Chapter Text
What does it mean when a symbol suddenly appears on someone’s wrist without their noticing? It could only signify one thing: their soulmate may be living somewhere in this world, whether nearby, a short distance away, or even miles from home.
Two people are deemed soulmates if they possess matching symbols on their wrists. In rare instances, despite having distinct symbols, soulmates may have deeper ties than they realize. Encountering such an exceedingly rare situation, which occurs only once in a century, leaves both parties uncertain whether their soulmate brings them joy or sorrow until death. Discovering one's soulmate is both exhilarating and daunting.
At least, that’s what Jyushi believed. He often dreamed of encountering his soulmate beneath the moonlight, sharing a graceful dance. He always wished upon a shining star that his soulmate would offer him unwavering kindness and love. Just the thought warmed him, despite lying on the dewy grass on a chilly, starry night.
His tranquility was disrupted by a figure with short, spiky red hair. “Oi, Jyushi. The fuck are ya doin’ here? Wanna catch a cold or somethin’?”
Ah, Kuko-san, always the potty-mouthed leader, yet he had his own way of showing care, especially toward Jyushi.
“K-Kuko-san! What brings you here?” Jyushi scrambled up, brushing grass off his clothes.
“Just taking a stroll. Got bored at the temple,” Kuko replied, chewing gum loudly. “That old man always has me doing useless crap.”
Jyushi nodded, understanding their dynamic. Though Shakku made Kuko do chores, it often turned into a playful chase around the temple. “I see… S-Sorry…”
“No need to apologize,” Kuko said, offering Jyushi some gum. “That old man may have screws loose, but sometimes he’s right about me.”
Initially, Jyushi viewed Kuko as harsh and aggressive. Despite being disciplined during training, Kuko's actions encouraged Jyushi to become emotionally resilient. Kuko rarely apologized but made amends by buying Jyushi his favorite treats. The memory brought a smile to Jyushi’s face.
“I think Shakku-san does it because he cares about you, Kuko-san,” Jyushi ventured timidly. Kuko shot him a look, causing Jyushi to shift nervously. “I-I mean... I think he cares a lot about you, even if he doesn't show it well.”
Kuko burst into laughter. “Hyahahaha! Big words, Jyushi! Sometimes I think the same thing, but it can feel suffocating, y’know?”
“I-I understand, Kuko-san!”
Kuko smiled, and together they gazed at the stars, enjoying the peaceful silence until…
“What’s that on your wrist? A tattoo?”
“Eh?” Jyushi lifted his wrist, revealing a symbol of a dog. “What—”
Kuko burst into laughter. “Hyahahaha! Seriously, Jyushi? A dog tattoo? I thought you were into pigs and shit!”
Jyushi sputtered, “B-But I don’t even remember getting a dog tattoo—”
“Actually, it’s not a tattoo. It must be your soulmate mark,” Kuko said once he calmed down.
“S-Soulmate mark…?”
“Yeah. It appears when they’re nearby or far away,” Kuko explained.
Jyushi nodded slowly, a blush spreading across his face. “So… That would mean that—Kuko-san…”
“WHAT THE FUCK—”
“ARE YOU MY—”
Both yelled simultaneously, then glanced at Kuko’s wrist, finding no mark.
“Oh…”
“What, disappointed I’m not your fated soulmate?” Kuko smirked.
“WHAT— NO!!!”
“HYAHAHAHAHHA!! I would’ve thought you might have something for me, but I know you won’t even—” Kuko was cut off as Jyushi covered his mouth, flushing.
“No, no, no, no!! I-I-I would never, Kuko-san!!!”
“)/&;?$!:..?!”
While they were at it, Kuko felt someone was approaching while they were working. That's when he observed that someone was humming an unfamiliar tune as they walked by, their arms resting at the back of their heads (read: cap). It is likely that he was unaware of the disturbance between the two members of Nagoya's pride. At a glimpse, Kuko knew instantly who it was, but he was leaving so fast. Luckily, Kuko noticed the man's wrist before he vanished into the darkness.
And what he saw was a mark in the shape of a pig...