Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

One of the many things that Sakura had come to stick with was appearances. 

Of course he of all people would never judge a person just based on what makeup they have on or if they like to dye their hair a bright green. Rather he’d silently encourage whatever stylistic choice they did. To Haruka, things like that really show a person’s character, that they are not afraid to show who they are to the world… that they’re different. 

And he knew ‘different’ a bit too well.  

Eventually he had become a bit desensitized by the off hand comments and took them with stride. Though admittedly the remarks did hurt, he knew that fighting his way out of situations like those only ended poorly. 

So he would silently suck it up and take their blows. 

That's how it’s always been. 

Balancing himself on that tightrope the adults had pushed him onto, hoping that he’d fall and lose himself- that he would reform to their normal. 

Like hell he would do that. 

And like hell he’d let that happen to anyone else. 

—

“Hehe you guys really know how to make me happy! Asking me for classes like I’m a professional- Ooh you all are so cute!”

“Well Tsubaki-san is the most experienced with using make-up so we just had to turn to you!”

Mou! You’re such a charmer!”

Tasuku sweetly smiles at the exuberant praise Nirei proclaims as they sit on one of the many makeup stools of Pub Ogi’s dressing room. Across from them, Suo, Sakura and Shizuka watch the two excitedly talk with differing levels of enthusiasm. With of course Sakura being the lowest, just wordlessly staring at the thousands of bottled products and small compact cases that line up the table with a small quirk in his brow. 

“Hehe it’s always fun when Tsubaki-chan is helping with make-up, they really take their time explaining everything, it just becomes natural after you know a few pointers!”

“I mean it’s to be expected, Tsubakino-san always comes to school all shiny and glowy, it must be a long process.”

The high praise from Shizuka and Suo makes the Heavenly King blush a bit more from their friends’ praise, soon swishing side to side in a flustered manner from all the compliments. They, now invigorated by all the praise, snatch a few brushes from the table and a tube of foundation with sparkling eyes. 

“Let’s do this Nirei-chan!!’

“Y-Yes!!”

Suo smiles at the energy, watching as Nirei lights up with focus as their senpai goes on to ramble about the basics of foundation while lightly applying a shade closest to the boy’s face with feather-like dabs.   

“Wow Nirei-kun seems very eager about this, makes me wonder what my shade would be. Aren’t you curious too, Sakura-kun?”

“Hmm… I guess…”

Noticing the lack of reply, the one-eyed boy carefully examines his captain’s face, which is unusually blank as he continues to stare at the duo in front of him. 

“What’s wrong Sakura-kun? Not a big fan of make-up?” Hayato whispers as he studies Sakura’s face for a reaction. But all he gets is marble eyes turning away to cast a sideways glance at his direction. 

“Naw it’s not that- I just remembered something.”

Suo just gives the monochromatic boy another glance of his own before seemingly dropping the subject, which Haruka was silently thankful for. His red-haired vice can be just as nosey as Nirei sometimes.  

It’s not that he hated make-up or was against the idea of making yourself look more pretty, it was just that…

Usually his experiences with make-up were more centered around trying to make him look- ‘regular’. 

With the itchy hair dye that never seemed to last or the chalky eyeliner his aunt would use to cover the natural white lashes on his right eye, it was all just another tactic they used to put him down- to remind him that he was a mistake. 

…Ok…So he didn't have the best relationship with beauty products. 

But Sakura knew that make-up wasn’t always used that way- looking at how Tsubaki used it really helped his inner dilemma with the products when they first met. At least they were using it in a way that makes them feel confident and strong. 

And it wasn’t like he disapproved of Nirei using make-up either, he would support anything his friends  would do as long as it made them happy and helped them in the long run. 

But…

Under all the sparkles of awe and gleams of happiness, Sakura could see the tiniest bit of reluctance within Nirei’s chestnut brown eyes. 

It was hard to even notice it at first. 

With all the oohing and ahhing and Akihiko’s look of genuine interest from learning from one of the renowned Furin sempais, anyone would just think that the boy was just filled with plain curiosity. 

Not to Sakura, it was subtle- but there were small signs.  

He could see the slight hesitation in those calloused fingers as they inspected a tube of mascara, or the small beads of sweat that would slowly form whenever Tsubakino put something on the first year’s face- more specifically around his nose. 

However the thing that gave it all away was his eyes. 

The moment he took a glance at those rather expressive brown orbs, Sakura immediately knew there was something more to this normal make-up lesson.

This confusing worry couldn’t help but turn into irritation, leading to Sakura to just silently stare accusingly as the lesson proceeded. He could just technically ask, but the cat-like boy knew that his emotions would eventually get the best of him and it would probably end up with him yelling rather than asking. Which was unfair for Nirei, who in the end might just want to learn more about make-up, and Tsubakino, who genuinely wanted to teach them.

So he just let out a small distressed huff and slouched down on his chair, a little grumpier than before.    

“Nirei-chan has nice skin, you actually don’t need much make-up to make your face look super cute!”

“R-Really, thank you.”

“Ahhh it must be nice to have unblemished skin~ I always manage to have a few pimple scars here and there…”

The moment the word ‘unblemished’ leaves Tsubaki’s mouth, Akihiko visibly tenses for just a second- which of course Sakura saw. Sitting up, the first year knew something was definitely up with his friend but he didn’t know how to bring it up without scaring the other off. 

Luckily for the emotionally constipated Sakura, Suo- who’s always a bit more observant, noticed the subtle action too; and if there's one thing about Suo, he’s not afraid to point things out. 

“Nirei-kun, is there something wrong?”

“S-Suo-san?!- What do you mean-”

“You flinched when Tsubaki-san was talking about blemishes.” Suo states, staring at the yellow haired boy with a concerned look. Sakura’s eyes dim at the fact, staying silent as Suo continues to ask the other questions. 

“I must have just been a-.. an involuntary flinch!- Y-Yea-” 

“Nirei-kun.”

The concerned yet strong call of his name makes Akihiko sigh, slumping his shoulders as if he lost a long battle. The rest of the Furin members and Shizuka look at each other with attentive looks as they let Nirei get his bearings. After a few seconds, Akihiko looks up to give everyone a wobbly reluctant smile; letting out another big breath, as if preparing to dive into something and looks up with a pinched face. 

“Sorry everyone- I guess I’m not that subtle after all.”

Tasuku, who was still sitting across from the boy, shakes their head as they gently take one of Nirei’s clenched hands into their own. 

“Oh dear, no need to apologize- You should have told me if I made you uncomfortable!”

 “N-No no! You didn’t do anything at all!!” The first year vehemently denies the claim, hurriedly shaking his head. Nirei looks around at all the concerned faces conflicted, biting his lip as if he was trying to find the words to explain himself. 

“It’s just…”

He squeezes his eyes shut while letting out a small whisper, as if what he is about to say was some kind of taboo. Slowly he brings his now very clammy hand up to his already beautified cheek, lightly tapping on it like it was the source of all his problems.  

“I need to learn how to cover my freckles.”

The quiet confession stops everyone in their tracks in surprise. Out of all the things, they weren't expecting this. Unlike the others, Sakura’s face isn’t marred with dumbfoundment; instead he stares at his friend with dull eyes, as if he already understood where this was going- not that anyone noticed at the moment. 

“E-Eh Nirei-chan what do you mean!? Your freckles are adorable! Why would you want to cover those up?” Tsubakino yells as they go to cup their kohai’s face to get a better look at the small dots that adorn his face. 

Nirei’s reluctance quickly turns into embarrassment as he slowly fans over the fact that one of the Heavenly Kings had just complimented him.

“T-Thank you Tsubakino-san!?”

“They are right, you know? Your freckles really suit you, why would you want to hide them?” Shizuka’s calm question quickly helps the first year's focus to come back to the weighing topic at hand.  Where he goes back to fidgeting with his fingers while voicing out his story. 

“A-Ah it’s just stupid… It’s just that- my relatives are coming over for their yearly week stay at our house and…”

At this point Akihiko’s eyes have gotten a more shiny sheen to them, as if remembering his reasons were super painful to even recite out loud. 

“Everytime they are over, they always comment one way or another how- disgusting my face looks with freckles; like someone painted awful blemishes over my face or something.”

A hollow laugh leaves his chapped lips, which sounded more like a tired whine.

“I thought that maybe if I covered them this time maybe-”

“Bullshit.”

Nirei’s explanation is promptly stopped by a gritty intense curse. 

“E-Eh?”

The group turns to the culprit, Sakura, who is now standing and staring at his vice in what could only be called unfiltered rage. 

“Sakura-kun?” Suo calls out, confused at the sheer amount of anger his grade captain has on his face. The one eyed boy has never seen such an expression on his face before– even during a fight, making him a bit startled that Nirei’s story could elicit so much anger from the other. 

Nirei, sharing the same internal thoughts as Suo, looks at Sakura in fear; wondering if it was something he said to set his friend off that badly. 

“You-...”

“You don’t need to do that.”

Silence covers the group as the small statement is whispered, like it was forbidden to even be said aloud. 

“You can do all this stuff but-”

Haruka then quietly stomps over to where Nirei was sitting. Nirei shuts his eyes, expecting some rough handling based on the anger he’s emitting- but instead…

Haruka gently takes Akihiko’s face into his palm. 

The careful gesture makes everyone stand still, watching the scene with a new set of shock and surprise. Brown eyes especially open up wide at the unexpected action. In the middle of it all- Sakura stands unperturbed by the rather intimate action- instead he’s looking straight at Nirei’s face now with an indescribable emotion of his own. 

“Don’t hide yourself…”

He goes to lightly rub off some of the makeup on Nirei’s nose with his thumb, exposing some of the light brown spots back to the world. 

“Things like this… I think they’re beautiful…”

Everyone holds their breath at the sheer emotion that came with the words he uttered.

“I-I..?!”

Stutters can only come out of Nirei’s mouth as the poor boy tries to truly grasp the fact that Sakura had just said something like that right in front of his face. The others are no better, with Shizuka and Tsubakino watching the duo with open mouths and wide eyes. Even Suo was a victim of surprise, his raised eyebrows and slack face being the only indicators that he was awed at what was said. 

Marble eyes waver for a bit before the monochromatic boy squeezes them shut while clicking his tongue and sauntering out the room with a rather conflicted expression. Leaving the rest of the group without an ounce of an explanation or even a goodbye. 

It’s quiet for a few more seconds before the squeals of Nirei and Tsubakino ring out within the room like an alarm. 

“W-WHA SAKURA-SAN H-HE-??!?!”

“KYA! I NEVER KNEW SAKURA-CHAN COULD BE SUCH A SMOOTH TALKER!”

With the initial shock wearing off, Shizuka giggles at the antics of the two- watching them scramble to come to terms with what just occurred with a relieved smile. 

“Sakura-kun’s right, you know.” 

Suo’s soft yet serious tone catches the attention of the fawning duo, making them come down from their excited high to listen in. 

“Nirei-kun shouldn’t hide the things that are a part of you just because others don’t like them.”

In his hands is a damp face towel, which the auburn boy uses to smoothly wipe off the rest of the foundation covering the map of freckles on Nirei’s face. Suo then pokes his friend’s cheek with a small grin. 

“This is a part of what makes Nirei-kun, Nirei-kun afterall!”

“I…”

Brown eyes wobble as the glassy sheen grows stronger by the second, with a tear or two spilling out before they become more innocently round again. 

*Sniff* “You guys are right! I-I should just be myself!”

After aggressively rubbing any more stray tears away, Akihiko turns to his sempai and deeply bows in his seat. 

“I’m sorry Tsubaki-san, I should have told you the truth before wasting your time and products.”

Tasuku just waves the apology away with fond eyes, “Oh dear don’t be sorry! Sakura-chan is right- you can use make-up anytime you want! It’s only used to enhance what's already there, not conceal them! It’s a tool to make you feel more like you, nothing more and nothing less.”

They go to give their kohai a reassuring pat on the head. 

“Don’t forget that, okay?”

“I-I won’t!” Akihiko tearfully states, yet again going to rub the new onslaught of tears growing from his pupils. 

—

“Ahh but who would have thought Sakura-chan could make a face like that!”

Tsubakino’s manicured hand goes to cup their cheek as they get lost in thought. 

Suo agreeably hums, “I’ve never seen such an angry expression on our captain’s face before.”

Nirei’s face contorts in confusion at the confession. 

“Anger?”

Hayato playfully tilts his head questioningly, “You don’t think so?”

The other first year turns his head up in thought, trying to recall his captain's face at that moment. He remembers the first thought when looking into those unseeing mixed matched eyes so close up were-

How sad they looked.  

Akihiko just shakes his head. 

“I must have been imagining things…”

Chapter Text

School had just ended and many boys donning Furin uniforms could be seen filtering out from the gates and onto the streets. 

Though within the hot weather, seen with the warm air and the sticky feeling of sweat everyone had embraced, Sakura couldn’t help but shiver at the cold feeling he was getting right now. 

It wasn’t because he was sick, but rather- it was the feeling he was getting from one of his classmates throughout the day. 

Specifically Kiryu.

Which was fairly surprising. Sakura had always seen the boy with such a relaxed nature that he never would have thought Kiryu seemed like the type that could hold a grudge- or even get that angry to this degree. 

Usually the most he had seen was when the thugs on the street acted too pompous- or when they were just being straight up disrespectful. In those instances Haruka realized that the pink haired boy had used the brawls as an outlet for that understood anger. 

Today would also be no different from any other day, from the start Kiryu had also seemed to be his normal trendy self. But with the recent events in the Kiryu household, Sakura couldn’t help but watch over Mitsuki a bit more than before. 

It’s not like he understood his situation and just wanted to see if he was ok or anything…

But anyway- his silent surveillance of his stylish classmate had made him realize the drawn attitude the pink boy had even within a sea of rowdy boys. 

Kiryu has always been pretty quiet in class, since he is usually on his phone, probably playing one of the many mobile games he has downloaded. The pink haired boy would often make an effort of chiming in here and there, signaling to everyone else that he was still listening in on what was going on around him. 

But today, he seemed so- reserved. Just staring into space, not even on his phone. Which made the cat-like boy wonder what was stirring behind those dyed locks. 

Shaking the thoughts away- Grey and Gold observe Kiryu silently put his notebooks back into his bag, with his hair not in his usual hairdo but down- covering his eyes. This small detail makes the grade captain’s face pinch more into a calculating frown. 

The rest of his class continue to chatter, slowly but surely leaving the classroom to finally trek home, unknowing of the particular situation.

“Sakura-san ready to head home?”

The enthusiastic voice of his vice makes Sakura scramble to get his thoughts together, making him drop his own notebooks he was putting in his bag in surprise. Grumbling a curse, Haruka shoves the rest of his belongings in his bag and turns to Nirei and Suo with rock set eyes. 

“Sorry- Got plans with Kiryu-” is all he says before marching up to the unknowing Kiryu…

Taking him by the sleeve of his uniform- 

“Eh- Sakura-chan?”

and running out the door before anyone could put their word in. 

“EHHHHHH-”

Kiryu’s yell of surprise slowly goes more distant as the seconds pass till it is no longer heard and quiet envelops the classroom once again. 

Still standing by their seats, Nirei looks at the door with a concerned look while Suo smiles sweetly- enjoying the mystery of it all. 

“S-Suo-san… should I be worried…?”

“Hm~ It seems like he’s got it under control- whatever it is!”

—

After running a reasonable distance, Sakura finally releases his iron grip on Kiryu’s uniform with a satisfied hum. Meanwhile, Mitsuki struggles to level his breathing from the impromptu run- putting his hands on his knees as he catches his breath. 

*Huff* S-Sakura-chan- *Huff* What’s up?”

Ignoring Kiryu’s wilting body, Sakura scopes the area- making sure that there was no one in sight. Their run had led them into a small park with a playground and a swing set. Since it was pretty late in the day; the park was desolate with no family in sight. Nodding to himself, the first year grade captain turns back to the now replenished Kiryu with hesitant eyes. 

“Sakura-chan? Why did you bring me out here?”

Under Kiryu’s expectant gaze, the monochromatic boy can’t help but flush embarrassingly at the idea of confessing that he wants to help Kiryu feel better. 

Of course there was nothing wrong with helping someone feel better- but something like ‘friends’ is still a new concept to him, and actually conveying your thoughts to another was yet another thing he needed to work on. 

Well never late than never. 

Maybe he can ask how Kiryu is doing- or how his new game is to start out small. But who randomly asks something like that after he dragged him out here- Ugh whatever… he’ll just have to say- something!

Squaring up, Sakura turns to the pink haired boy and mumbles out, 

“You- uh, are you ok…?”

“Wha-?”

Sakura perks up at the awed tone and scratches his black and white locks in distress, lost on what to do next.  

“Agh- Whatever! Forget I said anything-”

“How did you know?”

The desperate tone makes Haruka pause his internal struggle, peering at Kiryu in dismay for a few seconds before settling into a pinched frown. Mitsuki’s nimble hands bunch his loose pants into a tight ball. 

“I thought I hid it well- no one seemed to notice… So how?”

“I dunno… You just felt- sad.”

Stunned by the simple answer, Kiryu blankly looks at his grade captain with a lost guarded face. 

The expression brings Sakura back to his time when he was forcibly reduced to living in his household’s shed. It was like looking at that dingy mirror over the grungy sink again, the cloudy glass reflecting that same face but plastered on his. 

A soft sigh leaves Haruka’s chapped lips from the not so pleasant memory. 

Instead of elaborating further to Kiryu, the first year just saunters over to the empty swing set and plops onto one of the swings. Once his weight is put on the weathered rubber, the squeak of rusted chains grace their ears. 

As he is using his feet to build a small swinging momentum, Sakura cranes his head and points to the vacant swing next to him. Subtly inviting his still reserved friend to sit down next to him.  

Quickly taking the hint, Kiryu follows Sakura’s silent offer and sits on the neighboring swing with a more slumped frame on his shoulders. Though he has been quiet for most of his time here, Mitsuki’s mind was actually filled with a million thoughts, all zooming in his head. 

Most of the time, silence was welcome. But here, it had only added to Kiryu’s growing anxiety. 

‘What does he mean by ‘felt sad’, do I really show it?’

‘Is he going to say something?’

‘He’s so quiet- usually he gets all flustered-’

‘AHHH WHAT TO DO-’

Cracking under his self-made mental pressure, his thoughts proceed to come out in jumbled sentences.

“Ah- sorry Sakura-chan, I must have totally killed the vibe back at school” Kiryu awkwardly chuckles. Unconsciously his feet begin to swing back and forth as a form of nervousness as Sakura stays silent.  

“I dunno what’s up with me these days ya know…”

His manicured hands grip the swing chains, as he continues to spill out his bottled thoughts. Unfiltering them to the desolate air. 

“It’s just- after the thing with my father and Akari… I dunno It’s been so-”

“Numb.”

His feet stop still, making Mitsuki lose the small momentum he had on his swing. At this point it seems like the pink haired boy had forgotten he was with Sakura and is just letting out all the problems he had.   

“...And oftentimes I just get so- angry.”

“Angry at my family for treating us this way- angry at those bastards on the street who think it's ok to mess with Akari like that- angry at…”

“Myself… for letting this anger get the best of me….”

A frustrated winded sigh leaves Kiryu’s lips. Then a small stale chuckle slips out. 

“Hehe- you know it’s funny…” 

He brings his hand to swipe up his bangs in an exasperated gesture. But instead of letting his fingers run through and out of pink strands, his hands promptly stop right before leaving his scalp, making half of his face covered by bangs while the other half is held by his growing grip.  

“I vowed to never be like him- that I would be better… that I would be different from that cursed family.”

Mitsuki drops the hard grip he has on his hair in favor of just staring hauntingly at his hands, now situated on his lap. 

“But sometimes… When I look in the mirror- all I can see are…”

“His eyes.”

Kiryu’s frame goes rigid with fear. As if he was admitting something that he wished he could forget. 

“And I can’t help but think…”

“That one day- I’ll turn up just like him- so overtaken by anger that I hurt the people I love.” 

It’s silent for a few seconds before a small broken whisper is said under tethered pursed lips. 

“It… It scares me.”

Kiryu stops talking after the telling statement, opting to just sag on his swig seat with his head down and most of his hair covering his face. Even with all the strands blocking the view, anyone could see the small droplets of water cascading down his cheeks and into his lap. 

The muffled sounds of sniffling is the only thing heard for a while as the two first years aimlessly rock back and forth with light pushes. By now the sun was slowly descending from the sky, ready to end its shift and let its lunar counterpart take over. 

Kiryu was prepared to stay on his swing and self-reflect now that he had said everything out of his system. However that idea soon becomes meaningless the moment he feels a feather-like touch of fingertips gracing his cheek. 

Startled by the sudden contact, Mitsuki whips his head up to find Sakura looking at him with a solemn expression, the cause of the touch comes from Haruka’s outstretched hand- which is still on his face, now tucking his loose pink strands behind his pierced ear.   

His usual pink blush is nowhere to be seen- instead sharp glowing eyes illuminated from the orange sheen of golden hour stare right into his. 

Kiryu’s breath involuntarily stops for a second, olive eyes track Sakura’s hands as they linger around his head, effectively moving all the stray hairs covering his face. 

A small murmur comes out of the grade captain’s lips, so soft and sure it makes Kiryu perk up at the call.

“...Ya know.”

Slightly calloused fingers hover over another loose strand of hair, the light tug indicating that some of his hair is being lightly handled makes Mitsuki shiver. 

“One of the things that made you so interesting to me was your eyes.”

Those mentioned sage green pupils widen at the comment, blinking rapidly as if he can’t believe what he is hearing. 

Tufts of pink are pushed to the side, exposing Kiryu’s shadowed mellowed face to one of the softest expressions he has ever seen on the monochromatic boy. Unperturbed by Kiryu’s shocked glances, Sakura continues to speak slowly yet steady- as if he knows what he is saying is fact. 

“Sure you had all that pink on your head and those wacky shirts… But I dunno-”

His shoulders go up in a casual shrugging motion.   

“When I looked at your face for the first time all I could think about was,” 

“Ah- this person has really kind eyes.”

The subtle stray tears soon turned into a small waterfall once those simple words were spoken. The absolute assurance in his tone made it sound like Sakura really believed he had ‘kind eyes’. 

These eyes, passed down from those that are usually adorned with cold scorn- seething in old fashioned anger framed with wrinkles contained within pristine tatami walls. He never once thought that these cursed things that were given to him could be identified as... kindhearted. 

That he was capable of understanding others-  that he had empathy.    

That he wasn’t a resemblance to his father and his own person.

He's just- himself. 

With red adorning his face, Kiryu awkwardly laughs as he tries to get his tear ducts under control. 

“Ahaha- Sakura-chan! Y-You can’t just go and say stuff like that you know- *sniff* People might get the wrong idea!” 

“B-But it’s true!”

The feeling of embarrassment suddenly fills Sakura’s system, maybe he really wasn’t cut out for the comforting stuff- Seeing Kiryu’s tears was definitely a shocker, but at least he doesn't look like he’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders now. 

Shyly swaying back and forth on his swing, Sakura gently goes to wipe the remaining stray tears with his lingering hand. Unlike before, an oh so familiar blush is plastered on the first year’s face as he makes an attempt to quell his friend’s tears. 

“W-Well- What I’m trying to say is that you’re not like that asshole- so y-ya don’t need to cry…”

The hesitant pout on the grade captain’s face elicits a light amused laugh from the other. The last few remaining tears are quickly washed away in favor of Mitsuki displaying a small but more genuine smile. Haruka’s posture slightly slackens, less tense seeing Kiryu hold a more brighter expression from before. 

Already feeling much lighter, Kiryu begins to go back to his usual lax persona and of course a bit of teasing.

“Wow~ Sakura-chan is really a good friend.”

“A-AH!? YOU CAN’T JUST SAY STUFF LIKE THAT-”

“Hehe now you know how I feel~”

“Ugk-”

A sound between a chuckle and hearty sigh leaves Kiryu’s mouth as he stretches his limbs while still sitting on his swing seat, unlike before- where they were short and heavy- this huff was much more light and freeing. 

The orange hue of sunset was morphing into a more bluish hue of Blue Hour, which was a pretty obvious sign that they should start heading home. 

Plastering on a small smile, Kiryu grins at Sakura as he holds out his hands. 

“Sakura-channnn~ Can you carry me againnnn? All that crying made me tiredddd.”

Though he said that with a childish tone, there was a bit of truth in his statement. Mitsuki did feel a bit beat after literally coming to terms with his emotions- leaving him kind of mentally exhausted. 

As if seeing his fatigue, Sakura just huffs and goes to bend down in front of Kiryu with no complaints. Kiryu takes no chances and immediately hops on his classmates back, making himself comfortable as Sakura adjusts his grip.  

“Hehe thank you capt…”

“W-Whatever…”

The only response Sakura gets is a satisfied hum and a pat on his back. 

After a few minutes of walking, Haruka could feel the rhythmic breathing of the body on his back, indicating that Kiryu fell asleep. As he continues his trek to the Kiryu household, Sakura can’t help but think about what he had observed about his pink haired friend. 

The mere look of defeat in those green eyes had made Sakura let out an involuntary click of his tongue. He never wanted to see such a look on Kiryu’s face again- or anyone for that matter. 

It just felt…

Too close to home. 

Lingering thoughts weigh much more heavily than Kiryu’s sleeping form. Looking up, marble eyes watch as the grey clouds make way for the night sky, letting the stray stars take a small peak of the bright surface of earth. 

“Ah- this person has really kind eyes.”

‘I wonder. If anything would have changed if someone said something like that to me back then.'

Chapter Text

Suo always tries to be subtle.

Or at least seem unattenuated in the face of others. 

But there are days when the idea of food seems too much and the action of smiling is just too heavy to uphold. 

Nevertheless, he continues his day anyway- he rather go through the day than admit to his prolonged fatigue. 

It’s just what his routine has grown into.  

—

“The people at Cactus are so generous- maybe a bit too generous sometimes!”

Nirei exclaims with glee as he swings around a plastic bag full of free baked goodies he had just acquired from the mentioned bakery. In his hand, a ready to eat pork bun unwrapped and ready to be devoured. 

Next to him, Sakura huffs in what seems to be agreement, his mouth already full chewing on a milk bread that he can only reply in gruffs and hums. Of course in his hand, a similar plastic bag filled to the brim with a multitude of breads and packaged baked goods.  

“They did say it was the end of the day, and they didn’t want the rest of their leftovers to go to waste!”

Suo lightly quips in, walking at the same slow pace with the rest of his two companions. Unlike the others, his hands are empty as they rest behind his back, atop one another like how he usually places them. He had politely declined the owner's generous suggestions of bringing some pastries home and was content with what he had already consumed earlier in the day, stating that he had a big breakfast. 

Well- if you count a bottle of water a big meal.

Hayato knows that what he's doing is definitely not healthy… but it’s just that- 

Everything's been so exhausting. 

From keeping up his sly mysterious persona- to the expectations of his self restraint and the strict teachings of his master that he must always uphold, it was hard to stay afloat when there was so much piled onto his shoulders. 

And of course, that stress seemed to affect his already nonexistent appetite. 

The one-eyed boy knew that this would just hinder himself even more in the long run, but the mere idea of putting something in his stomach just- felt too unpleasant. 

So Suo decided to deal with it in the only way he can think of. 

Toughing it out till the end of the day. 

Which obviously sounds absolutely stupid- but he's tired, desperate and currently out of options so sue him. 

His dwelling is the only place where he feels safe afterall. The only place where he can express himself without the expectations of others pinning him down- watching his every move. 

Sure being in school and Bofurin is very much freeing- but sometimes even his classmates have that look of anticipation that he can’t seem to ignore. 

He could only feel more irritation bubbling under the surface as his right eye began to pulse in phantom pain, like it was mocking him and adding more to his internal misery. Auburn brows twitch for a few seconds before they smoothen out as if there was nothing there at all. 

‘I just need to get home and all will be well…’

“Ah- Suo-san! Do you remember the English homework we were assigned for this week?”

Thankful for the random distraction, Suo turns to focus on Nirei with his usual built enthusiasm; offering his usual closed eyed smile as he helps his friend out.  

“If I remember correctly…”

Too immersed in his explanation, Suo uncharacteristically fails to notice cat-like pupils narrowing in his direction as they continue walking down Makochi’s paved streets.

—

“Well then, see you tomorrow Sakura-san, Suo-san!” 

With a few enthusiastic waves, Nirei turns the corner and runs ahead of the duo with a pip in his step, happy that he can finally go home and share the rest of his free pastries with his family. Suo responds with a slight wave of his own while Sakura nods slightly in his way of saying goodbye. 

The day had finally come to an end, and now Suo can finally go home and get as much rest as he could before the voices in his head begin to spiral again. Hayato turns to his silent companion and finds him staring into space while looking his way. He smiles at Sakura’s relaxed nature and continues to walk towards his house at a calm pace. 

After finding out where Sakura lived when he was sick, Suo noticed that his house was on the same path that led to his own. Which led the one-eyed boy suggesting that they should start walking home together after they send Nirei off. Sakura agreed with a grumble and a pinkish tint to his cheeks. 

So ever since then it’s just been them two walking together along the same path after school.

The tranquil air compared to the usual bustling atmosphere lets Suo heave a content sigh. Even with his calm persona it’s hard to have such quiet moments in an all boy high school after all, so it was nice to embrace the slow pace once and awhile.  

Light taps of shoes hitting the sidewalk are all that they hear as they continue their walk home. Both Suo and Sakura are not much talkers, so they quietly agreed that the shared silence is much more welcome than a stale conversation.

The two boys walk next to each other shoulder to shoulder at a moderate yet lax pace. Suo gives a glance to his grade captain and finds him already staring at his face. Having been caught obviously staring, Sakura swiftly turns his gaze with red ears which makes Hayato giggle at his shyness. 

It’s moments like these that he wishes he could hold more of, moments where he can relax and focus on nothing more than just himself and the gentle breeze of calm. Soon enough a familiar building comes into view.

Noticing that they are arriving at Sakura’s apartment, Suo stands in front of the small complex and starts to bid his friend a quick farewell so that he can finally hurry home.  

“Well, I believe this is your stop Sakura-kun, I’ll see you tom-”

“W-Wait.”

What was supposed to be a quick goodbye, dies in his throat when Sakura promptly captures his wrist as he is backing away. Of course Suo is surprised by the action and that surprise further grows when Sakura continues with,

“Stay… for a bit.”

Stunned by the sudden request, the one-eyed vice can only stare at his blushing captain with curious eyes. Soon his gaze turns contemplative as he weighs his options. 

He could decline the offer and just go straight home as he planned, but on the other hand- Sakura has willingly invited him to his home which is a whole feat in itself…

Hm- what to do.

The allure of rest does seem tempting- 

Snagging another peak, Suo is met with embarrassed yet sparkly marble eyes- as if they were shining for the acceptance towards the shy offer. 

“...”

—

Shifting his legs to get a better sitting position, Suo looks at the slightly cluttered room with a strained eye. He was sitting at the foldable table gifted with the rest of the mini furniture that sat around, while he waited for Sakura who had sat him down with a simple “Sit and wait”. 

In retrospect, choosing to go home was probably the better choice in this situation- after all what’s stopping him from going to Sakura’s house whenever he pleases. 

But it was the utter idea that Sakura himself reached out to him, to offer him hospitality that made Suo’s logic waver. Truly his grade captain was a force no one could deny. 

Letting out a quick exasperated hum, Suo surveys the small room now filled with knick-nacks and proper second hand appliances. What was once a blank slate is now something akin to what someone might call homey. Though most of the stuff are gifts from others, it certainly had become a space that just screamed ‘Sakura’.

Hayato looks to the hallway kitchen for the said boy and only catches faint shuffling and the constant movement of the boy’s shadow. 

While he is grateful for the impromptu hospitality, the auburn boy wondered why his captain had invited him to his home on such short notice. Wouldn’t it be better if he also invited Nirei-kun? Why did he only invite Suo? All these thoughts just made his head hurt more than it should. 

An unpleasant huff leaves Suo’s lips as he brings a hand to slowly massage his temple, eye closing for a brief moment to try to quell the headache away. The pain was really making the boy consider leaving, but as he was about to stand the sound of familiar footsteps started echoing closer till they stopped in front of him. 

Quickly putting his hand away, Suo just offers his usual smile while he keeps his eye closed. Sure it might have been a bit rude closing his eye with his friend in the room, but his head was really pounding so he didn’t really have a choice. 

He can feel Sakura sitting across him from the table, but strangely the said boy hasn’t said a word. 

“Sakura-kun?”

Even with the call, silence still stays prominent. Hayato was about to start asking questions again, but the sudden feeling of steam and a fragrant scent fills his senses, making him falter. 

“...You can open your eye, ya know…”

Partaking in the timid suggestion, a lone burgundy eye is met with a fresh humble cup of herbal tea and a small serving plate of what seems to be tea cakes. 

Amazed by the sight before him, Suo can only blink a few times- as if he had to see if this was real or not. He looks up to find Sakura looking away with a pout on his lips, his cheeks puffed out and pink in his usual sign of embarrassment. The familiar reaction makes Hayato break out into a smile.  

“My, my- What a wonderful spread! I wonder what warranted such an occasion that I would be eating tea cakes in Sakura’s home!”

“Y-You-!”

As if possible, Sakura gets even more redder by the comment. The monochromatic boy utters what seems to be profanities under his breath, before voicing out rather shyly, 

“Well… I know you like this stuff- and you haven’t eaten all day.”

Suo’s eye widens at that, with his eyebrows spiking up for a split second before smoothing out to a more neutral expression and a fake smile. 

“Hm~ What makes you think I haven’t eaten today-?”

“Tsk”

The tongue click makes the one eyed boy raise his eyebrow in interest. Looking at Sakura, the boy now holds an irritated expression as he stares his vice down. 

“I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but I ain’t stupid…” marble eyes seem to sharpen as they survey Suo’s expression. 

Suddenly Sakura’s fist is a few centimeters from Hayato’s face, leaving the red haired boy stock still and unusually frazzled. 

The grade captain then gives his vice a knowing look as he drops his stance, which Suo turns away from- knowing all too well that he could have totally predicted an easy move like that which just adds to Sakura’s point. 

Watching his vice look away with a masked face of indifference, Haruka can’t help but sigh. 

“I know you don’t like eating a lot… but- you should still take care of yourself.”

“...Suo’s just human too afterall.”

The last whispered statement stuns Suo out of his neutral reverie. Making him feel as if he was indeed hit by Sakura’s previous fist. 

And it was a truthful statement wasn’t it. 

Even behind all the masks and the discipline… He is still just a highschool boy. 

A boy who still needs guidance, a boy who still can lash out. 

A boy who has the right to feel.  

Just a person with flaws, like everyone else. 

His captain is sharper than he realized. He was able to pinpoint what was bothering him to a tee, and acted accordingly. Doing all of this, getting his favorite food- just for him.  

Looking up again, Hayato is met with a gaze not full of expectation and sternness, but rather a stare full of awkward concern and softness. 

Suddenly his throat feels dry, and the sudden idea that he is parched fills his mind. 

“I- I see.”

With slow motions, Hayato goes to pick up the cup of tea and brings it to his lips. When the warm feeling of jasmine tea fills his belly, his shoulders seem to unlock from their tense form and fall in much needed content. 

The ache that kept pulsing between his eyes suddenly subsided the moment he had taken a fork and put some of the tea cake in his mouth. 

A light unconscious smile graces Suo’s face from finally being able to relax, which Sakura can’t help but huff satisfied at. The grade captain watches pleased as his vice finally puts some food in his stomach. 

Noticing that his cup is almost empty, Haruka runs to the kitchen and brings back the kettle pot full of the tea he brewed. Sitting back down to pour more for his vice with a soft yet knowing look on his face. 

As the slivers of steam leave the pot as he pours the tea, Sakura’s voice so light yet gruff again stops Suo in his tracks. 

“Ya know… When you feel like you’re not enough- you can always come to me when you feel shitty like that.”

The first grade vice watches his unaffected classmate as he continues to pour tea, as if his offer was a normal thing. Which it kind of was for Sakura, since Makochi had basically taught him the ins and outs to be open and caring for others.

For Suo, however, the simple offer spoke volumes. 

It’s not often someone lends him their ear for his woes. Usually people believe that he is so composed that they look over the idea that he might have worries of his own sometime. 

It felt… nice.  

“With such a gratuitous offer… Who am I to refuse?”

Taking another bite of his tea cake, Hayato hums with a grateful smile.

‘Thank you Sakura.’

—

“Where did you even get these tea cakes anyway?” Suo asks as he goes to take another bite of said treat.

Hayato watches amused, as Sakura’s cheeks grow red as fresh cherries.

“I- uh, I asked the guys at Cactus to make some, a-and I picked them up when we went today.”

Suo can’t help but laugh endearingly at the well thought-out gesture, touched that his captain did all of this just cause he knew Suo was feeling down about something. 

“Haha, you’re very cute Sakura-kun!”

“HAA?! YOU WANNA FIGHT-?!”