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It was a week later since Daiki had seen Sou, sure he put the number in his phone and kept the written address in his hat but it was scary to call him up and talk. Even though he looked and seemed harmless, Daiki was still being cautious to say the least. Yet now he was meeting up with Atsushi’s friends and letting the blue haired boy talk his ear off, while his tall boyfriend sat beside him.
“So I know that they are kinda bad but they are getting help at the end of that day. Plus I'm just glad Nishino has her ass on a damn leash now, it’s funny as hell too and they're becoming a bit nicer.”
Kazutoshi chuckled, picking up his tea cup and taking a sip from it.
“Although it is funny to you, I still suggest spending less time with her in general.”
Ken mumbled, looking directly at the blue haired boy.
“Oh c’mon you know damn well that Nishino brings him everywhere with her even when we’re hanging out.”
Kazutoshi scoffed, playing with his messy bangs now.
“Plus Daiki has been spending time with her too and she calls him a damn fox cub”
Kazutoshi chuckled once more, directing his gaze onto Ikeda. Watching as he lifted his head up and looked straight at him.
“First off I do business with them and secondly what business I have with people is none of your business, Toshi.”
Daiki said softly, messing with his hat and bangs.
“Yeah you have been spending time with her overall, Daiki even though Matthias always gets into fights with them.”
Ken said softly.
“Yeah well I’m hanging out with you two now.”
Daiki scoffed.
“Because Tei needed a break so you came to us.”
Kazutoshi slightly smiled.
“I only knocked on your door because you were the easiest available and have great tea.”
Daiki mumbled, taking his tea cup and finishing it with one gulp.
“Well we’re both glad you came over anyway, Daiki. But I’m guessing you have to leave in a little bit since Akiba and Matthias are almost here, yeah?”
Ken said softly but sincerely, getting up and putting the empty dishes away.
Yeah but still thank you both for your time and company, I appreciate it.
Daiki said softly before standing up and stretching. If he had to be truly honest, he did enjoy his time with Ken and Toshi. Not like he’ll admit it yet it still shows. The one thing that interrupted his thoughts was his phone, flashing a familiar ring tone that may or may not be the caretaker’s music. Nevertheless he picked it up, answered it and held it to his ear.
[Akiba Taku] “Yo, Daiki! Me and Matthias are outside waiting for ya.”
[Ikeda Daiki] Yeah, yeah I’m coming in a second don’t worry.
With that he hung up his phone and said his goodbyes to Ken and Toshi. Quickly making his exit out of their home. Waiting for him was a van and a familiar one at that. Nonetheless the doors of the back of it slammed open and then out appeared his friend.
“Daiki!”
Matthias said with excitement, as he raced to the redhead, picking him up into a big hug. Making Daiki squeal like a mouse. Yet the redhead hugged him back anyway, not without telling Matthias to “put him the hell down!” And the belgium boy did with him also fixing Daiki’s hat as well.
“Sorry, I’m just so excited to be hanging out with you and Taku now.”
Matthias softly chuckled, pulling his hands back and holding open the Van’s doors.
“Hop in, you two we got the whole day ahead of us!”
Akiba called out, to which Daiki groaned but yet still got in the van with Matthias shutting the doors behind him.
“You can take the front seat this time, Daiki, the view is amazing up there.”
Matthias said softly before taking the back seats of the van.
“Thanks, Matthias.”
Daiki said softly, taking the passenger seat, and taking a look out the window. Matthias said "your welcome” but he wasn’t focused on Matthias or Akiba’s voice at the moment. It was okay outside, not sunny but not dark either. It was peaceful though like everything else in his life now. Honestly he knows his dad would hate where he is right now but he’s probably dead or still in that cell in the prison he heard about. Yet it got him thinking about what his mom would say, he never really got to think or even talk about her at all when he lived with his father.
Now that Daiki is free and everything, he couldn’t get her out of his head. Because in his gut, he knew damn well he was a perfect splitting image of her. To his hair, his face, and the only difference between her and him is that he’s a boy and has an attitude problem. Not like he’d admit it but he misses her so much it hurts. He missed the way she would talk to him, the way she would pet his hair when he did a good job at something, and he couldn’t get all of the memories of her out of his head even if he wanted. Yet he was here now, alive and healthy in the same body he grew to hate.
Yet what drew him away from his inner ranting was the place that Akiba mentioned going to Nagasaki. Hopefully that wasn’t what he said but just to make sure. Daiki took his hat off his head and dug through it once more. Taking out the note that Sou had written his address on it. And if the world didn’t hate him enough, it said the city, Nagasaki is where he lived.
“ Yo Daiki, have you ever been to Nagasaki?”
Akiba asked with a smile on his stupid face. Not like Daiki answered him, he just gave him a nod and looked out the front window while Akiba continued to talk his ear off.
“Anyway it's a pretty place with beautiful scenery, and I was wondering if we could spend our day there if you guys want.”
Akiba said, keeping his eyes on the road and his hands on the wheel.
“Oh I’ve never been there before but I don’t mind visiting. What about you, Daiki?”
Matthias asked, as he looked at the redhead with excited but patient eyes. It took Daiki a minute to process the whole thing honestly, sure he could get to know the city but what if he ran into Sou all of a sudden in front of his friends? Yet Matthias and Akiba were waiting for his answer at the end of the day, hell not like he doesn’t wanna go home but he wants to explore too. The answer was clear though even if he’d hate to say.
“Okay, we can go there for the day but I wanna go back home to Tei when it turns evening.”
Daiki said softly, looking directly at his friends as the words left his mouth.
“You got it, champ!”
Akiba exclaimed with a big grin on his face.
“Kya! This is gonna be so much fun!”
Matthias echoed the same tone but with a smile on his face instead. Yet Daiki had a tiny frown on his face. He just hoped the world would be kind to him for just this one day.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
The day went fast with Daiki, Matthias, and Akiba looking at the beautiful nature, talking about the future, and getting cheap accessories. It was still nice to go outside and hang out for a bit. But like for every hang out, Daiki had a social battery and that battery was almost empty by now.
“It is starting to get dark now.”
Akiba mumbled as he looked at the dark yet light sky.
“Of course it is, the day goes by fast when you're having fun.”
Matthias chuckled, holding Daiki’s hand as he walked.
“Well let’s get something to eat before we get going, yeah?”
Akiba softly chuckled, leading the group to a small little restaurant named and MOON.
It was a nice and small place to say the least. And it only took a few minutes to have them settled down in a booth near the window.
“This is a really nice place, Taku.”
Matthias said with a small smile on his face, picking up the menu and looking it over.
“I know, right? Plus it should be cheap as well.”
Akiba said proudly, taking a look at the picture filled menu as well.
Daiki zoned out as his two friends began to talk about their relationships and whatever the fuck they were saying. He was just staring at the menu and thinking ‘this day has gone well at least just let this evening go by fast please.’ He prayed to any god who was listening at his moment of prayer. Yet again the world reminded him that he wasn’t in control of how things went once more. As a pretty Sou walked into the restaurant with two girls, one was taller than him and doing most of the talking, while the other one was shorter and was listening to the taller girl.
Oh goddamnit, he should’ve just called Sou when he had the chance. While not kind thoughts ran through Daiki’s head. Akiba soon noticed him, biting on his fingernails.
“Champ, you heard what Atsushi said about biting your nails. Chewing on your nails ain’t good for ya.”
Akiba said softly, his voice going into a concerned tone.
“Oh what’s wrong, Daiki, are you nervous?”
Matthias asked softly, his voice following the same tone as Akiba’s. To which Daiki quickly pulled his mouth out of his nail and gave out a big sigh.
“I’m good.”
Daiki said as softly as a whisper.
“Well I can order the food for you and I think I still got your chew thing on me.”
Akiba said softly, digging into his pocket and pulling out the chew necklace Atsushi gave Daiki on his birthday. Handing it to the redhead and giving him a pat on the head for reassurance. Then the waiter came to their table suddenly, and asked them for their orders. Matthias ordered the ramen they had on the menu. While Akiba ordered ramen as well but Katus curry for Daiki.
Everything was going well enough until.
“Isn’t that the pretty boy you were ranting about yesterday?”
Akiba mumbled, pointing straight at Sou and looking directly at white haired boy.
“Shut the fuck up and look away, dumbass.”
Daiki said firmly, pulling the blondie down to the table.
“Yeah, is that the Sou guy you were talking about, Daiki?”
Matthias said as he looked at the white haired boy.
“Please stop looking at him.”
Daiki mumbled as he covered his face with his hat.
“He’s really pretty though”
Matthias softly praised, looking away from the white haired boy and putting his gaze onto the redhead.
Damn right! You were not kidding with him being pretty, Daiki.
Akiba laughed. However the waiter came and delivered their food to their table. Not like Daiki was paying attention, he was actively chewing the hell out of his stress toy.
“Are you nervous about him in particular?”
Matthias asked softly, taking the redhead’s hand into his own and giving it a light squeeze.
“A little.”
Daiki said softly, starting to breathe in and out slowly and calming himself down.
“Well maybe you should talk to him plus it seems like the girls are talking about us too.”
Akiba mumbled, pointing at the ladies sitting besides Sou.
“What?”
Daiki mumbled before taking a peak at Sou’s table, sure enough the two gals were not that sneakily but still took peaks at their table while whispering to Sou. And oh it made Daiki’s heart race faster for sure. Because what if they walk up to him and start asking shit he wasn’t ready for. Sure it was very unlikely but it still made Daiki a little pale. Yet again the world couldn’t give him a break.
“Looks like company is coming our way.”
Matthias said softly.
And god Daiki wished Matthias was lying but well enough, the pigtail girl was approaching them with Sou behind her. All he heard from Sou was, “Erina please get back here!” Yet the pigtail girl paid him no mind, making her entrance at their table.
“Are you Ikeda Daiki?”
The girl growled as she slammed her fist onto the table, pointing directly at the redhead.
“Erina, please leave them alone, this is not the time for this!”
Sou said firmly, his gaze pleading but serious.
“You act like he hasn’t said shit to you in a week, plus you thought he was ghosting you or something. So let’s fix the problem right here and now.”
The girl huffed, her arms crossing on her chest. Looking frustrated at the redhead, who is now sinking into Matthias’s side.
“Hold it, girl he wasn’t ghosting the pretty boy, he was just nervous to call that’s all.”
Akiba said steadily, his tone firm and solid.
“Oh well how about they talk outside then how does that sound?”
The girl said firmly, her voice leaving no argument in sight.
“Kumada Erina, stop this insta-.”
Sou said firmly before getting interrupted by Daiki himself.
“We can talk right now if you want, Sou.”
Daiki said softly as he put his hat on his chest, looking directly at the white haired boy’s green eyes. He was hoping that he wouldn’t look too pathetic in front of him but still Sou responded nonetheless.
“Let’s talk outside please.”
Sou said softly before turning around, walking towards and out of the exit.
“Are you sure, champ?”
Akiba asked softly.
“Yeah I’m sure.”
Daiki mumbled before letting Matthias move so he could stand up and get out of their booth.
“Remember we have your back, Daiki no matter what decision you make.”
Matthias said firmly with a confident smile on his face.
“I know, I know i’ll be right back promise”
Daiki said firmly, getting out of the booth and following Sou outside.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
“Do you two know what they are exactly doing together?”
The pigtail girl asked confusedly.
“We don’t have a clue.”
Akiba shrugged.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
It was dark outside, probably almost very late now. God Atsushi is definitely going to be blowing up his phone soon enough. But he shouldn’t be focusing on his friend at home at the moment. There was a bigger problem at stake here, a misunderstanding that can go somewhere bad or good.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t call or text.”
Daiki said immediately, his voice quiet as ever.
“No it’s fine but I’m sorry for my friend approaching you like that.”
Sou said firmly but softly.
“Oh no I couldn’t care less about, pigtails back there. it’s just I didn’t really talk to you after our night together.”
Daiki nervously chuckled, looking down at the hat in his hands. Honestly he doesn’t wanna look Sou in the eyes even when he’s blind whatsoever. Because it was honestly pathetic that he couldn’t talk to another human being just like him. Not like he wanted to be scared of new things but how could he not be. Yet here he was talking to somebody that doesn’t even know him that well.
“Can you give me your number instead?”
Sou asked softly, his voice as soft as a whisper.
“Really?”
The redhead asked, lifting his head up and meeting Sou’s eyes. Not like he didn’t expect this, he is fucking horribe at talking about his feelings and needs. His friends always scolded him about it too, that’s why he’s going to therapy in the first place as well. God why is he in his head right now, he should be focusing on Sou right now.
“Yes really, I swear you look like you're zoning out on me.”
Sou softly scoffed.
“Oh shit sorry.”
Daiki softly chuckled, he was really sounding like Tei now just like Youhei said. Nevertheless he dug through his hat and got out a pen and a small notebook. Getting out his phone and checking his phone number to double check. Writing down the given number and handing it to the white haired boy.
“You can call and text me if you want since I’m awful at it.”
Daiki said softly, putting his hat right back on his head.
“I know but do you stuff everything in that hat of yours?”
Sou chuckled.
“Basically yeah but it is getting very dark and this place might close soon, pretty boy.”
Daiki chuckled as well, his smile turning into a small smirk.
“Guess so but it was nice meeting you again, Daiki seriously even though it was like this.”
Sou softly smiled, it was really nice seeing that smile once again for Daiki. Even if he’ll never admit it.
“Champ, are you done flirting with this little guy?”
Akiba chuckled as he appeared with Matthias by his side. Matthias looked like he was holding in a laugh honestly. While Akiba was grinning widely at the scene of Daiki and Sou in the corner.
“I am NOT flirting with him, dumbass.”
Daiki huffed as he turned around to face Akiba, his face turning red all over. Sou’s face was the same it seemed as his friends approached him as well, whispering whatever in his eyes. Nonetheless he went by Akiba’s side as well, giving Sou a quick bye before following his friends away from the group.
“Anyway the restaurant closed while you were talking but we already ate. We did save your stuff though so be grateful.”
Akiba softly chuckled as he handed the box to Daiki, letting him carry it instead.
“Yeah but I wanna get to know Daiki’s new friend.”
Matthias smiled widely.
Well don’t expect it to be soo-
Daiki almost finished before getting interrupted.
“Friend? More like a partner or whatever!”
Akiba laughed out, his arm wrapping around Daiki’s neck and putting him close.
What never!
Daiki exclaimed immediately, pushing away the blondie as he kept walking to his van.
“You act like you weren’t getting comfortable with the pretty little thing, not like I’d blame you plus you are truly learning from the best.”
Akiba grinned widely as he opened his van up for Matthias and Daiki. Taking the front seat immediately and patting the passenger seat for Daiki to take. Out of things Daiki could control, he still sat there even if he didn’t they’ll still bother him.
“I’m not like you.”
Daiki mumbled, putting his head down near the window.
“Yeah well don’t worry, champ we’ll be home soon, just relax."
Akiba softly chuckled, rolling down the van’s windows and letting Daiki and Matthias stick their heads outside.
“It’s so beautiful out here.”
Matthias said in awe, to that Daiki just nodded. It was beautiful in this city though maybe that’s why Sou lived here. Yet he could see why since there were a lot of stunning coastlines, mountainous terrain, and unique islands too. What would his mom think about him if she knew he was doing all of this?
She would be happy to see that he had friends. But she would've told Daiki to zip up the cardigan he is wearing since the night is cold. Hell she would be proud that he was the one who asked to hang out with his friends in the first place. God how pathetic he was for dreaming about his mother coming back when she’s gone. Yet it would be nice if she did come back to him. He would love to hear her soft voice again, be reminded to always have a smile on his face, and just let her be there with him. While the thought was nice, it will never come true and it isn’t worth crying about it especially now. So Daiki closed his eyes and thought about falling asleep in her arms before drifting off into a slumber.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Soon enough Daiki woke up with Akiba carrying him into Tei’s apartment, laying him down onto the couch as he opened his eyes and yawned.
“Hey champ, good to see you’re awake, Atsushi was waiting for ya.”
Akiba softly chuckled before removing the hat from Daiki’s head, putting it on the table.
“Really?”
Daiki softly yawned, starting to sit up and stretch. Damn he felt like been set on fire or something.
“Yeah really plus you were out cold, Daiki.”
Matthias softly chuckled, wearing that familiar smile once more.
“Why are you here st-?”
Daiki was about to ask before stopping his sentence mid way, looking at his other friend that walked into the room.
Atsushi was drop dead gorgeous enough but he was dressed fancy for whatever reason. And yet it didn’t take long for Daiki to figure out that very reason. Slowly he turned to Akiba and raised his eyebrows, finding the blondie grinning widely at him. Then it came to him.
Taku is about to take his friend out somewhere. Yet Tei came to him and pulled him into a side hug.
“I missed you so much, Daiki.”
Tei said softly, he had a smile as gentle as Daiki’s mother. But it didn’t stop Daiki from leaning into Tei’s hand that was now cupping his cheek.
“I’m going to go out with Taku for a quick date night.”
Tei said gently, looking at Daiki as the redhead simply nodded.
“But if you want me to stay here with you and Matthias, I can just say the word.”
Tei finished, looking warmly at the redhead.
It took a moment for Daiki to process the whole thing. Tei doesn’t go on dates often but he’s still offering to stay with Daiki. Yet he could see Taku gesturing to him for a positive answer instead of a negative one. It would be nice if Atsushi would stay with him for the night and everything. But it can happen another night.
Go ahead and have fun.
Daiki said softly, his eyes widening as he heard a “Fuck yes!” behind him.
“Taku!”
Tei and Matthias said immediately, turning to face the blondie.
“My bad!”
Taku said quickly.
“Okay then you’ll be fine here with Matthias yeah?”
Tei said gently once more, turning to face the redhead.
“Yeah I'll be fine, promise.”
Daiki softly yawned once more.
“I promise we’ll be good, Atsushi!”
Matthias smiled widely.
“Okay behave yourselves please.”
Tei said softly before pressing a soft kiss to Daiki’s forehead. Getting up and letting Taku take his hand.
“We’ll be back at dawn I promise!”
Akiba grinned widely, as he led Atsushi out of their cozy home.
“We’ll be back soon!”
Tei called back as he left with the blondie, shutting and locking the door behind him.
There was a quiet but intense silence between Daiki and Matthias.
“They’re not coming back are they?”
Matthias asked softly.
“Probably not but you know what that means.”
Daiki smirked widely.
“Intive Youhei?”
Matthias smiled widely once more, already getting out his own phone.
“Exactly plus I wanna try out those new horror games he has”
Daiki said eagerly, he was getting excited now to be honest. Hell it had only been a week since Youhei had gotten him into video games and horror movies. But Daiki can firmly say that it was about to be one hell of a night.