Chapter Text
“I don’t know, Ma, I think I just need a break from it all.” Aran grumbled out as he laid, fully sprawled on his couch. It was a busy night, as it always was in New York, he could hear the horns beeping and people yelling from outside his studio apartment, but unlike them he was sitting at home complaining to his mother when he could be doing literally anything else to possibly fill the void he was feeling.
He heard rustling from the other end of the line which meant his mother was probably just lounging in bed, it was just about mid-day over there anyway. It was selfish of him to interrupt his mother’s downtime just because he wasn’t feeling very peppy at 11pm. He just needed to sleep and see if tomorrow was a better day. “Well, sweetie, you could always come back home whenever you’re ready, even just for a visit. Your father and the twins miss you. We all miss you.”
“I miss you guys too. Speaking of which, I do need to get in contact with Hina and Hiro. I haven't spoken with them in a while.” He sighed, and with that he already knew his mother was going to start fretting over him so before she did that he spoke again, “I like it here don’t get me wrong. It’s just…” I don’t feel like I belong here.
“Aran you’ve just got to continue putting yourself out there in hopes of feeling more… at home, if you get what I mean.”
“Yeah, I get you Ma.”
“Good, well I have to get started on lunch, you know how these two get when they’re hungry. I love you, honey.”
“Love you too, Ma.” They hang up the phone and Aran is left alone again in the not-so-quiet solitude of his apartment.
He’s lonely, that much he knew but he’s not quite sure on how to fix it. He’s contemplated multiple times getting a pet but how can he take care of another living thing when he already struggled getting out of bed in the morning. A roommate? No, he only has a studio apartment; there's no space for that.
When Aran initially made his decision to move to New York he thought it would have been one of the best decisions of his life, and it was at the start. But back then he was just running off being young and having a dream. New York wasn’t bad, it was just too much. There’s always activity going on, always people moving around. Aran tried to make friends multiple times and he succeeded on some occasions but it was hard to keep up with them due to everyone’s busy lives. Maybe if he had a constant, steady friend then he wouldn’t be feeling this way, but all his true friends were either back home in Japan or spread out across the country.
He decided to head on Twitter to see what his friends were up to. He rarely got to speak with them anymore and he knew that was kind of his fault for not attempting to reach out much, but everyone was in different time zones so it was hard to sync up.
Gao @gogaogo ᐧ 6h ago
Anyone in need of a roommate/place to live? I’m 6’8 and can cook…
Omiii Unblock Me @acuteblonde ᐧ 6h ago
yess you finally got rid of that asshole! Congrats man
the twins are gay @sunarin ᐧ 5h ago
atsumu srop acting like I’m a bad guy
Omiii Unblock Me @acuteblonde ᐧ 5h ago
…
Bokkun @akaashi.lovebot ᐧ 5h ago
…
Gao @gogaogo ᐧ 5h ago
…
the twins are gay @sunarin ᐧ 5h ago
STOP
Akaashi @bokuto.lovebot ᐧ 5h ago
^ GaoSuna breakup arc real this time?
Gao @gogaogo ᐧ 5h ago
Yes, unfortunately but fortunately
the twins are gay @sunarin ᐧ 5h ago
sorry to disappoint akaashi
Kita @thrivingoffrice ᐧ 3h ago
You two rarely ever take anything seriously, but honestly if you ever want to talk about anything please don’t hesitate to reach out
He made a mental note to call and check up on Gao in the morning to ask him how he’s coping with the breakup. Other than Gao he didn’t know any of the other people, except Suna because Gao introduced them once through Facetime; a fleeting, brief encounter. He always sees Gao and his friends talk to each other on the timeline and he would be lying if he said it didn’t strike him with a pang of jealousy – wanting to include himself in the conversation or something. But it’s not his place, he didn’t know the majority of them nor was involved in their life, after all.
***
“The breakup was messy but it was bound to happen eventually. We’re still friends though, actually. I can never get this guy out of my life.” Gao said over the phone, true to his word Aran called his friend the next day to check up on how he’s handling the breakup.
“That’s good but also not good, I guess?” Aran wasn’t sure how to word it. It’s nice that they’re still friends but it also sucks that they broke up.
Gao laughed a bit at his confusion then clarified, “Yeah, I mean we can’t exactly be enemies, we have too many mutual friends for that. It’ll put them in an awkward situation.”
“I bet they feel awkward either way.”
Gao scoffed, “I doubt it, these people have like no filter of their emotions. If they felt awkward I would know.”
Aran hummed, wishing he could meet these people Gao always spoke so dearly of whenever they called.
“But hey, I gotta go and open up the store. Let’s call again later this week!” Gao dismissed, he owned a surf shop on a boardwalk in Venice.
Whenever Arana would witness him getting along so well over there he wonders if he made the wrong decision on where he chose to live. But honestly, both sound great, ‘The City of Angels’ and ‘The City that Never Sleeps’.
“Sounds good.”
It was about time he started his day as well. He had work late at night so before that he decided to go to the gym. It’s been a while since he hit the gym; not enough for his muscles to reduce but long enough that it was too long for his liking. He had a light breakfast with a protein drink then took the bus to the gym.
It was a productive workout, he always loved feeling the burn in his muscles and lungs afterwards. He finished up just in time for a late lunch, he’ll have to head over to the ring at about 6 to start the match.
He works part time as a host for boxing matches and he likes getting to see the matches since they’re gritty, but getting home at late hours of the night wasn’t his favorite thing to do. Since they like to keep the appearance as an “underground event” they host the matches at night. It actually looks quite shady – like some type of gambling ring - even though they’re not doing anything illegal. The drugs people do and exchange on the side are a different story, however.
Tonight was such a night, it was a match between Ushijima and Ohira; a match people had to buy tickets for beforehand because it was in such high demand. It’s expected though they both had a high BMI, plus they’re friends outside of the ring. Tonight brought in so much revenue, people were lining up outside the building to try to get in and watch.
It was a good night but now Aran was tired so all he wanted to do was go home and sleep.
Gao @gogaogo ᐧ 4s ago
Still looking for a roommate…
“Why is no one replying to me on a serious note?” Gao exclaimed, side eyeing the men in the apartment.
“I was plenty serious when I replied, Gao.” Kita said, tone neutral as he took another slice of pizza from the box.
“I mean about needing a roommate.” Gao stressed, plopping down on the couch making the rest of those on the couch bounce and ignoring the ‘you’ll break my couch one day and you’ll have to pay for it.’ He went to reach for a slice of pizza but his hand was slapped away by Suna.
“You’ve already had five slices.” Suna side-eyed him.
“I’m a growing boy, I need to eat.”
“Please, you’ve been a giant for the past 3 years. Trust me you've got no more growing to do.”
“Easy for you to say. Maybe if you ate more you would grow like me.”
“Nobody could eat if you’re hogging all the pizza.”
“I’m not hogging all the pizza I’m just-”
“Enough.” Kita said, once again his tone was neutral but commanding all the same and it implored Suna and Gao to listen. It always did and they always followed suit. It was always like this with Kita, he was like the backbone of the group.
It’s been a week since the breakup and the two were still in their arguing phase. The phase where you can tell there’s still love there but the only way they can express that love is through arguments. The phase where they just want something to argue about; silly things, like pizza. It’s been this way long before they broke up and honestly Kita didn’t know what triggered it. If he saw it coming beforehand he would’ve found some way to stop it – a subtle little word of advice, a push in the right direction - but he was blindsided by it all.
“Are you two sure you guys can handle living in the same apartment building together?” Suna moved out but it was literally to just down the hall.
“Yeah, why do you ask?” They say, in unison with dumbfounded expressions on their face as if they genuinely didn’t see where Kita was coming from. They were together for a reason, he guessed.
Akaashi, who was sitting on the other couch with a sleeping Bokuto between his legs as he carded his fingers through his hair, and Kita sighed, with the latter backtracking his question and muttering a ‘nevermind.’ The former went back to the original topic at hand, “Well, maybe nobody’s looking to move right now Gao.”
“Of the thousand people that follow my Twitter?” He exclaimed, frustrated.
“Hmm, a thousand people isn’t all that much if you really think about it. Most of which don’t even know you in real life. It’s actually quite bold and dangerous of you to publicly announce that you need a roommate instead of using an app like most people would. You don’t know who could be-”
“Oh my goodness, sorry mom won’t do it again.” Gao said sarcastically, causing Suna to chuckle which prompted a small smile from Gao’s face.
“No, Akaashi is right. It’s a dangerous world we live in.” Kita nodded as he agreed with his friend’s statement.
“Please, who’s gonna mess with me if they know what’s good for them? Plus I could scream and everyone down the hall would be running to my door in two seconds flat. Now who’s gonna mess with all of us?”
Kita pondered that for a moment then wired his brain to find out how this conversation went from needing a roommate to the threat of potential serial killers. It was never a dull moment with this group.
They gather up every so often, not all of them are able to make it every time due to everyone having lives of their own but there’s always a number of them that gather up to hang out. For some reason it’s always in Kita’s apartment even though the majority of his friends live in the same apartment building and Akaashi has the biggest one with it being on one of the higher floors.
He doesn’t remember how they all specifically met or became so close but he attributes it to having to do with them all living in the same building.
The twins weren’t able to attend tonight since Osamu was busy doing something for the store while Atsumu was busy trying suck up to Sakusa in order to get unblocked. Everyone constantly wonders when they’ll just hook up and get it over with already.
“Akaashi, use your mass following to find me a roommate!”
“That’s a terrible idea.” Akaashi and Kita say in unison. Followed up by Akaashi’s, “Plus an abuse of status.”
Gao sighs, “I know, but I need to find somebody soon or else I’m going to have to move out of this building. I can’t cover the living expenses on my own.”
“You’ll find someone.” Kita assures.
***
Gao intakes a deep breath in order to not blow up in the middle of his store, only to keep up appearances because in all honesty he had every right to lose his cool by now. “Korai, this is the third time this week that you’ve come into my store just to skate around it with the display skateboards. I’m honestly convinced that you just exist to make my life miserable.”
Sometimes preteens come in and skate in the store with the store's skateboards and Gao lets them because hey they’re kids as long as they stay within a certain area. But Korai skates throughout the whole shop.
“You’re a fully grown- You’re an adult, please act like one and put the board back.”
Korai made a face at the jab but nonetheless didn’t comply. “I’m just testing them out to see if I ever want to make a purchase.” Korai said, faux thinking, face contemplative.
“I’m not above literally throwing you out my store. Don’t act like I can’t.”
The shorter man just gave a smug chuckle but he did put the board back, seemingly deciding his torment toward Gao was done for the day.
“Uhh Gao, can you trim the grip tape off this board? I already replaced it but you know I’m not good with trimming.” His employee asked. It was evident the employee was hesitant to utter a single word to his boss due to the barely contained anger Gao was withholding.
With a strained voice he answered. “Yeah, no problem.”
“Geez, you look like you’re about to pop a blood vessel.”
He’d never been more happy to hear that familiar voice in his life. “Atsumu! Are you here to save me from the cruel task that is owning and running a business?”
“Yeah no, I’m just here to pick up my surfboard. It’s ready right?”
Gao sighed, “Yes it’s ready. I’ll go fetch it from the back.”
Gao loved his business he really did but being his own boss is tough sometimes and the only person he thinks can relate with that amongst his friend group is Osamu.
Well, not that they’re truly friends, perhaps he should say an acquaintance. Gao doesn’t know what it is but for some reason Osamu does not get along with him. Even though he’s able to get along with his brother great and Osamu gets along with everyone else in the group, when it comes to the two they can just never click and things end up uncomfortable.
With the two of them both owning a business one would think that the two of them would be able to bond over something, but apparently not.
Coming back out from the stockroom, Gao questions Atsumu about his recent escapades, “So did you get unblocked?” He hands him the board and watches as Atsumu admires it.
Atsumu whistles at the recoloring a new design. “Yup, he can’t resist my allure.” He flaunts and Gao rolls his eyes. “No but actually I bought him some new painting supplies, let me tell you those things aren’t cheap.”
Was Kiyoomi justified in blocking Atsumu? Probably not, after all it was an accident that he threw up all over Kiyoomi’s fresh painting, they were all blackout drunk but that definitely did sober them up. He’s lucky it wasn’t the one that he was going to use for his university’s exhibit or they both would’ve been fucked. Did Atsumu need to buy Kiyoomi new art supplies? Definitely not, but the latter’s got him wrapped around his finger anyway.
Gao gives him a blank stare, “Yeah I know, that's all he asks for for his birthday, every year…” They head over to the counter so Atsumu can pay the remaining balance of what’s worth for his board. Even though they’re friends he’s still required to leave a deposit upon his service request.
“Pleasure doing business with you good sir.” Atsumu says as he gets ready to head out of the store. “I’ll see you back at the building. I’m headed to the beach.”
Gao waves him goodbye but upon hearing about the building he starts to think about his current dilemma. If he doesn’t get a roommate soon he’ll have to move out of the building and away from his friends.
***
Later that week he gets a call from Aran, “Hey Gao.. you’re still looking for a roommate right?”
Gao @gogaogo ᐧ 1hr ago
LETS FUCKING GO. I’M STAYING IN THE BUILDING
Kita @thrivingoffrice ᐧ 42m ago
I told you it’ll work out. I’m happy you’re able to stay but you broke my couch yesterday so you need to replace it asap.
Tsum Tsum @acuteblonde ᐧ 39m ago
finally it isn’t me or Bo causing the screw up
the twins are gay @sunarin ᐧ 40m ago
was hoping you wouldn’t find anybody,, hmm
Gao @gogaogo ᐧ 22m ago
^aww you still think of me🥰
Akaashi @bokuto.lovebot ᐧ 39m ago
when are they joining us Gao?
Gao @gogaogo ᐧ 20m ago
in about a week or two I think
Tsum Tsum @acuteblonde ᐧ 19m ago
they better be hot, we have a reputation to uphold
yummyrice @myaasam ᐧ 16m ago
stfu
Aran @ojirooo ᐧ 20m ago
see you soon. It’s been forever
Gao @gogaogo ᐧ 17m ago
it’ll be just like high school again
Bokkun @akaashi.lovebot ᐧ 13m ago
fuckkk dude you’re ripped. When you get here I need that gym routine
Tsum Tsum @acuteblonde ᐧ 10m ago
seconded... yk what mayb you do belong in this building