Chapter Text
“Give it up, Hoshina.”
“You don't belong here. Blades are no longer needed.”
“Guns are more efficient, Soshiro. And your combat power to wield guns isn't enough in this generation.”
“If only you were born in the era of blades”
“Give up.”
“Give up.”
Hoshina woke up from his deep slumber with sweats and holding his chest, panting for air. The air conditioner inside his room was set to the highest level, but it wasn't enough to break the sweats that he had from the nightmare he just experienced. Again, after how long, he was reminded of how rejected he is in the defense force. Even after gaining his title and rank inside, living the life he always dreamed of getting. The memory of him being rejected by everyone, even his father, his clan, the memory is still vivid.
“Mom…”
He called, reaching the locket that was put on the bed side table. His voice was low and with a hint of pain. With sweaty palms, he opened the locket, and there he caressed the picture of him together with his mom when he was about five years old. Truth to be told, it was his only memento of his mother after she died. Hoshina reminisced the moments he had with his mother. How she held him with care every after training, how she tends to his wounds every time he gets one, buys him delicious meals and his favorite dessert, tells him bedtime stories, and even joins him in his training with blades sometimes even though she isn't good with it. Everything a good mother does to her child, Soshiro experienced it with his mother. But it was cut short when his mom was involved in a kaiju incident and died. Where he found her lifeless body lying full of blood in the garden of their residences.
“I miss you… wish you were here” his tears started to roll out of his eyes without him being aware of it. The heavy loss of his mother hardened him. Other than his passion and dedication, there's no other reason left in wiping up kaiju but his anger at the culprit. He wants every single kaiju to die. He swore that he will do the harshest punishment to the kaijus, as harsh as he could, inflict pain into them even though he knows for one, that kaiju doesn't feel any pain.
Hoshina stayed like that for hours. Crying, caressing the locket, and begging the heavens to bring his mother back again into his side. He shares his struggles since he moved out of their residences and those harsh words he received when he first joined the defense force. He talked to the locket like a child that he was when his mom was still alive and well.
His moment was interrupted when his phone started to beep loudly, indicating that there's a kaiju attack. He rushed to fetch his phone placed on the other side of the bed and check it. Right on time, Mina's caller ID popped in his phone.
“Hoshina, your aid is needed. There is a daikaiju on the run, attacking the city.”
“Acknowledged, Captain. I'm heading there.”
Hoshina moved in swift motion. Changing into his combat suit and preparing his blades. Once done, he swiftly heads to the location Ashiro gave him a while ago.
He uses the chopper waiting for him just outside his apartment and it didn't take him long until he arrived on the scene. Okonogi immediately sent him the plan and all the information with regards to the operation. He then ordered the troops near him according to the plan and started the subjugation. The third division is known for their tactics and coordination. They have commendable synchronization and one of those who have reliable members when it comes to every subjugation mission.
Hoshina uses his skills and utilizes the suit's combat power to the fullest. His role as the vice captain weighs heavy, as he is to pass the baton to Ashiro whenever they face a kaiju bigger than he can take alone. He's a reliable leader after all. Allowing Ashiro to move freely by carving a path. He is expected to be in the front lines in every mission. He swings his sword in full force, using various skills that he mastered deflecting and countering the attacks of the kaiju that he is facing.
“Vice captain! Behind you!” Kafka shouts from a distance.
Hoshina managed to dodge and kill the kaiju that was threatening his life a moment ago. His moves are as swift as a wind. Slashing everything that's a hindrance on his way.
The earpiece they are wearing to communicate made a noise, telling them Ashiro has arrived, just on time. Hoshina and the team cleared the small and mid sized kaiju's that needed to be eliminated. After a few minutes of silence, a loud sound of a gun firing was heard all over the place. The daikaiju in front of them took a shot. Right at the core. Ashiro, as someone who's skeptical of kaiju behaviors, loaded another magazine and hit the daikaiju once again. She continued to fire at the threat three times, making the area covered with blood and remains of the kaiju.
“Mina… she's amazing…” Kafka's remarks after witnessing Mina subjugate a kaiju times larger than the one that once injured him and Ichikawa.
“That's the level you have to reach in order to stand by her side, old man”
“Vice Captain!? I'm not old, just years older than you guys!” Kafka turned into a rotten tomato. Hoshina just sticks his tongue out, the usual that he does whenever he messes with his colleagues that are somehow… he can consider close.
The midnight mission went well. Everyone was exhausted from the mission and went straight to their respective quarters after debriefing. And Hoshina? He has a lot of paperwork to do. He went to the operating office and asked for the information he needed to put in the report, and went to his office afterwards. Making a report is the least thing that he likes to do , but this task is inevitable, especially for him, the vice captain. At least for him it isn't as boring as strolling around the city alone.
“Haah… man, I'm tired. I want to rest.” he dropped his body in his swivel chair and stared at the stack of papers on his table.
“Fuck kaiju's, hope they all die.”
He then started to work on the report he needed to submit immediately the next morning. His face was sour the whole time he was making the report. Because that means that he has to go to Ariake base to submit it. Due to Mina's trust issues on delivery, which developed because of a one time thing that the report hasn't arrived in Ariake, she instructed that every transaction must be done either by Hoshina or her alone and personally be submitted. Just thinking about the hours of driving going to the base irks him to the core. And to top that, he is sure as hell that he will meet someone there that would pester his day in the base. Narumi Gen.
“I hope, I hope, that he's not gonna cross paths with me.” he said, crossing his fingers like swearing and keeping a promise.
But of course, the heavens have other plans for Hoshina.
The next morning, the very first thing that he saw when he arrived was a two toned haired man and his smug face, together with his gang, some of the first division officers.
“Bowl cuts and fox eyes aren't allowed in this place. And you fit in both.” Narumi points out.
He's been in the defense force for so long, but meeting Narumi every time he has something to do in Ariake, always feels like he's visiting a relative that isn't much of his liking. The type of person that will definitely get on his nerves if he opens his mouth. But he hides it, and instead smiles at Narumi and decides to provoke him more. Exchanging bickering remarks. Yes, typical of them.
“If it isn't Captain Narumi who's welcoming me. I appreciate it very much, sir.” he smiles at him, making Narumi raise a bow for his guts.
“Why and what are you doing here, bowl cut?”
“I have permission from the higher ups, sir. I am to submit a report about the incident that happened yesterday.”
“Ashiro could've done this. Why is it you that's delivering it all the way here? Has your rank degraded from vice captain to delivery guy?”
Narumi's troop members laughed at his remarks. Soshiro, on the other hand, tries to maintain his calm composure. Trying his hardest not to throw a fist on this man. He's not the one to pick a fight anyways, rather, he's the type to make fun of people, so he plays his game.
“Well, I hold a very uptight rank in the defense force, captain, and a title that weighs heavy. Therefore, I shall aid my captain with every ounce of help I can provide. Even if it's driving for hours just to deliver a report for her.”
“You've grown so fond of your titles, bowl cut.”
“That's because I know that I hold a title that you cannot have.”
“What are ya trying to say? I'm less than you?”
Hoshina succeeds at provoking him. He sure gets on his nerves every time he's in Ariake. It is as if Narumi can't breathe if Hoshina is breathing the same air as him.
“I hold the most titles here in the defense force. Name it and I can claim that it's mine!” Narumi said with confidence.
Hoshina grinned. He dragged Narumi to the plan. The remarks that he's so sure that would get Narumi all worked up will be used.
“But my captain holds the title for the sniper category?” with confidence and grace. He just hit something in narumi that made his face sour. Narumi's gang starts to whisper behind him, telling him comforting words.
“Shut up! It's the only title that she holds, every other category is mine to hold!” he shouts, making the nearby officers look their way.
Despite being in a one over ten people situation of bickering, Hoshina remained his stand and didn't even shake a little. Or was he threatened, it only fuels him to add more to the fire.
“But I beat you in the small kaiju category? I hold the title to that one, so that makes it two titles that you aren't able to get a hold into.” he said and made his way to the entrance of the building, leaving them behind with a smile plastered on his face.
As if he was struck by lightning, Narumi wasn't able to stand it. He snapped. Saying words after words. Curse after curse. Hoshina didn't bother looking back and continued walking, humming as he won the bickering episode between him and Narumi. Well, in fact, Narumi has never won one. When it comes to bickering, Narumi starts it first and ends up being the one defeated and provoked.
Hoshina arrived where he is supposed to submit the report, handed it in, and poof he's out. He was invited for a coffee by Hasegawa when they met at the hallway, but refused as he could see Narumi arriving from his peripheral vision.
He drove his car back to their base and reported to Mina about the delivery. They talked for a while before he bid his farewell after clearing his duty and went home.
“Haaahh, what a bummer day.” Hoshina went to bed and rested. Taking breaths every now and then. Exhausted from today's event. From making the report, driving back and forth, and bickering with Narumi. It drained his strength that he fell asleep immediately without even changing his clothes.
“Shiro, how's training with dad today?” his mother asked while combing his hair. Little Soshiro seated in her lap.
“It was fun! He taught me a lot again today, mom! And it was sooo fun. I'd do it again. I also promised dad that I'll master everything that he taught and carry it on.” he enthusiastically said. Sharing the moments he had with his father in his morning training session. The sun was high and at its peak, the scorching heat beaming in the place.
His mom let out a chuckle at his story. Her little love enjoying his training is the most important of course. But hearing Soshiro say that he'd carry it on made something in his heart bloom. He has never heard it from any of his two sons, not until Soshiro said it. It was not forced, not scripted, Soshiro wanted it wholeheartedly.
“When you grow up, you'll be one of those remarkable soldiers that you look up to. Protecting the city and humanity against those monsters.” She pinched Shiro's cheeks and left kisses everywhere on his face. Soshiro giggled at the action. Feeling the warmth of his mother.
“I will! I will make sure that I can get what I want, mom. I will break every wall and defeat any obstacles in my way! And I'll protect you every day!”
“I look forward to it, love. But for the meantime, let mommy take care of ya, ‘kay?” she said and continued to pamper Soshiro with his motherly love. Soshiro is her greatest gift. One of the precious things she treasures.
“M'kay! I love being taken care of by you so much!” Soshiro said with joyful glee. His eyes shine bright crimson, with happiness in it.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
The sound of his phone ringing brought him back to his consciousness. With half opened eyes, he searched for his phone in his pocket. The light coming from his phone when he turned it on irritates his eyes as the brightness was too much.
(tomorrow)
Mom's 5th Death Anniversary
November 17, 20xx
“Oh…”
He bitterly read the text on his phone. It was the alarm he set. The alarm he wishes not to hear every year but he couldn't. Again, he has to be reminded that his mother is not coming back. A series of flashbacks pops into his mind. Making him cover his face with his palms, trying to avoid the feeling. That bitter feeling.
Despite all the holding back, a tear still managed to escape from his eyes. A sob was heard from his thin and red lips.
Even after five years, the pain still feels the same. It comes back every now and then. Something that he couldn't avoid as he is having a hard time moving on from it. Soshiro is known at work as the cheerful and full of joy vice captain of the third division. A fierce and strong soldier in the battle field. But alone? He's a kid. A kid longing for his mother's presence and love. All those facade he takes in his work all crashes down whenever he's alone in his apartment and is reminded of his mom. She was his everything. The only person who believed in his capabilities before Mina and the whole third division came into his life.
He continued crying for hours. Letting his emotions flow out from his system. Thinking about visiting his mother's grave tomorrow makes him weak. He dreamt of living a life with his mother. Living his dreams with the very woman he treasures the most. The low sobs turned into heavy cries. The vice captain is out, Soshiro is in.
Deep inside, he wishes that Mina gives him a lot of things to do to distract himself from the feeling of being lost and being alone. But Mina isn't neglecting her colleagues’ health. She always makes sure they get the proper amount of rest.
Soshiro eventually drifted to deep sleep after crying for hours. Nose red, eyes puff, heart heavy. He slept due to exhaustion of duty and crying.
On the day of her death anniversary, Soshiro prepared a little picnic pack for himself. He also filed a leave to give all his time to his mom.
(I'm coming, mom.)
sent.
Soshiro has a habit of texting his mother's number every time he visits his grave, especially during her death anniversary. As if informing her of his visit. He does it for five consecutive years, no miss.
He drove to the cemetery where she's settled. The way there was about an hour long, but he didn't feel tired. Not a bit. Anything for her.
He went straight to his mother after he parked his car safely and carried the picnic pack he prepared and the beautifully arranged flowers that he bought on his way. He sat in front of her, arranged the flower and lit a candle. He prayed for a while after lighting the candle, silence enveloping the place before he talked to his mother about how his year went.
“I faced many daikaiju, mom! And we successfully neutralized each one of them.” he starts.
“hmmm… I went to the grocery every day off. Buy stuff for the ho- apartment, and stuff that I think I need.” he paused, looking directly at the gravestone.
Hoshina Rin
December 28, 19xx - November 17, 20xx
He cleaned the gravestone before continuing his story. Plucked the growing grass near it to avoid burning, cleaned the dirt that gets in the way, and wiped it right after.
“Honestly nothing much happened this year. Just work and work and maybe light personal stuff.”
Hoshina started to eat the foods he prepared while still continuing his stories.
“Narumi is still shitting on me, mom.” he said. His brows furrowed like an angry man, cheeks puffed.
“He still picks fights with me every time I go to Ariake.” he added and munched the pancake he cooked early this morning.
“Do you think I should just punch his face, mom? Give him a bruise on his face and put him in his place?” he laughed at the thought of Narumi having black bruises on his face.
“Nah, never mind. I enjoy provoking him anyways. You should see the look in his face every time he's out of backlash for me. I bet it'll make you laugh! It's just so funny and… cute” he smiled as he finished the sentence.
Bickering with Narumi doesn't just bring headache and nuisance to Soshiro. It does bring him joy. By winning in every bickering.
The sun sets and it's a sign for him to go and bid his farewell to his mom. He cleans up his things before saying goodbye.
He started his car's engine and drove his way home. Heavy rain poured down as he got stuck in the traffic on his way home. His stomach made a noise, he's been eating lots of food that he packed for his picnic, but Soshiro has a big appetite, making him hungry while getting stuck in the traffic.
When he managed to pass the very traffic street, he decided to have a stop at one of his favorite fast food chains. Lucky for him to find a seat immediately, given that this fast food chain is easily filled with people. Due to the fact that it is located in the center of a busy street, the food is good, and the service is fast. This has been his favorite go to ever since he got used to ordering food or eating outside after a mission or even after office duty.
While waiting for his order to be served. Hoshina saw a familiar figure inside. A black hoodie and sweatpants. The hood of his hoodie on his head, and his hands in his pockets. His two toned hair slightly peeked out of the hood. It's none other than Narumi Gen. Who seems to be finding a seat but all the tables are full at this moment.
Narumi glanced at his direction and Soshiro signals for him to come. He was shocked at first that he obeyed and really made his way to him but offered to share his table anyway.
“I won't hold it against you, I promise”
“I will remember this day.”
Narumi sits in front of Hoshina and soothes himself. His hoodie has visible stains of being wet from the rain.
“Ahem… what brings you here, Captain?” Hoshina initiated the conversation, breaking the ice between them.
“Food obviously.”
“In the middle of tokyo?”
“And so? Can't a man eat in peace?” He raised a brow and stared directly at Hoshina's crimson eyes.
“Not like that. It's just unusual for you to bother coming here in tokyo and travel for hours.” Hoshina explained. Narumi just hummed in response and scrolled through his phone. Trying to avoid conversation.
“Here's your order, sir.” Hoshina's order came first. As the store strictly adheres to their policy of first come, first serve.
Soshiro thanked the waiter who served his food and accepted the tray of his order. He ordered chicken with lettuce and paired it with fries and ice cream. Narumi watched as Hoshina placed his food on the table and politely stowed the tray underneath their table where there is a place for customers to put their trays. Narumi looked at the fries like he's been craving it for days.
“Do you want to? I can hand you mine.” Soshiro offered.
“No thanks, I ordered one.”
“Your order would probably take five minutes or more, at least have mine for the meantime. I promise this is an act of kindness and not some trick.” he reassured. Narumi kept on scrolling on his phone, acting like he didn't hear the man in front of him.
Five minutes have passed and his order hasn't arrived yet. He kept on throwing looks at the counter, hoping his order was ready to be served. This caught Hoshina's attention.
“Gen, have this while waiting for your food. You'll starve yourself.”
Narumi jumped from his seat when he heard Hoshina called him by his first name. That's the first. He has never done that. It almost gave him a heart attack.
“I- I'm fine. Don't bother.”
“You're clearly not fine. You look like you're starving, I promise you I won't ask for your parment or hold this against you.” He tried to sound as generous as he could. Minding the fact that Narumi might really reject his offer due to his bickering relationship.
Narumi gives in eventually and feeds with the fries that Hoshina offers. He looked calm eating, as if trusting Hoshina with his words.
“You haven't touched your food?”
“It's bad to eat first while the other waits for theirs.”
Narumi almost puked the fries that he munched in his mouth.
“Are you playing with me?” He raised a brow this time. Seriously asking the latter.
“I don't mean it that way. I'm sorry. I offered you my side only, I'm waiting for you to have your order so that we can both start eating the meal. We're both at the same table, and it's rude to eat while the other doesn't.” Hoshina explains. No intent of teasing heard in his voice.
Narumi went back to eating the fries hoshina offered. After like ten minutes of waiting, his order arrived. Chicken fillet filled with its sauce, fries, and a soda. Somewhat similar to Hoshina. He gave his fries to Hoshina that made the latter raise a brow.
“I told you, I won't ask for payment. It's fine.”
Narumi as a good boy that he is, obeyed his order and kept the fries to himself. Hoshina puffed a light chuckle, almost inaudible to Narumi due to the crowd's noise.
The two of them dig on their own foods. Enjoying the meals they ordered. Hoshina is quick to finish his meal and is now enjoying his ice cream. Chocolate flavored ice cream to.be precise.
“Can I ask?”
“What now, bowl cut?”
“Is it your day off today? It's rare to see you out so I apologize if I ask too many questions.”
“I sneaked out.”
Narumi's answer left Hoshina with wide eyes. He can't believe what he just heard. He knows Narumi is somewhat the type to do questionable things as an officer, but he wouldn't expect him to sneak out.
“For this reason?”
“I want food. The canteen's food is bland and mild. I want real food. Hasegawa also keeps me out from eating this kind of food, saying that I've been eating so much junk food. So yeah, I sneaked out.” Narumi explained and continued to enjoy his meal. He then asked Hoshina the same question.
“I'm on my way home from visiting my mom, got hungry and stopped here. This Is my favorite fast food chain anyways.” He replied and continued to enjoy his ice cream. Getting every chocolate he can get from it. Hoshina has a sweet tooth, although not visible, he enjoys eating sweets by himself and can sometimes be seen eating them in his office.
“Your mom lives nearby?”
“Mhmm”
“Nice.” Narumi replied and drank his soda.
“Six feet under in the cemetery.”
Narumi choked on his drink. The soda went straight to his nose after hearing Hoshina's absurd sentence.
“The fuck?”
“I'm sorry?”
“You can't just joke about that. That's something serious!” Narumi scolded.
Hoshina remained silent, observing Narumi's reaction. He straightened up his posture and put the cup that's now empty after he finished his ice cream.
“But I'm serious?” He said, tilting his head a little.
Narumi stayed silent after hearing him. Feeling guilty that he scolded him without asking for the story.
“I'm sorry. I didn't know…”
“It's okay. I always say those things if I encounter a colleague and ask my whereabouts when I'm here. Most of the time I'm on my way home from visiting mom, like this.”
“Oh…okay”
“I suppose you want to hear more about it? Or am I wrong? I'm good with any of the two so go.”
Narumi chews on his food, trying to stop himself from asking and indulging in someone else's business. But oh Narumi, his own self betrayed him.
“Whenever you feel comfortable. You can always share.” Narumi said. Hoshina gave a soft smile. When he's about to open his mouth and share his story. He was taken aback when a loud thunder roared in the sky. Making him flinch from the sudden event.
Narumi was unbothered. Savoring his food bit by bit as he waits for Hoshina to speak. Confused by the sudden silence of the person in front of him, he lifted his head and was shocked at what he saw. Hoshina Soshiro, all red and sweating. Clearly bothered and scared by the loud thunder that just appeared.
“Hey, are you okay?”
“I-I'm not… I-” Hoshina pursed his lips. Those thin lips, visibly trembling from fear.
“Shit” Narumi said as he saw him nearly crying. Narumi got up from his seat and sat beside him, providing comfort. There isn't much space given that the chair only fits two people, there is a slight contact in their bodies that happened.
Narumi doesn't know what to do. He's always seen Hoshina as a tough man. Fearless and dauntless. He's never seen him like this.
Another thunder roared in the sky, Hoshina flinched and covered his ears holding his sobs in. Narumi noticed how uncomfortable he was. Bothered and worried by his reaction, he suggested that they should leave and head home.
“Give me your keys, I'll drive you home.”
Hoshina didn't think twice and handed him his car keys. Narumi stood up first and stripped his hoodie and made Hoshina wear it. He's left with his simple white tee. The two of them walked their way to the parking lot of the restaurant. The rain is still heavy and it has violent winds, making them both easily wet. Well, Narumi is more wet than Hoshina as he is only wearing his white tee while Hoshina is covered in layers of clothing. They arrived at Hoshina’s car and Narumi opened the passenger seat for him to get inside before turning around to get inside the driver seat. As he slammed the door closed, another set of roars from the sky was unleashed, making the man beside him shriek and hide himself, knees bent in the passenger seat.
“Hey, tell me where you live, I'll use the map to get there.”
Hoshina handed him his phone with his address pinned. Narumi then follows the way directed in the map that he set.
After a half an hour drive, maybe also because of the heavy traffic brought by the heavy pouring rain, they safely arrived at Hoshina's apartment. Narumi, once again, helped Hoshina get outside the car and safely guided him to his apartment door. As they went inside, in one swift motion, Hoshina ran towards his bedroom and hid himself in his thick blanket, not minding how wet he was. He will probably regret what he has done in the next morning, but what's important for him is that he can hide.
“Oi, Hoshina, you're still wet from the rain. Get off there and change.” Narumi tried to shake him outside of the blanket that covers his body. Only to be met with silent sobs.
Hoshina's hand sneaked outside of the blanket and grabbed the locket that's on his bedside table. Holding it so tight in his hands and embraced it with him beneath the blanket. Narumi on the other hand doesn't know what to actually do. He is torn between leaving his place and going back to his base or dealing with Hoshina. Pressing his thumb and index finger in his nose bridge and pinching it, he's met with his phone ringing and a caller ID… it's… Hasegawa. Shit.
Cursing was his only option before accepting the call.
“Yes?”
“Where the fuck are you and why aren't you in your quarters! I've been looking for you everywhere and you're nowhere to be found!” Hasegawa shouted from the other line. Ahh yes, as expected. A handful of scolding from him.
He was expecting to be caught, but not this early. He never thought of Hasegawa checking him in his quarters. He thought he'll be caught sneaking out maybe after a day or two. But oopsies, his vice captain caught him red handed.
“I'm near Tachikawa base. Why?” He sounded so calm and innocent, but Hasegawa doesn't buy that.
“You, and your ridiculous rebellions. Why are you there? More specifically, in Tachikawa at this hour? So you sneaked out earlier near sunset? I swear to god, Narumi, if you don't give me valid answers to my question, I will kick your ass.” He's already furious. Judging by his tone, Hasegawa's veins on his head must be visible by now, making Narumi purse his lips to prevent from laughing at the image og Hasegawa that popped in his head.
“Yeah, yeah, sure. I'll answer your questions. Maybe tomorrow once I come back.”
“And you don't plan on coming back? What the fuck are you into? Are you hooking up with someone?”
Narumi was taken aback by Hasegawa. His cheeks heated, probably painted with red in the moment. He looked down where Hoshina is settled, it seemed like his sobs had calmed down. He's probably asleep at the moment. But going back to Hasegawa, the thought of him hooking up with someone, he finds it lewd. Especially when he's not that kind of person and is not into that kind of thing. But thinking of running away with Hoshina, he suddenly felt something in his stomach. It isn't a stomachache. More like… butterflies?
Narumi was brought back to himself when Hasegawa shouted again from the other line.
“Oi, Narumi! Are you deaf or dumb?”
“I have important things to do and it's raining cats and dogs right now. I can't possibly go home in this weather. Choose whether you want me to come back to the base wet and will catch a cold or worst meet my end or wait for me to come back tomorrow?”
“You piece of shi-”
Hasegawa was cut off when Narumi pressed the end button of his phone. He slid it in his pocket again, turning it off to avoid any calls from Hasegawa, leaving his kaiju threat alarm on. Narumi leaned down and checked on Hoshina. He lifted the blanket that was covering the man, and was met with a sleeping Hoshina, eyes puffy and nose red from crying, his hands holding the locket he grabbed from the table earlier. He sounds so peaceful that Narumi contemplates whether to wake him up and tell him to change and bid him farewell or let him be. He eventually chooses the latter.
Narumi checked if the rain was still heavy and holy fuck, he's doomed. The rain still poured heavily and he doesn't have any to take him back to his base. Leaving with the only option to stay the night. In Hoshina's apartment. He muttered a handful of curses as he realized his situation. Well, he probably can't sleep in the bedroom together with Hoshina. He would definitely freak out once he wakes up. And he definitely doesn't want Hoshina to get the wrong idea that he's taking advantage of him in his vulnerable state.
Narumi took off his damped tees and hung it on the couch where he decided to settle for the night. He lay down on it and was surprised by the softness of it. He didn't expect it to be this soft, it felt like it's hugging his whole body. The cold from the air conditioner didn't bother him even though he's topless right now. He's probably immune to it due to his habits inside his room. He stares at the ceiling, he's not used to going to bed early and most especially, not playing his switch at night. He somehow regretted that he didn't bring it with him. After a while, Narumi drifted off to sleep, feeling all exhausted from tonight.
The smell of breakfast passes through Narumi's nose, making him half awake. When he gained his composure, only then did he realize the blanket that's covering his body. He doesn't remember grabbing it last night. That left him with only one answer. Hoshina must've done this.
“Oh, you're awake. Good morning, Captain.” Hoshina greets him from the kitchen. He doesn't seem bothered by his presence at all. As if he was expecting Narumi to be there by the night.
“I have to go.” He said and got up from the couch. His muscles flexed as he folded the blanket that he used, before wearing his tees.
Hoshina, on the other hand, was staring at Narumi's figure. From folding the blanket he gave, to Narumi putting his tee's on.
“Stop eye gawking on me, bowl cut. I can clearly see you from here.”
Right. Narumi has a special weapon embedded on his body. His eyes are special. Very special.
“At least have some breakfast?”
“As much as I appreciate your kindness, I have to go back now. Hasegawa will surely kill me once I arrive there.” Narumi said.
Hoshina feels defeated. So instead, he came up with a new idea.
He packed Narumi breakfast using his personal lunch box, as he doesn't have anything close to a container other than that. He handed it to Narumi and thanked him last night. Narumi stared at the lunch box in his hands, a cute lunch box with tiger stickers on it. It was even in the shade of yellow.
“Please don't laugh, that's my lunch box since I was about ten years old. I don't have many things here in the apartment so bear with it.” Hoshina said, cheeks and ears slightly red that's visible to Narumi's visions.
“Aight, thanks for this. I'll return it soon. I'll head out now.” Narumi fled out of his apartment after saying his thanks and bidding his farewell.
Soshiro was again, left alone inside. But he doesn't feel lonely. At least today. A smile was plastered on his face as he ate his breakfast. The picture of Narumi sleeping playing in his mind, the thought of him staying for the night even if it's because of the heavy rain, the things Narumi did just to take him home safe. It was new to him after how long he felt happy. He likes it.
His day has just begun. And he has a lot of work waiting for him. Soshiro wasted no time and prepared for his duty.
When he went back to his bedroom fresh from the shower, he noticed Narumi's hoodie on his bed.
Oh, he forgot to hand him that.
Now they both have a reason to meet again. Although he hopes that Narumi doesn't start bickering with him when he returns it to him. He hoped that the next time they would meet each other, it's the same Narumi from last night.