Chapter Text
Ishigaki sighed as he observed the abandoned club room. He was going to miss this place. It held a lot of memories for him, both good and bad. This room helped him learn and grow as a human being, and it was here that he made solid friendships as well. He developed who he was as a person thanks to this club room, and for that, he wanted to say thanks. Looking over his shoulders to make sure no one was watching, Ishigaki hastily thanked the club for looking after him, and complimented his words with a formal bow.
"Who're you talkin' to, Ishiyan?" Ihara asked nonchalantly as he peeked over Ishigaki's shoulder. Ishigaki stumbled forward, sputtering "Tomoya! How long were you standing there?!" to his curious friend.
"I dunno," Ihara shrugged. "How long have we been standing here?" He asked over his shoulder. Ishigaki tensed as Tsuji came into sight.
"Long enough to hear you say thanks to an empty room," his other friend answered.
Ishigaki slapped his forehead. "Listen guys, I was just being a little sentimental."
Ihara tapped his chin while humming, deep in thought and eyebrows knit with concentration. "We wont be coming back here," he stated simply.
Ishigaki nodded, hoping his friend mulled over their high school life the same way he had. "It's a little sad, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Ihara agreed. Without warning, he screamed his thanks to the empty club room, a formal bow following the echo of his voice. Ishigaki was slightly taken aback, but when Tsuji mimicked the action, a warm smile spread across his features. His friends were the best. Even though their time in this particular club room was over, it didn't mean they couldn't make new memories somewhere else.
"Welp! As much fun as being sad is, I say we celebrate our graduation instead!"
"I'm not going karaoking with you again," Tsuji interrupted.
"That's fine," Ihara chirped with a wave of his hand, silly grin unwavering as he proposed his idea. "How about we have some dinner at a pub?"
Ishigaki and Tsuji were both fine with the idea of dinner, but the way Ihara had said pub with a wriggling eyebrow and playful smirk was concerning. Neither could say no however, as the other began dragging them towards the sidewalk and away from their high school. Ishigaki looked back out of habit, but the sensation of strong hands squeezing either side of his shoulders brought his attention back to his friends.
"Don't look so dejected!" Ihara exclaimed.
"We can visit as many times as we want," Tsuji added. Ishigaki nodded and followed his friends down towards the busy streets of Kyoto.
***
"Here we are!" Ihara exclaimed as he pointed to a small restaurant squeezed between a Family Mart and what looked to be a motorcycle repair shop. The pub was surprisingly crowded given the street it was on. They were in a rather residential area. School kids were out and casually walking along the sides of the roads, finished with club activities but not in the mood to stay indoors. An elderly couple was spotted talking to their neighbour from across the pub, and women with bags of groceries was rushing home to prepare dinner. A few men and women alike were seen peppering the streets, coming home from work, well-dressed and lost in their cell phones.
"They're only open 'til 11 on the weekdays, but I know the owner, and he's lenient with who gets a taste of the booze."
Tsuji and Ishigaki flashed each other a concerned glance. Booze?
"How do you know the owner?" Tsuji asked as Ihara pushed his friends through the front door of the pub restaurant.
"Oh," he shrugged. "You know—"
"Welcome! Come on it!" A voice echoed over the several conversations taking place.
"Hey bro!"
Bro?!
"Ah. Tomoya?"
Ishigaki instantly recognized the larger figure approaching him. Ihara Naoya smiled warmly as he welcomed the three post-graduates into his pub. He looked exactly how Ishigaki expected Tomoya to look in a few years. Naoya was tall. His hair was long like his little brother’s, but tied in a high bun to keep it out of his face. His features were kind as well, but masculine. The air he held about him was that of confidence, something that seemed to run in the Ihara bloodline.
"Sorry I couldn't make the ceremony kiddo," he mentioned while ruffling his brother's hair. "How'd it go?"
"It went as well as you'd expect."
"Boring?"
"Yeah," Ihara said before sniffling and wiping a single tear from the corner of his eye. "I'm gonna miss it!"
Naoya threw his head back and laughed. "Maybe some food will lift your spirits." He guided the three towards the far end of the restaurant, closest to the open kitchen window. "Just holler when you're ready to order."
"Thanks," the three said in sync, their slight bows forming a miniature wave. When they sat down, Ishigaki immediately felt at peace. Ihara and Tsuji were bickering about their potential meals. One wanted to buy a big plate and share it while the other said they should choose their own preferences. Both looked expectantly at him; the tie breaker, which made Ishigaki smile. Despite going their separate ways in life, nothing would change. They'd still hang out, and fight, and laugh together. The atmosphere in the bar was nice. Seeing his friends act comfortable in the dimly lit room full of hearty adults made him realize that this could be their new club room. This is where they could meet after school and work, and unwind in each other's company.
"You seem happy," Tsuji noted.
Ishigaki shrugged, his grin wider than it had been that entire day.
He was.