Work Text:
The light that illuminates the darkness
Jakurai didn't consider how empty his life had been after everything that happened with The Dirty Dawg until Hifumi came around.
His life had blurred into a sea of sameness and all his days blended together as he just focused on his job as a doctor.
He always took as many shifts as possible. It's not like he had anything else to do, or maybe he didn't feel like he had the right to have something to look forward to.
He has to work for the sake of all the people that he couldn't save.
For the sake of the one that is still sleeping…
More than a job, it seemed like a duty.
Until Doppo introduced him to Hifumi.
He has to admit that Hifumi’s methods were a little annoying at first. Just barging into the hospital without a medical appointment and inviting him for drinks, even when he had told him that he doesn't drink, had been a little off-putting, if he's being honest.
But, just like their first meeting, he has misjudged Hifumi. Even if he sometimes comes off as someone with no delicacy, he cares deeply for all the people that surround him.
Since going out for drinks is a no-no for you, how about fishing? Doppochin can join us too! He could really use a little more sunshine, y'know?~
He actually missed going out with friends.
Sensei, you should come to our place the next weekend. There's this new recipe I found that I've been dying to try out! I'm sure you'll love it!~
He actually missed having something to look forward to.
We are a team, so we shouldn't hide things from each other, right? If something's bothering you, we will do our best to help!
And maybe his lack of delicacy was all that he really needed. If it weren't for Hifumi's insistence, he wouldn't have faced his past with Amemura-kun.
Jakurai has come to think of Hifumi as the sun, as he fills his life with warmth and shines a light in all the things he doesn't want to confront.
Hifumi is also like the heart of Matenrou.
He will always be extremely grateful for his presence in his life.
The one that I admire
Even after a busy shift, Hifumi-san always looks radiant and full of energy. He shines as bright as the city’s illumination… No wonder he's been Shinjuku's number one host for so long.
"Christmas week always drains all my energy, but you're still full of energy, Hifumi-san," he said, letting out a heavy sigh. It still feels weird to call him by his first name, but he has insisted that he prefers to be called like that. "You even set a new sales record… I really hope that I can be like you someday."
"I'm really happy to hear that, but you shouldn't aim to be like me," he replied with a smile. "You should work hard to surpass me, okay?"
Truly, Hifumi-san is on another level.
However, no matter how famous and admired he is, Hifumi-san is a really amiable and kind person. He's always taking care of rookies, giving them advice and making sure they take a break if they're too wasted. He also remembers the birthdays of everyone in Fragrance, no matter their position.
Not only that, but Hifumi-san also put a lot of thought into their birthday gifts. He only mentioned once that he's been hitting the gym lately, but Hifumi-san remembered it and gave him a fitness tracker.
It’s always better to have a clear idea of your progress, don't you think? I hope you'll find it useful!~
He had come to respect him a lot, not only as a host, but also as a person.
To think that he's a host despite his gynophobia… Well, that really shows just how amazing he is.
The strongest person in the world
Doppo never understood Hifumi's way of thinking, but him becoming a host really takes the cake. He gets that Hifumi wants to overcome his phobia, but this really is a drastic measure…
Doppo wishes that Hifumi wouldn't push himself so hard.
“Sorry, Doppochin. I'll clean it in a sec,” he says faintly, cleaning his face with a handkerchief. He just came home and threw up a little in the entrance. “Ugh. I'm still not used to drinking that much. But don't worry, I'm getting there!”
He still vividly remembers how he used to tremble just at the thought of having to go outside and running into a woman, cowering under a blanket, wishing for protection…
Even now, he's still trembling, but he has decided that his fear will no longer stop him.
“Wait there. I'll bring you a glass of water! And don't worry about it. I'll clean it.”
This is the path that Hifumi chose and he can only watch from the sidelines. They don't work together anymore, so Doppo can't run to help him if he's having a bad time. He won't even know if Hifumi had a hard time at work until he tells him…
“You're a lifesaver, Doppochin.”
Doppo can't stop worrying about him. But if he's determined to keep working as a host, then he will do all he can to support him.
Hifumi will be fine. He believes in him.
Doppo will never forget the night when he finally became Shinjuku's number one host.
Hifumi's smile was more beautiful than anything else.
The kindest person in the world
Most of the fights they had, had been because Hifumi is way too good for his own good.
No matter how badly people have hurt him, he always tries to understand them or even help them out.
The girl that's been stalking him wasn't an exception.
She can't be in her right mind to do something like that, don't you think, Doppochin? I wish I could help her. I'm sure she didn't really mean to do something like that.
Doppo has resigned himself and no longer tries to talk him out of it. As infuriating as it sometimes can be, Hifumi wouldn't be Hifumi if he wasn't so selfless and kind.
That idiot… He probably doesn't know that his heart stopped beating when he saw him falling…
Seriously, only Hifumi would throw himself out of a window to save someone who broke into his apartment and stabbed him…
… Would it kill him to think of himself first?
However, Doppo had made a vow to himself. If Hifumi is like a prince, loved and wanted by everyone, then he will be his loyal knight.
If he couldn’t stop him from doing reckless stuff, then he would always be there to protect him.
My best friend
He doesn't really get why Hifumi keeps following him around and asking him if they can play together during their playtime. Unlike him, he gets along with everybody and is really outgoing. He's also easy to talk to and doesn't stumble over his words like him.
“Isn't it boring being around me?” Doppo shyly asks him one day.
That's what all the kids in the class have told him. Nobody likes to do their daily activities with him or sit beside him. It's always more fun to be with someone else. With someone who isn't him.
But for some reason, Hifumi always sticks with him.
He really enjoys Hifumi's company, but does he feel the same way? Even if he doesn't like being alone, he doesn't want Hifumi to feel obligated to keep him company.
“Nope. Being with you is lots of fun, Doppochin!” Hifumi quickly replies with a big, toothy smile.
Doppochin…
Hifumi gave him that nickname when he told him his name and never stopped using it. He's always giving people weird nicknames, but Doppo has to admit that deep down he likes being called Doppochin .
It makes him feel all fuzzy and warm inside. It makes him feel a little special.
“Besides, you know a lot of interesting stuff, and you always listen to what I have to say! I really like being around you!~” He adds, giving him a tight hug.
It's not like Doppo dislikes being hugged by Hifumi, but he always hugs him way too hard, and Doppo ends up feeling like a lemon being squeezed.
“Hifumi, y-you're hurting me!”
“Sorry-sorry~” Even if he doesn't really sound apologetic, he lets him go quickly. “Mommy always gives me a big hug when I'm feeling down, and you seem a little down, Doppochin. Are you okay? Do you have an ouchie?”
“No. I'm fine. Don't worry,” he replied with a small smile. Then he adds a little more softly. “… Thank you.”
The one that I love
Hifumi…
Happy birthday!
A cake from a convenience store adorned with a small candle. A birthday party for two that stands in stark contrast to the party at a certain host club.
And yet, coming home to this was all he had asked for, and more.