Arataka has already taken his senpai's car out of the car park when his Christmas sweater and ivy-green joggers cease to be a good idea outside the confines of his apartment.

It's just two elementary kids. They'll hop into their dad's car, get driven back to Uenohara, and be greeted happily by their mom before being led to a table brimming with hot, homemade meals. And he? He'll be cold and hungry in the car but free from society's judging eyes. At least if society continues to stand outside the car. The kids he's picking up will see what he's wearing… Probably. Nah, no way. They don't care. They're kids. They'll be busy playing with their Nintendo toys.

How old are they anyway? They're at least in the upper grades, he recalls. Kageyama-san doesn't talk about his home life, but everyone baring Arataka lives in the same city. Shortly after joining the company, they were proud to let him know that the student-athlete on national TV two years ago is the illustrious eldest son of Kageyama-san. A golden child, eyed by the Judo world. The second son is quite impressive too.

Arataka supposes his sons being known in the office is why Kageyama-san doesn't bring them up. He must be a proud father, so it left an impression when he found the desk of a father of two very talented sons to be as barren as his own. Naturally, Arataka's first instinct is to suspect trouble. No family, no matter how seemingly perfect, is without one. But what Arataka finds more telling is the quiet acceptance from his co-workers, who barely reacted when he casually remarked on the vacant arrangement.

"Perhaps he's a very private person," was all that had been said.

Kageyama-san had worked for the company for more than fifteen years, and his children seem to have enough publicity that his colleagues talk about them like a piece of trivia from Game Night. Rather than guarding his privacy, Kageyama-san appears to be intentionally creating distance from his peers. Arataka suspects that may be why he's offered much of his time to fill in for the man. If his long-time colleagues didn't care to look out for a senior staff like him, who would realize something was wrong before it was too late?

Having a good relationship with his senpai works out in his favour, so he's not being altruistic here. Being worried for another person is normal. Anyway, he's confident he wouldn't have to get involved more. In the first place, Kageyama-san wouldn't be looking for help from a previously self-employed, 27-year-old man he'd only known for two years. There's no way he would turn to this stranger to drive his car to Tokyo, so he can pick up his two kids and bring them home safely… Yeah. This seriously isn't supposed to happen.

Am I being taken advantage of? Also, I just remembered that these kids are supposed to be academically inclined. What are they going to do on the way back? Read a book?

Arataka deeply considers his options.

They're definitely going to notice his clothes. They may or may not tell their dad about it. Arataka runs a hand through his hair.

Whatever. There are many other ways to make a good impression. It's not like he will walk around looking like a conspicuous purse-snatcher.

Why pick some back-alley library in Tokyo? The car's obviously not going to be able to pass through. Are they expecting him to come and pick them up personally like he's their chauffeur? What a bunch of spoiled kids.

Kageyama-san isn't answering his calls, which doesn't come as a surprise. Something so urgent had to have come up that he was entrusting his car and children to a junior colleague from another city. Arataka didn't want to look too desperate when Kageyama-san checked back on his phone. He's an adult. He can solve his problem by himself. However, this isn't his problem either. Arataka sees no difference. He accepted this responsibility, so it's as good as his now.

If only he had left with proper clothes. At least he's wearing rubber shoes, though they're really uncomfortable. They were a gift from his sister back in college and are now way too worn and way too small for him.

I don't even know what they look. But if they were expecting someone to pick them up, I should be able to tell.

But what was supposed to be a simple task is followed by another hindrance. The library has multiple levels, as he had deduced from the outside. If Kageyama-san's sons are sensible, they should be waiting for him on the first floor near the entrance. Instead, a quick look around turns into a cursory search. The library is sizable, but there aren't a lot of visitors, and not a single one can be an elementary student. Arataka's patience is growing thin. His feet are killing him.

Damn it! I'll climb the damn stairs, and I swear if I don't find them, I'll start shouting.

He isn't fond of the stairs either. How it's designed - narrow and up against the wall - makes him both claustrophobic and acrophobic. And, of course, having shoes eating his toes adds a tripping hazard to the mix.

He hasn't been serious about shouting to find the brats, but Arataka has good reason to reconsider. Fortunately, he neither has to embarrass them nor himself. When he arrives on the second floor, he spots two boys that fit the age of his senpai's children. His annoyance dissipates, replaced with bewilderment.

It can't be these two. He's not going to assume and pass by them without asking, but Arataka isn't sure what to think if it were them.

The boy with the lighter pink hair - Arataka isn't sure it isn't silver until he gets a closer look - quickly notices his presence.

"Kageyama-kun? And his brother?" The other brother rests with his eyes closed, wireless earphones plugged in both ears. His pink hair looks to be a slightly different shade. Arataka has difficulty distinguishing it, what with the beanie covering his head.

The first kid has a cap, too, but his lighter hair is harder to miss, its fairness catching the glow of the white fluorescent lights and contrasting his dark, brown eyes. Ordinarily, Arataka would think the whole get-up was a weird fashion statement or even cosplay. But he caught how the boy had a knee-jerk reaction to reaching up when he showed up.

Almost like he wanted to make sure his cap was in place. To keep attention away from something he's conscious about.

It's a split moment most people won't notice. The kid otherwise regards Arataka curiously, taking a moment to speak and confirming what he had trouble believing. "Yes?"

Seriously? He didn't have a clue what his senpai's children look like, but he wouldn't have guessed they go out looking like this. Did they come from an event? A party, maybe? Geez, elementary kids spend their youth differently these days.

"I'm -" A vague sensation of being scrutinized has him turning to the right, leading Arataka to meet the gaze of the other Kageyama kid. Oh, it's just him. "- Reigen, your dad's friend from work. Shall we get going?"

The kids don't budge. Arataka allows them time to explain. He gives them two solid seconds, a look each, and another two seconds for good measure.

"What? Something the matter?" He puts his weight on one leg. Is there some sort of mistake? "Kageyama Ryuuji-san is your dad, right?"

The light pink-haired brother suddenly avoids his gaze, looking entirely like he isn't part of the conversation anymore. Instead, the brother with the quiet stare answers, his fancy earphones still on. "Yes. My brother and I are waiting for him."

"I guess there was a miscommunication," says the light pink-haired brother as Arataka hums lightly.

"Most probably," he seconds. "Fortunately, it doesn't change anything. I'm here, so why don't we get going? You wouldn't want to be late for dinner."

The light pink-haired brother smiles politely. "Yeah, that's true…."

Yet neither of them is moving.

That's fair. Kids shouldn't trust strangers claiming to know their parents. "Why not call Dad? I haven't had much luck reaching Kageyama-san, but I'm sure he'll pick up if it's from you two."

The light pink-haired brother does it again, though this time more snappishly. His gaze turns downwards and distant. Meanwhile, the other one with the earphones is paying too much attention. What a bunch of awkward kids. Is this why Kageyama-san has to pick them up from Tokyo?

Suddenly, both boys shuffle to their feet.

"Sorry, we're a little tired," says the light pink-haired brother, giving another smile as he slides his arms into the straps of his backpack. "It was a bit confusing."

It sounds like there's more to it, given how reticent they were. "No problem." Arataka notes their empty hands and, with a quick check, finds nothing left behind under the table. So they hadn't gone shopping either.

The other brother bows. "Thank you for coming all this way, Reigen-san. I'm Shigeo."

"I'm Ritsu," introduces the light pink-haired kid, bowing. "He's my older brother."

Seeing him in his full height, Arataka would be shocked if he weren't. Shigeo-kun can pass as a third-year middle school student. He's tall for his age, but the lack of bulk on his arms and broadness on the shoulders make it clear he's still walking up the precipice of puberty. With how skinny he is, it makes Arataka forget this is supposed to be a star Judo athlete. Arataka had dabbled in Judo, too. It's hard to imagine how those stick arms of his can subdue a person twice his weight.

Arataka nods. "Shigeo-kun and Ritsu-kun. It's good to meet you both finally. I heard you two are very promising boys - from your father, of course." He's not going to pretend he and Kageyama-san are close, but he did introduce himself as a friend from work. This is just to make them more comfortable around him. "Let me know if you need anything. Though if you get hungry, I have pudding in the car."

Shigeo-kun's eyes, which have softened compared to when he first saw Arataka, widen and spark in interest. Arataka's smile strains at how starstruck he is as if he's been promised gold... or new video games, whatever kids are into.

"It's just store-bought, so you know, I'm sure it will still taste good, but…"

Shigeo-kun doesn't seem to hear him. "How many are you having, Ritsu?"

Ritsu-kun laughs. "Zero. I'm good. You can have mine."

"All six of them?" Shigeo-kun is in awe.

Six? Arataka had taken the sweetest dessert pack on sale in the storefront. There are probably six of them, but how did Shigeo-kun know that?

Only thing I mentioned was having pudding. A coincidence? Maybe he thinks store-bought chocolate puddings only come in six-item packs.

He can believe that. Kids can come up with silly conclusions at times. When Arataka was at that age, he thought eggs would hatch into chickens if they were left uneaten. So he tried to "help" an old egg hatch by scraping the shell off. It took weeks before Arataka could forget the wet, tingling sensation of maggots crawling on his hand. Their tiny bodies felt cold like he had dipped his hand in slime.

"Urgh!"

"Nii-san?"

Hand over his mouth and looking very pale, the older Kageyama runs off to the opposite direction. A baffled Ritsu-kun stands in shock before chasing after him. Arataka sighs.

When they finally get on the road, Shigeo-kun is much chipper with a spoon in the pudding. For some reason, the kid had thrown Arataka a dirty look after his impromptu visit to the toilet. All Arataka asked was if he ate something funny.

Kids are so sensitive. Arataka always did have trouble dealing with them. Not only are they emotional, but they are also irrational, very impulsive - creatures full of whims. He doesn't hate children; he does not believe they're even terrible. Simply that these issues that come with their inexperience do not define who they are. He understands they have their own battles, but he still would rather avoid them altogether. The words of adults have a lot of power. He could end up saying something that would be taken the wrong way and be the root of someone's trauma. Arataka won't be able to bear that guilt.

He doesn't have to worry about it with his present company. The brothers are not interested in making small talk with Arataka. Or talking in general. He supposes it's embarrassing to have conversation in a car with a stranger listening. But how can they stand it? It's so quiet his breathing sounds loud.

So, he completely forgets about the "not interacting with kids so he can't accidentally emotionally harm them" because Arataka can't stand the uneasy atmosphere.

"It must be nice. Living in a place like Uenohara. Can you see Mount Fuji from your house?"

Silence.

It's Ritsu-kun who eventually answers. "From our house, no. But we clearly see it on our way to school."

"You don't live in Uenohara?" asks Shigeo-kun.

"Nah. My place is at Kanagawa."

There's silence again. Arataka isn't in a hurry to move the conversation as long as there's a response. It can't be helped if they're a bit shy.

"Were you working today?" comes Shigeo-kun once more.

"Sort of," he lies with a smile and tells them what he said to their dad. "I ran a few errands this morning. They weren't anything urgent. I could have done it any other time. So you two should consider yourselves lucky I decided to do them today of all days."

Kageyama-san forgot he doesn't live in Uenohara, but that's fine. (Or maybe he doesn't know? Arataka can't remember telling him.) Arataka doesn't want the man worrying over the taxi he had to take. It was his decision to help.

"You ran errands in those clothes?" asks Ritsu-kun sceptically.

"Oh, this is the last set of clothes I had at my workplace," explains Arataka in expert ease, glancing at them from the rear-view mirror. "I keep a couple of them in case I miss the last train or if I have to be at work earlier than usual. Sorry, I don't look very presentable. My suit got dirty, and I can't afford to lose another, so I had to get it cleaned as soon as possible."

And just like that, his story is set. Arataka Reigen - always a quick-thinker.

Shigeo-kun breathes out a deadpanned, "Wow."

Arataka is not bothered.

That's fine. It was uncalled for, but what do kids know? He's not being nice to them because they're his senior's kids, but because Arataka is, overall, a good person. And as a good person, it's up to him to remind them that honest work isn't always glamorous, but it is what's maintaining their current lifestyle.

He keeps his tone light. "Surprised? Yeah, you don't realize how hectic adult life is until you have to earn your keep. It may seem small and almost meaningless to you…" Because children place more importance on their own problems, "…but every contribution is what keeps society going."

"That's good to know."

Arataka can feel his eyebrow twitching. It's the caffeine. An elementary student with an attitude can't get under his nerves.

He goes for a change of topic. "Speaking of clothes -"

"Reigen-san - oh," Ritsu-kun cuts himself short, catching Arataka's gaze by the rear-view mirror.

"No, go ahead."

A pause. Arataka takes another glance at the mirror, and as he suspected, the brothers are wordlessly communicating with a look. They are doing their utmost not to speak to one another. He wants to reassure them they can have a conversation without including him, but calling attention to it may only discourage them.

"Nii-san isn't feeling well, so - um - he may sound succinct."

"Hmm. I see." Arataka is bemused at what made the younger brother speak up. "It doesn't bother me. But, more importantly, Shigeo-kun, maybe you should lay off the pudding until you get home."

"Can I have one last cup?"

"One last," he allows. "How many is that?"

Plastic being peeled away scratches from the back. "Six," answers Ritsu-kun, picking an empty cup. "Nii-san? This isn't pudding. It's coffee jelly."

"Oh, my bad," says Arataka.

"You don't like coffee," goes Ritsu-kun, almost like an accusation. "Are you okay?"

Shigeo-kun doesn't reply.

"There's sugar…" Ritsu-kun's voice fades and the conversation ends without another word.

The ride becomes silent again but it's more bearable with the ice broken. Thirty minutes later (his feet wholly numb and his stomach shrivelling) Arataka gives the boys an update. "We're almost out of Tokyo. We'll be at your house in about twenty minutes."

"Are you staying for dinner, Reigen-san?" asks Ritsu-kun.

Arataka finds himself smiling. "I'm flattered, but I have to head back as soon as possible." He'll only make things weird. The kids, especially Shigeo-kun, don't particularly like him, and he and Kageyama-san are no more than acquaintances.

"It's what Dad would want," urges Ritsu-kun after a moment. "We rarely have guests."

Unexpectedly, Shigeo-kun speaks up in support. "I'd be happy if you stay for dinner. I did eat all your coffee jelly. I feel kind of bad."

Arataka has this feeling Shigeo-kun only means the second half, but regardless of intention, his vote pushes him to think about it. It's foolish to turn away free food. But dinner with the family? Arataka is used to working with strangers. What bothers him is that he's a stranger to them. They don't know him. Kageyama-san didn't even know where he lived…

The silence seems to go on. Arataka should just turn them down. He really appreciates their offering. He really does, even if they're only being polite.

"Nii-san, isn't Reigen-san's name familiar?"

"Huh? Wait…Oh… Right - Ritsu - yes. You're right."

Arataka straightens in his seat. Kageyama-san has talked about him to his family? Arataka can't think of an instance that deserved to be mentioned by name. Or to be given a Christmas gift for that matter… but that had been the surprise that shook Arataka's world one Monday morning. He feels terrible about it now, but when Kageyama-san got him a present, Arataka was full of suspicion. ("This is a busy father-of-two who often works overtime. If he wanted to show his gratitude, he would have shown it equally to his colleagues. Why would he exclude a newcomer like me?")

There came only one logical conclusion: Arataka was simply that talented.

From the back, a strained, hacking noise erupts. Shigeo-kun is covering his mouth with a fist.

That sounded painful.

"Dad did mention that… Reigen-san, that is," clarifies Ritsu-kun, emphasizing his name. "He wanted to thank a very helpful co-worker - Reigen-san - for everything he's done."

The acknowledgement tastes of sweet honey. "Oh, Kageyama-san is unexpectedly talkative at home, is he? Of course, your dad is exaggerating. Still, I hadn't expected a present from him! He's a nice guy. He must be a good dad."

Dinner with his family, huh? It's still a bit of a weird scenario. But it's even more unusual how hesitant he is.

It's embarrassing to admit - Arataka would never say it out loud - but that simple gift Kageyama-san got him had touched him deeply. Arataka had worked in a company right after college before he left it all and sought self-employment to do what he loved: helping others. It was still a business at its core. Arataka is not a martyr seeking a job with no return. Not that it paid well either. Not in yen. It made him rich in spirit. Seeing people happier than they were before made Arataka feel accomplished, more so than working with corporate numbers and climbing the social ladder.

Someone who genuinely wants to help others shouldn't expect to be thanked. Arataka didn't need the token of gratitude. Reality is different, however.

It was a lesson learned. Clearly, he's still too soft to stick to his principles. But who can blame him? It's a handsome black pen with decorated lines and a rose-gold cap. He'd never get it for himself - too pretentious - but if it's a gift, he has to make good use of it.

A sharp gasp startles Arataka. "You gave him my pen?" whispers Shigeo-kun, sounding both affronted and hurt that Arataka thought he missed an entire argument beforehand.

Ritsu is as startled as Arataka, and even more confused. "Your pen…?"

Shigeo-kun doesn't respond again. Arataka steals a couple of glances at the mirror, but the brothers are just…looking at each other. Are they fighting, or are they getting along? After a while, he checks on them again.

"Everything okay?"

"Yes," answers Ritsu-kun distractedly.

Since they seem to have resolved it (in a hushed, unspoken manner since Arataka has not heard them discuss anything else), Arataka focuses on the road after making what seems like a wrong turn.

"Haven't driven in Tokyo before," he remarks casually. "Usually just take the train. But if you have a family, having a car is to be expected."

The road unexpectedly ends on the next turn. Wasn't there a car ahead that took the same turn?

"Map isn't updated," he mumbles, turning on his seat as he drives in reverse. Shigeo-kun is fast asleep. Ritsu-kun seems a bit concerned, peering through the window in search of street signs.

"Wasn't there a car ahead of us?"

"Don't think so," he lies, changing gear. "Get some sleep. We'll be at your house when you open your eyes."

Get it together, Arataka. Haste makes waste.

He drives slowly. His shoulders are hunched, eyebrows knitted together in concentration as Arataka backtracks and checks every turn. This is his fault for relying on GPS. The stupid thing is telling him he somehow took twenty wrong turns and drove to Shinjuku. He checked on it five minutes later to give it another chance, only for it to tell him that he's driven up to Ikebukuro.

"Reigen-san, maybe we should stop for a bit," suggests Ritsu-kun nervously.

Arataka sighs discretely. Just stay calm. They're not lost. "Lost" is such a strong and complicated word.

"Oh, a pit stop? That's a good idea. We can stretch our legs for a bit. Let's park over here."

Huh?

What should have been a two-way street with small establishments by the sides expanded into a sea of corporate buildings, flashing in logos and advertisements. Arataka distantly hears the sound of traffic. Is something wrong with his ears? Why does it feel like they're clogged with water?

"Reigen-san, drive!" shouts Ritsu-kun, his voice cracking through the muted noise befuddling Arataka.

The full volume of cars honking hit him raw, his surroundings resuming in a blur, too quick for him to follow. The car lurches forward as he steps on the gas. Arataka grips the wheel for control, barely avoiding the car that shot from the right. They escape the intersection and race down a hill.

He kicks his other foot for the break, but with his poorly-fitted shoes, he misses and gets his toes stuck under it.

Shit! Shit, shit, shit!

He manages to free his foot and pushes down on the break. The car lurches and stops in an empty lot, the rear crashing onto the barbed fence. Arataka's sweater is drenched in his sweat. He may have even pissed himself given how cold his legs are. His toes have gone numb, and he's shaking uncontrollably. The air is thin.

Am I having a heart attack? A seizure? If that's the case, then why is every part of my body telling me to run?

"Reigen-san." Arataka can't move his head. He's imagining things. That can't be Shigeo-kun.

He's understandably angry, but what the hell is with this pressure? Bile collects in his throat.

"Are you trying to get us killed?"