Archive of Our Own

Amanda spends all their time watching over Jyushi. Ever since the day of their birth, that’s all they remember doing. From the day Amanda looked into Jyushi’s eyes, they knew.

There would be someone amazing out there for Jyushi. That was part of Amanda’s duty, passed onto them from Jyushi’s grandmother. And Amanda would swear from the bottom of their heart that they would do whatever possible to give Jyushi that happiness.

Amanda could see the loneliness that hides in Jyushi’s bright blue eyes. And even though they were created mere days before, it hurt them to know such a wonderful boy isn’t experiencing the happiness of his youth. 

When Jyushi hugs them, they feel warm. Even though Amanda is far from a human being, they seem to understand human emotions. When Jyushi cradles them in his hand, Amanda can see the fondest expression in Jyushi’s eyes. His soft, soft voice is so caring and covers Amanda in a comfortable blanket. There’s so much to Jyushi that Amanda observes and grows to love, they end up finding nothing to not love about Jyushi.

They just hope they can find someone who can see Jyushi the same way Amanda does.

There was a time in middle school that Amanda thought there was someone for Jyushi. He was close to Jyushi when he transferred to his new middle school. He made Jyushi feel comfortable, and brought Jyushi out of his shell little by little. But even though things were looking up for Jyushi, Amanda couldn’t feel confident in exactly trusting him.

When Amanda stays with Jyushi’s grandma one day when a seam unravels, they tell her what bothers them.

“I see you’ve been watching over Jyushi well, Amanda.” She says after cutting a length of thread. 

“It’s all I know to do. That’s why I worry about that boy.” Amanda says. Jyushi’s grandmother hums wonderfully as she slides the needle through Amanda’s underbelly. Amanda waits patiently until they’re repaired and placed upright. 

“If you are worried Amanda, you must have a good reason to worry.” Jyushi’s grandmother says. “If this boy isn’t Jyushi’s happiness, that’s okay. As long as he treats Jyushi well, and considers him a friend, this is all that I can hope for. The meaning of a special person doesn’t always mean a lifelong partner. Sometimes, it can also mean a close friend.”

Amanda lets the new information sit. “I have learned something new. So as long as he does not hurt Jyushi, he is a good person.”

Jyushi’s grandmother smiles. “Yes, that is correct Amanda. I’m so glad Jyushi has such a good friend to look after him.”

“It is all because you created me, after all.” Jyushi’s grandmother strokes their head and Amanda feels a feeling that’s similar to how Jyushi’s happiness feels like when they’re hugged by him.

When Jyushi returns home, Amanda gazes into Jyushi’s expression as they usually do. 

He looks as happy as ever, and talks to Amanda about how he spent some time with his friend. The healthy blush that covers his cheeks is more than enough to believe Jyushi is happy.

But Amanda was foolish to believe that this happiness would last.

Amanda could only watch as so many things happened in the blink of an eye. Constantly Jyushi was bullied and laughed at. A large reason for these incidents was because of how Amanda stays inside Jyushi’s school bag. Amanda had  been pulled and torn so many times, and they can see just how heartbroken he is at their torn state.

But they never expected that this would be the beginning of the end of everything Jyushi ever knew.

Jyushi was saved by a lawyer. And Amanda could tell that some day, he would help Jyushi immensely. Jyushi eventually got fed up with his everyday bullying and created his stronger persona. It protected him from the bullying and Amanda truly believed it would be the end of all the horrible things.

But when they had stayed with Jyushi’s grandmother after another terrible beating, they realized they were naive to believe the bullies would just step back.

Jyushi was devastated over learning how his grandmother died, and Amanda never felt more helpless in their entire life. They were entrusted with Jyushi’s protection, yet how could they do so when they couldn’t even walk on their own four stuffed feet?

When Jyushi looked into their eyes though, it seemed to have a new hope in them. “I’m going to be strong Amanda. I promise I will.”

“And I’ll always be there to watch over you, Jyushi…”

Jyushi’s new lawyer friend sent the evil boy to do fifteen years of hard labor. And Jyushi continued crafting his persona, looking up to those Visual Kei posters on his walls. Amanda enjoyed hearing Jyushi’s deeper voice as he practiced in front of the full length mirror. It sounded kinda like how he sang his music. 

Amanda finds themselves thinking Jyushi would be a wonderful musician if he continued on that road.

After that incident, Amanda worried Jyushi would encounter another bully. But the years passed, and Jyushi managed to graduate middle and high school without much incident. He even managed to form a band, Argo Kishii Gakudan, and as Amanda thought, he was such a beautiful performer. 

At this point in time, when Amanda thought that they wouldn’t be wanted by Jyushi anymore, Jyushi continued to confide in Amanda. He even took it upon himself to mend them when things got out of hand. Taking his unskilled fingers and running thread through needles, pricking his fingers all for them, Amanda could feel the love Jyushi has for them.

If only Amanda had the power to reciprocate their love for Jyushi as well.

The moon is bright when Jyushi and Amanda spend the evening stargazing outside the balcony of their apartment. For a moment, Jyushi looks… sad. He takes a moment to look down at Amanda, and Amanda could only wish they could reach up and comfort him.

“You know, Amanda… will there be someone out there who will love me?”

“There will, Jyushi. I’m sure of it. I’ll find that person for you, just watch.” Amanda swears this from the bottom of their heart, and for a second they swear they see a single red strand fly high in the sky, it’s vividness illuminated by the moonlight.

And for once, Amanda actually felt like they would fulfill that promise.

Jyushi is walking with his band mates when Amanda catches a large television display. The news was relaying news of who won the Division Rap Battle Preliminaries in the Ikebukuro Division: Buster Bros!!!

The camera closes in on all of the members, and Amanda stares at the screen in shock. They focus on the middle brother, Yamada Jiro, MC M.B., and Amanda couldn’t mistake that red string that they see on screen.

Amanda doesn’t know how, but they feel like they know Yamada Jiro is the one for Jyushi. Maybe it is because it is fated that Amanda knows. But Ikebukuro is so far away from Nagoya….

Amanda continues to ponder when Jyushi and his band mates converse about locations for their mini tour, and they overhear Ikebukuro as a definite location. Amanda decides that they will take action then.

Amanda is uncomfortable with the fact that they will have to leave Jyushi’s side in order to meet Yamada Jiro, but when they think about Jyushi’s happiness, they decide they can do anything if its for that boy.

Every day, leading up to the awaited tour to Ikebukuro, Amanda tries walking. They try projecting their thoughts outside of their stuffed body. They try and try and try, and yet they don’t seem to be able to do anything they try to do. As they stare out at the sliver of the moon that cuts through the curtains, Amanda desperately prays that there’s some deity out there that can hear their prayers. 

“Please, give me the strength needed to bring Jyushi his happiness. I know that there’s something special about Yamada Jiro, I saw it with my own eyes! He has a red thread that I’ve never seen on anyone else before, so it can only mean that he can bring Jyushi the happiness I wish for him! But I’m only a stuffed animal, with no means to walk or even talk. If I can have those things, even for a little while, I would use them for Jyushi’s happiness.”

Amanda feels like they’re on the verge of tears. Their beaded eyes feel like they could collect tears and fall onto Jyushi’s flawless face. They’re only just a stuffed animal, but Jyushi has made them feel as if they’re much more than that. And Amanda wants nothing more than to reciprocate that appreciation and love by giving Jyushi the one thing he’s wished for.

“Please give me the strength I need to let Jyushi know he’s loved. And that there’s someone out there that will love him in the way that I know he deserves.”

Amanda continues gazing at the bright moonlight until it gives way to the sunlight, and even though they don’t feel any different, they think that they’ll be able to do something somehow.

Argo Kishii Gakudan’s performances are a hit. They started soon after the Division Rap Battle Finals inside Chuohku, and even though the Division Rap Battles garnered nationwide attention, Argo Kishii Gakudan’s performances were almost sold out everywhere. They travelled to upwards towards a dozen locations, and luckily for Amanda, Ikebukuro was the last location on their list. Amanda overheard that the band would hang out in Ikebukuro for some sightseeing and down time for a few days, and they thought that possibly, that would be the time they would have to put their plan into motion.

Jyushi and Amanda are alone in their hotel room after the band finishes their meeting regarding things to take note of for the final performance in Ikebukuro and Jyushi takes a moment to tug at his long strands. Amanda wants to ask him what is wrong, but Jyushi can’t hear them. When Jyushi’s bright blue eyes gaze down at them, he has a sheepish smile on his face. “You know, Amanda, this tour was really fun.”

“I know it was fun. I could tell you had a lot of fun out there, Jyushi.” Amanda responds.

“It just made me think though… If I could meet this many people out there, maybe I can find… that one special person? Maybe?”

“Of course you’ll be able to find them! We’re in the right city too!” Amanda screams. But even though they say that, they know just how large Ikebukuro is. And for a stuffed pig like them, only a handful of inches long, its that much longer. 

“Well, even if I don’t find them tomorrow, maybe I’ll find them soon. I feel like there’s something special about Ikebukuro… so maybe that’s a sign. But forget about me! I have to focus on the concert tomorrow! You’ll always stay with me, right Amanda?”

Amanda feels the hot flames of determination fuel their body. “Of course Jyushi!”

Amanda stays backstage in the waiting room, hearing Jyushi’s wonderful voice. But something snaps them from their daze. The sight of a bright red thread passes in front of them and Amanda snaps to full attention.

They’re close. Yamada Jiro is close by!

Amanda stays conflicted on top of the counter. They know Jyushi’s concert is almost at an end, but at the same time they know that if they don’t take action, its a possibility they’ll never be able to find Yamada Jiro ever again!

After weighing their options for a little longer, they decide they have to chase after Yamada Jiro. They feel sorry for leaving Jyushi behind, but Amanda needs to know if Yamada Jiro is as good as they think.

They never want to assume things like they did with that evil boy. Jyushi deserves more than positive speculation based on gut feelings and fated strings. They pray with everything that they have and they’re happy to see they’re standing up! They’re standing up on their own! With a nervous shake, they take one step forward. They move. One more step, and they continue forward!

They jump, and they jump a few inches into the air. 

With all their being, they thank whoever blesses them with this precious gift. With this new ability, Amanda jumps off the counter and lands on the floor. With a newfound agility, Amanda jumps from surface to surface and pulls the handle on the door. When it opens a little, they slip through the opening and frantically look left and right. They see the red thread from their left and they chase after it.

Amanda soon finds themself in a place they’re not familiar with. They’re outside the venue Jyushi is performing at, and it seems like a dark alleyway of sorts. Without worrying about things like what happen in places like this, Amanda zones in on the presence of the red thread. They follow it whole heartedly, too small for the humans to notice a stuffed pig is walking on its own.

Amanda feels like they’ve stepped in so many weird substances in this short journey, and Jyushi will probably have a field day washing them, but Amanda knows that if they don’t take this opportunity, Jyushi may just leave Ikebukuro without even knowing that their fated someone is right here. 

They get closer and closer to the red string, and they finally see Yamada Jiro amongst the sea of people along the street. But without anything else to go on, with no voice, they can only hope that Jiro finds them.

Their journey takes them to the front of a large building with “Yorozuya Yamada” written on the outside of it. Amanda doesn’t dare walk inside, but instead hides in the side of the alleyway. When they jump on top of a dumpster, they see a open window on the side they could look inside.

“I’m back Nii-chan. I found their cat, safe and sound.” Yamada Jiro sits down in front of the coffee table and gets down to writing a report detailing the job and Yamada Jiro’s older brother stands up from the computer chair to ruffle Yamada Jiro’s hair. “Great work, Jiro. Sorry for laying this on you when it wasn’t all that difficult.”

Yamada Jiro grins. “It’s no problem, Nii-chan! Nii-chan is busy trying to find information for an important client, right? Let me handle all the other things. Ah, where’s Saburo?”

Amanda stares amazed at the scene. So this was where Ikebukuro’s Buster Bros!!! Worked?

“I asked Saburo to look into something for another job. We’re sure busy today…” Ichiro says before the telephone rings again.

“Good afternoon, this is Yorozuya Yamada!” Yamada Ichiro greets with a gentle voice. He flips the pen in his hand as he listens to his new client. He writes notes and ends the phone call with a sigh. “I’m sorry, Jiro, but can you take this one too? It seems like it can’t wait because they’re only here for a couple days.”

Yamada Jiro gets up and takes the slip of paper from Yamada Ichiro. “Wait… our client’s at this venue?”

“Yeah, apparently they just finished up a concert and they realized they lost something. They’ll tell you more details when you get there.”

“Okay. Guess I’ll head out right away then.” Yamada Jiro sets down his report on Yamada Ichiro’s desk before waving.

When Yamada Jiro walks out, Amanda follows close behind. They wonder if that phone call was from Jyushi… 

Before they have any chance to continue to tail Yamada Jiro though, they’re suddenly picked up by someone. Amanda immediately feels scared when they see the same dark expression on this boy’s face. Before anything else can happen, Amanda places a pawed leg out and jumps out of the human’s hand. 

Amanda made a mental note to take back roads from then on, to prevent getting caught.

Amanda keeps a close eye on Yamada Jiro whenever they can, and the next thing they know, they’re slipping inside the venue once more.

Behind a crack, Amanda witnesses the first meeting of Yamada Jiro and Jyushi.

The red string on Yamada Jiro’s hand curves towards Jyushi just the slightest bit, and as Amanda thought… it seems like fate is tying them together.

Now to see if Yamada Jiro will make Jyushi happy.

“Hello, this is Yorozuya Yamada…” Jiro knocks on the door before opening it. For a second he’s stunned at the beautiful man in front of him, but he isn’t blind to the fat tears that fall down his uncovered eye. Quickly the male turns around and carefully wipes his tears away while clearing his throat.

“A… Ahem. Why, yes, hello there Yamada Ichiro of Yorozuya Yamada. It was I who enlisted thou’s help, Aimono Jyushi!”

“I’m sorry, you talked to my Nii-chan, but I’m taking the job in his place. I’m Yamada Jiro.”

“Eh?!” Jiro is surprised at how high Aimono Jyushi’s… if that’s even his name… voice was. His client is clearly flustered to the point that he can’t properly form an answer until he takes a breath and places his hand in front of his face in a way that reminds Jiro of those chuunibyou girls in anime.

“I apologize for that mishap, Yamada Jiro of Yorozuya Yamada. Let me reintroduce myself. It is me, the Dark Prince, Aimono Jyushi, who has enlisted thou’s help in finding my most prized friend!” Jiro blinks dazedly at the beauty of this man, and the way Visual Kei style looks good on him. And Jiro thought Visual Kei was like… dead since the Third World War happened.

“So, you’re looking for a friend? What do they look like?”

“Why yes, Amanda is my most treasured friend. Why someone would dare think to harm such a beautiful creature, I do not know. What details dost thou desire?”

“Um, simple things are enough. Height, gender, hairstyle works too!”

At this Aimono Jyushi laughs and it’s… deep. It contrasts the earlier screech, but even this… sounds nice. But where has Jiro heard this voice?! He feels like he knows it from somewhere! 

“Yamada Jiro of Yorozuya Yamada, Amanda is no human! Why, Amanda is a pig!”

Jiro doesn’t know how seriously he should take this. But he knows that it’s definitely grating on his nerves. His irritation must be pretty evident on his face though, because Aimono Jyushi jumps and reaches for his phone. “B-But it’s true! Amanda is really… a stuffed pig… A very important friend… I don’t know what will happen if I leave Ikebukuro without them…”

Jiro looks at the picture Aimono Jyushi shows him and sees the stuffed pig. But more than that, he sees the pure smile on the male’s face as he poses with Amanda in a selfie picture. “I-I heard Yorozuya Yamada can find anything in Ikebukuro… please find Amanda!”

Aimono Jyushi discards his persona and is on the verge of tears once more. Jiro can’t just ignore that request, especially now.

“I got it. I wasn’t going to leave you hanging anyways. It’s just not everyday you hear… you gotta look for a pig. So, do you remember when you last saw this guy?”

Aimono Jyushi clears his throat before discarding his persona completely. “Um… I saw Amanda and gave them a hug before I went on stage. When I came back after the concert ended, Amanda was gone.”

“So that gives them a couple hours to just bust in here and grab Amanda. But do you know anyone who would take Amanda from you?”

Aimono Jyushi shakes his head. “No. Everyone who’s helped us for the concert has been so kind to us, so I don’t understand why….” he looks like he’s on the verge of tears again, and Jiro doesn’t think his heart can take it.

“C’mon. Let’s go somewhere a little more relaxing and continue our conversation there.” He outstretches his hand for Aimono Jyushi to take and the other male takes it gratefully. After grabbing all of his belongings, Jiro guides Aimono Jyushi out of the venue towards the nearby park. After getting the two some refreshments, Jiro sits down on the other side of the bench and leans back.

“So Aimono-san.”

“By all means, please call me Jyushi.”

Jiro is taken aback. “But you’re still older than me, aren’t you?”

Aimono Jyushi chuckles lightly behind his hand and places his bright blue gaze towards Jiro. “I’m only 18, Yamada Jiro of Yorozuya Yamada.”

“Which makes you one year older than me!” Jiro points out. The two seem stubborn at this until Jiro backs down with a sigh. “Alright. I’ll call you Jyushi if you just call me Jiro. My older brother is the owner of Yorozuya Yamada. I just help him out from time to time.”

Aimono Jyushi smiles softly. “Deal… Jiro.”

Jiro feels something shoot through his chest and he can’t get rid of the warm blush that appears on his cheeks.

“So… um… Jyushi. Have you had Amanda for a long time? Is that why they’re so important to you?”

Jyushi looks down at the can in his hands and smiles sadly. “I’ve had them for a handful of years now. My grandmother originally made them to keep me company and I grew attached to them in such a short amount of time. Amanda always seemed to listen to whatever I said, and even just by talking to them, I found the strength to push through everything. If I didn’t have Amanda, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Jiro takes that information and lets the smile settle on his face. “Alright. So I better get to searching for them!”

“Eh?” Jyushi looks up to him, shock evident in his eyes. 

“You said you guys are leaving ‘Bukuro in a couple of days right? If we find them quickly, you and Amanda can still enjoy the things that make this place wonderful!” Jiro grins at them and Jyushi can’t help but smile back.

“Okay. I should help look too!”

“No, you don’t have to! That’s why you called us, right?” Jiro places a hand on Jyushi’s shoulder. “For now, go back to wherever you’re staying at. It’s a possibility someone found Amanda and left them there.”

“Oh um… how can I get in touch with you if that happens…?”

Jiro blinks in realization and pulls out his smartphone. “You can call me instead of the work line.” The two exchange contact information and soon after Jyushi sends over an image of Amanda for reference. It’s surprisingly the same image Jyushi first showed Jiro. Seeing it again makes his heart leap and before he looks like a fool in front of his client again, he runs off in search of Jyushi’s prized friend Amanda.

Amanda watches from a distance how the red string connected to Jiro seems to reach out to Jyushi. It’s enough to know that they’re feeling something for one another. Amanda knows it’s not love, for they’ve only conversed for twenty minutes. But they’ve showed each other some charming points and it’s affecting them in a positive way. Amanda feels bad for being out like this for a long time, but they continue to observe Jiro as he searches high and low for them.

Even when the sun begins to set, Jiro continues to search dark alleyways for them. He wipes the sweat from his brow and continues to bend down, even going so far as to search the dumpsters for Amanda. He finds a few stuffed pigs along the way, but after checking the reference photo, discards the pig to find the right one.

The sun as almost completely set and Jiro slides down the wall with a sigh. “Where is that pig…” Jiro mutters. He looks at the reference photo for a long time, burning the image of Jyushi and Amanda together into his brain. 

“I thought that it would be nice to spend some time together too…”

Jiro gasps when he realizes he says that out loud and frantically shakes his head. “No I can’t… this is just a job… just a job…”

After slapping some sense into himself, Jiro stands on his feet again.

“Alright, onto the next one.”

Amanda slides down and finds a dumpster close by that Jiro hasn’t checked, and with a light jump, safely puts themself inside the dumpster. They wait and wait until Jiro moves the bags and finds them.

“I actually found ya! At least that guy can sleep peacefully tonight.”

Amanda stays comfortable in Jiro’s tight hold as he phones Jyushi. “Hello, Jyushi? This is Jiro. I found Amanda! Where should I meet you?”

Amanda looks up to the sky and thanks whoever blessed them with the ability to walk today. Today they learned that if Jiro is indeed Jyushi’s fated partner… he will be good for Jyushi.

Jyushi opens the door to his hotel room hurriedly. “J-Jiro!”

Jiro holds out Amanda, a little worse for wear, but still intact. “I don’t know who took ‘em, but I found them in a dumpster near the venue. Maybe someone thought it was a discarded toy or somethin’, but I’m glad I found them before it was too late.”

Jyushi holds Amanda close to him, glad to see them once again. “Thank you, Jiro. I really don’t know what I can say except thank you.”

“It’s just part of the job.” Jiro says with a laugh. Jyushi holds the door open. “Please, come in. We have to discuss your payment, after all.”

Jiro walks into the hotel room, but doesn’t make himself comfortable. It isn’t until Jyushi brings him to sit at the foot of the bed that Jiro does, albeit reluctant. He’s probably dirty in places he didn’t think he could be, and the warming heat didn’t help one bit.

Jyushi prepares some tea for him and Jiro takes it gratefully, downing the chilled tea in record time. Jyushi then pulls out his wallet and pulls out a few 10000 yen bills to put on the nearby table.

Jiro waves his hands. “Y-You don’t have to pay us that much!”

Jyushi blinks. “But you saved Amanda, my most important friend. This money is the least I can give you!”

“Nah, it’s alright!” Jiro just takes one 10000 yen bill from the stack. “This much is more than enough. It’s probably still too much, but still… if you’re willing to pay this much it would immensely help my Nii-chan.”

Jyushi sits down on the chair closest to Jiro and tilts his head. “Is it just you and your brother?”

Jiro nods. “I’ve got a younger brother too, but its just the three of us. We’ve gone through a bunch of hard spots in life, but our Nii-chan got through it. My Nii-chan to me is kinda like how Amanda is for you. But I know I can’t always be relying on him forever. It’s just hard to find that one path that is my own, you know?”

Jyushi pets Amanda’s head with caring eyes. “Yeah, it is hard… But as long as you’re not alone, that’s the most important thing. The answer won’t be obvious right away, but as long as you keep looking for that opportunity, it will become apparent in due time. Amanda taught me that. As long as you don’t give up, some sort of opportunity will appear.”

Jiro nods with a smile. “Yeah… I guess it will.”

The two enjoy the silence for a little longer before Jyushi pushes the remainder of the stack of yen bills towards Jiro. “By all means Jiro! Take it all! You have a family who needs it right?”

Jiro shakes his head. “It wouldn’t feel right just taking your money like that. Like I said, this much is enough. But if you don’t think its enough… how about I take you and Amanda out to check ‘Bukuro out?”

Jyushi blinks twice before a pink flush covers his pale skin. “Is this… a date?”

Jiro furrows his eyebrows at the question before his blushes darkly at the implication. “Ah… no? Yes? If you wanna think it is?”

Jyushi looks down at Amanda for a long time, and they gently nudge Jyushi’s hand. “It will be a good experience, Jyushi.” Amanda says. And even though they didn’t say it to anyone in particular, it’s like Jyushi understood Amanda’s advice.

“I… If you’re alright with that, I think I’d like that.”

Jiro grins “Alright! How about we meet at that park at noon then?”

Jyushi nods. “Alright.”

Jyushi walks to see Jiro out and Jiro stares at him for a long time before pressing a kiss to Jyushi’s uncovered cheek. Jiro jumps at the action after realizing what he had done. “Oh, god I’m sorry I didn’t mean to… Well maybe I did? But I don’t do that to everyone its just that you’re such a charming guy and-“

Jyushi cradles Jiro’s dirt streaked face and presses his lips against Jiro’s. He’s a trembling mess and his heart’s racing a mile a minute, but he knows this is something he wanted to do. When he pulls away, he feels something like a strong bond tie him and Jiro together. 

He doesn’t want this bond to go away, ever. Somehow it feels like it would be disastrous if he lost this bond.

“I feel something when I’m around you, Jiro. I don’t understand this, but it’s almost as if I was fated to meet you.”

Jiro is breathless, and his legs feel like jelly. “Oh yeah? I… feel the same…”

“I even feel reluctant to let you go now…” Jyushi says with a flushed face, but he does eventually let Jiro go. “But I will see you tomorrow, Jiro.”

Jiro reaches out to stroke Jyushi’s layered hair gently. “Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow, Jyushi.”

The two finally force themselves to part and when Jyushi closes the door, his entire body burns up in embarrassment. “Ne Amanda… is this what being in love feels like?!”

Amanda stands still on the table, warm from the inside out. “I don’t know Jyushi. But if you’re happy, isn’t that enough?”

Jyushi thinks about it for a long while before nodding. “Yeah… I think… I am happy…”

“Then enjoy the time you two have together.” Amanda urges. Jyushi nods again. “Yeah. I… I will!”

He gets up to bring Amanda to the sink. “You’re like a matchmaker Amanda… But I’m happy that Jiro was the one who came to look for you.”

Amanda doesn't know how to process the information until something else occurs to them. “You’re not surprised I can talk?”

Jyushi chuckles softly as he lathers up the soap. “You’ve always been talking to me Amanda. That’s why I can say with confidence you’re my closest friend.”

Something in Amanda grows at the statement. They then realized they didn’t need to be anything more than they were. It was okay if they were just Amanda the stuffed pig. Because Jyushi took everything they said to heart, and that was how Jyushi came to be like this.

It was all because of Amanda.

As Jyushi lathers up the soap and cleans Amanda, they say something heartwarming. “Jiro really likes that photo you sent him of us. I saw him staring at it for a long time.”

Jyushi laughs warmly at the statement. “I don’t know why I sent him that photo in particular either. I wonder if it was fated that things turned out that way…”

“Fated or not, I think you two should spend tomorrow together and get to know each other better. That would be the best course of action.”

Jyushi smiles at Amanda. “As expected of my best friend. You know what to do all the time, don’t you.”

After a warm bath, Amanda feels clean. Even the tufts of cotton sticking out from their ear feels clean, surprisingly enough. Jyushi was so thorough with the cleaning, but Jyushi always was when it came to Amanda. Jyushi places Amanda by the air conditioner to let them dry off before grabbing his pajamas and taking a shower himself.

As Jyushi is in the shower, Amanda thinks about all the things that happened today. It was pretty hectic, even for them. They didn’t think it would be possible for them to just be picked up by random people. Somehow that shocked them more than anything. But they really enjoyed today more than anything in their lifetime.

Because they saw how the string of fate tied Jiro and Jyushi together. Amanda has been by Jyushi’s side all this time, so they know Jyushi never had a fated partner he was “assigned.” Possibly, Jyushi was never intended to be a recipient of romance unless he found that right person.

That person ended up being Yamada Jiro. Amanda clearly saw a cut string on his finger. One that grew longer and longer until it tied itself to Jyushi’s own finger. Amanda saw that fated string wrap around Jyushi’s finger as Jiro kissed Jyushi’s cheek, and Jyushi’s own kiss tied that string to his finger.

To Amanda, it was the brightest moment they’ve ever seen in their life.

Amanda doesn’t know much. All they knew was that Yamada Jiro could be the one to bring Jyushi that love and happiness he deserves. And judging by the way they saw Jyushi’s gentle smile even after Jiro left, it was enough.

Amanda hopes they’ll be able to enjoy tomorrow’s date.

Jyushi opens the bathroom door and sits next to Amanda on the table, gently rubbing the moisture out of his hair.

“Ne, Jyushi?”

“Hm?” 

“I think Jiro is that one. You know? The one you were talking about back then.”

Jyushi blinks a few times before understanding what Amanda is referring to. “You mean…. That person out there that will love me?”

Amanda nods. Luckily, they still have the ability to move. Cotton stuffed feet move and one touches Jyushi’s hand. “I’ve seen this fated string tie you and Jiro together. You’ve never had one on your finger until half an hour ago, but I can see it clear as day.”

“H-How can you tell though, Amanda… Jiro and I have barely spent an hour together…” Jyushi blushes.

“Did you need a reason to kiss Jiro?” Amanda counters and Jyushi hides behind his hands. “N-no, but even so-“

“Don’t worry too much about it, Jyushi. You and Jiro have time. You guys don’t have to dive straight into the relationship thing. It’s your first time, after all. Don’t sweat it Jyushi. Just enjoy tomorrow, and if you feel like you want to do something, just do it. Well, asking for consent is also important but… you get what I mean, right?”

Jyushi softly chuckles. “You really sound like a master of romance, Amanda. Just how do you know all these things?”

Amanda swells with pride. “It was your grandmother who taught me everything I know!”

Jyushi’s bright blue eyes widen with wonder. “Really, Amanda?”

“I wouldn’t lie to you about something like that! It was thanks to her that I was able to do the things I can do now… which is supporting you.”

Filled with a warm, content feeling, Jyushi and Amanda chat until late into the evening, remembering Jyushi’s grandmother, and the bright image of Yamada Jiro. When Jyushi finally gets tired, he brings Amanda to the bedside table and strokes their head. “You know Amanda, I’m really excited for tomorrow.”

Even though Amanda cannot move their facial features, they hope Jyushi knows they’re smiling like he is. “I am too, Jyushi.”

Yamada Jiro runs all the way home with the happiest grin on his face to ever be seen. He doesn’t care about the fact that he’s gonna have to put a lot of stain remover on his clothes, or the fact Saburo would probably yell at him for being late for Ichiro’s dinner.

Because he feels like he’s on cloud nine.

He’s only met Aimono Jyushi for the first time today, but he’s pretty certain he’s never felt like this for anyone else before. His heart races, and he spent a majority of his break time staring at the wonderful selfie of Jyushi with his prized friend, Amanda. If anything, he would have tried to spend more time with Jyushi, if his conscience didn’t tell him he shouldn’t step over any sorts of boundaries so soon.

He goes home and Saburo makes a face. “Ugh, why do you look so happy. You look like a mess too.”

“Aw, shut it Saburo.” Jiro says happily as he takes off his shoes. He then hands Ichiro the money Jyushi more or less forced him to take and with a hurried promise to write the report after a shower, escapes the questioning stares of his brothers for a little more time for himself.

When Jiro catches his reflection in the mirror, he’s even surprised at the dopey looking face he makes. Man, it’s only been like half a day since he’s met Aimono Jyushi and he totally looks like he’s head over heels in love.

Well, maybe that is the case. After all, who in their right mind kisses someone after their first day of meeting? He is, apparently. But then Jyushi right after…

Jiro’s lips still buzz with the warmth of Jyushi’s black stained lips against his and he jumps a little before slapping himself a little to keep it together. Jiro dumps all his dirty clothes in the washing machine and starts it before letting himself enjoy the stream from the shower head. As he washes his hair he lets images of Jyushi fill his brain and they almost seem never ending. 

Where should he take Jyushi in the first place? Ikebukuro is his home sure, but that means he doesn’t hang in the common places all the tourists might want to come and visit. But would that make Jyushi alright with hanging around at Jiro’s normal hangouts?

Jiro doesn’t want to look like a fool in front of Jyushi, but he also wants to make it a perfect, unforgettable experience as well….

Jiro grins when he thinks about Jyushi’s small smiles. He may have an… interesting persona of sorts, sure. But underneath that is a beautiful angel who is quick to cry and is easily scared… with the most beautiful smile and voice.

Speaking of… he still never connected that voice…

“AH!!” Jiro screams and jumps out of the bath, barely wrapping his towel around his waist and hightailing it to his room.

“Saburo!!” Jiro yells. Saburo groans before walking towards Jiro’s room. “What is it, Baka-Jiro?”

“Argo Kishii Gakudan!! Was their concert today?!”

Saburo crosses his arms. “Uh, yeah. But you didn’t go?”

Jiro groans and pulls his hair. “I forgot it was today!! But more importantly!!”

Saburo raises and eyebrow before Jiro points to his smartphone. “Their leader was our client today! And I don’t know, we have a thing for each other?!!!”

Saburo blinks before sighing and turning away. “Whatever. Just. Put some clothes on, won’t you? That towel ain’t covering anything when its on the floor you know.”

Jiro looks down before screaming and slamming the door shut. Saburo returns to the living room and Ichiro looks up from his light novel. “So… the leader of Argo Kishii Gakudan was our client today, huh?”

Saburo sighs and sits on the couch next to Ichiro. “I guess? Jiro was saying things like, “they have a thing for each other,” whatever that means.”

“Hmm… maybe it means what it actually means?” Ichiro closes his light novel and prepares to reheat Jiro’s dinner. When Jiro opens the door, fully clothed, Ichiro puts down his curry and gives Jiro a look. “So, the leader of Argo Kishii Gakudan was our client today?”

Jiro nods. “Yeah. The last one I just worked on. I looked for his stuffed pig… it was kinda cute too.”

As Jiro shovels curry into his mouth Ichiro smirks. “And what makes you think you and the leader of Argo Kishii Gakudan have a thing for each other?” Jiro chokes on his food as it goes down and after getting it all down safely, Jiro’s face erupts into a bright pink. “Cuz we uh… ah… already kissed?”

Saburo slams his hands against the table. “WHAT?! Isn’t that a little too early?!” Saburo didn’t know love, but he knew enough to know people usually don’t kiss other people when they’ve only known each other for one day.

“Don’t ask me! All I know is that he and I clicked! Like real good . He was gonna give us a lot more than that-“ Jiro points to the 10000 yen bill “and the next thing I know I’m offering to show him around ‘Bukuro tomorrow instead of taking the pay?!”

Ichiro takes all the information in with sagely nods before a tear escapes his eye. “You’ve grown up so well, Jiro…”

“Nii-chan?!”

“Well, you got yourself into that mess on your own. You better hope you’ve got a solid plan for all this Jiro.” Saburo says with a shrug.

“Wait… you guys aren’t like… opposing or anything?” Jiro asks dumbly.

“Why would you think we would oppose, Jiro?” Ichiro asks.

“Well… you know… It might be too soon, or something like that…” Jiro mumbles. “But even so, I can’t help but feel like there’s this thing that attracts us. I have no clue what it is to be honest, but I feel like something bad will happen if I don’t… go after this?”

Ichiro nods. “Well, it’s a thing only you can figure out Jiro. If you want to pursue this, then pursue it. Besides, its been awhile since I’ve seen such a large grin on that face of yours. If he makes you smile like that, then he obviously has to be a good guy.”

Saburo reluctantly nods. “It might be irritating to see such a dopey look on this guy’s face, but it’s better to know he’s actually… happy…” Saburo’s light blush doesn’t escape Jiro and he pulls his brother in for a tight hug. 

Saburo tries to escape Jiro’s grip but the fourteen year old’s strength is nothing compared to Jiro’s. Eventually, after a lot of flailing, he gives up. 

Ichiro smiles happily at the scenery before sliding into one of the chairs. “So, tell us more about this guy, Jiro.”

The rest of the evening is filled with Jiro’s excited stories, Saburo’s occasional teasing, and Ichiro’s jovial laughs.

When Jiro turns in for the evening, he ends up staring at the ceiling in excitement.

He really can’t wait for tomorrow.

Amanda watches as Jyushi throws outfit from outfit from his suitcase. “Amanda, what should I do? None of these seem moderately like date clothes!”

“Calm down Jyushi. What you have with you is more than enough. Let’s just take a deep breath and assess what you have.” Jyushi follows Amanda’s advice and looks at his thrown clothes. 

Skinny jeans and black shirts. Thin sweaters, and the like… it was his normal everyday wear. Would it be enough…?

“What’s important is that you go as yourself Jyushi. Jiro will not mind, you know. I think, it would be appreciated. But in my opinion, you would look really good wearing that ripped sweater.”

Jyushi pulls it out from the pile of clothes and turns around to look at himself in front of the full length mirror. He smiles. “What would I do without you, Amanda?”

“I’ll always be here whenever you need me, Jyushi.” Amanda says as Jyushi pulls out a pair of black jeans and they can see the radiant happiness that exudes from Jyushi.

Jyushi flies through changing and then dumps his makeup bag over the nearby vanity. “Take a breath, Jyushi. Everything is going to be okay.” Jyushi takes more deep breaths and then arranges his brushes. Clipping his bangs back, Jyushi focuses on his normal makeup routine, working through with a normal smokey eye look. Finally finishing off with a swipe of his black lipstick, Jyushi unclips his bangs and takes another breath of relief.

“Perfect.” Amanda moves and claps their stuffed legs together.

Jyushi squeezes Amanda tight. “Only because you’re here Amanda. I would’ve been a complete mess without you!”

Amanda taps Jyushi twice, content in the warm feeling they receive from Jyushi’s love. “Come on now. You’ve got to leave soon, don’t you?”

Jyushi jumps up before rushing through the rest of his routine. After lacing up his red boots he comes back to Amanda. “Ready to go, Amanda?”

With a nod, Amanda is stored safe and sound in Jyushi’s crossbody bag. 

They’re excited for Jyushi and Jiro’s date today.

Jiro, for the first day in his seventeen years of life, didn’t know what he should wear. He desperately tried to justify wearing his normal style, but it just didn’t seem to sit right when he was going to do it.

“Why are you sweating the small things?” Saburo says, leaning against the doorframe. “Well, would it be… wrong? To wear my normal stuff.”

“Hah?” Saburo’s eyebrow twitches before barging in with a sigh. He rummages through Jiro’s closet until he throws out a blue short sleeve button up, a black long sleeved shirt, and a pair of ripped jeans he probably forgot he had. Just when Jiro thinks Saburo’s done, he dives back in and pushes one of his many flannels into his hands. 

“Try this.”

Jiro looks at the pile and shrugs. It’s better than whatever the hell he was going to go with. After kicking Saburo out he slips the outfit on, and surprisingly finds himself digging the look. He ends up tying the flannel around his waist like normal, and forgoes the baseball cap for a black fisherman’s hat. 

When Saburo sees the hat he bursts out laughing, but he ends up nodding in approval. Ichiro passes by, a stack of light novels in hand and his eyebrows shoot up. With a low whistle, he shows Jiro a thumbs up and Jiro ends up ruffling Saburo’s hair. “Thanks for that, Lil’ bro.”

Saburo flushes and unlike last time, doesn’t seem to put much effort into pushing Jiro away.

“So, Jiro, did you have a game plan for today?” Ichiro asks. “Nah. I figured… we just go wherever our legs take us. I don’t wanna show him all the normal sights, so maybe just places we all hang or whatever.”

Ichiro nods at that statement. “Well, have fun out there.”

“I’ll be watching you.” Saburo teases and Jiro groans. “Please Saburo! Don’t hack the security cameras because of a stupid date!”

Saburo passes Jiro his nearby phone and wallet and Jiro waves them off. When the door closes, Saburo bites into a pocky stick. “That fool looks too happy.”

“At least he is happy, right?” Ichiro looks to Saburo who nods. With a grin Ichiro pulls Saburo into a hug and the two continue watching some variety show that’s on right now.

Jiro arrives at the park ten minutes early. He immediately fishes for his phone to double check he had the time right and yeah… he still had ten minutes to their official “date time.”

“Ah, Jiro!” Jyushi calls out to Jiro, clutching the strap to his crossbody. Jiro turns around to see Jyushi looking… spectacular. His jaw hangs open and he can’t seem to close it even when Jyushi makes it to where he stands.

“You look… amazing.” Jiro starts with. Jyushi’s blush is light on his face and he squeezes the strap a little tighter. “No its you that looks nice…”

Next is Jiro’s turn to blush. He ends up scratching the back of his head lightly to get rid of the embarrassment, even if just a little.

“S-So! Do you wanna start with lunch? I know this little cafe nearby that serves practically everything. And it’s more on the down low side, if you get what I mean.”

“You mean, there aren’t many people?” Jyushi asks. Jiro nods. After hearing that, a relieved smile spreads on his face. “That would be nice.”

Jiro leads the way for the two of them and tries to not make it obvious that maybe… maybe he’d like to hold on to Jyushi’s hand. Jyushi is also conflicted over this until he remembers Amanda’s words of wisdom. Gently, with a nudge of his shoulder, he pulls his hand out for Jiro, and when Jiro sees, his blush darkens even further.

But it doesn’t stop him from taking Jyushi’s hand and holding it for the rest of their walk to the cafe.

The waitress seems to recognize Jiro and welcomes them in with a wave. She takes them inside to one of the empty booths and speaks to Jiro in a comfortable manner. “So, the normal today too, Jiro-kun?”

Jiro takes his hat off and nods. “Yeah, and… what would you like, Jyushi?”

Jyushi is flustered until he clears his throat and flashes his normal on stage pose. “You, princess, dost thou establishment supply the noodle dish filled with the red sauce derived from tomatoes?”

The waitress blinks before nodding. “We do have Napolitan as today’s special. Is that to your liking?”

“Yes. That would be more than sufficient.” Before the waitress takes her leave, she bows. “Thank you for that wonderful concert yesterday! Will Argo Kishii Gakudan consider doing more tours in the future?”

Jyushi closes his eyes and gives the waitress another flashy pose. “While it is undetermined, it is to our belief that more tours are in our future.”

The waitress jumps and claps her hands. “Thank you for that! I will get your orders ready!”

Jiro sees as the waitress jumps away happily and how Jyushi takes a deep sigh of relief when she’s gone. “So… is this just your stage persona, or a “whenever I’m nervous’ persona?”

Jyushi pulls Amanda out of the bag, just enough for their head to poke out. “It’s kind of like… an everyday kind of persona. I use it every day. Whenever I’m nervous, or around people I don’t know. It protects me from the kind of treatment I could get… like in the past…”

“One of the people I trust most in the world told me to make a change, and I somehow managed to do that. I created that persona, and faced the world that way. But it was hard, even with this new part of me. Especially…” Jyushi looks down at Amanda’s stuffing and sighs. “Especially when some terrible things happened.”

Jiro knows what painful memories look like on a person’s face, so he decides to not touch on them. Instead, he drives the conversation somewhere else. “So uh… about your concert yesterday.”

“Hm?” Jyushi blinks, trying to blink the tears from coming out. 

“To be honest… I wanted to go to Argo Kishii Gakudan’s concert yesterday. But I… totally forgot about it when a whole slew of jobs came in… And to think I was trying to remember where I heard that wonderful voice of yours… It’s because you’re the vocalist for Argo Kishii Gakudan.” Jyushi blushes at the comment Jiro casually throws out and Jiro himself blushes when he catches himself speaking those words.

Jyushi breaks the embarrassed tension with a cough. “Well, its a shame you couldn’t come to the concert, but your support is most appreciated Jiro.”

“The next time you guys play in ‘Bukuro, I definitely won’t forget.” Jiro swears. When Jyushi sees the most determined expression on Jiro’s face, he can’t help but laugh with his natural voice. It’s a beautiful melody to Jiro’s ears. 

“I’m happy to know the guy I’m apparently attracted to likes my music.”

And just like that, they passed lunch speaking of their general likes and dislikes, and things they were comfortable with speaking about at the moment. Amanda saw the bond between them become just a little bit stronger and they can’t help but feel excited for the future.

After a little banter over who pays for lunch, Jyushi handles the bill, with Jiro promising to pay for ice cream. After Amanda is placed inside the bag once again, Jyushi follows Jiro to the next destination. Throughout their journey Jyushi sees the backside to Ikebukuro. It feels… homey. Jiro grew up with this sort of place as his home, and reminds Jyushi of Nagoya just a little bit.

Not in terms of attractions of course, but feeling. If Jyushi has to travel hours to come to Ikebukuro, he doesn’t think it would be all that bad if it was to visit Jiro and the place he calls home.

The ice cream shop, like the cafe, is hidden in the corner of a major street. It’s easily passed over for the large branch store a few doors down, but Jiro doesn’t really care for their flavors compared to this small store.

Jyushi enjoys the atmosphere of this establishment, and points to the flavors selection. “They have mint chocolate chip…” Jiro takes a moment to admire the way Jyushi’s eyes sparkle and orders a double scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream for Jyushi, and a double scoop of rocky road for himself. Jyushi stumbles over a question and switches to his persona to ask the employee for a cup to put his cone inside, which the employee does after blinking a few times. 

“It’s just… I’m a slow eater. I wouldn’t want the ice cream to melt…” Jyushi says with a blush and Jiro smiles softly. “Hey, that’s cool. When I was younger I was like that, but then I guess I just learned to eat faster so then it wouldn’t melt before I ate it.” Jiro pays the bill and slides Jyushi his ice cream before grabbing his own cone from the employee and walking outside. 

The two take a moment to enjoy the ice cream right there. Jyushi’s eyes sparkle even more when he tastes the mint chocolate chip. It certainly has been a long while since he has tasted mint chocolate ice cream this delicious. When Jiro sees Jyushi’s expression, it makes his own heart swell at the sight. “So, um, is there anywhere in particular you want to check out?”

Jyushi shakes his head. “I was thinking maybe… show me the places you enjoy the most. I think I’d like that.”

Jiro grins and easily slides an arm around Jyushi’s waist, guiding him down the busy street. After reflecting on his actions, he flushes a bright red. But when Jyushi snuggles into the hold, albeit subtly, Jiro doesn’t say anything.

He ends up taking Jyushi to the big arcade he spends some time at when he has some cash on him. It’s a rare occurrence, but even when he doesn’t have the cash, he just comes to spend time with friends. Jyushi easily gravitates to the DDR machine that is unoccupied. Throwing his trash away, Jyushi’s eyes sharpen and his persona comes out as he challenges Jiro to a dance battle. “My Knight, it is time for us to test our dancing skills in battle!”

Jiro blinks dumbly before securing his hat to his head and pulling his sleeves up with a grin. “You’re on!”

It was exhausting for Jyushi. He couldn’t keep up with Jiro’s stamina, but it didn’t stop him from dancing tune after tune with Jiro, letting the minutes blend together. When they finish, Jyushi feels unbalanced when he grabs his bag. “That… was the longest I’ve ever stayed on a DDR machine.”

Jiro wipes the sweat off his brow and grins. “But it was fun, wasn’t it?”

Jyushi nods with a large smile. “It was.”

The two head toward the vending machines to pick up some pocari, and Jiro spots the photo booth nearby. “Say, wanna take some photos?” Jyushi immediately goes to patting down his hair and wiping the sweat from his face without ruining his makeup. “I probably look like a mess…”

Jiro didn’t see anything wrong with Jyushi in the slightest. Everything looked the same as he first looked like when they met up. In other words, perfect. “I think you look fine, Jyushi. Come on!” Jyushi is pulled inside the photo booth and he immediately takes his compact mirror out to check himself out. A few swift pats of foundation and a fresh coat of lipstick later, Jyushi feels comfortable enough to take a photo. Jiro gets the camera ready and the two look at the lens, their smiles the best they could be. But then the nerves get to Jyushi at the last second and he slips into his persona.

Jiro is momentarily shocked over the pose Jyushi slips into, but when the man exudes this amount of charisma, it’s charming in its own right. Jiro doesn’t even realize he’s staring until the camera clicks.

“Ah crap, I didn’t look at the camera!”

Jyushi hears this and can’t help but burst out laughing. It’s not the deep laugh, but Jyushi’s genuine laugh, and the two end up laughing away one of their shots. When the two settle down, they actually come together to smile at the camera, hands easily finding one another’s and tangling easily.

After that, Jyushi gathers some courage to press a kiss to Jiro’s cheek. “Thank you for today.”

Jiro blushes, but squeezes Jyushi’s hand. “We’ve barely gone anywhere though. Why are you thanking me?”

“Because, doing these mundane things… I’ve never really had the opportunity to do this much, even when I was in school.” Jyushi’s eyes soften. “I heard from a special friend that no matter what we do, as long as you spend time with someone you consider special to you… it’s time well spent.”

Jiro takes a moment to let it all sink before he pulls Jyushi closer by his sweater and pressing a kiss to his cheek as well. “I… wanted you to have fun. So if you did, then that’s all that matters.”

The clicking of the camera lens is long forgotten as the two gently hold each other. Faces mere inches from one another, Jiro laughs softly. “Logically, I know what we’re doing is probably a little too fast for normal standards, but I can’t help it for some reason.”

Jyushi blinks, and Jiro can marvel at how his long lashes fan over his cheeks for that split second. “I feel the same, Jiro. I’m not worrying about it though. Are you?”

Jiro shakes his head. “Nah. If I didn’t feel like this was the right thing to do, then I probably wouldn’t be doing this.”

Jyushi nods. The two gaze at each other for a long while before slowly, they move closer to each other.

The first press of their lips is uncertain, nervous. But an inexplicable burst of warmth fill their entire beings, and if this wasn’t a good sign, Jiro didn’t know what was anymore.

As soon as they pull away, they come back for more. This time, with more conviction and enthusiasm. Each drag of their lips is toe curling, addicting yet fresh all the same. When one breaks from the kiss, the other chases after them, locking their lips for as long as their bodies could withstand. The loud chatter of the arcade drowns out their soft moans, and the isolated bubble that is the photo booth gives them the privacy they need to just remain lip locked until they couldn’t anymore.

Their time is cut immensely short when the automated voice informs them their photo strips have been printed, and the voices of girls outside waiting for the photo booth speak up when they hear the people inside should be done. The two hastily try to calm their bodies down and they leave the booth, strips in hand.

The sunset is an alluring red orange as the sun casts long shadows against the ground and on the buildings. The warm breeze is beginning to cool down for the evening, and it’s enough to cool them down. When they find the courage to look at each other, they end up laughing heartily at the situation. Jiro takes one of the photo strips and hands it over to Jyushi. 

“At least… it was memorable at least?” Jiro says and Jyushi ends up laughing again, even if a huge blush covers his face. He takes his photo strip and notices how unique all of their shots are. Of course though… only the first half of their photo strip consists of “normal” pictures.

The bottom half were the two of them kissing like their life depended on it, and taken at the most… opportune of times.

Jyushi thinks Amanda will enjoy this sight though.

“Next time, we shouldn’t try making out in a photo booth.” Jyushi mutters as he puts the photo strip inside his bag and Jiro audibly gulps.

“...”

Jyushi realizes he said that out loud and hides behind his hands.

Jiro looks the other way and whistles a little tune to get the awkwardness tones down a little bit.

“Say… do you wanna… you know… somewhere a little more private?”

Jyushi jumps and looks at Jiro behind his fingers. “You mean…”

Jiro waves his hands, the blush rising to his ears. “J-Just kissing! Or not even that! Just being together a little longer?! It’s that… you’re leaving to go back to Nagoya tomorrow… and…” Jiro looks down, scratching the back of his head. “I… wanna stay with you longer…”

Jyushi puts his hands down and looks down at the street. “The train is around. It would only take me a few hours to come here.”

“I couldn’t let you do that on your own. You’re busy! Always writing music and recording music and all that stuff.” Jiro exclaims.

“I’d drop everything if it meant being able to spend even a minute with you though, Jiro.” Jyushi looks at Jiro and holds his hands. “I know we’ve barely had any time to learn anything about each other, and all that. But I know that this thing we have is more than just a curiosity towards each other. It’s like we were fated to be like this. Together.”

Jiro holds Jyushi’s hands tight. “I know. I know all this… I just can’t help but wonder what would happen if you were to move… So then you wouldn’t have to worry about commuting and all that. Nagoya’s freaking far…”

The two spend this time alone with their thoughts. They can’t help the feeling of dread that fills their bodies over the idea of parting from one another. But they have alternatives. Those will fill the physical distance between the two of them… even if just a little.

But for now… while they still have time together, they shouldn’t dwell on the depressing things. “Stay with me a little longer Jiro. Tell me stories about your youth. That way, I’ll be able to leave Ikebukuro tomorrow with a little piece of you by my side.”

Jiro pushes their foreheads together. “Only if you tell me stories about your past too. So then it won’t feel as lonely when you’re gone.”

Jyushi fights the wave of tears that threatens to fill his eyes. “Deal.”

Jiro ends up coming home late. It’s almost midnight by time he enters the Yamada household. Saburo looks at Jiro and is shocked by the utterly wrecked expression Jiro wears. “J-Jiro?”

Saburo puts his glass of water down on the counter and helps Jiro to the nearby couch. “Did something happen between you and that guy?”

Jiro shakes his head. “We just… talked. A whole lot. About everything. So we wouldn’t feel so empty when he leaves tomorrow. But we just… ended up spilling everything about ourselves. All of our harsh pasts and stuff…” Jiro furiously wipes his tears away, but they end up coming faster than he can wipe them away. “Damnit… if only I knew him sooner…”

Ichiro comes and sits next to Jiro, putting his arm around his younger brother. “But the thing that matters most is that you know him now. You’ve learned the things that have happened to him that have hurt him, that have made him happy, everything. So, take what you learned to heart and make sure you don’t do those things that will hurt him ever again.”

Saburo awkwardly pats Jiro’s back before nodding. “Knowing Jiro, you’ll be fine. Just make sure you leave the house on time to send him off tomorrow. It would be shitty of you as his new boyfriend to not do that much.”

“Saburo…” Ichiro sighs, but then Jiro laughs long and hard, and it chases all the bad feelings away. “Sabuoro’s got a point for once! You’re all right! I just need to make sure I do the things that make Jyushi happy!”

Saburo weakly whacks Jiro on the shoulder. “Yeah, so stop looking like the world’s gonna end or something. You’ll figure something out to work this long distance relationship. Just gotta trust each other.”

Ichiro nods with a grin. “So, did you and Jyushi eat? Do you want me to make something real quick?”

At this, Jiro’s stomach growls and Ichiro laughs. “Alright, I’ll make something real quick. Go and take a bath in the meantime.”

Jiro wipes his tears with a grin on his face. When he goes to pick up some clean clothes, he pulls the photo strip from his wallet and smiles at the way they look.

With a smile. Jiro will send Jyushi off with a smile.

That’s the one thing he can do.

Jyushi hands his luggage to the bus driver and turns around to look at the parking lot, Amanda in arms. “Do you think he’s not coming, Jyushi?”

Jyushi shakes his head. “He’ll come. I’m sure of it.”

“Jyushi!!” Jiro comes running, and Amanda is happy to see that the bond that ties the two together is even stronger today than it was yesterday.

Jiro comes to a stop in front of Jyushi and he tries to catch his breath before standing up to his full height and looking right at his boyfriend.

“I’ll always think about you! We can call and text every day! And if we can manage it, you can come to ‘Bukuro, or I can come to Nagoya, or something like that! We’ll manage something somehow, so I’m not going to let you leave ‘Bukuro with a sad face!”

Jyushi is more than aware of the fact that his band mates are pressing their faces to the windows, curious as to what is between him and Jiro. But for once, he isn’t worried about anybody else’s thoughts.

He just wants to be in the moment, which means being with Jiro. He wraps his arms around Jiro’s neck and pulls him in for a sweet kiss. One that tells Jiro everything he can possibly think of. 

When he pulls away, he smiles. “I’ll always be thinking of you too, Jiro.”

Jiro wraps his arms around Jyushi and pulls him in for another kiss and Jyushi’s ears burn at the excited yelps of his band mates, but that could wait.

He has a boyfriend he wants to spend some time with.

The bus driver starts the engine and Jyushi reluctantly pulls away. “You better call me when you’re back safe and sound in Nagoya.” Jiro says, trying to fight the tears from spilling.

“Of course I will, Jiro. But don’t be surprised if I contact you beforehand.” Jyushi’s eyes shine as he too, fights the urge to cry. Jiro holds Jyushi a little tighter before reluctantly letting go and unwrapping his flannel to tie across Jyushi’s waist.

“Just something to think of me by.” Jiro says as Jyushi’s eyes widen. “But, I—“

“Keep on singing Jyushi. That’s all I need for now, until you come back.” Jiro gently pushes Jyushi towards the bus.

Jyushi hugs Amanda a little tighter before nodding. “Okay. I will!”

Jyushi finds his seat near the back of the bus and immediately waves at Jiro. Jiro waves back with a grin until he can’t see the bus anymore.

Immediately, he feels a little lonely, but then he remembers what he told Jyushi. Opening his playlist he shuffles all of Argo Kishii Gakudan’s music and enjoys the Ikebukuro scenery while drowning in Jyushi’s wonderful voice.

It would be a difficult time, trying to live his normal life while fighting the urge to hop on the next train to take him to Nagoya. But he would wait. Since Jyushi would be doing his best, he’s gotta do his best too.

The first thing on the agenda is asking Saburo to give him pointers on his homework so then he doesn’t have to deal with remedial classes.

The moment the bus leaves the parking lot Jyushi almost falls out of his seat as his other band mates pile on top of him and ask him questions.

“Who was that!”

“Is he your boyfriend?!”

“How did it happen?!”

Jyushi laughs as everyone yells at him, dying for the details. As he slowly retells their story, he looks down at his closest friend in the world.

“It’s all thanks to Amanda. I don’t know how it happened, but someone took Amanda while we were performing. Jiro… was the one who found them. And we just clicked. That’s all there is to it I guess.”

“You guess?! You guys look like you’ve been dating for months or something!

“This is like, something that comes out of a manga or something!”

“Jyushi, you lucky little— When’s my chance at romance like that!”

Jyushi laughs softly as he brings Amanda close to him.

“Maybe you need your own Amanda.” He says teasingly.

“Nooooo! Just give me your Amanda!”

Jyushi hides Amanda in his bag and fights his band mates away from them, but with a large smile on his face.

“Thank you for everything, Amanda.”

Jyushi smiles even larger when he hears Amanda’s response. “Anything for you, Jyushi.”

Omake 

Jiro’s phone buzzes as he’s in the middle of finishing up dinner. “Jiroooo, your phone…” Saburo says from the couch.

“Sorry, Saburo, but I’m kinda busy.” With a groan, Saburo goes to look at the caller ID. “Ah, its your boyfriend.”

Immediately Jiro shoves the large chopsticks to Saburo. “Just stir them until they’re lightly brown, okay!” Quickly Jiro hightails it to his room before answering the phone.

“Hello, Jyushi.”

“Hi Jiro. We just arrived home.” Jyushi’s voice is light as he walks off the bus.

“That’s good. Do you have any plans for dinner?”

“Not really, we’re thinking about something light, but what about you?”

Jiro leans against his door with a grin. “I’m on dinner duty today. I was actually in the middle of cooking up some yakisoba when you called.”

“Yakisoba, huh… is it easy to make?” Jyushi asks.

“If you have all the ingredients and a ton of patience, it’s a piece of cake. I only say patience because it might not turn out perfectly the first time, but that’s what practice is for.” At this Jiro smells the vegetables on the verge of getting burned. He opens the door and yells down the hallway. “TURN OFF THE STOVE SABURO! THE VEGETABLES ARE GONNA BURN, DAMMIT!”

“I KNOW THAT, BAKA JIRO!” Saburo yells back, but turns off the stove with a sigh of relief.

Jiro turns back to his phone with a sigh. “Sorry about that. My little bro was about to burn dinner.”

Jyushi chuckles. “It sounds lively there at the very least. It’s a shame I couldn’t visit them while I was there.”

Jiro blushes a little at the statement. “Well… next time you come over, I’ll introduce them to you.

Jiro can imagine Jyushi’s small smile. “That would be nice.”

After a bit of rustling, Jiro can hear the door close. “Are you home now?”

“Mn. I think we’re gonna unpack a little bit before grabbing dinner.” Jiro nods. “I guess I shouldn’t keep you waiting then.” Even though he says this, he’s reluctant to let Jyushi go yet.

“I’ll call you later?” Jiro nods. “Yea. I’ll be waiting.”

With a light chuckle, Jyushi ends the phone call and Jiro ends up looking at the photo strip as long as his eyeballs can stay open before he has to blink. When the feeling of longing passes a little, another buzz comes from his phone. Jiro sees that this time, it’s a message from Jyushi.

He unlocks his phone to see Jyushi wearing the flannel, pointing his phone to his full length mirror. The large flannel fits Jyushi well, almost too well. The sleeves are a little long, covering his hands a little bit, and the hem of the flannel ends at where the highest tear in his jeans lie.

The caption under the photo reads It really does keep me warm. Thanks for lending it to me Jiro. Enjoy your dinner. Followed by a cute emoticon.

When Saburo and Ichiro hear a thump from Jiro’s room, they both rush to him, only to find him face first on the floor, phone close to the door. He says nonsense amongst the sea of “cute” and “how is this possible” and other words.

Saburo picks up the phone and sees Jyushi’s photo. Ichiro whistles nice and low once he sees the photo. “I’ve never seen the real power of a kare-ja until now. It really does pack a punch doesn’t it?”

“Now the question is, how long will it take Jiro to snap out of it?” Saburo sighs and turns around. “Come on Ichi-nii. It looks like we’re gonna have to finish making dinner ourselves.”

It takes Jiro another ten minutes and the sobering aroma of yakisoba to return to his normal self.

He finds his phone and shoots back a simple response. You look too good in flannels, Jyushi!

A response is almost immediate. Only because it’s yours. I never wear flannels but… I think I can wear it if its yours.

Jiro smiles and locks his phone before coming to the table.

“He’s totally stupid in love, Ichi-nii.” Saburo picks up his chopsticks and digs into his yakisoba.

“But its a good thing Saburo. Maybe when you get a little older you’ll understand these things.” Ichiro responds.

“If I end up looking like that, I don’t know if I’ll ever want to fall in love.” Saburo shoots back.

“Hey, don’t dismiss it so easily, Saburo! It might just hit you when you least expect it to!” Jiro points his chopsticks to Saburo who only shrugs.

And amongst the laughter and bustle of the Yamada household, Jiro can imagine Jyushi hanging out with his band mates, walking down the streets of Nagoya, figuring out what they wanna eat for dinner.

He can’t wait to hear from Jyushi later tonight.