A piece of Eighto for kitkaos Part 1
Eighto gift-fic for kitkaos Part 1
Title: The Life of my Love
Pairing: MatsuRyo
Rating: PG-15 for lovey times and dark themes
Disclaimer: I don’t own any characters
September 12th, First day at school, Shinjuku West End Economics High School
Ryo tugged once again at his new school uniform, trying to make it look decent. It felt wrong on him - too tight in some places, too loose in others, the pants felt too short, while the sleeves were definitely too long. He thought he must have looked like he stole the thing, trying to sneak into the place. He felt that way a bit too. Like he didn’t belong. It could be argued, of course, that it’s a natural feeling in a new environment, but it felt even more disturbing to be in a place like that all of a sudden. He’d never visited a private school before. What would he experience in such a place? Ever since his family had moved from Osaka to Tokyo he had been confronted with a number of weird things as well as weird people. With no friends around he felt even more lost. He’d texted his best friend Hiroki the night before, who had been very supportive, but even so, right there he was alone and that didn’t feel good. Just as Ryo was wondering what kind of impression he would be making on his first day he felt a searing pain in his back and went almost flying to the floor. As he looked up he saw another boy standing over him, who seemed to be in quite some pain from their collision, glaring down at him.
“What the fuck are you standing in the way for?”
Ryo merely blinked at the other in disbelief. Was he being shouted at for being run into? The other guy sighed in desperation.
“Just fantastic, now I’ll be missing modern arts. That’s the only bearable class today.”
“Ah…” Ryo stuttered, unsure what else to say.
“Oi, Jin!”
Ryo swished his head into the direction of another shouting voice.
“Asshole, why did you leave me behind at the traffic light?”
“You’re too slow,” the guy, whose name obviously was Jin, complained. “With you in tow I couldn’t have made it. You should train more, fatty.”
“Shut up, freak,” the other guy demanded and Ryo thought the word was ill-picked, because he looked much more like a freak than the other one. The moment he’d thought that he felt guilty, because who was he to judge people? But then, the picture fit. The guy was messy-haired, had his tie array and a pair of glasses on that was considerably too big for his face.
“I don’t even weigh as much as you,” freak countered.
“I’m tall, that’s different,” Jin waved him off easily.
“Well, even so, your long legs sure didn’t get you into class in time,” freak teased.
“Not my fault,” Jin defended himself, pointing at Ryo, who was still sitting on the floor. “This one here stood in the way.”
Freak looked past Jin and finally spotted Ryo sitting on the floor. He reacted immediately, coming forth and offering a hand. Perplexed, Ryo simply took it and let himself be pulled back onto his feet.
“Sorry about him,” freak told Ryo, pointing at Jin. “He’s not a morning person. Well, he’s not really any different in the afternoons, though…”
Freak grinned. And Ryo started feeling guilty for calling him that in his mind.
“Oi’m Nishiki-i-do,” he muttered helplessly. “Nishikido Ryo.”
Freak blinked at him. “Why are you introducing yourself now? Look what you did, you broke him,” he continued, talking to Jin.
“I think not,” Jin opposed. “He was already standing around uselessly when I arrived.”
Ryo had had enough of that.
“When ya arroive’? Arroive’?” he burst out. “’Ow can ya say tha’? Ya pra’ically ramme’ in’o me, knocke’ me over, even. N’ then ya yell a’ me, even though ya were the ‘uffer who ‘idn’ wa’ch where ‘e was going. An’ i’s no’ noice ‘o leave people behin’ or call them fa’. Oi ‘idn’ think people ‘ere would be loike this, but’ ya’re jus’ an ass’ole.”
Jin blinked at him, honestly surprised. Then he looked at freak.
“Pi, I think you’ve made a new friend.”
“Well, a new one can’t hurt with friends like you,” the freak named Pi decided.
“Oh, come on, now,” Jin tried to charm his friend. “I just really wanted to get to modern arts. It’s my favourite.”
“You should have gotten out of bed a bit earlier, then,” Pi analyzed.
“What can I say - I love my bed the most, after all. If you want, you’re welcome to share it with me sometime - I promise you’re gonna have a hard time getting up too.”
The wink that came with the statement made Ryo gasp, even though he wasn’t the person being addressed. That same person seemed pretty unimpressed, though.
“In your dreams,” Pi shot back.
“Well, after so rudely rejecting my kind offer, what then would you like to do now?” Jin asked.
Ryo blinked again. Weren’t those two going to class?
“Miki’s?”
“Okay,” Jin answered with a shrug.
As apparently the pair had settled a new destination they turned around and made to leave.
“Wai’,” Ryo shouted out.
“Ah, sorry, you can’t come,” Jin stated, turning only half-way around, not even stopping in his tracks.
“Well, you could buy him a drink for knocking him over,” Pi suggested.
“What?!” Jin exclaimed, apparently feeling no shame for his behavior.
“Aren’ ya going ‘o class?” Ryo asked. “Why are ya leaving now? Where are ya going?”
“Well, I wanted to go to class,” Jin pointed out. “But now it’s too late.” He eyed Ryo with a new curiosity. “You’re new, aren’t you?”
Ryo stiffened at that. He bit his lip nervously.
“Oi… well…”
“Oh, fresh blood,” Pi exclaimed. “Exciting. Come on, we can’t leave him out here.”
“Well…” Jin mused.
“Thanks, bu’ Oi rather go ‘o class,” Ryo decided. “If ya can jus’ show me where Oi’ll ‘ave ‘o go.”
“You can’t go to class now,” Pi explained.
Ryo blinked. “Wha’? Why?”
“Class started at 07:40. Once it started you can’t go in anymore. You’ll have to wait for the next one.”
Ryo panicked. “Wai’. Ya mean Oi’m la’e? Oh no, on me firs’ day? But… the sprea’ shee’ sai’ ‘o be ‘ere a’ 08:00.”
Ryo fumbled in his pocket for the paper he had received a few days prior. As soon as he got a hold of it and took it out Jin grasped it from his hand, though, examining the object.
“’ey,” Ryo revolted. “Give tha’ back.”
Jin did as he was told, handing the paper back to the other.
“You’re supposed to go to the headmaster’s office, that’s what the room number says,” Jin explained lightly.
Ryo’s eyes lit up. “So Oi’m no’ la’e?”
“Yet,” Jin told him. “It’s 07:50 now and you still have to get there.”
Ryo’s face fell again. “Bu’ Oi can’ be la’e. I’s me firs’ ‘ay. Please, can’ ya ‘elp me?”
“And get in trouble?” Jin asked pointedly. “No, thanks.”
“Aw, come on,” Pi urged. “They’re gonna report us anyway. You could make up for that first impression this poor newbie had of you.”
Jin looked first at his friend, then at Ryo, not saying anything. Then he sighed dramatically.
“Fine,” he finally gave in. “But we’ll need to run,” he told Ryo. “If you can’t keep up, it’s your fault.”
Ryo nodded quickly and next thing he knew he was running down a narrow lane beside Jin, Pi slightly behind. The guy was slow, after all. By the time they arrived at a huge building he felt both his legs and his lungs burning too, though. He heaved several times to catch his breath as Jin halted.
“Thank ya,” he panted out.
“Yeah, whatever,” Jin stated calmly.
Ryo could tell that he was trying to make his breathing sound more even than it really was and he had no idea why on earth that guy would try to impress him like that, but couldn’t help feeling slightly flattered at the fact.
“Come on, let’s go up,” Pi, who had finally arrived too, gasped out.
“Are you sure you’re gonna make it up there?” Jin teased.
Pi glared at his… Ryo was actually starting to doubt whether those two were friends. They had a weird kind of chemistry. Maybe lovers? Or Ex-lovers?
“I’m fine, thanks,” Pi stated. “Hey, Nishikido,” he called Ryo. “Don’t stand around daydreaming. Come on.”
Ryo shook his head clear and quickly followed his two guides into the building. They rushed up a huge staircase, maybe 3 stories, maybe 5, he couldn’t really tell afterwards. When they arrived at a door that showed the number on Ryo’s spreadsheet he felt his stomach flipping.
“Wha’ ‘ime is i’?” he asked, completely out of breath.
Pi checked his watch. “07:57. Phew, we made it.”
He was panting harshly, sinking towards the floor and sitting against the wall. Jin yet had to catch his breath too, but he didn’t make that much of a show of it.
Once his breathing had evened out quite some Ryo addressed Jin again.
“Thanks, really. Far ‘aking me ‘ere.”
“Hey, what about me?” Pi complained from the floor. “I made him, after all. He’s not usually nice like this, you know.”
Ryo chuckled. “Oi really thank ya ‘swell. I’s goo’ tha’ ya can make yar frien’ be a be’er person, roight?”
Pi stared at that. Then he nodded. “I guess.”
Before any of them could say anything else (and Jin sure looked like he had something more to say about the matter), the door was opened and a man was standing in the frame.
“Well, now. Akanishi-kun, Yamashita-kun. I wasn’t expecting you two. Are you here on order?”
“Not exactly,” Jin stated vaguely.
“Late for class again?” the man asked.
“Well,” Jin explained, “we would have been on time, if we hadn’t stumbled over this fella here.” He pointed at Ryo. “Pi found him lying helplessly on the ground. He helped him up and then Nishikido-kun explained to us that he was lost for the way to your office. So we decided to help and bring him here. And now we’re late for class, yes.”
Ryo didn’t know what to think. He was feeling mad, because Jin was now obviously using their earlier “encounter” to his advantage, but he couldn’t really say anything, because essentially Jin hadn’t uttered an untrue word.
The man, who was obviously the headmaster, eyed Jin skeptically for a moment, but then turned his attention towards Ryo.
“You are Nishikido Ryo?”
Ryo nodded. “Yes, Oi… i’s me firs’ ‘ay. Thank ya far having me.”
The headmaster gave him a stern look. “And these two found you lost on the grounds and took you here?”
Ryo felt a knot in his stomach. Apparently he was being questioned. But then, Jin had given a truthful report.
“Wha’ Jin says is ‘rue,” he stated. “Withou’ them Oi couldn’ ‘ave ma’e i’ ‘ere. Some idio’ ran in’o me’n’ smashe’ me ‘o the floor,” he related. “Then Pi came. And well…”
“Okay, enough,” the headmaster decided. He turned towards the two students with a sigh. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but since you’re already out of class I’ll appoint you two to show Nishikido-kun around the ground. Let him in on all the important rules too. And make sure to bring him to his first class in time. It’ll be “Introduction to the History of Music”, starting at 13:50 in the orchestra hall’s rehearsal room. Did you understand all of this?”
“Yes, sensei,” Jin replied.
“So, what are you going to do now?”
“We will be showing Nishikido-kun around the grounds. We will make sure he understands the rules. We will bring him to “Introduction to the History of Music” class, starting at 13:50 in the orchestra hall’s rehearsal room.”
“And you will not?” the headmaster then addressed Pi.
“We will not cause any trouble,” Pi answered readily. “We will not let Nishikido-kun get in trouble. We will be good role models for our kouhai.”
“Very well,” the headmaster finally nodded. “But first you two will wait, while Nishikido-kun gets his learning materials. You will not leave this hall.”
“No, sensei,” Jin replied and Pi followed suit.
“Nishikido-kun,” the headmaster invited Ryo in.
Ryo bowed his head slightly and rushed into the office. A very brief introduction followed. Ryo was asked a few questions about his family background, the reasons for his transfer had been discussed before. Yamaguchi sensei was really nice and the school seemed to be normal enough, despite the two weird figures he’d met.
“One last piece of advice, before I’ll let you explore on your own,” the headmaster concluded. “This is a place where you can make friends with good people. If you know how to behave in a good way. And not get associated with the wrong people.”
Ryo figured the headmaster was talking about the guys waiting for him outside. Why he would let those two introduce Ryo to the place when they weren’t “good people” he didn’t know, but he sure would keep those words in mind. He nodded quickly and, stuffed with books and sheets, stumbled back out into the hall.
“Oh, look who’s back,” Pi cheered. “You okay? That guy can be a bit of a pain.”
“’e was really noice, thank ya,” Ryo answered stiffly.
“Well, then, let’s go,” Jin decided, pushing himself off the wall he was leaning against. “It’s not every day you’re allowed to wander the grounds during class time. So better make the most of it.”
“Hol’ on a secon’,” Ryo called out to them. “Don’ ya wanna… ya know, make proper in’roduc’ions?”
Jin blinked at him. “What - now? Isn’t it a bit late for that?”
“Bu’ Oi don’ even know yar names,” Ryo argued.
“Yeah, you do,” Jin opposed. “I’m Jin, this is Pi. Done.”
“Bu’ Oi can’ jus’ keep calling ya tha’,” Ryo insisted. “Oi don’ even know ya guys.”
“Well, then, you’ll get to know us really well,” Jin stated with a suggestive grin. “Problem solved.”
Ryo moaned in desperation. “No, seriously, if Oi wanna fin’ ya guys, how coul’ Oi do tha’?”
“There’s no need for that, really,” Pi offered. “We’re gonna find you.”
Jin laughed at that. Ryo, however, only felt more sullen.
“Come on, now, let’s get you something to drink,” Jin decided.
Ryo sighed once more but then took off after his new comrades. Only a few minutes later they were standing in front of a weird looking Café.
“Weren’ ya suppose’ ‘o show me the school groun’s?” Ryo asked skeptically.
“Well, this is an important part of our school life,” Jin explained. “Miki’s Café. Everybody with good taste eats here.”
As they walked inside Ryo had the next shock of the day. The Café’s walls were all painted black, with red and white vines, skulls, kittens and dots spread over them. There were like a thousand mirrors in the main room as well.
“Wha’…?!” Ryo breathed.
“Welcome to Miki’s,” a cheery voice called out.
A woman, in her mid-thirties Ryo guessed, dressed in perfect gothic Lolita style appeared, beaming at them.
“Oh,” she then exclaimed, “JinJin! And Pi-chan.”
“Hi,” Pi offered cheerfully.
“And a new guest,” the woman discovered. “Who is this young man?”
“Ah, this is our new schoolmate,” Jin introduced Ryo. “Nishikido Ryo.”
“Oh, Ryo-chan,” the woman cheered.
Ryo almost fell over. “No, Oi… wha’?!”
“That’s wonderful,” the woman decided. “Come and sit right here,” she offered as she seated them. “And as soon as you have your order ready, just call for Miki.”
With that “Miki” hopped off cheerfully. Ryo looked after her, feeling a bit weirded out.
“Wow, she’s… something,” he stated.
“Miki’s cool,” Pi told him. “No matter when we come here, she always hosts us, even though we never eat or drink a lot and she never tells on us when we’re here instead of in class.”
“Ya guys skip classes a lo’?” Ryo asked, once more thinking that those two weren’t exactly good company to keep.
“Only the annoying ones,” Jin told him.
“Unless you sleep in,” Pi added teasingly.
“Yeah, whatever,” Jin waved him off. “Let’s order something. Miki’s got to earn at least something during our visit.”
“The place is really pre’y emp’y,” Ryo analyzed. “Is this normal?”
“Probably, at this time of the day,” Jin shrugged. “Usually there’s a small crowd, though. Mainly students.”
“Oi see,” Ryo nodded. “An’ is the foo’ goo’?”
“It’s excellent,” Pi cheered. “Miki used to teach domestic management at a girl’s school. Her baking contests are still legend. There’s even a Kiriyama award they’re still giving out every year.”
Ryo blinked. “Kiriyama?”
Pi nodded. “Kiriyama Minako. That’s her name. Miki’s just a nickname formed with the first syllables of her first and last name.”
“Oi un’ers’an’,” Ryo muttered. “So, why’ she qui’ ‘eaching?”
The two guys exchanged a weird look.
“Well,” Pi finally began warily, “the word is that she had a thing going with a student.”
“That was never testified, though,” Jin added.
“But why would she quit?” Pi argued.
“Who knows? It doesn’t matter. Let’s just order some breakfast.”
“I want French toast,” Pi announced. “Miki makes them with chocolate and vanilla cream. Delicious.”
Ryo took a small look at the menu. It had a pretty wide variety of small snacks and sweet treats. The strawberry cocktail looked very nice. The photo showed it decorated with fresh fruit pieces of pineapples, melons and strawberries.
“French toast, really?” Jin asked. “You should watch it with that sugar a bit.”
Pi merely stuck out his tongue at the other.
“Aw,” Jin crooned. “Don’t do it, if you don’t mean it.”
Ryo flinched at that. That weird talk again.
“I’ve told you before and I’m telling you again,” Pi countered, “I’ll do it, if you don’t chicken out.”
Jin laughed at that. “I can think of more pleasing things I’d want in my mouth. Miki,” he then called out, “can you take our order?”
“Of course,” Miki chirped as she came hopping to their table. “So, what are you guys gonna have?”
“I’ll take the beef salad, please,” Jin ordered.
“French toast,” Pi added cheerfully.
“Okay,” Miki nodded, “and for Ryo-chan?”
Ryo started to wiggle around in his seat. “Ah, Oi don’ know… S’rawberry cock’ail?”
“Sure,” Miki confirmed. “Do you want it with French toast?”
“Wait, the French toast was my order,” Pi complained.
“More than one person can order French toast,” Jin told him.
“But that’s no fun. He should get something else,” Pi argued.
“Oi don’ really…” Ryo muttered, but was interrupted.
“Pancakes, then?” Miki suggested.
She looked expectantly at Ryo and just to avoid any further discussion he simply nodded.
“Perfect,” Miki concluded, “your order will come right up.”
Ryo sighed in relief once that was done. He was starting to wonder how he was going to survive being in that school.
“So,” Jin spoke up again, making Ryo jump. “Care to tell us what brought you all the way from Osaka to Tokyo in the middle of a school year?”
Ryo blinked at him. “Who tol’ ya tha’ Oi move’ ‘ere from Osaka?”
Pi laughed at that. “Oh, come on. You have like the worst dialect ever. It’s pretty obvious.”
Ryo felt quite self-conscious hearing that. “Well…We’re really from Nara. Me father wan’e’ ‘o move ‘ere. ‘e sai’ tha’ i’ woul’ be goo’ if Oi visi’e’ this school.”
Jin and Pi both stared at him.
“Eh?” Pi exclaimed. “You moved here for the school?!”
Ryo started to panic again. Had he said something suspicious?
“Ah… yeah?”
“Okay, that’s weird,” Jin decided.
“Oh, yes?” Ryo asked, feeling very insecure.
“Of course, normally your parents would be changing jobs, or companies, or something and have to move. But to do this kind of thing for a school attendance…”
Ryo cursed inwardly. Of course, he had no idea why people like them would change schools. What was he supposed to say?
“Schools here have a better reputation, though,” Pi threw in. “It might be about prestige. Does your dad work at an important company?”
Ryo nodded warily. “He ‘oes.”
“Cool,” Jin came back into the conversation. “Which one?”
“Sof’ bank,” Ryo related truthfully.
Both guys stilled, eyes growing wide.
“Oh my… seriously”? Jin asked.
“Wow, that’s impressive,” Pi agreed. “So he transferred to Tokyo?”
Ryo nodded again. He knew full well that the two of them were concluding things that weren’t true at all, but there was no way he could tell the full truth. He didn’t know those guys at all. Before any further investigation could take place, though, Miki came back with their orders. Ryo was very happy about the interruption and he was feeling rather hungry too, so he started to dig in immediately. Only after a while he realized that the other two were inspecting him curiously. He stopped.
“Wha’?” he asked around a mouthful of pancake.
“Well, you…” Pi started, but broke off.
“We’re just a bit… surprised,” Jin offered vaguely.
“Huh?”
“Because of your table manners,” Jin clarified. “No thanks. No honors. And you’re cutting your pancakes with a knife, instead of ripping them with a spoon.”
Ryo’s face paled. “Oi… er…”
The other two did not press the point any further, though.
“Thank you,” Jin stated politely as Miki set a plate in front of him. Then he added “Itadakimasu,” with a slight nod of his head and his hands folded for a moment before he started eating.
Ryo felt downright mortified. Even though neither Jin, nor Pi spoke another word about this, as Pi lived through the same ritual, Ryo broke while the other two were eating.
“Oi jus’ can’ ‘o this,” he sighed desperately.
The other two blinked at him in surprise.
“What?” Pi wanted to know. “Are you okay?”
“No,” Ryo stated. “N’ Oi’m no’ gonna be. This is ri’iculous. Oi can’… be loike you.”
“Wha- because of that eating thing?” Pi asked. “Nah, don’t think too much of it. We’re just… well, used to doing these things, you know. It’s not a big deal.”
“That’s not entirely true,” Jin cut in. “If he does this during an official event there’s gonna be trouble.”
Pi remained silent, biting his lip, while Ryo just shook his head.
“Oi knew all o’ this was a ba’ idea.”
“Okay, newbie, time to spill the beans,” Jin urged. “Who are you and what are you doing here?”
Pi blinked at his friend in surprise. Ryo sighed deeply.
“’kay, wha’ever,” he finally decided. “H’re’s the s’ory. Me father’s a regular sales merchan’. ‘e use’ ‘o be working a’ a local sof’ bank s’ore. We’re wha’ ya call a low class working family. Then something happene’, though. Me father inves’e’ in a frien’s company. They ‘id really well ‘n’ so me father earne’ money with this inves’men’. ‘owever, ‘e ma’e a severe mis’ake. ‘e wan’e’ ‘o inves’ 10.000yen, bu’ ‘e ‘idn’ check the de’ails of the con’rac’, so ins’ea’ of this ‘e gave ‘is go far an inves’men’ of 10,000$, which woul’ usually be way ‘oo much far our family ‘o cover, bu’ the value of the company rose and rose and soon we ha’ no’ only our expenses back, bu’… well, we’re basically rich now. Like, really. N’ then father sai’ tha’ i’ woul’ be better ‘o come here, because ‘e wants me ‘n’ me brother ’o go ‘o business schools. So…”
“It’s my brother and me,” Jin corrected Ryo. Then he gave the other a stern look. “So… basically your dad made a fortune with the biggest mistake of his life, is that it?”
“Oi guess,” Ryo nodded. “Oi ‘idn’ wanna ‘ell anyone, because…”
“They’re gonna eat you alive,” Jin concluded.
“Are ya?” Ryo asked timidly.
“Well,” Jin sighed, “this is very… unusual. And this kind of background does not give you an excuse for rudeness at an eating table.”
“These things really don’ ma’er a lo’ far us,” Ryo shrugged.
“That’s going to be a problem for you,” Jin analyzed. “Your language too. The words that you use and how you pronounce them… You won’t be able to keep your background a secret.”
Ryo sighed again. “This is so no’ goo’.”
“But your dad wants you to learn something here,” Pi argued, “He came all the way here so you and your brother can have a good education and become people who can deal with businesses. That’s the idea, right? He wants you and your brother to be able to afford a good life.”
“Yes, of course,” Ryo agreed. “Jus’… Hol’ on, ya sai’ i’s me brother and me, right?” he asked.
“It’s MY brother. And that order is only correct for you,” Jin explained. “When you talk about yourself and other people, you place everybody else before you. That’s courtesy. When Pi is talking about you and your brother, he will place you first, because he’s talking to you. He would also place you first if he were talking to me right now, though, because you are present and your brother is not. That’s courtesy too.”
Ryo frowned. “Tha’s… wai’, wha’ if we were both ‘ere?”
Jin sighed. “Then the older one comes first. You don’t know a thing about this stuff, do you?”
“No’… really,” Ryo admitted.
Pi pressed his lips together lightly, eyeing Ryo from the corner of his eyes.
“There is no way you’ll get a call for an elite university with the way you behave and talk,” Jin stated simply.
Ryo felt his heart sink. He had known that the whole business school thing wouldn’t be easy, but that statement was kind of devastating.
“An’… if ya help me?” he asked timidly. “Ya guys know all this s’uff, don’ you?”
“Help you?” Jin burst out. “Sorry, kid, but there’s no way we can afford the time to do such a thing. You’d need a complete make-over in many things and we’ve got our graduations ahead of us too. So, we cannot put our effort into something like this.”
Ryo sighed. “I un’ers’an’.”
“Well, but you can still graduate,” Pi threw in. “That can still help you with entry tests,” he offered.
Ryo nodded, but the smile on his face had faded. He felt lost and unfit, even more so than before. Even so he ate up and somehow the pan cakes did something to give him more energy. And so he explored the grounds afterwards with Jin and Pi. They showed him to the nurse’s room, the library, the common areas, the black board, and the school cafeteria. They had a small sandwich there, before Jin and Pi finally dropped Ryo off at his first class, Introduction to the History of Music.
“Well, there you go,” Jin offered.
Ryo looked around nervously. “Oi don’ know…”
“Don’t worry,” Pi encouraged him. “It will be fine. Just go in and have fun, okay? And we’ll meet you for lunch.”
Jin blinked. “We will?”
“Of course,” Pi nodded. “We’ve got to take care of him now. After all, we escaped yet another report, because you so clumsily ran into him this morning and he didn’t tell on us.”
“Well…” Suddenly Jin’s eyes transformed into slits. “What the fuck?!” he burst out.
The entire class room looked their way, including a guy in the second row who seemed to try to disappear under his table the moment he spotted the new arrivals in the door. When Pi looked over, his expression was surprised as well. Ryo guessed that they knew this guy, but had no idea what the issue was. Just why was his first day at the new school being such a mess?
“Jun,” Pi called out.
The guy sighed exasperatedly and moved to meet them at the door - apparently in order to prevent an ugly scene.
“What on earth are you guys doing here?” the guy named Jun asked.
Ryo sighed. Was he going to learn any names he could use safely?
“No, what on earth are you doing here?” Jin wanted to know. “You said you couldn’t take “Financial balancing” with me, because you’re being home tutored. Now you’re in an introductory course?”
Jun sighed. “Look, I… can we talk about this later? Class starts in a moment.”
Jin looked quite pissed, but he retreated.
“Fine,” he agreed. Then he looked at Ryo. “Bring him for lunch,” he ordered. “Don’t let him escape.”
Ryo blinked, but before he could say anything, let alone protest Jin and Pi were off to their own classes. He bit his lip, trying to avoid Jun’s gaze, but he felt a pair of curious eyes on his person.
“And who are you?” Jun asked.
Ryo looked at him apologetically. “Oi’m Nishikido Ryo. Oi’m having me firs’ ‘ay ‘ere.”
Jun gave him an awkward look. Ryo supposed it was because of his apparently striking dialect but Jun was composed again within a second.
“And how did you get involved with those two in just a few hours?” he wanted to know.
“Well… Jin ran in’o me and knocke’ me over while ‘e was running far mo’ern ar’s class. Then ‘e yelle’ a’ me, because ‘e was pisse’. Bu’ then Pi came an’ ‘e was really noice ‘o me. They ‘ook me ‘o the hea’mas’er’s office, then.”
“So, Jin used you as an excuse for running late,” Jun concluded.
“Basically,” Ryo agreed, not protesting when the other said `Jin´ and not `they´, seeing how Pi had really only been nice. “An’… ‘ow ‘o ya know them,?”
Jun looked at him for a moment, as if he considered whether Ryo was even worth an answer to that question. He did answer it ultimately, though.
“Some people might say we’re friends,” Jun shrugged. “We’ve been going through this school together for a while.”
“Bu’ then, why…”
Ryo could not finish his question, though, as their teacher came into the room and got started with his lesson.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen, and welcome to Introduction to the History of Music. I am Joshima, your teacher for this class. You’re in an introductory course, which means it’s going to be theoretical and boring with a hint of instructions on producing papers. So, there’s a lot to look forward to. Nagase-kun, don’t give me that look, I’d rather be somewhere else as well.”
Ryo blinked. What kind of school was that anyway? Not only the students, but also the teachers were overly weird. The class itself wasn’t half as bad, though, which gave Ryo hope that he could actually learn in his new school. He could even answer two questions that were thrown into the room and nobody said anything about his accent, which was quite a relief. Once class was finished Ryo wanted to get Jun, so they could go to lunch.
“Okay, Nishikido-kun, listen,” Jun greeted him. “I’d rather skip this lunch if you don’t mind.”
“Oi don’,” Ryo answered. “Bu’ Oi’m having a feeling tha’ Jin wouldn’ loike me showing up alone. An’ since Oi only jus’ me’ ‘im I rather ‘ave ‘im loike me.”
Jun gave him a knowing smile. “Yeah, he’s got a way of doing that.”
Ryo blinked. “Huh?”
“Somehow he’ll make you want to appeal to him,” Jun explained.
Ryo felt slightly offended by that. “Oi’m no’ ‘rying ‘o appeal,” he opposed. “’e ‘elpe’ me this morning.”
“To gain a personal advantage,” Jun reminded him.
“Well, even so,” Ryo argued, “’e ‘n’ Pi were noice ‘o me af’er tha’ ‘swell. They showe’ me aroun’ an’ they explaine’ things ‘o me. An’ then they brough’ me ‘ere ‘n’ Pi was really encouraging. Jus’ wha’ is I’ with ya guys tha’ none of ya in’ro’uce themselves properly when mee’ing someone?” he then added out of the blue.
It was Jun’s turn to blink. Then he laughed.
“Well, those two are… special. But I guess I wasn’t being very polite either, was I? I’m Matsumoto Jun. Nice to meet you.”
Ryo smiled at him. Finally a proper name.
“Nice mee’ing ya ‘oo, Ma’sumo’o,” Ryo answered.
Jun gave him a weird look. “What now - first you ask for proper introductions and then you don’t bow and use the correct honorifics?”
Ryo blushed furiously. “Ah…”
“I guess it’s true what they say,” Jun grinned. “The freaks somehow miraculously always find each other.”
“Oi’m no’ a freak,” Ryo told him.
“I don’t mean it in a bad way,” Jun explained. “Think of it as a short term for outstanding people.”
He gave a small wink to Ryo, which made his heart skip a beat, but also remember something.
“’ey, er… can Oi ask ya something?”
“I suppose so,” Jun answered sarcastically.
“’kay,” Ryo continued, unaware of the teasing, “Jin and Pi… are they…”
“What?”
“A couple?”
Jun stared at him for a moment, as if repeating the question over in his head to make sure he’d heard correctly. Then he burst out laughing hard. Ryo blushed again, feeling embarrassed.
“Sorry,” he muttered, “Oi…”
“No,” Jun heaved out between gasps. “I can see where that’s coming from, though. Really. Just… those two…”
Another fit of laughter followed. Ryo waited for Jun to calm down a bit. Then he wanted to excuse himself and go to lunch by himself after all.
“Okay,” Jun sighed as he finally recollected himself, “I don’t really know how to explain this… Well, they’re not a couple. They’re…”
“They are being weir’,” Ryo stated.
Jun stiffened at that, but then he shrugged.
“If they’re being intrusive towards you, just kick them. Among each other they’re just teasing.”
“Oi’ll ‘ave ‘o go boy yar wor’, of course, bu’ somehow Oi feel tha’ there’s something behin’ tha’,” Ryo stated.
“Yeah well…” Jun sighed. “I’ve told them to fuck it out, but as is the case with many things, those two are just talk.”
Ryo gave him a shocked look.
“Ya’re being weir’ ‘swell,” he told Jun.
“Okay,” Jun dragged out, “before you keep using the word weird to refer to gay insinuations, maybe I should tell you that I’m not weird, but too homosexual.”
Ryo stared at the other, mouth dropping. “Wha- ‘ow can ya say tha’ ‘o someone you don’ even know?”
“The more people know the more it’ll be pissing off my dad,” Jun stated, which was an answer that gave Ryo only more questions, but before he could ask any of them Jun remembered that they were supposed to be going somewhere. “Which reminds me, we should be off meeting Pi and Jin.”
Ryo perked up at the last few words. “Ah, ‘oes tha’ mean tha’ Pi is older than Jin?”
Jun blinked at that. “Sorry, what?”
“Well, because ya men’ione’ Pi firs’,” Ryo explained. “They ‘ol’ me tha’s ‘ow i’s ‘one.”
Jun just shook his head. “Talk about being weird… Come on, let’s go.”
Ryo decided to let the issue go for the time being. There was more than enough time to memories courtesy things, but they were indeed already late or that lunch. They set out and a few minutes later they met Pi and Jin in front of the cafeteria.
“Aw,” Jun crooned, “you didn’t have to wait.”
“It’s sea food today,” Pi complained.
Jun rolled his eyes. “You should grow up and start eating these things,” he told the other.
“I don’t want sea food,” Pi insisted.
“Okay, fine,” Jun sighed. “Let’s hit Miki’s, then,” he decided.
“Wha’ - again?” Ryo asked.
“Why not?” Pi asked. “Her cooking is really good. And I want Omuraisu.”
“Alright,” Jin agreed as well, “let’s go, then.”
And so Ryo found himself sitting at a table at Miki’s for the second time that day, together with “JinJin”, “Pi-chan” and “Matsu-Jun”, of which Ryo thought that it was pretty clever, but had a feeling that Jun didn’t like it much, even though Jun sure had grinned at the cheerful “Ryo-chan” Miki had greeted him with. He ordered Curry rice, since Pi had called Omuraisu before and apparently it was not allowed to ever order the same dish he had chosen. They got their food quickly too, but nobody really started to eat.
“So,” Jin addressed Jun, “tell us about Introduction to the History of Music.”
“What do you want me to tell you?” Jun shrugged. “It’s an introductory course.”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Jin pressed. “Why are you taking that class?”
Jun sighed deeply. “Just why did you have to come barging in like that?”
“What are you not telling us?” Pi wanted to know. “What are you hiding?”
“Okay,” Jun finally nodded. “I’ll tell you now. I guess you’ll hate me, but I suppose it was inevitable anyway, so might as well now. Truth is, I’ve been taking arts classes every single year. I chose them as elective subjects and I didn’t take them in the correct order, which was tricky, but this way I could keep it from… well, basically everybody.” He looked at his friends. “I’m going to take my finals in arts.”
His friends stared at Jun.
“What, you… are you telling me you finished an entire second education in arts during the last four years?” Jin asked in disbelief.
“I did,” Jun confirmed. “And I’m going to be brilliant in my finals and then I’ll apply for scholarship at the Juilliard school in New York. I’ve already contacted some people there. I’m going to have an official hearing by the end of September.”
“So you’re leaving,” Pi stated evenly.
“I can’t stay,” Jun explained. “I couldn’t possibly stay near…”
“But isn’t that a bit drastic?” Jin argued. “There’s a number of fine art schools in this country that should be far enough away from your family.”
“He would make my life a living hell, no matter where I moved within this country,” Jun stated. “The moment I leave this school he’s going to try to hunt me down. But I don’t care anymore. He can suck my dick about the stupid family business. I’m out.”
“Is this about Sakurai-kun?” Jin asked.
Jun merely rolled his eyes. “No, it’s not about Sho. I’m well over him. Jerk.”
“I heard he’s getting married next summer,” Pi announced.
Jun merely gave a bitter laugh. “Yeah, heard it too.”
“In a way it’s sad,” Jin muttered.
“It was his choice,” Jun stated flatly. “The moment our parents found out about us he left me. I couldn’t care less, really, I just feel sorry for the girl.”
“Well, not everybody has a second degree up their sleeve to back them up,” Pi mused.
“There are other things that you can do though, instead of just giving in and letting them rule over your life. My dad will never again get a chance to get a hold of me. Never.”
“You’re not only leaving him, though, but us too,” Jin impressed on him.
Jun sighed. “I understand that it’s… look, I’m sorry, okay? It’s not like I wouldn’t want to stick with you, I just… can’t.” Avoiding his friends’ gaze his eyes fell upon Ryo. He gave the younger man an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry about all of this. It must be difficult for you.”
Ryo shook his head. “No, Oi’m the one who is sorry. Oi shouldn’ be ‘ere a’ all.”
“Indeed,” Pi agreed. Upon Ryo’s shocked look he gave his new kouhai a warm smile. “It’s a very chaotic first day for you, isn’t it? We’re sorry for causing you trouble.”
Ryo blushed at that. “No, I…” he stuttered. “I’s fine. Oi jus’… Oi can’ rela’e ‘o any of this. Oi ‘o’ally don’ know wha’s going on.”
“It doesn’t really matter to you,” Jin told him. “You’re just here by accident.”
Ryo shot Jin a glare. “Why are ya being such a jerk? Ya’re being like tha’ all the ‘ime. When ya ran in’o me ya yelle’ a’ me ins’ea’ of apologizing. Ya were being ru’e ‘o yar frien’. N’ ya’re ‘rea’ing me loike Oi don’ care, loike Oi don’ ma’er a’ all. Oi covere’ far ya, ass’ole. N’ Oi brough’ yar frien’ ‘ere even though ‘e wan’e’ ‘o avoi’ ya. Jus’ wha’ are ya thinking? Talk abou’ manners and such…”
Jin actually looked a bit abashed after being scolded like that. Even so he didn’t apologize, but simply avoided Ryo’s gaze, which wasn’t exactly soothing his anger. Then, however, Jun’s laughter caught his attention. As Ryo looked at the other man he found eyes on him that were glittering with amusement.
“What do you know,” Jun grinned. “I didn’t think I’d live to see Akanishi Jin being lost for an answer to anyone, let alone towards a kouhai. You’re cool,” Jun decided.
From the corner of his eye Ryo could see Jin mumbling some probably biting remark to himself, but his focus remained on Jun.
“Thank ya, ah… senpai?” he tried to answer properly.
Jun gave him a mirthful smile. “There’s no need for formalities. You’re calling these two with their given names, feel free to do the same with me.”
“Oi jus’ idn’ know their names,” Ryo tried to explain.
“It’s fine,” Jun assured him. With a grin, he added, “Ryo-chan.”
Ryo blushed a bit at the nickname. He tried to give another glare, but ended up looking pouty.
“Foine,” he answered sulkily, “MatsuJun.”
Jun looked a bit pained, but then nodded slightly. “Fair’s fair, I guess.”
“No, that’s not fair,” Pi opposed. “When I called you that you said it’s no good.”
Jun gave him a lopsided grin. “Do you want me to call you Pi-chan?”
Pi shook his head furiously, making everybody laugh.
“Then it’s Jun for you,” Jun explained with a wink.
Ryo wondered if he could get used to guys being so… suggestive with each other, but then, maybe that was something that people in Tokyo did. He didn’t know, but he tried not to let it affect him. Feeling that a change of topic would be good, he decided to go back to the naming.
“So ya’re Akanishi,” Ryo mused. “N’ wha’ abou’ ya?” he addressed Pi. “Oi s’ill ‘on’ know yar name.”
“I’m Yamashita Tomohisa,” Pi answered swiftly.
Ryo blinked at that. “’kay… Bu’ ‘ow… Oi mean, Pi? ‘ow come?”
“Oh, that’s a story he dislikes a lot,” Jin came back into the conversation.
“Right,” Pi dragged out. “Thanks for reminding me.”
“Ya don’ ‘ave ‘o ‘ell me,” Ryo said quickly.
“No, it’s fine,” Pi sighed. “Better get it over with. So, there was this teacher, Takizawa. He liked me a lot.” Ryo noticed the slightly tight voice, but didn’t question it for the time being. “And he kept asking me to join the choir, because he was in charge of it. After a while I gave in and joined the group. It wasn’t a very good idea, though. He started to be clingy, kept inviting me to weird stuff and so on. Then, for the school festival we rehearsed a number of songs and we were supposed to be wearing special costumes. They were a hideous colour, pink and lilac. Mine was supposed to be pink and I said that I really didn’t like it. Takizawa, however, thought it was `too cute´ and he insisted I wear it. He kept going on about how I should be wearing the pink one. Naturally people from the group picked it up. They started calling me `Yamapi´, which was a real pain. Finally, since the thing wasn’t going to wear off anytime soon, Jin started using the short version Pi, which is… acceptable and fortunately people followed suit. So, now I’m Pi.”
Ryo nodded in understanding. “N’ tha’ ‘eacher?” he wanted to know.
“Changed schools just after our first year,” Pi explained.
“He had to leave to mend his broken heart,” Jin said dramatically.
“Shut it,” Pi shot at him. “It was really unnerving.”
“Oi can imagine,” Ryo agreed. “Bu’ then, s no’ easy far the other person either.”
“Now look at this,” Jun commented. “There lies a kind heart beneath that hideous language.”
Ryo pouted at the statement. “Is i‘ tha’ ba’?” he then asked.
“You sound like you just came out of a hole,” Jun stated mercilessly. “If it weren’t for your cute face, I don’t think I could sit at the same table with you.”
For a second Ryo didn’t know whether he should punch the jerk in the face, or start crying. Then he perked up, however, as Jun burst out laughing.
“Don’t make a face like that,” Jun soothed, rubbing Ryo’s shoulder. “I was joking. I mean, you do sound like something’s broken in there, but I don’t mind these things at all.”
“Other people will, though,” Ryo sighed. “’ow can Oi s’ay a’ this place?”
“Well, you can always ask your senpais for help,” Jun offered.
“They sai’ they won’,” Ryo answered.
Jun looked at his friends. “What’s that? You should help him.”
“How are we supposed to do that?” Jin asked. “We’re busy. You know, graduation and stuff?”
“Oh, bullshit,” Jun countered. “If I can take finals in business studies and arts, then you will find the time to help our young friend here out. It’s not all that hard. For example, you should practice pronouncing the “t”. Try this: “Tom the trembling butler serves tea and tart to the tremendously fair Ms. Timber and trips over the top of the stairs because it is late at night and the lights have gone out. Now, you repeat this.”
“Bu’… tha’ doesn’ make any sense a’ all,” Ryo argued.
“It’s not supposed to be meaningful,” Jun explained. “This sentence has a ridiculously large number of ts in it, so you can practice producing the sound.”
“Okay. Tsom fe ‘remblin’ bu’ler serves ‘ea n’ ard… er…”
“Oh dear,” Jin sighed. “This is going to be a nightmare.”
“No, no, no,” Jun insisted, pulling at Ryo to make him sit more upright. “T. Try putting your tongue just behind your upper front teeth. And then you push away from the teeth and let air escape. See? T.”
Ryo tried to do as he was told, but ended up spitting on the table.
“Ew,” Jin complained. “There’s no way we will do this.”
Ryo sighed, sounding defeated. “’on’t worry. Oi ‘on’ wanna ‘rouble ya.”
“Hey, there,” Jun said encouragingly. “What’s with that face? Now look what you’ve done,” he continued towards Jin, “you’ve made Ryo-chan cry.”
“Oi’m no’ croying,” Ryo opposed.
“But really,” Jin insisted, “how are we supposed to… I don’t even know where to start. It’s not just his pronounciation. His entire conversation skills are… nonexistent. Plus, his manners. He doesn’t know a thing about courtesy, or honourable speech. He’s a social disaster.”
“’ey, Oi’m si’ing righ’ ‘ere, ya know,” Ryo stated pointedly.
“Sorry,” Jin apologized, “I just don’t know how to make this work.”
“Maybe we can get some additional help,” Pi suggested.
“From who?” Jin asked.
“Well, I could ask Mori,” Pi offered. “He’s always happy to help with educational stuff. It’s only because of him that I can speak French, you know that. And his manners and conversation skills are perfect. We could hold `classes´ for Ryo-chan at my place. I’m sure my parents won’t mind.”
“You’re living in a fucking palace,” Jin retorted. “You can stay at home for a week and never see them, if you don’t want to.”
“Rest my case,” Pi stated.
“Well, it’s settled, then,” Jun decided. “You two will teach Ryo-chan everything he needs to know to be accepted in business society.”
“Fine,” Jin agreed. “At least then I don’t have to listen to that hideous dialect anymore.”
“Oh, this is going to be fun,” Pi said excitedly. “We can meet in the sitting room of the lake house. We can have cookies and hot chocolate.”
“Thinking about the food first yet again, huh?” Jin teased.
“Wai’, Oi…” Ryo looked at his new… friends? “Are ya serious?”
“Sure,” Pi told him. “We’ll train you up and by the time of the school ball you will be able to interact perfectly with all kinds of people and make connections that will benefit you.”
“Oi don’ really know wha’ ‘o say,” Ryo mumbled.
“Really, that kid is hopeless,” Jin complained, rolling his eyes. “Even the most basic things are unknown to him. You say `Thank you´.”
Ryo chuckled lightly at that. “Righ’. Thank ya,” he stated, giving his friends a grateful smile.
“Cool,” Pi cheered. “We’ll be starting next week. I’ll ask Mori when it’ll suit him. Ryo-chan, I’ll be needing your time table.”
“No’ a problem,” Ryo said happily.
Pi gave Ryo an encouraging little slap on the shoulder. “Great, this is gonna be so much fun.”
---
Septemer 24th, First language tutoring lesson, sitting room of the Yamashita residence lake house
“That’s it,” Jin raged. “I’m through.”
Pi sighed deeply. “Calm it, will you. It’s bothersome for me too.”
“Oi’m s`rry,” Ryo muttered.
“I’M sorry,” Jin and Pi barked out in unison.
“Dammit, what’s wrong with you?” Jin asked aggressively. “How can you not hear the difference? You’re saying it like you’re meaning `soil´, or something.”
“What I don’t understand is, you can produce both sounds. I mean, you can say Canada, right? You produce the `uh´ sound. And you can say something like seal too, so you can produce the “e” sound. Why can’t you simply put them together? I mean, no offence, pal, but it doesn’t make any sense.”
Ryo remained silent, hanging his head. He was honestly trying. But when he was being honest with himself, he couldn’t hear that much of a difference at all, let alone say words the way he was supposed to.
“What is going on in here?”
Mori, an elderly man that Pi had introduced as his personal house assistant, but who looked a lot like a butler with his suit and gloves, had returned with the cookies he had promised them earlier. They smelled delicious, but Ryo didn’t dare take one without saying his proper thanks - however speaking was not an option for him either, not after the outburst he had just caused.
“Oh, Mori, sorry, were we being too loud?” Pi apologized.
“You could watch the sound level a bit,” Mori told him. “But why is there such a riot in here?”
“Because that stupid kid can’t pronounce the simplest words,” Jin said, still overly annoyed.
“You’ve got to give him time to adjust,” Mori told them. “Changing linguistic patterns is not an easy thing. It’s going to take a while before you can see results.”
“But if he just keeps saying things the wrong way, how can he ever improve?” Pi asked, sounding discouraged.
“Well, if he keeps doing it wrong, I suggest you leave the words for now and focus on the sounds only. I can write cards for you with all important sounds on them and then you can practice pronouncing them. Once he can produce them by themselves it’ll be easier to form words.”
“Okay, let’s try that, then,” Jin sighed. “But for today we’re done.”
“We’ve only been practicing for about an hour,” Pi opposed.
“It’s too bothersome,” Jin decided.
“It’s okay if you take a break, Akanishi-kun,” Mori offered. “I’ll prepare the cards and then come back to help with the tutoring.”
Pi smiled at him. “Thank you so much for your help, Mori. And for the cookies.”
Mori smiled kindly. “Oh no, it’s fine Yamashita-kou. I’m delighted to help in educational fields. This is challenging as well as refreshing.”
And so their training continued for two more hours. Jin eventually came back as well, helping some more. Ryo was very glad that he had calmed down and was actually being quite supportive again. When they decided to call it a learning day he felt that he had made at least some progress. He had been able to produce the “ai” sound several times and he was determined to practice it as much as he could. As he returned home, his family was awaiting him impatiently.
---
September 24th, Coming home after language training, Nishikido family apartment
“’ey,” Ryo greeted his family from the door.
“Wher’ve ya been?” his father wanted to know as Ryo came into the living room.
Ryo tried to concentrate hard. “I told ya, I was at a friend’s today. We ‘id some school stuff.”
“Alroigh’, bu ya’r la’e,” his father complained.
“Sorry,” Ryo said. “I will call nex’’ime.”
“Foine,” his father concluded. “Go, ‘elp ya’r mum in the ki’chen.”
“’kay.”
Ryo sighed slightly. Rich or not, his dad would always remain a lazy slop. People said that money would change you, but Ryo could find no such thing among his family. His father was still his old grumpy self, his mother still a hard working good soul and… on his way to the kitchen his gaze swept over a closed door that had a huge “Keep OUT” sign on it. He sighed again, deeply this time. His younger brother was still sulking over being adopted to the family. Well, that wasn’t all there was to it, of course. He felt bad for Yuma too. But then, there was hardly anything he could do and he had his own problems to deal with. He’d talk to his brother another time.
In the kitchen Ryo could see his mother lying under the sink, apparently trying to make it work again.
“Wha’s the problem? Ryo asked.
His mother came out from under the sink, face smeared with… stuff and smiled at Ryo.
“’Ey, ‘oney,” she greeted him. “Noth’n much, jus’ a piece of junk go’ caugh’ ‘nthere.”
“I can ‘elp,” Ryo offered.
He felt quite proud of himself, being able to say the word properly repeatedly.
“Aw, ‘sokay, jus’ go ‘o yar room. Ya mus’ be ‘oired.”
Ryo just shook his head, though. “Ya’re ‘ired ‘swell. Lemme ‘elp.”
“Okay, pick up tha’ pole ‘n push it through the ‘op.”
“Right,” Ryo nodded.
It was only after a moment that he realized he had used the correct sound for the word. He wanted to jump up and down the room, but restrained himself in order not to put his mother off. They kept working in the kitchen the entire evening, but when they were done the drain worked better than when it had been installed in the house. Ryo felt like falling asleep on the way to his bed. He quickly cleaned himself and put on his night clothes before rushing into bed. H kept lying there for a while, still contemplating everything he had experienced during the day. His training was tough and exhausting, but he knew that it was important and that he was overly lucky to have met friends who were willing to offer their time and energy to help him. He wondered what his friends were doing in the evening. He doubted that they had to deal with junked up drains and found himself slightly envious. Jin hadn’t exaggerated about Pi’s house, if you wanted to call it that. It was more like a manor, consisting of several houses that had their own driving service between them on rainy days. Ryo had no idea how people got to live like that, but ultimately he found that those guys were his friends. They were nice to him, even though he must have been as alien to them as they were to him. And they were being helpful without treating him like he was inferior, which was pretty cool too. But really, what did guys like them do during a normal evening?
Title: The Life of my Love
Pairing: MatsuRyo
Rating: PG-15 for lovey times and dark themes
Disclaimer: I don’t own any characters
September 12th, First day at school, Shinjuku West End Economics High School
Ryo tugged once again at his new school uniform, trying to make it look decent. It felt wrong on him - too tight in some places, too loose in others, the pants felt too short, while the sleeves were definitely too long. He thought he must have looked like he stole the thing, trying to sneak into the place. He felt that way a bit too. Like he didn’t belong. It could be argued, of course, that it’s a natural feeling in a new environment, but it felt even more disturbing to be in a place like that all of a sudden. He’d never visited a private school before. What would he experience in such a place? Ever since his family had moved from Osaka to Tokyo he had been confronted with a number of weird things as well as weird people. With no friends around he felt even more lost. He’d texted his best friend Hiroki the night before, who had been very supportive, but even so, right there he was alone and that didn’t feel good. Just as Ryo was wondering what kind of impression he would be making on his first day he felt a searing pain in his back and went almost flying to the floor. As he looked up he saw another boy standing over him, who seemed to be in quite some pain from their collision, glaring down at him.
“What the fuck are you standing in the way for?”
Ryo merely blinked at the other in disbelief. Was he being shouted at for being run into? The other guy sighed in desperation.
“Just fantastic, now I’ll be missing modern arts. That’s the only bearable class today.”
“Ah…” Ryo stuttered, unsure what else to say.
“Oi, Jin!”
Ryo swished his head into the direction of another shouting voice.
“Asshole, why did you leave me behind at the traffic light?”
“You’re too slow,” the guy, whose name obviously was Jin, complained. “With you in tow I couldn’t have made it. You should train more, fatty.”
“Shut up, freak,” the other guy demanded and Ryo thought the word was ill-picked, because he looked much more like a freak than the other one. The moment he’d thought that he felt guilty, because who was he to judge people? But then, the picture fit. The guy was messy-haired, had his tie array and a pair of glasses on that was considerably too big for his face.
“I don’t even weigh as much as you,” freak countered.
“I’m tall, that’s different,” Jin waved him off easily.
“Well, even so, your long legs sure didn’t get you into class in time,” freak teased.
“Not my fault,” Jin defended himself, pointing at Ryo, who was still sitting on the floor. “This one here stood in the way.”
Freak looked past Jin and finally spotted Ryo sitting on the floor. He reacted immediately, coming forth and offering a hand. Perplexed, Ryo simply took it and let himself be pulled back onto his feet.
“Sorry about him,” freak told Ryo, pointing at Jin. “He’s not a morning person. Well, he’s not really any different in the afternoons, though…”
Freak grinned. And Ryo started feeling guilty for calling him that in his mind.
“Oi’m Nishiki-i-do,” he muttered helplessly. “Nishikido Ryo.”
Freak blinked at him. “Why are you introducing yourself now? Look what you did, you broke him,” he continued, talking to Jin.
“I think not,” Jin opposed. “He was already standing around uselessly when I arrived.”
Ryo had had enough of that.
“When ya arroive’? Arroive’?” he burst out. “’Ow can ya say tha’? Ya pra’ically ramme’ in’o me, knocke’ me over, even. N’ then ya yell a’ me, even though ya were the ‘uffer who ‘idn’ wa’ch where ‘e was going. An’ i’s no’ noice ‘o leave people behin’ or call them fa’. Oi ‘idn’ think people ‘ere would be loike this, but’ ya’re jus’ an ass’ole.”
Jin blinked at him, honestly surprised. Then he looked at freak.
“Pi, I think you’ve made a new friend.”
“Well, a new one can’t hurt with friends like you,” the freak named Pi decided.
“Oh, come on, now,” Jin tried to charm his friend. “I just really wanted to get to modern arts. It’s my favourite.”
“You should have gotten out of bed a bit earlier, then,” Pi analyzed.
“What can I say - I love my bed the most, after all. If you want, you’re welcome to share it with me sometime - I promise you’re gonna have a hard time getting up too.”
The wink that came with the statement made Ryo gasp, even though he wasn’t the person being addressed. That same person seemed pretty unimpressed, though.
“In your dreams,” Pi shot back.
“Well, after so rudely rejecting my kind offer, what then would you like to do now?” Jin asked.
Ryo blinked again. Weren’t those two going to class?
“Miki’s?”
“Okay,” Jin answered with a shrug.
As apparently the pair had settled a new destination they turned around and made to leave.
“Wai’,” Ryo shouted out.
“Ah, sorry, you can’t come,” Jin stated, turning only half-way around, not even stopping in his tracks.
“Well, you could buy him a drink for knocking him over,” Pi suggested.
“What?!” Jin exclaimed, apparently feeling no shame for his behavior.
“Aren’ ya going ‘o class?” Ryo asked. “Why are ya leaving now? Where are ya going?”
“Well, I wanted to go to class,” Jin pointed out. “But now it’s too late.” He eyed Ryo with a new curiosity. “You’re new, aren’t you?”
Ryo stiffened at that. He bit his lip nervously.
“Oi… well…”
“Oh, fresh blood,” Pi exclaimed. “Exciting. Come on, we can’t leave him out here.”
“Well…” Jin mused.
“Thanks, bu’ Oi rather go ‘o class,” Ryo decided. “If ya can jus’ show me where Oi’ll ‘ave ‘o go.”
“You can’t go to class now,” Pi explained.
Ryo blinked. “Wha’? Why?”
“Class started at 07:40. Once it started you can’t go in anymore. You’ll have to wait for the next one.”
Ryo panicked. “Wai’. Ya mean Oi’m la’e? Oh no, on me firs’ day? But… the sprea’ shee’ sai’ ‘o be ‘ere a’ 08:00.”
Ryo fumbled in his pocket for the paper he had received a few days prior. As soon as he got a hold of it and took it out Jin grasped it from his hand, though, examining the object.
“’ey,” Ryo revolted. “Give tha’ back.”
Jin did as he was told, handing the paper back to the other.
“You’re supposed to go to the headmaster’s office, that’s what the room number says,” Jin explained lightly.
Ryo’s eyes lit up. “So Oi’m no’ la’e?”
“Yet,” Jin told him. “It’s 07:50 now and you still have to get there.”
Ryo’s face fell again. “Bu’ Oi can’ be la’e. I’s me firs’ ‘ay. Please, can’ ya ‘elp me?”
“And get in trouble?” Jin asked pointedly. “No, thanks.”
“Aw, come on,” Pi urged. “They’re gonna report us anyway. You could make up for that first impression this poor newbie had of you.”
Jin looked first at his friend, then at Ryo, not saying anything. Then he sighed dramatically.
“Fine,” he finally gave in. “But we’ll need to run,” he told Ryo. “If you can’t keep up, it’s your fault.”
Ryo nodded quickly and next thing he knew he was running down a narrow lane beside Jin, Pi slightly behind. The guy was slow, after all. By the time they arrived at a huge building he felt both his legs and his lungs burning too, though. He heaved several times to catch his breath as Jin halted.
“Thank ya,” he panted out.
“Yeah, whatever,” Jin stated calmly.
Ryo could tell that he was trying to make his breathing sound more even than it really was and he had no idea why on earth that guy would try to impress him like that, but couldn’t help feeling slightly flattered at the fact.
“Come on, let’s go up,” Pi, who had finally arrived too, gasped out.
“Are you sure you’re gonna make it up there?” Jin teased.
Pi glared at his… Ryo was actually starting to doubt whether those two were friends. They had a weird kind of chemistry. Maybe lovers? Or Ex-lovers?
“I’m fine, thanks,” Pi stated. “Hey, Nishikido,” he called Ryo. “Don’t stand around daydreaming. Come on.”
Ryo shook his head clear and quickly followed his two guides into the building. They rushed up a huge staircase, maybe 3 stories, maybe 5, he couldn’t really tell afterwards. When they arrived at a door that showed the number on Ryo’s spreadsheet he felt his stomach flipping.
“Wha’ ‘ime is i’?” he asked, completely out of breath.
Pi checked his watch. “07:57. Phew, we made it.”
He was panting harshly, sinking towards the floor and sitting against the wall. Jin yet had to catch his breath too, but he didn’t make that much of a show of it.
Once his breathing had evened out quite some Ryo addressed Jin again.
“Thanks, really. Far ‘aking me ‘ere.”
“Hey, what about me?” Pi complained from the floor. “I made him, after all. He’s not usually nice like this, you know.”
Ryo chuckled. “Oi really thank ya ‘swell. I’s goo’ tha’ ya can make yar frien’ be a be’er person, roight?”
Pi stared at that. Then he nodded. “I guess.”
Before any of them could say anything else (and Jin sure looked like he had something more to say about the matter), the door was opened and a man was standing in the frame.
“Well, now. Akanishi-kun, Yamashita-kun. I wasn’t expecting you two. Are you here on order?”
“Not exactly,” Jin stated vaguely.
“Late for class again?” the man asked.
“Well,” Jin explained, “we would have been on time, if we hadn’t stumbled over this fella here.” He pointed at Ryo. “Pi found him lying helplessly on the ground. He helped him up and then Nishikido-kun explained to us that he was lost for the way to your office. So we decided to help and bring him here. And now we’re late for class, yes.”
Ryo didn’t know what to think. He was feeling mad, because Jin was now obviously using their earlier “encounter” to his advantage, but he couldn’t really say anything, because essentially Jin hadn’t uttered an untrue word.
The man, who was obviously the headmaster, eyed Jin skeptically for a moment, but then turned his attention towards Ryo.
“You are Nishikido Ryo?”
Ryo nodded. “Yes, Oi… i’s me firs’ ‘ay. Thank ya far having me.”
The headmaster gave him a stern look. “And these two found you lost on the grounds and took you here?”
Ryo felt a knot in his stomach. Apparently he was being questioned. But then, Jin had given a truthful report.
“Wha’ Jin says is ‘rue,” he stated. “Withou’ them Oi couldn’ ‘ave ma’e i’ ‘ere. Some idio’ ran in’o me’n’ smashe’ me ‘o the floor,” he related. “Then Pi came. And well…”
“Okay, enough,” the headmaster decided. He turned towards the two students with a sigh. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but since you’re already out of class I’ll appoint you two to show Nishikido-kun around the ground. Let him in on all the important rules too. And make sure to bring him to his first class in time. It’ll be “Introduction to the History of Music”, starting at 13:50 in the orchestra hall’s rehearsal room. Did you understand all of this?”
“Yes, sensei,” Jin replied.
“So, what are you going to do now?”
“We will be showing Nishikido-kun around the grounds. We will make sure he understands the rules. We will bring him to “Introduction to the History of Music” class, starting at 13:50 in the orchestra hall’s rehearsal room.”
“And you will not?” the headmaster then addressed Pi.
“We will not cause any trouble,” Pi answered readily. “We will not let Nishikido-kun get in trouble. We will be good role models for our kouhai.”
“Very well,” the headmaster finally nodded. “But first you two will wait, while Nishikido-kun gets his learning materials. You will not leave this hall.”
“No, sensei,” Jin replied and Pi followed suit.
“Nishikido-kun,” the headmaster invited Ryo in.
Ryo bowed his head slightly and rushed into the office. A very brief introduction followed. Ryo was asked a few questions about his family background, the reasons for his transfer had been discussed before. Yamaguchi sensei was really nice and the school seemed to be normal enough, despite the two weird figures he’d met.
“One last piece of advice, before I’ll let you explore on your own,” the headmaster concluded. “This is a place where you can make friends with good people. If you know how to behave in a good way. And not get associated with the wrong people.”
Ryo figured the headmaster was talking about the guys waiting for him outside. Why he would let those two introduce Ryo to the place when they weren’t “good people” he didn’t know, but he sure would keep those words in mind. He nodded quickly and, stuffed with books and sheets, stumbled back out into the hall.
“Oh, look who’s back,” Pi cheered. “You okay? That guy can be a bit of a pain.”
“’e was really noice, thank ya,” Ryo answered stiffly.
“Well, then, let’s go,” Jin decided, pushing himself off the wall he was leaning against. “It’s not every day you’re allowed to wander the grounds during class time. So better make the most of it.”
“Hol’ on a secon’,” Ryo called out to them. “Don’ ya wanna… ya know, make proper in’roduc’ions?”
Jin blinked at him. “What - now? Isn’t it a bit late for that?”
“Bu’ Oi don’ even know yar names,” Ryo argued.
“Yeah, you do,” Jin opposed. “I’m Jin, this is Pi. Done.”
“Bu’ Oi can’ jus’ keep calling ya tha’,” Ryo insisted. “Oi don’ even know ya guys.”
“Well, then, you’ll get to know us really well,” Jin stated with a suggestive grin. “Problem solved.”
Ryo moaned in desperation. “No, seriously, if Oi wanna fin’ ya guys, how coul’ Oi do tha’?”
“There’s no need for that, really,” Pi offered. “We’re gonna find you.”
Jin laughed at that. Ryo, however, only felt more sullen.
“Come on, now, let’s get you something to drink,” Jin decided.
Ryo sighed once more but then took off after his new comrades. Only a few minutes later they were standing in front of a weird looking Café.
“Weren’ ya suppose’ ‘o show me the school groun’s?” Ryo asked skeptically.
“Well, this is an important part of our school life,” Jin explained. “Miki’s Café. Everybody with good taste eats here.”
As they walked inside Ryo had the next shock of the day. The Café’s walls were all painted black, with red and white vines, skulls, kittens and dots spread over them. There were like a thousand mirrors in the main room as well.
“Wha’…?!” Ryo breathed.
“Welcome to Miki’s,” a cheery voice called out.
A woman, in her mid-thirties Ryo guessed, dressed in perfect gothic Lolita style appeared, beaming at them.
“Oh,” she then exclaimed, “JinJin! And Pi-chan.”
“Hi,” Pi offered cheerfully.
“And a new guest,” the woman discovered. “Who is this young man?”
“Ah, this is our new schoolmate,” Jin introduced Ryo. “Nishikido Ryo.”
“Oh, Ryo-chan,” the woman cheered.
Ryo almost fell over. “No, Oi… wha’?!”
“That’s wonderful,” the woman decided. “Come and sit right here,” she offered as she seated them. “And as soon as you have your order ready, just call for Miki.”
With that “Miki” hopped off cheerfully. Ryo looked after her, feeling a bit weirded out.
“Wow, she’s… something,” he stated.
“Miki’s cool,” Pi told him. “No matter when we come here, she always hosts us, even though we never eat or drink a lot and she never tells on us when we’re here instead of in class.”
“Ya guys skip classes a lo’?” Ryo asked, once more thinking that those two weren’t exactly good company to keep.
“Only the annoying ones,” Jin told him.
“Unless you sleep in,” Pi added teasingly.
“Yeah, whatever,” Jin waved him off. “Let’s order something. Miki’s got to earn at least something during our visit.”
“The place is really pre’y emp’y,” Ryo analyzed. “Is this normal?”
“Probably, at this time of the day,” Jin shrugged. “Usually there’s a small crowd, though. Mainly students.”
“Oi see,” Ryo nodded. “An’ is the foo’ goo’?”
“It’s excellent,” Pi cheered. “Miki used to teach domestic management at a girl’s school. Her baking contests are still legend. There’s even a Kiriyama award they’re still giving out every year.”
Ryo blinked. “Kiriyama?”
Pi nodded. “Kiriyama Minako. That’s her name. Miki’s just a nickname formed with the first syllables of her first and last name.”
“Oi un’ers’an’,” Ryo muttered. “So, why’ she qui’ ‘eaching?”
The two guys exchanged a weird look.
“Well,” Pi finally began warily, “the word is that she had a thing going with a student.”
“That was never testified, though,” Jin added.
“But why would she quit?” Pi argued.
“Who knows? It doesn’t matter. Let’s just order some breakfast.”
“I want French toast,” Pi announced. “Miki makes them with chocolate and vanilla cream. Delicious.”
Ryo took a small look at the menu. It had a pretty wide variety of small snacks and sweet treats. The strawberry cocktail looked very nice. The photo showed it decorated with fresh fruit pieces of pineapples, melons and strawberries.
“French toast, really?” Jin asked. “You should watch it with that sugar a bit.”
Pi merely stuck out his tongue at the other.
“Aw,” Jin crooned. “Don’t do it, if you don’t mean it.”
Ryo flinched at that. That weird talk again.
“I’ve told you before and I’m telling you again,” Pi countered, “I’ll do it, if you don’t chicken out.”
Jin laughed at that. “I can think of more pleasing things I’d want in my mouth. Miki,” he then called out, “can you take our order?”
“Of course,” Miki chirped as she came hopping to their table. “So, what are you guys gonna have?”
“I’ll take the beef salad, please,” Jin ordered.
“French toast,” Pi added cheerfully.
“Okay,” Miki nodded, “and for Ryo-chan?”
Ryo started to wiggle around in his seat. “Ah, Oi don’ know… S’rawberry cock’ail?”
“Sure,” Miki confirmed. “Do you want it with French toast?”
“Wait, the French toast was my order,” Pi complained.
“More than one person can order French toast,” Jin told him.
“But that’s no fun. He should get something else,” Pi argued.
“Oi don’ really…” Ryo muttered, but was interrupted.
“Pancakes, then?” Miki suggested.
She looked expectantly at Ryo and just to avoid any further discussion he simply nodded.
“Perfect,” Miki concluded, “your order will come right up.”
Ryo sighed in relief once that was done. He was starting to wonder how he was going to survive being in that school.
“So,” Jin spoke up again, making Ryo jump. “Care to tell us what brought you all the way from Osaka to Tokyo in the middle of a school year?”
Ryo blinked at him. “Who tol’ ya tha’ Oi move’ ‘ere from Osaka?”
Pi laughed at that. “Oh, come on. You have like the worst dialect ever. It’s pretty obvious.”
Ryo felt quite self-conscious hearing that. “Well…We’re really from Nara. Me father wan’e’ ‘o move ‘ere. ‘e sai’ tha’ i’ woul’ be goo’ if Oi visi’e’ this school.”
Jin and Pi both stared at him.
“Eh?” Pi exclaimed. “You moved here for the school?!”
Ryo started to panic again. Had he said something suspicious?
“Ah… yeah?”
“Okay, that’s weird,” Jin decided.
“Oh, yes?” Ryo asked, feeling very insecure.
“Of course, normally your parents would be changing jobs, or companies, or something and have to move. But to do this kind of thing for a school attendance…”
Ryo cursed inwardly. Of course, he had no idea why people like them would change schools. What was he supposed to say?
“Schools here have a better reputation, though,” Pi threw in. “It might be about prestige. Does your dad work at an important company?”
Ryo nodded warily. “He ‘oes.”
“Cool,” Jin came back into the conversation. “Which one?”
“Sof’ bank,” Ryo related truthfully.
Both guys stilled, eyes growing wide.
“Oh my… seriously”? Jin asked.
“Wow, that’s impressive,” Pi agreed. “So he transferred to Tokyo?”
Ryo nodded again. He knew full well that the two of them were concluding things that weren’t true at all, but there was no way he could tell the full truth. He didn’t know those guys at all. Before any further investigation could take place, though, Miki came back with their orders. Ryo was very happy about the interruption and he was feeling rather hungry too, so he started to dig in immediately. Only after a while he realized that the other two were inspecting him curiously. He stopped.
“Wha’?” he asked around a mouthful of pancake.
“Well, you…” Pi started, but broke off.
“We’re just a bit… surprised,” Jin offered vaguely.
“Huh?”
“Because of your table manners,” Jin clarified. “No thanks. No honors. And you’re cutting your pancakes with a knife, instead of ripping them with a spoon.”
Ryo’s face paled. “Oi… er…”
The other two did not press the point any further, though.
“Thank you,” Jin stated politely as Miki set a plate in front of him. Then he added “Itadakimasu,” with a slight nod of his head and his hands folded for a moment before he started eating.
Ryo felt downright mortified. Even though neither Jin, nor Pi spoke another word about this, as Pi lived through the same ritual, Ryo broke while the other two were eating.
“Oi jus’ can’ ‘o this,” he sighed desperately.
The other two blinked at him in surprise.
“What?” Pi wanted to know. “Are you okay?”
“No,” Ryo stated. “N’ Oi’m no’ gonna be. This is ri’iculous. Oi can’… be loike you.”
“Wha- because of that eating thing?” Pi asked. “Nah, don’t think too much of it. We’re just… well, used to doing these things, you know. It’s not a big deal.”
“That’s not entirely true,” Jin cut in. “If he does this during an official event there’s gonna be trouble.”
Pi remained silent, biting his lip, while Ryo just shook his head.
“Oi knew all o’ this was a ba’ idea.”
“Okay, newbie, time to spill the beans,” Jin urged. “Who are you and what are you doing here?”
Pi blinked at his friend in surprise. Ryo sighed deeply.
“’kay, wha’ever,” he finally decided. “H’re’s the s’ory. Me father’s a regular sales merchan’. ‘e use’ ‘o be working a’ a local sof’ bank s’ore. We’re wha’ ya call a low class working family. Then something happene’, though. Me father inves’e’ in a frien’s company. They ‘id really well ‘n’ so me father earne’ money with this inves’men’. ‘owever, ‘e ma’e a severe mis’ake. ‘e wan’e’ ‘o inves’ 10.000yen, bu’ ‘e ‘idn’ check the de’ails of the con’rac’, so ins’ea’ of this ‘e gave ‘is go far an inves’men’ of 10,000$, which woul’ usually be way ‘oo much far our family ‘o cover, bu’ the value of the company rose and rose and soon we ha’ no’ only our expenses back, bu’… well, we’re basically rich now. Like, really. N’ then father sai’ tha’ i’ woul’ be better ‘o come here, because ‘e wants me ‘n’ me brother ’o go ‘o business schools. So…”
“It’s my brother and me,” Jin corrected Ryo. Then he gave the other a stern look. “So… basically your dad made a fortune with the biggest mistake of his life, is that it?”
“Oi guess,” Ryo nodded. “Oi ‘idn’ wanna ‘ell anyone, because…”
“They’re gonna eat you alive,” Jin concluded.
“Are ya?” Ryo asked timidly.
“Well,” Jin sighed, “this is very… unusual. And this kind of background does not give you an excuse for rudeness at an eating table.”
“These things really don’ ma’er a lo’ far us,” Ryo shrugged.
“That’s going to be a problem for you,” Jin analyzed. “Your language too. The words that you use and how you pronounce them… You won’t be able to keep your background a secret.”
Ryo sighed again. “This is so no’ goo’.”
“But your dad wants you to learn something here,” Pi argued, “He came all the way here so you and your brother can have a good education and become people who can deal with businesses. That’s the idea, right? He wants you and your brother to be able to afford a good life.”
“Yes, of course,” Ryo agreed. “Jus’… Hol’ on, ya sai’ i’s me brother and me, right?” he asked.
“It’s MY brother. And that order is only correct for you,” Jin explained. “When you talk about yourself and other people, you place everybody else before you. That’s courtesy. When Pi is talking about you and your brother, he will place you first, because he’s talking to you. He would also place you first if he were talking to me right now, though, because you are present and your brother is not. That’s courtesy too.”
Ryo frowned. “Tha’s… wai’, wha’ if we were both ‘ere?”
Jin sighed. “Then the older one comes first. You don’t know a thing about this stuff, do you?”
“No’… really,” Ryo admitted.
Pi pressed his lips together lightly, eyeing Ryo from the corner of his eyes.
“There is no way you’ll get a call for an elite university with the way you behave and talk,” Jin stated simply.
Ryo felt his heart sink. He had known that the whole business school thing wouldn’t be easy, but that statement was kind of devastating.
“An’… if ya help me?” he asked timidly. “Ya guys know all this s’uff, don’ you?”
“Help you?” Jin burst out. “Sorry, kid, but there’s no way we can afford the time to do such a thing. You’d need a complete make-over in many things and we’ve got our graduations ahead of us too. So, we cannot put our effort into something like this.”
Ryo sighed. “I un’ers’an’.”
“Well, but you can still graduate,” Pi threw in. “That can still help you with entry tests,” he offered.
Ryo nodded, but the smile on his face had faded. He felt lost and unfit, even more so than before. Even so he ate up and somehow the pan cakes did something to give him more energy. And so he explored the grounds afterwards with Jin and Pi. They showed him to the nurse’s room, the library, the common areas, the black board, and the school cafeteria. They had a small sandwich there, before Jin and Pi finally dropped Ryo off at his first class, Introduction to the History of Music.
“Well, there you go,” Jin offered.
Ryo looked around nervously. “Oi don’ know…”
“Don’t worry,” Pi encouraged him. “It will be fine. Just go in and have fun, okay? And we’ll meet you for lunch.”
Jin blinked. “We will?”
“Of course,” Pi nodded. “We’ve got to take care of him now. After all, we escaped yet another report, because you so clumsily ran into him this morning and he didn’t tell on us.”
“Well…” Suddenly Jin’s eyes transformed into slits. “What the fuck?!” he burst out.
The entire class room looked their way, including a guy in the second row who seemed to try to disappear under his table the moment he spotted the new arrivals in the door. When Pi looked over, his expression was surprised as well. Ryo guessed that they knew this guy, but had no idea what the issue was. Just why was his first day at the new school being such a mess?
“Jun,” Pi called out.
The guy sighed exasperatedly and moved to meet them at the door - apparently in order to prevent an ugly scene.
“What on earth are you guys doing here?” the guy named Jun asked.
Ryo sighed. Was he going to learn any names he could use safely?
“No, what on earth are you doing here?” Jin wanted to know. “You said you couldn’t take “Financial balancing” with me, because you’re being home tutored. Now you’re in an introductory course?”
Jun sighed. “Look, I… can we talk about this later? Class starts in a moment.”
Jin looked quite pissed, but he retreated.
“Fine,” he agreed. Then he looked at Ryo. “Bring him for lunch,” he ordered. “Don’t let him escape.”
Ryo blinked, but before he could say anything, let alone protest Jin and Pi were off to their own classes. He bit his lip, trying to avoid Jun’s gaze, but he felt a pair of curious eyes on his person.
“And who are you?” Jun asked.
Ryo looked at him apologetically. “Oi’m Nishikido Ryo. Oi’m having me firs’ ‘ay ‘ere.”
Jun gave him an awkward look. Ryo supposed it was because of his apparently striking dialect but Jun was composed again within a second.
“And how did you get involved with those two in just a few hours?” he wanted to know.
“Well… Jin ran in’o me and knocke’ me over while ‘e was running far mo’ern ar’s class. Then ‘e yelle’ a’ me, because ‘e was pisse’. Bu’ then Pi came an’ ‘e was really noice ‘o me. They ‘ook me ‘o the hea’mas’er’s office, then.”
“So, Jin used you as an excuse for running late,” Jun concluded.
“Basically,” Ryo agreed, not protesting when the other said `Jin´ and not `they´, seeing how Pi had really only been nice. “An’… ‘ow ‘o ya know them,?”
Jun looked at him for a moment, as if he considered whether Ryo was even worth an answer to that question. He did answer it ultimately, though.
“Some people might say we’re friends,” Jun shrugged. “We’ve been going through this school together for a while.”
“Bu’ then, why…”
Ryo could not finish his question, though, as their teacher came into the room and got started with his lesson.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen, and welcome to Introduction to the History of Music. I am Joshima, your teacher for this class. You’re in an introductory course, which means it’s going to be theoretical and boring with a hint of instructions on producing papers. So, there’s a lot to look forward to. Nagase-kun, don’t give me that look, I’d rather be somewhere else as well.”
Ryo blinked. What kind of school was that anyway? Not only the students, but also the teachers were overly weird. The class itself wasn’t half as bad, though, which gave Ryo hope that he could actually learn in his new school. He could even answer two questions that were thrown into the room and nobody said anything about his accent, which was quite a relief. Once class was finished Ryo wanted to get Jun, so they could go to lunch.
“Okay, Nishikido-kun, listen,” Jun greeted him. “I’d rather skip this lunch if you don’t mind.”
“Oi don’,” Ryo answered. “Bu’ Oi’m having a feeling tha’ Jin wouldn’ loike me showing up alone. An’ since Oi only jus’ me’ ‘im I rather ‘ave ‘im loike me.”
Jun gave him a knowing smile. “Yeah, he’s got a way of doing that.”
Ryo blinked. “Huh?”
“Somehow he’ll make you want to appeal to him,” Jun explained.
Ryo felt slightly offended by that. “Oi’m no’ ‘rying ‘o appeal,” he opposed. “’e ‘elpe’ me this morning.”
“To gain a personal advantage,” Jun reminded him.
“Well, even so,” Ryo argued, “’e ‘n’ Pi were noice ‘o me af’er tha’ ‘swell. They showe’ me aroun’ an’ they explaine’ things ‘o me. An’ then they brough’ me ‘ere ‘n’ Pi was really encouraging. Jus’ wha’ is I’ with ya guys tha’ none of ya in’ro’uce themselves properly when mee’ing someone?” he then added out of the blue.
It was Jun’s turn to blink. Then he laughed.
“Well, those two are… special. But I guess I wasn’t being very polite either, was I? I’m Matsumoto Jun. Nice to meet you.”
Ryo smiled at him. Finally a proper name.
“Nice mee’ing ya ‘oo, Ma’sumo’o,” Ryo answered.
Jun gave him a weird look. “What now - first you ask for proper introductions and then you don’t bow and use the correct honorifics?”
Ryo blushed furiously. “Ah…”
“I guess it’s true what they say,” Jun grinned. “The freaks somehow miraculously always find each other.”
“Oi’m no’ a freak,” Ryo told him.
“I don’t mean it in a bad way,” Jun explained. “Think of it as a short term for outstanding people.”
He gave a small wink to Ryo, which made his heart skip a beat, but also remember something.
“’ey, er… can Oi ask ya something?”
“I suppose so,” Jun answered sarcastically.
“’kay,” Ryo continued, unaware of the teasing, “Jin and Pi… are they…”
“What?”
“A couple?”
Jun stared at him for a moment, as if repeating the question over in his head to make sure he’d heard correctly. Then he burst out laughing hard. Ryo blushed again, feeling embarrassed.
“Sorry,” he muttered, “Oi…”
“No,” Jun heaved out between gasps. “I can see where that’s coming from, though. Really. Just… those two…”
Another fit of laughter followed. Ryo waited for Jun to calm down a bit. Then he wanted to excuse himself and go to lunch by himself after all.
“Okay,” Jun sighed as he finally recollected himself, “I don’t really know how to explain this… Well, they’re not a couple. They’re…”
“They are being weir’,” Ryo stated.
Jun stiffened at that, but then he shrugged.
“If they’re being intrusive towards you, just kick them. Among each other they’re just teasing.”
“Oi’ll ‘ave ‘o go boy yar wor’, of course, bu’ somehow Oi feel tha’ there’s something behin’ tha’,” Ryo stated.
“Yeah well…” Jun sighed. “I’ve told them to fuck it out, but as is the case with many things, those two are just talk.”
Ryo gave him a shocked look.
“Ya’re being weir’ ‘swell,” he told Jun.
“Okay,” Jun dragged out, “before you keep using the word weird to refer to gay insinuations, maybe I should tell you that I’m not weird, but too homosexual.”
Ryo stared at the other, mouth dropping. “Wha- ‘ow can ya say tha’ ‘o someone you don’ even know?”
“The more people know the more it’ll be pissing off my dad,” Jun stated, which was an answer that gave Ryo only more questions, but before he could ask any of them Jun remembered that they were supposed to be going somewhere. “Which reminds me, we should be off meeting Pi and Jin.”
Ryo perked up at the last few words. “Ah, ‘oes tha’ mean tha’ Pi is older than Jin?”
Jun blinked at that. “Sorry, what?”
“Well, because ya men’ione’ Pi firs’,” Ryo explained. “They ‘ol’ me tha’s ‘ow i’s ‘one.”
Jun just shook his head. “Talk about being weird… Come on, let’s go.”
Ryo decided to let the issue go for the time being. There was more than enough time to memories courtesy things, but they were indeed already late or that lunch. They set out and a few minutes later they met Pi and Jin in front of the cafeteria.
“Aw,” Jun crooned, “you didn’t have to wait.”
“It’s sea food today,” Pi complained.
Jun rolled his eyes. “You should grow up and start eating these things,” he told the other.
“I don’t want sea food,” Pi insisted.
“Okay, fine,” Jun sighed. “Let’s hit Miki’s, then,” he decided.
“Wha’ - again?” Ryo asked.
“Why not?” Pi asked. “Her cooking is really good. And I want Omuraisu.”
“Alright,” Jin agreed as well, “let’s go, then.”
And so Ryo found himself sitting at a table at Miki’s for the second time that day, together with “JinJin”, “Pi-chan” and “Matsu-Jun”, of which Ryo thought that it was pretty clever, but had a feeling that Jun didn’t like it much, even though Jun sure had grinned at the cheerful “Ryo-chan” Miki had greeted him with. He ordered Curry rice, since Pi had called Omuraisu before and apparently it was not allowed to ever order the same dish he had chosen. They got their food quickly too, but nobody really started to eat.
“So,” Jin addressed Jun, “tell us about Introduction to the History of Music.”
“What do you want me to tell you?” Jun shrugged. “It’s an introductory course.”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Jin pressed. “Why are you taking that class?”
Jun sighed deeply. “Just why did you have to come barging in like that?”
“What are you not telling us?” Pi wanted to know. “What are you hiding?”
“Okay,” Jun finally nodded. “I’ll tell you now. I guess you’ll hate me, but I suppose it was inevitable anyway, so might as well now. Truth is, I’ve been taking arts classes every single year. I chose them as elective subjects and I didn’t take them in the correct order, which was tricky, but this way I could keep it from… well, basically everybody.” He looked at his friends. “I’m going to take my finals in arts.”
His friends stared at Jun.
“What, you… are you telling me you finished an entire second education in arts during the last four years?” Jin asked in disbelief.
“I did,” Jun confirmed. “And I’m going to be brilliant in my finals and then I’ll apply for scholarship at the Juilliard school in New York. I’ve already contacted some people there. I’m going to have an official hearing by the end of September.”
“So you’re leaving,” Pi stated evenly.
“I can’t stay,” Jun explained. “I couldn’t possibly stay near…”
“But isn’t that a bit drastic?” Jin argued. “There’s a number of fine art schools in this country that should be far enough away from your family.”
“He would make my life a living hell, no matter where I moved within this country,” Jun stated. “The moment I leave this school he’s going to try to hunt me down. But I don’t care anymore. He can suck my dick about the stupid family business. I’m out.”
“Is this about Sakurai-kun?” Jin asked.
Jun merely rolled his eyes. “No, it’s not about Sho. I’m well over him. Jerk.”
“I heard he’s getting married next summer,” Pi announced.
Jun merely gave a bitter laugh. “Yeah, heard it too.”
“In a way it’s sad,” Jin muttered.
“It was his choice,” Jun stated flatly. “The moment our parents found out about us he left me. I couldn’t care less, really, I just feel sorry for the girl.”
“Well, not everybody has a second degree up their sleeve to back them up,” Pi mused.
“There are other things that you can do though, instead of just giving in and letting them rule over your life. My dad will never again get a chance to get a hold of me. Never.”
“You’re not only leaving him, though, but us too,” Jin impressed on him.
Jun sighed. “I understand that it’s… look, I’m sorry, okay? It’s not like I wouldn’t want to stick with you, I just… can’t.” Avoiding his friends’ gaze his eyes fell upon Ryo. He gave the younger man an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry about all of this. It must be difficult for you.”
Ryo shook his head. “No, Oi’m the one who is sorry. Oi shouldn’ be ‘ere a’ all.”
“Indeed,” Pi agreed. Upon Ryo’s shocked look he gave his new kouhai a warm smile. “It’s a very chaotic first day for you, isn’t it? We’re sorry for causing you trouble.”
Ryo blushed at that. “No, I…” he stuttered. “I’s fine. Oi jus’… Oi can’ rela’e ‘o any of this. Oi ‘o’ally don’ know wha’s going on.”
“It doesn’t really matter to you,” Jin told him. “You’re just here by accident.”
Ryo shot Jin a glare. “Why are ya being such a jerk? Ya’re being like tha’ all the ‘ime. When ya ran in’o me ya yelle’ a’ me ins’ea’ of apologizing. Ya were being ru’e ‘o yar frien’. N’ ya’re ‘rea’ing me loike Oi don’ care, loike Oi don’ ma’er a’ all. Oi covere’ far ya, ass’ole. N’ Oi brough’ yar frien’ ‘ere even though ‘e wan’e’ ‘o avoi’ ya. Jus’ wha’ are ya thinking? Talk abou’ manners and such…”
Jin actually looked a bit abashed after being scolded like that. Even so he didn’t apologize, but simply avoided Ryo’s gaze, which wasn’t exactly soothing his anger. Then, however, Jun’s laughter caught his attention. As Ryo looked at the other man he found eyes on him that were glittering with amusement.
“What do you know,” Jun grinned. “I didn’t think I’d live to see Akanishi Jin being lost for an answer to anyone, let alone towards a kouhai. You’re cool,” Jun decided.
From the corner of his eye Ryo could see Jin mumbling some probably biting remark to himself, but his focus remained on Jun.
“Thank ya, ah… senpai?” he tried to answer properly.
Jun gave him a mirthful smile. “There’s no need for formalities. You’re calling these two with their given names, feel free to do the same with me.”
“Oi jus’ idn’ know their names,” Ryo tried to explain.
“It’s fine,” Jun assured him. With a grin, he added, “Ryo-chan.”
Ryo blushed a bit at the nickname. He tried to give another glare, but ended up looking pouty.
“Foine,” he answered sulkily, “MatsuJun.”
Jun looked a bit pained, but then nodded slightly. “Fair’s fair, I guess.”
“No, that’s not fair,” Pi opposed. “When I called you that you said it’s no good.”
Jun gave him a lopsided grin. “Do you want me to call you Pi-chan?”
Pi shook his head furiously, making everybody laugh.
“Then it’s Jun for you,” Jun explained with a wink.
Ryo wondered if he could get used to guys being so… suggestive with each other, but then, maybe that was something that people in Tokyo did. He didn’t know, but he tried not to let it affect him. Feeling that a change of topic would be good, he decided to go back to the naming.
“So ya’re Akanishi,” Ryo mused. “N’ wha’ abou’ ya?” he addressed Pi. “Oi s’ill ‘on’ know yar name.”
“I’m Yamashita Tomohisa,” Pi answered swiftly.
Ryo blinked at that. “’kay… Bu’ ‘ow… Oi mean, Pi? ‘ow come?”
“Oh, that’s a story he dislikes a lot,” Jin came back into the conversation.
“Right,” Pi dragged out. “Thanks for reminding me.”
“Ya don’ ‘ave ‘o ‘ell me,” Ryo said quickly.
“No, it’s fine,” Pi sighed. “Better get it over with. So, there was this teacher, Takizawa. He liked me a lot.” Ryo noticed the slightly tight voice, but didn’t question it for the time being. “And he kept asking me to join the choir, because he was in charge of it. After a while I gave in and joined the group. It wasn’t a very good idea, though. He started to be clingy, kept inviting me to weird stuff and so on. Then, for the school festival we rehearsed a number of songs and we were supposed to be wearing special costumes. They were a hideous colour, pink and lilac. Mine was supposed to be pink and I said that I really didn’t like it. Takizawa, however, thought it was `too cute´ and he insisted I wear it. He kept going on about how I should be wearing the pink one. Naturally people from the group picked it up. They started calling me `Yamapi´, which was a real pain. Finally, since the thing wasn’t going to wear off anytime soon, Jin started using the short version Pi, which is… acceptable and fortunately people followed suit. So, now I’m Pi.”
Ryo nodded in understanding. “N’ tha’ ‘eacher?” he wanted to know.
“Changed schools just after our first year,” Pi explained.
“He had to leave to mend his broken heart,” Jin said dramatically.
“Shut it,” Pi shot at him. “It was really unnerving.”
“Oi can imagine,” Ryo agreed. “Bu’ then, s no’ easy far the other person either.”
“Now look at this,” Jun commented. “There lies a kind heart beneath that hideous language.”
Ryo pouted at the statement. “Is i‘ tha’ ba’?” he then asked.
“You sound like you just came out of a hole,” Jun stated mercilessly. “If it weren’t for your cute face, I don’t think I could sit at the same table with you.”
For a second Ryo didn’t know whether he should punch the jerk in the face, or start crying. Then he perked up, however, as Jun burst out laughing.
“Don’t make a face like that,” Jun soothed, rubbing Ryo’s shoulder. “I was joking. I mean, you do sound like something’s broken in there, but I don’t mind these things at all.”
“Other people will, though,” Ryo sighed. “’ow can Oi s’ay a’ this place?”
“Well, you can always ask your senpais for help,” Jun offered.
“They sai’ they won’,” Ryo answered.
Jun looked at his friends. “What’s that? You should help him.”
“How are we supposed to do that?” Jin asked. “We’re busy. You know, graduation and stuff?”
“Oh, bullshit,” Jun countered. “If I can take finals in business studies and arts, then you will find the time to help our young friend here out. It’s not all that hard. For example, you should practice pronouncing the “t”. Try this: “Tom the trembling butler serves tea and tart to the tremendously fair Ms. Timber and trips over the top of the stairs because it is late at night and the lights have gone out. Now, you repeat this.”
“Bu’… tha’ doesn’ make any sense a’ all,” Ryo argued.
“It’s not supposed to be meaningful,” Jun explained. “This sentence has a ridiculously large number of ts in it, so you can practice producing the sound.”
“Okay. Tsom fe ‘remblin’ bu’ler serves ‘ea n’ ard… er…”
“Oh dear,” Jin sighed. “This is going to be a nightmare.”
“No, no, no,” Jun insisted, pulling at Ryo to make him sit more upright. “T. Try putting your tongue just behind your upper front teeth. And then you push away from the teeth and let air escape. See? T.”
Ryo tried to do as he was told, but ended up spitting on the table.
“Ew,” Jin complained. “There’s no way we will do this.”
Ryo sighed, sounding defeated. “’on’t worry. Oi ‘on’ wanna ‘rouble ya.”
“Hey, there,” Jun said encouragingly. “What’s with that face? Now look what you’ve done,” he continued towards Jin, “you’ve made Ryo-chan cry.”
“Oi’m no’ croying,” Ryo opposed.
“But really,” Jin insisted, “how are we supposed to… I don’t even know where to start. It’s not just his pronounciation. His entire conversation skills are… nonexistent. Plus, his manners. He doesn’t know a thing about courtesy, or honourable speech. He’s a social disaster.”
“’ey, Oi’m si’ing righ’ ‘ere, ya know,” Ryo stated pointedly.
“Sorry,” Jin apologized, “I just don’t know how to make this work.”
“Maybe we can get some additional help,” Pi suggested.
“From who?” Jin asked.
“Well, I could ask Mori,” Pi offered. “He’s always happy to help with educational stuff. It’s only because of him that I can speak French, you know that. And his manners and conversation skills are perfect. We could hold `classes´ for Ryo-chan at my place. I’m sure my parents won’t mind.”
“You’re living in a fucking palace,” Jin retorted. “You can stay at home for a week and never see them, if you don’t want to.”
“Rest my case,” Pi stated.
“Well, it’s settled, then,” Jun decided. “You two will teach Ryo-chan everything he needs to know to be accepted in business society.”
“Fine,” Jin agreed. “At least then I don’t have to listen to that hideous dialect anymore.”
“Oh, this is going to be fun,” Pi said excitedly. “We can meet in the sitting room of the lake house. We can have cookies and hot chocolate.”
“Thinking about the food first yet again, huh?” Jin teased.
“Wai’, Oi…” Ryo looked at his new… friends? “Are ya serious?”
“Sure,” Pi told him. “We’ll train you up and by the time of the school ball you will be able to interact perfectly with all kinds of people and make connections that will benefit you.”
“Oi don’ really know wha’ ‘o say,” Ryo mumbled.
“Really, that kid is hopeless,” Jin complained, rolling his eyes. “Even the most basic things are unknown to him. You say `Thank you´.”
Ryo chuckled lightly at that. “Righ’. Thank ya,” he stated, giving his friends a grateful smile.
“Cool,” Pi cheered. “We’ll be starting next week. I’ll ask Mori when it’ll suit him. Ryo-chan, I’ll be needing your time table.”
“No’ a problem,” Ryo said happily.
Pi gave Ryo an encouraging little slap on the shoulder. “Great, this is gonna be so much fun.”
---
Septemer 24th, First language tutoring lesson, sitting room of the Yamashita residence lake house
“That’s it,” Jin raged. “I’m through.”
Pi sighed deeply. “Calm it, will you. It’s bothersome for me too.”
“Oi’m s`rry,” Ryo muttered.
“I’M sorry,” Jin and Pi barked out in unison.
“Dammit, what’s wrong with you?” Jin asked aggressively. “How can you not hear the difference? You’re saying it like you’re meaning `soil´, or something.”
“What I don’t understand is, you can produce both sounds. I mean, you can say Canada, right? You produce the `uh´ sound. And you can say something like seal too, so you can produce the “e” sound. Why can’t you simply put them together? I mean, no offence, pal, but it doesn’t make any sense.”
Ryo remained silent, hanging his head. He was honestly trying. But when he was being honest with himself, he couldn’t hear that much of a difference at all, let alone say words the way he was supposed to.
“What is going on in here?”
Mori, an elderly man that Pi had introduced as his personal house assistant, but who looked a lot like a butler with his suit and gloves, had returned with the cookies he had promised them earlier. They smelled delicious, but Ryo didn’t dare take one without saying his proper thanks - however speaking was not an option for him either, not after the outburst he had just caused.
“Oh, Mori, sorry, were we being too loud?” Pi apologized.
“You could watch the sound level a bit,” Mori told him. “But why is there such a riot in here?”
“Because that stupid kid can’t pronounce the simplest words,” Jin said, still overly annoyed.
“You’ve got to give him time to adjust,” Mori told them. “Changing linguistic patterns is not an easy thing. It’s going to take a while before you can see results.”
“But if he just keeps saying things the wrong way, how can he ever improve?” Pi asked, sounding discouraged.
“Well, if he keeps doing it wrong, I suggest you leave the words for now and focus on the sounds only. I can write cards for you with all important sounds on them and then you can practice pronouncing them. Once he can produce them by themselves it’ll be easier to form words.”
“Okay, let’s try that, then,” Jin sighed. “But for today we’re done.”
“We’ve only been practicing for about an hour,” Pi opposed.
“It’s too bothersome,” Jin decided.
“It’s okay if you take a break, Akanishi-kun,” Mori offered. “I’ll prepare the cards and then come back to help with the tutoring.”
Pi smiled at him. “Thank you so much for your help, Mori. And for the cookies.”
Mori smiled kindly. “Oh no, it’s fine Yamashita-kou. I’m delighted to help in educational fields. This is challenging as well as refreshing.”
And so their training continued for two more hours. Jin eventually came back as well, helping some more. Ryo was very glad that he had calmed down and was actually being quite supportive again. When they decided to call it a learning day he felt that he had made at least some progress. He had been able to produce the “ai” sound several times and he was determined to practice it as much as he could. As he returned home, his family was awaiting him impatiently.
---
September 24th, Coming home after language training, Nishikido family apartment
“’ey,” Ryo greeted his family from the door.
“Wher’ve ya been?” his father wanted to know as Ryo came into the living room.
Ryo tried to concentrate hard. “I told ya, I was at a friend’s today. We ‘id some school stuff.”
“Alroigh’, bu ya’r la’e,” his father complained.
“Sorry,” Ryo said. “I will call nex’’ime.”
“Foine,” his father concluded. “Go, ‘elp ya’r mum in the ki’chen.”
“’kay.”
Ryo sighed slightly. Rich or not, his dad would always remain a lazy slop. People said that money would change you, but Ryo could find no such thing among his family. His father was still his old grumpy self, his mother still a hard working good soul and… on his way to the kitchen his gaze swept over a closed door that had a huge “Keep OUT” sign on it. He sighed again, deeply this time. His younger brother was still sulking over being adopted to the family. Well, that wasn’t all there was to it, of course. He felt bad for Yuma too. But then, there was hardly anything he could do and he had his own problems to deal with. He’d talk to his brother another time.
In the kitchen Ryo could see his mother lying under the sink, apparently trying to make it work again.
“Wha’s the problem? Ryo asked.
His mother came out from under the sink, face smeared with… stuff and smiled at Ryo.
“’Ey, ‘oney,” she greeted him. “Noth’n much, jus’ a piece of junk go’ caugh’ ‘nthere.”
“I can ‘elp,” Ryo offered.
He felt quite proud of himself, being able to say the word properly repeatedly.
“Aw, ‘sokay, jus’ go ‘o yar room. Ya mus’ be ‘oired.”
Ryo just shook his head, though. “Ya’re ‘ired ‘swell. Lemme ‘elp.”
“Okay, pick up tha’ pole ‘n push it through the ‘op.”
“Right,” Ryo nodded.
It was only after a moment that he realized he had used the correct sound for the word. He wanted to jump up and down the room, but restrained himself in order not to put his mother off. They kept working in the kitchen the entire evening, but when they were done the drain worked better than when it had been installed in the house. Ryo felt like falling asleep on the way to his bed. He quickly cleaned himself and put on his night clothes before rushing into bed. H kept lying there for a while, still contemplating everything he had experienced during the day. His training was tough and exhausting, but he knew that it was important and that he was overly lucky to have met friends who were willing to offer their time and energy to help him. He wondered what his friends were doing in the evening. He doubted that they had to deal with junked up drains and found himself slightly envious. Jin hadn’t exaggerated about Pi’s house, if you wanted to call it that. It was more like a manor, consisting of several houses that had their own driving service between them on rainy days. Ryo had no idea how people got to live like that, but ultimately he found that those guys were his friends. They were nice to him, even though he must have been as alien to them as they were to him. And they were being helpful without treating him like he was inferior, which was pretty cool too. But really, what did guys like them do during a normal evening?