Work Text:
❁❁
Spring, 2007. Tokyo.
It’s the first day of the new semester. Sakura petals fall like confetti along the road, welcoming the students dressed in white garments. The weather in May is not too bad; a shirt and a simple blazer are more than enough to make one feel warm and comfy.
Starting from today, Mikage Reo is a second-year student at Hakuho High School. Despite having a limo with a designated chauffeur at his disposal, today he chooses to walk to school.
Perhaps he is hoping for a change. His school life has been a repeating boredom, year after year.
Reo's sight follows one falling pink petal. He wonders if he can ask the petal for a wish, like one would wish upon a falling star. With enough times of repeated wishing, maybe it will come true...
"Reo."
A familiar voice calls. Even though it should not be familiar to Reo's ears at all.
After all, it has been 8 years.
Reo turns in the direction of the voice. And there he stands, near the line of Sakura trees growing along the sidewalk. He looks like how Reo has imagined he would be, yet Reo couldn’t be any further from the truth at the same time.
"...Nagi."
A Sakura petal falls to the ground; two childhood friends standing under the clear May sky.
☀☀
Summer, 1997. Aomori, Japan.
It was a known fact that the Northern part of Japan was cooler than the central region. Reo thought that was why his family decided to spend their summer break in Aomori, the province located in the North of Japan.
However, Reo, at the age of 7, was proven wrong the hard way. The heatwave of August was relentless, no matter which region you were in. The boy wiped his damp forehead. Surrounded by greenery, he wondered if the cicadas would continue to cry throughout the night. He wasn’t sure he could sleep amid this deafening cry.
Feeling the heat, Reo briefly considered whether he should return to the villa his family owned. The villa had air conditioners working at full blast. But the boy decided against it. If he would just stay inside the air-conditioned room, then coming here would have no meaning, would it? He had plenty of that back in Tokyo.
His family would be here for almost a month. Though it seemed like his father had to fly back home within a week or so. Then it would be him, his mother, Baaya, and a handful of servants.
Reo walked away from the villa to the carefully trimmed backyard. Thinking he should familiarize himself with the area, he looked around and noticed a small, not quite 2-story tall building not too far away. "Baaya, what is that?" he pointed his small finger at the said building.
"That's our warehouse, young master Reo," his attendant answered helpfully. "We keep our supplies like bed sheets, kitchen utensils, and things we don’t use at the moment there."
Reo hummed. "Can I go inside?"
"Of course. But please be careful of dust. It might hurt your throat." Baaya gave him her warm smile.
Not wasting any more time, Reo jogged to the warehouse and pushed open the metal double doors without difficulty. The servants of the Mikage family had been oiling the doors well.
The air inside was noticeably cooler than outside. Though the air was stale, Reo could only feel that it smelled funny back then; the boy couldn’t tell.
The layout of the warehouse was simple: The first floor was a wide space with stuff laying around but well organized, and further inside was a half-flight of stairs leading to a mezzanine, acting like a semi-second floor. Reo was taking a look at some Chinese flower vases before he caught a movement at the corner of his eye, followed by a shuffling sound from the mezzanine floor. Reo wondered if there was a cat taking refuge from this unbearable heat.
The boy looked up and was greeted with another pair of eyes looking back at him.
"Baaya..." Reo called for his attendant without looking away.
"Yes, young master Reo?"
"...Is this warehouse haunted?"
"Not that I have heard of." She answered coolly. Knowing what her young master was referring to, she continued saying, "I believe that young gentleman is from around this neighborhood. There is a residential district located not too far from here."
Reo perked up at the answer. If he could get this kid to play with him, at least he wouldn’t have to spend the summer holiday alone. Reo doubted he would have fun. Still, getting bored with a friend was better than getting bored alone. He ran up the stairs.
"Hi! I’m Reo! What’s your name?"
The mysterious boy looked up at him. "Nagi."
Reo approached Nagi before kneeling next to him, bombarding him with questions like: Are you from around here? (Nagi was here for a short period like Reo. His parents left him here in his grandparents' care during the school summer break.) How old are you? (They were the same age.) How did you end up inside this warehouse? (His grandparents complained about how kids should go play outside so Nagi had to just so they would stop complaining. But it was stupidly hot, so here he was.)
Then Reo noticed that Nagi's shoelaces were loose. Both sides at that.
"They are both loose," Reo commented. "You didn’t tie them properly?"
"Hm, it's a hassle," Nagi said. "And tying them tightly will just make taking the shoes off harder anyway."
The purple-haired boy snickered at the answer before reaching for Nagi’s shoelaces. "C’mon. Let me tie them for you. I'm good at it." Reo's small and pristine fingers worked meticulously.
Nagi just stared at him. "Why are you tying my shoelaces?"
"Because? They weren’t tied properly?"
"No, I mean…" the boy tried again. "Aren’t you that rich guy’s son? You own that big villa."
"That villa is not mine; it’s my parents’."
Nagi thought it was the same difference.
"There! Done!" Reo smiled and nodded at his handiwork approvingly. "Try moving your feet. Your sneakers should fit perfectly now."
The other boy did as he was told, marveling at the result. The laces were adjusted perfectly. They were just tight enough to cling to his feet yet not too tight that he would be forced to untie them when he needed to take the shoes off. Not to mention the prettiest bowties he had ever seen on sneakers.
Before he knew it, the words tumbled out of his mouth, "Reo is amazing."
Reo glowed from receiving the compliment. It was weird; he was praised for literally anything he did left and right. But coming from this boy in front of him, it hit him differently. It sounded... sincere, and it made him so happy and content.
(Thinking back, that must be what triggered Reo’s instinct to take care of Nagi.)
The boys grew inseparable, with Reo rushing through his well-prepared breakfast to join Nagi at the warehouse. Discovering that Nagi often skipped breakfast because it was too early for him to have any appetite, Reo started bringing pastries along so Nagi could have something to munch on later in the morning. He didn't notice that Nagi was consistently there for him each morning, despite the early hour.
Whenever the heat became unbearable, they would take refuge in the warehouse. Reo would then tie Nagi’s shoelaces and share random stories. Nagi would listen and occasionally made some funny remarks along the way. They must be funny because they made Reo laugh.
Reo’s expectation betrayed him in the best possible way. At first, he just wanted to win over Nagi to have the other boy accompany him and his boredom through the summer days. But spending time with Nagi was the most fun he had had in so, so many years. Just talking and taking care of Nagi was fun.
But playing football with Nagi had been out-of-this-worldly fun.
They just picked up a rather squishy football from the corner of the warehouse one day and decided to play with it. It was not particularly entertaining, kicking around the underinflated ball didn't hold much appeal. However, the following day brought them a brand-new, shiny ball from Baaya, and their summer could not get any better.
They just played, had lunch in the shades, rest and then find something to play again. Nagi would complain that he was so tired, he was melting and turning into a zombie. It was Reo’s duty to carry him back to the villa. Sun started to set, and they bid their farewell; looking forward to seeing each other again in the morning. The pattern repeated.
But all good things have their limits. The end of August approached rapidly, and September would soon usher in the winds of autumn.
Reo felt a pang of sadness. Oddly enough, he had never felt this way about parting with friends before. It was as if his world was crumbling.
“…I have to go back to Tokyo tomorrow.” They sat under the tree, taking one last break before going back to their own places. Nagi rested head comfortably on Reo’s shoulder.
“I have to go back home next week too.” Nagi mumbled tiredly.
“Where is your real home?”
“Kanagawa”
Reo conjured an image of the Kanto region in his mind, realizing that Tokyo and Kanagawa were neighboring provinces. Yet, to a 7-year-old, it felt as if they would be continents apart.
Reo whispered. “Can’t you come home with me to Tokyo?”
Nagi lifted his head, meeting Reo's gaze. "...You want me to stay with you even after the break ends?" His face remained passive, but his tone was filled with wonder. "But I don’t think you'd need me anymore. I'm sure you have plenty of friends to play with at school."
Reo was taken aback. Somehow, Nagi had figured out that he had initially sought Nagi's presence to alleviate his boredom during their time in Aomori. Yet Nagi seemed unaware of Reo's current feelings.
"Don't ever say that!" Reo scolded gently, his hands cupping Nagi's cheeks to ensure his attention. "None of my friends could ever compare to you! You're not just a friend – you're my treasure."
Nagi blinked, a silence settling between them before he softly uttered, "...Okay."
"Glad you understand." Reo sighed, releasing his hold on Nagi's cheeks.
"But I can't go with you," Nagi admitted. Despite his desire, he doubted his parents would allow it.
Reo shared Nagi's sense of defeat. "I know – I just wanted to say it anyway. It's getting dark. Hop on. Let's head back."
With Nagi on his back, a gesture that felt natural now, Reo began to walk. Nagi nestled his head against the crook of Reo's neck, a familiar position. "Let’s sleep together tonight?" Nagi whispered.
Reo's step faltered momentarily. He turned his head to meet Nagi's gaze. "That's the best idea, Nagi! Sure, let's do it. I'll have Baaya prepare for your stay." Reo practically radiated happiness, and Nagi wished he could admire his friend's face from a different angle.
That night, on the comfiest bed Nagi had ever known, he listened as Reo spoke about a myriad of topics. The sound of Reo's voice acted like a lullaby, gently easing Nagi into slumber. He could feel his eyelids growing heavier and heavier until he could no longer keep them open, drifting off to sleep on one of the most cherished nights of his life.
Before sleep claimed him, Reo and Nagi promised to meet again in the following year.
☀☀
Summer had never been any more welcomed.
Summer of 1997 had brought Reo his one and only treasure, and 1998 decided to follow suit.
Even before setting foot inside the villa, Reo made a dash to their meeting point. They boy smiled at the sight; crouching in front of the warehouse was his treasure. Nagi still looked the same. Still on a skinny side, looking tired and listless, his pale complexion-
…He looked redder than Reo had remember. And the fact that he seemed to be sweating bucket didn’t help.
“W-w-wahh- Nagi!!”
The first day of Reo's stay in Aomori was spent looking after Nagi, who was suffering from heatstroke.
“You should’ve waited inside,” was what Reo grumbled. Nagi, of course, knew that, but the thing was, the warehouse had no windows that let him see the entrance of the villa. So, he had to wait outside or else he wouldn’t be able to spot Reo’s arrival. It was embarrassing so Nagi won’t tell Reo the reason, including the fact that today was not his first day of doing this. Nagi arrived at Aomori 2 days ago.
Their second summer together was even better than the last. Spending time with Nagi was amazing and magical just like the last time. What made it better then? – it was the fact that Nagi had been staying over at his villa more often than not this time around. Reo’s parent did not make any comment. It was Reo’s break from school and the boy had done all his summer assignments to perfection. (Not related, but Nagi didn’t touch his at all).
Also, Reo had his doubts last year that maybe Nagi was a genius. Now, his suspicion was proved to be correct. When Reo was still not quite done with his science assignment, he asked Nagi if he knew components of plant cell as Reo needed to provide 3 of the names as an answer.
Not just 3, Nagi recited the whole structure of plant cell like he had a picture of it before his eyes.
“You have all that memorized!?” Reo gaped.
“Not really,” The genius shook his head. “I saw it in the book once. It kinda stuck in my head.”
Reo swore his treasure never ceased to amaze him.
On the final night of their second summer together, they clasped hands on the soft, fluffy bed and made a promise to meet again the following year.
Reo wished this moment could stretch into eternity. His body bubbled up with a peculiar, slightly ticklish sensation. It was the same feeling he had whenever he caught Nagi looking at him or when Nagi nestled close. It was akin to happiness intertwined with a hint of embarrassment, yet unique in its essence. Only Nagi could make him feel it.
(It took many years later for Reo to realize the name of that feeling)
☀☀
Summer, 1999. Aomori.
"You know, everyone's been saying the world's ending," Reo began a conversation without preamble. "They say December 31st, 1999 is doomsday."
This year, again, the boys reunited without any problems. Despite Reo's mother voicing complains about their third consecutive trip to Aomori when they could stay anywhere else in the world, Reo's presence in Aomori spoke volumes about his persuasive abilities.
They were sitting on a balcony of the villa, eating slices of apple Baaya brought to them as a snack.
“Is it?” Nagi responded, his mouth slightly open as he waited for Reo to feed him another piece of juicy fruit.
“Nah, only fools would believe in that stuff,” Reo denied the belief nonchalantly. “This is not the first time someone makes up about doomsdays. There are tons of them. One of the more famous ones was in 1910 I think, people believed that a comet would wipe out humanity with poisonous gas. Apparently, according to scientists at that time, that comet would past by Earth really, really close so people were afraid it would smoke Earth’s surface with the gas. Wait – speaking of which-”
Nagi was having a good time listening to his friend’s voice and appreciated his extended knowledge before Reo stopped his story telling midway.
“Nagi, there is going to be a meteor shower!”
Reo inched closer to Nagi, their faces almost touching, his eyes shining brighter than ever. It was endearing, but Nagi sensed the direction this conversation was taking. “Are you saying-”
“Yes, let’s go watch it! With two of us!”
Nagi groaned since that was the only thing he could do beside going along with Reo’s wish.
On the night it was said to be a meteor shower, Nagi, now a frequent visitor to the villa, had dinner with Reo as usual. The boys retreated themselves to Reo’s room, another typical routine. What was not usual was their grand scheme of watching the meteors falling in the sky at night.
“Don’t worry, Nagi. I have everything prepared!” Reo whispered, full of energy. He gestured towards his room's window. “We will use that window to slip out and catch the last train.”
Nagi clearly wasn’t informed. “We're taking a train? I thought we'd be watching from here.”
“It’s too bright out here. There is my place, houses and resorts around this place. It has to be somewhere darker if you want to see the meteor shower clearly.” Reo explained and saying that the train will take them near the foot of Mount Iwaki. There's an open area there that's perfect for stargazing. Nagi asked how he knew all this, to which Reo answered, “I asked granny at the dakashi store, you know, the one we stop by every day to get ice cream in the afternoon.” Nagi hummed. Three years in Aomori and Reo had become locals’ favorite grandson.
Glancing at the clock on his bedside table, Reo exclaimed, "We have to leave now, or we'll miss the train!" With that, he grabbed his backpack and, with Nagi in tow, climbed out of the window.
They reached the train station safely. As Reo had claimed he had everything arranged, including pre-purchased tickets. Being the final train of the day, the carriage was nearly empty. The rhythmic sound of the train's motion, ka-chang ka-chang, reverberated through the compartment. The noise was loud, but because of that, Reo had to lean in really close whenever he wanted to share historical tidbits about the landmarks they passed, so Nagi didn’t mind the noise all that much.
Before long, they arrived at their destination. Greeted by a cool breeze and the distant cry of insects. Reo pulled out jackets from his backpack and handed one to Nagi.
“Just a short walk from here,” Reo encouraged, as if he was afraid Nagi would turn his back on him. Such a groundless fear, Nagi would find. Hand in hand, two small boys taking off. “Did you know you can make a wish upon a falling star?”
Nagi nodded. “The one that you have to repeat your wish 3 times before it disappears. I don’t think it’s possible. Too little time.”
“Normally. But there are going to be a hundred of falling stars tonight!” Reo raised his free hand, the one that was not holding Nagi’s, towards the sky. “I’m sure we can chant our wish in time for at least one of them.”
“I’m sure Reo can do it.” The other boy giggled at the acknowledgment.
Their surrounding was pitch black to the point they almost couldn’t see their own feet. The boys would surely lose their way if not for the flashlight Reo brought combined with his confident navigation.
They reached the clearing in time just when the stars started falling. The tiny silver droplets drew patterns across the dark canvas, adorned by countless pinpricks of starlight. Every time the star fell, Reo would repeat his wish tirelessly.
(And Nagi continued to gaze at the most beautiful thing in his world)
“What did you wish for?”
The climax of their little escapade had passed. They found refuge in a bus stop near the train station. The air was getting colder, they huddled near, sharing the warmth.
“Hm, I didn’t wish for anything.”
Reo's jaw dropped. "What? But we came all this way for that!"
For the record, Nagi hadn't. He was simply accompanying Reo, much like their other summer activities. "What did Reo wish for, then?" Nagi redirected the focus.
Huffed, knowing that Nagi just deflected the question, Reo entertained Nagi with his answer. “I wish for the world not to end this year.”
“But I thought you didn’t believe in that rumor.”
“I don’t,” Reo clarified before his voice softened, and his gaze dropped to his feet. Despite the chill in the air, warmth crept up his cheeks. He wondered why it suddenly felt so hard to say what he wanted to say next. “It’s just that – what if – what if it’s true? I’d hate it. If the world ends, then I can’t spend time with you anymore…” I want to be with you next year and years and lot of years after, Reo finished his sentence.
(It’s a secret, but to this day, Nagi still thinks that Reo’s wish that day single-handedly saved the world from its destruction on December 31st, 1999)
Nagi shuffled closer, bridging the gap between them. Their legs pressed together, and their cheeks brushed. "I'll be with Reo even after the world's end."
“How would you do that?”
“I don't know, but I'll find a way.” Nagi's response pulled out a faint sigh from Reo, as if he had expected a more concrete plan, but planning had never been Nagi’s forte. “What about Reo? Will you promise to stay with me until the end?”
Without missing a beat, the answer came. “I promise.”
“Ok, It’s a promise.”
Two young boys leaned on each other on the seat of the old bus stop, wrapped in a blanket Reo had brought with him (when Reo claimed he had everything prepared, he meant it). Despite the chilly air, it was summer, and their shared body heat sufficed to keep them warm through the night. Reo mentioned they would catch the first train back the following morning.
Some time during the night, Nagi stirred awake. He felt his body rocked softly back and forth midair. Hovering between sleep and wakefulness, he felt like he was riding a massive whale.
But it was not, Nagi realized after he grew more conscious. “Baaya?”
"Oh, dear. My apologies, it seems I've awakened you." Baaya's voice was soft. She carried both Reo and Nagi on her back. Reo was still sound asleep.
This meant Reo’s little adventure plan hadn’t gone unnoticed. Nagi suspected as much when they managed to board a train without encountering any inquiries. It was strange for station attendants to allow two young children to ride the train at night without adult supervision. Reo might be perfect and well-prepared, yet there was this side of him that made him even more endearing.
“So you spoke to Mr. train officer for us. Thank you.” Nagi whispered back.
"Ho ho, it's my duty to accommodate young master Reo's wishes," the old woman replied, her chuckle carrying an almost witch-like quality. "Now, please go back to sleep. Let this Baaya take you home."
Nagi stole a glance at Reo’s sleeping face one last time, etching each detail into memory before shutting his eyes and allowing sleep to reclaim him.
☀☀
To no one’s surprise, the world did not come to an end, and the year 2000 dawned, gone was the doomsday propaganda.
Summer brought Reo to Aomori yet again. But it seemed to forget something.
That year, Nagi was nowhere to be found.
And the following year.
And years after that.
❁❁
Spring, 2007. Tokyo.
Reluctantly, Reo touches the figure before him. His touch connects. “You are real…”
Nagi tilts his head, puzzled. "What do you mean? Why would I not be real?"
“I mean…” His touch still lingers on Nagi’s arm. His fingertips start to register Nagi’s warmth through the fabric. “At some point, I started doubting myself that you are just my imagination or maybe a ghost in that warehouse. Because you just disappeared without a word—you just--”
“Reo?”
Shock fades into a wave of anger. "You - where have you been!? Do you have any idea how I felt waiting for you the entire damn summer?"
"Did you get heatstroke?" Nagi's voice carries genuine concern, he must be thinking about how he had one waiting for Reo back then. But in the heat of the moment, Reo couldn't care less.
"Answer.the.question." Reo forces the words out through clenched teeth. "Where.have.you.been."
Nagi appears slightly crestfallen by Reo's response. "When I turned 10, my parents thought I was old enough to stay home alone, so they stopped leaving me with my grandparents."
Reo's jaw almost drops. Can a 10-year-old be left home alone for an entire summer holiday? That's a whole month. Is that considered child neglect?
“Reo, it’s not that bad. My parents did what they did because they knew I could take care of myself,” Nagi said. “Don’t make that face.”
Reo wonders what kind of face he is making. He also wonders if Nagi’s parents have eyes at all. During those 3 years, Reo had spent more than half of his summer taking care of Nagi. The boy wouldn’t even think of eating if Reo hadn’t sit there and spoon fed him.
Alas, he is but an outsider. “Fine, I get it,” Reo grumbled. “Still, a letter would’ve been nice…if you had told me your situation, I would have gone pick you up. But I don’t know your address–“
God knows how hard Reo has tried finding Nagi the past years. But there were only so much he could do when all he knew was the surname Nagi and that he lived in Kanagawa.
“I don’t even know your name.” Reo finished weakly. It's one of Reo's greatest regrets. The naive young boy never realized he knew so little about his treasure.
“It’s Seishirou” Nagi told him like he has been waiting for a chance. “My name.”
“…Seishirou” Reo repeats. The name he would trade anything to know 8 years ago.
Nagi’s eyes soften at the sound of his name. He removes Reo’s hand from his arm, captures it within his hand instead.
“No letters, but I have a lot I want to tell Reo.” I want to know what vibrant expressions will be on your face when I tell you my stories. Maybe that’s why sending a letter is never a choice.
“Then leave no detail out,” Reo demands.
As always, Nagi complies with Reo's wish as if it's a command. “Hm, it will take a long time though.”
They begin to walk together. To the school, to the same path. “Worried you won't have enough time to finish your stories because you're planning on leaving me again or something?”
“You’re being mean. I’ve never left you,” Nagi pouts. “Just couldn’t be there but I’m always with you.”
Reo averts his gaze, a secret smile playing at his lips. "Then why worry about time? Take all the time you need."
Don’t we have all the time in the world?
“You are right.”
We made a promise, didn’t we?
That we will be together until the end.
❁☀ ❁☀ ❁☀ ❁☀ ❁☀
After their reunion, countless summers and springs come and go.
The end of the world remains nowhere in sight.
After story
“I swear you weren't in this school last year.” Not to brag, but Reo knows every face if they were in the same school year. Plus, this is an elite school, so the number of students isn't too high to begin with.
Nagi hums softly. “I transferred here this year,” For Hakuho to accept students in their second year was quite uncommon. Nagi must have either donated a ridiculous amount of money or aced the entrance exam. Reo is betting on the latter. “Just found out that you go to Hakuhou. Those documents and exams were a real pain.”
“How did you find that out, anyway?” Reo asks, sipping his coffee. They are having lunch on the rooftop, sticking together as if the void of eight years never existed.
“I found your social media account,” Nagi taps open the blue icon with the alphabet F as a logo on his phone. Nagi enters Reo’s profile and shows it to him.
“Oh, I made it last year,” Reo explains. As a tool for socializing, he has to make one. He had even tried to find Nagi’s account on the platform but had no luck. Wait, does that mean Nagi found him almost immediately and went through all the trouble of transferring schools?
If he has a mirror now, he wouldn’t look at it. Reo knows he is smiling like a creep.