Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Chapter Text
Another day, another successful event. Vivid BAD SQUAD had really been on the rise lately thanks to their hard work. Their voices improve, they've been getting more in sync, it's no overstatement to say that everyone Vivid Street adores them.
But, their composer also deserves quite a bit of credit.
"Dude did you see their last event? With that new song!"
"Right! Man, their voices got so much better out of nowhere..."
"Not just that, that track was seriously something else! Like, I've been tryna compose something like that for years, only to get shown up by a kid..."
"Ha, guess you're right about that one."
Such conversations were getting more and more normal to hear around Vivid Street, and Vivid BAD SQUAD was certainly aware of it.
-
"Aoyagi-kun, over here!"
Toya sat in his chair next to Akito, joining his team at the table outside. It seemed they had gotten food already, with the pancakes, coffee, tea, and whipped cream concoction on there.
"Sorry for the delay, I got caught up in a conversation with another team."
Ken was out of town for a bit to help someone out, along with Taiga, meaning Weekend Garage was closed for the day. So, vbs decided to meet up at another smaller cafe for the day to plan their next setlist.
"Nah, it's fine! We would have waited to order for you, but a certain someone couldn't resist the pancakes~"
"Oh shut it. 'Sides, I figured he was just gonna get coffee anyway..."
Akito turned his head slightly to conceal the slight pink on his cheeks, pushing the coffee he got for Toya towards the split-haired boy.
"You were right, thanks Akito." Toya chuckled in response, but Akito could notice that slight teasing glint in his eyes. Jeez, what was a guy supposed to do...besides ignore the annoying girl waving her eyebrows at him from across the table.
"Yeah. Uh, 'course. What are partners for?"
"Aoyagi-kun, you said another team was holding you up?"
Toya shifted his focus to the blonde girl in pigtails. "Yeah, they were complimenting our last event. We've been getting really good reviews on our last song."
"I know right! People are always complimenting us whenever they come to dads cafe these days! Not to mention Toya's been working like crazy lately."
"Ah, I appreciate the praise, but please don't sell yourself short. You've all been working just as hard."
"Dude, just take the compliment. I mean, all of Vivid Street's been talking about your tracks you know? Guess its to be expected though from my partner."
"Aww! You're so proud!!"
"Didn't I tell you to shut up!?"
As if on cue, a pair of singers came walking by the table. They both seemed to be older men, around Kens age perhaps? One of the guys saw them and nudged the other man, gesturing to the table. That was when they both decided to walk up to vbs.
"Well, if it isn't the team everyone's talking about.", said one of the guys, who was wearing a red jacket.
"You guys did great on your last event! I was so pumped!" That came from the other guy, who actually seemed a bit younger up close. He was wearing a blue beanie, matching his hoodie.
"A-ah, thank you very much for coming!" Kohane stuttered out, clearly a bit flustered and caught off guard.
"How could we not?" The beanie guy leaned forward. "It was insane! Especially the track!!"
"Ok cut it out, you're starting to make the kids uncomfortable." The guy in the red pulled back the beanie guys collar a bit. "But I do agree, been a while since I heard tracks like those around here. You wrote them didn't you?" The guy in red stared right at Toya, who wasn't expecting to be singled out. "Aoyagi, right? I've heard. Your work is spectacular, all of you guys are heading somewhere bright."
"Yes, thank you for your support."
"Actually, now that I think about it...those tracks had some sort of atmosphere to them, you know? Oh! It was like Fuyu's wasn't it?" said guy in the beanie, to which the guy in the red's eyes widened.
"Fuyu, huh? Yeah, I guess so. No wonder the vibe was so familiar."
The four teens at the table had no idea whatsoever about what these men were talking about. An was the first to speak up.
"Um, Fuyu? Who's that?"
"Eh?? An-chan doesn't know them? But you've lived here all your life?"
"Yeah I have, but I don't know who that is. Does she live here?"
"She used to come by every now and then, not for years though. But she had an insane voice, and made some of the best tracks this place has seen. In fact, she used to sing with RADder. Don't know what happened to her though, she just disappeared one day." The guy in the red checked his watch. "Crap, lets go Kei, were gonna be late."
"Aw, nice talking to you guys! Keep up the good work!"
"Thank you for taking time out of your day for us. Please continue to support us!" Toya side-eyed Akito as he put on the fakest persona ever, before nodding at the men.
"It was nice of them to stop by for us." said Kohane
"Yeah! I've seen them around at dad's shop."
"But I wonder who the Fuyu they talked about is..." Toya started think aloud.
"Ummmm.....now that I think about it, I remember Nagi-san once told me something about her friend, Fuyu-san! She was telling me about how she wants us to meet, but she only came by during school time or something..."
"Gotta admit though, if she's that good, I kinda wanna hear her." admitted Akito.
"Me as well, especially if my tracks are being compared to hers."
"Well then! Let's go ask around about her!" declared An, standing up from her seat with a dramatic flourish.
"Oi, what about the setlist??"
"Oh come on. It's literally supposed to be our rest day. You're the one who insisted we at least get this done even though our next event is 3 WEEKS AWAY."
"Sure, blame me for trying to be prepared." grumbled the ginger in response, eliciting another complaint from An.
Kohane and Toya shared a glance, the one they always share when An and Akito started up their daily bickering. They let them be for the moment, rather preferring to finish their drinks before having to split up the fight. Unfortunately, even that was cut short though when An tried throwing her chair at Akito and a concerned crowd started to form.
God know how those two pulled them apart.
Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Chapter Text
"Well, another bust." The blue haired girl draped herself over Kohane, who responded with an encouraging headpat. "I mean seriously, how does no one else know another other than what we've already got?"
Vbs had been going around for the past hour or so, asking various people if they knew anything about this Fuyu-san. And yet, the answer was practically the same every time.
"Fuyu? Oh yeah, she had a great voice, perfect for drawing people in. She made super cool tracks too. She was good friends with RADder, and used to come by every day to sing with them for a few months. But she disappeared forever ago haven't heard a word about her in 7 years."
A few people said something about her having a brother who sang with her, and some others said they hadn't even heard of her.
"It's ok An-chan! We've learned a little bit at least? Like the brother stuff."
"Not very helpful to know though when no one even knows his name. From the sound of it, he probably only came around a couple times briefly." Akito commented, promptly undoing Kohanes attempt at optimism. "I gotta agree with An on this one, which is saying something." An stuck her tongue out from her spot on Kohane's shoulder. "If this Fuyu-san was so talented, why does no one know shit about her?"
"Firstly, Akito you're irrelevant. Secondly, we might just have to quit at this point..."
Toya sulked at bit at this. For some reason, something inside him was just telling him he had to find out about her. "We...have some more free time. I think we can ask a few more people."
"Yeah, like Aoyagi-kun said. We don't have much else to do anyway."
Toya smiled at Kohane, grateful for the support. "Who else is there we could ask, Shiraishi?" An finally, reluctantly, untangled herself from her partner.
"Well...the guy in the music store has been around a while, and we're right near him anyway, may as well give it a go."
-
The old man in the music store looked up from the shelf he was stocking when he heard some people enter the building, and smiled when he noticed who it was.
"Hey An, Kohane, and the rest of you guys! Looking for something?"
An flashed a bright smile at the guy she's known since childhood. "We wanted to ask you some questions!"
Toya stepped forward. "Do you know who anything about someone named Fuyu-san? Who used to come to Vivid Street and sing."
"Ah, Fuyu, huh? Haven't heard that name in a long time now..."
"So you know something, old man?"
"Yeah. Like you said, Fuyu used to sing around these streets." The man started moving to the counter, going through what seemed to be old CDs. "She was good friends with RADder, especially Nagi, those two could get really inseparable." An's eyebrows furrowed. "Every time she came around to sing, she would attract pretty much everyone on the street."
"We already knew all of that though!" An winced at herself. Seems the frustration was getting to her more than she thought. "S-Sorry, old man..." The old man smiled softly at An.
Toya put a hand on her shoulder. "Can you tell us anything else about her? Like, maybe about her music?"
"Her music? Well, if you already knew the basics, I guess you know that she was a musical genius. I don't know anything about her past, but there's no way she was new to the music scene. But even then, it wasn't her skill that drew people in."
"It wasn't?" Kohane asked.
"Nope. It was how fun she made it seem." The old man wore a nostalgic smile. "That girl was always pulling people from the crowd to sing with her, putting all her feelings and passion into what she sang. You could tell, clear as day, that she loved music from the bottom of her heart."
One question stood between the four teens. Then why did she leave?
Eventually, Toya was the one who asked.
"I'm not sure about that one. You'd have to ask Ken or Taiga. From what I heard, she visited them one last time before leaving. Nagi too. But what I do know is that the day she left is the day after she participated in an event, EMBERS."
"Right, we've heard about that one. Her brother sang with her that time, didn't he?"
"That's right. It wasn't a particularly big event or anything. But Fuyu made it big with the passion she brought there. I'd show you a recording, but it was a long time ago, and no one thought to officially record it as far as I know. However, I do have something else for you." The old man pulled out a CD from an old box.
"A CD?"
"Not just any CD, Kohane. This was the first street music track Fuyu made."
"And you have it!?"
"Of course, this is a music store after all."
Vbs got closer to the counter, where the man put the track in the machine.
And boy were they shook.
The track started with an intense beat drop, yet had buildups with higher notes and melodies incorporated too. It was the kind of track that made you want to start singing on the spot. Yet behind all the coolness of the track, there was a warmth behind it.
Kohane spoke up first when it ended.
"That was...awesome! My body wanted to move as soon as I heard it!"
"I know right!? I get what you mean when you say she loved music now! And...I also get what those other guys meant when they said Toya's music gave off a similar vibe. I felt the same kindness behind her track that I do with Toyas."
"Yeah, you're right. But it takes a lot of musical intuition and skill to make a track like that one...partner, you good?"
Everyone's focus shifted to Toya, who seemed lost in thought for a moment. After a few seconds though, he looked up.
"Do you happen to have a recording with her voice on it?"
"Sorry kid, but that's all I have. If you want more, you could ask the manager at the music store. He knows more about music and Vivid Street then even me."
"Ok, thank you very much for your time." Toya gave a slight bow and exited the store, followed by the others shortly after.
"Hey-Toya! Wait up dude! You just stormed out of there...you good?"
"A-Ah, I'm sorry, I didn't realize. It's just...there was something about that recording...I feel like I need to know more about her. But it is getting late, so if you all don't feel up to it..."
The other three looked at each other and nodded. "No way, Toya! We finally got some info, no backing down now!" An stood grinning with her hands on her hips. Kohane nodded in agreement, bearing her signature hamster smile.
"C'mon, partner, you really think we'd ditch you?" Akito slings an arm over Toya's shoulder, to which Toya gives a thankful smile.
"Alright then, let's go to the music store."
Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Chapter Text
Toya pushes open the door to the music store, which plays a tune in response to opening.
"Manager-san?" He calls out.
After a moment, the manager comes out from the back.
"Ah, it's you lot. How have you been?"
"We've been doing good, Manager-san. If you don't mind, could we ask some questions?"
"Sure, what's up?"
"Could you tell us about Fuyu-san?"
The manager stops in his tracks, eyes widening as he just...stares at Toya.
"Um, manager-san? Are you ok??" An waves a hand in front of his face, breaking him out of his trance. He blinks a few times.
"Sorry, I spaced out for a second there. Well...what do you already know?"
This time, Akito responds, filling in the manager of what everyone has said before.
"Well...yeah, that's right." The manager seemed to ponder something, before letting out a resigned sigh. "Fine then, I'll tell you what I know, listen close."
"Fuyu was well known to the people around here, but frankly, all we ever knew was superficial. Here's the thing about Fuyu: she never revealed any information about herself. At all. No one ever even knew her last name."
"Not even, Nagi-san?" An asked.
"I once had a conversation with Nagi about that. I asked if she knew anything else about Fuyu herself, them being best friends and all. But, she said that not even she knew anything. Apparently, Fuyu had some sort of situation with her family, so she thought it would be better to hide her surname."
Toya's eyes widened slightly. Wait a second...
"Her brother hardly ever came to Vivid Street with her, just a couple of times. He was much older than her. Anyways, from the looks of it, it seemed like he didn't really want her to be here. He looked...uncomfortable. But either way, after enough convincing, he sang with her a couple times. And honestly? He looked like he was having fun while he did it."
"When they sang at EMBERS, it was exhilarating. The original version was taken down, but someone uploaded a video of their song-the one Fuyu and her brother sang. It went viral overnight. But the next day, Fuyu had to leave.
"That day, she ran through the street straight to Weekend Garage. I saw her. She was...injured. You could see blood on her face. She snuck away later. She only spoke to Nagi, Ken and Taiga. Not another soul, she just ran past anyone who tried helping her injuries. That was the last anyone saw of her."
Toya was staring at the floor, eyes wide. Is this...really...
He took in a shaky breath.
"Manager-san..." Everyone looked at him.
Akito started reaching out tentatively. "Toya...?"
"Manager-san...can you...describe what F-Fuyu-san looked like...?"
The manager gave some sort of...knowing look to Toya. But after a moment, he spoke up.
"She had an average build, maybe a bit on the small side. Her eyes were a navy blue color. Her hair...was really long, and light blue...like snow."
Toya inhaled sharply. He turned on his heel, about to run out, when a hand on his wrist stopped him.
"Hey-Toya! What are you doing!?"
Toya shook his arm a bit to escape Akito's grasp, making sure not to hurt him.
"I need to go, now! I'll contact you later!" Toya yelled, and bolted out of the store right then and there.
"Toya! Hold on!" Akito almost started running after Toya himself, but was stopped when a voice called out for him.
"Shinonome-kun." Akito looked back at the manager, who was staring at the floor. "Please let him go. Wait for him, he said he would contact you, didn't he?"
Kohane spoke up
"Manager-san, do you know why he took off."
"I have an idea, but I'm not the one who should tell you. Why don't you kids go to Weekend Garage and wait? An-chan, I think your dad might be back."
"Yeah...I guess it's about time. Dad said he's not opening the store at all today, but he'll probably be fine with us just sitting there."
"...Fine, let's go wait for Toya."
-
After ushering the kids out, the manager heaved a heavy sigh and took his phone out.
"Ken-san? You should know something. It's Toya...he's figured it out."
Chapter Text
Toya ran through the streets with one destination, one person, and a million questions in his mind.
Fuyu-san...she-! How? What happened to her? What don't I know!?
All the memories came back to him
-
Back then, there were so many more people in his house. His brothers, Shuuji and Natsuomi still lived with them, for one. They were in high school. His grandfather, Kiro Aoyagi, also lived with them. Lastly, his aunt, his father's sister, Fuyu Aoyagi.
She made him so much less lonely.
Unfortunately, she was never around for very long. She was always going from country to country for performances. But, for some reason, she had been at home for the past few months.
They were sitting at dinner one day. His grandfather had yet to come downstairs. Fuyu was talking about her day energetically, then asked Shuuji how school was.
"It went fine, thank you for asking, Fuyu-san."
His brothers always seemed so uncomfortable around Fuyu's energy.
"Was it now? C'mon, say a bit more! What did you like, or what annoyed you today?"
"Fuyu, don't you think it's about time you pipe down? You're not even a kid anymore. You're an Aoyagi, act like it."
"Jeez, chill out, Ni-san. Besides, it's not like I'm as old as you!"
Fuyu was 29. Father was 39. In the Aoyagi family, large age gaps between siblings were normal. If there were more kids, there would be more professional musicians, and more fame and money for the family.
At the same time, neither Kiro nor Harumichi wanted to have to focus on teaching multiple kids at once. So, Kiro took 10 years to 'teach' Harumichi before having Fuyu.
It took some years, but Toya later realized the truth that everyone else at that table already knew: Shuuji was a mistake.
"What's for dinner?"
The air stiffened as Kiro walked into the dining room. Everyone sat up. Everyone's eyes dimmed, even Fuyu's.
"Good evening, father-in-law. I made pasta tonight." Toya's mom said quietly.
Kiro sat down, took a bite, and grimaced. "Unsalted."
Toya's mom held her head down and added some salt to his dish.
"Fuyu, how was the orchestra?"
"It went fine, father. We've made good progress." She responded robotically.
Toya hated when grandpa stole her soul like that. Yet he couldn't blame her, he was the same after all.
Kiro continued making small talk with everyone else. Small talk, meaning making sure everyone was up to standards in whatever music they were working on. After all, this was the retired world-class Kiro Aoyagi. Far more famous than Harumichi would ever be, at least to those who knew classical music.
"Toya, is your own piece done?"
"I'm...still working on it. There's just one phrase that I still need to practice, but I'm almost done." Toya moved his food around the plate, keeping his gaze down.
"Hurry up. It's been too long. No point in having potential if you're lazy with it."
Toya's heart sunk. He'd been practicing for 8 hours a day lately. He was 9.
That's when Fuyu spoke up. "I can help him. I've finished my own practice for today."
"Fine then."
Toya stayed quiet for the rest of that dinner. It was easy to maneuver Aoyagi dinners when he was young and obedient.
That's not a luxury he has anymore.
-
A knock on his door had Toya look up from the piano.
"Toya, I'm coming in!" The door opened.
"Fuyu-san...are you here to help me with that phrase?"
"Yup! But from what I heard outside the door, it sounded like you already got it."
"Yeah...but it didn't sound like how dad played it. So I thought if I practice more...it would sound like music..."
Fuyu walked over to the bench and sat down.
She reached over to the sheet music, and put it under the stool.
"Fuyu-san?"
"Toya, if you want to play notes, you can look at the score. But if you want to play music, look in you heart. Let it come from there."
She proceeded to play the melody. It didn't sound like Harumichis...but it was music. Warm music.
It left Toya in awe.
He told Fuyu that, and she told him to put those feelings in his song. So he did.
And it came out beautifully. And for a moment, playing the piano was fun again.
Fuyu congratulated him, and patted him on the back. She said she was proud. That was more than he ever got from all of his other teachers combined.
"You've been hard at work, Toya. Why don't you take a break?"
"But..."
"Don't worry about anyone else. I won't tell anyone, ok? Here, I'll play for you."
So she played. A kind, comforting song. One that resonated in his heart. One that put him at peace. He could hear her faintly humming with the melody.
Toya closed his eyes and let the music fuel him.
When it ended, he looked up at Fuyu, with those quiet bright eyes he always used to have.
"What song was that, Fuyu-san?"
"Hehe, I wrote it. It's called Rises the Moon. Did you like it?"
"Yeah, it was so calm. Will...you teach me how to play it?"
Fuyu-san's eyes widened, for a moment, then she replied with a soft smile. "Not today, Toya. It's starting to get late. You should get to bed soon."
Toya pouted ever so slightly, but nodded.
"Hey, don't be sad now. Tell you what, I'll play it again. And I'll teach you tomorrow, for sure!"
And Toya's smile was back. It was easy to smile around her.
"Promise?"
Fuyu wrapped her pinky around his. "Pinky promise."
While Fuyu played, she started talking.
"Toya, you love music a lot, don't you?"
"...Yes."
"Good. Don't let anyone take that from you, ok? It might get hard sometimes. Sometimes, music might make you sad. And sometimes, certain people might cause music to make you sad. But don't let them kill your love of music. Keep music with you Toya. Do whatever you want with it. There's a whole world of music out there for you. I know you'd love it."
The song ended, and Fuyu turned to Toya, wearing another soft smile.
"Be happy, Toya."
"...Ok, Fuyu-san. I'll...try."
"Ok, let's get you to bed."
Toya was already pretty sleepy, so Fuyu just carried him to bed and tucked him in.
She never kept her promise.
-
Toya finally reached his house.
He took a moment to catch his breath, with his hands on his knees. After a minute though, he went through the door.
He looked around the house. He was tempted to yell for his mother, but he wasn't that desperate to start intentionally yelling in his quiet house.
He quickly went to the kitchen, where he found her, drying some glass cups. "Mom, I need to ask you something."
"Toya-san? What happened?"
"What really happened to Fuyu-san, 7 years ago?"
The kitchen was suddenly filled with the sound of shattering glass.
Notes:
I really hope this is turning out to be as interesting as it was in my mind. I also really hope I finish this fic and other fics I have planned before my motivation crashes and burns.
Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Chapter Text
"Are you ok, Mom!?" Toya moved towards his mother, trying to scan her clutched hands for injuries.
"W-What did you say Toya-san? I might've have...misheard you."
"What happened to Fuyu-san back then, when she disappeared?"
Toya's mom quickly moved to cover his mouth. "Sshhhh! Don't let your father hear you say that name!"
Toya nodded, and his mother tentatively lowered her hands. "What do you know, Toya-san?" Her voice was significantly lower than normal, so Toya made sure he spoke softly as well.
"I might be wrong, but, I think she used to perform street music in secret. Then she was found out by a viral video, and she left. You all told me she left the country for advanced classical training and wouldn't come home for a while. You never spoke of her. You tried to have me forget her existence. Please, mom, tell me what really happened now."
Toya's mom moved to get a glass of water, and quickly downed it before going to the dining table. "Sit, Toya-san."
Toya sat down as well.
"Promise me you won't tell anyone in our family that I'm about to tell you this."
"I promise."
Toya's mom sighed.
"You're right. Fuyu did do street music. Like you do now. And like you said, she was found out one day. She managed to convince your father to sing at some event with her one day, and your grandfather found the video."
Toya felt goosebumps just by remembering his grandfather. If he of all people found the video, whatever Fuyu went through must have been...bad.
"Since you were still in elementary school, your school ended earlier. When your grandfather found the video, Natsuomi and Shuuji had already come home from high school. Your grandfather knew about Fuyu's favoritism towards you, and he didn't want you to be distracted from practice, so he told all of us to keep this a secret until further notice. Ideally, you would have forgotten all about it and we would never have this conversation. But it looks like that didn't happen."
Toya's gaze narrowed. "What happened that day?"
-
Fuyu and Harumichi came late on the day they sang at EMBERS.
Fuyu expertly made up an excuse about how Harumichi had volunteered to help with the orchestra she worked with. This was the same orchestra she always claimed she was with when she went to Vivid Street.
The next day started as normal. Everyone went along with their practice as normal.
Until afternoon.
Fuyu was just about to head out with her 'orchestra practice', but Harumichi was waiting at the bottom of the staircase for her.
"Ni-san? What is it? I'm heading out now, wanna come?"
"No. Father called for us both in the living room."
Fuyu stiffened up. She gave one nod and followed Harumichi.
They both stood in the living room, waiting anxiously. Toya's brothers and mother were all at the dining table, reviewing music and having tea.
"Fuyu. Harumichi." A voice boomed through the house. Kiro came out of the dark bedroom.
He looked angry. No. Pissed.
"What the hell is this."
Kiro whipped his phone out. A video was playing.
The video of Fuyu and Harumichi singing at EMBERS.
Fuyu's long locks were tied up into buns, but it was certainly her. And Harumichi was wearing a wig, but he was recognizable to those who knew him personally.
Fuyu and Harumichi's eyes went wide as hell. The other family members were in utter disbelief. Kiro was fuming.
"EXPLAIN YOURSELVES GODDAMMIT" his voice caused everyone to jump.
"I..." Harumichi started, "I...It was all F-Fuyu."
Fuyu's head whipped towards him, something akin to betrayal forming on her face.
"She was leaving for her 'orchestra practice' one day and I realized she forgot her violin at home. Then I confronted her and asked what she was actually doing. She took me to some street and revealed her interest in street music. I told her to stop...but she didn't listen. She...forced me to sing with her there. She said if I didn't do it, she would tell you that...I was the one into street music."
Something welled up inside Fuyu. She wanted to scream.
"Ni...san" She suddenly turned back to Kiro with hesitant determination. "That's right, it was me-"
A slap cut her off.
Fuyu's head reeled back, a red mark blooming on her left cheek.
"You horrible child!! Haven't I thought you well enough!? Street music of all things!? That is for those punks, those scum of the earth that dare call their noise 'music'!! For a daughter of mine to do street music..." Kiro spat out those words. He said street music like it was a slur.
"Then maybe you're no better than them!!" Kiro continued. Tears started welling up in Fuyu's eyes. "You pathetic, useless, disgraceful-"
Fuyu snapped.
"I'M disgraceful!? All I have ever done is play until my fingers go numb and bleed, until I want to DIE, and it's all FOR YOU!!
"Not just me!! Ni-san, Inoka-san, Natsuomi, Shuuji! Toya, a NINE YEAR OLD GODDAMMIT!!" We have put up with you, and your BULLSHIT for years! And it NEVER pleases you!!." She was full-on sobbing at this point. Screaming and throwing her hands around violently, trying to prove her point.
"YOU, pathetic old man, have SCREWED UP THIS HORRIBLE FAMILY. We all hate it here, and it's all. because. of. YOU!!"
Kiro reached behind him for his glass bottle on the table. And swung. And hit Fuyu right in the head.
She fell to the floor, blood contaminated her pale blue locks.
"Pathetic. If that's how you feel, leave this house."
Harumichi let out a tiny gasp. Toya's mothers' hands covered her mouth. Natsuomi and Shuuji were stunned.
Fuyu stared up at her father, shock flashed across her face.
"I SAID GET THE HELL OUT OF MY HOUSE"
Fuyu slowly stood up. "I wasn't planning on staying."
She ran upstairs, packing just the essentials in a duffel bag. She cut the bottom of one of her performance dresses and wrapped it around her head. Blood was already seeping through. She was getting lightheaded but it would have to do for now. Her priority was getting out of this hellhole.
She walked downstairs, all eyes on her with varying levels of fury, shock, and grief.
Ironically, Harumichi had the most grief.
"Fuyu." Kiro called to her.
"What?" She snapped back, not looking him in the eyes.
"Don't you dare show your face anymore. You're too recognizable. Get out of this country. The last my family needs is questions about the girl we disowned."
"Let me get this straight. You want me to disappear from existence as Fuyu Aoyagi?"
"Yes. Or kill yourself, I suppose. If I ever hear of or see a trace of you again, I'll kill you myself. Understand?"
"Yes, 'father'." She spat out.
Fuyu walked to the door, but stopped just before opening it. She looked at Toya's mother.
"Hey, Inoka-san. I don't know what you're going to tell Toya about all of this. But please tell him I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise. And to never forget what I told him." She gave one last smile, and walked out.
And Fuyu was never seen again.
Chapter 6: Chapter 5.1
Summary:
Just some pictures and a tiny bit of additional information about Fuyu.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Fuyu is 29, but the application I used kinda totally makes her look younger.
Anyway, here's Fuyu at home, where she has to be 'perfect'
And this is her when she's at Vivid Street and can be herself:
Side note: Fuyu doesn't like having long hair, but her dad forces her to for her image of beauty for the family. She always has it tied up when she's on Vivid Street. Also, her hair clip was given to her by Nagi. I'll say some other stuff about it in a future chapter.
Notes:
I hope you guys like this story so far! Let me know if you have any questions about anything at all.
Thanks for reading <3
This is the website I used to make the images: https://www.neka.cc/composer/14103
Chapter Text
Toya's mother clutched her skirt, staring at the table after finishing the story.
Toya stared at her in shock. His stomach was churning uncomfortably.
So...that's what happened to her. Ah, no wonder grandpa moved to the other side of the country right after.
He was...ashamed to stay.
He took in a shaky breath. "So, where is Fuyu-san now..?"
His mother's eyes started watering, and she clenched her fists even harder.
"Mom?"
Once tilted his head down, trying to get a better view of her face. And that's when he saw it.
Tears were streaming down her face.
Toya froze. Why is she crying? What...does this mean??
"She's-she had nothing when she left! Nothing! She refused to accept any help...she's d-dead by now! If she found something...if she was living...your grandfather surely would have found her!"
Toya's shoulders fell. He knew this. He knew this was probably how it turned it.
He knew he was denying it.
He took in a shaky breath, trying to compose himself.
He went to the kitchen and got a glass of water, as well as a napkin for his mother, and headed back. She took them both, and her crying eventually slowed.
"I'm sorry, Toya-san. For...everything."
He knew what she meant.
I'm sorry I couldn't do anything.
"It's ok, mom. It wasn't your fault." Toya responded, sounding so, so, lifeless. "If you'll excuse me, I should get going now."
-
Toya walked out of his house. Actually, more like he swayed out of his house.
Frankly, he didn't know where he was going. He didn't want to see anyone he knew, not at the moment. But he couldn't stay at his house right now, he just couldn't. He just needed to process.
Looking back on it though, he's glad that no one noticed him while he walked randomly along main street. He looked...lost at the moment, with his eyes glued to the ground in front of him. Like he was stuck in a daze.
Toya only snapped out of it for a moment when he felt a buzz in his pocket. It was a notification from Akito.
Akito: hey man u good??? u kinda just took off there ima bit worried
Ah, that's right. He never got back to his friends. Another notification popped up.
Akito: saw that u read it, were at wknd garage if ur gonna come. or not
Akito: msg me back man
Toya: Sorry about that. I'll explain later, thank you for worrying. I'll also come by Weekend Garage in a while.
Akito: ur good dude cya soon ig
Toya just responded to Akito's message with a thumbs up emoji. He appreciated the other's care. He truly did, but he just needed some time first, before going to Kens'.
Wait.
Ken-san must be back from wherever he went with Taiga-san...could they possibly know something?
A part of Toya was honestly tired, he wished he never learned the truth. Maybe then he wouldn't feel so...numb?
Another part needed to know more.
And who was he kidding, that was the part that had been winning all day.
-
After 20 minutes, he finally made it to Weekend Garage. Fuyu-san was still on his mind, how could she not be? But he didn't want his groupmates to worry. Especially not Akito.
He took a deep breath, and tried to send that last thing his mother told him to the back of his mind. Then he pushed open the door.
The first thing that caught his attention was the female voices by their usual table. He looked over and saw An fawning over how Kohane looked sipping her drink. Akito was saying something about how insufferable she was, then glanced at his phone, looking anxious.
Then he turned his head and his eyes met Toya's.
On a normal day, this would have been the part where Toya started feeling undeniable warmth in his chest.
Right now, all he felt were nerves. He tried smiling, but he knew nothing actually happened.
"Hey, Toya! Are you ok dude? You had me a bit worried there..." Akito made his way to Toya quickly, and said that last part in a more hushed voice.
Behind him, An and Kohane started making their way over as well. "Aoyagi-kun, are you ok?"
"Yeah, you scared us, taking off like that..."
Toya really wished he could smile on command now.
"My apologies, I just...had something to take care of. I'll try to explain later."
He could feel Akito studying him with his own eyes. He didn't bother looking at them, though. Eventually, Akito sighed and said "Alright partner, but I'm not letting you off the hook here. Take your time though."
Toya nodded and started walking to their table, but then Ken came out.
"Toya. How are you feeling?"
"I'm alright, Ken-san. Thank you for asking. Did...the others tell you about what happened."
A pause.
"Yeah, they told me about how you were interested in learning about Fuyu. I told them I'll talk about it when you were here. But I'm assuming you figured it out, didn't you?"
"...I did."
"Figured what out, dad?"
"Toya, are you ok with talking about this right now?"
"Actually, Ken-san, I'd appreciate it if you could tell me anything else that might have happened that my mother didn't know. That's why I came here."
"Wait, Aoyagi-kun, your mother? She knew something about Fuyu-san?"
Ken sighed. "Alright kids, calm down. I'll explain. Come here and sit."
The four teens went in front of Ken-san and sat down.
"Well, let's get one thing straight, before I say anything else. The big thing you need to know that Toya found out is that Fuyu-san is Toya's aunt. His dad's sister."
"WHAT!??"
Notes:
One thing I wanna clarify: Toya/Akito and An/Kohane aren't in an actual relationship in this, despite the tag. It's pre-relationship.
Thanks again for reading ^^
Chapter Text
Fuyu came to Weekend Garage every day back then, for those few months. It was the only thing preventing her from going to another country for so long.
When she went to other countries, she would just do one or two performances and spend the rest of the time finding other things to do. Frankly, she didn't have to spend too much time practicing either, a lot of music came pretty easily to her.
Not that her father knew about that.
She hated her home. The atmosphere, the expectations. But not her family, she couldn't hate them. Aside from her father, Kiro, it wasn't anyone else's fault they were stuck in such a shitty life.
Harumichi and her had a very complex relationship. They never got to really bond when they were children. But Fuyu was sure he probably cared about her.
However, Fuyu had to come home at least sometimes.
Honestly though, it's not too bad. When her father isn't looming over her shoulder, she can talk freely to the rest of the family, like her little nephews! They can be a bit dull, but oh well, that can't be helped in the Aoyagi household.
Toya was her favorite though, that was no secret. Originally, it was his youth and purity that made Fuyu love him. But after talking to him more, she saw a spark in him...one that she didn't see very much anymore in this family.
He loved music. More than anyone else did. More than Toya loved anything else.
She just hoped, prayed it wouldn't destroy him.
When Fuyu was at home at Shibuya, she would always find excuses to get out of the house.
One day, when she was grocery shopping(after purposefully emptying some of the foods and spending 5 more minutes convincing Harumichi's wife to let her go instead), she heard it. An alluring voice.
After she grew up, and didn't have to live under her pathetic old man every second, Fuyu didn't want to practice music so much. But honestly, she could never stay away from music. It always found a way back to her.
It's the reason she picked up the acoustic guitar after being enchanting by some German performer years ago.
It's the reason she found herself listening to pieces her father recommended at the dinner table, after saying she wouldn't.
It's the reason she practiced her violin pieces a few days before a recital, despite telling herself she could wing it.
It's the reason she staying, listened to Nagi, and was blown away by her song.
("Hey, I haven't seen you around here before, are you new? Can you sing?")
It's the reason she said yes when Nagi asked if she wanted to sing too, after Nagi noticed her interest.
And it's the reason she fell in love with street music.
-
So Fuyu went back the next day. And the next. And the next.
Nagi Kotaki. Every time Fuyu found herself coming back to Vivid Street, Nagi was there, waiting. They would sing together, Fuyu would say she had to go before it got too late, Nagi would ask her to stay just a bit longer, but Fuyu would insist on leaving.
Eventually, Fuyu got sick of always leaving so soon. She decided to make up a story about how she met some youth orchestra that asked for her help. That's when Fuyu started taking her violin to Vivid Street everyday, though it was hardly used.
Admittedly, she did feel some regret when Toya's eyes lit up when she exaggerated about how cool the orchestra sounded to her old man.
She properly met Nagi, and they grew close really fast. She met the rest of Nagi's team as well: Ken Shiraishi and Taiga Kotaki. When Taiga asked about Fuyu's last name, she was originally going to make up a lie.
But frankly, she didn't feel like lying to these people.
"I'm sorry, but my family situation is...complicated. So I can't say. That's also the reason I always have to leave so early, and why I bring a violin with me when I come. I really am sorry, but I can't explain."
Fuyu was worried they'd think she wasn't genuine.
But they...understood.
For 2 months, she went almost everyday. She could tell that Harumichi was getting suspicious, especially with the way she started wearing more tomboyish, less girly clothes(Nagi helped her find her sense of fashion). She made sure her outfit was alright when her father was around though, even if it meant lying about how she was cold when she wore a jacket, though.
Sometimes, she made tracks for them as well. She didn't think much about them, and frankly just went with the flow, yet people still called her a genius when they heard them.
One day, she had just finished singing for a bit with RADder, and they were chilling in the cafe Ken ran to make additional money, Weekend Garage.
"You know, Fuyu, you really should try to stay for a bit after school ends. You could finally meet my daughter, An. We've mentioned you to her, she'd be thrilled to meet you."
"You should! An is amazing! She has such an amazing voice for someone so young!"
"Ah...I wish I could. But you know, family issues and stuff. Can't really stay for long."
"Aw, maybe one day." Nagi took another sip of her drink. "I'm really proud of An. I just know she'll be one of the best singers around here. And we'll have so much fun setting this town alight!" Nagi had a fond, yet also excited look on her face.
"Hehe, I get what you mean. I have this nephew...he's 9 years old now but he has so much talent! I'm sure he'll do great things one day, no doubt about it. I just hope he can find happiness when he grows up."
Nagi smiled at Fuyu. "He sounds sweet, I wish we could meet him."
Fuyu smiled back, with a hint of sadness. "Yeah, I wish so too."
Taiga, who had been quietly listening so far, then decided to speak up. "Y'know, I've been thinking. Fuyu, maybe you could join our group. I know your life is complicated and all, but you have the determination. And I really think we sound better with you."
"Hey, you should! Look at big bro, finally having some good ideas. Ken, are you fine with this."
"No complaints here."
"Then we've come to an agreement! What do you say, Fuyu?"
"...I wish I could say yes."
And oh, how she did. But she couldn't. If she joined them, her limitation would only weigh them all down.
She wasn't selfish enough for that.
-
One day, Fuyu made a silly mistake. She forgot her violin at home.
She realized it only when she was about to enter her house again, and prayed no one would catch her.
Fortunately, she actually made it to her room ok. But that wasn't the end of it.
The next day, when she was about to leave, she was confronted by none other than her own brother.
"Where are you going?"
"Hm? Oh, it's you, Ni-san. To the orchestra, where else?"
"I'm coming with you."
"O-Oh, no need! I've got it covered."
"You're not talking your way out of this one, Fuyu."
Harumichi leaned in a bit, and made his voiced quieter. "You left your violin at home yesterday. I didn't tell anyone, but you're showing me where you've been going everyday."
Fuyu paled, just a bit. But then she regained her composure. This was her brother, he'd understand!
So, she allowed it. She took him to Vivid Street, where she was going to meet up with RADder. Needless to say, Harumichi was flabbergasted.
"Street music!? Fuyu, father will kill you! You need to stop this!"
"Don't worry, he wouldn't find out! Besides, my friends are waiting there. You coming?"
Harumichi didn't want to, but he needed to learn more about what exactly Fuyu was doing. He told her to wait, while he quickly went to a nearby shop and bought an olive green wig. He got laughed at by Fuyu, but oh well. At least one of them knew better than to have multiple Aoyagi's in a street music hub, undisguised.
Fuyu went stepped up to her friends.
"Oh, hey Fuyu! Who's this?"
"This is my big brother. He found out I've been going somewhere, so he insisted on coming. His name is Ha-"
"Hikaru. My name is Hikaru. Pleased to meet your acquaintance."
Fuyu gave him a look, but this was necessary. He needed to hide himself, lest he risk ruining the Aoyagi reputation. In fact, the only reason it wasn't already ruined was probably because everyone around this part of the city knows practically nothing on classical music.
"Woah, you're formal aren't 'cha. Hold on, how old are you? You kinda look way older than Fuyu." Taiga said.
"I'm 39. Fuyu is 29, it's not that big of a gap."
"10 years!?"
-
Harumichi continuously tried getting Fuyu to stop going to Vivid Street, but she never listened. He was considering begging, for her own safety, but he never would go that far.
However, he did go with her a few more times. He met the others, and spent a bit of time with them. 'Mandatory supervision', for Fuyu.
Once, he was watching the other four sing. That's when he felt it. He was...interested in their music.
He left soon after.
About a week later, he was watching Ken and Taiga practice one of their latest songs. Nagi and Fuyu were taking a small break and picking up some drinks for the others.
Harumichi still can't believe he took up Ken on his offer to sing with them.
When Fuyu came back, she nearly dropped her drinks. Harumichi was singing with Ken and Taiga. A crowd was watching. Harumichi looked...like he was enjoying it.
Fuyu just smiled and waited for the performance to end.
-
They never spoke about Harumichi's singing on the way back. But it certainly wasn't the last time he sang.
When his 'mandatory supervision' started occurring more often, now being thrice a week instead of once, they just told their dad he was lending an extra hand with the orchestra.
One day, about a month after Harumichi started coming with Fuyu. RADder told them about an event that was happening.
"I think you guys should enter, honestly. It's a beginner friendly one, and you guys already must be better than most people there." Ken was telling them when giving them the flyer. "We're not participating as RADder, since we have more experience for the level they're taking.
Fuyu grabbed the poster, Harumichi looked over her shoulder.
EMBERS, huh?
-
Surprisingly, Harumichi agreed to sing with her. Much to everyone's surprise, even Harumichi's himself, he had been getting...attracted to street music.
It provided a musical outlet he never had.
They told their father that the orchestra was holding a performance today, and it would last late.
He almost decided to come. Fuyu and Harumichi almost had a heart attack. Thank god he changed his mind.
And god, did they light the place on fire.
Fuyu had composed a banger track, one so fun and enticing people couldn't help but fawn over them.
Harumichi's rapping, Fuyu's belting, their harmonies. It was amazing.
They could see RADder in the crowd too, watching as they said they would.
It was just unlucky that An happened to have a sleepover with her friend, she would've loved this show. But alas, Kiritani Haruka was just that important to her.
Fuyu and Harumichi's performance was last, the true showstopper. It meant that by the time they got through all the praise and talked to RADder, it was already late. Kiro was even asleep by the time they got home.
-
The next day was hell
-
When Fuyu got kicked out, she had no idea where to go. She had little to no money, how the hell was she going to make it?
Of course, there was always the other option...
But before any of that, she knew there was someplace she needed to go first.
And that's how Fuyu ended up running through Vivid street, bloody and bruised, with nothing but a duffel bag.
She barged into Weekend Garage, where thankfully, the three people she wanted to see were already waiting.
"Welco-Fuyu!?" Ken exclaimed
Nagi was the first to rush to Fuyu's side, asking her what the hell happened. Ken told Taiga to close the shop and went to get the first aid kit. Nagi tried guiding Fuyu to a barstool, but the blood loss and lack of energy got to Fuyu first.
She swooned a bit, and fell to the floor, Nagi kneeling with her.
"Fuyu! Ken, bring the kit here."
Fuyu clutched Nagi's jacket as she turned away. "I...I have to talk to you guys."
"Don't talk too much, let me get you patched up first.", Ken said, joining them on the floor.
"N-No..." Another wave of pain went through Fuyu. "Ugh...fine. Fast, I don't...have much time."
Ken and Nagi patched up Fuyu in silence, Taiga came with a glass of water. After a moment, Ken spoke up again.
"We'll need to change your bandages later, you should probably be at a hospital actually. Taiga, can you-"
"NO! I...can't right now."
Ken studied her for a moment. "...Alright then, this will have to do for now. Feel better?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Ok, now talk." Nagi said firmly. "...Please."
So Fuyu talked. She told them about her family, about her life before, about the lies she told, her brother, what happened earlier that day. All of it.
The others were stunned. They had no idea how to react after a bombshell like that. Also...how could someone be so cruel??
Nagi enveloped Fuyu in a hug. Fuyu hugged her back after a moment, finally letting loose the tears she had been holding in.
"I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that. It'll be ok, I promise! You can stay with us."
"I-I can't. My dad might find out. I'd be dead. But thank you..."
"No, Fuyu, Nagi's right. You have no where else to go. How would your dad know if you stay with us?" Taiga chipped in.
"He has...power. A lot of it. He'd know."
"What other choice do you have though?"
"I'll figure something out, trust me. I don't know how...but I'll do it. But...this is probably the last time we'll all see each other. I have some things I need to say."
Nagi gasped, then made a sorrowful face. "...What do you need to say?"
"I made something, here." Fuyu handed Nagi a CD. "I've been working on this track lately. I put my all into it. Please, use it to help you guys on your goal. I know you can do it."
"Oh Fuyu...definitely. We'll use your music, for sure." Nagi looked determined. Ken and Taiga nodded behind her.
Fuyu sighed, and smiled with relief. "Thank you, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get this to you." Then, her shoulders dropped a bit, and she looked down. "I'm leaving with some regrets, you know. I wish I could've join you guys, and chased your dream. I wish I didn't have to leave behind people I cared about. Like you guys, the others on this street, Toya...right, I never said it, did I? He's my nephew, the one I mentioned. He's amazing, truly, I just...hope he can find a life of joy for himself."
Fuyu looked up again. "It's weird, but I have this feeling in my gut saying that you all might see him one day. If, somehow, that does happen...please, just make sure he's happy. If that happens...I think I'll be able to leave at peace."
Nagi hugged Fuyu tightly. "Of course we'll take care of him! Don't worry about a thing, ok?"
They pulled back. "Thank you...then I guess all that's left is to say goodbye, huh?"
So Fuyu said goodbye to them, one by one.
First Taiga, who said "You better stay safe, got it?" Fuyu hugged him, saying that she will.
Ken hugged her next. "If you ever need anything, even if it's decades later, reach out, ok?"
"Of course, thank you, for everything."
Last was Nagi, who once again, hugged her tight. "Do you have to go?", Nagi whispered.
"I'm sorry...thank you for showing me how fun life can be."
"Promise you'll be safe. And don't forget us, ok?"
"Yeah, I promise."
Fuyu reluctantly pulled away, grabbed her bag, and went to the backdoor Ken told her she could take so people wouldn't see her. Fuyu turned back around, nodded, and left Vivid Street one last time.
Notes:
Hey guys, Silla here! Much longer chapter, I know. I really didn't think it would be this long to be honest, but that's why it took me longer to get out. This chapter is the last major flashback in this particular fic though.
I'm having fun writing this! Hope you guys are enjoying the read!!
Take care <33
Chapter Text
Ken finished narrating as much of Fuyu's story as he knew.
Weekend Garage was filled with silence as everyone processed the things he had said.
Toya wanted to contain his emotions, like he had with his mom earlier. But after hearing what Ken said.
It was too much.
And finally, the emotions Toya had been holding in all day came rushing out.
Toya sat there, and started crying.
Toya was crying.
Shit.
Akito, of course, was the first to rush ahead to try to console his partner. He moved to the chair Toya was at, putting his hands on his shoulders. And resisted the urge to use his thumbs to wipe the tears off his pretty face. "Hey, hey, Toya. Calm down, it's ok, it's ok..."
Toay brought his hands to his face. "M-Mother said" a sob "that F-Fuyu-san...is...probably dead! Th-There's no way" another sob "she could've m-made it on her own..."
Toya couldn't help leaning towards the warmth Akito provided, and basically collapsed onto him. Normally, Akito might have been a bit flustered, but this whole thing made any feelings take a backseat in his mind, with his priority being to provide as much comfort and security to Toya as possible.
So instead, Akito immediately held him tight, pretty much supporting his entire weight as he continued to murmur reassurances. And when Toya clearly hid his face to not be seen, Akito also moved to try to give Toya a sense of safety.
An and Kohane also exclaimed when Toya suddenly started crying, moving a bit closer to try to help him.
But when Akito sent them a particular look over Toya's shoulder, one that said keep your distance, they decided to stay back.
After a few moments, Toya slowly raised himself from where he had been nuzzled in Akito's chest, but Akito still kept a hand on his back for support. Toya's eyes were still slightly red and pretty bleary.
Ken wordlessly slid a glass of water over the counter.
Toya nodded towards him, and took a few sips of the water.
That's when Ken started to speak. "Hey kid? I think you're wrong. I think that Fuyu must be okay. I'm not trying to give you false hope either. I believe in her, so she must be fine."
Toya kept his head down.
"Aoyagi-kun...do you feel alright? Do you need anything?"
Toya slowly turned his head towards the girls. Kohane had a clearly worried face, and An did too, but there was something else...unreadable in it.
Toya tried to give a small smile, but again, faking expressions was never really his thing.
"Thank you for your concern, but I don't need anything. If you don't mind...could I be left alone for a bit? I think I need to clear my mind."
Ken motioned for others to follow him and headed for the door out of the cafe and into the Shiraishi residence, telling Toya he'd be back soon and to take care.
Kohane also got up to follow Ken, then quickly turned back around. She gave a quick side hug to Toya and squeezed, before pulling away and grabbing his hand. "We're here for you, ok, Aoyagi-kun? Please talk to us if you need anything at all. We're not just teammates, we're good friends!" She squeezed his hand again and gave a smile before going back to follow Ken, leaving Toya ever grateful for his awesome friends.
Akito walked in front of him, with one of his hands still on his shoulder. "You sure you'll be ok on your own?", he asked in a soft tone.
"Yes, thank you Akito. Truly."
Akito hesitantly let his shoulder fall and followed Kohane, sparing Toya one last worried glance.
Toya slid off his barstool and sat up against the wall instead. He curled his knees up, feeling smaller than he had in...years.
But at this point, he couldn't even cry anymore. It was like he'd run out of tears. Now, his soul was just overrun with grief.
He breathed shakily, and hugged himself, putting his head down in his knees. Maybe he shouldn't have told Akito to leave too.
Then he heard someone else slide down next to him. And it hit him.
I never actually saw Shiraishi leave.
"I'm sorry that they all lied to you."
Toya turned to look at her. That unreadable look was back.
"You shouldn't have had to go through that, Toya. Your own family never telling you the truth about something that matters so much. I'm sorry."
Ah, so that's what it was. She was seeing herself in him right now.
No wonder she was quick to apologize.
"Sorry, sorry, you asked for some alone time...I just wanted to say that." An gave a smile and started getting up.
"Shiraishi." An paused.
"Thank you...and I'm sorry too. That you ever had to go through something like this."
An slowly sat back down. "It hurts, doesn't it? The betrayal, grief, shock...I guess it's something I know a bit about. Ah, I'm being selfish, aren't I? Talking about my own experiences..."
"No, it's ok. Actually, I guess it's a bit relieving having someone who's gone through something similar. Oh, not in that way though-"
An gave a slight smile. "Don't worry Toya, I get it."
An's smile faded. And suddenly, it was like she was seeing the her from that night.
When she learned the truth.
She slowly moved in front of Toya. "Can I hug you?"
Toya nodded.
An hugged him tight, and felt tentative hands wrap around her as well. "It gets better, ok? I promise. Me, Kohane, Akito, and all the others too...we're all here for you. We'll support you. We'll get over this together, yeah? Toya?" she whispered.
The arms around her got a bit tighter. "Yeah...thank you Shiraishi, I mean it." he whispered back.
An waited until Toya made a move to let go before getting out of the hug herself. "I'm always here if you ever want to talk about it, ok? I want to help you, like you've helped me."
Lean on me, too.
"I'll keep it mind. The same goes for you, Shiraishi."
An gave a grateful nod. "I'll leave you alone now, the others are probably wondering what I'm doing. So..."
"Actually, I'll come too. Having that talk made me realize that, maybe I don't want to be alone right now..."
"Heh, ok then, let's go, Toya!"
Notes:
Guys I actually love An and Toya's dynamic especially after wtwg ugghhh
I just love the idea that they can have talks and be vulnerable with each other and provide special comfort like dude sega give us more platonic antoya pleaseeee.
Chapter 10: Chapter 9
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
When An and Toya went inside the Shiraishi residence, they went straight to the dining table, where they saw Akito and Kohane looking at them quizzically.
An bounded towards Kohane, who asked if everything was alright. An hugged her on the back, saying something about how caring her partner was, then insisting it was all good.
Toya sat across from Kohane, next to Akito, who was at the end of the table.
Akito sent him a look with his eyes. Toya read it.
Are you ok? What happened with An?
I'm ok, she helped.
Seemingly satisfied with that answer, or rather, look, Akito sighed and gave a slight smile.
This time, Toya might have been smiling back.
An paused her fawning over Kohane to look around the room for a second. "Where's dad anyways?"
"Ah, Ken-san said that there was something he had to look for."
Right on cue, Ken came downstairs. "There you two are. All good?"
"Yes Ken-san, thanks for asking." An also nodded.
"Right, again lemme know if you need anything kids. Anyway, I have something for you to see."
The door slammed open. "Oi Ken! You got a can opener? Eh, all you guys are here."
"Taiga, haven't I told you to be more gentle with that door?"
"It doesn't matter that much, c'mon."
That's when Taiga looked at the rest of the group. Like, really looked at them.
"Ok, what happened?"
Ken sighed, looking incredibly done with Taiga. Frankly, that one moment made him look 10 years older. He dragged Taiga aside away from the teens to do what they assumed was explain to him what happened.
After a few minutes of awkward silence between vbs(Awkward because they could hear pretty much hear the hushed whispers even if the adults went away), the two came back. Taiga sat at the end of the table
He looked directly at Toya "So you know about Fuyu?"
"Yes."
"I'm glad, she deserves you knowing how great she was."
"...Then why didn't you tell me sooner? You must've known I was her nephew."
"We did. It was so obvious that we could've figured it out without your name. You're so much like her."
Toya drew in a sharp breath
"But there was just no right way to go about it. We didn't even know if you remembered her, or how you would take it. And it's not like we know where she is right now either."
Because there's no way she's dead went unsaid.
"Gah, but how the hell did this even happen? I was reeling when I found out you came here like she said. What the hell are those chances anyway?"
Ken also sat down. "I'm with you there. Seeing this kid and hearing his name was one of the most shocking things I've witnessed."
An also spoke up. "Right? What kind of a freak chance is that..."
"No idea how she predicted that, but glad you're with us, partner." Akito held his fist slightly over the table for a fist bump, which Toya gladly gave. "Ken-san, what was that thing you were gonna show us?"
"Right, here you go, Toya." Ken held out something flat for Toya to take.
When Toya reached over and grabbed it, he noticed that there was a circular object inside. "A CD?"
Ken nodded. "It's a recording of EMBERS."
All four teens sat up straighter when they heard that.
"But I thought EMBERS was a smaller event, and it wasn't recorded?" Kohane asked.
"It was, but the owner of the venue did. It's pretty common for owners to record events that happen on their own stages. If you're good to them, they're willing to give you a copy. Like this one."
Toya was hesitant when he heard that. Because that means...this is probably the only copy they have.
"Are you sure I can have this? I mean, don't you want to keep it?"
"No need. Fuyu would want you to have it."
But Toya still looked unsure.
"Don't worry about this old man, kid. He'll be fine with one less CD." Taiga said, clapping Ken on the back.
"C'mon dude, don't feel bad, he said it's fine."
"Besides, I watched it live, remember? That was enough to burn it into my memory."
Eventually, Toya caved. He bowed his head down, thanking Ken, who told him it was nothing.
"...Then, do you mind if we watch it now? With everyone?"
"Oh, can we!? Let's connect it to the TV!"
"Go ahead."
An grabbed the CD sleeve from Toya, and went into the living room, with all the other vbs members on her tail. The adults followed a bit more slowly.
After fumbling around with the remote for a moment ("You can't work your own TV?" "It's been a while ok? I don't see you helping, Akito!"), An got the video to start playing.
They listened to the earlier performances first. An commented on almost all of them about how she recognized the people and how much they've improved, with Ken and Taiga saying something else about them that they knew. Occasionally, some of the others would also be able to chip.
Then they walked on.
"Hello Vivid Street!"
That call alone was enough to get everyone focused. The moment she walked on, Harumichi in tow, they knew.
Her pale blue hair, pulled into double buns. Her deep blue, yet shining eyes. Her electric vibe.
That was definitely Fuyu-san.
The crowd cheered. They all knew her.
"C'mon, guys! Let's pump it up for one last song! Let's go!!"
Then the insane beat started.
Harumichi started singing. No, rapping. Deep, intense, rapping
"Woah, Toya, that's your dad!?"
"He...He's awesome, Aoyagi-kun!"
Akito peered over to Toya, who looked...dazed.
Akito reached over and squeezed his hand.
"Partner...?"
"...He's rapping." A shaky breath. "Street-style rapping. Father...is...willingly rapping...and looks happy..."
Toya grabbed Akito's hand back. Akito squeezed again.
"Yeah, he is."
"...He's good."
"...Yeah, he is."
And then Fuyu came in straight with the chorus. Beautiful, energetic high notes, that made the crowd go crazy.
For a moment, it was like the tiniest, tiniest taste of RAD WEEKEND.
Harumichi started singing with her, harmonizing beautifully.
Everyone was saying something, but Toya tuned them all out.
He let go of Akito's hand, giving the ginger a twinge of disappointment.
But when he looked over, he felt it all wash away.
Toya was leaning forward, like how he does when he's interested, but WAY more than when he's talking about books or watching Tsukasa's shows. His pupils were dilated, probably more than he's ever seen. His jaw hung open just slightly, and if Akito looked closer, he could see a small upturn at the corners of his mouth.
Honestly, Akito could swear he saw wind blowing through the bluenette's hair, like he was a damn model.
To put it simply, Toya looked gorgeous.
What the most insane part of it was that Akito wasn't even able to totally focus on how his partner looked. Because Fuyu's voice, her song, it was just that entrancing.
So Akito turned his focus back.
The song went on. More singing, rapping, cheering, and it was amazing.
When the sing finished, everyone in the living room started complimenting Fuyu, and even Harumichi. After everyone said a few words, they all inevitably turned to look at Toya, who was still staring at the now black screen.
He turned around to them.
He grinned. Properly, this time.
And everyone knew Toya would be just fine.
Notes:
YAYAYY ANOTHER CHAPTER DONEEE
Should be one more left, I should have it posted tomorrow.
Any feedback is totally welcome!! Thanks again for reading and I love you all!!!
Chapter 11: Chapter 10
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Later on, Ken showed them all another CD. The track that Fuyu gave them before she left.
The four members of vbs braced themselves, yet simultaneously buzzed with anticipation.
When the music started playing, An and Akito's reactions were automatic.
"Huh..!?"
"This is...!"
"Yup. This is the very track we used in RAD WEEKEND.", Taiga told them.
"I thought that you all made your own tracks though?" Kohane asked.
"Nope. Not this one. This was all Fuyu."
"When we heard it that day after Fuyu left, we agreed that we were going to sing this at a big event." Ken chuckled. "And there was no way Nagi would have agreed to not use this when we were planning RAD WEEKEND."
"Amazing..." Toya muttered.
Afterwards, they all spent a while talking and sharing memories.
They talked about a lot. Ken and Taiga talked about some of the moments Fuyu spent with them. Toya responded with his own fond memories, with Fuyu and the family.
He chose not to talk about the sad ones.
And he learned a lot. Things he never would have guessed about Fuyu, but made so much sense for her.
"Fuyu got along pretty good with the cats as well, remember that one incident Taiga?"
"Yeah 'course. HA, she once fed Vivi, and next thing you know, there are 3 other cats wanting food. Then 7! Nagi was so jealous of her natural ability."
"It was hilarious for sure. Especially with how her brother just stood in the corner glaring."
"Father isn't the fondest of pets...but I do recall Fuyu-san once asking for a cat."
Of course Fuyu-san was with Vivi. It suits her. Toya thought like that a lot during this conversation.
"Hehe, she sounds like you Aoyagi-kun."
"True, Vivi is pretty fond you, Toya! Gotta admit I get a bit jealous myself..."
"Oh speaking of...I remember this other thing that happened once." Taiga started "Fuyu didn't like having long hair, but her family forced her to keep it that way."
Toya nodded, that was true.
"Once, Nagi gave her one of her clips to hold back a stubborn piece of hair. Later, when Fuyu tried givin' it back, Nagi told her to keep it, sign of their friendship or something. You know what Fuyu did? She thought she was supposed to give her something back and got her a 30,000 yen jacket!" Taiga cackled.
"Nagi was absolutely speechless! And Fuyu had no idea what she even did wrong! I'm telling you, these Aoyagis are the biggest airheads ever man!"
"Ok, calm down now."
-
Eventually, it got late. An asked everyone if they wanted to stay for the night.
Kohane accepted, since her house was a bit farther and she felt more nervous going home at night.
Akito and Toya insisted that they would be fine, and left to walk home together.
At first, their walk was filled with peaceful silence between the two.
"...Akito."
"Yeah? What's up?"
"I'm glad."
"Glad?"
"Yes. The thing is...when we kept talking, I think I started feeling less sad. I mean, I'm definitely upset about Fuyu-san, I miss her a lot..."
Before Akito could overthink it, he took Toya's hand again. Toya squeezed, and Akito squeezed back.
This was starting to be a calming ritual of sorts, wasn't it?
"Go on, Toya."
"But when Ken-san and Taiga-san were sharing their memories of her, I can't help but feel glad that Fuyu-san got to experience the joy that I felt. I'm happy that she didn't only live in classical music, or in our family. Even if it caused her pain in the end...she got to live how she wanted, at least for a while."
"She could be proud of you, y'know."
"I hope so..."
"No, she definitely would be. You went against your family to follow your own dreams. She'd be proud. Trust me, partner."
Toya smiled. "Ok."
But his smile them dropped just as suddenly, and his shoulders drooped.
"Hey hey, what happened?"
"No it's just...I don't know how I can go home right now, know what happened and what my own family kept from me..."
"Ah, that makes sense. Why don't you stay at my place then?"
Toya quickly turned to face him. "Are you sure? I don't want to impose."
"Dude, my family probably likes you more than me. Besides, the girls are having a sleepover, so why don't we? It'll help you take your mind off things."
"...Alright, then. Thank you Akito, I mean it. For everything."
Akito was grateful for the darkness hiding his blush. Why was Toya always doing this to him?
"Heh...what are partners for?"
Walking home, hand in hand with Akito, Toya reflected on everything that happened to him today. Who would've thought that a day that supposed to be just for chilling with his teammates would end up like this?
"Be happy, Toya."
"Akito?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm happy."
Notes:
AND WERE DONE!!!
Thank you all so so much for the support seriously it gave me so much motivation!
This was my first fic on ao3 and I can confirm it is WAY better than wattpad lol
I do want to expand on this whole Fuyu thing, but I'm going to be working on some other fic ideas I have for now, so I may come back to it later.
Honestly, when I choose to write about it comes down to my motivation and how this fic does.
But seriously I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOO MUCH THANK FOR READING!!!
~Silla