to be nervous during their child’s graduation. It is a huge milestone in the child’s life,” Kunikida explains. “I apologize if I have mistaken.”
Fukuzawa takes a pause. “No, you have not,” he gazes down at the empty tea cup in hand and asks, “Is there a reason for this nervousness?” As far as he is concerned, Ranpo is the one that should be nervous, not him.
“It shows your care and investment in Ranpo-san's journey.” Kunikida tops up Fukuzawa’s finished tea.
"Mm," Fukuzawa arranges the documents he didn’t focus enough to read in a tidy stack and steals a quick glance at the clock on his desk. Good, he has enough time to go purchase some flowers and chocolate. "I see. Thank you once again, Kunikida. I shall be on my way now, but I have faith that you will manage the company in my absence.”
"Of course, Fukuzawa-san. You can trust that I will take care of the company in your absence," Kunikida nods with a smile. “I'm sure your presence and support will mean a lot to Ranpo on this important day.”
Taking his belongings with him, Fukuzawa leaves, giving a final nod to Kunikida as he does. Kunikida returns it with a small bow. The smile on Kunikida’s face, however, drops as soon as he realizes that he had just refilled the tea cup prior to Fukuzawa’s departure.
What was the point of him refilling it then? Kunikida sighs and carries the teacup to be drained in the break room.
-
Okay, maybe Fukuzawa is a bit nervous.
He's sitting all the way in the back of the gymnasium with other parents, clutching a bouquet of sunflowers in his hand. The flowers are wrapped in brown paper, as the florist worker had informed him that it's the most popular way to package flowers these days, especially among the younger generations. With the flowers, he holds a box of chocolate tarts, a whole box just in case Ranpo's friends would like to have some.
Amidst a sea of other parents, he begins to wonder if it is okay for him to be here along with them. All things considered, he isn't Ranpo's biological parent, and he worries that seeing him there could stir up complicated emotions for Ranpo on such an important day.
A sudden announcement cuts his worried thoughts short: "Ladies and gentlemen, may I kindly request your attention. We are about to commence the graduation ceremony, and I kindly ask all parents to please take their seats and maintain a quiet and respectful environment. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.”
So it begins. Students and teachers sing the National Anthem and the School Song, the names of the graduates are announced, diplomas are received, and teachers deliver their speeches. Tears, sniffles, and more tears follow, engulfing everyone in a bittersweet wave of emotions.
Then finally, Ranpo’s speech.
“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow graduates, prepare yourselves for a speech that will defy all expectations and plunge you into a world of intellectual intrigue,” Ranpo says, glowing under the stage lights. “As the valedictorian and student president of this class—”
The speech starts off strangely normal. Fukuzawa supposes that it shouldn’t be a surprise, given that all the speeches most definitely were read and approved by the teachers.
“—honestly I didn’t know it would be this easy to be a valedictorian. If I had known that the valedictorian would have to give a whole 15 minute speech, I would have purposely done a bit worse—”
Nope. There it is. How did anyone even approve of that? Fukuzawa doesn't think it would make for a very motivating speech for the rest of the graduates
“—but, first and foremost, I would like to express gratitude—”
Besides the offhanded comment in the beginning, the rest of the speech returned back on track. Despite not wanting to deliver one to begin with, Ranpo gave a wonderful speech. The applause that followed was thunderous, and Fukuzawa was among them.
It is then the realization really hits Fukuzawa that Ranpo will now take his first step into adulthood. This chapter of Ranpo’s life has finally ended. A mix of pride and accomplishment washes over Fukuzawa. It’s strange to know that his love, guidance, and support have played a role in shaping Ranpo into the person he is today. He can only hope it’s enough.
A mother beside him passes him a tissue. Fukuzawa accepts it and thanks her. He knows that Ranpo will do well with whatever he decides to pursue.
-
Ranpo runs out of the school building, cherry blossom petals scattering on the ground and brushing against him as he runs. “Fukuzawa-san!” He throws himself onto the older man, barely managing to hold onto the gifts in his hands. “You came!”
Is it a bit unfitting for Ranpo at his age to throw himself onto Fukuzawa? Perhaps, but Fukuzawa catches him regardless. He always does and he always will.
"It's dangerous," Fukuzawa places Ranpo down, steadying some presents in the boy's hands that are about to fall. "Are those from your classmates?”
“Yeah!” Ranpo holds out the gifts for Fukuzawa to see. “This butterfly keychain is from Yosano, the earbuds are from Dazai, and look! Poe-kun gifted me a whole brand new Nintendo Switch!”
“These are nice gifts. Did you gift them anything back?” Fukuzawa picks out a cherry blossom petal from Ranpo’s hair. The gifts seem quite high in quality and Fukuzawa does not think that a serving of chocolate tart would be enough as a thanks.
“I gave them a free pass for their first commission with me!” Ranpo beams, “I decided that I will be a detective! The best one there is in Japan—no—in the entire world!”
“I see,” Fukuzawa shares a smile. “With enough work, you will.” It’s certainly possible, Ranpo is a bright boy. But still, Fukuzawa thinks he should probably come up with more proper presents with Ranpo.
“Well?” Ranpo suddenly stops and fixes his gaze on Fukuzawa, eyes brimming with anticipation. “You bought something for me too, right?”
Fukuzawa extends the box of chocolate tarts and the bouquet of sunflowers to Ranpo. Since he'll be brainstorming new gifts with Ranpo, he figures it's appropriate to give him the entire box of chocolate tarts. Ranpo's friends don't appear to be with him either; they're likely with their own parents at the moment.
Ranpo reaches out to take them, then stops after the switch in his hands nearly slips out from his arms.
“I’ll hold them for now,” Fukuzawa states.
“M’kay.” Ranpo rearranges the presents in his arms.
“Ranpo,” Fukuzawa says with a gentle tone.
Ranpo lifts his eyes to meet Fukuzawa’s. “Yeah?”
A firm warm hand rests on top of Ranpo’s head. “I’m proud of you.”
“…” Ranpo doesn’t reply, but with Fukuzawa’s hand on the boy’s head, Fukuzawa couldn’t see Rnpo’s expression either. Did he say something wrong?
Fukuzawa begins to withdraw his hand to get a clearer view of Ranpo's face. Ranpo holds onto Fukuzawa's hand, keeping it in place on his head.
“…Thank you,” Ranpo says, raising his face slightly, a faint blush spreading across his cheeks. “For everything.”
Fukuzawa nods. He gives Ranpo a few more pats on the head before leading him to exit the school gates, heading for Ranpo’s favorite restaurant.
「“Happy graduation Ranpo.”」