Ready or Not.
Title: Ready or Not.
Pairing/Group: Uchi
Authors note: This is around the same period as Grey Days.
Summary: Uchi wants to leave the house.
The birds chirped softly as Hiroki turned slowly, careful to not wake up the sleeping dog next to him. It was only 6:45 in the morning. He had promised himself that he was going to leave the house today. No more moping about, no more staying at home. Today, he was going to do something. What? He still wasn't sure. But he'll figure it out one step at a time. It was scary to think that one month of being home, he has yet stepped foot out of the front door. There hasn't been any journalist or paparazzi around for a week or so but that wasn't really what was stopping him. He was scared to face the world again.
The next time he glanced at the clock, it was already 10 and Leon was nowhere beside him. He must've dozed off without realizing it. Frowning, Hiroki sat up from his bed and glanced around. His door was open so he figured that Leon must of went downstairs. Ever since he was a kid, he never found the need to lock his door. Over the years, that didn't change. He actually found it reassuring that even though he had holed himself up in the house, he didn't turn his back on his family. It's not that he turned his back on his friends either, he couldn't face them just yet. Since he had come back home, he had turned off his phone. Leaving his voicemail on to whoever that wanted to say something. He himself didn't know what he should say but apologize.
A few of them dropped by the house but he asked his mother to turn him away. Since Yoko lived next door, he was much more persistent. But after the third rejection, he knew that he should back off and give Hiroki time. Like a coward, Uchi hid in his room and cried. Since they've been friends, he never turned the others away from his house. He just wasn't ready to face anyone yet.
Once he tidied up and changed, he made his way downstairs, eating the onigiri his mom left him. His fingers drummed along the table as he thought of things he should do. The next time he glanced at the clock, it was already 12. Not wanting to waste another day, he called Leon and put the leash on his dog. He'll figure out where to go after walking around.
Sitting on the floor in front of the door, Uchi slipped on his shoes. His hands were shaking slightly as his heart thumped against his chest. He was all ready to go but for some reason, he couldn't will himself to take the next step. To just open the door and leave. Strange thoughts kept seeping through his head. What if someone recognized him? What if people thought he didn't regret his mistake since he was just walking around outside? What if… All different type of scenarios popped into his head. More and more, he thought it was a bad idea to leave his house. He wasn't ready.
A small whine broke his train of thought. In front of him, Leon was scratching at the door. "5 Minutes should be fine. Just enough to get Leon around the block.. and we'll be back.." he convinced himself. Nodding his head, Hiroki took a deep breath before finally pulling the door open. For a second, he felt his heart stop. And nothing. Outside was no one and none of the played out scenarios happened. He couldn't help but laugh at himself. "I can do this." He is ready.
Holding onto the leash, Hiroki made sure to lock the door before walking down the path. Even though it's only been month, it felt like he hasn't been outside in so long. It felt good. One step at a time. He could do this.