Chapter Text
Even you embark on another destination, your soul longed for a home, a place where you feel belonged—Kurusu has forgotten who said that but it resonates within him as stale Ginza Line delivers its next customers
It should be Kichijoji, right? Professor says so…I shouldn’t doubt her now of all time.
A woman yelps as she hit his shoulder as his right-hand catches her figure, like second-hand nature, Kurusu smiles worryingly
“Ah…! Are you okay, miss?”
The woman nods as quickly as their encounter, she springs away on her fateful mission but he never forgets a ‘good-luck’ wave to a stranger, flipping the page in his phone, his nail scratching airy forehead.
Shoot, forget not to scratch it…the stitches gonna come undone again .
His pair glance around as he manages to wander Station Center, where doves sometimes interrupt his acquaintance but inside his left pocket always carries breadcrumbs like any other gifts for Kurusu’s companion
That steel train model where he stood, I guess Yoshida-san moves to another place…it’s a bit sad that he isn’t here but I’m glad.
At the entrance to Ginza Line, the familiar guitarist sang his heart now replaced with a welcoming billboard, sort of, still better than they try to fake the journey
I don’t think anyone remembers, why would they? No use getting sentimental about it…
The usual empty market hallways lead to Kichijoji gate scrambles with tables and the like of cardboard boxes, never would Kurusu thought there was a festival going around here, a small line shapes his thin lips
The teen surely loves this kind of market, I would be intrigued too but who knows if it's keeping me back…Eh, why not, I can check it out later.
Many workshops pull the curtains as colorful bulb lights flashing the used-to-be dark hall of Kichijoji, well, at least what he knows of this district anyway
Muhen-san should be around here, I hope the club doesn’t change locations—that’s annoying though.
Kurusu lets out a sigh as a petite retro club with extravagant light remains, his fingertip slides the black-board menus as he descends.
As his eyes affix the light inside, surges of emotion flow over his ear as light music grace through the club but instead of the memory of a certain man standing at the counter, a short silhouette startles the adult
“Wellcome~! It’s going to be 1000 yen from now on since we change our budget for musicians, what will it be?”
“Good evening, I’m looking for Muhen-san?”
The young clerk quirks her eyebrows as she gasps visibly, the girl nods as she lunges to the backdoor, while Kurusu has confirmed his position here, stones inside his stomach melt as he dawn into the timeless memories
Some time ago, I took everyone here because my salary was generous, but Ryuji fussed so much that we had to sit separately…hehe, if he remembers it now, it’s hilarious to see.
“Ex…excuse me, sir! Manager wants to meet you here, please come in!”
Despite her labored speech, Kurusu nod gently toward the clerk as she returns frightfully, in his teenhood, Kurusu never thought he would infiltrate inside his favorite bar years later, the man chuckles silently
What infiltrates? Silly me, thinking about the good old days again… it just works, just like in the past
“Kurusu-kun, nice to see you again—I see you have grown a lot!”
A slightly crook gentleman greets him with a discreet smile as it creases his cheek, his worn fedora adorn sunglasses immediately jug Kurusu’s brain as the picture of his younger days flashes
Ahah, I never thought he would soon be like this…man, I really have graduated huh.
“Just the height, sir, but you still have the gentleness back then.”
“No use flattering me, young man, come, let’s see your portfolio.”
Kurusu instinctively hold the old man’s arm as both men flash a gratitude grin, as each finger skew through the yellow file, he can’t help but notice Muhen’s glances but Kurusu kept his eyes hovered on the glistening table
It's been a while since anyone gave me those eyes again, back at home…oh yeah, I moved away once I got out of high school, no hard feelings at all—just didn’t feel that comfortable to stay, I never liked their stares.
“Kurusu-kun…excuse me if I’m wrong but have you cut your hair?”
“Ah…yes, I have, does it not match with my portfolio?”
Muhen shakes cheerfully as he lowered his head after realizing his rude behavior, Kurusu smiles it off as his organ feels lighter than before, he thought he can move on but it was like a stained coffee, it never comes off until he wash it thoroughly.
“For this term, your average salary will be higher due to our new policy, just treat it like a bonus for your sake, yeah?”
“Thank you, but I have a question, was the clerk downstairs our employee?”
The old gentleman tilt as he laughs at Kurusu’s concern, pulls out a pocket hand watch, inside was an image of a girl, his thin lip parted at the revelation
“She may look small, but she’s almost your age y’know? Oh dear, how time flies…”
“It seems everyone I know has already settled down, isn’t it?”
Kurusu enjoys his new boss’s joyful ramble as the grandpa halts, furiously apologizing to the man as they move on to his next section.
Drinks, bartending, hosting gigs for artists, Kurusu ravel at the inner industry of clubs until night falls, as guests crowd more and more, the manager’s granddaughter and him juggle with tasks given at hand
“You look like you have experience with this, have you worked in bars before, Kurusu-san?”
Amidst the melodic voice of a singer, his colleague turns to Kurusu with sparkling pairs, in turn, he smiles as days of Kurusu struggling with part-time jobs bubbles
“I was a working student so you can say I have experience with bars and the like too.”
“Wooah…! That’s why you knew my grandpa too?”
“Oh no, it’s my old friend who knew him, I was…introduced by them.”
“Really? We don’t have too many regulars who are students…kids don’t like these hole-in-wall clubs like us, but if they do, mostly just for pics and stuff.”
“But it was a haven for some, don’t you think?”
“Hah, yeah, I kinda got used to seeing old dudes going in and out…wait, I think we have a handsome dude in here!
His brows twitch as he cups his mouth, waiting for the clerk to figure out his name and something else, his heart pumps as empty praise for him still fresh in his mind
“He’s charming but I don’t know his name, though, I doubt dad knows him either—was he your friend, Kurusu-san?”
The adult startle as the clerk crouch her back on a small stool, he hid his face as his reeling feel calms down, slowly, he form his words
“I’m not sure, my old friend cut contact with me years ago.”
“...I’m sorry, you must miss him.”
“It’s okay, I don’t remember him anymore, nothing going for us that's it.”
Below this filled counter, two people listen to their artist’s powerful voice, enough for Kurusu to take his mind off fizzling memory of someone’s glove taps with each note, of their content smile, of his clouded heartbeats.
Second-hand tick to the left as lights flick off, Kurusu swings the gear locked as today’s gig echoes in his ear, somewhere in him rises as the adult whistles.
I hope no one hears me right now, it’s going to be embarrassing…but if I do it well, is he gonna praise me?
The note broke as faint smile of a certain boy sweep his memory core, just like that, stones clog his abdomen again, if he was young, he couldn’t smile like he was now
I miss attendance for a whole week with all that crying—thinking back now, I hold things in pretty much, “It’s never good to do that” right, I have to remember
I have to move on, I—have to forget him
An echo of heels turns Kurusu’s head and as always, nothing but the illusion of his shoes made, the adult stride forward but somehow his eyes glues backward.
Flick of controller as Kurusu greets his apartment, he taps an app in his phone as music drowns his empty house, peer inside his boxes, Kurusu once again decorates his space with clunky junk from framed art to souvenirs of places he resided
This…this magnet! Last time a neighbor complained about me hanging stuff so Futaba told me about this convenience…there! Now I can hang his picture
Kurusu unwrap his only large furniture as the art bloomed on his lips as always, it’s like the first time he saw it with his friend, a reminder that he still going forward, its shining color outshine his stale house just like he wants
Last time I brought my girlfriend to my ‘house’, she said it’s weird that my taste seems ‘creepy’ despite my appearance…she never liked art, just like the young me.
The rest became easier as his temporary apartment looks well-lived, pulling out a portable table, his convenience meal are ready
I shouldn’t feel like this…it’s years since I lived off side-dishes meals, I do cook though, I do but—maybe next week.
His ear perk as a jazzy-like song blaring on his phone, Kurusu taps rhythmically as his voice mimic the lyrics, since his voice too small compare to the audio, fluffy feels course through his body
Heh, it’s really fun to do it…maybe it’s okay to keep doing it, I’m living alone after all.
A lone man dancing all night as daylight broke upon his building, soon, the whole district.
‘Hey, Akira, listen! This morning, Mona just pissed all over the floor, what the hell am I supposed to dooo?!’
“Well, did you forget to clean his litter?”
‘Whhatt? How am I supposed to notice?! My assignments’ killing me right now—HEY WAIT WAIT WAAIITT!’
The call ends dramatically as Kurusu prays for Futaba, coffee machine purrs steadily as Kurusu starts his slow morning—actually, he can be late any minute now but decided for his mind that the adult’s going to be calm
In the past, my nerves were straining, really thin at that time, and I almost got hospitalized for god’s sake…everyone knows how cruel the fees are, I have to take better care of myself…
A sudden pop draws his attention back to his coffee as it jugs any sleepy system inside, with that, Kurusu easily leaves the house
Shit, am I low on recycling bags?...Gotta buy more…
Birds hoot somewhere on the roof as Kurusu greets his building neighbors, some of them too tired to return the courtesy, some are curtly done so, not that Kurusu minds any rudeness, furthermore, it just makes him feel more at peace
If I rent a house in that hallway, who knows if somebody’s going to mess with me—ahah, wait, this is Kichijoji.
His eyes crane as plops fell into his lashes, one, three droplets until all loose into the market of Kichijoji, across the street, people glance into bright blue listlessly, Kurusu can hear cheerful yell of youngsters, still, he can’t bring himself laughing
Too close there, mid-spring rain so fucking weird—shoot, gotta call Muhen-san
Rippling rain stains his pants as Kurusu ignores the dampness, signal rings his left ear as hurried footsteps take a seat beside him
‘Kurusu-kun? Great timing if you haven't come out yet but we’re close for today, raining pretty heavily, y’see.’
“Yes…I can see so, but is there anything in the club I can help with?”
‘No, no, Kasa and I are pretty comfy here, take some break, yeah?’
What breaks? I barely fulfill my quota…isn’t it an underground club though, flood never reaches inside? This fucking bullshit…
As his humid palm ruffles his puffed hair, irritation clamp onto Kurusu’s throat with no other way, he clears his throat as a stranger’s smile visible in his sight
What’s with him…is it so funny to see a drenched rat? Shit, how long is this gonna last?!
“Would you like some towels? I have spare ones.”
Unlike Kurusu’s foul mood, the guy beside him slides a pristine cloth barely in Kurusu’s view, the adult flusteredly nods as his eyes look up at his kind helper
I was too quick to anger, does he notice my glare? Guess not—
A pair of rudish startles Kurusu as he flicks away, still, surge of feelings buds in his stomach as the adult avoids his sheltering stranger’s gaze
…He has been staring at me for a while when I’m taking that call too—shit, should I risk running to the club? He looks well-built, gonna catch up to me in no time
Kurusu keeps his pupils straight as his palm covers his yawning mouth, in light of the moment, his gaze has lifted off Kurusu—at least if he knows the man he’s been staring at noticed
Ahah…so he stared at me, I hope nothing on me gives out my info—I shouldn’t have shit like that, in case.
Pattering notes of rain shudder their roof as wind whoops cradle of water onto both men’s shoes, Kurusu swiping his time away on his phone, amidst the corner of his eyes, the man gazing at him again, foolishly
Maybe I should give him a sign not to do that if he’s too stupid to realize decency
“...Thank you for the towel, but I don’t need it.”
Without giving what he wants, Kurusu lift the untouched towel to the man, half a conscience to throw it away but his arm hanging to what Kurusu decided, the guy also give it a stare as he take it—until Kurusu’s gut tremble with his touch on his fingers as the adult coil back
Fuck, this fucker’s a pervert alright…ahah, disgusting
He can think these things as much as he can but his heart as if been trance by curiosity, Kurusu query himself about the identity of his creepy stranger, many faces resurface but none betray his expectations, at least, they will call for his attention if need be
Also him too, too stupid to try these things…I mean, what benefits him from doing this? He is rude but never to this extent and I’m thinking about him again—haah, this freaking storm
Minutes pass as hours gone by, Kurusu distance himself to the corner as the creepy man didn’t try anything further, frigidness gnaw on his drench clothes but Kurusu can’t care about that other than sleepiness coming at him
So cold…when this ends, I’m gonna buy some cold meds—ah! Wake up, Akira!
Even if the man already out of his sight, Kurusu can’t bear faint here of all places as his lashes rapture downward, an arm holds his upper body as his nerves snap, ripping out of his grasp violently
“Hey, stop it, bastard.”
“...Sorry, but you could have fallen into the rain.”
So what? Just tapping my shoulder isn’t enough?
The adult never met their eyes nor did he want to as storm blew one final hit until all was quiet, the sky didn’t brighten up and so does Kurusu, he was sure he has ran far away from the creep but his gaze—Kurusu would love to have someone gutted him right now.
‘Holy shit Akira, that’s like total harassment!’
“I know, uuggh…I can’t believe I have to deal with this shit twice in a row…”
‘Wait what? How-?! I think that place is not good for you, Akira.’
“Nah, it’s good, it’s good, I already told the police about him though I don’t know if he believes me…or not.”
‘They should! That dude targets guys like you, if you ever decide to sue him, I’m on your side!’
“Hahah, I don’t know if I got the money for that…people will treat me differently when it gets out like my old workplace either…”
‘Akira, I will contact Makoto about this, we can ask Futaba into your case to—’
“Ann, didn’t I say I don’t have money? I…thanks but I’m okay.”
‘I may not be here for you but we’ll always be by your side, Akira.’
“Thanks, thank you Ann…”
His finger lunges at the [DISCONNECT] button as soon his friend stops talking, echoing voices rang in his head as Kurusu sprang up, the door to his apartment slammed shut behind the adult.
Lights no longer reside in this town as Kurusu stroll to the back of the station, there, hordes of equipment wait for its user as he picks up his usual note on the desk, he doesn’t consider itself to be very clean but Kurusu would waste money uselessly if he cares too much
Today…sweep and clean the front station’s hall and ground market, gather trash in the smoke area of Shibuya, and put some incense near the juice shop—the same with Ginza Line.
The adult nod as he pins it on the board of a similar bundle, Kurusu sets out his venture easily, this recent job isn’t well-known cause of its repetitive nature but somewhere in him pities the people as he cranes up to the starless sky
I knew it…the scenery is much better without people, I can’t enjoy some moments like this back home because of some troubles—not here anymore.
He can let these emotion drift away without holding back and he can stare into the blackness without drawing attention—Kurusu takes a big whiff of air as if he never breathe, ideals pops into his mind but the adult quickly left it out, berating its ridiculousness, his lips brew at night.
Reminds me of Mementos…the first time we saw it, I was instantly drawn to the aspect—no people, void of noises, it’s like I was completely fading…ahah, it’s not like I had any more to prove…
As the broom steadily goes right and left, Kurusu hums unknown sounds, faraway music of the otherly world—he remembers asking someone to teach him to sing as Kurusu chuckles lightly.
If they wound up teaching me, I don’t think I can do it anymore…why would you try to be a singer when you don’t even like music? Ahah, I’m so pathetic.
Rustling of leaves coil with his broom as Kurusu kept his mind empty, just do what he told and don’t overthink it grows on him over time, memories of his younger self halt the adult’s hands
…So many people befriended me, I mean, my younger self—the idiotic teen, does everyone think being silent matured? Then every dumb guy was already a saint by that point…
“What was the point of going through all that…ah, gotta work.”
He was powerful and the next time he was powerless, a kind-looking man flashes his mind as Kurusu stares at a lone ant, walking between earth and cement.
I wonder how Maruki-sensei is doing…going back to his hometown? Maybe visit his ex-girlfriend’s grave? Kept working as an Uber driver? He has infinite possibilities, a future, huh.
“I’m sorry, can I put my can in here?”
The adult flinch as a voice ringing his quiet bubble, he looks up at a tall silhouette and nodded, the strange man throw his coffee can in Kurusu’s grasp as both men bows politely to each other
huh, I guess I should visit Sojiro-san tomorrow…Futaba told me to go sooner but—nah, I have to go.
Kurusu turns away as his pair glances back, the man hasn’t gone yet, ripples boil inside the adult but he keeps his head low
“It’s there anything you would like to throw away?”
“...Ah, my apologies, have a good night.”
So he’s staring at my ass or something? I swear these fucking perverts…
As the man trudges away, Kurusu glares at the man’s staring, soon after he leaves the adult scoffs as he picks up pace to the storage room. Kurusu sighs heavily as he leans on the locker, nails scratching his head as sharp pains startle Kurusu
Agh, stop picking the thread you idiot…fuck, I need to stop touching my wound…
Creasing brows adorn his listless face as both palms smooth his aching temples, it seems like the more he grows up the more wrinkle plunder under his pupils, the adult laughs as earlier thoughts gnaw at his conscience.
Maybe I should be harsher next time, what if it’s the same guy that's been stalking me? Fucking bitch didn’t have anything else to do…I—should go home.
Morning dawn on the dimly lit room, crumbled eyelids open as iron burst through his nose, streaming red rolls down his cheek, the adult ticks his tongue listlessly upon touching a red drop
Fuck…I forgot to buy a first-aid kit…
Kurusu glanced at his toilet mirror as he nod while doubting anyone would ask him, the adult set off for another working day, everything was needlessly bright and fresh just as it damped a lone man’s emotion
After work, I should take a long nap…feeling pretty close to locking myself inside…
“180 yen, sir.”
Kurusu pulls out his wallet as his eyes widen, slowly, he shakes his head at the receptionist as a person behind reaches up to halt his arm
“Excuse me—!”
“I will pay for his items, please.”
As his eyes crane to the stranger, navy pairs startle the adult as the man smiles gracefully, his mouth stays speechless until they exit the drugstore
“My gratitude for you being with me in our younger days, Akira.”
“I know…but I’m still scared when you just grab my arm like that.”
His friend tilt his head curiously despite his stoic expression, Kurusu let out a small sigh as he shook it off, wryly laughing at himself
“Nah, it’s nothing, really.”
“...Is there something troubling you, Akira?”
“No, not really, being an adult’s hard after all…how about you, Yusuke?”
“My art museum just announced last year, but I haven’t had any new pieces these days…”
“Huh?! Wait, why didn’t you text us about that?”
“I did post about it, on text and invite you all to a feast.”
Kurusu’s throat prickles as he pulls his cap lower, intended not to see his friend’s curious gaze nor let him see his nervousness
“Oh, sorry about that, I canceled on you guys at the last minute…”
“We knew, that’s why we gave your portion to Mona—oh exactly, Mona ate yours, I apologize for not stopping him.”
“Ahh, he won’t forgive me after all huh.”
“For what? Are you and Mona having a dispute?”
His slender arm stops Kurusu’s walk as they look at the traffic signs, the adult stares at his friend’s tall build as memories of him bring a smile to Kurusu
“...It’s an accident, one that I didn’t tell our friends.”
“I see, it’s Mona causing mayhem in your hometown?”
The adult chuckles at his friend’s honest assumption as they rest on the bench, the suffocating sky didn’t look glum as he thought, it was just—
Too white…it’s like that hospital.
“I wish so, but he would say sorry anyway…but it’s not like that, I just don’t want him to worry about me, not anymore.”
His crooked fingers knitted together as he lean on the bench, a small sigh escape his dry lips, the words are there but he closed his eyes as if Kurusu don’t want to see it
“...Ahah, it’s so hard to say.”
His friend shaped his finger like whenever he did it as Kurusu laughs, and the man nod contently at his imagined canvas
“I can see it! The sight of you opening up to your friends is reassuring but sad, still, you can talk to them freely.”
Kurusu sits up as he fully opens his eyes, scenarios appear as his words are ready to tell the tale, something he had prepared for years, his knitted hands squeeze
“I got molested, at my school and old job, it’s not easy to shake them off but I manage to get away from them or—convince them otherwise, sometimes, I have nightmares…”
Ah, there it is, he’s shocked…I’m glad, I’m glad…
“How many years have it been? Should be—10 years since graduating college, I worked at a construction job and things go with the flow…”
He took a glance at Yusuke, the man’s brows deeply furrowed as his teeth can be seen gritted like something delving deeper into his guilt, Kurusu sighs
“When that happens, I dated my senior there but we broke up after I had an accident with—my head, just a usual work thing…so I took a PhD in bartending and escaped here.”
That…isn’t all but at least, he was here with me
“I have to say, it’s very frustrating indeed, I can’t fathom why you didn’t tell us, Akira.”
It’s like he had held it in when Kurusu told him whatever happens to him as two men sit solemnly, cheering shouts afar echoing the park where they are, still, Kurusu can’t say why as his palms trembles
“...I don’t want to hear you say ‘calm down’, Akira, the unfair events that happen—to you, I—frankly am mad.”
“Thanks, Yusuke, for getting mad at me…”
“Akira, would you like to join me for dinner?”
“Are you paying then?”
“I assure you, I have more money than you thought Akira.”
Kurusu laughs lightly as his friend manages a smile, dawn wringing down as Ikebukuro shines brightly, the two glance up and down a direction app as both men trek along the warming path.
Inside the gilded skyscraper, throughout many viewer scenes, memories of his first friends awed at the magnificent building as Yusuke chuckles
“Ann and Ryuji wouldn’t gasp at an ordinary hotel like this, is it not? They must enjoy much more luxury in their travels.”
“Hah, I wouldn’t think one day Ryuji can jump from one country to another like this~!”
“Oh, but wouldn’t you like to see the world?”
“Pass, I can’t let my team member spoil me, it’s not right.”
“Ah, the struggle of adulthood, what a dilemma.”
Kurusu slightly scoff at Yusuke’s better sarcasm, back then, his jokes were always too serious but Kurusu still had fun whenever he was here anyway, as their dishes present in front of the men, a flashing sound perks Kurusu’s head
“Oh, don’t mind me, I want to boast our dinner to everyone.”
“Heh, you guys still using IM? I barely go on social media these days.”
“True, I didn’t see your activity these recent years? Have accidents played into it?”
“Yeah…I don’t have enough charge for my phone bill so I cut using it.”
“I at least have my scholarship and supervisor to overlook for me…I must admit I was fortunate enough to keep eating.”
“Hey now, I wouldn’t mind donating to your museum a little, don’t feel bad about it.”
I mean I was pitied of you…but he’s more stable than me now, I’m glad
“Hm…how about you become my accountant? We need a financial manager, what do you say?”
The fork in his hand halted as Kurusu closed his mouth as he looks up at his earnest Yusuke, normally anyone would be glad to work for their ‘rich’ friend, be in debt for in fact but his resolve flutters as it died down, Kurusu smiles gratefully
“Thank you but I don’t think I’m that good at accounting~”
“Hm? I wouldn’t think being knowledgeable was incapable of counting?”
“Ahah, I’m just saying I don’t have—”
Ah, what were you saying
“I mean, you're taking me out for dinner like that's enough, Yusuke.”
His finger hovers over his fish dish as Yusuke flashes a small smile, his neatly trimmed hair covers his pale ears as Yusuke speaks gently
“I would like to help you just like when you were there for me, Akira.”
“...Hah, you guys are too nice.”
Their conversation ends as well with their dinner, upstairs, Yusuke invites him to the skyscraper as two men gaze at the nightly lit town of Ikebukuro.
“What beauty, I was skeptical when my advisor said to set up a museum in this district, my wariness never ceases when you’re gone, Akira.”
“It’s not my presence Yusuke, it’s your trust in that advisor but— you will know soon enough.”
“You’re right, the experience with the Phantom Thieves will give me new lessons over time…”
Their small talk froze as airplane twirled above their heads, except that time going to Hawaii, Kurusu never let himself fly again, it’s not like he was particularly afraid, it was just himself
“...I’m regretting my decision about leaving Maruki-san’s reality, really, it’s been on my mind.”
I—can’t get mad with it, to be honest, me too, sometimes think back if we made the right choice
As if they both come to term with it, regret it then regret thinking about it, the sense of justice seems dull compared to their desires, he and Yusuke, maybe the Phantom Thieves too as Kurusu shift his sitting position
“Do you think Akechi will get mad at us for thinking about it?”
His friend leans on his folded leg as artificial light fades his navy ones, no furrowed brows or gritted teeth, he turns to Kurusu, downcast lashes
“You…are still thinking about Akechi, Akira?”
After we got out, after I got into my troubles, after I slept…hah, well, wouldn’t be farfetched to think that he’s my stalker…
“Yeah, always.”
The words coming out of his lips seem airy, he wouldn’t judge Yusuke if he thought it was a joke, the adult wishes his friend will take it as a joke, the cracking stomach still falling whether Yusuke says anything or not.
“I’m…bringing the mood down, aren’t I? Welp, you say we're going home?”
“I—truthfully don’t know how to comfort you, Akira…”
“You don’t need to, I’m fine.”
A yellow cab pulls over as Yusuke shoves his money onto the adult, they depart with waving hands as Kurusu crouches himself into the car, amidst adjusting his weight, his shoe touches another shoe
“Oh, I’m sorry—!”
His cab companion hold up a hand as Kurusu winced at the shadowy figure, they both bow but Kurusu was more hesitant to do so
I might seem crazy but have I seen this silhouette before? Better not be that creep…ah, stop it, it’s just someone riding along.
“Where would you go, sir on the left?”
“Ah, Kichijoji please.”
“Oh~! The same as sir on the right! Are you guys having a date late tonight?”
What? What is he talking about…
“Ahah, I don’t have any relation to him though.”
“Just as this sir says.”
Kurusu take a glance at his stranger as his proper stature didn’t move an inch, still, his husky voice touch a layer of memory inside the adult as Kurusu scoff lightly
No way, I’m gonna go insane if everyone’s him at this point…
“Oh~, well, the traffic jam at the crossroads getting’ bustier—”
Their driver babbles on as Kurusu discreetly takes a peek beside him, the man certainly has a grace, wild vibe to him just like how Kurusu would imagine what he could be, street light lit his face as reddish pair were already returning Kurusu’s gaze
Shoot, he realized I’m looking at him…just come clean
“I’m sorry.”
“No need to apologize that much, I’m surprised.”
His folded legs unfold as his head leans on the window, Kurusu still felt his gaze as the adult waits, for something coming out of this stranger, for whatever Kurusu can think to say
What? Go on, it’s not like I’m gonna say anything…
His stomach wilted as Kurusu fixed his view elsewhere, despite the stranger’s stare intensely on him, he just have to ignore it like before, nothing—nothing can make him notice if he didn’t see
Ah, he turned away…maybe, he won’t bother me anymore.
Their insufferable ride croak with midnight radio music, mostly 90’s or classical types that the adult don’t care about, Kurusu take a glance before returning to his saving corner as ambiance fill their dark room
Oh, there’s a big mall around here…looks crowded
“Sir, drop me at that crossroads please.”
His riding stranger's sudden request draw Kurusu’s attention as their driver nodded, a quick drift as he step into a darkened alley, the adult winced at his silhouette once more before the shadow man waves at his gaze, timidly, the adult copies his gesture
Haahh…finally, is my assumption right? Must be one man’s doing…
“Haha~! I’m sorry for saying that earlier, the guy says he’s waiting for someone to get in so I thought you mister was the one!”
“Ah yes, how unfortunate…”
That dude stalks me, did he follow me from Shibuya to Ikebukuro? Fuck, I have to call someone…
Replaying his own thoughts, his ride home seems more brooding than before as the lights didn’t look dazzling as he thought.
Trekking on an empty night, a bright flash afar draws a man’s eyes, it’s not as blinding as Kurusu thought, it’s just an odd thing to have a lit police box
In the middle of the alley too…
“Hello, officer…”
The person in uniform stifles a yelp as her red ones jog something in his mind as his mouth agape
“Makoto-san?!”
“What…Huh? Akira! What are you doing this late?”
Her pale fingers brush her long strands as her brows immediately quirk, nonetheless inviting the adult in with some hospitality, Kurusu stares at her board stature as she returns with cups of water
“I can’t believe it, why didn’t you tell us that you’ve come back? Everyone was busy this month and we can't even give you a proper welcome…”
“I mean I was here for intern training so I didn’t think of contacting you guys, my fault.”
Her brows loosen as her head shakes slightly, her blush lips smile with politeness unlike her younger self, she would hide her emotion in the face of appearance but Kurusu and his friends have changed, nothing’s the same anymore
“No, it’s just surprising that you would waltz into my post like this—I was going to shoot you, you know.”
“Ahah, Makoto-san knows how to joke now, I’m really glad~”
“Haha, enough with your flaunt, now tell me why are you wandering at this hour?”
She never knew to lay it off huh.
“It’s not like the street’s dangerous at night, aren’t you the unusual one Makoto-san.”
“You know my stamina can’t handle all-nighters like this, but I can’t ignore it either…”
“So is there something at night?”
His older friend nods tiredly as her thumb point at the entrance, there, an A0 poster menacingly warns people about a recent event, Kurusu chuckles at its content
“Heh, is that your creation, Makoto-san?”
“Akira, you…that’s my junior’s doing, I was full with paperwork so he helped our post a lil’.”
“If the police are still looking for those, I have some news.”
“...Ah! Then let me grab the form.”
“Ahah, I’m asking for Officer Niijima Makoto only.”
Her lips crack open as Kurusu signals her to the chair, her shoulders shrugged as Kurusu sighs visibly to her sight, causing the tension in her eyes
“I think I’m having a stalker, it’s a man who has been following me for 4 days now.”
“I see, do you have a description of the man himself?”
“No…but he has this emblem…”
A pen and a rip note from his friend, a picture of it simmers on the top of his head, Makoto’s cherries pair widen as it present to her, and for quiet minutes, those pair winces as it looks up forward
“I can tell you it's the Police Institute of Detective, an Academy just opened recently…it will hurt the school’s honor if your case got out…”
“My case is not worth it, then?”
“It will if we use an old-fashioned way of course!”
“Woah, you’re sure enthusiastic about it…”
Kurusu lightly nods at his friend as she returns his nod, her unique plans replay in his thoughtless head, the stones mold as it stains in the corner of his eyes.
Detective?.... He could be there…
[11/6 NEWS: DIRECTOR OF DETECTIVE ACADEMY LAUNCH FIRST EVER INVESTIGATION FOR THIRD-YEARS]
As the keyword string his finger, Kurusu swipe through the article as the ground below him trembling, a long yawn ringing his ears as his finger stops at the author’s signature
There’s nothing…ugh, of course, there isn’t.
Black suits and a sea of colored uniform fill his vision, even with his loftiness, the adult winces as bodies folds against his skin as mechanical door unveil paths for canned humans, wafting sighs clouds his lashes, unguarded lunge stumbles the adult
Ah, shit, almost fell there…
“Watch where you’re going, dude.”
Distaste mumbles of strangers sounded on his back as Kurusu bit back a glare, of course, back then Kurusu would stare back at those people but some had threatened him with a lifetime scar, Kurusu knead aching nape as he crawls upward.
As soon as the adult arrives, rumbling noises perk Kurusu’s eyes as his colleague afar flips her head towards the bar, swimming through yet another crowd, Kurusu takes a quick sigh before rejoining the war.
Ah, I should check tomorrow’s stock…people call too many Summer Salt…
Fist through the door, Kurusu drags himself to shelves of boxes as redden knuckles crack along the pencil that scribbles the adult away
Three whiskeys… forty-five absinthe…six dark rum…oh, we’re outta gin.
“Muhen-san—”
Rickety void startles his listless as he sweeps for a sign of his coworker, his eyes flick to his lock screen as backhandedly closed the door behind him, again Kurusu cranes up and down at his workplace, well, not anymore if there’s something happens
I swear if she caught that dude, I’m quittin'…
Both hands on the counter as another pair of hand get into his vision, it slides past Kurusu’s fingers but before that hand withdraw, he forks at their left hand which holds a phone
“Hey, I already saw you before I get in the back, no back out fucker–!”
Kurusu took his nether courage to glare at his culprit as leaves of crimson poison the adult’s conscience, his brow effortlessly quirking as a smile ever so similar to that boy snips apart
“Oh, what do you mean?”
“Wha—are you kidding me right now? Stop doing whatever you’re doing.”
Am I obsessed with him or something? It’s 10 years ago, dammit.
The grin on his face crooks as it wilts, under his groomed chestnut strands, a wrinkle is visible for Kurusu to see, in turn, blooms a smirk on the adult’s lips
“Excuse me, I don’t know the accusation you are saying now?”
“This insignia, familiar?”
Few taps on his phone, Kurusu throw his phone out to the ‘man’ as he fumble something in his bag, carefully donn glasses, blue light shone grayish glass of his pupils as he look up, stoically grinning
He always smiles like that when he’s thinking of a plan…but he isn’t special, anyone can touch up and be like him…
“What do you think? Your expertise?”
“To be honest, I only know the matter of insides, not much with outside…mister.”
Kurusu scoff as he folds a slenderly stained finger with an obnoxious answer, the grin that fades reappear as number of times memories overlap inside the adult’s mind, it croaks like a crumbled paper and ashes it turned
“Ahah—lucky that one of my nephews' studies here, I should know if that fucker works there.”
“...I recall you don’t have such a thing as nephew, mister?”
“Know about my background too? You are asking to be arrested huh.”
“Heh, I didn’t know you would be this aggressive, Akira-kun.”
Kurusu pries his mouth as a wallet slides over the counter, a brief glance at the grinning man, the adult unveils its content, right at the center, names, work, position,...his void pairs furrows
Akechi…Goro, Chief Detective…DA's association advisor…
He didn’t care if this man was a teacher, anyone with enough education can be one or a detective, an asshole can half-assed it and people wouldn’t bat an eye but his tongue still clicks as his insides ablaze.
“...Thank you for the full information, wait for the police, copycat.”
“I’m…”
“Hello? Officer? There’s someone obstructing my business, please come quick.”
Kurusu coughs as the man tries to voice whatever bullshit he pulls from his ass, over the line, his friend's quietness irks the adult
“Hey? I caught him, Niijima-san.”
‘Akira—that’s him, don’t you remember Akechi-kun ?’
“You know the case of disguising authority, right? Aren’t you on that 2 years ago? You should know better than me, Niijima-san.”
‘I think you should listen to him, just once, Akira.’
“Fuck…I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!”
The adult pinch his nose as his lips mumbles incoherent words before shutting his call, finding balance on a stool, Kurusu craned up at a figment of his illusion, vehemently hissed
“What do you want from me.”
“Meet me out here when you are done with work.”
“Just say it and fuck off, dammit…”
Kurusu didn’t expect a reaction from his target, after all, work beckoned the adult right after their meeting, still, amiss bloats between his nostrils as furrowing brows deepen
What’s with that face…isn’t my fault, right…
Chatters became a rarity as they recoil into what used to be, an empty orchestra, but Kurusu never went to an orchestra before, he wouldn’t know how exciting or inspiring it’ll be, an oval glass slips off his palm and into its place as hollow pairs reflected
I don’t have money to get there in the first place…but it’ll be good if I save up from now on, maybe an account book? How much is an account book?
“Kurusu-kunn! Rest for today and close the store when guests leave~!”
“Yes, good work today.”
The petite woman hops on her shiny platform heel as subtle giggles can be heard from her waving, somehow, it placid whatever rocks inside his organ, or it just heavier, minute by minute Kurusu talks to people.
That guy, he’s still here—I guess I have to chase him out.
Luckily, he just sat where Kurusu can observe clearly and without blind feelings, the office worker just toned a little bit is what Kurusu assume about Akechi Goro , straightening from top to his leather shoes, judging from his waxed-flip-over hairstyle, he’s just everything Kurusu thought about him
And glasses too? Come on, are you fucking with me…fucking—no, he’s definitely not Goro.
Redden fists, the trembling Kurusu has for a while as he walks up behind the man, staring into his artificial sweet gaze as the man unfazed
“Good work for tonight, Akira…ah, Kurusu-san, it seems a bit inefficient with or without you here, isn’t it?”
“Oh well, Master’s daughter just helped and I’m the only trainer, what can I say.”
Akechi in front of him was like a twin brother, if he just kill him and take his face, Kurusu would believe ‘cause the similarity to a fault irk his jaws, it itches and spread wide
“There’s nothing I want to debate with you, sir, your rudeness is very much off-putting.”
“Ah, it was just to make a reaction out of you, Kurusu-san.”
“Fucker—”
The bartender bit his tongue as his head avoid the man’s intense gaze, memories flood back as a stoic-faced boy flashes through him, a smirk blooming on a crumpled man
“Do you remember something funny?”
“Yeah, you’re right, how I should just toss you to the police.”
“I never thought I'd see a quiet darling like you, become such an aggravated gentleman like this.”
“...Life, don’t you know, unless you’re here to start a fight.”
Akechi chuckles delightfully as if he enthrall by the adult’s crude remarks as if he would never expect it, as if he knew Kurusu before—which just picks the wrong nerves inside Kurusu as it pops somewhere near his temple
“Who exactly are you, how the fuck did you dig my past? Did you want some money out of this poor fucker’s pocket?!”
The man glances at bloody fists Kurusu intentionally placed as stain ruddy pair keep up with his talking partner’s view, still gluing a grin
“...Have you ever seen my hands? Clearly?”
“What?! What about your perverted hands?! I don’t need to fucking know.”
The man flinches as Kurusu’s scornful swears finally affect him, still, he knows spouting swears like this was unbecoming of him, nevertheless, Akechi gently shows his palm to Kurusu
Scars…does he have a scar like this? I don’t think I ever notice much…
“Got shot in the hand? Pretty fortunate you didn’t die.”
…Didn’t mean to sound like that, eh whatever.
“Spot on, back then, I used guns a lot but these recent years, I have to get more serious with it.”
Seriously…hah, isn't it more potent than ever.
“Heheh, I don’t think I can hold an arcade gun normally anymore, even so, your aim was impressive, I won’t change it.”
“...I’m going to do so bad that you can’t praise me anymore, weirdo.”
“Oh? Is that a date I heard?”
Kurusu chuckles as his fingers fiddle, the adult soon halts it as he realized, abnormal heat, airy feeling to his legs—Kurusu grits his teeth as mounted earth piles over his pipeline, again, smiling faces of people squash whatever light inside him
“...Ahah, when’s available for you then.”
“Ah—I have to handle a project this year, maybe spring next year if you’re fine with it?”
The man leans on his arm as Kurusu visibly scooch away, instinctively, of course he wouldn’t mean it—unless he mean it, still, Kurusu agape at how well Akechi adapts this flow of converse, as always, he leaves him in the dark
And expect me to act my way out of it…
“No, of course not, fuck off.”
“Heheh, I see, then can I see your hand a bit?”
Kurusu hide his palms under the desk as soon as the man asks for them, his pupils shudder as it look up at Akechi’s charming grin
“...S-sure.”
Fuck, did I really just say yes?
“Thank you for your cooperation, to be honest, I didn’t expect Kurusu-san out all people involved with illegal information trades.”
As the man babble on, a razor and plastic pocket already appears on both hand as he brushes one of Kurusu’s finger, softly shaving it like a beard for someone important—the adult on the receiving winces at all of it
What? Illegal information trade? Am I just a bait or an eyewitness?
“Ahah, does the police know about you gathering evidence on me?”
“Sae-san and Niijima-san can attest to this, it’s a business meeting with you Kurusu-san.”
Kurusu let his heavy skull loose as a scoff spread across his face, strangely warm; roughen palms let it trace his cold ones as the tip of his nail lingers, it’s like no boulder stop the adult and he reaches out, grasping the hand he thought exists
Ah, it’s so warm…! I always imagine how it feels but—
“Uh, sorry, it’s just getting cold lately…with the rain and all.”
“I see…I guess I should just do this from the beginning.”
His other palm ruffle the base of his hair as it feels, the adult agape visibly as he look down and up at the man, Akechi Goro, Kurusu closed his eyes tightly, so tight that he can’t see anything but it was up for his ear to discern everything, still, his heart laugh at Kurusu
Are you kidding me? Didn’t he just look like Goro? You…at this point, you’re running away, look at him—just look at him again!!
“Ah, sorry a bit, my eyes have dust…”
Slithering, something smear between the crack of his fingers as it wraps itself, brushing his forepalm as Kurusu’s back startles, he grits his teeth violently as his throat bulges
“Hey! Excuse me, let—me go.”
“Say that again after you open your eyes.”
“I…don’t believe you, aren’t you just trying to fool me? I won’t fall for it, never.”
“How about this, you open your eyes and I let your hand go, deal?”
“Hah! What’s with you, trying to win?”
“...Yeah, I am, let’s settle this once and for all.”
The adult sneered at the childish tone of that man as both men tighten their grip, Kurusu can feel his grinning teeth as well tingling sensation of Akechi’s palm
“One, two…”
“Three!”
With a swift riff as tinkering of their cups trembles, the pair stare right into each other’s core as Kurusu glance at the state of his hand, it went right through Akechi’s shoulder, his face tilts a bit and Kurusu can see his wrinkles, shallow sigh blew on Kurusu’s cheek
“What…? Did—did you want a kiss that much?”
Just kidding, but why is he pulling me over him…
“We…aren’t compatible on what we were doing, isn’t it, I did indeed try to steal a kiss from you.”
“Ahah, you’re very funny.”
“But you didn’t laugh?”
Of course, he didn’t, between the fragrance of his collar and too close proximity, he spits out as his body trembled as Akechi quirks his brows
“Sorry…sorry, but your face at this angle…it’s actually funny as heck…hahah—”
“Oh well, a forehead’s okay, I guess.”
His head crane up to the center of Kurusu’s forehead, thin lips pressing against his scars as Kurusu sweats profusely, his caught palm felt cool in Akechi’s embrace
“...How did you get this scar?”
“I sure hope you didn’t ask…fuck.”
The adult slides back into his seat as his head once again avoids Akechi’s gaze, but he knows, the harder he tries to hide, the man in front of him will know eventually as he lean on a covering hand, mumbles
“I thought we were brawling…?”
“Since we lost our power that day, I don’t think I can just shoot you and be done with it.”
“Ahah, I’m looking too vulnerable right now?”
“Exactly, you…are enticing for a romantic option.”
“Hahah, I just went along with you back then, it’s fun seeing you rambling.”
As Kurusu turns his head back, ruddish flush donned on Akechi’s cheek as well as his furrowing brows, gracefully cups his mouth like he was a maiden, Kurusu chuckles at him.
“Your flirting didn’t sound weird like before, no worries~.”
“I thought you were going to—comment on it, at least, it’s quite embarrassing how I can spew those words before…”
“It’s charming, at least to me.”
Inside their bar, instead of conversing under the guise of music, two men cup each other’s palm as the second-hand reach its peak.
Unmelodic night, bubbles of breath flow up as a spark lit their midnight trek, Kurusu glances over at Akechi as his finger hovers near his nose
“Oh, you don’t like it?”
“Not really, it’s just the smell is a bit strong, you start smoking?”
Still, he smokes…who would know.
“Three years ago, one of my juniors invited me and I tried it out…you can guess the rest.”
As he took a light whiff, his lips pry lightly, Akechi toss it inside his pocket as Kurusu keep his eyes on the cigar pocket, hazy finger of some man as fire searing his pupils—the adult turned away
“Maybe it’ll fit with this type of cocktail…”
I don’t know what it is though.
“Do you know how to make it already?”
“It’s kinda difficult to remember, I—can make it next time you visit.”
“Not tomorrow, Akira.”
Kurusu lift his gaze from the ground as the man beside him lock into him, under the translucent torch, there’s something Akechi won’t tell him but instead of leaving it, unbound by fate, his palm reach out to his shoulders with a soft pat
“Can I…stay over tonight?”
“Y-yes, I intended to invite you.”
“Ahah, why don’t you say so?”
Akechi smiles so brightly that Kurusu felt there was something more as the man inch closer to his ear, discreetly glancing over their stature
‘There’s been someone behind us since we got out 30 minutes ago'
The adult nod in response as his arm pulled Kurusu in, thoughts went through his mind as Kurusu kept his trembling voice in check
‘So was it that dealer you’ve been searching for?’
That crazy guy kept chasing me in Ikebukuro…wait, was it the same guy or–
‘Goro, was that you in Ikebukuro?’
‘...I was meaning to ask you why you were there, Akira.’
Heavy stomps startle the couple as their steps grow steadier, blood curling in Kurusu’s veins as he sweeps his environment, racking the last of his brain cell as Akechi’s grip tighten on his arm
‘Hey, I have some way we can escape here but I still have my duty to catch him…’
‘You still have your gun right, Akechi?’
‘Of course, it’s standard.’
‘That crossroad at the end over there…you get me right?’
‘Heh, I will compensate you later.’
Both halt in place as they turn towards each other, the adult can see sweat pilling on Akechi’s forehead as Kurusu nod, giving him the signal to do what he must do, the man caresses his partner’s ears, slowly, his head inch in and giving those lips what they need
Oh…didn’t think he would go with…
“See you later, baby.”
Kurusu gasp as Akechi whispers in his ear, waking him from illusion of sleeping as he nods profusely, half-mindedly, Kurusu trek away into the cross, heavier and heavier, hurried footsteps dash nearer—
The adult dodges his advances as the guy flings his knife again and Kurusu ducks under its slashes, exploding fireworks as Kurusu flinches, his wild eyes stare into the adult, immobilized, the body cut its string.
“It's a rubber bullet, I can’t kill the guy yet.”
“Hah…the younger Akechi would use real ammo to do it…”
While running towards Kurusu, the gun in Akechi’s palm sizzled with smoke as the man himself shine his white teeth confidently, to the point, his quickened heartbeat felt ridiculous
“I didn’t manage to kill you with one bullet yet so I thought of switching to this.”
“Always with the gun in my head, huh…still want to shoot me?”
“Heheh, I have a hard time accepting my feelings so it comes out that way, sorry for those times.”
The adult chuckles at his partner as both men trekking in an echoing rip through the sky, still, no one has heard it but he thinks he’s going to be okay from now on.