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Fukuchi was leaving soon.
He was leaving tomorrow, actually. He packed his bags and camped at Fukuzawa's place for the time being. He was being sent off to basic training. He was quick to sign up for the army. Fukuzawa knew he already decided when he was 16. Also, Fukuchi already told him his plans. He assumed it was just in his nature, Fukuchi has always been more adventurous than him. Plus, with his wish in mind, it fit him.
They had spent the entire day running around their small town. It was Fukuchi's idea, really. ‘Go out strong’ he said. They visited old spots, spent too much money on killer food, and visited the friends that he could care to say goodbye to. All with Fukuzawa by his side. It felt weird, like a final tour almost. It felt like Fukuchi was hitting the ground running; leaving this town and not looking back. He didn't blame him. Fukuzawa wasn't ignorant to his treatment. Fukuchi was labeled a troublemaker, an outsider, and he was probably the only one close to him.
Now, they were in Fukuzawa's room, empty containers on the small table and both of them were well fed. They were laying on the tatami mat, staring at the ceiling. Fukuchi was talking about something while Fukuzawa was starting to zone out. Today was a lot and the fatigue was starting to drag him down.
He felt a small pinch on his arm and Fukuchi's voice followed, “Yukichi?”
He let out a small ‘ow’ and pulled his arm away. He looked over, glaring slightly. “What was that for?”
“You were falling asleep on me,” Fukuchi chuckled. “Am I boring you?” There was a mock offense in his tone.
Fukuzawa scoffed. “no…” he adjusted on the mat, moving his head to lean on fukuchi's shoulder. “It's just late.”
Fukuchi smiled and tried to adjust to Fukuzawa's position. He leaned his own head onto his in an act of small affection. They were comfortable with each other, almost embarrassingly so.
“Thanks,” Fukuchi started, “for doing this with me.”
“It was nothing,”
Fukuchi let out a short laugh. “This was fun. At least I know someone will miss me.”
Fukuzawa was silent for a minute before shrugging slightly. “This is a new chapter for you, it feels right to honor it.”
Fukuchi let out a small huff, amused.
Fukuzawa was silent for a minute before asking, “Where are you going? After basic, I mean.”
“Wherever they put me. I don't have that much of a choice.” he smiled. “I hope it's in the city though. I’m tired of the countryside.”
“What about you?” he turned the question onto him. “Where will you end up?”
The silver haired boy didn't expect it. It took him a minute to respond, thinking about where he’s been, where he is, and where he wants to go. The thought of being a mentor at the dojo crossed his mind, but he snuffed it quickly. He isnt good with kids and he guessed he wouldnt be taken seriously. He’s been offered some small government jobs from some superiors at the dojo as well, though those had their quirks as well.
Other than those options, he really didn't know. He’d figure it out eventually, he knows he will.
“I'll see where life takes me.” he finally answered.
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The next morning, they were at the train station. It was still warm, summer turning into fall, and both of them were standing under the awning; a respite from the demanding sun. Fukuzawa saw Fukuchi yawn from the corner of his eye, his bag over his shoulder. The station was semi busy, with business men going into the city, distant families going back home, and a few young men like Fukuchi. He had assumed they were all going to the same place, they had to.
It was oddly quiet, nothing but the atmosphere of the morning. It felt almost unreal. It wasn't like Fukuchi was disappearing forever, he knew that. He knew where he was going. He was in arm’s reach. He already promised to him that he would write to him. But, still, something was tugging at Fukuzawa's heart, acting like Fukuchi was abandoning him. He wasn't, he knew this was Fukuchi’s decision for a while now. It was fine. This is fine. Whatever makes him happy.
His dwelling thoughts stopped when a train pulled into the station, hissing as it inched to a stop. Fukuchi perked up. “There it is.” His ticket out of here.
Fukuzawa watched him turn to him and smile. He looked giddy, anxious. It was contagious, a lot of Fukuchi's emotions were. Fukuzawa returned a shadow of a smile. Fukuchi took that as approval and went in to hug him. Fukuzawa returned it, head resting on his shoulder. Fukuchi squeezed Fukuzawa tightly, a final goodbye. At least it felt like it.
“I’ll miss you.” He felt Fukuchi's words against his skull. He hummed.
“Let’s meet up again after this.” Fukuzawa suggested, “My treat.”
He felt Fukuchi's laugh against him. He’ll miss that laugh. “I’ll hold you to it.”
Fukuchi gave him a final firm squeeze and let go, patting fukuzawa’s shoulder. “Write to me, yeah?”
“You already made me promise.”
Another small laugh, playful. It made Fukuzawa smile. Fukuchi got his bag and finally made it on the train. He watched Fukuchi make it to his seat and get settled. Not long after, his train departed the station.
Fukuzawa was left alone among the small crowd. That feeling, the pull against his gut came back briefly before he pushed it away. It was fine. This was fine.