Chapter Text
Despite it being the time of broad daylight, the atmosphere is quite glum, cold and deadlike.
Nothing out of the ordinary for Kiyoomi though, however the single focus of his attention was the book he was reading, the town gloomy yet busy kept with its functions, especially the sound of the chiming clocks. But the only noise that could be heard in the room was the rustling of papers as he turned to the next page.
The raven boy's gaze on his book was put off by a sight in his window, a butterfly, an infrequent sight for this dismal place.
Kiyoomi rose from his chair to open the window, letting in the fluttering insect. He puts a finger forward as an invite, the butterfly accepts and rests on his finger. A serene scene …
“Kiyo! Where on EARTH are you, oh there you are” said a voice barging in his room
The butterfly flew away from the commotion, Kiyoomi sighs
“What is it now Motoya” questions Kiyoomi to the boy behind him, “Kiyo we’re gonna be late, you don't wanna be late on your big day do you?” his cousin asks, “I'd rather not go at all” he replies “Well it's too late for that, the carriage’s already here”, “I know, let's head out now” Kiyoomi responds, making his way out of, his path being blocked by hand “Woah woah woah, where do you think you are going mister” his cousin asked “Off to sacrifice my free will, care to join me?” .
“Not looking like that your not, aunt clearly mentioned a black suit, white shirt, maroon vest, blue tie and black trousers, black boots”,
Kiyoomi scoffed, turning towards his cousin, “Really Motoya, can you not see what i'm accoutred in”. The window’s dull light illuminated on Kiyoomi bringing light to his features, Kiyoomi’s pale skin glowed, his hair curly and black, falling over his forehead and giving him a somewhat disheveled yet clean look, eyes deep green almost black if one didn't have a closer look, the two moles above his right eyebrow adding to the charm, straight and prominent nose, and his mouth always closed, stoic with no expression.
“Kiyo you don’t get the point, you are wearing a charcoal black suit, when it was specified that the suit would be ebony black” , “Which part of, losing free will by marriage of convenience do you not get, I couldn't care less which shade of black im wearing” To which he is met with a disapproving look, Kiyoomi sighs “Fine get out, i'll be there in a while” Komori smiles as he leaves the room “Be quick Cuz, can’t have your husband to be waiting now can we?”, Kiyoomi nods “I am aware”.
“Look, who decided to finally show up, looking good Kiyoo~” Komori chimes, “Trust me, i'd rather be anywhere but here ” , “Well should have thought about that before agreeing to an arranged marriage” Kiyoomi rolls his eyes before speaking “As if I had any choice, gotta live to those social expectations and family appeasement right?”.
“Kiyoomi, Motoya what’s taking you two so long” a voice calls in bringing a halt to their conversation. “Well that was a nice chat, but we should get going before your mother gets here instead” Kiyoomi nods…
“Kiyoomi, are you not excited, today is the day you get married?” questions the woman clad in expensive silk bustle dress with lace trim, a fitted bodice, and layered skirts. Gloves cover her hands, and a scented reticule hangs at her side.
, “Over the moon, mother” He scoffs, “Kiyo, why are you so adamant on looking like your father just died” cough “I am not dead yet” a voice intervenes, he wears a charcoal frock coat over a crisp white shirt and brocade waistcoat, with dark trousers and polished boots. A top hat rests on his neatly combed hair, gloves in hand, and a silver watch chain glints at his waist. “I know, it's an idiom dear. Back to you Kiyo, the Miya’s are great people and you've known them since for an eternity”. “10 years precisely, not even close to an eternity”, “Hush now, 10 years that's a decade, long enough to know the family and you grew up with boy, stop acting like we are forcing you into this, sure this marriage means a lot and holds great status, but it doesn't compare to you Kiyo”. Kiyoomi, taken aback by this, pauses for a moment and nods “I know mother, thank you”. “Kiyo, are you smiling under that mask” Komori teases, “Shut up ’Toya”.
The carriage calls a halt, the chauffeur opening the door indicating that they have arrived, it was really not a long ride 15 minutes or so, but as the saying goes “ Rich people ” Kiyoomi got off after his parents and cousin, avoiding the chances of stepping into potential dirty areas near the door, he was sort of a clean freak or as Motoya liked to call him. There in front of him stood the abode of the Miyas’, Kiyoomi knew this place like the back of his hand, years of memories playing at the back of his head, “Kiyo, your lagging behind don't tell me you forget the way to get past a door, or is it that your scared to face you fiance”, “Nothing, Im here” Kiyoomi followed his family, breaking free of his whirlwind of thoughts. Near the entrance, just below the stooping were the Miyas’, first to welcome them in was Ms. Miya the lady of the manor, a woman Kiyoomi knew well if not by a lot, he held great respect for the woman, A divorcee who raised her son alone, one who had gone against all the odds separated from her awful husband, moved to the other end of the town and started a business out of scratch, all from a small idea, personalized cooking sessions for wealthy women ‘Miyas’ Cooking Classes’ , a meet-up sort of thing, to well of course meet up with other ladies in the higher class, gossip, and cook if they have time to spare. Quite the place you must be at if you want to get to know the ones with power, status and to make connections, Kiyoomi had been there before, that place for one was very intimidating, although a memory he would never forget.
FLASH BACK-
“Kiyoomi, are you ready yet?we are to leave now” said the woman to her 13 year old son, a visibly upset looking Kiyoomi follows his mother into the carriage “I don't understand why I have to join you mom, it's not like you people cook there anyway” He muffled through his mask “Kiyo, thats rude and we do cook there Miya-san is a great instructor” his mother intervenes, “I wonder why the food tastes like charcoal everytime you insist on cooking instead of the house maid”, “Oh we’re here, lets go, i'll introduce you to my chuckaboos” his mother coos ignoring her son’s remark. “Is it too late to go back home” Kiyoomi says to himself more than anyone else before joining his mother inside the dwell, the place was smaller if compared to Kiyoomi’s home and of course felt foreign but a comfortable space nonetheless, Kiyoomi’s focus was broken by the sound of women nearby’s chortle of which one was his own mother “And this is my youngest Kiyoomi, Kiyo come here” his mother pointed towards him while continuing to howl with the other ladies, reluctantly he went to his mother’s side he looked up to see the other women looking at him with big smiles readily asking him all the information he had of himself within these 13 years of existence. “Ohhh, what a handsome boy, how old are you?” asked a lady in green. “13” he replies after a lot of cross thinking whether to answer or just ignore them, his cousin told him he had a talent in the skill of not giving a fuck but he’d rather answer today and forget this day instead of facing his mother’s wrath back at home, “What’s your name boy” asked another, wait didn’t his mother answer that one before, “Do you want a candy?” offered one. Kiyoomi deadpanned. As if he would take a candy some lady who is not even wearing gloves is offering, who knows where her hands have been, and quite frankly the thought scares him, also he hates candy his mom knew that, “No, I don’t like sweets sorry” Kiyoomi refused in the nicest way he could, to which the lady only squealed “Ahh, what a mature boy, Sakusa-san your son really is a charmer” the other ladies following the suit, these ladies were trying to win his mother’s favour he knew it, their family was very well known one and was amongst the highest in the upper class anyone with brains would want connections with the Sakusas’, Him mother just chuckled as a response and Kiyoomi, he’d rather be anywhere but here at the moment, middle aged ladies speaking of him as if he was a toy of some sort, an unfamiliar space to which he does not know left or right, his mother unbothered having the time of her life. That’s when he sees it, an empty space at the very last corner near a window which looked clean enough for a person to stand or maybe sit since there was a seat there, Kiyoomi excused himself “Mother Pardon me, I shall retire for the moment”. His mother nods and resumes her conversation with the other ladies.
…
After scrutinizing for dirt, none, good he is impressed. Kiyoomi sits down. his back erect and in a graceful manner, staring into the blue at the comfort of his own company. He glares at his mother and her wasteful attempt to bake a battenberg cake, and a similar case with majority of the ladies there, A woman stood at the opposite of the rest demonstrating with the most perfect cake Kiyoomi’s ever seen explaining to the rest what and how to do. Kiyoomi assumes that she must be Miya-san, she was a short petite woman with dark brown hair and a very bright smile, a woman with enough decency to wear gloves and apron prehand, unlike these neanderthals. This was now the break time for the ladies before they completed their desserts and presented them, to say Kiyoomi was bored was an understatement he was bore to tears, but this is vastly superior than to be stuck in the scene like a deer in headlights in front of those women, his turbulent thinking was put to halt by a voice, a kind and sweet one with no alternative objective in mind “Kiyoomi-kun rayt?”Kiyoomi looks at his side to find that it was Miya-san, hesitantly he replied “Y-yes”, “Well ain’t ya just as charming as ya ma described”. Oh she had an accent, his mother did tell him that she had newly moved in here with her son, her accent it sounded nice, Kiyoomi nodded unsure what to say next. “A know tis’ a bit intimidating in here, but they r nice in a way”, Kiyoomi gets it but he’d rather not give any input, “un-uh-way, Kiyoomi-kun care fer a treat” she offered, Kiyoomi was about to refuse before he saw what the lady was offering. In her hand was a small plate she must have picked from the nearby counter, probably. “Ume an’ shiso meatballs, a new recipe I’m tryin’ out, could ya taste it fer me, A washed ma hands twice before an’ afta makin’ this”. Kiyoomi appreciates hygiene and cleanliness, especially the ones who incorporate it as a part of their life, and all he could do was be impressed. “Thankyou” Kiyoomi says before accepting it, he pulled down his mask to take a bite and then paused
“So, how’d it taste, anygood. A was thinkin’ of addin’ it in the list of thins’ I wanna teach the ladies here”. Kiyoomi didn't speak, this was by far the best thing he had ever tasted and what do you mean think of adding it, this should be the main dish in the list, how Kiyoomi wished his mother could cook, but apparently that was not the case as the only thing she had mastered was to burn water in ways no other can, it’s a wonder how his house was not in a fire hazard yet. “Its extremely good, you should add it Miya-san” he answered, “Ya really think so, thanks take the rest on the plate” she placed the plate next to him then continued “Yer ma told me ya liked umeboshi so a thought to make ya something fer yer first time here”. Oh yes of course his mother spoke of him, but at least he gets to taste something good. “Well, Kiyoomi-kun A gotta go, the breaks’ done needta check out what mess they made this time”. “I understand, thankyou for this” Kiyoomi returns. “Ya know Kiyoomi-kun, I have sons- A son yer age, he must be here somewhere, ya should meet em’ ”. Kiyoomi nods thinking “Sons or a son?” he doesn't get it, but he knew better than to poke on the subject. He watches the ladies present their charcoal cakes and a call from his mother to come and take a bite, to which of course Kiyooomi ignores her. There were still a few meatballs on his plate, but Kiyoomi is not willing to have some right now. “Can A have some of that” asks another unfamiliar voice, Kiyoomi turns around to see who it was, the owner of the voice turned out to be a boy around his age, a brunette boy, his hair fringe combed to the left side of his head, with striking silverish grey eyes, Quite unusual Kiyoomi thought. “So can A hav some, or is that a way ta say no”, Kiyoomi snaps out of his thoughts and pushes the plate near the boy refusing to answer any further. The boy took the plate eagerly and began devouring whatever that was left of the snack he was offered. “Swo hots yer wame?” the boy asked, Kiyoomi does not understand however is much rather not willing to understand, the boy was speaking with his mouth open while eating, disgusting he thought keeping his silence, “Didya not get it, A asked fer yer name” the boy spoke again, this time while not having something in his mouth, “Kay, well sorry didn't mean to disturb ya, and thanks for the food. I'll leave now” the boy says in a dim tone before getting up to leave, Well good job Kiyoomi now your gonna get what you wanted, Your gonna be alone again as always. “Sakusa Kiyoomi” he answers before the boy leaves, Kiyoomi thought just once maybe having to know a person your age other than Motoya would be nice so he makes a move to try and maybe converse with the boy. The said boy turn back and sits down again smiling very brightly, too much for his liking but Kiyoomi’s fine with it, “Ma wouldn't let me have some of tis. She made them specially fer ya”. So this brings the conclusion that Kiyoomi was right afterall, he was Miya-san's son, brunette, bright smile, almost the same age as himself and present here at the cooking classes. It didn't take him much hints to figure it out “I see, please inform Miya-san I am grateful and that it tasted good”, the boy looked at Kiyoomi like he had grown a third head. “Good, jus’ good it was amazing and tasted GREAT ya really don't know the difference do ya”, Kiyoomi was startled by this sudden outburst, he could just muster up a “S-sorry I guess”. The boy this time calmer said “Yea I'm sorry too, im sorta a food enthusiast”. Kiyoomi answered in a tranquil manner “I can tell”.
The brunette boy semi-laughs “Sorry, anyway I'm Osamu”. “Hmm, Osamu nice name” Kiyoomi says, “So are ya sick or somethin’, whyre ya wearing a mask anyway”, this sort of annoyed Kiyoomi, he scoffed before answering “No, but I don't want to be infected by anyone else’s germs, yours included”, the boy looked offended “Ya callin’ me a germ”, Kiyoomi smirks “Maybe I am”, “Oi, take it back” the boy spoke Looking annoyed. “What if I don't” Kiyoomi said testing the waters and oddly enjoying this conversation, Kiyoomi and ‘Osamu’ kept bickering for what felt like an eternity until his mother called out to him informing him that they are to leave now, Kiyoomi felt a pang of sadness having to let go of his new friend, he looked at Osamu who smiled and said “See ya next week Sakusa”, Kiyoomi smiled underneath his mask and spoke “Likewise Miya”. Kiyoomi was looking forward to next week.
PRESENT-
“Kiyo, look at what a mess youve made of you suit, it looks all crumpled” his mother half yells coming closer to fix the so called mess, Kiyoomi tries to push his mother away, to his utter dismay his mother is far stronger, he reluctantly let her do what she wanted, Miya-san who stood in front of him just chuckled at the scene and vegan greeting them, “Hello there, Kiyoomi-kun yer lookin’ ’andsome today as usual”. Kiyoomi sighs and replies “Thankyou, Miya-san you look elegant as well” she smiles, Kiyoomi looks past her to find Akagi, who is also his cousin Motoya's boyfriend (p.s Motoya ran to his boyfriend's side the minute he saw him, that traitor) and Miya's neighbor and Osamu's close friend. Speaking of which, he was not present here. Good Kiyoomi’s not sure how he would face him. “Kiyoomi dear join us fer tea at the west drawin’ room won't ya” Miya-san asked leaving with his parents and traitor cousin and his boyfriend to the said place, “I'll be there Miya-san in a while”. Kiyoomi sighs as he is left alone, he makes his way forward to the drawing room but halts, being distracted by something else entirely the grand piano, something very familiar to Kiyoomi, everytime he came over to the Miya’s residence, he played a piece and today is no different. Kiyoomi sits down on the seat gracefully assembling himself as began to play. Playing the piano is one of those times where Kiyoomi loses the conciseness to his surroundings and gives himself into the music…
“Never heard that one before, whendya make it” A voice breaks Kiyoomi from his former focus. Osamu… “Sorry didn't mean ta startle ya ”, “Its fine, and I’m not sure it just happened ” Kiyoomi looked up at Osamu he had his hair neatly styled unlike his usual self he wore a crisp white shirt, a tailored blazer with a boutonnière, a bowtie, fitted trousers, and polished dress shoes. He looked nice and fake, just like this wedding “Jus’ happened, yer one hell of a pianist then” He praised, “Hm, I’m no pianist but thanks” Kiyoomi saya in a subdued tone. Osamu sighs leaning onto the piano before he utters “We're really doin’ this ey”, “I suppose” Kiyoomi muffled, Osamu twitches his eyes “Hey ‘tis not like A want it either, stop brooding”. “I’m not brooding, this is how I am, Miya” Kiyoomi rejoins, “Ya look broodier than usual” Osamu points, “Miya, shut up” Kiyoomi resumes playing the piano ignoring the rest of his surroundings, “A knew it was ya when I heard the piano play” The boy apprises, “Hmm” Osamu sighs, “’Tis gonna be one hell of an awful wedding if ya keep acting so miserable”, “How’s Suna holding up to the news?” Kiyoomi inquires, Osamu pauses… “Not too well considerin’ the fact he refuses ta speak ta me” Kiyoomi simpers
“I believe you should focus on that instead of commenting whether or not I look brodier than usual”, Osamu laughs hysterically “Ya-”,
“Boys, what do ya think ya are doin’ here alone together” Miya-san questions, “Ma” Osamu tries, “Tis is impropriety ya know, both of ya be present at the rehearsal this instant ” spoke in actual fact as she left, Kiyoomi and Osamu look at each other one last time before they sigh and withdrew themselves from their former positions following the lady ahead of them.