Chapter Text
-I don't know what to do, Kashiwagi.
His mother’s voice echoed through the house. She thought he was asleep, but it was always hard for him to fall asleep fast. So he always had to listen to the ticking of the clock, the wind, and if they were at home, his parents. His dad wasn't home today, but instead there was this Kashiwagi guy. Various other men and women visited their house frequently. There was this Shibusawa guy. Daigo found his haircut weird. There was this guy with a funny mustache, Kazama. Then there was this Kashiwagi with a giant scar. Sometimes there were two younger guys who babysat him. Kiryu and Nishikiyama. Daigo considered them friends, but these two became yakuza recently so now they don't hang out as much nowadays. There were many others, but Daigo didn't bother remembering them.
-The thing is, I don't know if he doesn't have many friends because he Is a son of a yakuza or because… He is… Just like that.
That was wrong. He had friends! He had Kiryu and Nishiki. Also many kids always did what he told them to do! That’s enough friends right? Yes they did not hang out a lot but people can be busy.
-Well, I remember Nishiki and Kiryu used to send each other letters despite living in the same orphanage. Kashiwagi chuckled. Maybe Daigo can exchange letters with someone else?
-But with whom?
Kashiwagi went silent for a second.
-I have an idea. I'll tell you about it tomorrow.
What kind of idea did he have? Daigo didn't need his help either way. Stupid Kashiwagi. Stupid mom. He is fine!
Kashiwagi and his mom chatted for a little while, but Daigo fell asleep. They started talking about some Tojo clan issues about which he didn't care and hoped he'd never have to deal with. It can't be that hard being a cool yakuza? Just beat up the others, that's what Kiryu does right? Can’t be that hard.
…
Next day on the way home from school he saw two familiar faces waiting for him. The man with longer hair and in stupid red suit waved to Daigo with a wide smile on his face. A man with a simpler, dark grey suit stood next to him, with his lips slightly curved in a smile.
-Daigo-chan! Shouted the man in the red suit.
Daigo sprinted to the two men.
- Kiryu-kun, Nishikiyama-kun!
He wondered why they came to see him today. Usually they would agree to meet via the phone.
-How’s school, Daigo-kun? Kiryu wondered.
-Boring as always . He responded, kicking a rock.
-Education is important. Kiryu furrowed his eyebrows. You should pay attention to it.
-Yeah yeah. T here was no point arguing with Kiryu nor did he have energy for that. Why are you two here?
-Kashiwagi had a request for us. Kiryu exclaimed.
Oh yeah, that. Great. He could maybe consider taking advice from Kiryu. But the last person he would want to ask for help is Nishikiyama. Though, Kiryu wouldn't be much help in making friends either. But it's not that he needed any help anyway. Why wouldn’t they two just hang out with him instead?
-I heard him and my mom talking. I don't need help with making friends.
A crooked smile creeped on Nishikiyama’s face which he poorly attempted to hide. Kiryu knocked Nishikiyama with his elbow.
-Why not give it a try. It's always fun to make more friends. A real yakuza has to have many connections to profit in his life.
That was correct… But still, he didn't trust Kiryu's and Nishikiyama's social skills.
-Ok so. Have you ever written a letter?
-Eh? No, I had no reason to do so. What the hell are they planning?
-Hm, well anyway, we found this group that helps to find you a penpal. Nishikiyama’s face beamed with excitement as if he's the one who's going to participate.
-You need to apply with an introduction letter. They will try to find you someone close in age and interests. However, it is anonymous and whether you two would reveal yourselves is up to you two. Kiryu continued.
Weird idea. Is someone really that lonely out there? So they would need the organisation's help?
-So we agreed to help you write your first letter. Nishikiyama smiled widely, pointing his thumb on himself and Kiryu nodded, lifting the corner of his mouth .
He did not like this idea, but if this would make his mother happy… Plus these two definitely won't leave him alone. It’s just a letter, he can stop sending them anytime.
-Fine! Let's get over it.
-Great!
…
They went to the nearest smile burger and after ordering some food, they settled on an empty table. Kiryu took out a paper and pen out of his pocket and handed it to Daigo.
-The most important thing is to share your main interests. You like arcade games right?
Nishikiyama was right. He did. But don't all boys his age like them?
Kiryu raised his eyebrows. - Ah. You can write that you are an heir to an important organization.
-Hey Kiryu! Nishikiyama Interrupted . Don't you think this is not really “anonymous” of us?
-Well, I think being an heir is something two people can bond over. This is a big responsibility. I think it's important information. Also we are not mentioning an heir of what exactly. Could be any small business.
- Huh. I guess you're right…
After a few trials and errors they finished the letter and Kiryu carefully put it into an envelope.
- I will give it to the company. If they find a match for you, your pal's introduction letter will be sent out directly to you, and your pal will receive yours. After that you can send it to them directly.
Daigo nodded. What kind of pal will he get? Maybe a cute girl his age. Or maybe some spoiled brat with a rich daddy. He will have to wait to find out. To his own shock, he was kind of excited. He couldn’t show that to Nishikiyama and Kiryu though.
After finishing their meal, Kiryu and Nishiki headed to their own business and Daigo was left to wander the streets. What should he do now? Only Kiryu and Nishikiyama can get him to fun places. And his other friends were busy the whole week. He had nothing else but to head home.
…
Weeks passed by. Daigo was busy with school. He came back home to find his mom sitting in the living room. She seemed weirdly happy about something.
- Daigo-Chan! You got a letter!
His mom was a very serious woman, it was unusual to see her this happy about something. He was confused To why would she be so enthusiastic about him getting a letter.
Oh yeah, the pen pal thing.
He came over and took the envelope. It seems like it was already opened, which he didn't appreciate. There was their home address and another one, but no specific names written.
He headed to his room and closed the door. He took out the letter from the already open envelope and made himself comfortable on his chair. He began reading the letter. The handwriting was a little hard to read.
“ Hello. My dad is forcing me to write this letter. You can not respond to this. I don't care. My dad is like, an important dude out there I guess, and because of that not many kids wanna be close to me nor does my father really care (even though he pretends he does). So he wanted me to try this letter thing. I don't have much hobbies. I like to fight. I suppose I will inherit my dad's position one day maybe. So I have to be strong for that. I don't know what else to write. Oh yes, I am 12 by the way.”
Kiryu and Nishikiyama forced him to rewrite his letter 5 times so the structure and the writing would be coherent. And this guy just writes complete nonsense and puts no effort into handwriting? Why this guy out of all people.
The letter pissed Daigo off and he threw it to the side. He just won't respond to it. He is too good for the other guy. He doesn't wanna be pals with someone like that!
Actually. He should write another letter. He should show that he can do better than this guy. Daigo did not waste his time to write a proper letter just to get this.
He pulled out a sheet of paper and a pen and sat down in front of his desk.