Work Text:
“We’re still only beginning the semester, so don’t worry about not knowing every question. I just want to see everyone’s honest effort in their work.” Ms. Kokonoe instructed.
It was the start of a new semester, a new school year in Katagiri High School. Just now, classes were finished for the day when the final bell rang.
“Enjoy the rest of your day, everyone. Harada, will you do the honors?”
“Of course.” Orie smiled and stood up, everyone else following suit.
“Stand. Bow.”
‘The material looks challenging, but it should still be doable.’ Orie gave the questions a look over before packing her things.
That’s when something caught her attention. Hyde was also packing up, but with a notable frown on his face. Before she could ask, he hung his bag over his shoulder and left the classroom. Alarmed at how fast he went, Orie quickly packed her things and proceeded to follow him.
“Kido! Wait for me!” She called out.
That caused the blonde to stop and turn around. It looked like that frown on his face was masked with an attempted smile. One she knew all too well when they first met.
“Do you want to work on the homework today?” Orie asked.
“Thank you for offering, but I’d like to be alone today if that’s okay. I should be able to handle most of the questions well enough,” Hyde waved his response. “Sorry.”
He then proceeded to keep moving, leaving Orie stunned.
“Darn, looks like this year’s a bust as well,” Tsurugi walked up to her, also seeing Hyde walk away. “Was hoping it’d be different.”
“Bust? What do you mean?” Orie asked while turning to him.
“Oh yeah, you wouldn’t know. Well…” Tsurugi crossed his arms. “Today is Hyde’s birthday.”
“Birthday? Shouldn’t he be happy about that? Why does he look upset?”
“I can only make guesses, but I think I have a few ideas. It was when I hung out with him around this time last year.” The redhead thought back.
“Darn! Got me good this time.” Tsurugi scratched his head, chuckling at the screen.
It was a heated session of Marvel vs Capcom 3, countless matches had with delicious snacks in between. For this set, Hyde won the majority of the games, something the redhead applauded.
“Had me close a few times.” Hyde stretched his arms.
“Gonna go get some water, be right back.” Tsurugi got up.
The redhead made his way to the kitchen to pour a glass. That was when something caught his eye. A card and letter that was placed on the kitchen table. ‘Happy Birthday’ was written on it.
‘Huh? Wait…’
That’s when Tsurugi realized that Hyde’s birthday was yesterday!
With the window slightly opened, a soft wind caused the card to open itself and show Tsurugi its contents.
‘Happy Birthday, Son. We’re sorry we couldn’t come see you again. Know that you are always on our-’
“Hey!”
Tsurugi snapped back to reality when he saw Hyde rush up to him with a flustered face.
“Woah! Sorry, man. I didn’t touch it, it was just here!” He had his hands up.
“I think I get the picture.” Orie rubbed her arm, saddened.
“When the card said ‘again’, that implies this has happened before. Add that to how Hyde’s been treated…” Tsurugi grimaced.
Both of them have visited Hyde’s place often, they knew that his parents worked overseas. Living alone with no one to celebrate his birthday with… That was not right.
“Kido doesn’t deserve to spend his birthday alone. I refuse to accept it.” Orie said with furrowed brows.
“I hear ya, but I think we should tread lightly on this. Something tells me we’d only make him angry if we mess up.” Tsurugi warned.
“Good point. Unfortunately, it looks like he isn’t in the mood to spend time with us today. Hm…” Orie pondered on how to handle this.
Unlocking the door, Hyde entered his house. As usual, it was just him. Putting away his school bag, he got started in cleaning the house up. Might as well go for the little things that cheered him up. That was until his chores led him to the kitchen. His smile turned into a small frown.
Placed at the kitchen table was a letter he received this morning. It was almost identical to the one he got last year from the same senders.
‘From Mom and Dad’
His eyes turned hollow when he reread the same message he read this morning.
‘Happy Birthday, Son. It doesn’t look like we’ll make it this year either. We cannot apologize enough for our absence. We already forwarded a bonus sum into your account and a gift on the way. Keep doing your best, we’re rooting for you all the way. -Mom and Dad’
The same as the year before that. And the year before that. Three years in a row. With a sigh, he took the letter to his room and placed it inside a box that carried the other two birthday cards he received.
‘I know they work hard for my sake. I know that…’ Hyde tightened his fist. ‘But still…’
It made the whole house feel… lonely. It’s been like that for three years now. Just because he’s used to this, didn’t make that feeling go away. It only amplified on this day, receiving a letter instead of his parents’ visit. But even with that, Hyde couldn’t bring himself to hate them. Because of them, his university life was secured. His parents gave it their all to care for him, even when they’re overseas.
Pulling out a recipe, a small smile formed on Hyde’s face. At least he won’t say he’s completely alone. Pulling out the ingredients for a simple curry dish, memories of that kind old lady came to mind. Looking at the living room, flashes of Tsurugi and Orie appeared. Take the good with the bad, he thought.
‘I just need today to mull it over. Just… today.’ Hyde resumed his cooking.
“You seem determined. Did something happen?” Lex asked.
Of all the reactions the petite bookworm was expecting Orie to have entering inside, a hardened frown was not one of them. There were no new missions at the moment and what she also noticed was a bag of groceries in Orie’s hand.
“There is something I must do, that’s all.” Orie put away her school bag and placed her groceries at the kitchen table.
“Do you now?” Upon giving the bag a closer look, Lex chuckled. “Chicken, spices, cabbages, and sauces. Are you making something for him?”
Orie’s bashful reaction answered that.
“I just… want him to be happy.” The bluenette said.
Orie gave her a brief explanation about what she learned today.
“I see. I remember you mentioning he lived alone, I didn’t realize it would include his birthday as well.” Lex’s expression turned sympathetic.
“Tsurugi and I are planning to make him something for tomorrow. We want to make sure he’s not alone. That we’re happy to be his friends.” Orie affirmed.
That was a very Orie response. It reminded Lex on how persistent her friend was in keeping her company during their orphanage days. Even down to cooking meals for her.
“Well, at least this meal should be edible compared to your first few attempts at cooking.” Lex smirked.
“Y-You don’t have to remind me of that.” Orie looked away, blushing.
Once homework was done, she contacted Tsurugi that she was coming over to his place to enact their plan. Hyde was a good friend, he didn’t deserve to spend his birthday alone and sad. It may no longer be his birthday tomorrow, but she hoped the sentiment remained. He has done so much for her, it only felt right to return the favor.
‘You deserve to be happy, Kido. I’ll make sure of that.’
At least walking to school was able to help Hyde clear his mind. He really shouldn’t take his friends for granted. Maybe he should have asked them over yesterday… Then again, there was the possibility his gloom would have soured everything. They shouldn’t have to deal with that.
When he got to the school entrance, Hyde saw both Orie and Tsurugi waiting by the front gates.
“Morning, you two.” He waved.
“Good morning, Hyde! Allow me to offer you a proposition for this fine day, my boon companion!” Tsurugi said in a bombastic voice.
“Huh?” Hyde was left confused and turned to Orie. “Translation, please?”
“What Tsurugi is saying is if you’re free today after school.” Orie tried hiding her laughter.
“Oh…” That brought a small smile from him. “Yeah, I’m free. To be honest, I was gonna ask you two.” He laughed.
“Great! How does meeting at the riverside at 5 sound?” Tsurugi offered.
If it’s the riverside, he had an idea where they would be heading. Great minds really do think alike.
“Consider it done. Looking forward to it.” Hyde nodded.
“Excellent! We’ll see you then.” Orie smiled brightly.
But before any of that could happen, school had to be taken care of first. It was still the beginning of the second semester, so classes were still getting them introduced to the curriculum. Not that it stopped teachers from throwing a few curveballs here and there.
“Ooh, so close. But your work was good, Kido.” Ms. Kokonoe added one correction to Hyde’s work. “This would give you the answer. Still, this was an advanced question. You should feel proud of getting it this early on.”
That caused Hyde to give a bashful scratch to his head. “Thank you. I’ll be sure to keep at it.”
‘Dang. Not even I got that close,’ Tsurugi looked at his own work on that question. ‘He’s really come a long way.’
‘Hopefully we could study together some more. I know you can start your semester strong, Kido.’ Orie smiled.
Classes resumed as usual, anticipation for later building on the trio’s minds.
A quiz for chemistry coming soon and an essay for history being mentioned. There was a nice list of tasks to do after school, a sign that the semester has truly begun. But it was funny, Hyde didn’t feel intimidated. What he used to brush off and be whatever with, he’s now sincerely working for it. He supposed he had a couple of people to thank for that.
“That is all. Study hard and enjoy the rest of the day,” Ms. Kokonoe beamed. “Harada?”
“Stand. Bow.” Orie bowed along with everyone in class.
While students were packing up their things, Hyde took a moment to rest his head on his desk.
“At least tomorrow’s Sunday…” He said in a smiley daze.
His attention shifted when his two friends came over.
“Ho, Hyde. Wanna study for that quiz tomorrow?” Tsurugi asked.
“I can join in as well. I think it would be a great review.” Orie chimed in.
They really do get the ball rolling, huh?
“Sounds like a plan. One sec.” Packing up his things, the three left the classroom.
It slowly became routine for the three occasionally leaving the school together. Some onlookers gave an odd glance, but neither minded. A supposed delinquent, an energetic student council member, and a beautiful transfer student. It wasn’t an everyday trio, but one couldn’t deny how happy they looked then they traversed the halls together.
Now outside the school, the three stood by the school gates.
“So the riverside at 5?” Orie wanted to make sure.
“That’s right! Let’s all meet there by then.” Tsurugi pumped a fist up.
“Yeah, see you two then.” Hyde saw them off.
It would already be 4:50pm when Hyde was waiting by the riverside area. He used that time to put away his school stuff, put on his casual wear, and visit an old friend at the cemetery. Considering what was yesterday and how determined both his friends looked, he had a good idea what they’re trying to do.
“Oh, Kido. You’re here already?” Orie’s voice was heard.
The bluenette made her way closer, holding a picnic blanket on one hand and a picnic basket on the other. She was also in casual wear, one that made the blonde’s cheeks slightly light up and how pretty she looked.
“N-not for long. Need help carrying anything?” Hyde offered.
“That won’t be necessary,” Orie giggled when her friend immediately went for the blanket. Okay, if you insist.”
“I very much do,” Hyde gave a proud huff. “At least we won’t have to wait for long.” He turned to the side.
Tsurugi was jogging his way, careful of the picnic basket in his hand. “5pm on the dot. I have arrived!”
“You two sure are leaving me curious, but I’ll save it for when we get there,” Hyde eyed a familiar path. “Ready?”
“Ready!” His friends agreed.
The trio continued their way out of the riverside. Kids played around with their parents watching from nearby benches. Other people taking walks under the bright blue sky, fellow students enjoying their weekends. That was exactly what the three had in mind when the path to the mountainside was visible.
“It really has been a great place for me to relax. I’ve visited it at least once a week.” Orie praised.
“Right? Fate gave me good fortune putting that rock there to trip me up.” Tsurugi gave a sparkled smirk.
“I don’t think you needing a band-aid on your forehead makes it a good fortune,” Hyde chuckled. “But I can’t deny it has helped me alot.”
Leaving the city-like feel of the riverside, a vast sea of greenery greeted them. Spring’s brightness gave the trees and bushes a vibrant viridian and a serene air. The trio followed a dirt path that guided them slowly across the mountainside, a path they had been more than familiar with.
“Come to think of it, you’ve also been using this path for jogging. Haven’t you, Harada?” Tsurugi pointed out.
“That’s right. Seeing it be on an incline, I thought it would make for some good exercise.” Orie looked at the path fondly.
“Is that right? Maybe I should try it myself,” Hyde thought aloud. “I already have two raving reviews here.”
Their trek continued, trees providing the right amount of shade as they kept walking. Something that Hyde noticed when his friends talked about their jogging was a level of experience he didn’t see before. Like this has not been their only form of exercising. It made him feel like he should get in the groove of it himself. It wouldn't hurt to keep being in shape.
“If you ever want to jog here, let me know and we can do it together. We can even make a contest out of it!” Tsurugi grinned.
“Knowing you, you’ll probably go overboard and trip on something. Like that rock that bested you.” Hyde rolled his eyes.
“Hey, there was no way I could have seen such a small brown rock in this dirt path.” The redhead exaggeratedly pouted.
Orie giggled at the two’s banter. It was true that jogging has been good for her stamina. Prolonged hours in the Night require it, so it proved to be efficient training. It was strange, she could feel a similar kind of experience coming from Tsurugi. Not that she should make any assumptions. Just something she’d keep in the back of her mind when being Harada.
“And we’re here.” Hyde said aloud.
Seeing the lone rock in the path, they passed through the bushes and their destination was soon in front of them. A vast, green hill with a tall oak tree at the top. Spring’s bounty gave a few pink petals still hanging in some trees, waiting to come down blooming.
“Now to set this all up.” Tsurugi pumped up a fist, to the other two’s agreement.
Reaching to the top of the hill, Hyde placed the blanket where shade was at its best under the oak tree. Orie and Tsurugi placed their baskets on the blanket. The three of them sat down after to bask in the welcoming fresh air of this afternoon.
“Now then. I’m sure you must be hungry now,” Orie went for the basket Tsurugi brought. “Leave it to us.”
“I swear, man. That recipe book of yours has been a lifesaver. Hope it’s to your liking.” Tsurugi awaited the blonde’s reaction.
Once the basket was opened, Hyde’s eyes lit up in excitement. In front of him was a batch of sandwiches, perfect for a picnic.
“Oh wow, they look good.” Hyde complimented. “May I?”
“We insist.” Orie smiled warmly.
When the blonde took one and took a bite, both of his friends were left in anticipation. Chew, chew, then Hyde’s eyes sparkled and gave a big smile.
“Delicious! And you two made these?” He asked.
“That’s right. With how often you make us bentos, we wanted to make dinner for a change. Glad you liked it.” Tsurugi took one and gave a happy bite.
“Tsurugi cooked the meat, while I worked on the sides and seasoning. Everything worked out nicely.” Orie felt content their work led to a tasty flavor.
Orange seasoned chicken sandwiches with sliced cabbage, seasoned and bathed in sauce. Delectable in one’s hands. Coupled with onigiri and tea, this was a nice and cozy dinner.
The trio finished the rest of their meal while admiring the beautiful view in front of them. A vibrant green field that had one or two animals moving around. What helped give it a calm atmosphere was a pond close to a bunch of trees, small creaks and ripples solidified this feeling of relaxation.
“Ah, that hit the spot,” Hyde finished the last sandwich. “Though I have a feeling you two have one more ace up your sleeve.” He eyed the second picnic basket.
“You would be right. This is from one of my favorite cafes Lex and I go to.” Orie began opening the basket.
“We didn’t have the time or knew how to bake well, but it should still be a treat.” Tsurugi gave a hopeful smile.
Now in front of him, Hyde was left stunned at what he saw shown to him. A delectable cake with red frosting decorated around a snow of white frosting. At the top laid a simple message encircled by fruits.
‘Happy Birthday Hyde’
“We know your birthday was yesterday.” Tsurugi began.
“But we wanted to show you that we’re here for you.” Orie added.
“Happy birthday, Hyde.” They said together.
“Guys…” Hyde didn’t know what to say.
Old habits die hard, he supposed. It took being brought here by his friends for him to realize he wasn’t alone. Not judging him by his looks, but actually enjoying his company. A definitive reminder that he had people he could lean on.
“Thank you. This means a lot.” He smiled.
“Anytime.” Tsurugi grinned.
“You deserve to be happy.” Orie smiled back.
When the bluenette gave him a slice, one bite made Hyde feel a sweet sensation at how delicious it was. Maybe she should pay this cafe a visit, learn a recipe or two from them. For now, he’ll enjoy this tasty treat with his two good friends.
Until the sun sets, this was a time for Tsurugi and Orie to be thankful that Hyde was one year older.