Chapter Text
[Reki]
good evening! this is hasegawa langa's number right? just making sure
[Langa]
Hi. Yeah it's me
[Reki]
i'm in your hands tonight. gotta deliver this baby here safe
[Langa]
Baby?
[Reki]
it's a joke. you know i'm talking about the skateboard lol
let's meet at 11 pm, to be sure. can't wait for you to experience "S" for the first time!
[Langa]
Okay, see you later
[Reki]
see ya!
[Reki]
dude dude dude dude
i still can't get over what happened
like what the hell was THAT
[Langa]
I don't really know what happened
either. I'm still reeling from it
[Reki]
you know, watching you twirl high up with the skateboard, i suddenly imagined snowflakes materialize out of thin air.
it's magical, in a way
snow
i bet that's gonna be your pseudonym, watch
[Langa]
Pseudonym?
[Reki]
skaters in "S" mostly go by pseudonyms, but you can always use your real name
so do you want to learn skating for real?
[Langa]
I'd like to, if it's okay with you to teach me
[Reki]
i'd love to! i'm so happy i found a new friend who wants to skate! we're gonna be bestfriends in no time ;)
i'm really excited!!
[Reki]
Reki sent a video.
Reki sent a video.
Reki sent a video.
Reki sent a video.
we can watch these videos during breaktime later
Reki sent a video.
Reki sent a video.
[Langa]
Reki, why were you awake at 3 am?
Sleep properly
[Reki]
Reki sent a photo.
bought some band-aids for you lol, you fell like 50 times yesterday
[Langa]
Those band-aids are enough to
wrap me like a mummy
I can pay you for those
[Reki]
no need! it's like doing favors for a friend anyway
[Langa]
Thank you, and for that part-time
job too. I really appreciate it
[Reki]
happy to help
seems like we'll always be together from now on huh
[Langa]
It'll be a new experience. I never really hung out with my classmates back in Canada
[Reki]
why?
[Langa]
I'm not very good at interacting with others
[Reki]
you seem normal to me though? but if that's a problem for you, we can work on that. let's talk to our classmates tomorrow. they'll warm up to you in no time
[Langa]
Thanks! We can do that, yeah
[Langa]
You sent a photo.
I think this is a really cool design for the skateboard! Can you do this for me?
[Reki]
ehh, a wolf's boring
[Langa]
Eh? But wolves are cool!
[Reki]
i have a better idea, just wait for it ;)
[Langa]
That wink gives me a bad feeling
[Reki]
too bad we didn't get to record you doing your first ollie. you managed to do it so fast that it's scarily amazing!
i'll definitely brag about you to Oka-san tomorrow
[Langa]
I'm already embarrassed thinking about it
[Reki]
as you should
[Reki]
langa, "S" is open tomorrow morning. you can practice there in your beef against miya
are you sure you really want to do this?
[Langa]
I'm sure! It's exciting, and there's nothing to lose
[Reki]
sheesh fine, i'll support you all throughout. but miya's a real good skater. you better work your ass off in practicing!
[Langa]
Of course I will
[Langa]
I'm already here in Dope Sketch. It was a hassle running away from those policemen
Where are you?
[Reki]
ah
sorry, i went straight home to work on your board. come here, i'll show you something new i added!
[Langa]
Reki.
[Reki]
ye?
[Langa]
I can't believe you ditched me
[Reki]
:P
you'll forgive me once you see this! come here quick!
[Langa]
That better be worth ditching me or else
[Reki]
i'm busy ttyl come here now
[Reki]
so
[Langa]
So
[Reki]
we just landed ourselves a one-way trip to hell
[Langa]
Is Adam really that bad?
[Reki]
no skater that races with adam escapes unscathed. at least, from what i heard. he rarely participates in beefs these days
[Langa]
You can still back out. If he's really as violent as you said, then you might get hurt
[Reki]
nah, i'm the one who challenged him to a beef. and i'm doing this for miya. he's still a kid, he doesn't deserve to hear shit. that kid has a bright future ahead of him
[Langa]
You're really kind, Reki.
[Reki]
you think so?
[Langa]
Really.
[Reki]
gee thanks :)
but hey! you agreed racing with adam too if i lose! i did not forget that >:--(
[Langa]
If you win, I wouldn't have to right?
[Reki]
Reki is typing…
well… yeah you're right
you did great against miya today btw
and you're just getting better and better
you're so cool, langa
[Langa]
The board you made made all the difference. You're really amazing Reki
[Reki]
yeah, the board…
goodnight langa
[Langa]
Goodnight!
[Langa]
Hey
[Reki]
hey
[Langa]
Sleep now
[Reki]
why are you messaging me then
[Langa]
Okay you got me there
I'm worried. Are you sure your head is fine? You don't feel dizzy or concussed?
Make sure to place a pillow under your arm so that you don't move it unnecessarily
Take some painkillers if the pain persists
[Reki]
yes mom
sorry for worrying you. really
i lost to adam in the lamest way, and now you have to do that beef because of me…
i'm a disappointment.
[Langa]
No you're not. He wasn't playing fair, and he hurt you. He won't get away with it
[Reki]
drop out of this, langa. you don't need to do this for me
[Langa]
It's fine, I wanted to try skating against him anyways |
It's fine, I wanted |
It's fine.
Get some sleep, seriously
[Reki]
okay okay goodnight :)
[Langa]
Goodnight, Reki
[Langa]
Where are you? Miya and Shadow are teaching me how to do the casper slide in the skate park
[Reki]
cherry and i are coming, you can start on your own
[Langa]
Cherry's with you?
[Reki]
yep, he's gonna teach us about adam's love hug. it's the most dangerous thing he can attempt to do for now
we need to lessen the risk of you getting hurt as much as possible
[Langa]
Okay, we'll be waiting
[Reki]
you back home safely?
[Langa]
Yeah
[Reki]
i feel bad for saying this but
i feel relieved that the race was left unfinished
of course i'm proud of you for not getting hurt and evading the love hug
but who knows what adam could have done later in the race?
anyway, don't you ever break your promise okay? don't race with adam ever again.
[Langa]
Reki, when I was racing with Adam, I felt something different |
Reki, when I was racing with |
Okay. I promise.
[Reki]
R eki sent a photo.
you up for this?
[Langa]
Hot springs for healing?
[Reki]
miya saw an ad for this one. it's near a beach so we can have fun there in the morning then go to the hot springs at night!
[Langa]
Beach?!! Let's go!
[Reki]
wow, you're really excited about this
[Langa]
Beach sounds fun! But is that far?
[Reki]
yeah, a little bit far.
but i have a plan and it involves convincing a certain florist to chaperone us ;) how about we convince him tomorrow?
[Langa]
I'm up for it
Can't wait to go to the beach!
[Reki]
haha you're cute
[Langa]
Reki
We never really went to the beach when I was young. What do I need to bring?
[Reki]
wait imma send you a screenshot of my list
Reki sent a photo.
no. 1 rule is to not forget sunblock!
oh and wear something light. you might faint from the heat
[Langa]
Is it really that hot
[Reki]
for you? probably yes
[Langa]
You sent a photo.
Is this fine?
[Reki]
yup! woah, i bet that looks good on you!
[Langa]
Thanks
[Reki]
thanks for dropping me off langa. i had a lot of fun with you and the others!
[Langa]
I had a lot of fun too! Does your arm feel better?
[Reki]
it feels better, fortunately. i guess the hot springs really helped
[Langa]
Go have a rest. It will be fully healed in no time
[Reki]
thanks! you too
[Reki]
i'm here!
[Langa]
Wait, just touching up my board, you can go in if you want
Nvm, coming!
[Langa]
Reki, you sure you're not coming to "S" tonight?
[Reki]
yep, gotta finish that errand. sorry.
[Langa]
No worries. I'm leaving now
[Reki]
okay
[Langa]
Reki, where are you? What are you doing?
I'm looking for you. Where are you?
I'll wait outside your house for now. Can you tell me what time you're coming back?
I have something to tell you
Message left unread.
[Langa]
Reki, can we talk? |
Reki, can w |
Re |
About what happened a while ago, I didn't mean to hurt you. And you said some pretty confusing things, I don't know what to do |
About what happened a while ago, I didn't mean to |
About what |
I'm sorry.
[Reki]
Reki is typing…
[Langa]
I'm really sorry.
[Langa]
Reki, goodmorning. I'm going to wait at our usual meeting place
Did you go to school already? Or are you still at home? I can come get you
Reki?
I'm going ahead
[Langa]
Tonight's my beef with Joe.
I'm sorry. I know that I hurt you over breaking my promise. This tournament, it's… Ever since I raced with Adam, no, even before that… There's this feeling I've been chasing. Like something was awoken inside of me
I want to know what it is
This is really selfish of me, but can you come?
[Langa]
Reki, did you go home already?
You came to "S" right? I saw you. I heard you call my name
No, even if I didn't see you, I'd recognize your voice anywhere. You were there
It's weird, isn't it? When skating earlier, everything felt so empty and bleak. I even lost sense of where I was and what I've been doing.
But when you called my name
My heart started beating again. I guess it's because it's you. It's not fun if I don't get to skate with you, Reki. Not fun at all |
My heart started beating |
Those words you said that day, it took me so long to realize, but you were upset not just because of the promise right? I should have noticed sooner. I've been so absorbed with skating and getting better that I didn't realize you were hurting
You know, Joe said something about fixing what's broken. I want to do that for us
I hope we can talk whenever you're ready
Message left unread.
[Langa]
You didn't go to school today. Are you sick?
Can I visit?
Message left unread.
[Langa]
I'm coming over
Message left unread.
[Langa]
Come home. Your mom's looking for you
I won't be here anymore so you don't have to worry. I'm leaving for today since I promised mom I'll be home before dinner. I'm borrowing your board. Hope that's fine with you
Message left unread.
[Reki]
hey :)
[Langa]
Hey :)
[Reki]
did you get home safely? we ended up talking for a long time. i hope your mom's not angry.
[Langa]
She's not. It's the exact opposite. She seemed to be in a good mood during dinner.
[Reki]
i haven't checked my phone since the other night so… sorry. you left quite a lot of messages huh?
[Langa]
It's okay. It doesn't really matter now since we're good again. :)
We're good, right?
[Reki]
yep!
seriously, i've been such an ass these past few days. sorry for troubling you.
[Langa]
Don't say that. It was my fault in the first place. And I didn't even notice how you felt.
[Reki]
it's fine. i said it awhile ago, didn't i? it's not your fault that you're better than me. my insecurities are my own problem.
[Langa]
Still…
I said it a lot of times already, but you're really amazing
And I'm trying, but I'm still not very good at reading the mood or other people's emotions. I know I haven't been the most reliable person, but I'm doing my best to change. So next time, I hope you can trust me enough to share with me your burdens and problems
I'll always be here
[Reki]
Reki is typing…
i'll try. thank you. :)
[Langa]
And I meant it. When I said that I wanted to skate with you forever.
[Reki]
same :)
so.
your next opponent. snake, right? i didn't watch the preliminaries and miya's match so i don't have any grasp of his abilities. you mentioned that he skates like adam. we'll have to ask for the others' help on this one.
but before that, i should visit shadow and cherry first. and i gotta apologize to miya… and thank joe…
[Langa]
We can go together tomorrow. You can do those one step at a time.
[Reki]
you're right. :)
[Langa]
By the way, we were caught up in the moment awhile ago but I noticed that you had some bruises on your arms and on your cheek. Are you okay?
[Reki]
ah, about that…
i got into a fight but it's nothing
[Langa]
What do you mean it's nothing? You got hurt!
[Reki]
also after i ran from you back in the hospital i kinda got hit by a
Reki is typing…
nvm
[Langa]
???
Hit by a WHAT Reki
[Reki]
nvm
[Langa]
You're hiding something
[Reki]
sheesh i'm really fine
Reki sent a video.
wanna try this on our way to school tomorrow?
oh, and this one. i'm not sure if we ever tried this trick before
Reki sent a video.
[Langa]
Fine I'll let it go this once
I'd love to try that
[Langa]
I'm coming over with the board right now.
[Reki]
i'm in the garage
you said it snapped right? we might have to make a new one for you.
[Langa]
I still want to race with this one.
It's very precious to me. |
It's very pre |
I'm not sure if I can fare well with a new board.
[Reki]
you don't have to worry about that at your skill level, it's fine!
mom called me for a minute brb
[Langa]
Reki. I'm outside. Go to the end of your block
[Reki]
dude? it's 5 am on a saturday. what are you even doing here?!
and why'd you text, what if i wasn't awake
wait
[Langa]
Bring your board. I want to teach you how to properly land that shortcut in "S". You can try that in your race against Adam
You can ask me about other stuff too
[Reki]
Reki is typing…
you sound really cool right now, do you know that?
[Langa]
:)
[Reki]
coming
[Langa]
You ready?
[Reki]
i feel a little nervous, but i'm gonna be fine.
Reki sent a photo.
look, miya spammed me with messages not to come. i feel bad for making him worry too much
[Langa]
You'll be fine. You can win against Adam. I'll win mine too
Then we can race each other in the finals
[Reki]
that'd be a dream come true. now i'm pumped up!!!
you coming already? I'll meet you by the window like always
[Langa]
Yeah, just wait there. Mom woke up to drink water so I had to stay in my room for a while.
[Reki]
lolol make sure not to get caught. see ya!
[Langa]
See ya
[Langa]
Are you sure you don't need to stay in the hospital? I'm worried
[Reki]
nah. nothing's broken and they're all shallow wounds, save for some painful bruising. i'll just take some painkillers then go to sleep
[Langa]
You should rest tomorrow. Don't come to school
[Reki]
mom will get suspicious
as long as i don't move too much, i'll be fine
[Langa]
Your shoulder's heavily bruised and your back's a mess. It'll hurt more tomorrow than it does today
[Reki]
joe offered to patch me up in his restaurant if things go awry. seriously langa i'll be fine
[Langa]
Expect me to fuss over you tomorrow
You can't stop me
[Reki]
fine fine
it's weird. i kinda feel happy and sad at the same time
happy because i gave adam a run for his money (in a way)
and people already started acknowledging me
but i'm also sad. not because i lost to adam itself, but because i've been holding on to the hope that maybe we can race together in the finals
you're still ahead of me in every way, but someday, i'll reach you
just you wait
Reki is typing…
sorry i'm rambling
[Langa]
We can do it you know
[Reki]
do what?
[Langa]
Our very own final race |
Our ver |
Nothing. I'll tell you next time
Go to sleep. You need it
And I'm very proud of you today
Just wanted to let you know
[Reki]
you know you already said that like 86 times right
but thank you, i mean it :)
goodnight langa
or goodmorning?
it's 3 am XD
[Langa]
Goodnight, Reki. Sleep well :)
[Reki]
Reki is typing…
yeah. you too
[Reki]
did you read cherry's message in the group chat? he's fetching us tonight
[Langa]
Yeah
[Reki]
how are you feeling?
[Langa]
I don't know how to describe it, but it's not nervousness
Rather than getting excited or nervous, I feel..
A little sad.
It feels like the end.
[Reki]
what do you mean?
it's just the beginning!
once you defeat adam, you'll be the reigning king of "S". and we'll work our butts to kick you out of your throne
[Langa]
You seem so sure about me winning
[Reki]
because you will win.
Reki is typing…
i believe in you. just don't do anything too reckless okay?
[Langa]
We say that to each other too often these days
I'll try not to be reckless
[Reki]
heh
i'll give you your board later. i tweaked the design a little, you'll be surprised ;) see ya!
[Langa]
See ya!
[Reki]
i'm crying right now, i don't really know why
[Langa]
What?
What's wrong? Did something happen?
[Reki]
i'm just happy for you man. you won against adam and everything. i'm very proud
[Langa]
Then why |
[Reki]
Reki is typing…
[Langa]
The |
[Reki]
well, not only that, but i feel relieved
if you didn't grab your board in time when you fell, you could have died langa
and i would have been… like with kazuya…
i'm being stupid aren't i? i'm dampening the mood. it's supposed to be a happy night
sorry
[Langa]
Why didn't you say that to me awhile ago?
[Reki]
i didn't think about all this stuff earlier, i tried not to. but now that i'm alone with my thoughts, everything's hitting me full force and
i just felt scared, is all
i'm not supposed to be crying over this
i'm being stupid
[Langa]
You're not being stupid
I'm going to your house
right now?
[Langa]
Right now. I'm sleeping over
[Reki]
Reki is typing…
okay
[Langa]
You're gonna be alright
[Reki]
Reki sent 5 photos.
the decorations are so dope
Reki sent a photo.
cherry and joe are fighting again lol
Reki sent a photo.
you're gonna wear this party hat later!! or more like miya's gonna force you to
isn't it cute?
[Langa]
That doesn't excite me very much…
[Reki]
Reki sent a photo.
holy shit i've never seen a burger THIS big
[Langa]
I'M ALMOST THERE
DON'T YOU DARE TAKE A BITE WITHOUT ME AROUND
[Reki]
the pictures in the gc are so funny XD no one cared to take pictures of adam gatecrashing
but here
Reki sent 13 photos.
the selfies we took. pretty cute right?
[Langa]
You look cute in there |
You loo |
Yeah, they're pretty cute
[Reki]
anyway, about our race, do you have any plans for that
[Langa]
Actually, I talked to Adam back at the party and asked him for a favor if we can have "S" for one day. He agreed immediately
He said his secretary's just gonna contact us
[Reki]
ugh. i hate that we're indebted to him but i guess there's no other way
so it's just gonna be the two of us in "S" at midnight?
[Langa]
I was thinking of having the race at dawn for a change. What do you think?
[Reki]
i'm in!! no holding back okay?
[Langa]
Of course!
[Langa]
Reki
[Reki]
ye
[Langa]
I can't go to "S" tomorrow. Mom lost the house keys this morning so she plans to go out tomorrow night to replace the keys and take her night shift. We can't exactly leave the house unlocked together
[Reki]
oh :(
i have an idea!
why don't we both skip "S" tomorrow and sleep together?
[Langa]
Um |
U |
What do you mean sleep toge |
[Reki]
i could go over there for a sleepover!
[Langa]
What do you |
Ah
[Reki]
i can bring some food, then we'll watch some movies and hang out! it'll be fun
[Langa]
Sure, sounds great
[Reki]
no taking that back, okay? i'm telling the others we won't go
[Reki]
i'm coming. brought some new dvds and chips!
[Langa]
Nice, leave the pops to me. I already set up the futon in advance since we might fall asleep anytime
[Reki]
nice
[Langa]
Are you home?
[Reki]
yeah
um
sorry about last night
for, you know, hugging and cuddling you and stuff while i was sleeping. i always hug my pillow at night so
i was supposed to sleep on the futon but i ended up on your bed. my bad
[Langa]
It doesn't bother me at all |
It doesn't bot |
I think I was the first one to actually hug you |
I think I was the fi |
It's fine, no worries
[Reki]
great :) see ya this monday
[Langa]
See ya
[Langa]
Reki, these past few days I've |
Reki, these pa |
Reki |
[Reki]
Reki is typing…
[Reki]
langa?
[Langa]
Yeah?
[Reki]
this is a weird question but, i felt that you were kinda avoiding me earlier. i mean, we were together the whole day but it felt like you didn't want to talk to me? is something wrong?
[Langa]
Nothing's wrong
[Reki]
really?
[Langa]
Yeah
[Reki]
okay, just making sure
[Langa]
This is gonna be weird but
These past few days I always find myself thinking about you even when we're not together
I know we're really good friends and all but I'm starting to see you differently. Or maybe I've felt this way about you from the start and I'm just noticing it now.
I like your eyes. I like your cute little hair curl. I like how your face lights up at the mere mention of skating. You're the kindest, coolest, most loving person I ever know and it saddens me that it's hard for you to see that about yourself
You brighten up my whole world
It's still hard for me to admit this to you in person, but for now, this is enough
[Reki]
um what
why are you texting me in englicsh
*english
langa?
wait i'm gonna run these through the translator
hey why did you delete??!
[Langa]
It's a secret. I'll tell you next time in person!
[Reki]
urggh langa >:--(
[Langa]
Reki
[Reki]
ye
[Langa]
Adam's secretary just contacted me. He said we're free to use "S" all to ourselves this Saturday
[Reki]
so it's finally time huh
i'm a little breathless thinking about it
it's the greatest beef i'll ever get the chance to be in
[Langa]
It's not gonna be the last. We can race as many times as we want
[Reki]
Reki is typing…
do you still want to? with me?
[Langa]
I'll never get tired of skating with you. I told you, didn't I? I want to skate with you forever |
I'll never get tired of skating |
I'll never get tired of skating with you. I told you, didn't I? I want to skate with you forever.
[Reki]
Reki is typing…
me too. forever.
[Langa]
5 am tomorrow?
[Reki]
5 am tomorrow. sleep well, langa
[Langa]
You too :)
[Langa]
You awake?
[Reki]
course i am. i'm changing now
[Langa]
After the race, I'll tell you something I've been meaning to tell you for a while now
[Reki]
Reki is typing…
i'll be listening.
[Reki]
i'm going ahead, Snow :)
[Langa]
See you later, Reki :)
Langa put his phone back in his pocket and grabbed his skateboard. Before leaving, he spared a glance at the Hasegawa family picture frame. He smiled as his eyes met with the kind, loving gaze of his father and remembered something he said a long time ago.
"I hope you find someone you can give your whole heart to."
Dropping his board to the ground, Langa skated along the familiar cemented roads to "S" , to that place, to the person he felt like he's known all his life.
To his happiness.