Chapter Text
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
— Winnie-the-Pooh
The moment Yuzuru glanced over at Shoma he knew this memory would be burned into his mind, into his very heart for all of eternity. Shoma hands upwards, fingertips pointed toward the sky, palms eye level, cradling a sliver of the universe. His hands flutter out, ever so slightly, expanding and focusing on a specific portion of a galaxy never seen before by humankind. A deluge of colors swirl around him—hazy greens, soft purples, vibrant blues, vivid pinks, specks of yellow—all juxtaposed on an expanse of black. The brilliance of the galaxy seems to swallow Shoma whole before it settles ever so subtly over his body, no longer overwhelming, but very much there. Shoma would glance over at Yuzuru, eyes crinkling, cheeks pulling into a genuine, wide smile. It would register that Shoma was gazing at him as if he were more valuable than the universe he held in the palm of his hands. As if Yuzuru were more valuable than the place Shoma called home.
Yuzuru peered over the railing of his apartment building, the crushing loneliness seemed to hit him in full force. The blinking city lights, cars rushing by underneath, the sheer amount of black suits wandering by, drunk, alone, and just as lost as he was; all of it seemed so distant. He looked up at the stars, obscured by the neon lights, earning a cynical laugh from Yuzuru. Even the stars were clouded by the rushing, busy life of Tokyo. As he continued to stare at the sky in vain, the desperation for life to slow down, to have meaning, settled on his shoulders, a heavy, burdensome weight. Maybe it was time to go home again. To be somewhere where he felt like he wasn’t just another number, where his family was–
His family, they didn’t want to see Yuzuru anymore. Yuzuru wasn’t allowed to come home. They would pay for his education, his housing, anything he wanted, just as long as he stayed away from home.
What could even be considered home?
His apartment was just a place where he could sleep and eat. Sendai was a once familiar place—now a distant memory—where all of his loved ones were before he disgraced his family by–
Yuzuru entered his apartment, sliding the screen door shut along with his overactive mind. His apartment was meticulous. Every object had its place and was cleaned almost obsessively. It was almost impossible to tell someone lived there. Some part of him felt as if cleaning was the only thing he could truly control in his life.
Yuzuru kept the lights off, allowing his eyes to adjust to the darkness of his apartment. He found his way to his bedroom and promptly collapsed on his bed. It would be better to lay on his bed, desperately wishing for sleep rather than going through the motions. He would end up awake for hours, counting sheep, willing his thoughts away. He’d eventually give up on sleep in an hour or so. Yuzuru would find himself wandering back out to the balcony to gaze at the night sky, hoping for a restful night. Yuzuru closed his eyes, wishing for the sweet release of rest. A soft knocking from Yuzuru’s balcony disturbed him from his pitiful attempt. Yuzuru sat up, confused.
Yuzuru entered the living room and heard the knock again, it really was coming from the direction of his balcony. He looked over at his balcony to find a short, curly-haired, wide-eyed kid. He slid open the door and just stared at him. How the hell did a teenager scale his apartment building and have the brilliant idea to just plop onto his balcony?
“Um hi, I’m a little lost,” said the kid. His voice was sweet, almost a little shy. The kid looked down, the bottom of his face was red. He was embarrassed. Interesting. So he wasn’t getting robbed in the middle of the night. And if his apartment was actually getting broken into, they had chosen the most unassuming kid for the task. Always send the ones that look the least dangerous, that’s how they get you.
“Is there a reason you’re on my balcony?” asked Yuzuru.
“I think I space-time traveled wrong,” said the kid.
“You what?”
“Space-time traveled?” said the kid looking at Yuzuru like he was strange. Yuzuru scanned the kid’s face for a hint that he was joking. Nothing, the kid’s face was blank. So he was either really good at lying or genuinely telling the truth.
“What exactly is ‘space-time travel’?” asked Yuzuru incredulously.
“You know galaxy hopping? Sometimes there is time-bending stuff? But you have to get a permit for that, you know don’t want to mess up other worlds’ space-time continuum, so just usually galaxy hopping,” said the kid. He seemed so sure of himself that Yuzuru thought he was going crazy. Had his sleepless nights finally gotten to him? Had he imagined someone who could travel through space and time to entertain himself?
“I’m sorry what exactly are you talking about?” asked Yuzuru, truly confused.
“Can you understand this?” asked the kid opening his mouth and a bunch of melodic notes came out. It sounded absolutely beautiful but Yuzuru could not understand even a portion of what he had said. Yuzuru looked at the kid even more confused.
“Sorry, that just sounded like a bunch of musical notes?”
“Oh my–I’ve landed on Earth. So you probably think I’m crazy now. My name is Shoma, I’m from another galaxy. Earth hasn’t come far enough to space-time travel,” said Shoma matter-of-factly. “Uh, I’m technically supposed to erase your memories for telling you that but I’m kind of in a bind.”
“Wait, do you expect me to just believe you?”
“I can show you some proof if you step out onto your balcony?” said Shoma. Yuzuru stepped out onto his balcony. If this kid was going to mug him at least his neighbors would hear him scream. Shoma’s hand extended and for a brief moment, the night sky above them appeared to gather in his outstretched palm. Yuzuru watched in wonder, the stars in the palm of his hand looked very much real. The city lights didn’t obscure the beauty of the stars while Shoma held them. Yuzuru stands closer to get a better look before Shoma’s hand shuts closed quickly, the stars disappearing into his palm. “Sorry, that was awful.”
“No,” said Yuzuru in wonder, “that was amazing”.
“Thanks,” said Shoma bashfully, “but in comparison to what I usually do that was embarrassing.”
“You said you were in a bind. If you can do that then why exactly are you in a bind?” asked Yuzuru.
“I’m not supposed to be here.”
“What do you mean?” asked Yuzuru.
“People like me aren’t supposed to come to Earth, it’s a violation of the rules,” said Shoma. “Our abilities don’t work the same here either.”
“So you can’t go home? Aren’t your parents going to be worried?” asked Yuzuru.
“Not really, I’m…20 I think. If I converted my time to your time correctly.”
“You’re 20?” exclaimed Yuzuru. “You look like you’re 13, is this because you came from somewhere else?”
“Uh, no I just look like this. I look young where I’m from too,” said Shoma tilting his head to the side. “Could I come in? I feel like we might wake your neighbors up if we keep talking on the balcony.”
“Please come in,” said Yuzuru, inviting the stranger into his home.
“Please excuse me,” said Shoma removing his shoes.
“You’re oddly Japanese for someone not from here.”
“Where I’m from is similar to your Japan, kind of parallel in a way. At least some of the customs,” said Shoma hovering awkwardly by the door to Yuzuru’s balcony.
“Please, sit down. Warm yourself under the kotatsu,” offered Yuzuru, turning the light on and gesturing to his kotatsu. “Would you like anything to drink?”
“I’m okay, thank you for offering though. Also, thank you for allowing me in your home. I must sound and look crazy,” said Shoma.
“Someone with a cute face like yours could probably never harm a fly,” said Yuzuru. Yuzuru grinned as Shoma’s face turned red. Now that he took a better look at Shoma in the light it was more obvious he was around 20. He had a sharper jawline than Yuzuru would ever have and was relatively well built from what Yuzuru could see under his loose clothing. He was actually quite attractive. Yuzuru stopped his train of thought, he literally just met the young man and here he was already sizing him up. Shoma tilted his head to the side, immediately making Yuzuru’s heart clench, he was adorable.
“Can I ask your name?” asked Shoma shyly.
Yuzuru laughed, of course, Shoma gave him his name and he forgot to give his own, “Hanyu Yuzuru,” said Yuzuru.
“Thank you for letting me in Hanyu-san,” said Shoma, concentrating very hard to get his formal wording just right.
“Just call me Yuzuru,” said Yuzuru, unsure why he was being so casual with a strange young man from space.
“Are you sure? I studied Japanese language and can use keigo,” said Shoma. Hearing Shoma talk made Yuzuru realize he truly wasn’t Japanese. There was a musical lilt to his voice; it must have been a result of his native tongue.
“Really, it’s fine. How do you plan on getting home?” asked Yuzuru.
“I need time to gather strength and then I can transport myself home again,” said Shoma. “If I contact Mihoko I might get in trouble.” Shoma scrunched his nose adorably at that.
“You can stay with me if you want,” said Yuzuru. Where did Yuzuru suddenly get the brilliant idea that he would house some strange young man? Yuzuru shrugged his shoulders, it wouldn’t matter anyway. It wasn’t like anyone else lived with him. Most of his friends didn’t care enough to visit his house anyway. His family would never want to step foot in his apartment until he “fixed” himself either.
“Are you sure?” asked Shoma, his eyes lighting up.
“Of course,” said Yuzuru, he felt his heart warm up a little. Maybe having someone else in his house would make his life a little less monotonous.
“I’m a slob, I only eat meat, and I’m always sleepy,” said Shoma. Yuzuru admired the young man’s honesty. “I’ll try really hard to fix that though.” Shoma looked down at his hands, embarrassed.
Normal Yuzuru would have probably kicked Shoma out immediately, not wanting a roommate that would destroy the orderliness of his life. But some crazy part of him just laughed and told the young man, “We’ll make it work. You’ll have to pick up some cleaning habits and eat at least some vegetables. I don’t really care if you sleep all the time. I have to go to University anyway.”
“Okay,” said Shoma, nodding. Yuzuru reached across the table to ruffle Shoma’s hair before he realized what he was doing. Shoma blushed and allowed Yuzuru to ruffle his hair.
“I’ll get the futon for you,” said Yuzuru standing up suddenly. He needed to still his beating heart.
“Do you need help with that?” asked Shoma. Yuzuru just shook his head and quickly made his way to his room to grab the futon. How in the hell was he already forming feelings? He hadn’t felt his heart pulse like this since Javier. Yuzuru grimaced at that, having feelings for the Spanish exchange student was a memory he desperately wanted to go away. The man was sweet enough to reject him and still be his friend, but it was still a tender spot. Especially because he ended up dating the senior Miki Ando not too long after. Yuzuru returned to the living room to find Shoma, head down on the table, fast asleep. He looked so peaceful when he was asleep. Yuzuru could only wish he would be able to sleep like Shoma did. He sets up the futon quietly before gently shaking Shoma awake.
“Shoma, I set up the futon for you,” said Yuzuru. Shoma’s eyes blinked open tiredly and Yuzuru had to control the smile breaking out across his face.
“Oh, I’m sorry for falling asleep. I should’ve helped you,” said Shoma rubbing his eyes.
“It’s fine, you can lay down now. I might be gone tomorrow morning but feel free to help yourself to anything in the fridge.”
“Thank you,” said Shoma bowing. He sleepily extracts himself from the kotatsu before collapsing under the covers. “Thank you Yuzu,” said Shoma, half-awake. Yuzuru felt his own cheeks warm at the nickname. Shoma was already growing on him and he had only known him for half-an-hour. Yuzuru entered his bedroom and actually properly tucked himself in. As soon as his head hit the pillow he was fast asleep.
Yuzuru woke up well rested for once, he entered the living room to find his strange guest still fast asleep. So it really wasn’t a dream he had, he met a strange young man from space. Yuzuru finishes his daily routine and writes a quick note for Shoma. He had given the young man a set of keys for his apartment and figured if Shoma could scale his apartment building he would be able to figure out his way around the city. Yuzuru took one last glance at Shoma, fast asleep before shutting his door with a smile.
“You look well rested Yuzu,” said Javier. He was sipping his morning coffee, laid back and comfortable as ever. Yuzuru had long ago given up his feelings but Javier’s attractiveness early in the morning made Yuzuru slightly upset. How could someone look so attractive when the day was just getting started.
“I finally able sleep well,” said Yuzuru.
“Did you finally take some medicine?” asked Javier. Yuzuru had told Javier about his sleeping problem and the man suggested taking some sleeping medication. Yuzuru did not like the idea of using medication to induce sleep. It was unnatural.
Yuzuru shook his head, “I just was able to sleep right.” Yuzuru didn’t quite know how to explain to Javier that he had met some young man from space and was able to sleep well because of it.
Yuzuru pushed the door to his apartment open and found his apartment relatively the same as when he left it. Shoma had folded the futon and the blanket as neatly as he could and piled it in the corner along with his pillow. There was a cup of vegetable juice Yuzuru didn’t realize he had next to Shoma. The young man was sprawled on his couch playing Yuzuru’s games. He didn’t even realize Shoma could understand his game console. Shoma was so absorbed in his game that he didn’t realize Yuzuru arrived home. Yuzuru glanced at the screen and almost dropped his stuff in shock. Shoma had not only beat the level Yuzuru was stuck on but almost doubled his best score. “Wow did you game all day Shoma?” asked Yuzuru. Shoma paused the game and looked over at Yuzuru. He awkwardly placed the console down and bowed politely.
“Welcome home,” said Shoma. “I played a little bit after I got home from the convenience store.”
“I’m home,” said Yuzuru with a smile. He had someone to greet at home now. “A little bit?” asked Yuzuru sitting next to Shoma on the couch.
“It’s a new file, I didn’t want to destroy your progress,” said Shoma.
“You already passed my save file anyway,” said Yuzuru. “Do you have games like this where you’re from?”
“More complex than this,” said Shoma. Yuzuru raised his eyebrow at that.
“Really?”
“Mhm,” said Shoma, nodding his head. “I’m sorry for playing without asking.”
“It’s fine, you’re living with me now, whatever I have you can use. I don’t know why I didn’t leave you with something else to do, my apartment is kind of empty.”
“Thank you. Your apartment is fine. I left to buy some vegetable juice, I drink my vegetables,” said Shoma holding up the cup.
“That’s interesting,” said Yuzuru peering at the cup. He liked vegetables in their solid form, not in some weird blended concoction, but to each their own. “You have money?”
“I have something that carries the different currencies of various worlds. I used it to get yen, like your credit cards,” said Shoma. “I’m not really supposed to show it to people though.”
“That’s fine,” said Yuzuru. “As long as you don’t end up using all of my money,” said Yuzuru jokingly.
“I would never do that to someone,” said Shoma, his eyes widened in horror. “Especially because you’ve been so kind to let me stay here. If I ever take up space or use too many of your resources I can leave.”
“Shoma, Shoma I was joking,” said Yuzuru. Shoma’s shoulders relax but he still looked flustered, “I promise, it’s okay. I don’t pay for anything anyway My parents do.”
“Oh,” said Shoma softly. “Then I should pay your parents when I leave.” Yuzuru felt his heart clench at the mention of leaving. The thought of Shoma paying his parents anything left a bad taste in his mouth.
“No, it’s okay. My parents and I have an agreement,” said Yuzuru stiffly. Shoma took a look at Yuzuru, gauging his mood before nodding. He knew not to push.
“Do you want me to turn the TV off now?” asked Shoma.
“No, go ahead and finish. I’ll do some work while you play,” said Yuzuru. He set up his computer on the kotatsu. The sound of the video game and Shoma’s fingers clicking away made Yuzuru smile. Having someone else in the room with him while he worked made it a little less lonely.
“Shoma? What do you want to eat for dinner?” asked Yuzuru. Shoma had turned off the TV and switched to gaming on Yuzuru’s Switch. Shoma had fallen asleep, Switch on his stomach, shirt riding up just enough for Yuzuru to see a portion of Shoma’s tummy. Yuzuru unconsciously licked his lips before mentally slapping himself. “Shoma,” said Yuzuru once more poking Shoma. Shoma finally opened his eyes and turned looked over at Yuzuru.
“Did you finish your work?”
“Mhm, what do you want for dinner?”
“Meat,” said Shoma.
“How does shabu-shabu sound? Do you have that where you’re from?” asked Yuzuru.
“Oh! I love shabu-shabu,” said Shoma, his eyes instantly lighting up. “Can we really have it for dinner?” Yuzuru felt his heart beat a little faster.
“Sure, but you have to come with me grocery shopping,” said Yuzuru.
“Of course,” said Shoma, sitting up instantly. Yuzuru giggled at Shoma’s enthusiasm.
“Also, were you okay going to the convenience store, you weren’t cold?” asked Yuzuru taking in Shoma’s attire.
“It was a bit cold, but I was in and out,” said Shoma.
“You need at least a jacket,” said Yuzuru. He went to his room to and dig through his closet, finding a jacket that was a bit too small for him. He handed it to Shoma who accepted it gratefully. He slipped it on over his clothes and Yuzuru laughed loudly at the sight. Shoma looked a bit like he was drowning. Shoma pouted slightly before rolling up his sleeves.
“I’m a little too small for everything,” said Shoma.
“It’s okay, I like seeing you drown in my clothes,” said Yuzuru with a bright smile. “Do you want to buy anything else while we’re out?”
“Clothes? Maybe shampoo and a toothbrush?” said Shoma.
“I have shampoo and a toothbrush for you. I also have a hairbrush and other basic toiletries if you need. But I don’t know if you need anything for your curls in particular or some particular toiletry? Also, don’t worry about clothes, just use mine,” said Yuzuru.
“Oh I can always just buy my own,” said Shoma.
“No, no it’s okay, I swear,” said Yuzuru. “I buy everything in bulk and on sale so I have a lot of everything.”
“Thank you so much,” said Shoma.
“Of course,” said Yuzuru grinning at Shoma. “Now let’s go get some food!”
“Shoma, over here,” said Yuzuru, urging Shoma away from the meat section. Shoma followed him obediently to the middle of the dried foods aisle. Yuzuru and Shoma had picked up most of the items for their shabu-shabu, leaving Shoma to choose the meat. Shoma returned with the package of meat, placing it in their cart.
“Do we need anything else?” asked Shoma looking up at Yuzuru. Yuzuru had put his finger to his lips to indicate for Shoma to be quiet. Shoma tilted his head at Yuzuru questioningly. Yuzuru just shook his head, looking intently at the meat section behind Shoma. Shoma turned around to face the meat aisle he was in just seconds ago to see a Spanish man and Japanese woman pushing a cart with a child. They choose their meat and bypass the section Yuzuru and Shoma were hiding in.
“Sorry, someone I didn’t want to talk to today,” said Yuzuru.
“Who was that?”
“Uh, someone that I–” Yuzuru’s cheeks turned slightly red in embarrassment. He didn’t quite know why he avoided Javier. But something told him it was important to keep Shoma to himself, to keep him from meeting as many people as possible.
“Are you hiding me from your friends?” asked Shoma, there was no accusation in his tone, just curiosity.
“No–” Yuzuru stopped, he didn’t want to lie to him, “yes? I feel like I need to make sure you run into as little people as possible.”
Shoma’s eyes softened to understanding, “If I didn’t know you were human, I’d almost think you were from my home planet.”
“Why is that?” asked Yuzuru.
“The number one rule for a space-time traveler is to cause as little damage to the space-time continuum as possible. Especially on planets like Earth. That means running into as little life as possible and wiping memories of those you run into.”
“Oh,” said Yuzuru softly. That means all of his memories with Shoma would be erased eventually. He didn’t know how to feel about that.
“Don’t worry, it isn’t painful,” said Shoma. “That’s probably not reassuring at all,” said Shoma biting his lip. Yuzuru shook his head, he reached out and ruffled Shoma’s hair.
“It’s fine, you’re giving my life a little color anyway, even if I don’t remember it at least it has been interesting.”
“You’re really too nice,” said Shoma in awe. Yuzuru just laughed at that.
