One Week Later
A lot had changed once Judai moved in with Johan. Be it gaining the confidence to reach out to friends like Asuka, Sho and Manjoume, or simply the fact that Judai wasn't so preoccupied with his current situation. As the days passed, he thought less and less of where he was supposed to go or who he was supposed to be.
In order to feel worthy enough to live with Johan, Judai convinced him that he would do all of his household chores for as long as he would stay. Johan declined, but when Judai threatened to leave, Johan gave in to his friend's stubbornness.
On Saturday, Judai called Asuka and asked her on a date.
"You…you want to take me out?"
"Yeah, is that okay?"
"Well, are you sure? You're not going to run away on me, are you?"
Judai cringed at the words, but forced himself to stay calm and ignore the jab. "No, I won't. So, will you go with me?"
She agreed after that. The two had went out to a park for a stroll. They brought some old bread to feed the ducks, and made sure to stop by all the flowers to give them a sniff. Lots of dogs passed by with their owners, and Judai went the extra mile to pet every single one.
They chatted about new things that came up during the six months they hadn't seen each other. Memories and old jokes arose midway through, changing the conversation to a complete reminisce of their time together.
"It's nice to have you back," she smiled, twirling a daisy around her fingers.
"Thanks," Judai laughed it off. "I've been back for a couple weeks now."
"No, I don't mean that," she corrected, mellowing her smile into a meaningful gaze. "It's nice to have the old Judai back," she hesitated, "The one who loves to joke around and talk about everything…who always sports their best smile and puts everything into their passions. That Judai. I'm happy to see him."
If Asuka tried mentioning something of this sort a week or two ago, Judai may have gotten angry. He may have been annoyed at the fact Asuka was living in the past and trying to divide a line through his being. However, Judai was beginning to understand the type of person he wanted to be. Just because he hit rock bottom earlier in the year, didn't mean he couldn't rise back to the top.
"I'm glad he's back too," he winked, breathing in the fresh air with a pure grin.
The two ended their date with dinner at local restaurant. Asuka ordered grilled chicken with asparagus and mashed potatoes while Judai ordered his favorite fried shrimp with fries. They enjoyed each other's company and talked for what seemed like hours.
"Asuka, do you have a special someone in your life?" Judai asked with pure curiosity.
She was seemingly startled by the question, though she tried to hide it. "Well, I've been on some dates here and there," she looked off to the side in deep thought, "But there's no one I want to pursue."
Judai gazed straight into her eyes, not realizing that his interest was causing her to blush and feel uncomfortable. "You're an amazing girl, you deserve the very best."
Asuka sighed, nodding in assent, yet too mellow to respond.
"Never forget that," he gestured with his fork, scooping it down to pierce a shrimp. "And never settle for less, either," he spoke with food in his mouth.
Asuka laughed at his childish behavior. "Thanks, Judai. There's this one guy I've kinda liked for a while now, but I don't think he feels the same way," she admitted.
"You should go for it," he suggested. "You'll never know unless you try."
Her eyes widened at his ignorance. "What if I know he doesn't feel the same way? Do I still try? Or do I let him go?"
He stuffed a few fries in his mouth and looked off to the side to think. "Hmm, well, is it because he's in a relationship? Or is he just clearly not interested?" He paused. "Are you friends?"
"We're friends," she confessed. "I don't know…I'm not sure if he's just really dense or interested in someone else."
"Well, since there's the slightest bit of doubt, you should try your luck," Judai smiled. "Who knows? You might hit it big like I did in poker one night in Valencia."
Asuka forced a giggle, feeling a bit at loss knowing that Judai did not feel the same way. But the chance that he would stay in Domino was rising, and as long as she could see him here and there, it would be worth it. "Thanks, Judai."
"No problem, Asuka."
On Sunday, Sho's family invited Judai and Johan over for dinner. It was awkward at first, because Kaiser was sitting at the head of the table, but it got better with time.
"Wow, you did go a lot of places, didn't you, Judai?" Ms. Marufuji asked sweetly.
"Definitely. It helped shaped who I am."
"And who are you, Judai?" Kaiser asked bluntly, eyes not quite glaring, but shooting a playful stare.
Everyone around the table was looking at Judai, waiting him to answer such a deep question in a short amount of time. He shrugged due to the pressure. "A world traveler," he smiled. "Independent, strong, optimistic and young. I still make a lot of mistakes, and I'm not sure of anything, but I do know I have some amazing friends…and I want to keep them for the rest of my life."
Sho grinned widely at that, shoving some food into his mouth. "See, bro? Judai's going to stay!"
The words "Judai" and "Stay" were really starting to bother the unsure teen, but he shrugged it off and kept a brave face.
"I'm just glad you're here," Sho smiled, looking at Judai the way he used to…as a teacher, someone to look up to.
"Me too, Sho," Judai nodded. "Me too."
When Judai called Manjoume to ask if he wanted to hang, he started the conversation with "Is my laundry done yet?" Manjoume instantly began yapping at him about how ungrateful he was, but midway through, Judai erupted into laughter.
"It isn't funny!"
"Yeah it is! You take everything too seriously," he chuckled. "I'm messing with yah, Jun. I'm calling to see if you're busy today.
"You…are?"
"Yeah."
"Well, what if I am?"
"Okay, well I guess we can try another—"
"I'm not."
"Great. Thanks for being the same old annoying Manjoume."
"It's my job."
Manjoume picked Judai up at Johan's. The two went out for drinks at a bar.
"You were really trashed that night," Manjoume laughed, drinking a whisky and coke.
"I know," Judai smiled. "Thanks for being there."
"Anytime."
The two talked about some of their funniest drunk nights. Eventually they got into day jobs and ways to keep busy. That led into how Duel Academy and all the work they had to do. They reminisced about some of the adventures they had together, and how greatly they impacted their lives.
"I used to always talk down to you," Manjoume recalled, seemingly upset about it, "But you always had my back without hesitation."
"You always had mine, Jun," Judai assured.
"I don't remember it that way."
"I do."
Manjoume sighed, taking another sip of his drink. "You forgive me for being an ass, right?"
"Manjoume," Judai smiled, "You're fine. You don't have to apologize for past you. I'd like to think we can keep our eyes on the future and focus on how we will treat people, not how we did."
Manjoume snickered at how lame that sounded, but he nodded in assent. "I suppose you're right." He raised his glass in preparation to cheers, "To the future!"
"To the future!"
The two clinked glasses and laughed it off. Manjoume had feelings for Judai, but often times they were misplaced. They were jumbled around in the mess that they call "Manjoume's emotions" to the point where he couldn't figure out what was what. But cheering to the future and sharing a drink with Judai made Manjoume realize that he really just felt regret for how he used to treat Judai, and a longing to want to be in his life as a friend. He nodded at the realization.
That he could do.
"Long day?" Judai asked as Johan walked in after a night class at University.
"You could say that," Johan smirked. "Did you see my duel on tv?"
"Of course! Wish I coulda went, but today was the only day I could spend time with Kenzan."
"No worries, that guy is always busy," Johan waved it off. "I know how hard it can be to get his time."
The two spent some time hanging out on the couch, relaxing and watching TV. They cooked up a late dinner and got ready to call it a night.
"See yah in the morning," Johan waved.
"Night!"
The two went off into their separate rooms and fell into a slumber.
"Get the fuck out of my house! Now!"
Judai quickly sat up in bed, breathing fast in response to the person screaming in his ear. "Johan? What's going on?"
"You're such a sleaze!" He spat, grabbing his legs and pulling them off the side of his bed. "Get out. NOW!"
Judai began hyperventilating, not sure of what was going on or why. "Can we talk about it?"
"You fucked Manjoume the other night."
"What? No I didn't?!"
"Oh really? Then why did he come to my door with your clothes saying that you "forgot" them? Fucking pathetic, Judai."
"No, you don't understand—"
"You tell me you love me, but then go fuck some other guy! Disgusting!" Johan growled. "How can I ever trust you?"
Judai breathed harder, thinking of words to say but they wouldn't come out.
"You're so fucking flaky. You don't know what you want and you can't commit. I can't believe I'm letting you live in my house…because I care about you….love you," Johan started tearing up, "And you treat me this way!"
"Johan, you have it all wrong, listen, what happened was—"
"Just leave; it's all you're good for."
Judai cringed at the words, feeling anger and betrayal boil in his heart. Even though he had done no wrong, those words pierced him in the heart, and there was nothing left to say.
"I can't believe you," Judai groaned. "I can't believe you would say that to me," he continued, getting up on his feet and glaring at Johan. "But I guess even the rudest of people speak the truth. You're right. Leaving is all I'm good for. So let me do my last chore and let myself out—thankfully, this piece of trash knows how to walk."
Johan's eyes were tearing, but he didn't respond. He merely watched as Judai began gathering his stuff. "Lock the door when you leave," Johan muttered heavily before walking away.
The teen began sobbing; mostly at the fact that Johan would throw him under the bus so fast…after everything they had been through.
But it was for the best. People…friends…no matter how stable they look, they have the ability to hurt you. Ruin your life and let out your inner darkness. Judai knew this; he was upset he didn't go with his gut earlier.
He grabbed his bags and ran out of the house, calling up a taxi and getting a lift to the closest train station.
His mind was swarming with thoughts…thoughts of betrayal and depression. Who did he have now? No one. He had nothing and no one and he knew there was no one he could lean on. Even if he wanted to. No, people don't really care about each other. They're only in it as long as it helps themselves. Judai knew that now, and he would never-
"JUDAI! LOOK OUT!"
A Bright light from a vehicle came at him point blank, leaving Judai with nothing but screams…
And screaming is how we woke up.
It was a quick scream, one that Judai muffled as fast as he could.
He looked around fast, noticing that he was still in his bed at Johan's place. His bed was filled with sweat and his heart was pounding loud enough to hear. He quickly got out of bed to strip his sheets and take a moment to breathe. An awful feeling resided in his heart. He couldn't shake the dream…couldn't forget that someone betraying him was always a possibility. A possibility he couldn't allow to happen.
The events were so real and vivid in Judai's mind that they got him to start packing his bags. He gulped down his nerves and continued.
I have to go, it's part of who I am.
"Judai, don't do this."
"Leave me alone, Yubel," Judai groaned, going forward with the task.
"It was just a dream, let's talk about th—"
"I told you to leave me alone!" He yelled, glaring at her point blank. "You're the reason for all of this! This is all of your fucking fault!" he seethed, narrowing his eyes in anger. "If you would just leave me the fuck alone like I told you to a long time ago, then maybe this shit would have stopped bothering me. So do me a fucking favor and never talk to me again. I don't care how lonely I get. I'd rather die alone than with you humping my back."
Yubel frowned, but obeying his orders by retreating.
Judai slung his bags on his shoulders and tip toed down the stairs. He called up a taxi so he could get a lift to the closest train station. While waiting, he wrote Johan a quick note.
Johan,
I'm sorry for leaving. I really thought I'd be able to stay, but my mind has been relapsing without my consent. I guess that means no one can stop the darkness, not even you. Thank you for everything. Let the others know I love them. I know they will never want to see me again, but just let them know I care. I'm sorry for doing this, but I can't control the need inside of me. Wishing you the best,
~Judai
He sighed upon reading it, but left it on the table nevertheless. The taxi driver soon came. Once arriving to the station, he looked for the next train, which was in half an hour, and waited to embark.
In that slight moment of time, no part of his consciences was stopping him from hopping on the train. Most likely because running away was always his go to-a safe and reliable option. He wasn't thinking about Johan, Manjoume, Sho or Asuka. No one was on his mind. Only himself. And from now on, that's the way it would stay.
"Train number 89, now embarking!" The speaker called.
Judai sighed, walking off towards the trains to leave his home behind.
"Ticket?" One of the workers asked.
Judai forced a smile, handing over his ticket. He began walking beside the train, with his head hung low and an awful feeling in his stomach.
"I feel bad for Emmanuel," a voice hollered out from afar.
Judai froze at the words, shivering as uncertainty ran down his spine.
"If he had heard his story the same way I did, he may have been able to stop you from running away."
Johan.
The brunette turned around to see Johan in the distance, being guarded by a worker whom was stopping him from passing the yellow line.
But Judai couldn't move. He simply stood there in awe, unsure of what to do.
"If you don't come over here, I'm going to have to buy a ticket to speak to you over there."
Still, Judai couldn't move. His feet seemed to be glued to the cement for some odd reason. He couldn't move, and he didn't want to.
Johan and the worker exchanged a few words. Finally, the worker allowed him to run up to Judai so he could talk.
"Judai, it's okay, everything is okay."
Suddenly, the air left Judai's lungs and his legs turned to jelly. He began quivering, holding his chest just so his heart wouldn't pop out. Johan put an arm on his shoulder, rubbing his back smoothly.
"It's okay. Everything's okay," he repeated, trying to console him.
"No," Judai muttered under his breath. "You're supposed to hate me," he exhaled. "You're supposed to tell me to leave. That you can't trust me."
"But I do! I do trust you. And I love you…and I'm going to help you through this. Come home with me, let's talk about it."
"Johan…" Judai looked up at him with worry in his eyes, gleaming in the state of liquid tears. "I don't have a home."
"You have me," Johan assured, leading Judai slowly away from the train. "I'll be your home. Whatever home means to you, I'll be it."
Step by step, unsure decision by unsure decision, finally Judai crossed the line with Johan. All the while, Johan whispered words of encouragement. "You're wonderful," he whispered sweetly. "You have so many wonderful stories and so much to offer the world. You're so talented and strong. You would do anything for anyone in a heartbeat. You have a smile that shines like the sun. The ability to befriend everyone you meet. You are so great, and we all want you in our life," Johan sang.
Eventually, Johan was able to lead Judai outside of the train station. The two stood under the black sky, looking up to see the stars dazzling above them. It was a full moon that splashed light into the sky, leaving a beautiful impression on the darkness.
They stood out there for a while. Johan refused to leave the station until Judai had a clear mindset. Once Judai had gained his breath, he looked over at Johan in confusion. "How did you find me?" he asked.
Johan smiled softly. "I don't know what happened tonight. But I thought I heard a scream. A bad feeling came over me, so I went to your room to make sure you were okay. But you weren't there. I ran downstairs and found your note. I knew exactly where to find you."
Judai nodded, letting out an embarrassed smile. "I see."
"Judai," Johan hummed, "You are worth everything to me. Let's talk about what happened so that sort of thing doesn't happen again."
The two walked over to the car. Before either one slipped in, Judai stopped his friend.
"Johan."
"Yeah?"
"Most people, well, I always wished there was something they would do or say, to try and make me change my mind and stay. But, most times, we never did that much talking anyway. So, I never thought twice…it was alright."
Johan listened intently.
"That's a song," Judai revealed. "And that's the way I always felt whenever I would leave. No one would come after me." The teen took a moment to breathe and look up at the stars. "I was so frightened by my darkness that I was always following the sun, no matter where it lead me." He looked back to Johan, lending him a perfect smile. "Johan, I'm starting to think you're a ray of sun. And…if you're staying in Domino," he sighed in relief, "Then I'll follow you home."
Johan smiled at the words. "Judai," he embraced his friend in a loving hug, "let's go home."
A/N: Thanks for reading everyone!
Fun fact: The story wasn't supposed to end happily. Originally I was going to have Judai run away and leave everyone behind, never conquering the feeling of dissatisfaction in his life. However, as I continued to write, I began rooting for Judai. I wanted him to be happy. I figured, maybe if I end this story with him coming out on top, it'll signify that everyone can too. This was a little side project that helped me come to terms with my return to the U.S after studying abroad for four months and returning to an empty house as well. This fic helped me express some annoying thoughts and sort of transfer them into my passion (writing) as I'd like to think Judai would have done with dueling. Anyhow, thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed it! All my loving!