Summer 1
An ordinary boring day. Same routine. It was becoming almost suffocating for Aragaki Shinjiro. Seemed just like yesterday that he and Akihiro were in high school, the highest point of their lives looking back now. Being an adult was not what it was cut out to be. With dead end jobs that worked them to death they still barely had enough to scrape by. If not for Mitsuru, they would be out the streets. So when she came to them with a request, Shinjiro did all he could to hold himself from smacking his best friend across the back of the head when Akihiko so eagerly agreed. They did owe her a lot after all. Still… watching her baby cousin while she was busy with work; does she think they just sit on their asses all day?
"Great." Her legs crossed in a relaxed pose, Mitsuru wasn't hesitant at all when she asked. Acting like a damned queen in their apartment. "I promise it won't be an everyday thing. Just, well, you know how it is with my job."
"It's no trouble." If Akihiko is so willing, he might as well play babysitter by himself. "But I do have to ask," the silver-haired man went on to ask a question both men have been wondering. "I don't believe I've formally met her before, but isn't she not much younger than us? Why do you want us looking after her?"
It's a rare sight to see the head of Kirijo Group in a solemn state, but it wasn't one the two people closest to her weren't accustomed to seeing. Eyes cast downward, she explained, "She just graduated high school. The same one we attended. However, the similarities you two share with her don't end there. Kotone was also orphaned at a young age."
"And what? You think that just because we share some kinda bullshit tragic past we'd be buddy buddy?" So much for holding back his tongue.
"I'm not asking you to be by her side 24/7," she went on. "Look, she's young and doesn't know the city that well. Just show her around and keep her company. She doesn't know anyone here aside from myself. And it's not like you've never met her before though."
How could Shinjiro forget? At the cusp of their teenage years, they were entrusted as 5 year old Kotone's babysitters. Most of what he remembers was how big of a cry baby she was even for one of her age. It's feeling more and more like dejavu. Surely the girl's grown out of that stage, but that doesn't mean Shinjiro wants anything to do with a girl he'd only known for a short bit of time when he was 13. She was just there to be watched. Back then neither he or Akihiro had much going on so there was no reason to refuse her tagging along when they hung out with Mitsuru. But that was then. They aren't kids. He has more important things to deal with than making. a girl feel welcome in a new town.
"Aki, you can do what you like. Just don't expect me to do the same." He reached into his pocket pulling out a half full carton of cigarettes, not caring for what Mitsuru thought of his habit, he lit one right in front of her. Looking down at what few sticks he had left he would have to buy more sometime soon.
Looking at his best friend, Akihiro felt helpless. It's been this way for awhile, Shinjiro's lack of interest in doing anything or meeting anyone new. His reliance on nicotine and… other substances has only gotten worse. A part of him was hoping that because it was already someone he was aqatainced with and of family relation to Mitsuru would at least make him tolerate being around someone other than those sitting currently in the living room.
Not being able to stomach the stench of ash much longer, the young woman stood up. "Thank you, Aki. I really appreciate it. I know it's rather late notice but her flight will be in tomorrow. I would like you to come with me to pick her up at the airport if it's not too much trouble for you."
"No, not at all. Actually it's pretty good timing. I have two days off. I can come pick you up at your place tomorrow. Or would you rather you drive your car?"
"Yours is fine. How do you suppose you would get back home afterward?" There was an undertone of a joke behind the usually stoic facade she wore.
Sheepishly, Akihiko let out an awkward chuckle. "Yeah. I guess you're right." He showed her to the door, waving to her as they agreed on a time. After closing the door, he looked back to his fool of friend lounging on the couch. Smoke was already filling the apartment's air. "I really wish you wouldn't smoke in the house."
"Just be glad it's only cigarettes this time." Shinjiro took another puff.
"And you know how Mitsuru feels about the smell. It's why she never comes over." Among other reasons. Shinjiro just stared blankly at him. There was no use trying to get through that thick and stubborn skull.
Compared to the tiny, run down apartment complex, Mitsuru lived pretty luxuriously. Compared to anyone really. Akihiko had to get past a gate guard before pulling up to the front of a large, white mansion that she calls a home. Imposing windows surrounded all sides, like eyes judging the scenery that surrounded the abode. It could make one feel insignificant, but Mitsuru never holds her privileges above those fortunate. If it were up to her she might even choose to live a more humble life, but this is the house she grew up in with its share of happy and painful memories. No one can just throw that away.
It must be lonely living here practically by herself aside from a few servants. At one point she offered to have Shinjiro and himself move in. They of course refused. Two men living with an unmarried woman? They couldn't risk the scandal that might befall their close friend should the tabloids catch wind of it, even if it did mean a comfier bed. Not to mention, she and Shinjiro despite trying to act cordially, there's definitely bad blood between the two of them. She must be glad that her cousin will be living with her for the foreseeable future.
He hadn't as much exited his car, before Akihiko caught sight of those crimson curls from in front of the large door. She smiled at him with her painted lips. "Glad to see you on time." Being the gentleman, Akihiko opened the passenger side door.
The drive was pleasant enough. The airport isn't too far away but that didn't stop the occasional awkward silence. Mitsuru tried to get Kotone to make use of one of Kijiro's many private aircrafts but was turned down claiming that Mitsuru was already doing so much by allowing her to stay with her until the newly grad found her place in the world.
"It's a scary thing, going from living in a dorm to being thrown out on your own." Akihiko spoke from experience.
"How's Shinji? Our conversation didn't sit very well with him."
"Heh. You know how he is. Doesn't like change. Might be a little jealous our attention will be more sparse than usual."
Mitsuru couldn't help but laugh a little. "Don't let him catch you saying that." It was nice to talk about Shinjiro in a light hearted manner. From his peripheral vision, Akihiko caught Mitsuru's face fall. Luckily, they were pulling up to their destination. More serious and dreaded topics can wait for another day.
He remembers that brief winter that the three of them spent with Kotone. It's been a long time. He wasn't sure he would recognize her. "How long has it been for you, Mitsuru? Since you last saw her?"
"It's only been a year, but far too long if you ask me." She let out a sigh. "She insisted I hovered too much, so she didn't want me visiting for the holidays. She's changed a lot since being the little girl you once knew." With the finishing of her sentence her face lit up. Standing just outside the large building, despite the many other people that attempted to swallow her in the crowd, was Mitsuru's beloved cousin and friend. "Ah, there she is now."
It took a moment for Akihiko to see who it was she was referring to. It was only when the girl came running to his companion did he finally realize.
"Mitsu-chan~!" Only someone who knew the real head of such a big corporation would be so bold as to hug her without restraint in public. Kotone's voice rang out, not caring how loud she was. It wasn't that out of the ordinary for people to get emotional when reunited at airports, but they still were getting looks. Still, neither of them cared as they embraced, as though it's been eternity even if they had just talked on the phone before Kotone's flight. "Oh, who's this?" It took a little time before she noticed the young man standing next to Mitsuru.
The memories of that one winter are hazy, but Akihiko is a little surprised how little the girl before him has changed. Large eyes and cheeks that haven't completely lost their baby fat, it's hard to believe she was 18. Her attire, a knee length plain, yellow dress paired with red Mary Janes didn't do much to help.
"This is Akihiko. You heard me mention him before. You also probably don't remember him, but you two got along pretty well." Kotone gazed up at him with large ruby orbs.
"Sanada-san, it's good to meet you again." The smile, now aimed towards him, did not let up in the slightest, as if they have known each other for years.
Her brightness must be contagious, he couldn't resist not smirking. "Same goes to you, Shiomi-san."
"I'm sorry," she rubbed her eyes. "Can we go, um, home now? I'm kinda sick of this scenery."
"Oh you're right. You must be tired from your flight." Mitsuru relinquished her embrace.
"I'll get your bags for you." As he said this, he was surprised by just how little she had. Only three bags. She was moving here permanently as far he's been told. Then again if the dorms were the same from when he lived there, space for personal items was rather limited and codes were pretty strict on what was allowed on the premises in the first place.
Before his hands barely were able to touch a handle, Kotone gripped it first. "No, no. Don't trouble yourself. I got it " she took a breath of air as she struggled to lift all three at once, "all under control."
If not for Mitsuru holding her up, she would have lost her balance. "Always trying to do everything yourself. You never change, do you?" She was half joking, half serious. "Look. There's three bags and three of us. It's not rocket science."
"But, but-"
"You're only gonna cause us trouble if we have to constantly keep you from falling over." With logic like that, Kotone gave up any attempts to argue.
The ride back to Mitsuru's was so much more lively than it was on the way to the airport. Kotone talked about how hard it was to leave her friends behind, but the promises she made to them about meeting again kept her strong.
"Once you get settled why don't you invite them here? Any friends of yours are welcome to stay with us."
"Really?" There was a sense of excitement in her voice. To get excited over such a little thing. It was rather endearing Akihiko had to admit. He heard her shuffle in her seat in the back. "It already feels like you're going out of your way for me already."
"Nonsense. We're family." Family. It wasn't the first time this thought crossed his mind, but since Kotone is related to Mitsuru shouldn't she be more well off? Why is she dependent on staying with Mitsuru after graduating? It wasn't any of Akihiko' business so he doesn't bother to bring it up.
"However, I'm going to be busier than I'd like, I'm sorry to say. But Akihiko here works nights, so during the day, as long as he's not sleeping, will be happy to keep you company." Kotone's eyes met him via the rearview mirror. He gave a curt not and attempted a polite smile, but could see her lips start to pout.
"Geez, Mitsu-chan. Stop treating me like a kid."
They arrived at the iron gates that surrounded where Kotone would be calling home for the time being, the guard not hesitating on opening up upon seeing Mitsuru. Once out of the vehicle, Akihiko made note of how Kotone seemed even tinier standing in front of the estate doors, trying not to be consumed by the sheer size of it. Her face told a different story, one of familiarity and at the same time, there was an aura of sadness about her. She turned around, smiling brightly in Mitsuru's direction, if Akihiko wasn't so observant one would think she was ecstatic about being here. "I'm home!"
Mitsuru's demeanor wasn't that much different aside her smile was less forced. "Welcome home, Kotone." Akihiko was overcome with feelings of awkwardness. He knew he was witnessing an important event in both of their lives, one of which he had no right to be a part of.
Before he could think of a way to excuse himself, like she could read his thoughts, Kotone spoke directly to him. "Since Mitsu-chan is so determined for us to become friends, why don't you stay awhile? Don't you agree, Mitsu-chan?"
Mitsuru nodded in agreement. "Well if both of you are okay with it, I wouldn't mind staying out a little longer. Beats being trapped at home all day with Shinji."
"You mean Aragaki-San? Where is he?" They continued to talk whilst bringing in the bags.
"Being difficult as always. If he was here he would only sour the mood, so I'm a little grateful he's not." Kotone appeared to have lost interest and was not paying very much attention to what her cousin was saying as she was preoccupied with tug-of-war of sorts with one of the servants over who was bringing her belongings to her new room. "I wouldn't try going against them if I were you. I'm not home very often so they get pretty, well, let's just call it antsy."
"Eh?" Taking a moment to listen to Mitsuru, Kotone looked to the maid in front of her. An icy chill ran down her back as was faced with a most intense glare full of what could only be described as malicious intent. Immediately, she let go allowing her opponent to walk away with a victorious smile.
"Don't let them work you up," said Akihiko with a breathy laugh. "Whenever I come to visit they always insist on ID despite knowing who I am and address me as Sama. It can a little embarrassing but I admire how seriously they take their jobs. And about Shinji, don't worry about it. I'm sure he'll come around eventually."
Akihiko stayed well into the evening. They talked about how his boxing trophies were still on display in the school entrance and how he hung the gloves up to hold a decent job as a bartender. He learned that she was the student council just like Mitsuru was but not as president as she had been. Before he was aware of it, the sun had set. He had to return home. Kotone waved him goodbye as he drove out of the driveway.
He was not the least bit surprised at coming home to an empty house. Aside from a few empty whiskey bottles there was not a sign of Shinjiro. It was like this most nights, his stubborn roommate only returning home to sleep and even then there is a high chance of him spending the night somewhere else entirely. He wonders why he even bothers. Living with Shinjiro with the notion that it helps keep the bills paid was farce. The true reason is he didn't want to be called to the morgue to identify his best friend's body.
No sooner than he reached for his pocket to grab his phone, the door knob turned. "You're actually home early. I'm surprised."
"Tch." Shinjiro grabs a beer, and tosses one in Akihiko's direction before taking a seat next to him.
"How many have you had tonight?"
"Not enough." Shinjiro had work in the morning, they both knew this but Akihiko was not Shinjiro's guardian. He could make his own decision, whether he agreed with them or not. All he had to do was make sure the broken man sitting on the couch next him did not go over the edge. Akihiko takes a sip. In some ways, he was no better.
"You should have come. You might have enjoyed yourself."
This consistent nagging from Akihiko was really starting to get on Shinjiro's nerves. Akihiko is like a brother to him, but he really didn't have the need for someone to be up his ass all the time. Asking how much he's drinking, questioning where's he been. It's getting old fast. Maybe he should suck up and be grateful that someone cared about a piece of shit like him…
But Shinjiro can never forgive himself. Not only did he screw up his own life, but also the one person that cared for him, Akihiko. Now the man is forcing Shinjiro to watch both of their lives go down south by living together. So why would he waste what little energy he has left going out of his way to meet some chick he barely knew from years ago? Akihiko has a lot of nerve.
"I ain't got the time for your shit right now," finishing his empty bottle, he makes his way back to the door. He knows what his silver hair friend was trying to pull. Shinjiro and Mitsuru haven't been on the best of terms for awhile. They might act cordial but there was always bitterness in the air. When will Akihiko learn things won't go back to how things were, no matter how the three of them wish for it. Life isn't that simple. He exits the apartment, leaving Akihiko alone with a hollow sigh.