Chapter Text
RENSUKE
It’s a good fit.
Wearing a simple black shirt underneath covered by a half-buttoned white cardigan, pair that with simple jeans, Rensuke thinks that yes, this is a good example of what to wear when you go on a date with a celebrity friend—wait. Date? Friend?
No, no, no, no! This isn’t a date, and Chigiri Hyoma’s definitely not a friend. He’s…. an acquaintance. They only spoke a few times on only two occasions, and—and it’s too soon to call him a friend.
Anyways… it was a bit tricky trying to search for peaceful locations without much people near Tokyo, and Rensuke had to get help from, well, chat. And mostly, Ness.
( FLASHBACK à THE NIGHT BEFORE… )
Their stream was different from all their previous ones. In here, they didn’t play games, the just talked with the viewers. But Rensuke? He’s replaying that scene with a much lighter atmosphere, almost like a scene from a shoujo anime.
“Make me feel like a normal person.” Chigiri had said, with a soft smile far too different from his other smiles, with a touch of nervousness, so unfamiliar. Rensuke tried to wrap his head around it. Make him feel like a normal person. What did he mean by it? It’s so hard, trying to understand a complex person like one Chigiri Hyoma.
He doesn’t even know where to take him. He probably has a lot of expectations, he’s rich and famous after all.
“Earth to Kunigami? Hello?” Isagi’s voice through the monitor brought Rensuke back to reality. Stream. Chat. Yeah.
“It’s obvious that Kuni has something in his mind,” Bachira mused aloud with a Cheshire-like grin. “I wonder what it is, hmm…?”
Nagi simply yawned with his usual nonchalance. “I have an idea of what it is.”
kunigamisbiceps: is there??? something we don’t know??
bachirasmonster: DUHH its not like we know them privately or smth
bachirasmonster: BUT I AM CURIOUS ON WHATS ON KUNIS MIND RN
ihatechildren: ok but wheres my bbg ness… u guys js revealed him last stream don’t gatekeep him!!!
nagiswifecanon: ness omega real
That last text was weird.
“Ah, well,” Rensuke never knew that it was hard trying to get a simple question of where’s the best hangout spot where you can feel like a normal person out of his throat, it just seemed so, uhm, out of context. Out of the blue. Er, unexpected. Yeah.
“My… friend,” Rensuke internally cringed, yet he continued nonetheless. “Wants to go somewhere, where he can feel like a normal person.”
amaliaroses: tf is ur friend on abt kuni LMAOOO
ilovegays!!: psychological question ahh
“Which friend?” Bachira chose to ask, his tone curious. “Is it Otoya? Hmm, maybe not. Karasu, Yukimiya… my best bro Shidou?!”
“Definitely not.” Rensuke deadpanned. “Just a friend. He may just be an acquaintance.”
Isagi, with all his gifted observer skills and intelligence, lit up in realization. “Oh! Wait.” Now, he gasped. “Oh?!”
The sprout-head turned off his camera and microphone, leading to the confused panics of chat.
“I heard the question, Kunigami,” Ness appeared by Rensuke’s side with a glass of juice. Some of his newly acquired fans (He just debuted yesterday!!) crashed out in glee of seeing their glorious so-called omega. “As an aspiring therapist and psychologist, I assume that your friend is going through a series of events that defines him from a different category which most people would define normal for ordinary people. For example, is your friend going through something at home or in his environment? Is he being bullied? Pressured? Abused?”
Rensuke only stared at Ness incredulously, because what the heck was that? Those are damn big words. He can only nod slowly, taking his time processing the words.
“A place where he can feel like a normal person,” Ness tapped against his chin as he seemed to use his 99% of his brain. “Perhaps he’s looking for a more peaceful, quiet vibe without a lot of people where he can be himself freely without hesitation. Somewhere far from the city.”
Hearing those words made a few vague memories bubble up the surface. Rensuke repeated the words absentmindedly, “Somewhere peaceful and… quiet?”
His eyes drifted to the screen, where a few texts popped up from the chat.
chuuyaslostheight: maybe the countryside then? i mean, if u drive long enough and far from tokyo ull be able to reach a small town, not that populated
xiaolumiisreal: wait I think I know that town, my grandma lives there
emobaddie: its not totally a town, its still a part of tokyo but underpopulated, more with the nature vibes
nagiswifecanon: ur friend might like it there kuni!! :)
goatsagi: they’re all just suggestions tho, take ur pick:p
mikumikumikumikumiku: ITS SO WHOLESOME HOW WE’RE ALL TRYING TO HELP KUNI(‘s friend)
nagiswifecanon: SO REAL!!
amaliaroses>nagiswifecanon: u didn’t even do anything
“Think of somewhere you feel safe,” Bachira spoke up after a while, “Somewhere you also think would be nice for your cele—I mean friend.”
“Narita, Utsunomiya, Sawara,” Nagi started lazily listing off cities-slash-towns not far from Tokyo, “but there’s a lot more places far from Tokyo that you can pick.”
“For example,” Isagi coughed, finally turning on his cam. “If you want to uh, share a safe place of yours with your friend, maybe, uh, what was I going to say again? Just share your safe place instead?” He laughed nervously, “I don’t know how to word it properly.”
“Wait, you don’t have to, Isagi.” Rensuke spoke with a tiny bit of firmness, because, now, he finally knows where in Japan to take that spoiled princess thanks to a now orphaned therapist-wannabe, a Reo-obsessed sloth, a gay couple, and a chaotic mess that is their stream’s chat. “Thanks.”
( END OF FLASHBACK )
Maybe Rensuke will buy the three some souvenirs. A dolphin plushie for Bachira, or maybe newer art materials? Isagi would love some new cleats. He’ll just give Nagi some Reo merch and he’ll be fine. (Those are kinda expensive though…)
Standing in front of the gate of his apartment, Rensuke looked at his phone for the 3rd time that early morning, rereading the previous chats he had shared with the celebrity the previous evening.
Me: Hey, so the place where we’ll be going is a bit far, and are you free for like 2 days? We’ll stay there.
Chigiri Hyoma: Hi! I am free for 2 days, good timing. Where will be going?
Me: You’ll know tomorrow.
Be ready by 5:00.
Chigiri: wait waht
THAT EARLY?!
Me: Yep. Goodnight.
Rensuke had woken up by 3:30 AM, cooking a decent breakfast, jogging for a bit, taking a shower then packed a few clothes fit for two days. By now, 4:46 AM with the skies still a bit dark and no sign of light from the sky, Rensuke waited.
Until a limousine, one that’s too shiny, arrived. Rensuke resisted the urge to frown, as he watched the celebrity—Chigiri, wearing branded bags, an expensive-looking pair of jeans and a coat that’s obviously Burberry.
And who the heck drives into a cramped neighborhood with a long ass limousine? This guy, Rensuke’s mind provided as Chigiri said his goodbyes with the driver, then turning to him with a smug grin on his face. “Where will be going?”
He just asked where they will be going in a confident voice, acting like there’s nothing wrong with his… choice of clothes.
This can’t be allowed.
They’re going to a nature-ish, local place in the countryside! (Even though Chigiri doesn’t know it yet.)
“No.” Rensuke deadpanned, grabbing Chigiri’s arm causing the latter to look up at him in confusion and shock. “You are not wearing… that.”
“What’s wrong with my clothes?” Chigiri furrowed his eyebrows, a frown forming in his face as Rensuke finds himself dragging him along towards his apartment. Whatever, this guy needs a what they call a makeover. What he’s wearing right now will attract unwanted attention, left and right.
When the two entered Rensuke’s apartment room, the door slammed shut.
“No, but seriously,” Chigiri sighed, exasperated, watching Rensuke dig through his closet for any piece of decent clothing that can fit and at least look good on the red-haired celebrity. “What’s wrong with my clothes that made you look like you saw a beheaded guy walking on the streets at 3 AM?”
“Don’t even joke about that,” Rensuke hissed, tossing another HERO labeled T-shirt across the pile of unwanted shirts with a blush. Why is half of his closet either baggy or tight compression shirts? None of these will fit Chigiri’s petite body.
Then, he saw it. A piece of gold hiding beneath piles of dust and dirt. He recognized this clothing, Rensuke thinks in realization as he pulled the cloth—revealed to be a dark pink turtleneck that belonged to his older sister, one that she had forgotten after the last time she had slept over. (Which was his birthday.)
“Ooh, what’s that?” He heard Chigiri ask in awe. He tossed the turtleneck to his hands, saying, “Wear that.”
“A… turtleneck. A cute one.” Chigiri blinked before looking up at him with curiosity. “One that obviously belongs to a girl. Ooh,” He grinned wickedly, “You have a girlfrie—”
“Sister.” Rensuke interrupted him immediately, voice firm. “That belongs to my sister.”
“Oh.” Chigiri pursed his lips together, “My bad. Oops.”
Rensuke rolled his eyes and sighed. Whatever. Chigiri’s pants are next.
…That sounded wrong.
In the end, Chigiri did wear the dark pink turtleneck, paired with a beige cardigan sweater—thanks, Ness (who sleepily nodded beneath the comfort of his blanket on the futon in the living room, yeh, your friend can borrow)—and jeans that originally belonged to Rensuke, but hey, what’s the harm of letting an acquaintance borrow it? Thankfully, he doesn’t think that people will immediately know that Chigiri’s shoes are branded and expensive at first look, and the jeans did a good job of covering the brand up thanks to it being loose.
He gave Chigiri a totebag to replace his original expensive-looking handbag. Then a pair of rose-tinted sunglasses. Voila. From rich to leech. Not really.
Rensuke could barely call himself a fashion designer, but thanks to Roblox’s Dress to Impress, he can say he did a pretty good job. Even Chigiri agrees.
“This fit is overall good.” Chigiri nodded to himself in front of the mirror, doing several poses to prove his point. “You’re not bad, Hero.”
“Can’t have our Princess looking like a rare diamond gleaming in the sunlight nor trash rotting in the dumps,” Rensuke teased, tossing his bag over his shoulder. “Let’s go?”
The latter nodded excitedly, “Let’s go—”
Rensuke promptly shut him up by roughly shoving a rather bad-looking cap on his head. Chigiri needs it if he wants no fan trailing behind him.
Ignoring Chigiri’s complains about the monstrosity of a cap, Rensuke sent a quick text message to Ness, who was, of course, still asleep.
Me: I’ll be back in two days, I’m leaving the apartment to you. Make sure it’s clean in here by the time I’m back.
And don’t neglect your meals even if you find another job alongside your barista one.
Thanks for the cardigan
The train was nearly empty with only a few several passengers when Rensuke and Chigiri got to the station. It was to be expected, after all, since it’s 5:15 when they got there. The people were with luggage bags, and dressing their children in warm clothing, after all, the summer’s ending and it’s been rainy for the past few days, resulting to a cold temperature residing in Tokyo.
The train wasn’t that warm, either. It was cold. It was quiet, with only the soft buzzing of the air conditioning humming amongst the air and gentle lullabies sung by mothers to their sleeping children. This isn’t Rensuke’s first time in a train, so he shouldn’t be uncomfortable. He isn’t, actually, but there’s something bothering him.
The celebrity, in disguise, beside him right now is what’s worrying him. Chigiri looked a tad bit too distant, a bit too silent, with his pinkish red eyes softening as the minutes fly by. Was he uncomfortable? Sure, Chigiri was the one who wanted this hangout, but Rensuke decided where to go. He doesn’t want anyone to be, well, uncomfortable. Not at all.
“Are you okay?” He whispered softly, aware of his surroundings. It’s not like there’s many people, however, some are asleep. Elderly people, children, and others. But there’s also another reason why he kept his voice low, a reason still unknown to him.
Chigiri responded a few seconds later, “Yeah.”
“I see.” Rensuke buried his hands deep in his pockets. “You’re oddly quiet today.”
Chigiri didn’t respond immediately. Rensuke didn’t pressure him to.
“I like this silence.” He heard him say after a few moments of quiet, “It’s not always that I get to experience this. I never got to ride on trains ever since I was little, too,” A sigh. “Thanks.”
Of course. Being a celebrity shouldn’t be that easy, Rensuke thinks. There has to be some downsides to every side, every aspect, to everything fabricated in reality. Chigiri definitely has some problems going on, and while that’s supposed to bother Rensuke, it didn’t. It simply just reminded him that famous and influential figures aren’t these celestial entities that are deemed perfect, but they are all people, human beings with a side of themselves that they don’t show in public. That’s basically everyone else, too.
Rensuke had searched Chigiri on the Internet. A gentle yet confident person with the grin of a winner and the heart of an angel. That’s the side that Chigiri’s been showing to him too, but he let him take peeks of another side of him—the pushy, bratty, and cheerfully expressive Chigiri.
People always called Rensuke observant, too observant of people around him. He never disliked this ability of his, since it just helps him understand all of his family and friends. Chigiri, however, is a tough one to understand.
“You’re welcome,” Rensuke said, his tone gentle and soft, and he found his hand absently searching for the warmth of another. He forced it not to move, though.
He saw the sun rise across the horizon through the train’s windows, looked back at Chigiri, who was looking at it too, bathed in the sun’s warm and red-orange light.
“The sunrise is beautiful.” Chigiri said, his eyes closing as his head leaned against the cold walls.
“Yeah. It is.”
“So… where are we?” Asked Chigiri, who had just woken up a few minutes ago from his three hour nap on a three hour long train ride. The station is starting to fill up with people. And the continuous bursts of the colors of natural green and brown of the trees, and plants, as well as the distant hue of blue indicated that they’re somewhere in the countryside.
“In my hometown,” Rensuke simply chose to shrug as he began walking towards the exit. He could hear Chigiri’s pout in the way his steps quickened to catch up with him.
“That’s not an acceptable answer. I don’t know where your hometown is, idiot.”
“Akita.” The breeze of the natural air gently hit Rensuke’s face, contrasting to the suffocating, filtered airs of Tokyo. There’s rarely any buildings in here, nor are there any commotions. Just the same, old, aesthetically pleasing small Japanese houses, and shrines, and temples, and the distant sound of water splashing against water.
A clear sign, that they’re in the countryside.
“Akita,” Chigiri repeated, nodding slowly. “So… where we’ll be staying?”
“The local hotel,” Rensuke responded, because, that’s the most logical answer, isn’t? “Just a fifteen-minute walk from here.”
“Fifteen? You do know how long that is, right?” Chigiri’s voice snapped with incredulity.
“No.” Smugly, Rensuke said. Because, fifteen minutes isn’t even that long.
“We’re gonna have to walk all the way there! For fifteen minutes! Imagine how sore my legs would be after all that.”
“That’s how normal people go from one place to another, Princess. Walk.”
That managed to shut him up. Still, if he really wanted to not walk, then maybe…
“What about we ride that?”
“Ride what?”
Rensuke pointed at the line of bicycles standing by the white fence, with a seemingly tired elder woman sitting on a chair. There was a sign nearby, saying: Bicycle-Riding Around Town – Starts at 55 yen!
“Bicycle-riding,” Chigiri looked at him as if he grew a second head. “Are you serious?”
“What, you’ll get tired by pedaling too? C’mon.” Rensuke looked back at Chigiri, because, it’s insane how you think you’ll get tired by doing such simple things. It almost reminded him of Nagi. Seriously though, is Chigiri that used to being a passenger princess sitting pretty at the backseats of a limousine, or an even more expensive Rolls-Royce? “I’ll pedal instead. You got sit at the back.”
“Are you crazy? The poor bicycle will collapse underneath our combined weight! Look at yourself!”
“Are you calling me fat?”
“No! I’m saying that you are big! Big, Kunigami, big.” Chigiri exaggeratedly motioned a, what he calls big, with his hand reaching upward and the other downward, then sidewards.
“It won’t,” Rensuke sighed. “C’mon, let’s try it.”
Chigiri groaned in defeat.
“Thank you so much for your generous payment,” The elder lady smiled as she motioned to the bicycles, “Please enjoy the ride, and,”
Rensuke sat on the saddle, with Chigiri behind him, and begins to pedal—
“please don’t forget to return the—”
Until the bicycle did collapse, each part breaking off, as one of the wheels rolled off. Rensuke and Chigiri remained sitting—well, standing in a way that looks sitting, with the poor bicycle crushed to pieces underneath.
They didn’t even manage to move the bicycle from their original post.
The elder lady’s voice trailed off in shock. “—bicycle...”
Chigiri dropped to his knees, covered his already red face in utter shame, and lets out a soft whisper-shriek, almost inaudible.
“Oh,” Rensuke whispered, face also red in shame and embarrassment as he didn’t fail to catch the small, barely stifled giggles of the people around them. “Oops.”
“That, that was embarrassing. Remind me to never do it again.” Chigiri shuddered beside him with a scowl.
“I admit, that was my fault.” Rensuke raised his hands up in surrender.
They continued walking, silently swearing to not talk about that bicycle incident again. Even the elder lady found it funny, but still, Chigiri paid her lots of cash for the repair.
“Ughh, when will we get there??” Another complain from the redhead.
“In thirteen minutes. I think.” Rensuke glanced at his watch.
Another groan. “Ugh, I just realized I didn’t bring any clothes with me. What should I do?”
That was when Rensuke, spotted a familiar store—the local thrift store. “… Let’s check that one out.”
“Huh?”
“What… is this.” Murmured Chigiri, eyes open wide and jaw gaping at the sight of countless, filled racks of cheap-looking clothing, and Rensuke couldn’t tell if it’s out of awe or horror. Still, that won’t stop Rensuke from liking thrift stores—efficient, cheap, and they actually look good most of the time.
“What? Not all of us are rich and can buy branded clothing, you know, Princess? This is where the normies go to when they want to save money.” Said Rensuke, as he starts to look through the clothing rack. Unfortunately, none of it probably fits on his… well, muscular figure. Maybe some pants can.
“That’s… not what I’m thinking,” Chigiri blushed, as his eyes spotted a sleeveless, dress shirt with white frills and bright pink details. “This is cute.”
“That’s for girls.” He deadpanned.
“I don’t caare,” Chigiri sang teasingly, as looked through more of the racks. “This one is cute too. Hey, Kunigami, hold them for me, yeah?”
“I’m not your—” He was about to say that he was not Chigiri’s escort, but looking back, Rensuke being the one to introduce normal and not-celebrity things to the redhead and practically showing him around his hometown, he kinda is like an escort. So instead, he said, with a sigh: “Fine.”
“Oh my God, look,” Chigiri shoved a shirt into Rensuke’s face, and he pushed it just far enough to see what it looks like. A merchandise. Of Chigiri. It has his face in it, hair tied up with a smug grin, as the words CHIGIRI HYOMA: The Diva is emphasized in bold, dark pink fonts. “They have merch of me.”
He looked breathless and awestruck. With a crap-eating grin. Chigiri looked like it’s his first time seeing his own merch. Definitely not.
“Of course,” Rensuke sighed, “You’re famous, Mr. Supermodel. Famous.”
“I’m so buying that. Hold it!”
After a few minutes of Chigiri gushing over frilly clothing, vintage clothing, stylish clothing, blah blah blah, and tossing the said clothing over Rensuke’s arm, he once again showed another t-shirt he randomly found—except this one is too painfully familiar.
“Look,” Chigiri said, his voice high with glee, “This shirt is so like you!”
The shirt is a black shirt with printed words I AM A HERO! emphasized in white, big, bold fonts.
Of course, this reminded him of Rensuke. Because this belonged to Rensuke, he just donated it to the thrift store because it didn’t fit him anymore!
“Let’s leave,” Rensuke demanded, his face red with embarrassment.
“Wait what why-..? Let me pay for these first!”
The cashier’s computer monitor beeped as the price came into view. “That would be three hundred and fifty-six yen."
“Pretty cheap, huh,” Chigiri grinned cheekily as he handed out the payment. The cashier eyed him thoroughly as she exclaimed softly, “Wait, you look like that one actor…”
Rensuke cursed internally. Crap, someone finally recognized him. “Oh. Do I?” Chigiri’s confused grin doesn’t help. Please, take a hint!
“Yeah, Miss! I also personally think you’d look good in one of our local kimonos, or yukata, just in time for tonight’s festival!” The cashier clasped her hands together in glee, eyeing the displayed set of colorful and vibrant kimonos near them. Chigiri looked at it, then at Rensuke. “There’s a festival?”
“Ah—wait, u-uh, I forgot about that…” Rensuke bashfully admitted, awkwardly scratching the back of his head as he looked away. Well, because it’s true! He forgot about how eager the people here is to celebrate different festivals. He’s spent so long already in Tokyo.
He still can’t remember what festival will occur later.
Chigiri grinned excitedly, with an underlying message of you have no choice but to—“Let’s go that festival, then.”
Rensuke felt himself age ten years. His companion is a bit too excited. Dear God.
“Perfect! You know what, since you’re really pretty, go get those kimonos for free!”
“Aye, you’re the best!”
Aren’t they a bit too eager—
“I’m gonna try them out!” Exclaimed Chigiri. A bit too eager.
“HEY—What?!” The words you’re a guy, you idiot, almost slipped out but Chigiri shushed him quickly with a mischievous smile.
“I like crossdressing.”
Oh.
Okay.
Rensuke just nodded like an idiot.
Chigiri looked like your typical shoujo main character during that one summer night festival with her 100 male leads. Except this time, Chigiri looked prettier despite not being a girl, he has no 100 male leads (perhaps, fans, maybe) and he isn’t in a shoujo manga slash anime.
The yukata fit him well, surprisingly. He chose one that is again, dark pink, with decorations of white illustrated clouds and light Sakura flowers. He tied his hair up to a high bun, which, honestly? He looks really pretty.
“Very beautiful, I’m going to die!” The cashier exaggeratedly wiped one of her non-existed tears. Chigiri ignored her and instead, turned to Rensuke with a prideful, if not hopeful, look on his face. And a shy smile.
“How do I look?”
How does he look? How is Rensuke supposed to answer that question? He can’t just say that Chigiri resembles a goddess who had emerged from the Sakura trees on a vibrant spring—
“You look okay.” He said. He couldn’t resist the amused smile he just showed. Chigiri, however, is offended. “Excuse me? I look much better than okay!”
“Goodbye!” The cashier waved cheerfully as the pair left the thrift store, with a few bags of the clothes that Chigiri had just bought. The sun was still high at the sky, and it’s beginning to get a bit hot. A bit unfortunate for the two of them who are wearing warm and rather thick clothes.
“Say,” Chigiri started, his clothes back to normal. Rensuke didn’t let him get out without changing back from a yukata to his earlier clothing. “The people doesn’t recognize me at all. I’m not even properly disguised. Why do you think so?” He asked, licking his mango-flavored ice cream, one Rensuke had bought from a nearby ice cream stall.
“Ah, it’s because most of the people here actually know how to respect boundaries. You might be noticed later on during the festival, though.” Is what Rensuke chose to say.
“How long until we reach the news?”
“Why the heck would I reach the news?” Incredulity scattered all across Rensuke’s facial expression.
“Probably not,” Chigiri continued eating his ice cream. “I don’t spot any paparazzi. It’s so peaceful here.”
Rensuke nodded. This is why he’ll always prefer Akita’s countryside towns over any other city, it’s peaceful, quiet, and the people are kind. “True—”
“I crave ramen.” Chigiri suddenly said, looking at him with expectant eyes, ice cream melting in his hand. It’s literally hot today. Why the heck is he craving ramen.
“What.”
“Treat me ramen?”
“We still haven’t even reached the hotel—”
“Rameeeeen~~~~~” Chigiri whined like a stupid, little brat.
Sigh. Ramen first, then.