Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sunny gazed his eyes upon the crowd of people below the stage as he bowed down along with Mari. They were cheering and applauding for them. They both stood upright and Sunny let his eyes wander to his sister’s face, her smile reaching her eyes as she waved to their family.

It’s funny that a few hours ago she had been screaming in his face, rage engulfing her entire being as she shouts about how many mistakes he’s making and that they need to be perfect.

He let his mouth curl up as he saw his mom in the crowd looking at him with tears of joy threatening to fall down from her cheeks. From the corner of his eyes, he can also see their friends cheering for them. Basil looks a bit skittish though. With his eyes somewhat turning into a glare whenever he turns to Mari before looking aghast at his own expression. 

That’s probably what happens when you catch your big sister figure shouting at her little brother. Ha.

Sunny chose to take a look at his father, who was grinning ear to ear as he looked at Mari. He shrugs and turns back, it’s time for them to go behind the stage anyways. Mari follows after him after one final bow to the audience. 

“We did so well, Sunny.” She said, smiling warmly as she walked behind him. 

Sunny could only nod in response, making sure his facial features stayed blank. 

“… Are you really not going to talk to me, brother?” Mari asks, and then sighs after she doesn’t get a response. She places her hands on his shoulder to make him face her. 

“I’m sorry for losing my cool like that, okay?” She pats his hair, trying to soothe him. 

Sunny just stares at her. Was he meant to believe her now? He shook his head and backed away, trying to get her hand off him. 

Mari’s eyes close as she sighs. “Fine, Sunny. Be that way, I already said I’m sorry.” 

Their parents soon come through the door and their father immediately darts forward to hug Mari and start praising her. Mari’s mood immediately switches up and hugs their father back. 

“I’m so proud of you, sunshine.” Their mother walks forward to crush Sunny in a hug, and suddenly it feels like everything was worth it just to see his mother proud. 

“And I’m so proud of you too, marigold.” She turns her attention to Mari as she gives her a kiss on the forehead, still hugging Sunny with one arm. 

“That’s my girl! I can’t wait for the next recital.” Their father says, and Sunny’s brain is put to a halt. 

Next recital? 

Next recital?

“A next recital? Dad, did you..?” Mari looked at their father with expecting eyes. 

Their father chuckled at his daughter’s reaction. “Yes, I had contacted a few associates of mine. You have another recital in a month.” 

If Mari could jump up and down out of glee like the characters in the comics Sunny reads, he thinks she would have done so by now with how happy she is. She had gone back to hug their father, and their mom is just giggling at how hyper Mari seems at the thought of another recital. 

He loses track of what happens, he thinks their friends come in at some point to congratulate them. But all he knows is that he’s on the way home now and the word ‘recital’ rings through his head. 

“Sunny, let’s practice when we get home, okay?” Mari had whispered beside him. 

“I want this recital to be perfect too.” 

He hums in response, before turning his head and closing his eyes. 

WELCOME TO WHITESPACE

YOU HAVE BEEN LIVING HERE FOR AS LONG AS YOU CAN REMEMBER

Chapter Text

Sunny internally groaned as he shut his phone off. He has just gotten done messaging Kel, Basil, and Aubrey to see if they wanted to hang out. They were all busy with their own things sadly, with Kel having to train for an upcoming sports meet and the hooligans were out of town picking fights with another gang. 

Aubrey and Basil invited him to go with the hooligans next time, and he said yes, making a mental note to bring a knife when he goes. Kel had apologized and offered to hang out with him at another date, which he readily agreed to. Anything to get out of the house, which is the reason he’s asking in the first place. 

Mari will come home from school soon, and it’s a day he knows that Hero isn’t coming to see her, so she’s going to make him practice for their recital. The same recitals they’ve been doing for two years. Sunny wonders how she manages to keep such a joyous look on her face as she plays the piano, everytime the violin is in his hands he just wants to put it back in his closet and hide from the world. 

He looks hesitantly at his bed, the thought of just going to sleep flashes in his mind before he shakes it off. He’d love to sleep and continue the plot of Headspace, but he promised his mom that he’d try to sleep a little less and talk with his sister, so he will. 

After a few minutes, he can hear his sister open the door downstairs and greet their parents, her voice ringing through the entire house. He feels his stomach drop and wants to take back what he promised as the footsteps grow louder. But it’s too late, as the door knob twists and he’s met face to face with Mari. 

“Oh, Sunny! You’re awake for once.” Mari shot a smile at him before putting her backpack down beside her study desk. 

He hummed in response, watching her every action as he sat on his bed.

“Did something nice happen today? I didn’t even need to wake you up for practice.” She giggled softly. 

He just slightly rocked his hand in a so-so way before standing up, going over to his closet and opening it. He dug around for a bit before hesitantly pulling out his violin which was in its case. 

“...You willingly want to practice with me? Oh, Sunny! I knew you’d come around eventually.” Mari’s voice was thin and airy, her smile was wide as she pulled Sunny to the music room where her piano was placed. 

The piano was placed right in the center of the room where the light from the massive window will be able to make its black gloss shine. She had let go of his hand and sat down, placing her pale fingers upon the first key she’s set to play. 

Sunny lets his instincts take over him as he places the violin under his neck and sets his bow straight, ready to play. Mari then mouths the words, 1..2..3…

Music spreads through the room. The notes lingering and soothing Sunny, even if it was for just a bit. The piece they were playing reminds him of the picnics the six of them used to go to. Exchanging laughter as they rolled in the summer grass.

He imagines the four of them, as close as ever, eating watermelons in the hot weather as Hero and Mari sit under the shade of a tree. He misses those times, young and carefree. Loving his sister with his whole heart, forcing himself to learn the violin to spend more time with her. The smile on her face quickly twisting into a hateful expression. 

“Sunny.” 

He was put out of his trance, he looked at Mari and saw her empty stare. He made a mistake again, didn’t he? His hold tightened around the violin as he gave his sister an apologetic look. 

“Again.” 

A wrong note, again.

A moment too late, again. 

Your expression, again.  

Your neck, again.

A missed note, again.

Too high, again.

Too low, again.

Your posture, again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Dread filled Sunny as he let his mind go blank, his violin nearly slipping out of his hands. The walls darkened and closed in, threatening to circle around his neck. 

“Sunny, get back into your position. We need to practice more, especially if that’s how you play recently. This is why you need to practice more—” Mari trailed on and went on a rant. 

“Stop.” Sunny muttered out, out of breath. His eyes focused on the ground, refusing to look up in fear of seeing the shadows grab at him. 

“What? We can’t stop, Sunny.” Mari’s voice turned stern. “Do you want dad to be disappointed? Or mom? They worked so hard for us to be able to perform recitals, we should do the least and be prepared for the presentation.” 

“...-take a-...” He couldn’t talk, the room was so suffocating. Has it always been like this? The stuffy music room filled with shadows. 

Mari groaned as she turned to Sunny. “I told you to stop muttering, didn’t I? Dad thinks it’s annoying and it is, speak louder.” 

“Take a break.” Sunny finally managed to breathe out. 

“You want to take a break? When we haven’t even finished a single song?! Seriously, Sunny. I thought you were finally willing to practice and this is the attitude you're giving me? To think I was so excited to finally practice with you again.” She sighed and closed her eyes, how many times has she reacted that way by now?

Sunny stayed silent, avoiding the gaze of his sister, who in these kinds of moments often look like her father. His grip tightened, he really should have just slept and apologized for not being able to keep his promise with his mom. 

“Sunny!” Mari called his attention. He looked up to finally meet her eyes. 

“God, can’t you be more like Kel? He’s always so willing to listen to Hero, can’t you listen to me?” 

Sunny wonders if Hero is like this to Kel too, recalling a past conversation he had with the athlete, he probably is. But at least Hero genuinely apologizes. His throat aches but he pushes himself to speak. 

“I don’t want to—”

“You are not allowed to not want to practice Sunny! Do you want us to look like a massive embarrassment up there? Dad has invited his work associates this time, they’re expecting us to be perfect.” 

Can’t Mari let him speak? He’s talking for once, can’t she listen?!

“I don’t want to play.” 

“Play? Play what?” Mari furrowed her eyebrows. “The violin? You can’t just quit, Sunny.” 

“… I’m quitting.” His voice has sounded unsure, yet clearer than it has ever been the entire day. Why has he never thought about quitting before? Surely his mom will understand, his friends will too. 

“You’re not quitting, Sunny.” She sighs loudly, pinching the bridge of her nose. “What’s up with you today? Do you want dad to be upset with you again? Your grades aren’t as high as he wants them, and—”

“I don’t care!” Sunny raised his voice, holding his ground. “I’m quitting, Mari.” 

“You can’t just quit! Don’t you see that violin?! Do you know how hard everyone worked for that?! You’re being so selfish right now! I can’t believe this, you want us to just throw away all that hard work-!”

SMASH! 

The violin lays there in broken pieces, the strings being the only thing keeping the neck and body together. The bow being the only one left in his hands. 

“I’m quitting.” 

Footsteps could be heard rushing up the stairs, regret immediately filled Sunny when he realized what he had just done, there was a reason why he didn’t think of quitting before. Before he could even do anything, what could he do anyways? Their father had opened the door and immediately saw the broken violin. 

“Sunny Suzuki!” His father had screamed as he stormed towards him, his figure looming over Sunny. It seemed that his scream had also raised fear in Mari, her widening eyes and desperate attempt to go near her brother.

“I didn’t—” 

!!!

A quick noise shut him up, his cheeks turning red and his father glaring at him. Sunny instantly raised his hand and cupped his cheek, trying to ease the pain. He doesn’t know why he’s shocked, it’s not as if this hasn’t happened before. 

“Father!” Mari had screamed out behind him, a conflicted expression on her face.

“What is going on here?” Sunny’s mother had entered the room, and her eyes widened as she ran towards Sunny who had tears pooling up in his eyes.

“Sunshine? Sweetheart, are you okay?” Her hands cupped his cheeks, wiping away his tears. 

“Ugh, this is why he hasn’t grown up.” His father groaned in annoyance. “You’re always coddling him.” 

“This again? I don’t coddle him, I just love him. He’s our son.” 

“He might as well not be mine, he brings shame to the Suzuki name.” 

“All this talk about shame. Can’t you ever think of anything else except our reputation? How many times have we talked about this?” 

“More than necessary, I’m just disciplining him. Look at what he’s done!” He gestured to the broken violin on the floor. “You keep letting him get away with things, he never learns his lesson!” 

“What lesson is there to be learned here?! All you do is just hit and berate him! Can’t you talk to him for once?!” 

“Talk? With that child? Ha!” His father huffs out a laugh. “He can hardly speak normally, makes you wonder if he should’ve just never existed.” 

Maybe he should have never existed. Their father has always seemed to like having Mari more than him. 

His mom clearly disagrees though. It got loud and violent, like it always does. Sunny has mastered tuning out their screams and focused his eyes on Mari instead. She always looked so conflicted whenever they fought, as if they haven’t been doing this since both of them were children. 

“Mom!” Mari’s expression paled and darted to her, causing Sunny to fall out of his daze and look up at his mom, who now bore a similar red mark on her face. He turned to look at his father shocked as well, not believing what he had just done. His mother and father often argued, usually due to him, but he had never hurt his mother before. What happened? 

“We’re leaving.” His mother stood up and stared at his father with a cold and steady glare. “Mari, get your brother and go to the car. Now.” 

Leave? They’re leaving? Sunny sent hesitant glances between his parents. He trusts his mother, but to just leave all of a sudden? Does that mean they’re going to get a divorce? Is he going to have to leave Faraway? He’s going to have to leave Kel, Basil and Aubrey?

“Sunny.” The cold voice of his mother makes his skin run cold. “Go outside with your sister, I’ll meet you in the car.”

The tone his mother used was terrifying, he immediately started walking towards the door but stopped when he felt the lack of his sister’s presence. Turning around and seeing her in the middle of both of their parents.

“... Mari, go with your brother.” Her tone was stern, Sunny has never heard his mother talk that way to anyone.

“Mom, you don’t need to leave.” Mari’s voice was shaky, struggling to speak. “ We don’t need to leave, dad didn’t mean it—” 

“Your father meant it.” Their mother cut in. “I have given him multiple chances and this was his last, we’re leaving.” 

A moment of silence, before Mari looked to the ground and spoke. “I won’t. I’m not leaving dad.” 

“Mari, now is not the time for this attitude!” 

His father interjected, placing a hand on her shoulder. “If she wants to stay, she can.” 

“No, it’s not safe for her to stay—”

“You’re already taking my son away! You’re taking my daughter too?” 

“Oh? So now he’s your son again?! Only when it suits you?!” 

“You know I didn’t mean that.” His father pleaded, Sunny has never seen this side of his father before. 

“And how many times have you said that before already? How many times have you said you’re going to get better only to repeat your mistakes?!” His mother had screamed back with a painful expression on her face. 

Was it pity or regret? Sunny couldn’t tell. 

His father stays silent. Sunny looks at his mother to see her lips pursed into a tight line. Her eyes linger at Mari before closing them shut as she sighs. “Fine, stay with your father. But me and your brother are leaving.” 

She turns around and grabs Sunny, leading them downstairs to grab her purse and keys before heading outside and into the car. It feels a bit anticlimactic as they get into the car, a moment of silence before his mom clears her throat. 

“I’m sorry you had to see that, Sunny.” His mother said as she started the engine. “I hate to leave your sister there, but she’ll be fine.” 

His mother sounds unsure of herself, before meeting his gaze. Two pairs of pitch black eyes staring at each other. She smiles softly as her hand reaches for his head and ruffles his hair. 

“You and I will be fine too. We’ll just go visit a friend of mine, stay there for a while before we get this all sorted out. What do you think?” 

He hummed in agreement as the car backed out of the driveway, he had faith in his mom. The two of them will be just fine. He turns his head to look at the back window, seeing the sign welcoming visitors into Faraway grow smaller. 

Up in the music room, rain drops had started to fall and hit their windows. 

Mari hesitated before rushing to her father and giving him a hug. “It’ll be okay dad, they’ll come back. I’m sure they will.”

Her father hugged her back as he patted her head. “... I’m not sure they will.” 

She looked up to see her father’s face gazing out the window, their family car now gone, having stolen away both her mother and brother. 

“Stay positive, father.” Mari managed to gather a smile. “I’m sure they will, they love us. We’re family after all.” 

“I hope so.”

Her and her father will wait for them to come back, they’ll be here.

Chapter Text

Aubrey jumped over the fence between Kel’s house and Mari’s with Kel and Basil following right behind her. The grass cushioned their fall as they laughed and ran towards the treehouse, the wind brushing through their hair as they finally made it to the ladder. 

“It’s going to be a while since we can come back here again.” Basil spoke as they caught their breaths, looking up at their treehouse with longing in his eyes. 

“It’s probably going to get so dirty while we’re gone…” Kel groaned, already dreading the time they’ll have to clean it.

“That’s going to be our first bonding moment when we get back then!” Aubrey threw an arm around both their shoulders. 

“I’m glad to see you all together.” An airy light voice carries out, coming from the house in front of them. 

“Mari!” Aubrey’s eyes widened as the other two tensed, subconsciously stepping in front of them as she let her arms drop beside her. 

“Not just her.” Hero smiled as he appeared behind her, walking towards the treehouse. 

“Hero!” Kel ran towards him. “You’re here!” 

Hero took a step back as Kel hurriedly wrapped his arms around him. The older man laughed as he hugged back. 

“You’ve gotten so heavy.” 

Kel laughed as he untangled his arms around Hero. “And taller!”

“Hi Aubrey, Basil.” Mari walked towards them, giggling past Hero and Kel.

“I thought you two weren’t coming back?” Aubrey asked, a bit wary and anxious.

“We weren’t, but our schedules cleared up.” Mari smiled as she continued. “Since we’re here, we’ll be the ones to take you guys off to college too. It’ll be quite a fun journey, all of us together again.” 

“Yeah. All of us.” Basil muttered before turning to the treehouse and climbing up. Aubrey winced at the harsh tone he often directs towards Mari, but she couldn’t blame him. She turned to look at Mari’s expression, which seemed to be a mix of shock and anger before shifting into a more solemn one.

“... Does he?” Black eyes turned to look at her, ones filled with sorrow and regret, the words ‘still blame me’ are left unsaid. 

“... I’m not sure.” Aubrey chose to look up at the tree house, rather than meet Mari’s eyes. 

It’s awkward and tense. Having all of them back together. Having Mari back in Faraway. She remembers when they found out Sunny had left with his mom, Mari was a crying wreck. And a few months later, they found out the reason when they decided to go through with the divorce. With Hiyashi and Mari Suzuki turning into Hiyashi and Mari Watanabe.

It had put a dent in their friendship, with both Basil and Kel choosing to ignore Mari’s existence most of the time. Aubrey couldn’t do that to someone who was her big sister, but even she has had moments where she couldn’t bear to be in Mari’s presence. It was too much, too heavy to bear. 

“Absolutely perfect!” His manager, a blonde woman just a bit older than him, says with a grin on her face as she walks towards him. 

Sunny smiled in response, before turning to look at the mirror in front of him. His eyes black and only made to stand out further using makeup, his features delicate and soft, lips glossed an adoring shade of pink. It had been a day full of scheduled photoshoots, this one taking the longest. 

He let his gaze turn to her, a tired expression on his face. “How were the shots, Ava?” 

“Fantastic, the clothes looked great with your figure. They’ll probably contact you again in the future.” She sat on a stool nearby as she scrolled through Sunny’s schedule.

“That’s great!” Sunny smiled widely, it wasn’t often he gets to work with this brand. “But hopefully not that soon…” 

“Don’t worry about that Sunshine, your manager’s got it all covered!” Ava winked at him, before sporting a more serious expression. “Are you ready for college?” 

Sunny let out an anxious laugh. “I just want to be able to graduate without anyone knowing who I am.” 

Ava laughed at that. “With your luck? Impossible.” 

“Don’t jinx it.” Sunny frowned and playfully shoved her. “And in any case, I have the perfect plan to avoid getting recognized!” 

“You’re going to wear a mask and glasses?” She raised an eyebrow at him and smirked. 

He opened his mouth to answer but promptly closed it back, his cheeks lightly turning red out of embarrassment as Ava let a chuckle out. 

“It’s not that bad of an idea!” Sunny argued, which only prompted the blonde to continue laughing.

“When you need me to do damage control, just give me a call.” 

“Oh, come on! It’s worked in shows!” He pointed out. 

“In shows, sunshine! I’m willing to bet within an hour someone will have figured out you’re there. And in a few more hours…” 

“My fans will crowd the building…” Sunny’s face fell. He groaned as he slumped over his vanity. 

“Yup, which is why you’re going to need a better plan.” Ava patted his back before standing up as her phone chimed. “Your ride is here, let’s go.” 

A small smile fell on Sunny’s face as he gathered all his stuff and followed her out. The two of them have grown closer over the years, there was no one else Sunny would trust with his schedule. Ava was the reason why he hasn’t keeled over with the amount of work he has. 

“Have you guys finished packing yet?” Mari asked as they all sat on the dinner table, having insisted that they stay for dinner. Utensils clacking together as they meet the porcelain plates. 

“Yeah, I don’t have that much stuff. I got Kim and the others to help me out.” Aubrey answered gladly as she chewed her food. 

“Kim?” Mari paused and looked up from her food. “Who’s that?” 

“A couple of friends I have.” She explained calmly. “Some of them are going to college too.” 

“Not all of them?” Her mouth let out a gasp, causing Kel and Basil to look at each other. 

“Ah, well…” Aubrey trailed off, not really willing to discuss why some of her friends can’t go to college. 

“Mari.” Hero spoke, with an underlying tone of warning. She quickly caught it and sighed.

“Right, sorry. I just think everyone should always go straight for it, you know?” Mari smiled softly as she cut into her steak. “No need to waste time.” 

Aubrey laughed awkwardly, noticing the expression on both Kel and Basil’s face. “Yeah, but sometimes there’s just unavoidable things in life…” 

“If you really wanted to do something,” Mari smiles softly and cuts her streak. “You’ll be willing to do anything.” 

She sighs as she stabs the steak with her fork and raises it up to her mouth. “But who am I to say something like that?” 

“A bitch.” Kel mouthed to Basil from across the table. The blonde choked on his food.

The car pulled up to a house in a secluded area, the chauffeur getting out first to open the door for Ava and Sunny. Ava quickly thanked the man before handing him a few bills as a tip. The man bowed his head and got back in the car, driving away. 

“Wasn’t that too much?” Sunny asked as they walked up the stairs on the porch.

“It’s a matter of image, sweet boy. As Sunshine’s manager, I have to be sweet like you.” Ava pinches his cheek as she rushes up to open the door for him. 

“Mom! I’m back!” He yells out as Ava shuts the door behind him. 

“In the kitchen!” He hears his mom yell back. “Is Ava with you?”

“Yes!” Ava shouts, running past Sunny towards the kitchen. 

“Wait for me!” He runs after her, entering the kitchen. The smell of his mother’s signature pasta hits him, his throat clamps up at the thought. 

“Hello dear, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you.” Sunny’s mother kisses Ava’s cheek. 

“We saw each other three days ago, Auntie Kane.” She giggled as she took a step back. 

“Three days is a long time, you know.” Kane trails off, a smile on her face as she looks at Sunny. “I don’t know how I’ll survive with my sunshine going off to college.” 

“I’ll always swing by during the weekends, mom.” Sunny promises her. 

“We’ll see about that,” Ava interjects. “I hope you realize how many shoots you still have scheduled.” 

He sighs and slumps against the counter. “It’s tiring to be this gorgeous.” 

“You chose this life.”

“It’d be a crime to not share this face with the world.” Sunny poses dramatically, his hand caressing his cheek. “My beauty is meant to be shown.” 

“It’s true!” Kane laughs, “Seeing your billboard from the window is enough to soothe my worries.” 

“Auntie! Don’t enable his theatrics!” 

“You’re just jealous you don’t have this.” Sunny grins as he gestures to his face.

“I miss when you were a shy little boy.” 

Their bickering was interrupted when Kane set the steaming bowl of pasta down in front of them, the rich aroma instantly filling the kitchen. Ava’s eyes lit up as she clapped her hands together.

“MOMORI PASTA? Oh my god, this is going to be so good,” Ava exclaimed, already reaching for the serving spoon.

Sunny forced a smile, twirling a fork between his fingers. “…Yeah, it’s gonna be great.” His voice was light, but his hand lingered a little too long over the bowl before scooping only a small portion onto his plate.

Ava dug in happily, humming as she took her first bite. “Your mom is a genius, Sunny. I swear I’d pay her to cook for me every day.”

Kane chuckled, sitting across from them. “You’re always welcome here, Ava.”

Sunny poked at his pasta with his fork, twirling it absentmindedly. He took a bite, small, slow, and chewed with obvious hesitation. By the third forkful, his movements slowed even more, until he finally set the utensil down. His smile faltered.

Kane’s eyes softened. “Do you not like the food, dear?”

Sunny stiffened, then quickly shook his head. “Sorry, Mom. I just… feel a bit exhausted. I’ll eat a big breakfast tomorrow, I promise.”

Kane’s expression melted into concern, but she didn’t press. She leaned over and kissed his forehead. “Okay, sweetie. Go to your room and rest. Just remember, you can always take a break, alright?”

Sunny nodded, smiling faintly. “Thanks, Mom.” He stood, gave Ava a quick wave, and padded upstairs.

The godforsaken dinner is all but over, Kel decides to walk Aubrey and Basil home first before heading back. 

“I can’t believe you would say that,” Basil muttered, crossing his arms as they walked the dimly-lit streets. 

Kel snorted. “You found it funny, don’t lie.”

“That’s why Basil choked on his food earlier?” Aubrey asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeah!” Kel laughed so hard he started clutching his chest. “Funniest thing ever.”

Basil scowled but his cheeks were still pink. 

“…It’s true though.”

“Oh my god, Aubrey, what?” Basil gawked at her.

“No, like,” Aubrey waved her hand around, trying not to laugh. “She’s been like a big sister to me, but even I can’t deny the stuff Mari says sometimes. It’s just… ridiculous.”

Basil groaned into his hands. Kel grinned like he had won an argument.

“I don’t get why Hero is still with her,” Basil admitted after a moment, quieter this time.

Kel’s smile faltered but only slightly. “How could he not? Bro loves her. I hate seeing it sometimes, but I’m not gonna stand in the way, you know? My brother deserves to be happy.”

“Yeah…” Basil mumbled, stabbing half-heartedly at his food.

The silence stretched for a beat before Aubrey, ever the one to break it, leaned forward. “Do you guys ever think Sunny’s happy?”

Kel blinked, caught off guard. “...I’d like to think he is. Dude was obsessed with video games, remember?”

Basil shook his head. “Sunny was more into sketching and doodling. He always had that little notebook with him.”

“Do you think he’s headed to college too?” Aubrey asked.

“Maybe.” Basil’s tone softened. “If we’re lucky, we could even meet him there.”

Kel burst into laughter, throwing his head back. “BWAHAHA, You wish we were that lucky!”

Sunny had gone upstairs, leaving Ava and Kane lingering in the kitchen. The pasta pot still steamed between them, filling the air with warmth.

“So, Ava,” Kane began as she wiped her hands on a towel. “How is he, really?”

Ava’s grin softened into something gentler. “He’s great, honestly. The shoots have been going perfectly…” She hesitated. “But—”

Kane’s eyes narrowed just slightly. “But?”

“I don’t know,” Ava sighed, running a hand through her hair. “He feels… off lately.”

“What do you mean?” Kane’s voice carried that worried lilt only a mother could have.

“He’s getting a little skittish,” Ava admitted. “Keeps asking if his food is within his carb amount for the day. I get it, he’s a model, he needs to watch his figure, but…” She trailed off, glancing at the ceiling as if Sunny could hear them. “I don’t want him to obsess over it. He looks fine as is.”

Kane’s smile faltered, the concern in her expression deepening. “Ah… I’ll try to talk to him. Gently. No more issues coming up?”

“None, ma’am,” Ava said quickly. “He hasn’t mentioned anything else.”

“And he hasn’t been staring into the mirror too long, has he?” Kane pressed, almost carefully.

“Nope,” Ava said firmly. “I try to stick around whenever he’s near one. Just in case.” She paused, then added, “On that topic, has his therapist returned yet?”

“Not yet,” Kane shook her head. “But I’ll inform you when they do.”

The air eased again as Ava perked up. “By the way, how’s your mom? Still working on designs?”

“Oh!” Ava brightened instantly. “You should see her new line! She even made an outfit specifically for Sunny!”

Kane’s eyes lit up. “Ooh, let me see!”

Ava pulled out her phone, scrolling quickly before turning the screen toward Kane with a proud grin.

The car was too quiet. The kind of quiet where every cough, every rustle of clothing, every turn of the signal felt loud. Aubrey leaned her head against the window, watching trees blur past. Basil sat stiff as a board beside her, hands folded tight in his lap. Kel tapped his foot against the floor, earbuds in but with no music playing.

Up front, Mari cleared her throat. Hero gripped the steering wheel a little too carefully, like even that was meant to keep the peace.

No one spoke. The air was heavy.

Kel suddenly lurched forward in his seat, jabbing a finger toward the window. “HOLY SHIT!”

Everyone jumped.

“Is that—?” Aubrey’s eyes went wide as she pressed against the glass.

On the billboard ahead, larger than life, was Sunny. His black-lined eyes smoldered beneath a brand name splashed across the photo, lips glossed a soft pink, every inch of him styled to perfection.

Kel’s voice cracked. “IS THAT SUNNY ON A BILLBOARD?!”

Mari let out a high-pitched, awkward laugh. “Ahaha… yeah, he’s, uh— he’s become a model. Big surprise, right?”

Basil’s mouth twisted. “That’s one way to put it.”

“I mean,” Mari continued, twisting in her seat like she wanted to meet their eyes but couldn’t, “I’ve tried reaching out, you know? Emails, messages, everything. But he just won’t reply…” Her voice softened into something fragile, practiced. “It hurts, honestly.”

Kel’s jaw dropped. “None of you ever thought to explain this?!”

Hero sighed, steady but firm. “Kel—”

“No, seriously!” Kel flailed his arms, nearly hitting Basil in the face. “My best friend is literally on a giant billboard and you’re telling me now? Is he famous? Can we contact him?!”

“It’s complicated, Kel,” Hero said, trying to keep calm.

“What’s complicated about it?” Aubrey snapped. “You just say, ‘Hey, Sunny’s a model now, by the way.’ Done. Easy.”

Mari winced, her smile brittle. “It’s not that simple! He’s busy. He probably doesn’t even run his own accounts anymore, his agency handles everything. We didn’t want you all getting your hopes up if he couldn’t reply.”

Basil let out a sharp laugh, humorless. “So the solution was to say nothing at all?”

“Exactly!” Kel threw his hands up. “Like—‘Oh hey, remember your childhood friend? Surprise, he’s famous now. You’ll see him on every building, but good luck ever actually talking to him!’”

Mari’s voice cracked as she tried again, “I just… I didn’t want you to be disappointed.”

Aubrey’s eyes narrowed. “Feels more like you didn’t want us to know.”

The car lapsed into silence again, only this time it was thick with tension instead of emptiness. Hero’s knuckles tightened on the wheel.

Outside, the highway stretched on, another billboard sliding into view. Sunny’s face looked down at them again, perfect, untouchable, and more distant than ever.

Sunny sat at his vanity, the round mirror glowing in soft white light. Brushes, powders, and little tubes of gloss were scattered neatly across the counter. He leaned closer, adjusting the concealer under his eyes until his skin looked spotless.

“You should use the light pink gloss today,” Omori said softly from the mirror. His reflection looked almost identical, the voice like a hush in Sunny’s ear.

Sunny smiled faintly, nodding. “Pink, huh?”

“It suits you. Makes you look pretty.”

“...Alright.” Sunny reached for the tube, carefully applying it until his lips glistened. He looked at the mirror again, waiting.

Omori gave a small nod, approving. “Perfect.”

Sunny stood and opened his closet. Another mirror lined the inside of the door, catching him from a new angle. He hesitated, running his fingers over the hangers. “What should I wear today?”

Omori appeared again, watching with patient eyes as Sunny shoves the hangers aside and looks for clothes to wear for his first day of school. He comes across a sweat with a candy motif and smiles. “I miss eating candy. Do you remember ▮▮▮?”

Omori’s tone softened further. “You shouldn’t. Candy makes you tired. Slows you down. You don’t want to feel heavy, do you?”

Sunny let out a shaky laugh. “No… you’re right, Omori. You always are.”

Omori merely nodded in response. 

Sunny lowered his gaze, comforted despite the ache in his chest.

On the closet shelf sat a familiar, worn journal. Omori’s pale hand in the reflection motioned gently toward it.

“Open it,” he whispered.

Sunny froze. His hand twitched forward before he pulled it back, shaking his head quickly. “You know I can’t. They’re not even letting me see you anymore.”

Omori’s smile softened into something sad, but still tender. Sunny exhaled slowly, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. The vanity lights hummed softly around them.

The apartment still smelled faintly of cardboard and tape, the last of their boxes stacked against the walls. Hero and Mari had barely finished waving from the car before the silence settled in, heavy and awkward. Aubrey kicked off her shoes and flopped onto the couch.

“Thank god the furniture was already set up,” she muttered. “Could you imagine trying to build all this crap right now? I’d rather die.”

Kel laughed weakly, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah, Dad and Mom really saved us there…”

But the laughter didn’t stick. The quiet crept back in. Basil sat at the edge of an armchair, fiddling with the hem of his sleeve.

“So…” Aubrey broke the silence, staring at the ceiling. “There’s no fucking way we can try and talk to Sunny, is there?”

Basil hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. “I mean… maybe fan mail? If he even goes through that? Or… maybe we could send an email? Like just hoping to reunite, say our names?” He twisted his fingers tighter. “Maybe he’d see it.”

Kel shifted uncomfortably, his leg bouncing against the coffee table. “Does he even remember us? I mean- he’s gotten so famous, what if…?” His words trailed off.

Aubrey sat up straight, her eyes sharp. “No. I don’t think Sunny’s like that, Kel.”

“I don’t think so either but…” Kel stared at the floor, lips pressed thin. “I don’t know anymore.”

The room fell quiet again, the weight of his unfinished sentence hanging between them. The hum of the refrigerator filled the silence, and for a moment, nobody knew what to say.

Sunny was late. He’d spent too long perfecting his eyeliner, too long debating between the plain hoodie or the cardigan, and by the time he slipped out the front door his chest was already tight with nerves. Low-key, he reminded himself. Don’t stand out. Not here.

He cut across campus in long strides, clutching his bag close, eyes down. Just a few more minutes and he could slide into class unnoticed.

!!

His shoulder smacked hard into someone else’s, the momentum throwing them both off balance. Sunny stumbled forward and before he could catch himself, he ended up sprawled right on top of the other person, palms pressed to the ground on either side.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry, are you—” His voice caught as his eyes met the familiar pair staring up at him.

Wide, green, terrified.

“Basil?” The name ripped out of Sunny before he could stop it.

Basil’s breath hitched, his body frozen under Sunny’s weight. “...Sunny?”