Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

➤ gennumber1 is now live! 

Current viewers: 13k 

Narumi is broadcasting live on Youtube.

Regardless of the celebration, Narumi's dressed comfortably in his signature white shirt and joggers. His two-toned hair was slicked back, its grey locks spread over black, and a few stray strands messily falls over his forehead. He's casually sitting on his gaming chair with a leg thrown over his knee, and he’s hunched over—his elbow pressed snug on his thigh and his cheek was resting on his knuckles. He watches his viewer count rise in numbers: a mischievous smile playing on his lips upon reading his audiences’ comments, and he heartily laughs as his subscribers playfully rebuke him on his live chat and he shakes his head.

“No fucking way you guys fell for that link.”

@iwatchlosergamers: A rickroll? Really? In 2024?

@ch3rryblsm: I H8 U

@ihavetotouchgrass: dude that trend already DIED icb u

@nrmgnlvr: Jokes on you! I already memorized that link!

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: i’m unsubscribing 👎🏼

“Hey! Don’t you dare unsubscribe!” Narumi indignantly exclaims. “I’m celebrating my 700k milestone and you’re threatening to unsubscribe? Where’s your loyalty user NarumisTwoTonedHair?”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: IJBOLLLL

“You guys have no manners.” Narumi scoffs as he leans back on his chair, before dramatically crossing his arms. “And don’t say that you learned it from me cause I’m a very well mannered person, unlike you all! Anyway, welcome to my celebratory stream.”

Narumi shifts on his seat, reaching out for his headphones to slip it on, and he adjusts his mic as well as his camera to make sure that it was facing his good side.

“It’s been a crazy year ever since I started making content and livestreaming my gameplay. To my haters who clearly did not have any faith in me and said that I won’t make it—fuck you, look at me now!” Narumi smirks, pride swelling as his viewers feed his ego through their comments.

“I wouldn’t have made it without you guys, so you all get a badge of gennumber1’s appreciation. All of you except user NarumisTwoTonedHair.” he laughs and his live chat roars.

“To celebrate and as thanks to everyone, I asked what you wanted me to do and you’ve come up with a few challenges to do in-game." Narumi trails off, minimizing his facecam so he could display his usual streaming overlay. "So that’s what I’m doing in today’s stream. Prepare to watch me nail every single one of it.”

And so he does.

Narumi easily breezes through the given challenges, putting his years of battle royale experience and practice to great use. A little over an hour rolls by, and he’s only down to one challenge: random duo.

Just one match but he can’t change the first person that he gets paired up with. 

“Random duo huh? Easy peasy.” Narumi smirks. “Well easy for me since I’m obviously so good at this game. The other person should be grateful that they have the Narumi Gen in their team.”

Narumi queues up for the match and responds to his audience as he waits for the game to give him a teammate. Narumi messes with his hair as he entertains the super chat, letting it fall over his forehead, and a few minutes later, he hears a ping: indicating that a player was found.

➠ CaptainNarumi has matched with HoshinaSoushirou!

The latter’s character shows up on Narumi’s screen, and Narumi automatically furrows his brows. The player’s character was bland as fuck. HoshinaSoushirou's character’s skin had everything by default as opposed to Narumi’s lavishly customized in-game character.

Narumi then pauses, his fingers stiffly hovering over the keyboard as realization dawns on him after seeing the other guy’s rank.

“Shit. I’m paired with a newbie?” 

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: LMFAOOOO serves you right for excluding me!

@nrmfangirl: NO RESETS NARUMI!!!!!!!

@ihavetotouchgrass: OMFGGG HOSHINA SOUSHIROU?!

@t0nkatsu: bruh since when did he play this game?

@ihavetotouchgrass: when did he play games in general???

@iwatchlosergamers: Since today

@iwatchlosergamers: They played it on Souichirou's live earlier. Guess he wanted to play himself, huh?

‘What are they talking about? Who is this Hoshina? Another streamer?’

“Pft, not a big deal.” Narumi decides to shrug it off. “I’m gonna carry this newbie and show him how a player in gold rank—that’s me, annihilate this game.”

While the game brings their characters over to the map, Narumi chooses to open his in-game mic. Might as well greet his random duo since he's in a pretty good mood.

“Yo, is this your first time playing this game?” 

Narumi is met with silence.

Not a single response nor a measly chat, and it ticks Narumi off. He dislikes being ignored, but he does understand that not everyone is fond of speaking in-game, and he'd rather not spoil the mood, so Narumi lets it slide.

“Tch, whatever.” he huffs, sending the other person an invite to drop off together nonetheless. “Follow me if you want to survive, if not then that’s fine too. I’ll win this game by myself.”

➠ HoshinaSoushirou has accepted your invite!

“Good choice.” Narumi smirks.

Narumi switches his mic off and exits the aircraft with his teammate, noting that no other players had dropped off at the same location, and so he aims towards the direction of a warehouse. They touch down, their parachutes disappearing and Narumi sprints to gather loot, with the newbie trailing after him. 

Narumi lights up once he spots his go-to gun lying in the open. Without wasting another second, Narumi swiftly grabs it and equips it to his character, before snatching other handy resources on his way. As Narumi moves in-game, HoshinaSoushirou walks past him and Narumi notices his rather uncommon choice of weapon. 

“Is this dude seriously picking up a katana?” Narumi incredulously snorts, shaking his head but he opts to look for some bullets instead. After a while of searching, he perks up upon seeing a certain box and grins. “W’s in the chat guys! I’m winning this game!”

W's flood Narumi's chat, and he’s loading his gun when he catches the words on his screen. 

➠ HoshinaSoushirou killed FUBGforLYF.

@tachibanas: the newbie just got the first kill NARUMI FIGHT BACK!!

“Oh shut up, that’s just beginner’s luck.” Narumi rolls his eyes and jogs up to where HoshinaSoushirou is and opens his mic. 

“How’d you kill that guy?”

HoshinaSoushirou says nothing, but swings his katana and Narumi scoffs in response. 

“Cool. Let’s go.”

Narumi checks the map: calculating. The gas will come soon, rendering the area deadly which will force them to leave, but they’re a good distance away from the safe zone so he leads the newbie to gather a few more materials before moving places.

Amidst their search, Narumi senses a movement in his peripheral vision, and he swiftly faces the direction—wasting no time in pulling the trigger and successfully killing the player. 

“First one for the kill counter.” Narumi hums. “A lot more to come~”

As the game progresses, the remaining player count steadily decreases as they are enforced into a smaller space of the map. Narumi kills a couple more players on the way, donning a fifteen person kill count. The newbie however, to Narumi’s surprise, has managed to get a few kills here and there. But the mere fact that he was still alive at that point kind of impresses Narumi, but that was something that he will not admit. He refuses to be awed by this person. 

"Sixteen kills!" Narumi sing-songs after sniping another player. “I am definitely getting that MVP, chat.”

➠ Four players remaining.

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: imagine if hoshina snatches that mvp from you lmao <3

“User NarumisTwoTonedHair whose side are you really on?” Narumi snaps, glaring at the camera for a quick second. “Change your username if you’re not gonna cheer for me!”

@nrmgnlvr: lmfaoooo narumi’s so cute when he's angry

The safe zone has gotten smaller, indicating that the other players are within the vicinity. Narumi leads HoshinaSoushirou into a house, his in-game mic open for the past few minutes, barking commands for his teammate to follow. Since Narumi has fallen behind to check their possible vulnerable sides, HoshinaSoushirou is walking up the stairs—rather careless, Narumi would say.

The match is close to wrapping up and Narumi cannot afford to lose at this rate.

“Hey newbie, you should be careful.” he clicks his tongue. “What if you open a door and an enemy’s there.”

HoshinaSoushirou opens a door and an enemy’s there. 

Narumi acts fast, firing rapidly at the player and sighing in relief once they drop dead. 

➠ Three players remaining.

Narumi's eyebrow twitches as he turns towards HoshinaSoushirou who was now entering the room the enemy was just in, grabbing what item he deemed was useful from the dead player's loot. 

“Shit! You’re lucky you matched with me. Now move the fuck away from the window.” Narumi hisses into his mic, grateful that the latter listened. “Hey player HoshinaSoushirou! Don’t you want to win this game—”

“Nice kill, Captain Narumi.”

Narumi freezes, his heart skipping a beat as the other player’s voice pleasantly registers in his ears.

“Fuck.”

It happens fast—Narumi’s fatal mistake. One second, he’s standing under the doorframe, and the next thing he knows, his character is killed: his precious loot flying out of him in quick succession.

Shit, the window!

➠ nine killed CaptainNarumi.

“Hoshina!” 

Narumi watches how the said jerk has the audacity to snatch his loot off the ground, before jumping to hide behind a wall.

Narumi, dumbfounded, spectates HoshinaSoushirou and how he equips Narumi’s gun of choice after only using his katana throughout the match. Narumi frowns, on edge as the other chooses to crouch and stay where he is.

“The enemy knows where you are, you should move.” Narumi sulks, but HoshinaSoushirou ignores him, further aggravating Narumi. "You really lasted this long just to lose last minute? Ugh chat we’re done for.” 

“Have faith in me, will ya?” HoshinaSoushirou chuckles, voice sickeningly sweet, which catches Narumi off guard and he flushes.  

“Don’t eat more than you can chew, newbie.” Narumi grits his teeth. “Do you really think you can win this?”

Footsteps emerge, and a figure appears. Before Narumi can utter a single word out, HoshinaSoushirou pulls the trigger. Once.

➠ Headshot! HoshinaSoushirou killed nine.

“Told ya to have faith in me, didn’t I?”

WINNER WINNER!!

➠ HoshinaSoushirou MVP! ⭐️

➠ #2/100 CaptainNarumi 

“WHAT THE FUCK?!” Narumi shoots up in disbelief. “NO FUCKING WAY! WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: IJBOLLLL YOU GUYS I FUCKING CALLED IT 

@t0nkatsu: WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?!?!?!

@iwatchlosergamers: HOSHINA THE NEWBIE IS MVP? LMFAOOOOOOOO 

@nrmgnluvr: I’m clipping this!’nnsbs this is monumental! HAHAHAHAHA

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: f’s in the chat y’all

@tachibanas: F

@shinonome_rin: F

@ch3rryblsm: F

@iwatchlosergamers: F

@t0nkatsu: F

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: F

As Narumi’s chat box gets flooded with F’s, Narumi sits back in his chair, a lost look in his eyes: defeated. 

@ihavetotouchgrass: OMFG HOSHINA YOU BROKE NARUMI

@montblanc: hoshina my king ATE <3

@t0nkatsu: if i was playing this game for years only to lose my mvp to a newbie, i might react this way too

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: gennumber2? 

@nrmgnluvr: STOP OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!111111

➤ The livestream has ended.

Chapter Text

A long, drawn out uncharacteristic silence falls upon the usual boisterous room. 

It takes a while for the dejected Narumi to return to his senses. And when he does, he reaches up to weakly pull his headphones down to his nape, and he runs his fingers through his scalp, pushing his hair back to expose its gray color. Narumi gently exhales, as if to collect the remaining sanity that he has—when something breaks.  

Narumi takes a sharp intake of breath, before grabbing a fistful of his hair, then pulls.

“AAAAHHH WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?!” Narumi bellows, legs flying up in the air, feet flailing and kicking petulantly. “THAT WAS SO EMBARRASSING?! 

Not good not good not good not good—

“Fuck where’s my phone.”

Narumi hastily grabs his phone from the desk and sluggishly slides off his chair, cramming himself into the tight space under his desk set-up where multiple Yamazon boxes were piled up.

He opens his Twitter, his notification is currently blowing up and his timeline is a fucking mess. Narumi taps the search only to see himself trending and nearly breaks his phone in half from how hard he had pressed his name. 

“You’ve gotta be fucking kidding me.” he bemoans.

Right off the bat, he's greeted by a clip of him dying which immediately cuts to the post-match screen when the MVP was revealed. The next video is the same, the third video is the same, the fourth video—THEY’RE ALL THE SAME FUCKING VIDEO!

“I had seventeen kills! I would’ve been MVP if that stupid player nine didn’t kill me.” Narumi fumes, angrily swiping up only to still see the same fucking video. He curses some more, scrolling through the flurry of the same clips. Fuck, there's no end to it. 

Or so he thought.

Narumi pauses when he sees a different clip. It was a few seconds before his in-game character's death. He watches as he confronts player HoshinaSoushirou, foolishly standing in front of the window himself after shouting at the newbie to move away.

“Nice kill, Captain Narumi.” HoshinaSoushirou’s voice says from Narumi’s phone and Narumi suddenly feels flustered.

“Hah?!” he exclaims, then it hits him, like a hardwood on his head, literally as he springs up and painfully headbutts his desk.

“Ow fuck—” he grimaces, scrambling to get up and he slumps back into his chair, rubbing his head. He’s just surprised that the latter had opened his mic, that’s all. And he’s just angry! That’s why he was burning red in his facecam, that’s definitely it!

But seriously, damn this newbie for stealing his MVP.

Narumi slaps his cheeks, composing himself before typing out a tweet:

“This guy is so fucking annoying.” Narumi bitterly spits, jumping up from his chair to pace around his room. “I wasn’t even aware of his existence before my stream and he dares to flaunt his account UNDER MY TWEET? What a self-centered prick! I’m not going to let him get away with this!”

Chapter Text

➤ gennumber1 is now live! 

Current viewers: 30k

Narumi and Hoshina’s characters are already on the screen once Narumi’s stream airs. The chatbox is roaring with energy, the viewers fueled with anticipation, flooding the chat and expressing their excitement.

And well… It seems that Narumi himself couldn't wait either.

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: LMFAOOO dude did you even manage to get some sleep???

@montblanc: you look like shit for someone who’s going to play with hoshina 🙄

@ch3rryblsm: you sound extremely bitter @montblanc

@montblanc: i am not!!

@iwatchlosergamers: Holy shit you guys, narumi’s been online for 25 hours straight

@nrmgnluvr: Narumi WTF

@nrmfangirl: BOY WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU 

“Yeah, yeah. I hear you guys.” Narumi yawns, adjusting his headphones. “I just lost track of time, leave me alone! It will not affect my gameplay, trust me.”

@t0nkatsu: this will end in a disaster, trust me instead

Admittedly, Narumi isn’t looking the best as of the moment. His hair is sticking out in all directions, gray and black strands scattered since he couldn’t be bothered to brush it out, and the dark bags under his eyes are painfully noticeable. Although he did take a shower before the stream, and changed into a fresh shirt, joggers, and a comfortable hoodie, one thing he forgot to clean is his room which was messier than usual.

He wasn’t supposed to pull an all-nighter. But the moment Hoshina yielded for a rematch, the urge to defeat him prevailed and he spent the next hours playing match after match, only stopping to order some takeouts, feed himself, use the bathroom, then he was back on his computer again.

He’s deathly serious about beating Hoshina and restoring his image.

@iwatchlosergamers: There’s a reason why I’m here watching this guy

@nrmgnluvr: Is it because his aura screams “loser”?

@iwatchlosergamers: No

@iwatchlosergamers: … I lied LMAO OF COURSE I’M STAYING TRUE TO MY USERNAME

“Today is the day that I will get my rightful title back!” Narumi dramatically announces, slamming a closed fist on his desk for more added effect. “And that title is the MVP that was clearly snatched from my very own plate. I’m joined by the show stealer tonight since the unjust awarding made him feel guilty and wanted to resolve it by playing another match.”

“Aren’t ya the one who’s been beggin’ me for a rematch?” Hoshina interrupts, and Narumi rolls his eyes before facing his camera with a blank face.

“Chat, who is this stranger and why is he lying?”

“Hi everyone~ I’m Hoshina Soushirou! @HoshinaSoushirou on Youtube and Twitter!”

“Hah?!” Narumi shouts, suddenly agitated. “WHO TOLD YOU TO PROMOTE YOUR ACCOUNT?”

A confused noise comes from the other line, making Narumi’s eyebrow twitch.

“You never mentioned that I couldn’t?

“You’re supposed to just mention your name! Say you’re just Hoshina!”

“Hi everyone from Narumi-chan’s stream! I’m just Hoshina!” 

This jerk—

“Don’t call me that.” Narumi hisses, his hair falling over his eyes and he turns away from the screen with a scoff. “Well too bad you’ve already promoted yourself, so I’m gonna charge you with promotion fees, Mr. Million Subscribers. How would you like to pay, sir? G-coin or yen?” 

“Hm... an MVP win, maybe?”

“The fuck?” Narumi grits his teeth, slamming both palms on his desk and glaring at Hoshina’s in-game character. “I’ll earn it myself! And why are you talking so much anyway? You didn't even bother to talk when we first matched.”

“Can’t I just feel like it?”

“No, you're annoying.”

“How mean.”

Narumi’s bouncing his leg, feeling immensely irritated. It might be the lack of sleep that’s unfortunately catching up to him, but the way that Hoshina’s speaking is pissing him off. Kansai-ben, Narumi notes. 

“Okay enough stalling, bowl cut.” Narumi inches over to his desk, grasping his mouse and placing his fingers over the keyboard. “Let’s get this over with. I’m gonna start the match.” 

“Roger that, Captain.”

Narumi fixes his posture, and cracks his neck—serious mode activated. If there’s anything that Narumi doesn’t play about, it’s skill. He values skill above all else: Strong skills begets respect. 

Narumi and Hoshina drop off at a scattered ruin. Unfortunately for Narumi, the available resources were just healing items and a measly sickle. Narumi curses under his breath, annoyed that it isn’t going as smoothly as expected, especially when he spots a player that’s creeping up to them.

Narumi clicks his tongue and acts fast, having no choice but to resort to the sickle, before charging towards the person.

➠ CaptainNarumi killed imgr8atthisgame.

@nrmgnluvr: NARUMI GOT THE FIRST KILL OF THE GAME LET’S GO

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: W

“How’s that for a first kill, player HoshinaSoushirou?” Narumi boasts, the edge of his lips curling into a smirk.

“Pretty unoriginal I would say.” Hoshina chirps. “My first kill is with a melee weapon within the first minute of the game too.” 

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: oof

@nrmgnluvr: can’t defend you on this one

“You arrogant little—”

Hoshina’s character runs away and Narumi chases after him, wielding his sickle in the air like a maniac while Hoshina laughs.

@ch3rryblsm: children pls behave

@t0nkatsu: let’s hope they don’t get sniped or sumn wwwwwwww

“You don’t take jabs too well, don't ya?” Hoshina teases and Narumi, with a straight face denies it.

“You’re wrong, of course I do.”

@montblanc: this dude has over 120k witnesses and yet he still chooses to lie

@nrmfangirl: SHHHHHHHH we all know he doesn’t, just humor him 

“I can still read the chat even while I’m playing.” Narumi says, looking into his webcam. “I can multitask, you know?”

@NarumisTwoTonedHaired: BUSTED

The chat floods with more new comments and Hoshina whistles, “Is that so?”

“Yeah?” Narumi raises a brow. “What about it?”

“Nothin’! Oh hey, it’s the gun you were usin’.”

“Where?”

There’s a short pause before Hoshina responds.

“In my hotbar.”

“What!” Narumi yells, watching as Hoshina takes it out. “Since when?”

“Since the start of the game?”

“Fine, you can keep it.” Narumi huffs, leaving HoshinaSoushirou behind to gather more items. “It’s not like you can maximize it anyway.”

.

.

.

➠ HoshinaSoushirou MVP! ⭐️

➠ #2/100 CaptainNarumi

Narumi stares hard at his screen. 

If looks could kill, Narumi’s monitor would’ve burst into flames by now. His eyes are nearly close to popping out, willing for it to change, but the words on the game remained: HoshinaSoushirou MVP.

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: NO FUCKING WAY

@iwatchlosergamers: REVENGE MATCH GONE WRONG?!

@montblanc: MY KING WON! 👑

@nrmgnluvr: I'm embarrassed for Narumi omg

While Narumi is busy staring daggers into the post-match result, Hoshina is laughing his ass off. Its loudness is resonating through Narumi’s headphones, which immediately gets into Narumi's nerves. 

“I see that you’re showing us your true color, Hoshina.” Narumi deadpans, blank eyes peering through his hair.

“What do ya mean?” Hoshina asks as his laughter starts to die down. “This is how I normally act, you can ask my viewers.”

“No!” Narumi interjects, visibly annoyed. “You were completely different when you first opened your mic!”

“Oh?” Hoshina’s tone abruptly changes and Narumi stills, subtly shifting in his seat. “Care to elaborate?”

“What—why would I!” Narumi stammers, silently cursing himself, but he chooses to mask it with an angry expression. “No. I don’t owe you an explanation! Anyway.”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: why are you changing the topic already 👀 answer the guy!

@montblanc: ?

@iwatchlosergamers: 🤔❓

Narumi chooses to ignore the chat for the time being.

“There’s no fucking way that this is your second day playing!” Narumi accuses, face contorting into confusion. “Are you just pretending to be a newbie?”

“Watch my brother’s stream yesterday if ya don’t believe me. Plus why would I lie to ya, Narumi-chan? What good thing can I get out of it?”

Narumi pinches the bridge of his nose.

He’s fine. Is he actually fine? No the fuck not! But he sure as hell is going to pretend that he is.

“Like I said—don’t call me that!”

“I guess I’m just naturally good at this game.” Hoshina muses. “Maybe you have... what’s it called? Skill issue?”

“I DO NOT!” Narumi gasps, offended. “YOU HAVE SKILL ISSUES!”

“Who’s been MVP twice in a row now?”

Was that glass shattering? Ah no, it's just Narumi’s ego breaking into pieces.

“SHUT UP YOU’RE SO INFURIATING!” Narumi angrily retorts. “YOUR GAMEPLAY IS GARBAGE!”

“Speakin’ of garbage, you should clean your room first. It looks like a dumpster.”

“What—”

“I’m sorry to cut this fun short, but I gotta get ready for my own stream. Bye Youtube! And talk to ya later, Captain Narumi.”

Hoshina’s character disappears as he disconnects, leaving a baffled Narumi behind who was in the middle of holding his middle finger up.

“What?”

@nrmfangirl: HELP HOSHINA WAS WITH US THE ENTIRE TIME??! 

@montblanc: i didn’t know that

@nrmfangirl: he must’ve joined before all of us lol

@ihavetotouchgrass: i was here since the start and i didn't see his user?

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: wait guys pause

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: do you just realized what happened

@t0nkatsu: what?

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: hoshinanumber1 strikes again

@iwatchlosergamers: LMFAOOOOOOOOO

“Hoshinanumber1 is non-existent!” Narumi protests, crossing his arms. “Not gonna happen, ever.”

@montblanc: how do you feel about losing to hoshina AGAIN

“Shut up! Just so we’re clear, I’m not in the best state right now since I’m sleep deprived. That’s just his beginner’s luck working in action.”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: lmfao but you just said that your lack of sleep won’t affect your gameplay

“Stop using my words against me.” Narumi groans, smacking his palms to his face and he aggressively scrubs it. “I’ll wrap this stream up for now, so thank you guys for watching. Keep in mind that I will reclaim my title and I will not stop until I do!”

➤ The livestream has ended.

Narumi collapses into his futon, face first into his pillow. He’s physically too tired for a tantrum, but he’s (mentally) cursing out Hoshina for stealing his MVP yet again. 

“The fuck am I doing wrong?” he grumbles into his pillow, throwing his arms over his head only to knock over some trash.

“Speakin’ of garbage, you should clean your room first. It looks like a dumpster.”

Narumi lifts his head and looks around his room.

Yamazon boxes, crumpled water bottles, cans of energy drinks, instant ramen packagings, candy wrappers, and a few more random trash littered in his room. He’s about to get up to tidy it up, when he stops himself. It’s not like him to voluntarily clean something, unless his annoying landlord Hasegawa forces him to, joined with a threat of kicking him out lest his trash form a bug army or something. Narumi scoffs.

“You’re not the boss of me, stupid Hoshina.”

Speaking of Hoshina.

Narumi rolls over to his back and reaches over to grab his phone, and he unlocks it. He opens his Twitter to take a look, and as expected, they’re losing their minds over Narumi on second place… again. He sighs, not in the right headspace to troll around. Instead, Narumi finds himself opening Youtube and he taps the search button. The text cursor blinks at him as he pauses, fingers hovering his keyboard: hesitating. 

“Fuck it.”

Narumi searches Hoshina’s account and he feels a ghost of a punch to his gut when he sees the man’s subscribers. 

“Shit, he wasn’t lying?” he blinks, clicking Hoshina’s profile just to double check, and there it still was: 1.2M subscribers. “Not a big deal. It’s just 500k subscribers away from mine anyway. I’ll catch up to him, just so he waits.”

Narumi goes to his ‘videos’ section, and when the thumbnails pops out, it’s Hoshina wielding a katana. Narumi scrolls through them, noting that all 45 of his videos had surpassed 500 thousand views.

“What do they even see in this guy?” Narumi frowns, scrolling to the bottom of his account, and taps his first video titled Hoshina Soushirou: Master Swordsman, lasting for 45 seconds. “I seriously don’t get the appeal. How does he even have that many subscribers? Pretty lame title by the way, I bet the video is boring too.”

The video loads and Narumi falls silent. It fades into an establishing shot of a traditional Japanese house, followed by an elongated opening note of a shakuhachi which shoots chills down Narumi’s spine. It cuts to Hoshina on the floor, sitting in a seiza position. He’s wearing a traditional training outfit, and not a single hair of his stupid bowl cut is out of place: back as straight as a plank. Hoshina’s face is void of any distinguishable emotion, and his katana is situated in front of him.

“I’m Hoshina Soushirou,” Hoshina’s voice says from Narumi’s phone. “I am a descendant of the Hoshina family, a clan of dedicated swordsmen and I am here to demonstrate my skill.” With outstanding poise, Hoshina rises to his feet and takes an impressive structured stance. His hand curls around his katana’s handle, his expression switching to something ominous. Then, in a tone that Narumi has become familiar with, Hoshina’s lips curl into a smirk and his voice drops. “Shall we start?”

An object is thrown towards Hoshina’s direction, and in a blink of an eye, Hoshina had already unsheathed his katana and slashed the object in half with an inhumane speed. Narumi is mesmerized. Hoshina is extremely agile and his precision is no joke. To top it all off, his execution is graceful, able to capture the audience with a simple flick of his hand and his undeniable expertise. 

Before Narumi knows it, Hoshina is sheathing his katana and bowing, the video coming to an end. He blearily blinks, realizing just then that his lips were parted in awe, before quickly closing it. He’s never going to admit it out loud, but he’s a teeny tiny bit impressed. About 0.000001% amazed by the fact that Hoshina actually does know how to wield his sword—but that’s how it should be! Otherwise he’s a sham.

Narumi takes it back, he’s not fascinated by this man’s skill, it’s just… something that he should really have!

Kind of defeated, Narumi is about to close the app when he catches the words that Hoshina is currently live. Wouldn’t hurt to join… right?

➤ gennumber1 has joined your stream!

The video loads and shows Hoshina who’s serenely cleaning his katana. Within seconds of Narumi joining, Hoshina behind the screen perks up upon noticing the newcomer and Narumi swears his smile has gotten wider.

“Oh, it’s Narumi-chan!” 

Shit! He’s using his main account—

@montblanc: narumi??? are you obsessed with hoshina??? why are you here?!

@HoshinasBowlCut: Yooooo it’s the 2nd place dude!

@purpl3lovebot: How much do y’all wanna bet that he’s here to demand a rematch again

Narumi slaps a hand to his forehead, cursing himself for being careless. It’s definitely because of the lack of sleep!

Stupid, stupid, stupid!  

Carefully, Hoshina places his katana down and delicately sets the cloth down to its place. Once done, he leans over, elbows resting on the table and he clasps his hands together.

“What brings ya to my stream hm?” Hoshina hums, resting his chin on his knuckles and he tilts his head. “Aren’t ya supposed to be sleepin’ now? Can’t get enough of me?”

Narumi laughs in disbelief. Where is this guy getting his confidence from?

@gennumber1: don’t be too full of yourself, bowl cut

“Any specific reason why you’re here then?” Hoshina quirks a brow. “Don’t tell me you’re here to ask for a rematch?”

What a fucking jerk!

@gennumber1: that’s slander, i never did that

Hoshina chuckles.

“Sure, Narumi-chan.” 

@gennumber1: CAN YOU STOP CALLING ME THAT?! 😤

@gennumber1: and i’m here cause i forgot to tell you something

“Oh?” Hoshina, the little shit that he is, cups his ear as if Narumi’s not fucking typing on his livechat and is there to whisper it to him instead. “Do tell, I’m all ears.”

@gennumber1: here

@gennumber1: 🖕🏼

@gennumber1: bye

Narumi urgently leaves the stream, his hold on his phone fumbling which causes it to slip and land on his face. He groans in pain and holds his hand to the painful area.

“WHY IS THE UNIVERSE SOOO AGAINST ME TODAY?!” he cries through his palms, pathetically rolling around his futon. He stops and buries his face into his pillow, screaming in frustration. “I DO NOT DESERVE THESE MISFORTUNES! ALL TONGUE THAT RISES AGAINST ME SHALL FALL!”

Wait. What if they’re ganging up on him and badmouthing him on Hoshina’s stream? 

In a flash, he’s on his phone again, switching to an account that (hopefully) no one knows that he owns and searches Hoshina’s account in record speed. 

➤ notnarumigen has joined your stream!

No one bats an eye on his entrance this time. 

“Hah! I successfully infiltrated your stream, bowl cut!” Narumi grins. “Now talk shit about me, I dare you.”

“... do I always wear this compression shirt when I’m training?” Hoshina reads from the chat, thoughtfully rubbing his chin afterwards. “The answer is yes. It's pretty comfortable to use when your body is active. And since I spend a lot of my days honing my swordsmanship, it's my go-to training wear.” 

“They’re not talking about me?” Narumi’s face falls, disappointed.

What's the point of joining again if he couldn't catch them talking behind his back? 

“Ah this is one's an interestin’ question. What do I think of user gennumber1?”

Narumi perks when a grin makes its way to Hoshina’s face. Oh his fangs are protruding. He looks like a cat—

“I think Narumi-chan is a sore loser!”

Narumi lets out a painful choked sound. Hoshina’s words cut through his pride like a fucking dull knife.

“HAH?!”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: LMFAO hoshina u r so right!

“Isn’t that my subscriber? This traitor I swear!” Narumi huffs in disbelief. “First they followed him, and now they’re watching his streams? With my name and hair on their username too!”

“However.” Hoshina trails off. “I find it rather charming.”

Narumi furrows his brows. What does Hoshina mean by that?

“It’s what makes him Narumi-chan.” Hoshina smiles. “Him being a loser is just one of the many contributing factors as to why people are drawn to him and to his content. Also have I mentioned that his viewers are fun? They poke fun at him, but they still have respect and deep admiration for him. And Narumi-chan too, being the one on the receiving end of these comical happenings ain’t easy, but he handles it in an interestin’ way, and I find it quite fascinatin’.”

Oh.

Narumi doesn’t know what to say, his sleepy mind not being much of a help. But then his thumb tapped the comment section, slowly typing out the words, and before he knew it: he asked Hoshina a question.

@notnarumigen: so you like him?

Hoshina cheekily grins, his canines peeking out. “What’s not to like?”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: there’s a lot on the list, but nevermind them for now <3

Narumi laughs softly which transitions into a yawn, his eyes becoming heavier as the minute passes, and so he closes them, turning to his side and loosely holds his phone which is still playing Hoshina’s stream.

“Genuinely speakin’ though, it’s fun playin’ a match with Narumi-chan.” Hoshina beams, “His dedication to the game is no joke, like seriously how did he manage to play for 26 hours? It's bizarre, but I understand ‘cause you really would go to an extent just to accomplish a certain goal that you have in mind. I would do that too. Ah but Narumi-chan has been workin’ hard, so even if I obtained the MVPs through honest work, make sure to also show your appreciation towards him, hm? But don’t tell him that I said that. This stays between us in this stream, alright?”

As the live chat agrees, it goes unnoticed on the other end of the stream where the subject of their topic, Narumi Gen himself has knocked out cold, with Hoshina’s comforting voice lulling him into a blissful, well deserved sleep.

Chapter Text

Narumi wakes up feeling oddly well rested and refreshed than he has ever been recently. He groggily sits up, hair strewn all over, eyes crusty and a trail of drool stuck to his cheek. He cringes, wiping it off with his shirt.

Ew. 

But nonetheless, Narumi feels great. Nothing but a good, long sleep after an all nighter.

He reaches to grab his phone, only to find out that it had died. He then huffs and rummages through the piles of mangas that litter near his futon in search for his charger. Narumi finds it, plugs it into the socket and connects it to his phone. After waiting for a while to let it charge, he switches his phone on, frowning when he sees the time: 5:27pm. 

“I slept for nearly a day? Fuck I missed a lot of things, didn’t I?”

Narumi collapses back on his futon, opening Twitter to see the mayhem that he most likely caused from last night’s stream. Unlike the first time, he’s ready for the inevitable teasing from his subscribers along with Hoshina’s. But when he opens the search bar and presses his name, it’s different.

“What’s this?” Narumi perks up.

He wraps his futon around himself while he continues scrolling, pressing the tagged hashtag. Each post that he comes across compliments him, instantaneously making his ego soar and he cackles proudly while liking every single tweet.

“I don't know what's happening today, but I'm absolutely loving it!”

Narumi is furiously typing another reply when the ground quakes and the earth rumbles, then suddenly, he’s crashing face first into a pile of trash—bringing his gunpla down with him. 

“AAAAA MY 1/100 SCALE GUNDAM!” he screeches, unceremoniously scrambling to pick it up and he cradles the detached leg, angrily turning towards the uninvited guest. “WHAT THE HELL HASEGAWA YOU DEMON!”

Hasegawa is standing at nearly seven feet tall. With a bald head, ginormous body build and a huge scar over his left eye, he’s towering over Narumi with his menacing aura. Hasegawa is staring down at him with an impassive look, but Narumi is indifferent. He's fuming. 

Narumi clumsily weaves his way through his trash, facing Hasegawa head-on with his face twisted into fury.

“HASEGAWA! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH THESE THINGS ARE WORTH AND HOW VALUABLE THEY ARE TO ME?!” Narumi squawks, waving his Gundam model’s leg. “You’re committing criminal mischief! This is vandalism! Damage to personal property!”

“A property that I own.” Hasegawa deadpans, face stoic. “A property that you are renting, and therefore should maintain the cleanliness of.”

“I clean my room!” Narumi protests. “You just so happened to walk in when I was in the middle of cleaning, that’s why it’s messy!”

Narumi falls into a pile of trash from being kicked, again.

“AAAAAH HASEGAWA LEAVE ME ALONE!”

“Seriously, kid.” Hasegawa exasperatedly sighs, rubbing his temples. “You’re halfway through your twenties. How are you going to get a lover at this point when you live in a dumpster?”

“What’s my love life have to do with all of this?” Narumi scoffs from being sprawled out on the ground, lying carelessly on his trash. “Worry about your own love life, demon Hasegawa!”

“I’m happily married.”

“Of course you are.” Narumi humors before muttering. “Good for you.”

Hasegawa looks at Narumi, face unreadable, and Narumi only shoots him with a provocative smile.

“Narumi. I hope that you meet your match soon. Someone who can change your life for the better, and someone who can actually control you.”

“Yeah, I highly doubt that.” Narumi laughs, dismissing Hasegawa. “I actually gotta get isekai’d for that to happen.”

“You’re hopeless.” Hasegawa grunts. “Now clean your room before I evict you.”

"HEY!"

Chapter Text

Narumi arrives at the event. 

He’s clothed casually as stated in the dress code. His hair is styled down, with its gray bits peeking through his black strands. He’s clad in a Dr. Marten’s leather boots, comfortable dark cargo pants, and a long sleeved black shirt. The shirt is emblazoned with the game’s concept art and its logo along with Narumi’s name printed onto its back. To finish his look, a customized lanyard that’s attached to his ID/room pass is looped around his neck.

Narumi makes his way up to the area after being dropped off by his designated ride (as provided by the game management). He instantly sees people who are queued up: waiting for the gates to open. The place is already bursting with high energy. Music is blaring through the speakers, accompanied by the lively chatter of the attendees. Speaking of the attendees.

“Guys! It’s Narumi-san!”

“Yo.” Narumi smirks as a group approaches him. “Have anything for me to sign?”

“Yes!” “Can you sign my arm?” “Sign my forehead!” “Please sign my controller!” “Can we take a picture with you?”

“One at a time.” Narumi grins, thriving from the attention as he’s handed a pen. “Make sure to post Narumi you’re so cool on twitter ten times. And I better see you guys on my portion later.”

“YES!”

Narumi signs what is handed to him, a smile present on his lips as he snaps a picture and chats with his fans. However it was short-lived when a staff member approached him, politely letting him know to report to their designated area. He says his farewell, promising to the group that they’ll talk again when he has the time.

After reporting to the staff and getting the necessary things out of the way, Narumi is led to the creator’s lounge. Upon opening the door, he’s greeted by the sight of a teen girl with blonde hair who’s currently sitting on the couch, being attended to by a butler and seemingly unbothered by Narumi’s arrival. Narumi crosses his arms and leans against the doorframe with a blank expression on his face.

“Nepo baby.” 

The girl gracefully takes the tea cup that is handed to her with her pinky jutting out, her posture all poised and unshakable. She serenely takes a sip then peers at Narumi.

“Master moron.” 

Narumi inhales. An angry tick appears on his temple as he stomps his way inside, and the butler moves out of his way, bowing to show respect.

“Hey Shinomiya!” Narumi seethes, scowling at the latter. “Is this the right way to greet your mentor?!”

“You’re the one that’s not addressing me properly.” she huffs, handing her teacup to the butler to stand up, placing a hand on her hip. “My name is Shinomiya Kikoru!”

“Well Shinomiya Kikoru, you’re still the nepo baby that I mentored to get better at playing the games that your father had developed!”

“Need a medal for that, master moron?”

“You—”

“Excuse me…” 

Both heads turn to the newcomer. The guy is similar to Narumi’s height, with long white hair fading into purple and it’s styled into a braid. Narumi’s eyebrow twitches, sensing familiarity within the man, but he just can’t pinpoint what it is. 

“I just came to get—ah there it is.” he grabs a dome shaped treat with spiraling paste, topped with whipped cream from their food bar and bows, on his way out of the door again. “Please excuse me.”

Then he’s gone. Narumi furrows his brows, irritation prickling his spine.

“Shinomiya, who was that?”

“Master moron.” Shinomiya sighs, shaking her head. “You don’t even know who you’re guesting with?”

“Leave me alone.” he clicks his tongue, angrily tapping his foot on the floor. “I forgot, okay?” 

“So irresponsible of you.” Shinomiya jabs, flicking her hair back before returning to her seat. “He’s the third guest player. Hoshina-san is a YouTuber based here in Tachikawa and has over 500k subscribers.”

Narumi freezes, his foot landing heavily on the ground. 

“Hoshina…?”

“Hoshina Souichirou.” 

“Ah...” 

The wrong Hoshina. 

Shinomiya raises a brow and Narumi frowns.

“What?”

“Why did you sound disappointed?"

“Disappointed?” Narumi forces a laugh, shoving his hands into his pockets. “You’re hearing things! You should get your ears checked!”

“Whatever you say, master moron.” 

“Shut up nepo baby!”

“My name is Shinomiya Kikoru, master moron!”

The opening program commences and leaves them in high spirits.

With peak expectations for the game, the audience proceeds to the next part of the event: the showcase. They gather into the space that was assigned for it, an open area that’s extravagantly designed with the game’s elements. Three computers are lined up on a raised platform, each accompanied by a monitor that will display the player’s screen, and multiple chairs are set-up in front for viewing.

“Everyone, it’s time for the gameplay showcase!” Kurusu, the game’s marketing operations manager, also known as today’s host, says into the mic as he stands on the platform and the crowd cheers. “We are live in Tachikawa today, in streaming sites and also across our platforms so say hi to the cameras.” Kurusu waves as a cameraman points the camera to them, the crowd follows suit. “Let’s also greet our live viewers! We’re glad that you can join us today!”

@hkxigrsh: whoot whoot

@subjg8: hi!

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: wheres gennumber1

@Minase_Akari: GO KIKORU

@ultincarnationfan: souichirou AAAAAAAA

“We are joined by three talented gamers today! Let me introduce: Shinomiya Kikoru-san, Hoshina Souichirou-san, and Narumi Gen-san!”

The audience cheers and applauds as the three make their way up to the platform, bowing before taking their respective seats, Narumi at the center computer.

“As seen from the game concept and its official trailer, Subjugate is set in a world where grotesque monsters—or kaijus—exist in Japan!” Kurusu articulates, his ment accompanied by the game visuals that are playing on a large screen behind them. “To save Japan and to combat these beasts, the government established an elite military unit known as the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force! The players will be playing as its members who will take care of these destructive creatures.”

As Kurusu explains the overview, Narumi and the others gear up. With their names displayed on their respective viewing screen, the audience watches as they adjust the game settings to their taste.

“Each character will equip a combat suit.” Kurusu continues, “There will be a pre-game to determine the amount of unleashed combat power that you have, and the said combat power will affect your strength in combat. For a fair game, each player will be given the same weapon for the pre-game, then at the main game, you are free to equip your characters with a weapon that you prefer. Guest players, if you may.”

The three demonstrate the equipping of both the suit and starter weapons. They load into an arena that will test their skills in the game, which will greatly contribute to their power. The test consists of accuracy, battle IQ, reflexes and understanding of the opponent.

“Now keep in mind that our guest players have access to beta testing, so they have advanced knowledge and their combat power will be higher than usual. That being said, here are the results: Shinomiya Kikoru-san with 47%, Hoshina Souichirou-san with 53% and Narumi Gen-san with 65% combat power!”

Narumi smirks as the crowd gasps, immensely satisfied with their reaction. 

Kurusu segues to the actual match, explaining that there will be a total of 100 players in a single, domestic match. You can play with a squad consisting of a maximum of four characters, a trio, a duo, or a single player. The gameplay is simple, in 30 minutes time, the players are spread across a vast, connected map. To win, they must strategize, avoid taking damage, refrain from harming other players, hiding and dodging enemies, and they must gather as many points as possible from killing multiple kaijus. There are three classified kaijus: Yoju, Honju and Daikaiju, each with an equivalent of different points. The bigger the Kaiju, the more points it gives. It is also possible to harm other players and to kill them, however there will be a deduction to your accumulated points per person that you eliminate. 

Kurusu also explains that as part of the showcase, the guest players have their special, customized weapon in game: Shinomiya Kikoru with an axe, Hoshina Souichirou with a large katana, and Narumi Gen with a bayonet.

“We’re moving forward to the actual match now! 100 real players, three of them will be our guest players who will now be playing against each other.” Kurusu hypes the crowd up. “From all the players. Who will prevail? Who will win our special prize?”

The crowd shouts different names and Kurusu urges them on until he’s satisfied. Once done, he turns to the players.

“Does anyone want to say any words before we start?” Narumi raises his hand. “Yes, Narumi-san?”

“I won’t take up much of your time, but I just want to say that…” Narumi pauses for a more dramatic effect, reaching up to push his hair: revealing the entirety of his gray hair, eyes glinting with fervor. “I will win.”

The crowd sits on the edge of their seats as the match commences. The livestream chat is pouring in with energetic comments, divided into cheering for different players. All three guest players showed exemplary playstyle, able to garner points in an extremely efficient way. 

“Narumi-san has taken down another honju!” Kurusu marvels. “That’s two honjus in twenty minutes!”

“Man,” Hoshina Souichirou sweatdrops, “Leave some for us, will ya?”

Narumi says nothing, completely immersed as his in-game character hops off deeper into the map to find his next target, slaughtering a yoju on his way. Narumi gets lost in the zone, even opening his mic, helping struggling players by letting them know where to aim, exchanging the explosive rounds of their guns to freezing rounds to effectively fight off a kaiju. Narumi is unknowingly taking the lead, defending himself as well as the others against the enemies. 

It’s no surprise that Narumi is hailed as the winner when the game wraps up. 

“With an accumulated number of nearly 10,000 points—Narumi-san has won the match!”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: hell yeah

@nrmfangirl: CONGRATS KING

Narumi pumps his fist in the air, a proud grin creeping its way to his lips as the crowd roars with applause. 

“I was completely overpowered there.” Hoshina Souichirou smiles in defeat, leaning back on the chair.

“This isn’t the end of it.” Shinomiya Kikoru huffs, flicking her hair back. “I’ll keep on getting better!”

Kurusu congratulates Narumi, Shinomiya, and Hoshina for their participation, and since the awarding will take place later on, Narumi is excused from the stage for the time being as the others had to be present for the segment which was a raffle. Narumi is ruffling his hair down, its black strands mostly covering the gray part as he descends the makeshift stairs and walks to the backstage.

“Hi, Captain Narumi.”  

Narumi stops on his tracks upon hearing a rather familiar voice. He lifts his gaze, only to meet a certain purple, fox-like eyes. 

Oh. 

It’s the right Hoshina.

“Hoshi—” Narumi’s voice gets caught up in his throat. His gaze falls from Hoshina’s eyes down to what he’s wearing: A dark button-down shirt, the first two buttons undone to show his white undershirt. Both of his top garment tucked into a loose dark slacks, secured by a belt that’s definitely helping to accentuate his waist, and a pair of oxford shoes. Even his hideous bowl cut didn’t have a single strand out of place, and it looks soft to touch. 

Objectively, Hoshina Soushirou looks good.

Narumi catches a whiff of Hoshina's perfume, something sweet and his breath involuntarily hitches, but he covers it with a cough, willing himself to frown to hide his surprise.

“Bowl cut.” he weakly corrects himself, clearing his throat. “What are you doing here?”

Narumi mentally slaps himself from asking such a dumb question. His brother is here, of course he’s here to support him!

“I’m here to watch ya, what else?”

Narumi’s face betrays himself as he feels himself flush from Hoshina’s words. He hides his pink cheeks by bringing the back of his hand to his face—turning away. 

“You think I’d believe you?”

“I’m also here to get your autograph.”

“Yeah right, where’s your pen and paper?”

“Ah that. Here.”

Narumi spares him a glance, eyes falling onto Hoshina’s stretched out hand. Narumi hesitantly takes the paper he’s holding out, flipping the supposedly blank “paper” around only to see that it was Hoshina’s business card.

Hoshina Soushirou
CEO, Hoshina ForgeWorks
042-XXX-XXXX

“What the fuck?” Narumi whispers to himself, absorbing the fact that this guy is a CEO. 

“What am I supposed to do with this?” Narumi asks, a dumbfounded expression present on his face and Hoshina smiles sweetly.

“Sign it? That's all I have.”

“Where’s your pen?”

“Ah, I forgot to bring one. You can keep that for the meantime.”

Narumi opens his mouth to retort, but nothing comes out. Instead he pockets the business card and he notes how Hoshina looks pleased at the action.

“I’m just putting it in my pocket because there’s no bins around and one shouldn’t litter!” Narumi defensively huffs. “Don’t think about other things!”

“Hm…”

Hoshina’s face shifts into a serious look, suddenly crossing his arms, and cupping his chin with his index finger and thumb. He looks over at Narumi, and Narumi stills, feeling like a prey under Hoshina’s steel eyes.

Narumi fights back a shiver.

“W-What are you doing?” Narumi grits his teeth, his heartbeat picking up its pace, hands balling into a fist.

“Oh, my apologies for starin’.” Hoshina coolly says, breaking out of his own bubble. “I just didn’t think that you’d be taller than me. ‘Cause ya looked tiny in your streams.”

Narumi feels a painful stab to his heart. 

“TINY?!” Narumi explodes, his nerves constricting into an annoyed tick—more so when he saw the upward pull in Hoshina's lips. “I’M 175CM! HOW DARE YOU CALL ME TINY? I CAN CRUSH YOU!”

“Pft—”

“DID YOU JUST SNORT?! Are you making fun of me?” Narumi’s face falls, offended. “I’m going to kick you! Wait, I should do it three times! I really really need to kick you for stealing my MVPs—” 

Narumi stops mid-sentence, a spontaneous thought popping up in his mind. Hoshina slightly cocks his head to the side, wondering about the sudden pause.

“Hey,” Narumi mutters. “Are you free right now?”

“Depends on who’s askin’.”

“Bowl cut, you are so annoying.” Narumi exasperates. "I'm asking!” 

“Hm?” Hoshina raises a brow, a sly grin creeping up to his lips. “Why? Are ya askin’ me out on a date?” 

“A WHAT?!” Narumi stammers. “You wipe that look off your face! It’s nothing like that! I’m asking for a rematch! Fight me on Subjugate! Like right now to prove that you didn’t cheat me off my win!”

“Oh.” 

“Fuck off! You really have the nerve to sound disappointed?”

“Kinda got my hopes up for a second.” Hoshina sighs, solemnly looking away. 

What a jerk!

Narumi slaps his palms to his own face, scrubbing angrily.

“You are impossible.”

“I’m kiddin’.” Hoshina laughs, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Let’s do what ya want, Narumi-chan.”

“Don’t call me that.” Narumi scolds. “Stay here. I’ll talk to the staff.”

“Roger that, Captain Narumi." Hoshina salutes, and Narumi shakes his head before approaching an event manager, painfully aware of his angry flushed look.

Stupid bowl cut…

Chapter Text

“And that concludes our mini raffle! Congratulations to all of our winners!”

Kurusu shifts to close the gameplay showcase by proceeding towards the awarding of the guest players for their participation, when he hears his earpiece crackle: the event manager relaying an important news.

“Ah—it seems that the fun has been extended! I’ve received a word just now that there is a surprise guest and they will be joining us on stage for a match. Any guesses on who it might be?”

Kurusu points the mic towards the audience, expectantly looking around.

“Give us a hint!” Someone shouts and Kurusu ponders about it, gaze falling onto Hoshina Souichirou who’s currently sat near the stage beside Shinomiya Kikoru.

“Let me see…” he makes a show of thinking hard about it, before gesturing towards the white haired man’s direction. “Hoshina Souichirou-san is the hint!”

“Huh?” Souichirou perks up as people turn to him and he shakes his head, waving his hand. “I’m not tellin’ ya guys anythin’ ‘cause I have no idea either.”

@souichirouskatana: does anyone else know of souichirou-sama’s circle of gamer friends without researching

@HSNschr: UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

@souichirouuuuu: honestly can’t recall

@nrmgnluvr: lmao

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: FAKE ASS FANS 👎🏼

“Give us more hints!”

“Nope, that’s all you’re getting. Any more guesses, or are you guys giving up?” Kurusu playfully challenges, searching the crowd. “How about we ask the live viewers?”

@subjug8: ashiro mina…?

@HSNschr: You guys are all wrong! The special guest is obviously Souichirou-san’s brother 🤡

@montblanc: yeah right, we wish it was. he has never attended an event like this even though his brother is pretty active in this field, so i highly doubt it.

@nrmgnluvr: sounds like he doesn’t like his brother enough to support him lol

@souichirouskatana: plus soushirou’s not even a gamer! 

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: are u sure abt that

“Alright, time's up. I’m gonna reveal it now!” 

The audience expectantly looks up at Kurusu, and Kurusu, the good host that he is, pauses for a good fifteen seconds.

…

…

…

“Joining us on stage today is none other than… Hoshina Soushirou-san!” Kurusu excitedly announces.

“Huh?”

“And coming up next will be a 1v1 fast match between Hoshina Soushirou-san and Narumi Gen-san!”

“EHHHHH?!” The crowd erupts into a boisterous fit, the live comments following suit.

@HSNschr: Ah…… I was right?

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: WHAT. THE. FUCK.

@nrmgnluvr: NO WAY?!?!?!?!

@iwatchlosergamers: This will be legendary HOLY FUCKING SHIT YOU GUYS?! DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE GRAVITY OF THIS??????

@montblanc: they met each other? lol.

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: FUCKKKKKKK

@ihavetotouchgrass: this happened way sooner than i had expected

“Everyone give them a round of applause!”

Hoshina makes his way up to the stage with Narumi trailing behind him—his face unreadable. In contrast to Narumi’s blank expression, Hoshina is cheerful, his fangs peeking out as he grins and waves at the crowd after bowing. 

“Hi!” Hoshina beams, holding up both his hands for a peace sign. “Bet I surprised ya guys.”

@HoshinasBowlCut: I CAME HERE AS FAST AS I HEARD

@Purpl3lovebot: My man looks SO GOOD

@ch3rryblsm: OMGOMGOMGOMG

@HoshinasBowlCut: HOSHINAAAAA

@t0nkatsu: narumi and hoshina in one frame?! i’m gonna DIE

@nrmfangirl: Narumi noooo you’re gonna get your ass beat again!!!!!!

@nrmgnluvr: GIRLLL what no Narumi has way more chances of winning this than Hoshina

@HoshinasBowlCut: THIS IS UNFAIR! from what I know Narumi has advanced knowledge abt this game which means he has advantage. i doubt hoshina even knew of the game’s existence. narumi will definitely win!!!!

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: you wanna bet @HoshinasBowlCut

@HoshinasBowlCut: what are we even putting on the line?

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: our dignity, i’m betting that hoshina will win

@HoshinasBowlCut: y'know i love hoshina, but im gonna say that narumi will win on this one

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: aight bet

“The program will be taking a short break!”

Hoshina is instructed to take his brother’s seat which is situated on Narumi’s right side. Hoshina makes himself comfortable on the gaming chair, grabbing the headphones and letting it hang on his nape. Kurusu then offers to explain the mechanics to Hoshina, but Narumi beats him to it.

“I’ll do it.”

Narumi drags his chair towards Hoshina. He slumps down on it, leaning back and crossing his arm, blankly looking at Hoshina through his hair.

“Oh? That’s very nice of ya, Narumi-chan~”

Narumi clicks his tongue but fights the outburst that’s bubbling up his throat. They have a hundred people in front of them right now as well as the live viewers, so naturally, Narumi stops himself from throwing a fit.

“Shut up and listen closely because I’m not repeating anything.”

“As you wish, Captain Narumi.”

With occasional support from Kurusu, Narumi guides Hoshina through the game, starting from the controls, mechanics and game information. He mentions the things to do and what not to do, and suffice to say that Hoshina is an extremely quick learner. A few more run downs and he’s already gotten the hang of it, now ready to proceed with the unleashed combat power test. 

At least twenty minutes have passed and Kurusu is taking the mic and communicating with the crowd once again, building up the energy as Hoshina takes the pre-game match, the audience watching in awe. Narumi hasn’t left Hoshina’s side, he’s leaning forward, lips pursed and eyes glued to Hoshina’s screen, wondering how in the world that this guy is doing good at a game that was just released for the public.

“Hoshina Soushirou-san combat power is…  29%!” Kurusu reveals, astonished. “Which is genuinely impressive since he isn’t even a part of the beta testers, and the estimated combat power of new players is at least 10%!”

“Pft. It’s still nothing against mine.” Narumi snorts and Hoshina quirks a brow at him. “My combat power is way higher.” 

Hoshina slightly twists his chair to face Narumi who’s still leaning forward, and ducks his head to Narumi’s level, voice dropping as he catches the latter’s startled gaze.

“It’s because you have advantage, Narumi-chan~”

“TOO CLOSE!” Narumi flinches back, rolling his chair back to his own space. His face is burning up but he masks it with anger, and luckily for him, their face cam as well as mic isn’t on yet. “Thanks for stating the obvious, bowl cut. Now pick your main weapon!”

Hoshina laughs but does as Narumi says. He picks a dual blade—which by the way is very on brand of him. Narumi huffs, grabbing his own headphones and slipping it on to prepare himself for the match.

“Since Narumi-san is the winner in the first match, he automatically gets the special prize that we mentioned earlier. However, I’ve been informed that Narumi-san is willing to give it up to this segment’s winner. Is that right, Narumi-san?” Kurusu asks, approaching Narumi by standing in the space between him and Hoshina. “Can you elaborate on that?” 

Kurusu points the mic at Narumi’s direction, and Narumi shrugs.

“I’m putting it out there again just for formalities, but I know that I’ll get it back anyway since I’m gonna win in this match, cause why would I lose?” he smirks, “And I’m also being a good player by giving Hoshina-san a chance to win it as well. Maybe he’ll get motivated when a special prize is involved.”

“I see. And what can you say about that, Hoshina-san?” Kurusu follows up, turning to Hoshina.

“Hm.” Hoshina hums, glancing over at Narumi who’s currently avoiding his gaze. “I might be amenable to that.”

“Great! Okay before we start the match let me hear what the audience has to say.” Kurusu leaves the stage and steps into the viewer’s area, leaving the two behind as the crowd shifts their focus.

“Narumi-chan.” Hoshina calls out, but Narumi refuses to look at him. Instead he’s pretending to be busy with his controls, adjusting his crosshair and all. 

“What.”

“If I win this match, promise to buy me coffee.”

“Hah?!” Narumi snaps, turning to Hoshina’s direction to scowl at him. “Forget about promising to buy you anything because first of all, who says you’re winning?”

“The keyword is if.” Hoshina teases, an amused look settling on his face. “Unless you’re goin’ to let yourself lose to someone who only learned about the game today?”

“No way!” Narumi exclaims, more of his hair falling over his forehead and something flickers in Hoshina’s eyes, but he says nothing. “I will not let that happen!”

“Then make it a reality.”

“Watch me, bowl cut jerk.” Narumi growls, discreetly flipping him off and Hoshina heartily laughs.

“Bag a win or get me coffee, choose wisely Narumi-chan~”

“Stop calling me that!”

“Proceeding to the match now!” Kurusu declares as he returns to the stage. “A heads up for Narumi-san and Hoshina-san, your face cams as well as mics will now be activated for better live audience viewing. Ready when you are!”

Hoshina is all smiles as he waits for the cue, meanwhile Narumi is sporting a rather scary look that Kurusu didn’t want to prod.

“1v1 match, start!” 

Narumi makes a run for it, his in-game character clutching his personalized bayonet. Compared to the casual match that he played earlier with the other two guest players, the map isn’t as wide and the kaijus aren’t as prevalent. He actually has to look for them this time. 

The ten minute timer for the match is slowly counting down. For the fast match, there is a scoreboard that displays their current points, and both players are at zero until nearly a minute passes and Hoshina’s numbers move. 

“Hoshina-san kas killed the first yoju!”

“Ah, the first kill is mine it seems.” Hoshina remarks, making Narumi’s eyebrow twitch. “You okay there Narumi-chan?”

“Don’t underestimate me.” Narumi mutters, frowning as he searches for something to neutralize. “You just got lucky with your placement.”

“On your behalf, shall I file a complaint to the developers for makin’ it easy for me?”

“Shut up bowl cut.” Narumi groans, “Don’t make me come over to where your character is, I will attack you.”

“Wouldn’t that give ya negative points from harmin’ another player since you’re currently at zero?” 

“You—I wish I could mute you.” 

“No can do, this is a verbal conversation.” Hoshina laughs. “You have no escape.”

“Tch. I’ll just turn my headphones up.”

“Suit yourself.”

Narumi sneaks a glance at Hoshina. He’s way too relaxed for someone who’s playing a new game and the thought further annoys Narumi.

“Where are you getting the confidence?” Narumi raises a brow as he kills two yojus, watching his point rise in count, surpassing Hoshina’s. “Need I remind you who’s number one?”

“Gen number one, I suppose?” Hoshina humors him and Narumi scoffs, stealing another glance. “Of course.”

Narumi hunts more yojus, skillfully dodging their advances and stabbing their core with his bayonet, gradually increasing his points. After each kill, Narumi can’t help but let his eyes wander to Hoshina’s direction. Hoshina who’s unusually good at wielding an in-game blade. Is he perhaps applying his real life mastery of swords? Is that even possible?

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: can gennumber1 stop looking at mr. bowl cut and focus on the game

@montblanc: excuse me "mr. bowl cut" has a name and it's hoshina soushirou!

@iwatchlosergamers: Boy you’ll break your neck

@nrmfangirl: Take a shot everytime Narumi looks at Hoshina 

@ch3rryblsm: i think he forgot that he has a facecam that’s like… catching everything

@t0nkatsu: can’t blame narumi tho

@HoshinasBowlCut: STOP LOOKING AT MY MAN!!!!

@montblanc: no stop looking at MY man

Narumi mentally smacks himself. 

Focus, Narumi. 

He furrows his brows as the timer falls halfway. Five minutes in and the gap between him and Hoshina isn’t far off, but the fact that Hoshina is performing well is not a good news for Narumi. Where are the honjus?  

Narumi jerks as he hears a loud thud resonating in his headphones and he twists his in-game character around, only to catch a glimpse of Hoshina’s character from afar who’s standing on top of a ginormous deceased honju, blades buried into its core. Narumi hears him snicker nearby and Narumi indignantly grits his teeth.

“You seem awfully distracted, Captain Narumi.”

“Shut up I am not!”

To prove his point, Narumi sets off to find his next target. He glances at the scoreboard, noting that Hoshina’s point has exceeded his from killing the honju, and Narumi is NOT a fan of that. Narumi turns to a street and he stills when the game’s music changes. The ground beneath his character then shakes when a gargantuan kaiju erupts from the ground, showering the area with debris. 

“Ah… seems like a tough opponent has shown up.” Hoshina lowly chuckles, curling his arm to cradle his nape. 

“Daikaiju incoming!” Kurusu commentates. “Either you fight it alone or neutralize it together!”

Narumi blinks dumbly, Kurusu’s words flying over his head. He’s not sure how and when he had turned, but he’s currently looking at Hoshina’s biceps as Hoshina cracks his neck. Are those… defined muscles? 

Out of the blue, Narumi dazingly wonders if Hoshina could crush—

“Narumi-chan!”

Narumi doesn’t get a chance to react. As he shifts his attention to his monitor, something huge falls onto his character: painting his screen red.

── .✦ You died!

CaptainNarumi was crushed by a car.

── .✦ HoshinaSoushirou wins!

For being the player that survived.

“...”

Narumi’s face falls and the crowd simultaneously gasps. It goes quiet for a few seconds as they process Narumi’s death, until Kurusu speaks up.

“That was uhm—very anticlimactic…” Kurusu timidly says, scratching his head and Hoshina bursts into laughter.

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: NARUMI WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?!

@iwatchlosergamers: 🤦🏻‍♂️

@HSNschr: ^^ this person’s username is so funny LOLLLLLLLLLL

Narumi leans against his chair and slaps both his hands to his face. Meanwhile Hoshina is holding his stomach, laughing uncontrollably.

@HoshinasBowlCut: CTFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU 

@purpl3lovebot: OMG HOSHINA MY KING GOOD JOB

@HoshinasBowlCut: NOW WHO SAID HOSHINA WILL LOSE?

@nrmgnluvr: Uh, you did?

@HoshinasBowlCut: what?

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: forgetting something?

@HoshinasBowlCut: what is it

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: dude

@HoshinasBowlCut: i’m confused

@HoshinasBowlCut: wait

@HoshinasBowlCut: FUCK,,, OUR BET?!?!?!

@t0nkatsu: lmao

@ch3rryblsm: I WAS HERE !!!!!!!!!!!

“It seems you owe me coffee, Narumi-chan~” Hoshina sing-songs once he calms down, and if there’s any word to describe how Narumi looks as of the moment: it’s yet another look of defeat.

“Fuck...” Narumi curses quietly through his palms, pushing his hands up to grab a handful of his hair. "Don't call me that."

“Hoshina Soushirou-san has won the match!”

“That’s my brother!” Souichirou cheers loudly, but Soushirou shoots him a look, automatically making him pipe down. “Woo….”

In the end, it was Hoshina who got the special prize which is a figure of a kaiju named “10”, along with a customized character figure was promised to be sent afterwards. Hoshina is the first to leave the stage after accepting his prize and saying his thanks, and Narumi’s eyes are heavy on him as he departs.

Narumi falls uncharacteristically quiet once Hoshina descends, face void of any emotion. However, he still plays his part—receiving his participation plaque, joining photo-ops, giving out his closing speech, saying his thanks and such. Kurusu ends the program and they all bow, thanking the viewers for watching and they all resign backstage.

“Narumi-san! Thank you for joining us today.” Kurusu bows, and Narumi returns it.

“Thank you as well for giving me this opportunity, Kurusu-san. I had fun.” Narumi truthfully says, “Send my regards to Director Shinomiya.”

“Yes sir! Oh and here is an additional souvenir.” Kurusu hands Narumi a Subjugate themed pen which Narumi gratefully accepts and shoves into his pocket.

“GG, Narumi.” Souichirou smiles as he passes by, patting Narumi’s shoulder before leaning over to whisper. “Soushirou’s waitin’ for ya outside, you better go.”

Narumi looks at him but Souichirou is already leaving, waving goodbye.

“Black subaru!” 

Narumi makes it outside, only stopping to take a picture with his fans who lightly poked fun at him for losing his prize as well as the 1v1. He decides to humor them by brushing it off as an unexpected victory for his opponent before thanking them for their support and excusing himself. He steps out into the road, head jerking as he hears a car honking and he sees a parked subaru nearby. The tinted window rolls down as Narumi approaches the vehicle, and it reveals a grinning Hoshina.

“Yo, Narumi-chan.”

“Leaving already?” Narumi asks, shoving a hand into his pocket as he runs the other through his hair.

“Aren’t ya treating me to coffee? Why would I leave?” Hoshina cocks his head to the side. 

“You know I never really agreed to anything.” Narumi says as a matter of fact, but Hoshina just smiles.

“You’re goin’ back on your word?”

“I’m not since I never agreed to it!”

“But I won, so.”

“So?”

“I get coffee.” 

Narumi pinches the bridge of his nose, feeling his blood pressure spiking up. 

“You’re so insufferable. Will you shut up if I buy you your coffee?”

“Yes.”

“Ugh alright have it your way.”

“Great! Get in then.”

“What?” Narumi furrows his brows and Hoshina expectantly looks at him, gesturing towards the passenger’s seat. 

“Come inside. I know a good café nearby.”

“Fine.” Narumi yields, grumbling under his breath as he walks to the other side of the car. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Hoshina is smiling brightly when he opens the door for Narumi, and Narumi only scowls, ungracefully climbing in. He slumps down, buckling the seatbelt before manspreading. He then leans against the seat, looking out of the window. 

“Comfortable?” Hoshina asks and Narumi curtly nods. Hoshina says nothing else and the car jerks a little as Hoshina drives off.

It’s quiet, and somewhat uncomfortable, Narumi thinks. He’s bouncing a leg, biting the inside of his cheek while he watches them drive past establishments. Narumi doesn’t dare to take his eyes off the window, however he becomes hyper aware of Hoshina’s presence next to him, and it doesn’t help that the car smells like Hoshina.

Sweet. Like chocolate and a woody fragrance.

“Are ya sulkin’?” Hoshina breaks the silence, making Narumi jump. 

“Fuck off.” he grumbles, trying to play it cool, but his heart is erratically thudding against his chest. 

“Ah, there’s that potty mouth.” Hoshina teases. “I was wonderin’ where it was during the entirety of the gameplay showcase.”

“Obviously I can’t curse since we were live.”

“Aren’t ya cursing on your streams?”

“It’s different.” Narumi sighs, “I control my streams. I’m my own boss, but in today’s event I’m merely a guest. I’m not that irresponsible.”

“Interestin'.” Hoshina remarks and Narumi finally turns to look at him.

Hoshina is driving in a laid-back manner, with only his right hand on the wheel, accompanied by an expensive looking watch on his wrist. Huh…

“Though you give me the impression that you'd defy authority if ya please.”

“I do not!” Narumi shouts before he pauses, a mental image of a furious Hasegawa popping up in his mind. “On second thought, maybe I do.”

Hoshina’s laughter fills the space and Narumi only rolls his eyes before looking away. 

Shortly after, they arrive at the said café and Hoshina parks his car, switching the ignition off and unbuckling his seatbelt. Narumi does the same and he swiftly opens the door once Hoshina unlocks it, the warm evening breeze brushing past his skin. He hears Hoshina lock his car and Narumi leaves him be, striding towards the outdoor furniture and he plops himself on one of the chairs, crossing his arms on the table before burying his face into it. 

“Narumi-chan?” 

Biting back a protest against the name, Narumi digs into one of his pockets and pulls out his wallet, holding it up for Hoshina to take. Hoshina looks at it, lips curling into an amused grin. 

“You have a Gundam themed wallet?”

“Take my money and leave my personalized Gundam wallet be.” Narumi whines into his arm. “Go and buy your coffee.”

“Hm, roger that.”

Narumi hears a squeak of a door opening and a bell and he pushes himself up, frowning when he sees that he’s still holding his wallet.

“The fuck?”

He watches in disbelief as Hoshina goes up to the counter and hands the cashier a card. Narumi incredulously scoffs, and Hoshina has the audacity to look back at Narumi, grin with his fangs peeking out and shooting him some finger guns. 

What is with this guy?!

“I hope you like lattes.” Hoshina says when he returns after a while and Narumi peers at him through the mess that is his hair, slamming bills of yen on the table. 

“What are you playing at, bowl cut jerk? Didn’t you just say that I’ll treat you to coffee? What is this?”

Hoshina simply shrugs and Narumi badly wants to throw something at him. 

“It’s just an excuse to get ya to hang out with me tonight. You can treat me next time.”

“HAH?!” Narumi fumes, “Haven’t you humiliated me enough already? And what’s up with you lying earlier and denying that you were there for your brother?”

“Lie?” Hoshina raises a brow, taking a seat across Narumi’s, crossing his leg over the other. “I genuinely came to watch ya.”

“There’s no reason for you to do that!”

“I happen to live in this area, so when you announced that you’d be here, I kinda wanted to see ya lose in real time.”

“Fuck you!” Narumi spits, getting up and slamming his hands on the table. “I do not lose!”

“Even if I was MVP twice?” Hoshina argues, “And who won the figurine today, hm?”

“You are so annoying! I’m leaving.” Narumi grabs his cash and wallet and turns to leave but a warm hand enclosing around his wrist stops him. 

“Narumi.” Hoshina whispers, eyes infuriatingly sincere as he stares up at Narumi’s own. “Stay.”

Narumi’s face flushes, his heart racing and he immediately falls back down to his chair. His eyes then snaps to Hoshina’s grip on his wrist and Hoshina flinches away, uttering an apology as he withdraws his hand. Narumi says nothing and opts to look away, the tips of his ear burning red as he angrily shoves his wallet back into his pocket.

“Here are your orders sir!”

“Ah thanks.” 

The sweet aroma enchants Narumi’s senses causing his stomach to grumble, and it dawns on him that his last meal was at least seven hours ago. The waitress places a cup of latte in front of him, followed by a plate of a cinnamon bun and Narumi salivates at the sight. Across from him, Hoshina has the same drink with the same latte art, as well as a familiar looking dessert. The waitress bows, leaving the two on their own. Narumi doesn’t realize that he’s looking intently at the treat until Hoshina’s speaking up.

“Do ya wanna swap?”

“What’s that called?” Narumi ignores him, pointing towards the treat.

“Mont blanc.” Hoshina replies and it rings a bell in Narumi’s head. Right, his follower’s name. It makes sense now.

“Do you enjoy eating that?”

“Of course, it’s my favorite.”

“But it looks like a spiral turd.” Narumi deadpans and Hoshina cackles.

“That’s disgustin’ Narumi-chan!”

“I told you not to call me that!" Narumi huffs. "Anyway, I said what I said.”

“You should just go eat and stuff your mouth.” Hoshina urges, crinkling his nose. “Stop disrespecting my food!”

Narumi flips him off before taking a bite off his cinnamon bun. His taste buds rejoice from the sweet food, instantly providing Narumi with energy. He sets the bun back down on the plate, reaching for his drink, then he hears a click. Narumi’s gaze snaps to Hoshina.

“Just took a picture. I hope ya don’t mind.”

“Do I look good in it?” 

“...yes.”

Narumi nods, lifting the cup to take a sip of his latte.

“Use it however you want then.”

Hoshina looks surprised for a split second, then he’s smiling.

“Thanks Narumi-chan.”

Thump.

Narumi decides to just shrug it off instead of replying, looking away as he gulps his coffee, foot tapping the ground. Silence envelops them but it isn’t as unsettling this time. Narumi places his cup down, reaching over to take another bite of his bun and he watches as Hoshina serenely digs his spoon into the treat, delighting as he eats it. Narumi realizes too late that he’s staring when the edges of Hoshina’s lips curl, then he’s leaning over, elbow on the table and his chin resting comfortably on his hand.

“Have somethin’ to say to me, Narumi-chan?”

“Shut up and don’t call me that!” Narumi flushes from being caught. “I’m just—”

“Just?” Hoshina coaxes, eyes inquisitive. 

“Fuck you.” Narumi crosses his arms, deflating in his seat. “I'm accepting my defeat.”

“Oh?”

“Just listen, okay?” Narumi hisses. “And don’t make snide comments!”

Hoshina nods.

“I know I’ve acted really pathetic over the course of knowing you, but seriously how did you do it? You literally beat me, three times now! At first I genuinely thought you were cheating, but clearly not since I witnessed it firsthand and maybe it isn’t luck or anything else but—”

Narumi stops mid-sentence, frowning at Hoshina’s jovial expression. 

“Fuck—I’m rambling. What I’m trying to say is that I’m acknowledging you and your skill! But don’t tell my followers that I said that!”

“I don’t snitch.” Hoshina promises. “Plus, I found you being a sore loser rather endearing.” 

“Don’t flatter me.” Narumi sneers, “What, do you want my autograph or something?”

“Still don’t have a pen.” 

“Luckily for you, I just got one.”

Narumi pulls out his pen souvenir from the Subjugate event and snatches the receipt near Hoshina.

“What do you wanna be addressed by?”

“Just Hoshina would do.”

Hoshina watches curiously as Narumi scribbles on the receipt, face sporting a focused look.

“There, done.”

Narumi slams the receipt in front of Hoshina, and Hoshina bursts into laughter after seeing what was written.

“You really are something, Narumi-chan.”

Narumi proudly grins before flipping Hoshina off.

Chapter Text

“WHAT THE FUCK! IS THIS FOR REAL?!”

Narumi’s eye twitches in disbelief. It’s way too early it’s currently 3pm for this.

He’s in the middle of shoving grilled fish into his mouth when he decides to open the complimentary magazine that accompanied his room service lunch. In the gaming section headline, written in big, bold letters:

CEO OF HOSHINA FORGEWORKS, MASTER SWORDSMAN: HOSHINA SOUSHIROU DOMINATES 1V1 MATCH IN SUBJUGATE EVENT!

Then in a smaller section, right at the bottom of the page, nothing but a measly feature:

Narumi Gen, a YouTube star, wins in a classic match!

“WHAT THE HELL IS WITH THIS SHAMELESS SHOWING OF FAVORITISM?!”

Narumi slams his chopsticks down on the table, grabs his phone and pushes himself up. He paces around his room, wearing a bathrobe that’s delicately wrapped around his figure, being fresh out of the shower. He loads twitter to take a look at the topics, and he sees himself trending alongside Hoshina.

“This user’s switch up should be studied, seriously!"

Narumi dives into his bed, petulantly flailing his limbs around.

“Gen Naru-mid?” he scoffs through the comforter, clutching his phone and glaring daggers into the hideous word. 

“I’ve never heard of such a ridiculous name until now! This seriously takes the fucking cake!”

Nevertheless, Narumi dives into the said hashtag.

“What the hell.” Narumi snorts.

He would be lying if he claims that none of the tweets made him chuckle. Nevermind the context, Narumi is so fucking proud that his fans are funny. Just like him. 

Narumi scrolls further into the hashtag, and he comes across the clips from the livestream. There are multiple clips of his facecam during the moment that he lost to Hoshina, and as expected, they’re feasting on his defeat.

Alas it wouldn’t be twitter without genuine haters.

“lmao look at that stupid face”

“how the fuck do you win a classic match with 100 players yet lose to a 1v1 match against a noob”

“have you guys noticed him condescendingly looking at hoshina? oh he’s so threatened!”

“Threatened?” Narumi frowns, “When did I even look at him?”

Comically, Narumi comes across a video with “Narumi staring at Hoshina during the entirety of Subjugate’s gameplay showcase compilation” as its caption.

“Nearly two minutes long?” Narumi’s jaw drops in disbelief as he lets the clip play, and it’s his facecam along with a fancam to show that he is for real looking at Hoshina. But Narumi has other concerns…

“I forgot to put my hair up.” he bemoans. “Shit, they’re right. I did looked fucking stupid. STUPID STUPID!”

Narumi slaps his cheeks with both hands to calm down. It’s fine. Whatever.

He resumes scrolling, rolling his eyes whenever he sees a video of Hoshina—and it's him and his jovial expression, with his little fangs peeking behind his lips. Narumi falls quiet, yet again coming across another video of him staring at Hoshina.

So what if he looked at the guy a few times? He’s just pissed off by the fact that Hoshina is so damn relaxed when he shouldn’t be! Plus he was mostly glaring at Hoshina in those clips anyway. They should’ve used the word “glare” rather than “stare”.

But at the end of the day, Narumi is still on the short end of the stick. How many posts of twitter users praising Hoshina has he come across now? 

Albeit containing funny tweets, the #gennaruMID tag still had some posts that belittled Narumi while uplifting Hoshina’s achievement, and it kind of angers Narumi. However, Narumi understands that he lost fairly, and it’s best to just leave those people be. It’s not like Hoshina used some dirty tricks to succeed.

It might be tough to admit, but Hoshina deserved that win.

Narumi will never ever be vocal about it, but he acknowledges that for someone who didn’t have knowledge about the game prior to the match, Hoshina genuinely did well and Narumi respects that.

Narumi shakes his head, snapping out of it and he returns to his phone, composing his tweets.

“I’m finally done!” 

Narumi collapses on his bed, his switch falling next to him. His eyes felt really heavy and it slightly aches from the strain of having to look at the screen for uh… how many hours has it been?

Narumi blearily blinks as he grabs his phone, and apparently, it’s already late at night.

When did he start playing again? How many tries did it take him to beat the boss? Narumi has no idea.

By enjoying his vacation, Narumi meant it as “locking himself in his hotel room and playing a new game”.

➤ gennumber1 is now live! 

Current viewers: 40k

Narumi is currently in a café, and he’s sitting in a conveniently secluded corner—his earbuds plugged into his ear. His phone is leaning on a glass that’s placed on a set distance so it frames him nicely, and on his hands is a 3x3 Rubik’s cube. 

“Hey.” he greets his viewers, mindlessly twisting the puzzle. “Sup?”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: i have questions i hope ur prepared

@ch3rryblsm: Hi Narumi! How’s your vacation going?

@nrmfangirl: NARUMIIIIIIIIIIIIII

@iwatchlosergamers: How’s Tachikawa?

“Can’t say much about Tachikawa yet.” he shrugs, “But so far it's been alright. I’ve mostly been in my hotel, but I’m in a pretty neat café right now. I ordered some sweets.”

@nrmgnluvr: WHAT DID YOU ORDER !!!

“Hot chocolate.” 

And a mont blanc. Narumi thinks to himself, curiosity getting the best of him when he sees the familiar treat displayed on the counter.

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: so you and “bowl cut” are friends now huh

“Oh? What the hell? User NarumisTwoTonedHair I can’t seem to read your chats. It’s all… boxes. Maybe a system error?” Narumi dejectedly says, pairing it up with a teasing pout. “It seems that you’re unable to contribute to the live today.”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: WHAT

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: ur lyingghhh

@nrmgnluvr: IJBOLLLLLLLLLLLLL

@ihavetotouchgrass: lmao why are these two always beefing 

@iwatchlosergamers: Because user NarumisTwoTonedHair is like a mini Narumi Gen so they clash

@nrmfangirl: birds of the same feather

“By the way, thanks for the place recommendation guys. Visiting the mall tomorrow first since I think I have some stuff to buy. I’ll go visit the others when I still have some time.”

Narumi then glances at the cube: formulating his rotation. When he finishes calculating, he reads off the chat while his fingers swiftly rotates the puzzle and he solves it in under 6 seconds.

@t0nkatsu: well that was impressive

@nrmfangirl: rubik’s cube master!

@iwatchlosergamers: Narumi, since you’re in Tachikawa and Hoshina happens to be from Tachikawa, are you open for collaborations?

“Why bring up Hoshina? This is my stream you know!” Narumi complains with a click of his tongue. “Oh and I saw what you guys have been posting on twitter! You’re favoring him over me now, huh? Do I need to remind you all where your loyalty should be?”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: #gennaruMID

@nrmfangirl: #gennaruMID

@ch3rryblsm: #gennaruMID

@iwatchlosergamers: #gennaruMID

@ihavetotouchgrass: #gennaruMID

@t0nkatsu: #gennaruMID

@nrmgnluvr: #gennaruMID

“You guys are so fucking annoying.” Narumi rolls his eyes. “Who the fuck did you learn it from.”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: you 🫵🏼

“Box box.” Narumi deadpans, shaking his head. “I can’t see a thing that this user is saying.”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: 🖕🏼

@iwatchlosergamers: Narumi and Hoshina collab? 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

“Okay fine.” Narumi concedes with a huff. “Would it make you guys happy if bowl cut joins me for a stream again?”

They flood “YES” on the chatbox and Narumi incredulously scoffs.

“So you’d rather watch him instead of me? I see.”

@iwatchlosergamers: It’s more of a “we want to see you and hoshina playing a different game”

@nrmgnluvr: Yeah like, why not try a co-op game for a change?

The suggestion piques Narumi’s interest and he ponders about it, placing the Rubik’s cube down on the table.

“What game are we talking about?” he raises a brow, leaning over the table to read the chat better.

@ch3rryblsm: overcooked! 2 mayhaps?

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: but with a twist

@t0nkatsu: the twist: taking a shot everytime they complete a level with three stars!

“Interesting.” he nods, glancing at the mont blanc that’s sitting just outside of the frame. “I’ll talk to bowl cut about it first. But anyway—just wanted to make a quick live. Thanks as usual for watching."

➤ The livestream has ended.

Narumi switches his phone off and reaches for the treat that he has been eyeing for a while now. He takes the spoon and dips it into dessert, his taste buds pleasantly tingling as he puts it in his mouth.

Sweet.

“A collab with bowl cut, huh?”

Chapter Text

Narumi makes it out of the shower, his bathrobe tied snuggly around his waist.

He yawns, his hair dripping wet as he steps over the trash on his floor on his way towards the cabinet, settling on wearing a comfortable white shirt and joggers. He spots the cargo pants that he wore on the day of the event, and decides to rummage through its pockets for any loose change. Upon searching, Narumi feels something that’s definitely a sharper texture than money, and when he pulls it out—he sees that it’s Hoshina’s business card and he rolls his eyes, walking over to where the bin is.

He’s rubbing his hair dry with a towel around his neck as he holds the card out, contemplating as he looks at it, specifically on the numbers that’s written out. Irritation prickles at Narumi’s nape as he spends a long time trying to find a reasonable excuse to throw it out, but he comes out with nothing but petty excuses.

Narumi sighs in defeat, grabbing his wallet instead and slipping it into one of the empty card slots. 

Narumi spends his whole Friday afternoon in LaLaport Tachikawa Tachihi, and suffice to say that he went all out with his purchase. By evening, he’s walking out of a restaurant after getting his fill, both of his hands occupied with numerous shopping bags—a satisfied grin on his face.

Money well spent. 

Narumi’s about to leave the place when he spots a bakery that’s offering a rather interesting promo, and before Narumi knows it, he’s making yet another purchase.

“Thank you dear guest!” the girl behind the counter bows. “Here is your special gift!”

“Thanks.” 

Narumi pockets the said gift and takes the paper bag, struggling a little to hold everything with the new addition, but he’s triumphant in the end. He heads outside to find a ride, temporarily placing his bags down to look at how much money he had left, but when he opens his wallet, his face falls. Apparently, he had just spent the last of his money and inconveniently left his card back in his room.

“Shit.” he curses, realizing just how far away his hotel was from where he currently is. He curses some more and grabs his things with a little difficulty, stomping his way towards the parking space that had little foot traffic so as to not disturb anyone. Narumi then slumps down on a sidewalk under a huge tree, plopping his shopping bags around him. 

“Just my luck.” he sighs, scratching his head. “The fuck do I now?”

Narumi wracks his brain for any possible solution. For someone who’s as proud as him, asking for help is clearly an embarrassing and humiliating option that Narumi would rather walk for miles than to borrow money from someone. If it weren’t for the things that he bought, he would’ve already taken off on his own. He’d gladly take the sore feet path over shame. 

However, back to the problem at hand, he does have things to carry, so he clicks his tongue and pulls out his phone. Narumi checks his contacts, grimacing when he sees nothing but numbers and he realizes that he hasn’t really saved anyone’s contacts. A weird feeling settles on his gut as it dawns on him that he never really had someone to turn to. Whether he’s in Ariake, or in another place, who else is there for him but himself? It’s always been just him for the longest time, but Narumi refuses to pity himself. He’s Narumi Gen, he’s been going solo for years! He’s not lonely.

Narumi chooses to switch his phone off since it doesn’t really have any use. He’s staring at his reflection on the screen, trying to think of anything to help himself out. Does he really have no money left? Maybe he had hidden a few bills for times like this. Narumi opens his wallet once again, and his gaze lands on the glossy cardstock that’s peeking out of his card slot. Hoshina.

Narumi pauses, recalling Hoshina saying that he can contact him anytime after they went to get coffee after the event. He’s mentally weighing the pros and cons of asking for his help, but then he shakes his head, immediately scrapping the idea. He will make fun of you, and he will never let you hear the end of it. 

But who else can he ask for help? He can’t possibly ask Shinomiya Kikoru, and definitely not Shinomiya Isao. No fucking way. And Hoshina? No, not him either. There must be another way. 

Narumi searches his wallet again, but to no avail, so he angrily kicks a pebble, litany of curses pouring out of his mouth.

“Fuck! Did it really have to be now?” he groans, smacking his palm to his forehead. “I really don’t wanna do it, but I look so fucking stupid sitting here. Shit—whatever!”

Narumi sucks it up. He snatches the business card out of his wallet and opens his phone, quickly dialing the number before he changes his mind. As the phone rings, Narumi uncharacteristically feels anxious. Each ring felt heavy on his stomach, so he tucks his legs to his chest, hugging his knees, craving the comfort of a cramped space.

“Fuck.” he weakly curses. “I really should hang up—”

“Hoshina Soushirou.” 

The call connects, Hoshina’s smooth voice filling Narumi’s ear, and Narumi feels his heart rate picking up.

Shit. No going back now. 

“H-Hey.”

“Who is this?”

“Narumi...”

“Ah, Narumi-chan!” Hoshina greets, his tone audibly becoming cheerful. “Finally decided to use my number, hm? To what do I owe ya the pleasure?”

“...”

“Narumi-chan?”

Disapproval bubbles up Narumi's throat, but he fails to speak up. 

“...”

“Still there?”

“Fuck.” Narumi exasperates, burying his face into his palms as humiliation eats him up.

“Hey. Are ya okay?”

“I’m fine—just, don’t laugh okay! If I hear you laugh, I’m hanging up.” Narumi grits his teeth. “I... this is so humiliating. I’m currently outside right now, but I left my card back in my hotel room and I ran out of cash. I know, it’s so irresponsible of me, right?”

Narumi holds his breath, ready to hear Hoshina’s mocking laugh, and for him to make fun of Narumi, but it never comes.

“Do you need money?” Hoshina asks, voice laced with something that’s akin to concern, and Narumi’s heart throbs, his face heating up... probably from humiliation. 

“N-No!” Narumi mentally scolds himself for stammering, resting his forehead on his knee in embarrassment. “I just... kind of need a ride back to my hotel.”

There’s rustling and a clink on Hoshina’s end, and suddenly, it’s like Narumi has been splashed with an ice cold water, waking him up and he starts to regret everything. Shit, why did he even think of disturbing Hoshina in the first place? They’re not even friends! Fuck, Narumi feels so stupid.

“You know what, forget I said anything—”

“Where are you?” Hoshina presses.

“...LaLaport Tachikawa Tachihi.” Narumi murmurs, feeling unusually small. “I’m under this huge tree in the parking lot, and looking really pathetic.”

“Okay, stay where you are.”

“Why...?”

“I’ll come and pick you up.”

Narumi falls silent, yet he can hear his pulse in his ear. Narumi must’ve been quiet for a long time since Hoshina is calling out for him yet again.

“Narumi-chan?”

“Hurry.” is all Narumi says.

“I’ll be there.”

Narumi ends the call, exhaling shakily. He runs a hand into his hair and chuckles solemnly. 

“No matter how hard I hide it, at the end of the day, I'm still so fucking pathetic."

When Hoshina arrives, he finds Narumi on a sidewalk, accompanied by multitude shopping bags. His legs are tucked to his chest, arms hugging his knees, and his head was bowed. Hoshina frowns, parking nearby before exiting his car, jogging his way towards Narumi. 

“Narumi-chan?” he cautiously calls out, but he receives no reply.

Hoshina carefully takes a peek at Narumi, seeing that he had fallen asleep. Hoshina looks at the bags' contents, noting that Narumi had bought a lot of toys. Huh.

“I’m sorry for making you wait, Narumi-chan.” Hoshina whispers as he takes a seat next to Narumi. 

Narumi still doesn’t respond, but Hoshina notices him slightly shivering from the cool breeze and Hoshina looks up at the sky, seeing the clouds forming. He wastes no time in slipping his coat off and delicately draping it around Narumi’s form, leaning over to make sure that it was properly hugging him. Hoshina realizes too late that he’s too close that he can actually smell Narumi’s shampoo.

Then Narumi’s stirring, lifting his head and their faces are suddenly a mere inches away from each other. 

“Ah...” Hoshina smiles shyly. “You’re up?”

Narumi blinks up at Hoshina, mind still riddled with sleep. He’s staring up into Hoshina’s eyes with such gentleness, lips slightly parted and Hoshina couldn’t help but swallow thickly. He looks so defenseless.

“Narumi-chan?”

In a snap, Narumi comes to his senses, yelping as he falls back into his shopping bags in an effort to put a distance between them and he curses, swiftly looking around to see if there was any serious damage to his purchase. Hoshina eventually hears him sigh in relief. 

“What are you doing?” Narumi scowls, and in a matter of seconds, he has his walls up again.

“You were shiverin’ so I gave ya my coat.” Hoshina replies, rising up to his feet. “And it looks like it’s goin’ to uh, rain?”

Narumi looks up to confirm, and he slowly nods—clearing his throat.

“You came...?”

“That’s what she said.” Hoshina jokes, trying to lighten the mood and he swears that Narumi turned red.

“You’re so fucking annoying.”

Hoshina chuckles, but then he feels something drop from the sky.

“Would love to bicker some more, but I think the rain will pour soon. Let’s go, Narumi-chan. You can continue sleepin’ in my car.”

Hoshina extends his hand, and Narumi hesitates for a second, before grabbing it and Hoshina carefully helps him up to his feet. Before Narumi could say anything, Hoshina was scooping the shopping bags off the floor with ease, and Narumi could only blink, grasping the coat around him.

“Follow me.”

Hoshina deposits Narumi’s bags on the backseat, and he’s quick to open the passenger’s seat for Narumi. As Narumi slips inside the car, he feels the warmth of Hoshina’s hand on the top of his head, acting as a protector so Narumi wouldn’t accidentally hit the door frame.

“Careful.” Hoshina softly says, and Narumi suddenly feels lightheaded. 

Maybe from the gesture, but Narumi has suspicions that it’s from the familiar scent that’s currently invading his senses. The car smells heavily of him.

“Good?” Hoshina asks and Narumi could only nod his head in response, not having much faith in his words and he absentmindedly pulls the seatbelt across his body. Hoshina then closes the door and jogs to the other side to get in, just in time as more raindrops start to patter against the car’s windshield. 

Narumi glances at Hoshina who’s currently wearing his own seatbelt, then he’s bringing the engine to life, the car rumbling. Narumi now only realizes that Hoshina is dressed formally, clad in slacks, a white button up and a violet tie. Narumi looks down at himself, noting that the coat that’s currently draped over his shoulder completes Hoshina’s look. 

“Sorry, did I interrupt something important?” he frowns.

“Hm?” Hoshina looks at Narumi and Narumi gestures towards his outfit. “Ah this? It was just our weekly financial report meeting. It gets a little boring, so ya kinda saved me there. Where are ya stayin’ by the way?” 

Narumi replies with the name of his hotel and Hoshina enters it into his car’s GPS.

“Are we headin’ straight to the hotel or?”

“Yeah.”

Hoshina pulls out of the parking space and Narumi is feeling kind of heady. He sinks into the passenger’s seat, leaning against the window and he tries to blink away the heavy feeling of his eyelids. 

“You must be tired.” Hoshina remarks and Narumi only grunts in response, eyes already halfway closed and Hoshina chuckles. “Sleep if ya want, I’ll wake ya up when we get there.” 

Narumi doesn’t need to be told twice. He easily drifts into a nap, lulled by the comforting smell and a certain presence. As Narumi falls asleep, Hoshina can’t help but to glance at him. 

Narumi’s face has relaxed. He's exhaling soft breaths, chest steadily rising and sinking, and he looked... at peace, unguarded.

Hoshina finds it rather captivating.

Hoshina sighs, fixing the air-conditioner towards the direction of his heated face, his grip tightening on the wheel as he forces himself to focus on the road instead, willing the sound of the rain against the car to distract him from his thoughts.

“Narumi-chan, we’re here.”

Narumi stirs in his sleep, and he groggily pushes himself away from the window—blinking away the sleep in his eyes. He yawns, grunting as he stretches his arms and he rubs his eyes.

“How long have I been out?”

“About fifteen minutes.” Hoshina replies after looking at his watch, and Narumi can’t help but to yawn some more.

“Narumi-chan, ya might wanna use this.” Hoshina hands him a box of tissues, and Narumi raises a brow, taking it.

“Ugh, didn't I told you not to call me that?"

Hoshina only shrugs and Narumi gives him a stink eye. This jerk.

"What would I need the tissues for?”

“For your cheek, and maybe on the window as well?”

The window?

Narumi turns and sees a splotch of drool from when he was leaning against it, and Narumi mentally screams, combusting in embarrassment. 

“Shit! Bowl cut I swear if you make fun of me I—” Narumi stops mid-sentence, seeing that Hoshina’s face isn’t anywhere close to a grin, and he frowns. “Why aren't you laughing?”

“I’ll only laugh at ya if it’s actually funny. But in this case, I’d rather not.” he coolly utters, sincerity clear in his gaze and Narumi feels something swell in his chest.

“Look at you actually having manners.” Narumi grumbles, cringing as he wipes his drool off his cheek, then works on removing the stain on the window as well. “I’m sorry for this.”

“It’s fine. It happens.” Hoshina assures him, retrieving the tissue box. “Are ya alright now?”

“Yeah I’m fine, why ask?”

“Just askin’.” Comes a cryptic reply, then Hoshina’s stirring them into a new conversation. “When are ya leaving Tachikawa?” 

“Why? Are you that desperate to get rid of me?” Narumi deadpans, and Hoshina chuckles, shaking his head.

"I'd rather ya not leave so soon honestly."

“I’m leaving on Sunday afternoon." Narumi coughs, paying no mind to what Hoshina had just said. "So, I only have a day and a half from now.”

“I see. Are ya still in need of a tour guide?”

“Nope.” Narumi says, popping the ‘p’. “Not anymore.”

“Ah.” 

“Are you free tomorrow though?” 

“Why?” Hoshina grins, leaning his arm on the wheel and cocking his head cutely. “Are ya askin’ me out on a date?”

“Hah?!” Narumi exclaims, face flushing as he furiously waves his hand in dismissal. “Again with that? Fuck—I’m inviting you to my stream!”

“Oh?” Hoshina muses, “Don’t tell me ya want another rematch? You already told me that you accept your defeat though.”

“Shut up! I’m not asking for a rematch.” Narumi indignantly whines, crossing his arms and looking away. “My viewers are specifically asking for you. They want us to play Overcooked 2.”

“What’s that?”

“You know, I got so familiar with you stealing my title in games that I forgot that you’re not actually a gamer.”

“Not my fault for being naturally talented.” Hoshina grins, his fangs peeking out and Narumi pinches the bridge of his nose.

“Can you please act humble? Since when did you act this way?”

“Not sure, though I think Narumi-chan has rubbed off on me.”

“Fuck you I did not!” Narumi hisses, grumpily crossing his arms. "And didn't I tell you not to call me that?!"

“You’re so easy to rile up, Narumi-chan~” Hoshina cheekily beams, his eyes delightfully glinting as Narumi fixes him with a glare. “Ah but, to answer your question, yes I’m free tomorrow. If it’s you, I’ll always be free.”

“Cool.” Narumi curtly nods. “Bring an alcoholic beverage of your choice, the food is on me.”

“We’re drinkin’ during stream?” Hoshina blinks, “Just what kind of game are we playin’?”

“Oh it’s a cooperative cooking game. The viewers suggested that we drink each time we clear a level with three stars I guess. Is that okay with you?”

“Sounds interestin’, I’m in.”

“You better know how to handle your liquor, cause I won’t let us lose!”

“So competitive.” Hoshina teases and Narumi flashes him a grin.

“Of course.”

Narumi then starts to unbuckle his seatbelt, and Hoshina glances at the several bags on the backseat, clearing his throat as Narumi steps outside.

“Let me help ya.”

“It’s fine.” Narumi brushes him off. “I’ve bothered you enough already.”

“Nonsense.” Hoshina clicks his seatbelt off and exits the car, walking to Narumi’s side.

“Just keep botherin’ me, I don’t mind.” Hoshina winks and Narumi only stares at him.

“I will punch you, bowl cut.”

“So rude.” Hoshina dramatically sighs. "But I mean it."

Narumi snorts, shaking his head as he grabs a few bags from Hoshina, ignoring his warning look. 

“I’m serious though, it’s fine. Just let the hotel staff take it.” 

Hoshina yields when the said staff approaches them with a luggage trolley. But nonetheless, he still helps with loading everything, and soon enough his backseat is empty. The staff wheels the trolley up to the lobby, leaving Narumi and Hoshina on their own.

“I guess I better accompany them up to my room now.” Narumi coughs, breaking the silence that fell upon them. “And I don’t want to take up too much of your time anymore, it’s already late.”

“It’s fine by me, really.” Hoshina smiles. “Then, I’ll get going.”

Narumi nods and Hoshina retreats into his car just as Narumi turns and jogs up to the hotel’s lobby. Hoshina is starting his car, ready to drive off when he hears a knock. He gets a mini heart attack when he sees Narumi standing outside, and he pulls the handbrake, lowering his window.

“Narumi—”

“I nearly forgot, this is supposed to be yours.”

Narumi doesn’t give Hoshina a time to react as he shoves a rather soft item into Hoshina’s face. Hoshina, confused, pulls back just in time for Narumi to drop whatever it was that he was holding, and it lands on Hoshina’s hands.

“What’s this?” Hoshina furrows his brows, grabbing what seemed to be a plushie and then his eyes are glimmering in recognition. “This is—”

“Mont blanc plushie.” Narumi finishes for him, “Saw it at a bakery earlier and it reminded me of you. Oh and take this as well.”

Stupefied, Hoshina automatically reaches out for the paper bag that Narumi was handing out, and he gets a miniscule whiff of chestnut. Mont blanc.

Hoshina’s bewildered gaze snaps to Narumi and Narumi only shrugs.

“Consider it as my thanks for tonight.”

“You’re... welcome?”

“Why do you sound so unsure?” Narumi sneers, holding his hand out. “I’ll be taking it back then.”

“No take backs.” Hoshina scrunches his nose, eyes crinkling as a wide grin stretches his lips. “Thanks Narumi-chan, I appreciate it.”

“I told you not to call me—” Narumi stops mid-sentence, pinching the bridge of his nose in defeat, and Hoshina amusedly gazes up at him. "You know what? I'm done with wasting my saliva on telling you off. Do whatever you want."

"Okay, Narumi-chan." Hoshina smiles brightly, and Narumi coughs.

"Anway, I guess I’m grateful for the fact that I made it back here safely. All thanks to you.”

Hoshina sees the reddened tip of Narumi’s ear, but he says nothing. Instead he carefully places the paper bag on the passenger’s seat, and the plushie above his dashboard.

"Anythin' for ya, Narumi-chan."

“Now get going! We have a stream to do tomorrow, so you better go and get some rest. Get here before 5pm okay? And don't forget to bring the liquor!”

“Roger that.” Hoshina salutes and Narumi only rolls his eyes, shooing Hoshina away.

“Oh by the way.” Hoshina trails off, smiling jovially up at Narumi. “Keep the coat. Ya look extra good in it!”

“Oh." Narumi's face drops in realization, hands flying to the fabric. "Shit—wait, your coat!”

Hoshina laughs, joyously waving his hand out of the window as he drives off—a satisfied smile lying on his lips.

Chapter Text

bowl cut jerk

Hi Narumi-chan!

I'm already at your hotel's lobby.

04:50 PM 

k

i'll let the receptionist know that i have a guest, just come up here on your own

04:51 PM

Narumi is currently sprawled out on his bed, mindlessly scrolling through Twitter when he hears a knock. He then pushes himself up, stepping over a takeout packaging then his shoes, before finally opening his door.

“Lookin’ for some beers?” Hoshina greets with a grin, holding up a convenience store bag that’s filled with cans of beer. He’s clad in a mostly black outfit, a blazer over a black turtleneck, and dark trousers that’s secured by a leather belt. Narumi kind of feels underdressed with his usual white shirt and joggers.

“Are you planning on drinking that much?” Narumi snickers.

“Didn’t ya mention that ya don’t plan on losing?” Hoshina hums, shrugging his shoulders. “So I came prepared.”

“Props to you for actually listening to me.”

“What can I say, I’m rather fond of hearing ya talk.”

“The fuck are you talking about? Just come inside!”

Narumi moves out of the entryway and walks further into the room, toeing his shoes to the side to give way for Hoshina, only for him to not budge, his gaze focused somewhere else.

“What are you waiting for?” Narumi impatiently asks. “Need a red carpet or something?”

“Narumi-chan.” 

“What?”

“Ya see…” Hoshina trails off, lowering the plastic bag next to his feet before crossing his arms and leaning against the door frame. “I’m not going to step inside until ya clean your mess.”

“Hah?” Narumi’s face twists into a scowl. “What the—it’s just a little trash! It’s not a hindrance!”

Hoshina doesn’t budge. Instead, he only arches a brow, and Narumi petulantly rolls his eyes.

“Even if you look at me like that, I’m still not doing it!” he hisses. “If you wanna stay there, then fine, be my guest.”

“Narumi.” Hoshina calls out firmly, his sharp, adamant gaze sending a shiver down Narumi’s spine. 

“Fuck.” Narumi curses under his breath, avoiding eye contact as he wills his heart to chill the fuck out. “It’s useless, okay? My bin is already overflowing, that's why everything else is on the floor. Just—come inside!”

“I anticipated as much, so I came prepared.”

“Fuck you mean you came prepared?” 

Narumi’s gaze snaps to Hoshina, watching him pull a roll of trash bags out of his pocket and Narumi—to say the least, is fucking stunned.

“Are you serious?” Narumi incredulously utters out, staring blankly at the latter.

“Yes.” Hoshina nods, holding it out for him to take. “Take this.”

Narumi is staring daggers into the roll, but Hoshina doesn’t relent, waving it at him.

“Narumi-chan.”

“Fine!” Narumi bemoans, snatching it from Hoshina. “Fuck, you might actually be more of a demon than Hasegawa.”

“Who’s Hasegawa?”

“My landlord.” Narumi grumbles, peeling the first bag off the roll. “Lost count of how many times he had threatened to kick me out.”

“I would’ve kicked ya out in an instant if this is the normal state of your room.”

It’s not even half of the mess that he has back home. But Narumi doesn’t mention that.

“Like I said, more of a demon than Hasegawa.” 

“Time is tickin’, Narumi-chan.” Hoshina calls out and Narumi begrudgingly starts to pick up things off the ground. “I suggest ya hurry. We’re going to be late for the stream.”

“Whose fault do you think that is?”

“Narumi-chan’s.” Hoshina says, as a matter of fact, and Narumi throws a crumpled can of energy juice at Hoshina’s direction in retaliation. “You’re cleanin’ that up.”

“Fuck you!” Narumi snarls, flipping Hoshina off. “You’re explaining why we’re late.”

“With pleasure.”

“Thanks.” Narumi mutters, bowing at the hotel staff who took his multiple trash bags, watching as he wheels it away.

“That wasn’t so bad now, was it?” Hoshina cheerfully beams, retrieving the plastic bag that has been laying on the ground for the entirety of Narumi’s clean up operation. 

“Fuck you, it was unnecessary.”

“It was, in fact, necessary.” Hoshina argues. “If ya want me in your space, you better clean first.” 

“I won’t invite you next time then.” Narumi scoffs, turning around to enter the room and Hoshina follows after him, pleased to see that Narumi’s space is clean and void of any visible mess.

“That would make me sad though.” 

“Oh shut up, stop lying.”

“I’m not.”

“Whatever.” Narumi snaps, grabbing his laptop. "I’ll set up the stream. Do whatever you want.”

➤ gennumber1 is now live! 

Current viewers: 50k

“Hi everyone!” Hoshina chirps, his fangs peeking out as he smiles brightly. He’s sitting alone behind the rectangular coffee table that’s adjacent to the chair where Narumi’s laptop was currently perched on, the stream’s interface lively with comments.  

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: you guys are LATE

@nrmgnluvr: It’s nearly 6pm!!!!!!!!!

@montblanc: what took you so long?????

@iwatchlosergamers: Why are you alone?

@nrmfangirl: where’s narumi!!!!

The viewers watch as Hoshina turns to look off screen, where Narumi is currently occupied with the takeout boxes that had just arrived.

“They’re lookin’ for ya, Narumi-chan.”

“I’m busy!” Narumi shouts, peeling the tape off of the cartons and he curses as he accidentally spills sauce on a paper bag. He then gestures for Hoshina to divert his attention back to the stream. “Don’t you have some explaining to do?”

“Oh yeah.”

@ihavetotouchgrass: EXPLAIN YOURSELVES

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: why were you guys nearly an hour late??? 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨

@nrmgnluvr: Narumi is never late when it comes to his streams, so something smells sus!!!!

“Our sincerest apologies for our tardiness.” Hoshina bows, acknowledging the comments after reading them. “Narumi-chan is at fault.”

“YOU REALLY HAVE THE FUCKING AUDACITY TO LIE?!” Narumi’s voice booms, then he’s stomping over to where Hoshina is. “Move.”

Hoshina shifts to the side to give him space and Narumi places a platter of karaage and gyoza down on the table along with some chopsticks. He then slumps down next to Hoshina, making sure that they are both in frame. 

In contrast to Hoshina’s jovial expression, Narumi is scowling, thunderstorm clouds forming over his head.

“Don’t listen to this jerk. We’re late because he forced me to clean!” 

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: you????? cleaning????? HUH

@ch3rryblsm: OH MY GOD GUYS IT’S TRUE NARUMI DOESN’T HAVE A SINGLE TRASH IN HIS BACKGROUND

@nrmgnluvr: It’s a miracle

@montblanc: not a miracle, just hoshina’s doing

“And whose fault is it that you had to clean?” Hoshina teases and Narumi clicks his tongue, his hair falling over his eyes.

“Shut up, we’re already behind schedule so it’s best to get on with it.” 

Narumi hands Hoshina his spare controller, explaining to him and the audience that there are two cameras, one that will be directed to them, and the other that’s capturing the gameplay on the TV screen where Narumi’s switch was connected to. Narumi came prepared, bringing his set-up with him to Tachikawa.

“Welcome to the stream.” Narumi announces, loading Overcooked! 2 and its music shortly plays as it brings them to its menu. “Since you all pestered me, I’m here to play this game with bowl cut over here, and as mentioned we’ll be drinking when we clear a level with three stars.” 

Hoshina takes it as an opportunity to rummage through the plastic bag beside him, and he pulls out two cans, placing it on the table in front of Narumi and himself. He gets up, depositing the other cans to the nearby mini fridge for later, grabbing some water bottles on his way and returns to his seat beside Narumi.

“You guys ready?” Hoshina playfully wiggles his brows and they flood the chat box with YES. “Are you ready, Narumi-chan?”

Narumi glances at Hoshina to see him smiling stupidly, and he sighs, scratching his head.

“Yeah, whatever. First things first, choose the chef that you want to play as.”

“What buttons do I press?” 

“Have you ever used a controller before?”

“Not this one, nope.” Hoshina answers truthfully and Narumi smacks a palm to his forehead.

“At least tell me beforehand! Seriously bowl cut!”

@ihavetotouchgrass: hoshina 🤦🏼‍♀️

@iwatchlosergamers: did we all collectively forget that this man is not a gamer

@montblanc: leave him alone smh narumi should’ve known!

Narumi brings him to the control settings, briefing him about which corresponding buttons to press, and Hoshina listens attentively, mentally jotting down notes.

“Got it?” Narumi asks, brows knitted together and Hoshina hums in affirmation.

“Yes. Thanks Narumi-chan!”

“Good, cause I would’ve punched you in the face if not.”

Hoshina laughs heartily and Narumi rolls his eyes, impatiently asking him to pick a character. Hoshina scrolls through the available ones, ranging from people and animals.

“I think I’ll go for the cat. Ah, Narumi-chan, you should equip the raccoon!”

“Why the fuck should I do that?”

“It’s fitting.” Hoshina replies with a shit-eating grin and Narumi resists the urge to hit him. “And the character is also cute.”

Narumi wordlessly stares at Hoshina, and Hoshina cocks his head to the side, smiling sweetly. Eventually, Narumi just scoffs and equips the raccoon as his chef and Hoshina cheers.

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: what am i witnessing rn

@nrmgnluvr: Narumi fight back???????? 

@ihavetotouchgrass: is it just me, or is narumi highkey listening to hoshina 

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: narumi and the word listening does not belong in a single sentence

Narumi starts the game, both of their attention focused on the TV as the tutorial screen shows up. The opening sequence plays, an ominous music filling the room as a dark visual of a castle flashes on the screen. Hoshina curiously glances at Narumi.

“Are ya sure that we’re not playin’ a horror game?” 

“Why? Are you scared?” Narumi jeers, but Hoshina's grinning.

“You gonna hold my hand if I was?”

“Fuck off and read the lore!” 

The game reveals that the kingdom called Onion Kingdom ruled by the Onion King, has a zombie outbreak and the chefs (their characters) had been bestowed the duty to cook for them and to satisfy their hunger. Narumi hears a snort and he turns to the man beside him who’s currently giggling.

“Un-breads.” Hoshina snickers, referring to the zombie bread slices.

“Real funny, I know.” Narumi deadpans and Hoshina grunts in disapproval. 

“Don’t be a fun police, Narumi-chan!” 

@ch3rryblsm: hoshina is so unserious omg

@HoshinasBowlCut: if hoshina finds the unbread thing funny, then we also find the unbread thing funny

@nrmgnluvr: UNBREAD 😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣😂🤣😂😂😂😂

The game then pans out to the outside of the castle, near the graveyard where a cooking station had been set up (and where the zombies were currently at), and it shows their characters.

“We’re cookin' here?” 

“For the tutorial, yeah.”

“Hm.” Hoshina rubs his chin as the game emphasizes the quantity of the dead breads around their in-game character. “Sounds unsanitary cookin’ in a graveyard while being surrounded by corpses, don’t ya think?”

“Who cares? We’re literally just cooking for dead breads—”

“Ya mean the un-breads?” Hoshina interrupts.

“Dead breads, un-breads—whatever!” Narumi groans, pressing a button to close the ongoing dialogue on the screen. “Why are you taking this so seriously? Just go and follow the tutorial!”

“Yes, Chef Narumi!”

“You are so annoying.”

The tutorial starts with Narumi and Hoshina’s characters who are separated into two sections of the kitchen. Hoshina is on the bottom where the ingredients and plates were along with the submission area, whereas Narumi is on top where the chopping boards are located.

“You got the controls down?” Narumi double checks and Hoshina nods. 

It starts when the game gives them a ticket for the dish that they need to make. For the first one, it gives them a cabbage recipe, and they easily follow the prompts. Hoshina grabs a cabbage, handing it to Narumi who chops it, and Hoshina brings the sliced cabbage to a plate and serves it. It goes on, slicing and combining ingredients for as long as the timer runs, and they easily clear the tutorial.

“Oh?” Hoshina muses, “That was pretty easy.” 

“Obviously because it’s a tutorial.” Narumi sighs, tapping the buttons after letting the dialogues play out. “It gets harder.”

@iwatchlosergamers: hoshina you’re in for a treat

@nrmgnluvr: Judging by the amount of teamwork that you have to do to clear this game,,, they’re definitely going to bump into some interesting circumstances

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: goodluck hoshina, you’re gonna need it LMAO

The game tells them that despite their efforts, they could not stop the un-breads, therefore they should go out to hone their skills first. They leave the castle and it shows the map of the game where the next levels are located. There are different terrains, along with tiny buildings, trees, and of course: some loitering un-breads. 

As they leave the castle, the host—Narumi, is given a bus to control where they are headed to next. Narumi presses down on his controller to run over an un-bread with the vehicle and Hoshina chuckles.

“Narumi-chan, that’s mean.”

“So what?” Narumi shrugs, reversing the bus into them and they both watch as the slices of zombie bread plops to the ground. “What’s gonna happen to them, die? They’re un-breads for a reason.”

Hoshina erupts into a fit of laughter and Narumi smugly smiles, pleased for evoking such a reaction out of Hoshina. 

@HoshinasBowlCut: it wasn’t that funny…

@iwatchlosergamers: We love a supportive teammate

@t0nkatsu: narumi’s face LOL 

@nrmfangirl: he looks so damn proud of himself 🤣

@nrmgnluvr: GUYS!!! You have 3 stars now

“Shit, right.” Narumi squints, reading the comments. “Does the tutorial count for a stage clear?”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: yes

@HoshinasBowlCut: DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!

“Consider it as a warm up drink.”

Hoshina mirrors Narumi as he takes the can of beer, and pops it open. 

“Narumi-chan.” Hoshina holds his can out, and Narumi glances at it. “Cheers?"

Narumi curtly bumps his drink against Hoshina’s before taking a swig. Hoshina then smiles and follows suit. 

“Okay!” Narumi shouts, slamming the can down on the table—startling Hoshina. “We’re doing this for real now, so don’t lag behind me, bowl cut!”

“Anythin' for ya, Narumi-chan.”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: place your bets y’all, who’s more likely to shout at the other person

@nrmgnluvr: Narumi

@nrmfangirl: narumi

@t0nkatsu: narumi

@ihavetotouchgrass: NARUMI

@iwatchlosergamers: Narumi

@montblanc: narumi ofc, my king would never

Gameplay

— level 1-2

“Can you not make out with that woman and serve the damned plate?” Narumi groans as he chops a fish.

“That’s what I’m doin’. Why are people walking inside our kitchen in the first place?” Hoshina complains as he breaks away from the guest that bumped into him. “This is not an ideal set-up for a kitchen.”

— Level 1-4

“Can you please use the right conveyor belt and get the fuck out of my face? Move!”

“I see what kind of chef ya are—ah Narumi-chan the rice!”

— Level 1-5 

“Who came up with the idea to cook in a hot air balloon?” Hoshina mumbles just as the platform moved.

“Less questions, more pasta!” Narumi exclaims.

— Level 1-6

“Why is our floor on fire? What if we crash and burn?”

“You sure love to ask questions.” Narumi sighs. “Just keep serving the customers.”

“How are we even servin’ it if we’re up in the air?”

“Birds.” Narumi deadpans.

— Level 2-1

“Narumi-chan did ya just throw the chicken into the water?”

“Fuck—you saw nothing!”

— Level 2-2

“Just sayin’, but I don’t think I’d eat in a restaurant that would float my body back and forth in their weird kitchen while I wait for my food to be served.” 

“Would you even eat in a hot air balloon restaurant in the first place?” Narumi quirks a brow, and Hoshina seriously considers it before giving an answer.

“Nah.” 

— Level 2-4

“AAAAA DID YOU REALLY HAVE TO PUSH US OFF INTO THE VOID?!”

Hoshina is laughing uncontrollably while Narumi is holding back from throwing something at him.

“Sorry Narumi-chan!”

— Level 2-6

“FUCK!” Narumi shouts as he falls off the kitchen, and Hoshina’s laughing at him. “DO NOT LAUGH AND GO GET THE RICE WHAT THE FUCK?”

In his rush to get towards the section, Hoshina gets pushed back by a platform, falling into the void as well, proceeding to burn the rice and Narumi is furious.

“The fire extinguisher!” 

Once they respawn, they scramble to grab the said steel and Narumi accidentally pushes Hoshina off the map in the process.

“Hey!” 

“THERE’S A FIRE GET OUT OF THE WAY!”

“Ow—Narumi-chan my ear!”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: LMFAOOOOO hoshina you should’ve brought an earplug

@iwatchlosergamers: narumi’s gonna burst hoshina’s eardrums out i swear

@nrmgnluvr: Narumi Gen chill tf out challenge 😭😭😭😭😭

“Narumi-chan I think my ear is bleeding.” Hoshina jokes, and Narumi blankly stares at him. “Kiddin’!”

“It’s your fault for getting in my way!”

Hoshina chuckles and shakes his head, grabbing his beer.

“Am I doing well though?”

“Well enough to not get kicked in the ass.”

“I’ll take it.”

Both Hoshina and Narumi chug their drink, successfully clearing the 2nd world, as well as their third can of beer. Narumi reaches for his chopsticks and pops a karaage into his mouth, delighting in its flavor.

“Water break?” Hoshina suggests after eating a gyoza, and Narumi nods, taking the bottle that Hoshina was handing out to him, and he takes a sip. 

Narumi can tell that he’s a teensy tiny bit tipsy, but surprisingly, he feels great. As he’s chatting with the live viewers, he sees in his peripheral vision that Hoshina is slipping his blazer off, revealing his short sleeved fitted turtleneck. 

Narumi forgets what he’s supposed to say. He watches quietly as Hoshina neatly folds his blazer, his eyes trailing to Hoshina’s arms and up to his sleeve that’s snuggly hugging his bicep. What the actual fuck.

When Narumi raises his gaze, he locks eyes with Hoshina and Narumi flushes upon getting caught.

“Why are ya so red Narumi-chan?” Hoshina chuckles, a knowing smile lying on his lips. “Drunk already?”

“Shut up, I’m not!” Narumi hisses, snatching the water bottle to take a chug, and he looks away. “It’s just… hot.”

“I bet.”

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: seriously guys, right in front of our salad?

@t0nkatsu: narumi is SO red lol

@nrmgnluvr: Not clipping this bc it feels like I’m intruding on something and this moment should just stay here

They proceed to World 3, though Narumi’s volume has gotten a little… quieter. When they clear 3-1, Hoshina volunteers to open Narumi’s drink, and Narumi watches with a lump on his throat as he pops it open, Hoshina’s muscle peeking through his shirt and Narumi swallows thickly.

“Thanks.” he mumbles, taking the can and drinking more than he should have. Okay fuck, maybe he is drunk, cause why the fuck is he staring? 

He better end the live soon lest he embarrass himself and the whole fucking world would know. 

“Alright that’s enough of that.” Narumi says after a few more levels and their fourth drink. It has been nearly two hours of streaming, they have already emptied their food, and Narumi can definitely feel the alcohol in his veins.

“That was fun.” Hoshina grins, a faint redness present on his face. “To whoever suggested this, you have my thanks.”

@ch3rryblsm: you’re welcome! 🫶🏼

@HoshinasBowlCut: This stream was sooooo entertaining, you guys should do it again!

@t0nkatsu: i wonder if these two can work well in an actual kitchen

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: save that for a future collab maybe

@montblanc: hoshina my king, you did great!!!

“How was it, Narumi-chan?” Hoshina asks, playfully bumping his shoulder against Narumi, and Narumi becomes painfully aware of the heat that Hoshina is emitting.

“Fine.” Narumi abruptly answers, clearing his throat and looking away. “You weren’t so bad.”

“Oh? Are ya praising me?” 

What a jerk.

“Whatever, bowl cut.” 

“Oh come on.” Hoshina pesters, poking Narumi’s arm. “Did ya have fun at least?”

“Yeah yeah, it was fun.” 

“Then I’m happy to know that.”

“Alright stream is over. Thanks for watching.”

➤ The livestream has ended.

“Bathroom.” Narumi mumbles as he gets up, stumbling from being tipsy and Hoshina catches his wrist, steadying him. 

“Careful Narumi-chan.” 

“I’m fine, bowl cut.” he sighs. “Just head rush.”

Hoshina nods and gently releases his hold. Narumi walks to the bathroom, but looks back to Hoshina.

“Don’t tidy up. We’re drinking some more when I get back.”

Hoshina blinks up at him, before smiling.

“Roger that.”

When Narumi returns, he plops himself on the other side of the table, across from Hoshina. He holds his hand out, and Hoshina swiftly opens a can of beer, placing it on Narumi’s hand. Narumi grunts as a form of thanks and brings it up to his mouth, chugging a good amount. 

“You sure ya wanna drink some more?” Hoshina asks, and Narumi’s glazed eyes snaps towards his direction.

“Why? You can’t handle it any more?”

“I barely feel it.” Hoshina shrugs. “I can go for ten more cans.”

Narumi snorts.

“Arrogant bastard.”

“I just have a high alcohol tolerance, I guess.” Hoshina takes a swig, and Narumi peers at him through his hair, watching Hoshina’s throat move. “Do ya drink often, Narumi-chan?”

“Rarely.” Narumi answers tersely, “Don’t have the reason to.”

“Don’t ya go out with your friends?”

“I don’t have friends.” Narumi coldly replies. “Don’t have any relatives to go out drinking with either.”

“Oh.” Hoshina gently places his drink down on the table, head turning to look at the numerous shopping bags piled on the corner of Narumi’s room. “I thought you were buyin' toys for your siblings.”

“They’re for the kids from the orphanage I grew up in.” Narumi grumbles, drinking some more. “They appreciate it, at least.”

“I see.”

Narumi downs the rest of his drink, his head buzzing pleasantly and he crumples the can, dumping it on the ground, then he turns to Hoshina. 

“You." Narumi suddenly hisses and Hoshina blinks. "What is it with you?”

“Me...?” 

“Yeah, you!” Narumi snarls, snatching Hoshina’s drink and drinking from it. Hoshina watches him with widened eyes, surprise evident in his face. “Like, you’re so cool, and very gentleman-y shit. You seem like the person to naturally execute romantic bullcrap, I envy you.”

“Narumi-chan?” Hoshina cautiously utters. “Are ya drunk?”

“I’m not!” Narumi lies through his teeth, taking another drink from Hoshina's can. “But seriously though bowl cut, fuck you. Why are you treating me this way?”

Hoshina’s face twists into a confused look when Narumi is suddenly pouting. Okay, yeah, he’s definitely drunk. 

“Tell me what’s on your mind?” Hoshina says softly and Narumi’s eyebrow twitches.

“Too much fucking work.” Narumi complains, petulantly crossing his arms with a huff. “But okay, fine! Since you asked me nicely.”

“Good boy.” Hoshina smiles, and Narumi’s profusely blushing. 

“That! Why are you treating me like that?” he exclaims, genuinely confused. “Why are you treating me in a way that makes me feel like I’m someone?”

Hoshina purses his lips as Narumi looks at him through his hair, a hint of vulnerability flashing in his eyes.

“The way you’re treating me, it feels… nice. It feels like I’m someone that actually matters.” Narumi whispers, lowering his gaze and he fiddles with the can. “Yesterday, when you picked me up, for the first time—I didn’t feel alone. It didn’t feel like it was just me in this world. Growing up, I achieved so much, aimed to be the best in all ways possible, but no one was ever really there. Everyone else has been unappreciative.”

“I appreciate ya.” 

“You’re confusing it with pity.”

“I’m not.” Hoshina shakes his head. “I genuinely mean it. And it’s not just me.”

Narumi looks up to see Hoshina’s sincere eyes, and his heart skips a beat.

“You really had worked hard to get where ya are now, and you should wear those achievements proudly, ya know? You deserve to be praised. Especially now with your career, where you’ve built your fanbase a place where they can find solace, and that goes for ya as well, doesn't it? You’ve built a space where you belong, so it's not a lie to say that people do admire ya.”

“You’re just bluffing, cause how would you know?”

“That’s because I’m one of those people.” Hoshina smiles. “I just said that earlier, Narumi-chan.”

“You’re just trying to trick me!” Narumi accuses.

“Trick ya into thinking that you’re genuinely appreciated?”

Narumi doesn’t say anything, but he’s shyly averting his gaze, cheeks tinted pink.

“Feelin’ better now?”

“Fuck you.” Narumi grumbles, downing the rest of Hoshina’s drink and tossing it aside afterwards, eyelids becoming droopy. “What about you?”

“What about me?” 

“You struggling with something?”

“I guess I am.” Hoshina hums, his gaze falling at the latter. “There’s this person that I like, but I don’t know if I should shoot my shot with them.”

“What the fuck are you scared of? You really dare to doubt yourself?” Narumi yawns, his words slurred as he lowers his head on the table, eyes nearly closed. “They’re fucking dumb if they reject you, cause I think you’d be a great partner, Hoshina.” 

Hoshina blinks in surprise. Did Narumi just call him by his name and without any bite in his tone?

Silence falls upon the room as Narumi passes out. The right side of his head is laying on his arms, face exposed and his messy hair is darting everywhere. Hoshina reaches out to brush Narumi’s hair out of his forehead, but he freezes, stopping midway.

Instead, he smacks his palm to his face, fighting the strong urge.

“Fuck, Narumi-chan you’re so cruel.” Hoshina weakly laughs.

Hoshina shakes his head and chooses to tidy their mess to distract himself. Quietly, he stands up and locates the trash bag that he had bought earlier. He works on removing the mess with minimal noise, and he checks up on Narumi every once in a while, hearing his soft exhales and Hoshina is dying inside. Hoshina curses under his breath and picks up his pace, making sure that he leaves no trash behind and he ties the bag closed once he’s done. He glances at Narumi once more and the state that he's sleeping in. Hoshina sighs, knowing Narumi, he’s definitely going to complain about the neck pain when he wakes up tomorrow, and so Hoshina decides to move him. 

Carefully, he easily picks up Narumi from the floor, and he shuts his mind as he brings him over to his bed, delicately laying him down on it. Narumi's still passed out cold, head lolled to the side and his breathing steady. Hoshina is hovering over the bedside, eyes fondly looking over at Narumi’s sleeping form, and he sighs before whispering.

“Narumi-chan… I like you.”

“Ow—fuck.” Narumi winces when he wakes up, cradling his throbbing head. He slowly sits up, feeling nauseous, so he makes his way towards the bathroom and does his business. When he returns to the room, he notices that it was dark (thanks to the blinds) with only the lamp on his bedside table that’s lit up. 

He spots his phone lying next to a water bottle and some painkillers, and he wastes no time in chugging it down, groaning as the water relieves his dry throat. He switches his phone on, seeing that it’s already 10am, and he curses, recalling that he has to check out by 12pm. He then grabs his phone, but something falls on the ground, so he picks it up and sees that it’s a note.

Narumi-chan,

Thanks for last night, I had a lot of fun :) I left right after you went to sleep, and I already tidied up so you don't have to worry about the mess. Make sure to drink tons of water along with the painkiller, and have a safe trip later! Let’s see each other again next time. x

Hoshina Soushirou

“He really went out of his way to personally write a note?” Narumi scoffs, but he feels his stomach flutter. 

Maybe he’s just about to throw up again.

Chapter Text

“Brats.”

Multiple heads turn to Narumi who had just stepped foot inside the orphanage’s indoor play area, and the previous curious eyes were instantly lighting up with excitement upon seeing him.

“Narumi onii-san!” The little kids enthusiastically shouts, running up to crowd Narumi, and Narumi nods in acknowledgement, kneeling down to their level.

“Hey.”

It’s been seven years since Narumi officially left the orphanage. 

Equipped with a measly bag containing only a few clothes, his switch that he got from his late parents, and with little pocket money, Narumi had set off on his own. He had nowhere to go, but it wasn’t much of a loss. After all, the orphanage only provided a roof over his head as well as something to fill his stomach. Although he’s somewhat grateful, it never felt like home to him.

“Narumi onii-san! Listen, listen!”

Narumi is instantly bombarded by a flurry of stories from his energetic company. Narumi’s attention shifts from one kid to another, then another since they were simultaneously chattering.

“Narumi onii-san! I caught a frog!” “That’s lame, I got a star from school!” “I caught a firefly!” “Narumi onii-san are we going to play today?” “Did you bring your games?” “Let us see!” “Let’s play!”

“So loud!” Narumi playfully admonishes, covering his ears and they whine in response, clinging to him and trying to pry his hands off his ears. “How am I supposed to listen when all eight of you are speaking all at once? Speak one at a time!”

“I wanna go first!” “Listen to my story first!” “No, mine!” “Nuh uh I’m going first!”

Narumi pinches the bridge of his nose as they start to argue among themselves. Time to use the trick up his sleeve.

“If all of you shut up, I’ll let you watch me play.”

They instantly pipe down, intense eyes looking up at Narumi as they puff their cheeks in an attempt to stay quiet, and Narumi holds back a laugh.

“Much better.” Narumi snickers, lips curling into an amused grin. “Here’s the deal, I’ll choose the order of who gets to speak, and then you can watch me play. Understood?”

They eagerly nod, and Narumi faintly smiles. 

“Starting with the youngest.”

Narumi listens attentively as each kid enthusiastically narrates their respective tales. Although not having such a deep connection with the orphanage and its staff, he somehow managed to tolerate the younger orphans. And despite moving to a place that’s minutes away, he occasionally visits them to give them gifts, and to listen to their babbles so they wouldn’t be as unhappy as he was during his stay.

“Thanks for the stories, they’re all very entertaining.” Narumi says, getting up to walk further into the room. He slumps down in front of a mini table, sitting on the floor, and a pack of kids trails after him.

“How about you, Narumi onii-san?” The oldest child asks, tilting her head in curiosity. “You haven’t told us about yours yet!”

“Me?” Narumi raises a brow, crossing his legs.

“Yeah!” A kid giggles, draping himself over Narumi’s shoulder. “Did you go on any fun adventures?”

“I guess I did.” Narumi responds, indifferent. “I was in Tachikawa last week for a gaming event, and I was one of the guest players.”

“Ohhhhhhh.” “Did you win!”

“Of course.” Narumi exclaims. In the first half. “I never lose!” Except maybe for some unforeseen circumstances.

“Really?”

“Yes, really! You dare doubt me?” Narumi exclaims, playfully narrowing his eyes at them. “Let me show you guys just how good I am at playing games.”

Narumi reaches into his pocket to pull out his switch and he hears a chorus of exuberant gasps. Narumi laughs and the kids flock around him to get a closer look on his gameplay, giggling as they watch. Minutes easily pass by as Narumi easily clear levels after levels, fueled by the spirited cheers of his audience.

“Narumi onii-san, you’re so cool!” “Your character is so strong!” “He defeated the monster with one whoosh!” “Again again again!”

“Of course.” Narumi proudly cackles as he defeats another enemy and the children squeals. 

“Narumi onii-san you’re the best!”

After some time, Narumi hears a cough, and he turns to see a staff member who's standing idle by the doorframe. It’s Mairi, one of Narumi’s caretakers from then. She’s probably pushing into her forties now, her hair graying and Narumi suspects that he’s partly the reason for it. 

“Playtime is almost up, children.” she calls out, a tight smile lying on her lips when she glances at Narumi. “Your chores are waiting.”

Said kids collectively groan, and they all pout at Narumi.

“Narumi onii-san, does that mean you’re leaving soon?”

“Guess so.” Narumi shrugs, and he sees nothing but dejected expressions. “Why the long faces?”

“Because we don’t want you to go!” “Narumi onii-san, can’t you stay?” “We will still do our chores!” “And we will be good, we promise.”

“Sorry but I have other things to do, and I’m only allowed to visit during play time.” Narumi explains with a sigh, turning his switch off before pocketing it, and the kids were visibly disappointed by the action. Narumi shakes his head. 

“Fix your faces, brats. I’ve got something for everyone.”

All eyes turn to Narumi, and they watch him get up and head towards the door. Narumi briefly looks at Mairi who’s wearing an impassive look on her face, but Narumi says nothing. Instead, he reaches for the paper bags that were hidden behind the wall, and carries it into the play area.

“Here.”

Narumi hands them their respective gifts, and Narumi feels a twinge in his heart when he sees the genuine happiness in their eyes.

“THANK YOU NARUMI ONII-SAN!” 

Narumi stumbles a little as they jump to hug him, and he hums in acknowledgement, rubbing their heads.

“Be careful with those toys, okay? If I find out that you treated it badly, then I will be sad.”

They automatically shake their heads, promising that they will take good care of it, and Narumi praises them, saying his goodbye, but not without promising that he’ll be back soon. 

“I’ll see you out.” Mairi says when Narumi heads out of the room.

“Mairi-san.” Narumi blankly utters, trying so hard to remain civil. “You don’t have to.”

“Please, I insist.”

Narumi purses his lips, nodding his head curtly in response, and Mairi walks him through the corridor, away from the kids. Once they were far enough, Mairi clears her throat, and Narumi tenses. 

“Narumi, it’s been a while.”

“I guess.” Narumi tersely replies, shoving his hands into his pockets and avoiding Mairi’s critical gaze. 

Narumi had been lucky recently with his visits, managing to avoid Mairi—but it seems he had run out of luck. 

“How are you?” she asks. “Got far in life yet?”

“I’m an online game streamer.”

“Is that even a real job?” Narumi hears a hint of snicker in her voice, and Narumi clenches his jaw, face twisting into a scowl. Even if he doesn’t respond, Mairi still presses on. 

“How about a lover? Got yourself a girlfriend yet?”

“That’s none of your business.” 

“I’ll take that as a no.” Mairi subtly taunts, and Narumi’s fists ball on the inside of his pockets.

“Honestly, I had such a hard time taking care of you back then. You really weren’t making it easy for us either, you know?”

Narumi remains quiet, darkened eyes staring off to a distance.

“You should’ve been a good kid. You would’ve found yourself a new set of parents and would be better off in life than you are now. It’s really not a surprise that no one likes you in a romantic way.”

“Mairi-san.” Narumi coldly interrupts when they reach the front gate, chin jutting out. “I’ll be on my way. I just came here for the kids.”

Mairi looks like she has more to say, but she only nods and Narumi curtly bows at her. Narumi is about to leave, when he hears a shout.

“Narumi onii-san!”

Narumi turns around, seeing Hina (one of the younger kids) running up to him. He then kneels to her level, his face softening.

“Brat, you shouldn’t run. You might trip.”

Hina ignores his lecture and waves a piece of paper in front of Narumi.

“Narumi onii-san, here!”

“Did you write this for me?” Narumi holds his hand out, and Hina hands it to him, shaking her head. 

“No, I found it in my gift! It has your name in it!”

Narumi arches a brow and he looks down to see that the paper was sort of crumpled. He smooths it out, flips it around and reads what was written. 

What the fuck. 

Narumi’s face instantly flushes red, his heart skipping a beat and Hina looks at him with a concerned frown.

“Narumi onii-san, are you sick? Your face is really red.”

Narumi jumps from hearing her voice, heart thumping erratically and he most likely looks like a deer that’s caught in a headlights.

“N-No—” Narumi stammers, mentally cursing himself. “I’m not. I’m–I’m okay! Don’t mind me.”

“Fuck, is this a prank?” Narumi furrows his brows, narrowing his eyes at the weird scribble. “What even is this spiral thing? A turd?”

Narumi reads the note once again, and his frown deepens further. Clearly, the message is addressed to him, but why was it in the gifts? Why was it crumpled?

If Hina didn’t bring it over, Narumi wouldn’t even have known of its existence. 

“It’s really not a surprise that no one likes you in a romantic way.” Mairi’s voice rings in Narumi’s ear, and he glances up at her, noting her raised eyebrow. 

“...no one likes you in a romantic way.” 

“Narumi-chan, I like you.”

Fuck?

Perplexed, Narumi slaps a hand to his face, and Hina curiously tilts her head.

“Narumi onii-san?”  

“Thanks… Hina.” Narumi weakly utters, smiling lightly before patting her head. “You should go back now.”

“Okay! Please come and visit us again!”

She runs off back inside the orphanage, and Narumi rises to his feet, eyes lingering on the note. His anger has melted away, replaced by a weird feeling in his gut, and the rampant pounding of his heart. 

Seriously, what is this note about? 

Narumi reads it once again, biting his bottom lip as he struggles to make sense of it. Okay, first of all, the culprit. Narumi suspects that it’s Hoshina, cause who else has the guts to refer to him as Narumi-chan despite his persistent opposition? Plus, Hoshina was present when he bought the gifts, and he was at Narumi’s hotel for the overcooked stream, and the paper bags were just laying there. 

“I like you.”

Narumi convinces himself that Hoshina is just messing around. It’s not like it’s formally addressed to him since the paper was crumpled and all, right? He must've planned on doing a prank. Plus, the mere idea of Hoshina liking him? What a joke! 

“What’s there to like about me, anyway?” Narumi ponders. A lot, actually. Narumi's ego comically supplies him.

“Narumi?”

Narumi cocks his head towards Mairi’s direction. She’s expectantly looking at him, most likely waiting to know what the note was all about. 

Even if it may have just been a prank, might as well use it to spite her. 

Narumi’s eyes mischievously glints and he grins. He slips the note in between his fingers and holds it up for Mairi to read, poking his tongue out. 

“You’re unfortunately going to have to eat your words, Mairi-san.”

“Hello—”

“FUCKING TAKE A LOOK AT THIS!”

Hoshina blinks in surprise as Narumi’s shrill voice nearly bursts his phone’s speaker. Narumi calling out of the blue isn’t a foreign occurrence recently, but him shouting definitely is. 

Hoshina switches the treadmill off, wiping his sweat with the towel around his neck and he chugs a good amount of water from his bottle. Narumi eventually opens his camera, and Hoshina follows suit, placing his phone down and raising a brow as Narumi pans his phone somewhere.

“ARE YOU SEEING THIS?!”

“What am I lookin’ at?” Hoshina asks, waiting for the camera to focus on the text that Narumi was persistently pointing at. 

“This!”

“Uh—”

“I’m literally pointing at it!”

“Narumi-chan…”

“Bowl cut jerk!” Narumi impatiently barks and Hoshina is helpless.

“I seriously can’t see a thing, it’s blurred.”

Narumi obnoxiously groans, incoherently grumbling something and Hoshina hears some aggressive taps, before the Narumi’s video clears up.

“A poll?” Hoshina murmurs, reading the tweet.

“YES A POLL ON WHO’S A BETTER GAMER BETWEEN US TWO, AND YOU FUCKING WON?!”

Realization washes over Hoshina, and he laughs.

“Narumi-chan, did ya call me just to tell me that ya lost?”

“No!” Narumi hisses. “I called you to show you this rigged poll!”

“Oh?” Hoshina indulges him. “Why do you think it’s rigged?”

Narumi’s camera flips around, panning to his face and Hoshina grins upon seeing his offended expression. 

“It’s obviously rigged cause why the fuck did you garner 87% and the actual gamer—which is me—only has 23% of votes!” Narumi argues, brows knitted in fury.

“You’re asking me that as if I had participated in the voting.” Hoshina teases, and Narumi loudly groans.

“You may as well have told your followers to vote for you!” 

“You’re saying that on what grounds?” Hoshina amusedly smiles, cocking his head to the side. “Humor me real quick. Between the two of us, who has more followers?”

“Me, obviously.” Narumi smugly replies and Hoshina snickers, successfully baiting him.

“Then shouldn’t ya have won that poll by a landslide?”

Narumi’s face drops, face twisting in irritation and Hoshina expectantly raises his eyebrow.

“Well?”

“Ugh.” Narumi groans, deflating against his seat. “You are so annoying!”

“I’m just merely statin’ facts.”

“Fuck you and your facts.”

“So mouthy.”

Narumi glares at Hoshina through the camera before flipping him off, and Hoshina, who's already quite used to it, only beams.

“What were you doing anyway?”

“Runnin’.” Hoshina responds, reaching out to tilt his phone so the camera can catch the treadmill.

“It’s literally past 12:30 AM.” Narumi deadpans. “Fuck you running for?”

“I’m currently workin’ on increasin’ my stamina.” 

“For what reason?”

“You really wanna know?” Hoshina asks, tone laced with something odd, and Narumi shoots him a confused look.

“What?"

“Nothin’.” Hoshina cheekily grins, grabbing his phone and hopping off the treadmill. 

“What the fuck—tell me!” Narumi demands, but Hoshina only hums in response, already on his way out of his personal gym. 

“I gotta shower, Narumi-chan.”

“The fuck do you want me to do?” 

“End the call?” Hoshina raises a brow, a sly smirk lying across his lips. “Unless ya wanna tag along to the bathroom?”

Hoshina watches a startled Narumi splutter in surprise and he’s shouting profanities, shoving his middle finger at the camera.

“FUCK YOU BOWL CUT JERK! I HOPE YOU DROWN. BYE!”

The call abruptly ends and Hoshina runs a hand through his hair, laughing brightly. 

“Fuck, he’s so cute.”

Chapter Text

“Hey.”

Hoshina tears his gaze away from his desk, automatically fixing his posture—only to relax when he sees a familiar face walking through the door of his office. 

“Ashiro. I haven’t seen ya in months.”

Ashiro nods, wearing her usual calm expression as she walks towards Hoshina’s direction with a confident poise.

“I’ve been away for three months specifically, and your welcome back gift is a gloomy face? Don’t move a muscle, I’ll just take a photo for blackmail purposes.”

“Please no.”

Despite Hoshina’s protest, Ashiro pulls her phone out to snap a picture, and Hoshina can only hold a peace sign up in defeat.

“Are ya satisfied?” Hoshina helplessly sighs afterwards and Ashiro quietly nods, sitting on the chair across from Hoshina, and Hoshina leans against his seat.

Ashiro Mina. Hoshina has known her for years now, having met her at college. Ashiro is often on the move, being a travel vlogger along with Hibino Kafka; her boyfriend.  

“How was Europe?”

“Amazing. Kafka and I went on multiple dates.”

“I’m glad to hear that your love life is flourishin’ on top of having lots of fun while visiting overseas countries.” Hoshina replies with a smile, but Ashiro is warily staring at him. 

Of course she can easily sense when something is off.

“What’s gotten you so unusually down?” Ashiro prods, and her gaze shifts to what Hoshina has in his hand. “And is that a mont blanc plushie? Are you that obsessed now?”

“What are ya sayin’? It’s just my favorite, I’ve never been obsessed.” Hoshina chuckles softly, looking down to the said plushie that he was currently holding on to. “And Narumi-chan gave it to me.”

The look on Ashiro’s face changes in a split second. Albeit subtle, Hoshina can tell that the mention of Narumi’s name had instantly piqued her interest.

“Narumi-chan.” Ashiro incredulously utters. “That Narumi?”

“Yeah.” Hoshina confirms. “He gave it to me months ago when he stayed here in Tachikawa for a week.”

“Why are you looking at it like that?”

Am I really that obvious? Hoshina thinks to himself. But then again, Hoshina is the kind of person to always have a smile on his face, so the somber mood was a dead give away.

“It’s nothing serious, really.” Hoshina whispers, but one warning look from Ashiro has him telling the truth. “I mean I kinda uh—miss him...?”

“You miss him?” Ashiro repeats, raising a brow and she conspiratorially leans over. “Hoshina, elaborate.”

Hoshina goes quiet for a moment. He doesn’t vent as often, but when he does, Ashiro is the first one to hear. After all, she was the first person to know about Hoshina’s attraction to Narumi, so it’s not really a new topic to discuss with her. However, Hoshina is hesitating this time since kind of embarrassed of saying such a thing aloud. But oh well.

“Okay, here’s the thing.” Hoshina delicately places the plushie down on the stack of his paperworks and he clasps his fingers together, gazing at Ashiro who was more than willing to listen. “After his stay here in Tachikawa—which happened around the same time you left for Europe—Narumi-chan and I kept in contact. We regularly exchanged messages, did calls, tweets, played games and streamed together.”

An intrigued expression is evident on Ashiro’s face as she listens, and Hoshina sheepishly averts his gaze, feeling abashed. 

“So... I guess I can say that we’ve gotten closer over the course of months?” 

“Sounds like substantial progress.” Ashiro smiles. “You seem happy.”

“How can I not be?” Hoshina murmurs, resting an elbow on his desk and he leans his cheek against his palm, eyes on the plushie. “I genuinely enjoy his company. He’s so rowdy and vulgar, yet he’s so funny and such a great person to be with. It’s truly a crime that I haven’t seen him again for months now.”

“I see. Do you have any plans for Thursday, by the way?” 

“What’s with the sudden change of topic?” Hoshina raises a brow, “Thursday?”

Ashiro shoots Hoshina a disappointed look and Hoshina cluelessly furrows his brows.

“What?”

“It’s your birthday. Did you forget?”

“Ah.” Is all that Hoshina musters up to say and Ashiro is clearly unimpressed by the lack of fucks that Hoshina gave.

“Hoshina.”

“I’ve been busy.” Hoshina tries to reason. “And I don’t think I’ll put up much fuss about this year anyway. I think I’ll just work since it’s on a Thursday.”

Ashiro’s face twists into an unhappy expression, and Hoshina catches it.

“Did I say anythin’ wrong?”

“Can’t you take a hint?” 

“What do ya mean?”

“Hoshina, I’m trying to help you out here.” Ashiro deadpans. “Why not use your birthday as an opportunity to invite Narumi out?”

Hoshina’s eyes widens at the suggestion. His lips purses into a tight line, giving the idea a serious thought, but he quickly comes up with a resolve.

“Can’t.” Hoshina shakes his head, dismissively waving a hand. “Don’t wanna come off as too desperate.”

“Too desperate? What do you mean?” Ashiro frowns. “You’re just asking him to hang out. Isn’t that what normal friends do?”

“You’re really labeling Narumi-chan and I as normal friends?” Hoshina teasingly grins, and Ashiro blankly stares at him.

“My mistake, I forgot that you have a bad case of unrequited love for a while now.”

It’s as if Hoshina was shot with a bullet made of Ashiro’s biting words, and Hoshina collapses on his table with a wounded groan. 

“Ashiro~ that one actually hurt.”

“You wanted to go down that path, and I was more than willing to let you take it.” Ashiro nonchalantly shrugs. “Anyway, you want to see him, right? Have your viewers help you.”

Hoshina rests his chin on the table, glancing at the mont blanc plushie, before looking back at Ashiro.

“How is that possible?”

“You’re hopeless.” Ashiro facepalms and Hoshina cheekily beams in response. “Just bring your phone out and do as I say.”

➤ HoshinaSoushirou is now live! 

Current viewers: 40k 

“Hi!” Hoshina cheerfully greets, watching as his fans steadily enter his livestream: his chat box bursting to life.

@montblanc: hoshina!!! 

@HoshinasBowlCut: HI

@SOUSHIROES: hello handsome 🥰🥰🥰

@purpl3lovebot: OMG OMG OMG HIIIIIIIIIIII

@HoshinaSoushirousWife: Everyone else back off, that's my husband!!!!

@montblanc: idk what you’re on abt but he’s acc married to me!!!!

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: hello hoshina

“How are ya guys? Good?” Hoshina asks and the viewers flood the live with new comments. Hoshina leans over his desk, his hands clasped together as he squints to read the comments on his phone that was currently leaning against his mug.

@HoshinaSoushirousWife: Better now because of you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

@HSN_fan: GOOD. you made my monday more bearable!!!!!!!!!

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: bad tbh. a popular streamer is bullying me, so i’m here bc i know that you wouldn’t do that to me <3

@HoshinasBowlCut: hi hoshina!! what’s with the sudden stream? did you miss us? :3

@AshiroMina: Hi. I’m alright. Thank you for asking.

“Ah, did I just see Ashiro in the chat?” Hoshina points out and the viewers were instantly greeting her.

@AshiroMina: Hi everyone. 

@montblanc: ashiro hiii

@HoshinasBowlCut: OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG ASHIROOOOO

@SOUSHIROES: HIIIHOW WAS EURPOE

“Ashiro. What are ya doin' here?” Hoshina asks, holding back a grin.

@AshiroMina: Just wanted to drop by and say hi.

@HSN_fan: hi!!! are you gonna make a hoshina birthday vlog again!!!!!!!

@HoshinasBowlCut: OMG UR SO RIGHT!!! HOSHINA’S BIRTHDAY IS ON THURSDAY THIS WEEK

@purpl3lovebot: LAST YEAR’S VLOG WAS SO GOOODDD i used to watch it so often

@montblanc: do you have any plans for your birthday?

Hoshina hums, rubbing his chin with his fingers as he ponders about it.

“Not really. I’m just plannin’ on workin’ since it’s a weekday.” 

@montblanc: that’s boring, you deserve a fun day :(( 

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: i agree with user montblanc for once

@AshiroMina: Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make a birthday vlog this year. How about you make one, Hoshina?

Hoshina pretends to think about it, before answering.

“On my own?”

@AshiroMina: Why not ask someone to accompany you?

“Oh, do ya guys have any idea on who I should ask?”

@HoshinaSoushirousWife: I VOLUNTEER!!!!!! I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE

@HSN_fan: How about Souichirou?

@montblanc: iirc he’s in korea rn for a guesting

@HoshinasBowlCut: narumi-chan

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: ??????

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: of all the other good choices, you’re really suggesting narumi? 😭😭😭😭😭😭

“Hm?” Hoshina cocks his head to the side as the viewers start to flood the chat box with Narumi’s name. “You want me to make a video with Narumi-chan? What if he’s already sick of me?” 

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: if anything, it’s YOU who should be sick of him LMFAO

@HoshinasBowlCut: i’m voting for narumi!

@montblanc: i’m voting AGAINST narumi!

@HoshinaSoushirousWife: well i’m voting for myself!

“Pft.” Hoshina snickers, reaching out to grab his phone and he opens Twitter. “Alright, I’m just gonna make a poll. You guys have five minutes to cast your vote on whether or not I should ask Narumi-chan.”

Much to Hoshina’s relief, the “yes” option wins by a landslide. He tones his excitement down, but he can’t really stop himself from smiling brightly upon seeing the result. 

“It seems that Narumi-chan has won.”

@HoshinaSoushirousWife: noooooooooooo

@montblanc: not him again 

@NarumisTwoTonedHair: but i voted no

@SOUSHIROES: i enjoyed the overcooked 2 stream from back then, so YAY NARUMI

@HoshinasBowlCut: are we looking at another Narumi and Hoshina collab!!!!!!!

“Perhaps, but I gotta ask him first.”

@montblanc: what’s the video going to be about anyway?

“Dunno yet.” Hoshina smiles, “I’ll just surprise ya guys.”

@AshiroMina: Glad you settled on a plan, Hoshina. I’ll get going now, bye everyone :)

“Talk to ya soon, Ashiro. Thanks for the idea.” Hoshina toothily smiles, and the chat follows suit with their own farewell. 

Hoshina stays for a few more minutes to talk with his viewers, then he’s saying his goodbye as well, thanking them for their time. 

➤ The livestream has ended.

Hoshina switches his phone off and sets it down, gaze snapping towards Ashiro who had an accomplished, yet teasing smile on her lips.

“Ashiro, you’re a genius.”

Narumi-chan ❤️

Hi Narumi-chan!

Can I call?

12:58 AM

yh

01:04 AM

Hoshina has already settled in his bed, clad in his silk sleepwear when he decides to call Narumi. The clock reads 1:24 am, and a book is laid open on Hoshina’s lap. The phone rings for a short while, before Narumi decides to pick up.

“Hi.” Hoshina greets when he answers, pressing the phone up to his ear as he leans against the headboard. 

“What do you want?” Narumi grumbles from the other line, and Hoshina hears a faint sound of a game soundtrack playing in the background.

“Are ya busy?” 

“I’m streaming right now.” 

“At one in the morning?”

“Yeah? Nothing's unusual with that—yes, I’m talking to bowl cut, okay? Stop being nosy!” Narumi shouts, probably talking to his chat.

“Ah sorry, I’ll ring ya at another time then.”

“The fuck?” Narumi hisses and Hoshina can just picture the adorable pinch in his eyebrows. “You’re already on the line, just get on with it.”

“Are you sure ya wanna take this call while on stream though?”

There’s a pause on Narumi’s end, then Hoshina hears Narumi excusing himself from his stream.

“Just what is it that you’re calling for that you can’t say it while I’m on stream?” Narumi asks once he returns to the call and Hoshina shifts in his seat, thumb smoothing out the page of the book that he was supposedly reading. 

“It’s my birthday, on Thursday.”

“Okay...?” 

Hoshina can’t help but chortle at Narumi’s bewildered reaction, which triggers Narumi’s indignant whining.

“What do you want me to do with that information? Do you want me to greet you in advance, or what?” 

“Why not?” Hoshina teases. “Won’t it be an honor to be the first person to greet me?”

“It’s not!”

“So mean Narumi-chan~” Hoshina dramatically cries out, and Narumi makes an annoyed noise.

“No, but seriously. What about your birthday?”

“Ah right.” Hoshina clears his throat, his hand reaching up to cup his neck, a shy smile slithering to his lips. “My uh—friend, suggested that I make a video for my birthday. We made one last year, but she isn’t available this week so... my viewers suggested that I make one with ya?”

“What video?”

“A baking video, maybe?” Hoshina suggests. “I was thinkin’ of just making a cake.”

“Well I can’t cook and I can’t bake for shit either, just letting you know.”

“That’s cute, Narumi-chan.” Hoshina croons and Narumi scolds him for doing so.

“Fuck off! I will strangle you.” Narumi threatens but Hoshina is in a playful mood.

“That's so kinky of ya, Narumi-chan.”

“I’m hanging up.” Narumi abruptly announces. “Bye.”

“I’m kiddin’! Please don't!” 

“You—can you shut the fuck up?” Narumi mumbles, and Hoshina chuckles, shaking his head before proceeding.

“So, what do ya say? Accommodation, food and all other expenses are on me.”

“By accommodation, did you mean at your place?”

“Oh uh.” Hoshina dumbly blinks, mind short circuiting at the idea of having Narumi over at his house. “Would ya mind if I offered my house to ya?”

“No. Unless you do?”

“I don’t mind!” Hoshina is quick to exclaim, and his eyes widens, calming down and he clears his throat. “I mean—it’s fine. I don’t mind at all. I have a cat though, so I hope you’re not allergic?”

“Who the fuck do you take me for? Of course I’m not!” Narumi snorts and Hoshina fondly shakes his head. 

“Wow, you’re so invincible that you win even against allergies?”

“You fucking bet.” 

“I can see your ego soarin’ from here, Narumi-chan.” Hoshina jokes and Narumi curses him in response. 

“Shit—right, I just remembered something. I gotta return the coat that you lent me from back then.”

“So you’ll be set on coming this Thursday?” Hoshina perks, hopeful.

“Yeah, count me in.”

“Great.” Hoshina can jump from the happiness that he’s feeling right now. “I’ll get back at ya later with the other details.”

“Cool. Is that all?”

“Yes, sorry for the interruption.”

“Don’t fucking apologize, I'll get mad for real."

“Alright Narumi-chan.” Hoshina softly chuckles. “Thanks for your time, goodnight.”

“Whatever bowl cut.”

Narumi ends the call and Hoshina sinks into his mattress, feeling giddy as he stares up into his ceiling: a euphoric smile visible on his lips.

“I can’t wait to see him again.”

Chapter Text

It’s 4:40pm when Narumi arrives in Tachikawa.

He alights the train, wheeling his suitcase out of the station, and he’s looking around for a familiar face, when he hears a voice.

“Narumi-chan! Here!”

Narumi turns towards the direction the call was coming from, and he sees Hoshina who’s casually dressed in a dark purple hoodie and black sweatpants. Thank fuck for that. Narumi doesn’t feel underdressed with his black sweatshirt and dark cargo pants this time.

“Narumi-chan!” Hoshina exclaims, enthusiastically waving at Narumi when he successfully catches his attention. 

“Hey.” Narumi nods in acknowledgement when he approaches him. “Happy birthday.”

“Thanks!” Hoshina charmingly grins, his fangs peeking out. “Now let me help ya with your luggage.”

“Uh… no?” Narumi huffs, dragging his suitcase away from his reach. “Isn’t it your birthday? Why offer to help me?”

“Why not?” Hoshina sulks. “I’m perfectly capable of doin’ so even if it’s my birthday?”

This guy.

“Yeah, but it doesn’t mean that you should!” Narumi clicks his tongue, rolling his eyes as he starts to walk away. “Anyway, where’s your car?”

“Ah, I actually parked it over there.” Hoshina chuckles, pointing towards the opposite direction.

“You—why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Narumi complains, marching towards Hoshina with a fierce scowl.

“In my defense, you walked away before I could even tell ya.” Hoshina snickers and Narumi lightly knocks him with his shoulder as he passes by.

“Bowl cut, you are so fucking annoying!”

“Hey it’s my birthday today, so you should treat me nicely.”

“Well this is my gift for you, birthday boy.” 

Narumi lets his suitcase roll forward, and he faces Hoshina to flip him off with both hands, causing Hoshina to grimace.

“Am I allowed to say that I’m unhappy with it?”

“I guess, but that would make you an ungrateful shit.”

Hoshina can’t help the laugh that escapes him, and he shakes his head before leading Narumi towards his car.

As Narumi watches Hoshina unlock the vehicle with the key that he had just fished out, a spontaneous thought crosses his mind.

“Hey birthday boy, do you want me to drive you as a gesture of quote unquote–treating you nicely? ”

“Do ya even have a license?” Hoshina skeptically eyes him, and Narumi took offense to that.

“Of course I do, why the fuck would I offer to do so if I didn’t have one?”

“Just checkin’, cause ya never mentioned it until now.”

“There hasn’t been an opportunity to do so!”

"I see." Hoshina hums, loading Narumi’s suitcase to the backseat despite his protest. “I’ll let ya drive me next time then.”

“Why not now? It’s not like I would purposely crash your car.” Narumi fusses.

“I know ya wouldn’t.” Hoshina dismisses, pulling the door open for him, and Narumi’s response is to glare at Hoshina.

Unfazed, Hoshina gestures inside, but Narumi stands his ground: unmoving. Eventually, Hoshina arches an eyebrow as a warning, and that's when Narumi yields. He begrudgingly slips in with a grumble, noticing Hoshina’s hand under the doorframe that are once again making sure that he won’t bump into it.

Narumi’s stomach momentarily feels odd, but the feeling dissipates when Hoshina withdraws his hand.

“Like I said, it's not like I don't trust ya. It's more of an "I’d rather ya rest" kinda concern.” Hoshina reasons, head ducked as he gazes into Narumi’s eyes.

Before Narumi can say anything, Hoshina is reaching out to pull a seatbelt over him, and Narumi can only blink at the smooth turn of events—cause how the fuck?

“And didn’t ya travel for nearly two hours?” Hoshina adds and Narumi's face falls.

“All I did was sit and play on my switch.” Narumi deadpans. “I wasn’t the one driving the fucking train, bowl cut.” 

“Fair point, but still.”

Hoshina closes the door and he jogs to the other side, occupying the driver’s seat, while a bewildered Narumi collapses on his seat, suddenly becoming aware of the scent that he hasn’t gotten a whiff of in months. 

Ah shit.

“You ready to go?”

Narumi gapes at him, briefly distracted by the familiar smell, but he forces himself to nod at Hoshina’s question. Upon Narumi's confirmation, Hoshina pulls out of the parking lot and sets off to the road.

“Have ya eaten yet by the way?” Hoshina asks after a while, and Narumi turns to look at him, his gaze falling onto Hoshina who’s only driving with his right hand with a calm, collected manner.

His confidence is so fucking... annoying.

“I ate some potato chips and had some soda before leaving. That’s about it.” Narumi shrugs, tearing his eyes away.

“Sounds unhealthy.” Hoshina disapprovingly says, and Narumi crosses his arms with an affronted huff.

“Leave me and my meal choices alone, bowl cut.”

“I’m just concerned.” Hoshina casually states. “Cause I doubt that you’re gettin’ enough nutrients from that alone.”

“You’re a nutritionist now?”

“There’s no gettin’ through ya, huh?” 

“So you’re calling me difficult?”

“I’m—I have nothin’, I give up.” Hoshina sighs and Narumi triumphantly smirks.

“Get rekt bowl cut!”

Hoshina frowns, the term foreign to his ears.

“I have no idea what that means, Narumi-chan.”

“It means get fucked.”

“Ah,” Hoshina dejectedly replies. “How foolish of me to think that it meant a nice word.”

“Pft—” Narumi involuntarily snorts, then his boisterous laughter fills the car. “Your ignorance on gamer lingo is fucking pitiful.”

“I guess that’s not so W of me.” Hoshina comments and Narumi’s laughter soars.

“L plus ratio!”

Hoshina glances at Narumi’s laughing form, and a fond smile automatically creeps its way onto his lips, before bringing his focus back on the road.

“We’re here.”

It’s a little over fifteen minutes when Hoshina parks in front of a tall, steel and dark wood gate.

Narumi clicks his seatbelt off, sliding out of the car and grabbing his suitcase from the backseat before Hoshina can beat him to it. Hoshina sighs in defeat upon seeing him do so, pouting as he locks the car once they had both exited.

“Narumi-chan, after ya.”

Narumi goes through the gate once Hoshina had unlocked it, immediately greeted by a simple, yet elegant looking three-storey modern house. There is a stone path that leads straight towards the elevated platform, and on each side was an extremely healthy looking grass that stretches out to what seemed like a well-tended garden. Huh. 

“Both my father and brother are overseas, so I don’t have to make ya pretend that you’re a well behaved person.” Hoshina remarks as he leads Narumi through the path, and Narumi shoots him a glare.

“Fuck off.” Narumi indignantly groans. “Plus I'm sure that your brother is already familiar with my true nature, so I don't know what you're on about.”

“Just my father then.” Hoshina smiles, “Oh, watch your step, Narumi-chan.”

Narumi quietly nods, dragging his suitcase up the few steps of stairs, and Hoshina unlocks the front door.

“I’m home!” Hoshina shouts, and Narumi trails after him when he enters.

"Welcome to our house, Narumi-chan." Hoshina warmly smiles, hanging his keys up on the hooks that were mounted near the door. "Do make yourself comfortable."

"Okay."

Narumi takes his shoes off, setting them aside, when he catches something in his peripheral vision. His gaze snaps towards it, and he sees a pair of slitted eyes who were staring rather menacingly at him. 

“Why the fuck is it looking at me like that?” Narumi frowns.

Hoshina looks over to where Narumi is referring to, and then he’s smiling. He kneels down to pet a surprisingly chunky orange and white tabby cat who was sitting down on the entryway, tail tucked in front of him as he seemingly awaits for Hoshina’s return.

“Narumi-chan, this is Nyanjuu. Nyanjuu, meet Narumi-chan.”

Narumi shifts to step forward, but he halts when Nyanjuu abruptly gets up on all fours, hackles rising as he hisses at Narumi before running away.

“Oh.” Hoshina sheepishly rubs his neck. He then gets up and apologetically smiles up at Narumi. “He’s not always friendly but uh, I keep him around.”

“He probably hates the name you gave him.” Narumi scoffs, “Nyanjuu?”

Hoshina nods.

“Mhm. I found him on October 10th last year at around 10pm. So I incorporated the ten in his name.” 

“Cool.”