Hello, everyone! It has been a while since I last updated this story but here is the next chapter! I decided to make a multi-chap' instead of three-shots so enjoy!~
Way of life: Chapter Two
Fake smile
It was almost noon. All the apartment complex was worked up for lunch. Different kind of delicious smells filled the streets and the houses. It would probably make one want to break in and steal away whatever emanated such appealing fragrance. The atmosphere appeared to be quite peaceful. The neighborhood was nonchalantly carrying up its usual daily life routine.
Peaceful.
Hana was just coming back from groceries, heavily carrying some shopping bags. At this kind of moments, she would be thinking about how it was easier for her when she was young. From time to time, she would be remembering the long gone days of her youth. Despite the weight of the bags she was carrying, Hana enjoyed her walk, greeting some people while at it. Arriving at the building's entrance, she spotted a green-haired man coming from the opposite direction. The man in question had mid-long hair held in a low ponytail while the top of his head was just a messy forest. His face was sharp, mostly because of the aura he gave off. Bangs covered his forehead and rested at each side of his face. The man was tall, lazily dressed up in a shirt roughly complemented with a loose tie, a pair of jeans and worn out baskets. As if sensing Hana's gaze, he lifted his head, revealing two piercing blue eyes underlined by one scar each.
Then, he smiled.
Hana went from surprised to cheerful in a split second upon seeing the blue-eyed man. He was one of the residents of the building but traveled quite a lot due to his work as a reporter for an animal discovery magazine. He moved in five years ago when he got married to one of his coworkers.
With a sweet smile on her face, Hana greeted him "Kyouya-kun! It's been a while! Welcome back!". "I'm back auntie. I see you're doing fine, that's good." replied Kyouya with a smirk.
Tategami Kyouya. A well-known reporter. His job led him to travel pretty often and pretty much anywhere. Also, thanks to his job, he met the woman he fell in love with and married. She was already working at the agency when he transferred there. As a hot-blooded woman, she was quick to get into arguments with him, getting mad whenever he was being rude or had a peak of superiority. But gradually, they fell in love, started dating and got married. Kyouya enjoyed his current life and he owed it all to three persons. Hana, his wife and his longtime best friend, a honest and kindhearted redhead going by the name of Gingka Hagane.
Kyouya grew in the shadow of a shaken household. His father was a lustful cheater as much as his mother was. Soon after he was born, she divorced his father and went away with one of her many lovers. Kyouya's father preferred the comfortable feeling of prostitutes sharing his bed and alcohol filling his cups rather than a bond with his son. Growing up in this rotten household, he fell into delinquency. Things remained this way until he reached his third year in middle school. Until he met Hana. Until a certain red-headed boy got transferred in his school and in his class. That's when Kyouya felt warmth for the first time. That's thanks to them that he choose the right path. There was none of that therapeutic and psychologist bullshit. It was just warmth.
The scent of sterilizer filled the neat, white room he was in. It was a clinic. Nothing out of the ordinary. But it's been awhile since he worked in one. It has probably been one year and a few months now. Way too long for a doctor. The sunlight was reflected by the tiles, making the room glow white. Somehow, it had a warm and refreshing feeling to it. Of course, hospitals and clinics were the places where the ill and the sick were to be found. Frequently, the smell of death ran the corridors, as if waiting for the souls of the doomed, those who had no longer to live, a disease they couldn't be saved from. Hospitals and clinics were gloomy and sad. But their walls remained white. Other than the sanitary reasons behind this color, it was somehow similar to hope. Hospitals and clinics were the places where miracles could be performed by those who choose the path of a where the ill could still be able to face tomorrow with the help of devoted nurses. Places where some people opened their eyes to a white ceiling instead of the afterlife, and while it could be places bearing witness to one's final moments, they were also places that bore witness to one's first breaths.
That's what he liked the most. Tsubasa was waiting in that room for two hours. Arms crossed and one leg on top of the other, he waited. In two hours he already had memorized every detail of the room. Sure, it was a white, neat room made for consultation. He was sitting in a corner, facing a messy desk.'Huh. He should tidy up this, God knows what kind of mistakes you can make from being a messy doctor.' thought Tsubasa.
"Aah! Sorry for keeping you waiting Tsubasa!"
Upon hearing the voice, Tsubasa stood up and replied "You are really slow you know. Paperwork isn't your thing." stated the golden-eyed man.
Gesturing Tsubasa back to his sit, a kind looking man with fluffy blue nuanced hair and slightly drooping blue eyes in a doctor's' gown replied jokingly "Right in the mark! I'm not fit for paperwork stuff. It makes my head ache!" with a more serious but still friendly voice he continued "So, everything is prepared anyway. Starting tomorrow you'll be working as a surgeon in our clinic. I was entrusted in showing you around and making you remember all the important stuff. Also, your office will be taken care of this afternoon since….well….it seems that one of us wasn't really one of us."
"Hyoma, quit it with the merry go round." curtly said Tsubasa.
"What I mean is that guy was arrested because of fake precriptions and weird medications he sold to his patients." answered Hyoma.
The silver-haired man only muttered an "I see" as a response. This event didn't hit him or anything. It was to be expected that ill-hearted people would want to abuse of their power when they had the chance to, although he felt quite angry at the fact that people suffered from that. "Shall we go?" said the blue-eyed man with a smile. Tsubasa only smirked and nodded as a reply.
As Hyoma guided Tsubasa around, he couldn't help but inquire more about his friend's latest days. It has been a long time since the last time they saw each other and he couldn't be happier now that he would be working alongside him. ''So, how have you been? The last time I saw you was on the day Fuu was born. Is he doing well?'' asked Hyoma. Tsubasa gave his friend a half-hearted smile 'I…' but quickly trailed off. Hyoma startled by his friend's sudden silence grew worried. He has never seen Tsubasa looking so unsure and insecure in his whole life. He looked almost…
Miserable.
A tea cup was set in front of him as well as some sweets. Starting up the conversation, Kyouya asked "I heard there was someone new." Hana looked up after making herself comfortable. "Indeed. A single father and his son. A really good-looking man! If only I was a bit younger" sighed the older woman. Kyouya awkwardly laughed off Hana's last part of the sentence. She resumed "He came in 5 months ago. Now that he has settled down and found a kindergarten for his son, he went to the clinic he was transferred in." "A doctor, I see" muttered Kyouya. "Quite useful" he added.
"A surgeon to be precise" pointed out Hana. "Nice"
"Oh, have you heard anything about Gingka-kun?" asked Hana. Kyouya nonchalantly sipped his tea "I have. He is fine. Travels a lot." Hana smiled. " What about Benkei and Masamune?" asked the green-haired man. Hana replied still smiling "Masamune-kun visits from time to time and Benkei-kun left two months ago. He opened a restaurant and bought an apartment nearby! He is doing pretty fine! Okiya and I often go there with Yuu-kun and Dan-kun. Sometimes we have Madoka-chan with us and little Ameko-chan.". "Speaking of them" began Kyouya "Are they doing alright?". At Kyouya's question, Hana couldn't help but show off a sorrowful face. "Well, same as usual." answered Hana. Kyouya's expression darkened at her response. He knew Madoka very well. He thought of her as a close friend. The blue-eyed man was one of the residents that would try to make her life a little less painful. Still...he couldn't understand why she refused their support and the thought of getting help.
Hana felt the air weighing on her shoulders. Kyouya remained quiet for a while until the heavy silence was suddenly shattered by a soft knock on the door.
Loud crowds, singing birds and great made himself comfortable in his seat at a café's terrace for lunch. Facing him was Tsubasa who agreed to have lunch with him. Hyoma felt that if he wanted to pry more on his friend's life, he would better do it outside a hospital. If Tsubasa showed insecurity and anxiousness earlier, there was no trace of it left now. It vanished as quickly as it appeared. Hyoma was a regular and ordered what he thought was best for both of them. Now settled, he gave his attention to Tsubasa, a twinge of concern in his eyes.
''So...you are unusually quiet.'' started Hyoma. Tsubasa eyed him lazily. ''How is Sayori by the way? Did she get used to living here?'' pressed the fluffy head. Upon hearing the woman's name, Tsubasa flinched, obviously enough to be noticed by Hyoma. The surgeon sighed, it would be no use keeping this stuff from his friend and it's not as if it was some kind of painful secret either. ''I came here alone. We divorced three years ago. I got custody of Fuu.'' briefly explained Tsubasa. Hyoma was taken aback. He didn't know anything about a divorce or anything. ''But...why?'' was the only thing he managed to mutter. Tsubasa laughed slightly. A laugh of self-pity. 'I guess she was not the one I thought she was.' he snorted.
Hyoma calmed himself a bit. ''That explains a lot man…'' he whispered. Tsubasa was now looking sideways, uninterested. He hated speaking of Sayori or even thinking about her. Actually, he was the one filing the divorce forms first. He quickly understood that he had previously been blinded by her sweet fake personality. When she gave birth to Fuu, everything crumbled. It wasn't until after they divorced that he discovered many other things about her, most of them not really in her favor. Sayori exiting his life was not painful. Surprised at himself, he felt relieved. He finally breathed and was glad he took his young son away from her.
''I only have one worry.'' coughed Tsubasa ''Fuu's well-being.'' he finished.
Hyoma's expression softened.''Well, you moved here and probably looked for the best kindergarten. But, what he'll need the most would be you. Things will be a bit more difficult now that you will be working here. Night shifts, sudden surgeries, and urgencies…''
Tsubasa took in every word. He knew that already but he would make sure to be here for his son nevertheless. Hyoma felt like changing the subject would be good. A waiter politely brought them their orders as Hyoma thought that. ''By the way, how do you find life here? The neighborhood is pretty calm and friendly, right?''. Tsubasa nodded in agreement ''Yes, quite a good environment. I thought it would have been good for Fuu.'' Hyoma smiled ''Where are you staying by the way? I know lots of people around here.'' ''The building two blocks away. The landlady is very caring.'' answered Tsubasa. Hyoma's eyes widened in surprise ''Oh you are staying there?'', then, he broke into a warm smile ''I love that place. I've lived there for a year when I first came here. A friend introduced me. You'll like it there. Everyone is very nice.'' Tsubasa returned Hyoma's smile with one of his own. ''Yeah I know.'' Then, his gaze turned dark all of sudden. ''Say, do you know about the woman living one floor above the landlady's apartment?'' asked the golden-eyed man. Hyoma sighed and took a bite of his lunch before answering. ''Yeah. Madoka-san. I've seen a lot when I visited. She is a sweet woman. I still wonder how she was able to raise Dan-kun this well. Ameko-chan seems alright as well.''
''Children are never alright when they live in an abusive home, Hyoma.'' shot back Tsubasa. The other doctor was surprised by his sudden sharp comeback but continued anyway. ''She got married pretty early you see. It was not really her choice either. Auntie Hana told me it was because her parents had debts and took this opportunity to…''
''Sold away their daughter.'' finished Tsubasa. Hyoma sighed ''Well, she was not sold but we can see it that way. That man is actually the son a high-grade police officer. That's why seems to be always covered up every time we manage to drag him to the police station. At least, the only thing good about this dude's drinking habits is the fact that it keeps him away most of the time. He is almost never at home. That man has always been a stranger to his kids actually. Ameko-chan hardly sees him since every time he is home, Madoka-san sends her somewhere else.'' recounted Hyoma. Tsubasa listened intently, sometimes taking a bite when Hyoma would pause. He couldn't help but think that this Madoka was a very pitiful woman. She looked like a flower who never had a chance to bloom. An empty shell with a beautiful empty smile. She looked so fragile and yet tried to act strong for the children she had too soon. This actually was pretty insane and Tsubasa has yet to comprehend why she couldn't simply leave him. How could she keep up with someone forcing himself on her, verbally and physically abusing her, every time he was present. She was a young woman deprived of her path toward a normal and good future, with her youth taken away from her.
''What about her son? He seems to be more exposed to this violence that his sister.'' asked Tsubasa. Hyoma agreed ''Yeah, at first, it was even more difficult. She was inexperienced in motherhood and had the child too early. She didn't know how to cope with it but tried to take care of him as best as she could. Thanks to Auntie Hana and other female neighbors, they tried to find ways to keep the child away when his dad was around. Y'know, in a way, they are lucky. One of their neighbors is a psychologist. She suggested taking care of the children often enough to reduce any mental damage. Proof of it, Dan-kun turned out to be quite the good child. Well, not perfectly fine but good. He has a lot of trouble trusting people and depend on others. Life is relatively peaceful as long as that man is away.'' explained Hyoma.
Thanks to Hyoma's storytelling, Tsubasa could finally understand a bit more about the current situation. He was also aware that he should be even more careful for his child. That drunkard may not be home often but when he does, he was violent and loud and that wouldn't do for Fuu. Tsubasa felt selfish but he wanted nothing more than a peaceful life for him and his son.
The sun started to set when Tsubasa was on his way to get his son. On his way, he noticed a familiar figure walking toward the kindergarten. Dressed in a plain tunic and a simple pair of jeans, that woman still managed to look strangely, sadly beautiful. When he first met her, some months ago, he took care of Ameko. The little girl spend the night alongside his son and they became friends pretty quickly. The kindergarten his son went to was actually suggested by Madoka. After that violent encounter, they often met each other at the building's door, at Hana's house or in the convenience store nearby. They exchanged a few words at first then had some idle chat. However, despite that, he knew nothing about her and her past until today thanks to Hyoma's infos. Tsubasa thought about calling out to her but hesitated. Eventually, he raised his voice. ''Madoka-san, good evening.'' greeted the older man. Upon hearing his voice, Madoka turned around and as she saw the man, she smiled. ''Oh, good evening to you as well Otori-sensei.'' 'Aah..' thought Tsubasa 'Such an empty smile and yet...it seems different than usual.'
Madoka politely bowed to her neighbor before she started walking next to him toward their mutual destination. They walked in silence until the young mother tried to stir up conversation ''How was your day? I heard you visited your new workplace today. It's a very nice clinic.'' Tsubasa nodded ''Yes. I had some luck. A friend worked there, it made things easier.'' he replied. ''That's great indeed. Everything should be fine, then.'' hummed Madoka. Tsubasa still felt uneasy every time she smiled, laughed. All of it was fake, empty and it was frustrating. Even when she wept it was quiet and nerve-wracking but at the same time, he couldn't help but think of her as brave and admirable for putting up for so long. Even so, he feared that if he tried to reach out to her, she would collapse, shatter in billion pieces. Why, oh why, couldn't she leave that man, call out for help and wholeheartedly accept the support she received. What good could come of it for her and her children? He hated it. He hated the fact that she remained silent when taking action could probably save her life and open a brighter path for her children.
He blamed her and yet, he admired her all the same.
The journey to the kindergarten continued and ended in silence.
''Mommy!'' cried a little girl jumping out of the swings. Upon seeing her mom, she gestured to the little boy next to her ''Look, your daddy is here too!''. The young boy excitedly got up as well, waving happily to his father. The two parents greeted the teacher in charge and embraced their children.
Ameko happily walked alongside her mother, hand in hand, her pigtails softly bouncing up and down at each step. The little girl would tell her mother about her day, the many star stickers she received from her teacher and how she had fun with her friends. Fuu would occasionally join her and look equally excited about telling his father about his day. To their parents' delight, the two kids already became best friends.
Later that day, Tsubasa met Kyouya and his wife, a woman called Hikaru. He spoke to Hana about Hyoma then excused himself to his house. Around eight, Tsubasa received a gentle knock on his door. The doctor tiredly got up from his couch and walked to the door. He swiftly opened the door, revealing a brunette woman. ''Madoka-san. Something wrong?'' asked Tsubasa sounding a little bit worried. The woman slightly widened her eyes then broke into a smile. ''Oh my. Not at all. Quite the contrary actually. Hana-san asked me to get you. They are celebrating something at Kyouya-kun's place.'' reassured Madoka. ''Which is?'' asked Tsubasa. ''It seems that he will soon become a father.'' chuckled the brunette. Tsubasa relaxed a bit and felt somewhat happy for this man he just met a few hours ago. This kind of news must be quite precious to these people. ''I'll be there shortly'' he finally answered. Madoka politely bowed her head and headed back to where she came from. Tsubasa didn't close the door right away. He couldn't help but stare at the woman's back until she was out of sight. She was still smiling, laughing. He wondered, what would she look like if she truly smiled, out of happiness.
Done! What do you think about it? Also, I meant to say that I'm in no way knowledgeable about abusive households, teen pregnancy, children's psychology in this kind of environment. My story couldn't possibly describe such complex and painful stuff. I, myself never experienced this, thank God and I feel very sad for everyone who went through or is going through this, whatever their reasons are. My story may come as pretty unrealistic, superficial and hollow but I can't possibly give even more than this as of now. I know it sounds cliché but I'm genuinely worried about anyone going through this stuff and I encourage to try to seek out for help.