Work Text:
Tap, tap, tap, the sound of Ritsu's pen hitting his desk punctuated each sentence read and each new turned page of his textbook. One sentence, one tap, one page, one tap, repeat and repeat again. As if he could use it to engrave what he needed to know in his mind. It was once a one-time thing, one time of restless studying where he had needed to keep his hands busy, that over time and over countless, increasingly stressful exams, had become a habit.
His blinked as the rhythm faltered, his eyes trailing over the same sentence for the third time now. The fourth time didn't seem to help him understand what was written more, the words clear before his eyes but not making any sense in his mind.
He glanced at the small clock on the side os his desk, dropping the pen to run a hand though his hair. Three hours already. He had to check twice to make sure he hadn't seen wrong, that it had only been three hours but already been so long, but the clock never lied.
He let his head drop, resting his forehead on the pages of the open textbook. He knew finals were tough - though he studied for every small test with the same level of effort - but this was the fourth in a row, and his head felt like it was about to explode, filled with more temporary yet necessary knowledge than it could hold.
He sighed, allowing himself a few minutes to wind down and let his brain process what he'd read. He turned his head to watch the numbers change on the clock, the textbook pages crumpling slightly under his cheek.
The minutes were passing surprisingly slowly, yet too fast. One more, and then he'd get back to work.
One more minute.
Thirty more seconds.
Knock, knock.
One, two knocks on his door. He looked away from the clock just as his minute ended, sat straight on his chair and picked up his pen again. He didn't want anyone to show himself slacking off, to be seen like that.
The door opened, and a smile found its way on his face as Shigeo entered the room. His expression was the same as usual, appearing bored and emotionless, but Ritsu knew his older brother enough to see the concern in it. His own tired smile faded with the realization. He knew the amount of time he spent working sometimes upset him, but he hadn't meant to make him worry.
"Brother?"
"Ritsu... I hope I'm not interrupting you? I know you've been busy studying..."
He followed his brother's gaze to the textbook's crumpled page, then to his cheek, realizing the paper had left faint marks from when he was resting on it. Embarrassment washed over him in waves of heat, and he pushed the book out of sight.
"It's all right, I was taking a break. Did you want something? Is something bothering you?"
Shigeo shook his head, looking hesitant. Only then did Ritsu notice that one of his hands was hidden in his hoodie's pocket.
He tilted his head to the side, scanning his brother's face through tired eyes.
"Brother?"
"Tome... Tome told me about this at the Telepathy Club, one time after I passed out from anemia, and I wanted to do something for you..."
Ritsu blinked, looking back at his brother's hand when it moved and pulled something out of the pink pocket, handing it to him. He recognized the writing on it, this was...
"A KitKat bar?"
"It's a good luck charm! I hope you do well on your exams and don't make it too hard on yourself, Ritsu."
He took the candy from his brother's hands, looking curiously at the wrapper. It was pink, matching the hoodie it had been hidden in. Strawberry... Ritsu's favorite. Of course, Shigeo knew that. Of course.
He felt himself smile as he looked back at his brother.
"Thank you, brother. I know I'll do well now."
Shigeo's eyes lit up and he mirrored Ritsu's smile, worry now replaced with relief and pride.
He lifted a hand to pat Ritsu's head, a task made easier by his taller younger brother sitting down - Ritsu still bowed his head out of habit, letting himself relax under the soothing touch. His shoulders almost visibily slumped as the tension washed off, and he sighed as Shigeo's hand left his hair, leaving it slightly more messy than it already was.
He moved his own hand to thread his fingers through the now tangled locks, smiling at Shigeo's apologetic look.
He set the candy bar next to his textbook, opening it where he had left the last sentence. He felt more motivated now, refreshed. He nodded at his brother in thanks, smile not leaving his lips, and saw him return the gesture before walking out to let him work.
He could hear the fondness in his brother's voice when he spoke up again before closing the door behind him, and not doubting a single second he could hear the same warmth in his answer, too.
"Good luck with your work, Ritsu. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you, brother."
I'm lucky to have you.