Chapter Text
[PROLOGUE]
It was the last year of highschool, where it would all end. Everyone will follow further the parts they all aspired to learn for the past few years.
“So, what job do you want to work when you'll graduate? Or will you just sit on your family’s money?” Suguru said that last part with a teasing tone as he started packing up his things.
Satoru pouted. It was fake - but maybe only Suguru could tell that. “No I won't sit on my family’s money, but I don't know what I'll do. There are plenty of jobs that sound fun that's for sure.” Satoru started smiling for no particular reason. “You?”
“Well I'm not that sure either.”
“Losers.” Shoko called out.
“Yes, miss doc? Hope no patients will die, knowing all the cheating you did in those years.” Suguru joked.
“Well I'd do it on purpose so don't come to me if you get sick.”
It was towards the end of the year, which meant a lot of stress, mental breakdowns, exams, tests and all that. Suguru has been looking extremely exhausted and maybe even devastated than he normally was. Maybe also closing himself in his room, sometimes ignoring Satoru, even if that wasn’t entirely on purpose.
“How come Suguru isn't with you?” Shoko asked as she took another puff out of her cigarette.
“Think he's learning, he doesn't really wanna hang out now.” Satoru said with a little doubt.
“Really? What job would he like, though?”
“When we talked he said no idea.” Satoru was abnormally quiet.
“So just like you?”
“Kind of.” he exhaled, “I'll talk with him again next time we have a class together.” He threw an eye to his watch, “which is in 5 minutes.”
“Bye-byeee.” Shoko slightly waved as she went in the opposite direction.
***
“You know I have been thinking..” Satoru was interrupted.
“Really?” Suguru started laughing.
“Shut up.” he couldn't help but laugh as well. “I think you would fit a job like a tattoo artist.”
“Tattoo artist? Really? Why?”
“Well you like drawing and stuff I guess you'd fit for a tattoo artist, also -” he started to somewhat agitate and speak much faster, blabbering some words along the lines “youwouldlooksohotdoindthat”
Suguru started laughing again, this time with a tint of confusion, running a hand through his dark long hair.
Satoru's face rose and now wore a sparkle of redness across his cheeks, quickly flashing open a notebook and running through pages to find some of Suguru’s silly drawings that he does in class when he's bored. And there Are a lot of drawings - from random eyes to plants, animals, even people or better put it anatomy practice.
“Quit looking for drawings, silly.” Suguru pointed out loud, patted his friend’s head and got up to leave.
***
“I think you'd make for an amazing fireman or policeman i meannnn,” Satoru started this subject once again. It was one of Suguru's biggest concerns, that's for sure, but he never once pointed it out.
“Hm?” Suguru gave him a confused look.
“Since you already work out and stuff, wouldn't it be pretty easy?”
“If I were to really join the police or something, the fact I do gym is good but not good enough.”
Satoru was kind of confused. If Suguru was known for taking care of something so well it'd be his physique - putting aside all the time he puts into making his hair look glamorous and everything. Except Suguru has been a little messier lately.
“Anyway. I feel like going to the gym today. Are you up for that?” Satoru asked all of a sudden, out of the blue, out of nowhere - he never goes to the gym even though he has an active 12 months subscription which he never uses.
Suguru raised an eyebrow. “Really? If so, 6pm ‘n see you there.” He packed his stuff and left.
***
“Wow you actually showed up on time.” Suguru smiled fondly at Satoru who had a bag over his shoulder, probably carrying some water and clothes, ready for gym.
“Oh come on, don't act like I'm never punctual or something.” He pushes the door open and holds it still so that Suguru can enter just fine.
They got the keys and some lockers, and so they started changing into their gym clothes. A baggy t-shirt and some knee-length pants.
They did a lot of exercises, Satoru mainly following Suguru around and speaking uncontrollably, cracking a joke every now and then. Suguru's set was not for the weak, and nor for Satoru.
“Don't tell me there are any other exercises left..” Satoru said while painting.
“Actually, there are a few more. And, you didn't even do the same number like I do - you barely did a quarter of everything.”
“You're overworking yourself.” Satoru said while looking straight into his friend's dark purple eyes.
Suguru didn't say anything - he just averted his gaze and continued his set.
When they finally finished - Suguru finished - Satoru was happier than ever. He opened his bag and started looking through it until he exclaimed “Candy?!” while holding a few lollipops, all different flavors.
Suguru stifled a giggle while he got the bottom of his shirt up to his temples that were drenched in sweat, same like his hair - waiting for a much deserving shower.
Satoru was looking, - eyes glued to Suguru and his figure - LOOKING. “
Suguru reached out for a candy, slightly touching Satoru's fingers. “I'll take a shower, you.. I don't know. Don't get in trouble.” Suguru sounded weirdly exhausted - not just physically - but maybe even mentally. Satoru thought it was because it's getting late.
The two of them walked back home, Suguru dropping Satoru off at his place. And here another strange thing seemed to take place. Suguru was walking with his head down - but Satoru only noticed that when the other boy was walking down the hall, going for the stairs.
***
One week before everything was coming to an end. Everyone was way more stressed, visibly busier, schedules full, some even had their behaviors changed; they were meaner, they'd be snapping more, so on and so forth.
“You know, I have a strange feeling that you've been losing a lot of weight, Suguru?”
Suguru once again averted his gaze. “I've just been working out.”
“No, that doesn't answer my question.”
“You know you lose weight when you work out even while doing it for muscles.” Suguru seemed weirdly tired and sick, not to mention that what he just said is half a lie.
“It's kind of worrying.”
“You don't have to worry about me.”
Suguru was spiraling. He lacked everything. Motivation, inspiration, time, sleep, now he was almost starving himself at any chance given.
All he ever told himself is that he will soon finish and get a job so things will probably calm down. Even though a 9 to 5 sounded scary.
Sometimes he could hear it in his head a 9 to 5 just to stay alive- 9 to 5 to stay alive. Nothing could break him out of this cycle.
He thought of any and every job. From a little bakery to a lawyer. Something he enjoys? At this point he developed hate towards things that he enjoyed the most. Working out - becoming a gym coach? Cooking - a little bakery? Patisserie? Organizing stuff around his room and reading books - a library? Things he couldn't find himself doing anymore no matter how bad he wished he could.
Become a nurse? Work with Shoko? Sounded like too much of a hassle and he might not even enjoy it. Not to mention the additional years of medicine school that he'd have to attend and pass, but most importantly was surviving.
Left and right everyone was questioning and answering what they wanted to do after college. Most people had it all planned out, or were now letting it fall into pieces hoping for the best.
Suguru thought and thought and further thought. It only ever pulled him away from reality, pulled him away from all his friends, making him distance even further. Nobody really cared that much anymore about others since it was the end anyway.
Saying everyone always has something ahead of them destined by fate seemed to be fake. Nothing awaited Suguru.
Nothing.
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Satoru’s and Suguru's bond and friendship would be unbreakable. Like a wet knot.
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