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Today was special! Though, probably to Raika. At home, it was just a day in his family’s eyes. In the facility, they didn't consider it special either. So, Raika only kept quiet. If this day wasn't special to others, he could always celebrate alone. Yeah. Surely, for the rest of his life, he can celebrate alone. His stomach hurt. He had no friends, and he hasn't eaten in days. He misbehaved again. He shook a little. He held himself tighter in the corner.
“Raika-sama?”
The facility never used his name.
“Raika-sama? It’s time to wake up.”
Ruby eyes blinked the tiredness away, he glanced at the man above him. The man stood next to the couch holding a cup of tea. Oh. He wasn't in the facility anymore. Raika slowly sat up on the couch. His hair was a bit of a mess. The man handed him the cup of tea in his hands. The man he recognized as Yuzuru Fushimi of fine.
“Thank you, Yuzuru-oniisan!”
Yuzuru smiled at him and walked away, probably to make breakfast. Raika drank the tea with gratefulness in his belly.
“You should shower.” Tori, his senior, chimed in.
“Wha?” Raika faced Tori. “But don't you usually go first?”
Tori sighed and pat the boy’s head.
“I can wait, now go.” Tori almost commanded.
So, after finishing his tea, Raika went to shower. It wasn't an easy task. Which resulted in his hair being soaked as he changed into casual wear. When he got out, Yuzuru gently placed him back in the bathroom.
“Yuzuru-oniisan?” Raika questioned.
Yuzuru knelt to the ground and patted the spot on the floor in front of him. Why was his back to the tub?
“Lean back please?”
Raika complied. The water on his scalp felt as if he was sunbathing. Yuzuru didn't have to help with his hair. And yet, he’s doing just that. Raika’s hair hasn't felt so soft and unknotted in months! When he looked in the mirror, his hair fluffed up. There were little curls sticking up in some places. The waves at the bottom of his hair were satisfying to the boy.
“Oi, Raika! Are you coming to the cafeteria or not? Niki made breakfast for everyone!” Tori called from outside the bathroom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Breakfast here was much different compared to the facility. So many people. So many sounds. He wasn't quite sure where to sit. Does he sit alone? Assigned seats?
“Raika-chan! Over here!”
Raika turned to the voice. A boy with messy brunette hair, brown eyes and a wide smile across his face. It was Mitsuru!
“Mitsuru-oniisan!” Raika called out.
Raika ran over and hugged him. Mitsuru was very warm to him. Always kind to him since VsGourmet. Mitsuru patted the seat next to him. Raika sat there and was then asked to wait as the older went to get food. He waited patiently, slightly kicking his feet.
“Ah, you must be Raika-chin?”
Raika looked up. It was a blonde he hadn't met. His asymmetrical hair and ruby eyes caught his eye. Raika nodded to answer the blonde.
“May I sit here?” He asked.
Raika nodded again. The blonde sat across from him. “Are you sitting here alone? Are you not getting food?” the blonde immediately asked.
“Mitsuru-oniisan asked me to wait here!” Raika answered.
The blonde smiled at that answer. A big buff man came by with food that he had placed in front of him.
“You’re a savior, Kuro-chin.”
‘Kuro’ chuckled a little before leaving. Raika quietly waited some more.
“Mitsuru, you can’t keep losing your stuff everywhere!” A voice came from afar.
This resulted in a disappointed sigh from the blonde. Raika listened in some more.
“Mitsuru- what even is in your bag?!” The same voice shouted.
“A gift, what else?”
“You do know what day it is right?”
“Of course, Tomo-chan!” Mitsuru chirped
“It’s Friday.”
It went quiet after that fact.
“Oh! Welcome back!”
A sweeter voice came around and sat next to the blonde. He had blue hair and violet eyes. The blonde’s eyes crinkled as he smiled and patted the seat next to him. They seemed close. Would Mitsuru-oniisan be mad? He usually ate alone. Would he have to fight for his food again? No. Mitsuru-oniisan would never let Raika go without food.
Another blonde; darker blonde though, sat next to the other side of Raika. Now there were no seats for Mitsuru-oniisan. The darker blonde looked happy to see the others. They all had food. Raika heard his tummy grumble.
“Apologies Tomo-chan, Hajime-chan, and Raika-chan! I ended up chatting with Mr. Nice while waiting for the food to come out and I lost track of time!” Mitsuru called out as he placed Raika’s food in front of him and held his own.
Mitsuru noticed the other person at the seat and his eyes lit up. He set down his tray and threw himself onto the lighter blonde.
“Niichan!!! You’re back!” Mitsuru exclaimed.
‘Niichan’? Raika hummed to himself.
“Oh! Let me introduce you to the rest of my unit!”
When did Mitsuru-oniisan get a new chair?? He sat down and pointed to each one separately.
“That’s Tomo-chan! It’s Tomoya”
“Hajime-chan is the one with tea! He makes the best tea ever!!”
“Can I try some then, Hajime-nii?” Raika blurted out.
Raika immediately covered his mouth and curled into himself. Raika thought that if Mitsuru-oniisan considered them close, Raika could call them oniisan, right? Hajime seemed surprised at Raika’s request. He then smiled and took out a pouch.
“It’ll be a little hot, but I’ll be happy to let you try my blend.” Hajime replied.
He wasn’t upset at that? A hand lightly placed itself on his own. It was ‘Niichan’.
“I’m Nazuna. You may call me Niichan if you want, ok?” Nazuna softly introduced.
Raika nodded. They soon ate after Mitsuru constantly apologized to Nazuna for forgetting about him.
Raika liked this. It was an odd feeling; one that warmed his entire heart. He did feel like the ugly duckling out of the table. Mitsuru and his friends were very close. Like family. After a little while (Raika hadn’t kept track of time), Nazuna got up.
“Ah, sorry you guys, I forgot I was meeting someone in half an hour.” Nazuna apologized.
He looked at Raika; the softest smile Raika’s ever gotten.
“It was lovely to meet you, Raika-chin.”
He was liked! His manners taught him well! Soon, Mitsuru’s other friends got out of their seats. Raika assumed they also had something to go to. Then Mitsuru.
“Raika chan, I have a circle meeting to attend, I can’t wait to see you later!”
What did that mean? Ah whatever. He was to savor the pancakes he was given.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was super hot. He has seen others wave a hand or fan to their face. Along with a gray haired man scolding his cousin, Ritsu. Raika wasn't sure why his cousin was on the floor. Raika enjoyed the heat.
It always comforted the boy no matter if he was in pain or not. There was a tree nearby and the softest green grass the boy’s seen.
And it was. A blanket of warmth surrounded the boy. His eyes drooped a little; he was exhausted. He was very busy with shadowing idols at their jobs. Today was Tetsu-nii and Hiiro oniisan. Tetora had a modeling job while Hiiro was greeting fans with some idols Raika didn’t know. There was a taller redhead that looked a lot like Hiiro. But Raika stuck by the latter. The other two were a short dark blue haired man and fluffy ginger haired idol with a very sparkly outfit.
Perhaps he can take a nap in the sun? It urged him to. So, he succumbed to the warmth; falling in a state of a blissful nap.
The next thing he knew was a cooler temperature. How long has it been? Oh. There was a ‘parasol’ over his head. He was still sleepy, the warmth kept begging him. There was a gentle shake to his left shoulder.
There was the same gray haired man he saw earlier. He held a hand out to the younger.
“Come on, kid. It’s been 30 minutes.”
He was out for 30 minutes? Raika accepted his hand.
“Was I needed for something?” Raika asked.
He shook his head. He turned his head.
“He’s been waiting for you.”
Who has? Ruby eyes soon met sapphire eyes across from him. Those sapphire eyes glanced away. Then Raika noticed a red duffle bag, a pair of sandals, and fluffy white hair with black stripes. Ibuki?
Raika picked up the parasol before standing up. He tried handing it to the man next to him, yet he declined.
“The parasol belongs to him.” The man answered.
The parasol belonged to Ibuki?? Raika walked over to him.
“Ibuki?” Raika called out.
The former seemed startled by Raika’s presence; his cheeks were flushed. Ibuki got up. Woah, Ibuki was taller than Raika remembered. Or perhaps he only saw him from afar? The flush of Ibuki’s cheeks hadn’t faded away when he adjusted the duffle bag on his shoulder.
“You free?” Ibuki asked.
Raika was free for the rest of the day, so Raika nodded as an answer. That seemed to satisfy Ibuki, whose face noticeably brightened.
“Wanna go swimming with me?”
Raika tilted his head. He hasn't swam often, Raika wasn't sure he remembered how.
“Where to?” Raika asked.
“The beach!” Ibuki exclaimed.
Raika’s never been to the beach. Raika’s mouth went agape.
“I’ve never been to the beach…” Raika muttered.
Soon, Ibuki’s free arm wrapped around him.
“There’s no time like the present! Do you have swimwear with you?” chimed in.
“What’s swimwear?”
Ibuki gave a small gasp; not out of annoyance nor anger, Raika noticed.
There was a small smile and his cheeks reddened more.
“I’ll show you the best swimwear ever!” Ibuki exclaimed.
So the two of them ran over to the shopping square, to get everything Raika needed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Here we are!” Ibuki shouted.
Raika stared in awe at the shiny ocean waves. He’s heard stories of the ocean by other facility residents. But to see it with his own eyes? A grip on his hand made the boy look behind him.
“You need to change clothes.”
“Eh? Why?” Raika turned to Ibuki.
“It’s something people do. Here, this is a pair of swimwear, clothes made for swimming.”
It was a pair of aquamarine swimpants. Along with a black short sleeved swimshirt. Raika took the clothes from his hands and walked over to the changing area. He opened a stall and locked it when it was closed. There was a mirror in front of him, and spotted a rash on his forearm; likely from how he laid in the grass. He removed the top layer of his shirt, and grimaced a little. All those scars, scratches, and still fading bruises from his time at the facility. And his thin stomach which had a slight pudge to it. Ever since he arrived at ES, he’s been slowly gaining weight. And… One of the reasons he was kicked out from his family.
The Hojo family have always taken pride in their daughters. When the youngest had asked to present male, he was in constant trouble. They made this boy believe it was tradition; it was, just.. never permanent.
Shaking his head, he quickly put on the swimshirt and put on the top layer of his original outfit again. It didn't provide much hiding, but it was good enough for Raika.
The swim trunks were much easier for Raika. When he returned from changing, Ibuki was already in his own swimwear, plus the shirt he had on from before. He was on the phone with someone. Ibuki glanced at Raika before nodding and ushering Raika over with his free hand. By the time Raika came over, Ibuki ended the call and put it in his duffle bag.
“You have your phone on you?”
Raika nodded, getting the idea that he wanted to put it in the duffle bag to keep it safe. He took it out and gave it to the older boy. Ibuki put the phone next to his own and zipped up the duffle bag. Raika subconsciously took hold of Ibuki’s hand. Ibuki seemed startled a little before guiding him to the shallow part of the ocean.
It was chilly, but Raika didn't mind that. Once Raika was chest deep into the water, Ibuki carefully held onto his shoulders.
“Can you face your back toward me?”
Raika gave a nervous protest yet complied. He trusted Ibuki. The latter hasn't done anything to hurt him. He gave Raika a simple request. And that was that.
Ibuki’s grip on Raika’s shoulders was gentle, uncharacteristically so. One hand moved down to the center of his back and one behind his knees.
“I’m introducing what I call ‘floating’. It helps you relax your muscles and body. If you want me to demonstrate first, I’ll be glad to comply.” Ibuki explained from behind.
Raika thought to himself. After a minute or so, he muttered “Can you show me?”
Ibuki's hands soon were off Raika and he saw the taller one in front of him. He leaned back and exhaled softly. Raika held onto a sleeve so Ibuki didn't float away. A quiet chuckle came from Ibuki.
“That’s all what ‘Floating’ is. Want to do it now?”
Raika couldn't help but nod. Ibuki went behind the former again, but not holding his shoulders.
“I don't want your hair in your face for the later lessons, I’m just tying it in a ponytail.” Ibuki told him.
Once done, Ibuki’s hands returned to his shoulders. Ibuki’s hands have always been warm. It comforted Raika. He let Ibuki slowly put him on his back. Raika flinched his eyes closed; it was bright and hurt his eyes. A shade hovered over his eyes, and it relaxed him.
“That's it… Let’s hold this position for a little while.” Ibuki told Raika.
The softness and volume of Ibuki’s voice left a slight chill at his spine. Ibuki was quietly counting to himself and Raika found himself being lulled to sleep with it. Soon though, he was back on his feet.
“How’d it feel?”
Raika could only smile, he wasn't sure how to explain how he felt. Raika had a feeling he knew what was coming up and wrapped his arms around Ibuki. He felt the taller stiffen a little before releasing his tension. Did he…? No. Raika had to stop thinking that way.
“Alright. It’s time for the swimming basics.”
Raika didn't recall Ibuki’s cheeks being slightly sunburnt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Swimming is so much fun, Raika found out. Unfortunately, he had to return to ES. Raika was hesitant to change. Especially with Ibuki being in the same changing room he is in. Ibuki’s back was toward him. Raika had the mirror in front of him. He stared at himself. He looked so defined with the wet clothes sticking to him. Raika was sure Ibuki had noticed. Nevermind that, he quickly put on the undershirt of the outfit he had on originally. There, he looked at least a little flat. But those bruises… Raika shook his head a little before attempting to dry off his hair. It was a mild sucess. He and Ibuki had to shower with fresh water to rinse out the seawater. His hair had curled up a little bit with that shower.
Soon, there was a soft material that went over his head. Raika put his arms through the provided sleeves. It was beige in color with blue accents. There was a bird he didn't recognize on the left side of his chest. The sleeves of the material completely covered his hands, but he adjusted them. Part of the material also fell off his shoulder, mimicking how he typically wears clothes. It was undoubtedly warm; they had been at the beach and it was a hot day. Raika turned around to face Ibuki.
He was in the process of folding Raika’s wet outer layer and putting it in a separate bag. Ibuki hadn’t changed at all! All Ibuki did was give a small smile to him.
“I know how to wash clothes like this. Don’t worry.” Ibuki answered him.
“You could get sick!”
Raika supposed he was focused on how the wet shirt stuck to the other’s skin. Raika couldn't help but notice that Ibuki had faint muscles on his arms. Ibuki fell silent for a while.
“I’ll be alright, don’t worry. Let me walk you back.” Ibuki offered.
Raika didn't say no. Raika also never commented on how the shirt smelled heavily (to him) of citrus and something else he can’t name. It was a scent he enjoyed though. When the two got to the entrance, they had to separate. He was gonna miss Ibuki’s hold; it made him feel safe. Still, Raika waved happily at Ibuki before heading to his destination. He heard Ibuki say: ‘see you later’ and Hasumi’s ‘why are you soaked?!’ (supposedly to Ibuki).
Raika shadowed some more idols: an Aira Shiratori with singing practice, Shu Itsuki and Mika Kagehira with dancing, and Niki. Niki, however, requested assistance with lunch and Raika was happy to assist. At the given moment, Raika was walking to the circle where he could interact with the animals that Mitsuru told him about. A tap on his shoulder startled the boy into a yelp.
He turned around to see a familiar pinkette.
“Shu-oniisan?” Raika tilted his head. “Did ya need somethin’?”
Shu said nothing as he put a pile of clothes in his hands before leaving. There was a note saying that these clothes were for Raika.
Everyone was so oddly nice today, how come? Raika made a detour to his dorm to put the clothes away before looking for the ‘Animals’ circle again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Master Nice: Heya, Raika! Can you meet me in the main lobby?
On my way!
Master Nice wanted him? Raika sat up, accidentally startling the sleeping cat in his lap.
“Sorry Nyanko,” Raika earnestly apologized, petting her.
Nyanko only gave a small ‘mew’ before nudging her head against his hand as he petted her. He slowly lifted Nyanko in his arms before walking over to the blonde nearby.
“Here you go, big sister!”
She lifted her head, noticed Nyanko and accepted her cat.
“Thank you, Raika-chan!” Naru gave a small to him.
Nyanko made a meow and licked some of Raika’s fingers before settling into Naru’s arms. It was about 6:30 in the evening and he ate dinner with big sis Naru and her roommates. He waved to the other two before walking off. Hopefully he didn't get lost again. In the middle of his journey, a dove caught his eye. He smiled brightly and offered it his finger.
The bird only coo’d before taking flight, staying in Raika’s sight. Raika followed the dove. When the destination was reached, the dove flew on top of the boy’s head and sat there. Raika slowly opened the door; he was unsure where the bird wanted to take him. There was a single lit candle which showcased a teal colored lightstick. The tag said it came from big brother Aira. It also had a dove charm. Raika turned it on which lit up the room a little. He wondered who thought of this as he lightly shook it.
It lit up aquamarine. He thought it was a coincidence that it matched his hair. Although, all this darkness…
Raika shook his head. He was given a lightstick; not pitchblack. He exhaled shakily. And yet, as if he was heard: a comforting touch; a warm hand being that comforting feeling, embraced his hand.
With the light, it gave the darker skin a blue tinge; it was funny to the younger. Raika gave the hand a little squeeze, which responded back in a gentle manner. A flick of a switch; the light turned on. That hand let go as it did. The warmth was missed, but it was nothing compared to the sight in front of Raika.
It was lightly decorated with banners, balloons, and gifts near the table that was filled with all sorts of food.
“Raika”
He whipped around to see Nice waving at him.
“Yes?”
“Y’know what day it is?”
Raika tilted his head. “It’s Friday, Master Nice.” Nice chuckled and shook his head.
“Ho-chan~ How old are you?”
Ritsu-sama? When he faced his older cousin, he only had a light smirk on him.
“I’m fifteen today…”
Wait. Yesterday he was fourteen. Raika took in the atmosphere again. There were more people than he was used to.
“Happy birthday, kiddo!” Nice exclaimed, patting the boy’s head.
It couldn’t be real. And yet, he still ran over, tears falling off his cheeks as Raika squeezed Nice into a hug.
The first time. The very first party of his own. Sure, he’s been to plenty; his sisters have always been the favorites. The eldest got a beautiful necklace, and another sister got her hair braided from a lover of hers. Raika? He was too little to understand the roles in his family. Despite all that, Raika had never really had a party of his own. It was as if he was destined to be the black sheep of the Hojo clan.
But today, in the year 2021, he was 15 years old, at Ensemble Square, celebrating his birthday with friends, and beloved seniors. He could consider Mitsuru and Ibuki his friends… Right?
“Hey Raika, try this.”
Raika was handed a treat he didn't recognize. It looked like seaweed in a bowl.
“Umibudo. I personally love these grapes.”
As if to prove it, Ibuki took an extra bowl for himself and ate some of it. His ocean eyes sparkling at the taste.
“Umibudo? Isn’t that a Ryukyuan dish?” Raika heard Mayoi chime in.
“Yes! It’s essentially sea grapes! My grandpa always got some for me and it’s super delicious!” Ibuki exclaimed in excitement.
“Oh oh! I heard that Okinawans use a lot of pork in their dishes!” Niki called out.
“Yes, yes they do!”
While the three of them chatted about Okinawan dishes, Raika picked up his chopsticks and tried the Umibodo. It was delicious. Raika couldn't help but make excited giggles as he continued to snack on the grapes.
He could hear Keito commenting on Ibuki’s new, dry, shirt. After Raika set his now empty bowl down, he wrapped an arm around Ibuki’s. They started talking about something random. Raika decided to just listen around. He’s had an exciting day, so for now, he’s content with listening to Ibuki’s conversation with Big Brothers Mayoi and Niki on the couch. Maybe another nap will do. A citrus aroma, comforting warmth, and a firm pillow (Raika’s slept on worse ‘pillows’). It’s his birthday, it should be fine to nap again.