Liquid Inspiration

A/N: Re-written, and hopefully, much improved this time around.


Liquid Inspiration

Vol 0. Chapter 1 - Baby Steps


Ayanokouji Kiyotaka

When I asked my father about allowing me to integrate into society, I expected a resounding no. That's why I was stunned when he actually agreed to what I proposed.

Was the world perhaps changing?

Has hell frozen over?

Probably not.

But Ayanokouji Atsuomi was never one to do things on a whim. There is an agenda behind his every move... it's how he became a threat so dangerous that powerful figures had to bond together just to suppress his influence.

This led me to the question...

How would humoring the request of his 'masterpiece' prove to be beneficial to him?

I did not believe that our small talk about human relationships moved him. All I did was present observable facts that he had known even before I was born. There was nothing groundbreaking in our discussion.

Did he perhaps develop some semblance of positive affection toward me?

I shook my head at the thought.

Impossible.

He was a man incapable of caring for another person—much like myself, perhaps. His driving force was an unwavering determination to achieve his lofty ambitions.

Or perhaps...

My early graduation from the White Room curriculum convinced him it was time for my gradual integration into human society.

If so... that was simply unfortunate because that meant that I would be the only one who would be able to experience something like this.

It would have been... what those books call fun if I had someone else with me.

Aristotle once said in Nicomachean Ethics: "Without friends, no one would want to live, even if he had all the other goods."

Perhaps finding people who would be able to understand me would give me reasons to live beyond the life that I am leading.

To live listlessly, simply waiting for another person's command... is a way of life that I have grown to dislike.

I wanted to be able to make decisions on my own.

I did not know when these thoughts began plaguing my mind, but now, especially when a carrot has been offered to me, this desire throbbed harder by the moment.

This desire... was freedom.

It was only natural, considering the environment that shaped me. Humans, without exception, yearn for the unattainable.

For a caged bird like myself, freedom was that elusive prize.

But that would have to wait.

Acting in haste would simply lead to me losing the privileges that I earned last night. For now, I will play by my father's rules, to be his instrument in the vision he wishes to actualize.

And when the time came... I would break my chains.

KNOCK KNOCK

Getting off my bed, I walked toward the door and twisted the handle. As the door was opened, I was once again met with the figure of Hamada.

"It's time for breakfast, Kiyotaka-sama," he said.

"Thank you, Hamada. I will head downstairs in a few moments," I replied before returning to the room to arrange my luggage and the books I wished to bring outside.

With that done, I immediately exited my room, with Hamada following not that far behind.

After exactly one minute and fifteen seconds, we found ourselves in the dining room.

From what I have read from certain books, this was not an ideal set-up for breakfast.

The dining table only had one occupied chair, the one being occupied by my father, with a horde of staff standing across the table, ready to fulfill whatever command was requested of them.

"Sit down, Kiyotaka," he said.

"Good morning, Father," I greeted before sitting on a chair just across from him.

He simply grunted before raising a hand, signaling one of the kitchen staff to serve what was to be our breakfast.

A few seconds later, a staff walked toward our table and brought us our food.

I nodded at the staff before turning my attention to my food.

"Itadakimasu," I said, uttering a small prayer for the sake of etiquette.

"Have you prepared everything, Kiyotaka?" He asked in between bites.

"Yes, Father. I brought all the essentials and books to pass the time," I replied.

"I see."

That was the end of our conversation as we ate our breakfast silently.

This was for the best. I would find it a little unnerving if, somehow, this man would attempt to engage me in more small talk.

I would find that unpleasant.

1.1

After breakfast, I immediately returned to my room to brush my teeth and bathe. It did not take me long to finish these tasks, and so, within ten minutes, I descended downstairs with all my luggage.

"As efficient as ever. Good job, Kiyotaka."

I simply turned my head to my father and nodded at him.

Two burly men, part of my father's security forces, took my bags from me, presumably loading them up on the limousine or whatever vehicle there was outside.

Before we could exit, however, my father called upon a dark-haired man who looked around the same age as him.

His dark suit was a sharp contrast to the crisp, white shirt that peaked from underneath, the tie adding a bow-shaped punctuation. He embodied formality, elegance, and professionalism, not unlike a figure from an old British drama— the quintessential butler.

"Kiyotaka, meet Matsuo Keiji." My father's words sliced through my silent scrutiny. "Throughout your stay outside the White Room, he shall serve as your butler and acting guardian while I am not around. He will be in charge of helping you integrate into society."

Matsuo acknowledged the introduction with a respectful bow, his right hand splayed across his chest.

"An honor to meet you, Kiyotaka-sama," he said, his voice a gentle echo of his composed demeanor.

"A pleasure to meet you as well, Matsuo. I'll be in your care," I replied.

My father looked at Matsuo and then at me before he spoke.

"With that out of the way, let's move," he said.

Matsuo, my father, and I, alongside the security forces, moved out of the facility.

It fascinates me how the security forces moved synchronously. Each step matched, even the most subtle of body language matched.

As expected of men who were once part of the military's elite, I suppose.

Eventually, the limousine, white like the facility we exited, stopped in front of us.

I couldn't help but think about my father's odd fixation with the color white. Perhaps there was a symbolism that I haven't recognized.

"What are you waiting for, Kiyotaka? Get inside," my father commanded before entering the limousine.

Matsuo, with no wasted motion, opened the rear door of me. Before entering, I looked at the security forces, who entered in a second vehicle, forming a protective tail behind us.

"Kiyotaka-sama, is this your first time outside the facility?" Matsuo asked, sending a smile my way.

Turning my gaze to the man, I replied, "Hm... the second time, I believe. My first time outside... was not fun. I hope this time will be better than that experience."

Matsuo simply nodded and said nothing. He simply sent me a look that I was unfamiliar with.

At the tender age of seven, my father first exposed me to the world beyond the confines of the White Room. He whisked me overseas, plunging me into the vibrant heart of the Empire State: New York City.

I had envisioned exploring the world with wide-eyed curiosity, but instead, I became a spectacle, a circus act paraded before the world's wealthiest and most powerful.

Their gazes scrutinized me like a product for purchase, not in admiration for the extraordinary feats a child of my age could accomplish.

I hated it.

Now, one might wonder... how could someone who was raised in a facility like the White Room experience emotions such as hatred?

Even without the environment that would foster certain emotions in humans, feelings such as joy and hate are innate feelings that humans would discover at certain points in their lives. It would be unrealistic to say that it is impossible for a human to feel joy or hate.

All it needed was a specific trigger to burst open those emotions.

For me, it was the stark realization that I wasn't seen as a human being. It took some time, but I realized that the unsettling sensation that enveloped me that day was, indeed, hatred.

That said, we weren't actually forbidden to have emotions in the White Room. However, the environment was controlled to the extent that children trained in the White Room simply did not find a trigger to exhibit normal human emotions.

Consider this: how can one feel love without knowing its essence? How can one experience joy without understanding its meaning? How can one fear when the experiences meant to incite terror become mundane daily occurrences?

That was the environment of the White Room.

This was why, I said, that as efficient as the White Room was in nurturing humans, there needs to be a second phase to it that would allow us to function in society.

There was no meaning in humanity if you did not have the capacity to feel anything or understand why you do the things that you do.

I knew that myself, but the problem was... I did not know how these feelings actually worked.

To put it simply, I have theoretical knowledge, but my lack of practical knowledge negates my understanding of the concept.

This was what I desired to know in this little excursion: to discover the missing piece of the puzzle that would, indeed, make me realize the meaning of my existence... the significance of what I would eventually become.

"Matsuo," I called out to the butler sitting across me.

"Yes, Kiyotaka-sama?"

"Do you have a family?"

An odd question, but something I raised due to sheer curiosity. I am not educated in family dynamics because I have never been in one. My own father... is more or less just another person who wishes to exploit me.

"Yes, Kiyotaka-sama. I have a wife and a son. My wife died three years ago, but we still managed to live a happy family life. My son is named Eiichiro. He's the same age as you. He quite the sociable and likable kid if all the other kids around him were any indicator," Matsuo replied, a smile gracing his face upon describing his son.

I did not know what to take away from what Matsuo said, but somehow, I felt like it would be nice if someone talked about me in the same manner.

"I see."

"I think Eiichiro would be interested in befriending you, Kiyotaka-sama," he added.

"Befriend?" I asked.

"Yes, and I believe it would be a good thing for both of you. Eiichiro would benefit from befriending someone as brilliant as you, and you would benefit from observing him. It would take some time, but I believe you can learn from him, Kiyotaka-sama."

A mutually beneficial relationship with no strings attached?

Was that even a possibility?

"I see. I hope that would be the case, Matsuo," I replied.

"I will make sure of it, Kiyotaka-sama," he replied.

I simply nodded before taking out a book entitled Crime and Punishment. After taking out the bookmark, my eyes were glued to a specific line in the book. My eyes lingered on the words for a few seconds before I moved on.

The words?

"The whole question here is: am I a monster, or a victim myself?"

Coincidences can be freaky...

1.2

About an hour into the ride, the limousine stopped in its tracks, indicating that we had arrived at our destination, my father's mansion in Tokyo.

As the limousine emitted a beeping sound, the gates slowly opened not long after, revealing a long driveway lined with trees and a grand fountain in the center of the courtyard.

As I exited the limousine, I immediately took in the colorful scenery before me. The shades of blue, green, and brown, amongst other colors, filled my eyes. I could see the grandeur of the mansion in full view. The towering turrets, intricate stonework, and grand entrance all spoke of a bygone era of elegance and refinement.

Of course, it wasn't much, but considering that I endured an environment where all I could see was white, this was an incredible change of scenery.

Most importantly, the view from above was no longer the empty, white ceilings of the White Room.

"It's been a while since I saw clouds with my own eyes," I muttered under my breath.

I noticed Matsuo sending me a glance from the side, his eyes showing an emotion akin to sadness.

Were my words... that sad to hear?

"You will be seeing a lot of them moving forward, Kiyotaka-sama," Matsuo said as he patted me on my back.

Thank you, Matsuo.

"Kiyotaka, Matsuo, get moving!"

At my father's orders, Matsuo and I began walking alongside the entourage.

Glancing to my right, I saw the place where I would be staying in the meantime.

A mansion.

A rather large one at that.

Observing my engrossed study of the mansion's exterior, Matsuo queried, "Do you like the place, Kiyotaka-sama?"

I nodded my head.

"It's not color white," I noted.

Matsuo chuckled at my response.

Did I make a good joke? If so, I am glad.

"You'll find the interior even more appealing, Kiyotaka-sama," he promised.

I nodded before following Matsuo inside the mansion.

As I walked through the front door, I was greeted by the sight of soaring ceilings, marble floors, and grand chandeliers. The air was thick with the scent of fresh flowers, and the sound of classical music filled the halls.

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

So, this is the world beyond the white walls...

After retrieving my luggage from the security forces, who were done examining the things I brought in, Matsuo led me through a grand hallway, past numerous rooms, and finally into my own suite.

The room was spacious and luxurious, with a grand four-poster bed, plush furnishings, and a sweeping view of the gardens outside.

"You are right, Matsuo. This place looks better on the inside," I replied as I continued appraising my room as well as other parts of the mansion.

"I'm glad. I took care of the interior design myself, after all."

Matsuo's an impressive man, isn't he?

To think all these impressive sights were derived from his ideas.

But I should have expected this. My father would not hire someone unless they're the very best in their field.

"Will we be the only people here, Matsuo?" I asked.

Matsuo shook his head. "Your father, Atsuomi-sama, will be here from time to time, and there will also be some maids who will help out with housekeeping. Also, my son Eiichiro will be moving here for the time being. It has been agreed upon by myself and your father that gradual interaction with another person your age is necessary for the first couple of weeks before you start being exposed to more unfamiliar territory," he explained.

"How intriguing. Has a roadmap pertaining to my education already been made? That's too quick," I asked.

Matsuo chuckled. "Not yet, Kiyotaka-sama, but we have already begun planning. A detailed roadmap will be produced by the end of the week at most. You should have expected this considering how your father operates," he replied.

I nodded my head in response before turning my gaze to the garden outside.

"A top-notch taskmaster," I replied.

"Indeed," was Matsuo's brief reply.

"But I assume your son has yet to be told of this, considering this trip had only been agreed upon last night."

"That's correct, Kiyotaka-sama, but he will be informed at my earliest convenience," Matsuo replied.

"I see."

KNOCK KNOCK

The sound of a knock echoed through my room, and without hesitation, Matsuo sprang to his feet and strode towards the door. His long strides carried him across the room in just a few steps, and as he reached the door, his hand shot out to turn the handle.

I watched as he pulled the door open, revealing a visitor on the other side. After a brief exchange, Matsuo closed the door once more, his hand now occupied with a stack of books.

As he made his way back towards me, I could see that the weight of the books did not strain him one bit.

"For today, Kiyotaka-sama, you are tasked to read all of these books. I believe these topics have been covered in your time in the facility, but they should still be helpful to you. If you need me, you may press the intercom button located there," Matsuo paused as he pointed his hand to an intercom system located in the room.

"That would be all, Kiyotaka-sama. Have a great day," Matsuo handed me the five books that were in his hand before he left my room.

I immediately grabbed each book and read its synopsis, part of its first chapters, and the last couple of pages to get a rough idea of what it was all about.

Hmm... these seem to be decent books.

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

Thinking, Fast and Slow

How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships

But...

Why did father even assign this book for me to read?

I grabbed the one oddity out of the pile, simply for the sake of looking at it.

It has a different message compared to the other books.

The Art of Seduction

Manipulation and deceit...

How incredibly rotten of you, Ayanokouji Atsuomi.

1.3

It had been three days since I began living in my father's mansion in Tokyo. He made good on his promise of always keeping an eye on me, as I could feel several eyes focusing on me at every turn. Although, this did not exactly bother me as I was not acting in defiance of him.

About the five books Matsuo brought, which were apparently curated by my father, I have learned certain things that would definitely help me in my ventures moving forward. However, the fact remains that I still do not know how to apply it in a practical setting.

I could visualize a scenario wherein I would be applying what I've learned from the books, but thinking was different from doing.

The closest experience that I've got was conversing with Matsuo, as well as the maids, but I doubt they count given that they are in the direct employ of our family and, as such, were obliged to humor my whims so long as it did not make them uncomfortable.

Today was supposed to change all that because today would be the day that I would meet Matsuo's son, Eiichiro.

After eating my breakfast, brushing my teeth, taking a bath, and dressing up, I immediately headed downstairs to the living room to indulge myself in Television.

While televisions have existed for more or less six decades now, it was a recent luxury to me, which is why I took all the chances that I could to watch a television show.

After plugging in the wires, using the remote to turn the devices on, and putting the CD inside the CD player, I sat on the couch and leaned back against its cushy backrest.

A few seconds after tinkering with the remote, the screen reflected the show I wanted to watch, a show called Cowboy Bebop.

I did not have a particular interest in the show, but Matsuo said that Eiichiro recommended it, saying it was a good show to watch for someone who wanted to see a show that has a somewhat realistic portrayal of human relationships.

I must admit that Eiichiro has good taste in this thing they call anime.

I was learning some things every episode, which was good progress.

"Kiyotaka-sama, would you like me to get you some ice cream?" Asuka, one of the maids, asked upon noticing that I had occupied the couch.

Upon hearing the words ice cream, my head did a subconscious nod, to which Asuka giggled.

Hmm...

I wonder why ice cream has that kind of effect on me. Was it because of the fact that I hadn't tasted it until I got here? Or was it because I couldn't get enough of its tasty sensation?

Or maybe both?

It was probably both.

Speaking of ice cream, Asuka came into the living room carrying a tub of vanilla ice cream.

Ah, is this how it feels to live?

"Here you go, Kiyotaka-sama!" Asuka said as she put the tub on the table across the couch that I was currently on.

"Thank you, Asuka," I replied.

As the closing credits of the seventh episode of Cowboy Bebop rolled, the mansion's grand doors swung open to admit Matsuo and a younger man who could only be his son, Eiichiro.

"Dad, this place is seriously too big! Too big, I tell you!" The boy gasped, his eyes wide as they darted around the mansion's opulence.

"I know, Eiichiro-kun, but you better get used to it since you'll be living here for a while," Matsuo's response was calm, his gaze shifting to meet mine. He offered a smile before steering Eiichiro in my direction.

"Let's introduce you to the young master of this house," he said, his tone light.

"Good morning, Matsuo."

"Yo, good morning!" The cheerful response came from Eiichiro, and his grin was wide and open.

I was a bit confused, but before I could respond, Matsuo chuckled. I couldn't help but wonder what was so funny.

"He was actually calling for me, Eiichiro-kun," Matsuo explained, chuckling. "But I suppose it's time I introduce you both properly. Eiichiro-kun, meet the son of my boss, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. Kiyotaka-sama, meet my son Matsuo Eiichiro."

"Oh, that's right. You're both Matsuo. My bad," I replied.

Eiichiro chuckled, leading me to look at him strangely. The other boy immediately noticed this and waved his hands in front of me.

"Ah, I didn't mean anything by it, Ayanokouji-san! I just found your empty tone a little amusing," he bluntly clarified.

"Ah, I see."

Eiichiro said nothing and proceeded to sit on the same couch I was on before sending me a grin. Soon, his head turned to the TV screen, which played Episode 8 of Cowboy Bebop. The boy then had a look of realization on his face and turned to Matsuo.

"So that's the reason you asked me for anime recommendations!" He exclaimed.

"Indeed," Matsuo replied.

"Say, how do you like Cowboy Bebop, Ayanokouji-san? Wait... since your father also lives here, would it be fine if I called you Kiyotaka? It'd be confusing if I called you both Ayanokouji, you know? You can call me Eiichiro in exchange!"

Eiichiro's social skills are miles above mine, it would seem. It didn't take him any effort to converse with someone he had just met.

Perhaps I will learn something from this.

"The show is certainly educational. I can tell how human these characters are. Also, yes, you can call me Kiyotaka, Eiichiro."

"Cool! So how's living in a mansion like this, Kiyotaka?"

Cool? I suppose that's a good word.

"It's a new experience, I must say."

"Dad says you still don't have friends. You want to be friends, Kiyotaka?"

Eiichiro's energy seems almost limitless, doesn't it? I think he's one of the people whose social batteries are always fully charged.

"Friends? Doesn't it take plenty of memories together before people can call each other friends?" I asked.

Eiichiro laughed.

"That's silly, Kiyotaka! Friendships just happen, you know? If you feel like you like that person's vibe, you can just ask them if you want to be friends. Sometimes, you don't even have to say anything. It's that easy!" Eiichiro said as he patted me on my back.

"Hm... I have indeed read about that. But I guess it is different when we talk about the real world. I'm still not used to it," I replied.

Eiichiro raised his left hand and pointed at himself using his thumb.

"Don't worry, Kiyotaka! Eiichiro-sama will teach you about the wonders of friendship!"

"I'll be in your care."

I returned to eating my ice cream as Eiichiro joined me in watching Cowboy Bebop. Turning my head to my right, I saw Matsuo looking at us with a smile.

I suppose this feeling was not all that bad.

Eiichiro's assertiveness about being friends... was a new sensation, but it wasn't unpleasant.

"By the way... are you seriously going to eat an entire tub of ice cream, Kiyotaka?" Eiichiro asked.

I turned my head to the boy and simply nodded.

Eating a tub of ice cream is normal, right?

... Right?

1.4

Three weeks had elapsed since Matsuo's son, Eiichiro, moved into the mansion, and I couldn't help but marvel at the wealth of knowledge I had gained from observing his actions. While I might not be able to quickly replicate his social prowess, I felt confident that I was developing an aptitude for discerning how people think in everyday situations.

For instance, when Eiichiro felt drowsy, he would stomp his feet on the ground as if to shake off the sleepiness. If he wanted to strike up a conversation, his face would light up with a wide grin beforehand.

And it wasn't just him.

I also noticed that when Asuka wanted a favor, she would sweeten the deal with a tempting scoop of ice cream.

In essence, I was steadily improving my ability to read people and respond appropriately to their actions.

While still at what Eiichiro calls "baby steps," it was still good progress.

A positive living environment had indeed provided me with substantial realizations that I would still need to understand intimately.

The Learning from Doing principle.

"Kiyotaka! Just touch grass and stop taking notes, man!"

Turning my head, I've noticed that Eiichiro just entered my room, his hand still placed on the door handle.

"What do you want, Eiichiro?" I asked.

"Dad told me you can go outside now! Since it's Saturday, I'll be introducing you to Tsubasa-chan. It'll do you good to have a female friend, you know?"

Ah, right. A day after we met, his father, Matsuo Keiji, informed him of his 'mission,' and the younger Matsuo immediately agreed and made it a mission to ensure that I, Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, wouldn't be seen as a defective robot.

I take offense to that, Eiichiro.

I am a normal teenage boy.

"I think you guys would get along well. Her head gets lost in the clouds quite a bit... like you," Eiichiro added.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Eiichiro waved his hand around as he chuckled. "Nothing, nothing. Don't think much about it."

"Alright. Let me finish with my journal, and I'll go with you," I replied.

The boy snickered.

Did I say something funny?

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're a stalker profiling all the people around you," he said.

I shook my head and continued journaling. The book I've read said that journaling is a good habit, so I don't see what's wrong with it.

Soon, I was done with my journal. I placed the notebook on top of my shelf before putting on some shoes and exiting the room alongside Eiichiro.

"Man, if you wanted to write a journal, write it at night. I can't believe I just saw someone write a journal in the morning," Eiichiro quipped.

"I was busy watching anime last night," was my brief response.

Eiichiro shook his head in amusement.

"So where are we supposed to meet this Tsubasa, Eiichiro?" I asked.

"Oh, we'll just meet her at the park. It's just about a ten-minute walk, so we don't have to use a car," Eiichiro replied.

"Alright."

Eiichiro and I headed downstairs, and before we exited the mansion, we asked permission from Matsuo, to which he allowed us to go and gave us an envelope containing a wad of cash. However, we would still be watched from a distance.

"I'm so proud! It's like watching a baby walk for the first time!"

I turned my head to my left and sent Eiichiro a dry look, although I am pretty sure my face remained the same for him. But the point still stood: I sent him a dry look.

"We're the same age, Eiichiro," I replied.

"But you got the social skills of a toddler, so I am your senpai, Kiyotaka."

Hm. No arguments there, but I learned that sometimes, friendly banter is good for improving friendships, so I will respond to his taunt.

"And you got the dick of a toddler," I replied.

"Y-You! Where did you even learn how to use that word, Kiyotaka?"

"I looked it up on the internet when you said I was being a dick. I do not see how I was a penis when all I did was keep winning our board games," I replied.

"On the internet? Kiyotaka... let me have your phone for a while," Eiichiro requested.

"Why?" I asked.

"I need to clarify some things, okay?" He countered.

I shrugged and handed over my phone.

Eiichiro and I stopped walking for a while as Eiichiro was doing something with my phone, and I was looking at what he was doing.

I saw Eiichiro open the Google Chrome application and tap on browser history.

"What the hell is this, Kiyotaka?!" Eiichiro exclaimed as he showed me my browser history.

I simply raised an eyebrow. What is so strange about that?

"You literally googled everything you hear, man! I can't... how is a fourteen-year-old searching for 'what is a dick,' 'average dick size for Japanese men,' and 'what is hentai' on their browser. At least use incognito mode! And what the hell is with the second one, Kiyotaka?!"

"It's not my fault you keep spouting degenerate sentiments, Eiichiro," I replied.

Eiichiro sighed.

"Just... don't tell Tsubasa-chan I said those things to you, alright? She really doesn't like vulgarity," Eiichiro said in a whisper.

"Okay."

Eiichiro and I continued walking, and about seven minutes later, we arrived at the park. There were plenty of kids playing, and they all seemed to have big smiles on their faces.

As we walked, I couldn't help but notice how, apart from us and a blonde-haired girl sitting on a nearby bench, the park was predominantly filled with younger kids.

I quickly realized my mistake; the adults were congregated on the other side, near the picnic tables shaded by towering oaks.

"Is that blonde-haired girl... Tsubasa?" I asked.

"Oh, you've spotted her already? You got really keen eyes, Kiyotaka!"

"I suppose," I muttered, more to myself than to him.

He waved enthusiastically at the girl, who looked up with a start. As she turned towards us, a curious expression on her face, I couldn't help but think that she looked like a puppy... a very adorable one.

Eiichiro burst into laughter, and I tilted my head, confused. "What are you laughing at?" I asked.

"You said Tsubasa-chan looked like a puppy," he gasped between laughs.

"Did I say that out loud?" I wondered, my usual blank expression giving nothing away.

He mimicked my voice, albeit poorly, "She looks like a puppy... a very adorable one."

I remained silent, suddenly conscious of the blonde-haired girl approaching us with a puzzled look. "A puppy?" she echoed.

"Ehhh? He said it, not me!" Eiichiro pointed his index finger at me, and I simply raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Just this once, I was thankful for having a nigh-permanent blank look on my face because I believed I had just escaped from stepping on a dangerous landmine.

Or so I thought.

"I know," she replied.

Luckily, it didn't seem like she was offended.

Eiichiro quickly changed the subject. "Don't hold it against Kiyotaka, alright? He's pretty new to all this," he said, slinging an arm over my shoulder and giving Tsubasa a conspiratorial wink.

"Ah, I don't actually mind. I was just surprised that was the first impression I gave him," Tsubasa clarified.

"Hello. I'm Ayanokouji Kiyotaka," I introduced myself formally, bowing my head slightly.

Tsubasa returned the gesture and introduced herself. "And I'm Nanase Tsubasa. Nice to meet you, Ayanokouji-senpai. Senpai is fine, right? Eiichiro-kun did say you're a year older than me."

"Hm? Call me however you want," I replied, my voice neutral. I didn't really care how people would address me.

"Eh, that's too stiff, Tsubasa-chan," Eiichiro interjected. "Call him Kiyotaka like I do. I want the three of us to be friends, so none of that formal crap."

Her eyebrows knit together slightly, "But isn't Ayanokouji-senpai more appropriate?"

Tsubasa seemed quite confused at Eiichiro's assertion.

"I guess, but we're not gonna do any of that. Tsubasa-chan, call him Kiyotaka. Kiyotaka, call her Tsubasa-chan," Eiichiro asserted.

He was acting like he was teaching two babies how to talk. And no, Eiichiro, I won't be calling her Tsubasa-chan.

Tsubasa bit her lip, looking between Eiichiro and me, before a small smile crept onto her face. "Well, if Eiichiro-kun insists, then... Kiyotaka-senpai, it is."

I nodded slightly, accepting her decision.

"Eh... I guess that works," Eiichiro said, shrugging.

Both of them then looked at me as if expecting me to say something.

"Is it really alright for me to call her Tsubasa too?" I asked to check if the blonde-haired girl was actually comfortable with Eiichiro's proposal.

"You can call me Tsubasa," Tsubasa replied with a shy smile, her eyes glancing down briefly before meeting mine again.

Eiichiro clapped his hands together, his face beaming. "There we go! It wasn't so hard now, was it?"

Now, he was just patronizing us.

"Anyways, Eiichiro-kun, where are we going?"

Like Tsubasa, I turned my head toward Eiichiro, who organized this trip.

"Since Kiyotaka hasn't really been exposed to large crowds yet, I don't think we should force it right away. I was thinking about going to the newest restaurant near the downtown area so we can eat and talk. It's about lunchtime now, you know?"

"You haven't been in large crowds? So you haven't attended school at all, Kiyotaka-senpai?" Tsubasa asked.

"I did during elementary school. However, there were just about ten or maybe twelve of us, so it's still a small crowd," I replied. "After elementary school, I've been homeschooled, so there's that."

It was the cover story made for me by Matsuo, and in a way, it was true.

When I was between 6 to 10 years old, there were still some people in the White Room, hence, a small crowd. But since then, I was the only one left in my generation, which technically made me fully homeschooled.

"But get this, Tsubasa-chan! Kiyotaka here had already gotten the accreditation to go to high school!" Eiichiro said.

"Woah! That's amazing, Kiyotaka-senpai! You must be a special type of genius," Tsubasa praised.

"I suppose. But I'm stopping school for a year. I plan on entering high school with people my age as my classmates," I replied.

This time, it was the truth.

In the roadmap engineered by my father and other White Room instructors, I will be spending the next year and a half developing the necessary emotions, communication, and social skills.

Afterward, I will be enrolled in a school where I will be protected from the prying eyes of my father's opposition for the next three years, as well as apply what I have learned in my time both inside and outside the White Room.

The school was named Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School, an academic institution that clashes with the educational philosophy of the White Room. It is a government-backed institution that had isolated itself from the rest of Japan. Despite this, however, its state-curated curriculum and teaching methods allowed it to be given the distinction of being Japan's best high school.

"Which school are you planning to get into, Kiyotaka-senpai?" Tsubasa asked.

"Advanced Nurturing High School," I replied.

Tsubasa's eyes widened at my words before she said, "I've been planning to go there for high school, too!"

"And I want nothing to do with that school, man. Heard it was some sort of a boarding school. Not my cup of tea, I tell you," Eiichiro added.

"Well... it's the best high school in Japan," Tsubasa countered, to which the boy simply shrugged his shoulders.

The conversation stopped there as I simply took in the sights of downtown Tokyo while we were walking. I could notice Eiichiro staring at me from time to time with a proud smile on his face.

I suppose it is indeed a wonderful feeling that I have been allowed to be free... even if I'm constantly under surveillance.

Every day I had spent outside the White Room had given me experiences I would never be able to feel if I had stayed there.

And it had only been three weeks.

One small step for me, one giant leap for products of human experimentation.

1.5

Tsubasa, Eiichiro, and I did not take long to arrive at the newly opened restaurant. I must admit that I was in awe upon seeing the menu.

There simply were too many foods to choose from.

"Is it really alright for us to eat here? It's too expensive," Tsubasa worriedly asked.

I turned my head to her and attempted to give her a reassuring look, but I don't know if I actually looked reassuring.

"Don't worry about the money, Tsubasa. When Eiichiro told me we were meeting one of his closest friends, I told him that it would be my treat," I said.

Tsubasa still looked unsure but eventually gave me a smile. "I don't want to impose, but if senpai is willingly offering, I'll take it."

Eiichiro, who sat beside me, snickered. "She would actually pay for her share if you didn't say anything," he said. "Tsubasa-chan doesn't like being a burden, you know?"

"She's not being a burden. She's a friend," I replied.

I figured it was proper to point that out. Normally, you would be on guard when meeting someone for the first time. But with Eiichiro's machinations, that went out of the window. Hence, I needed to assure Tsubasa that I was comfortable with her around.

Tsubasa visibly beamed at that. "Thank you, Kiyotaka-senpai!"

I felt a hand on my shoulder and saw Eiichiro looking at me with a grin plastered on his face.

"You're learning, Kiyotaka! That's all there is to friendships, you know? If there's a vibe, you vibe!"

If it worked that way, then I would be in no position to complain. I'd just have to make sense of that logic, however.

Eiichiro, although annoying, had proven himself to be extremely valuable as a resource to learn from. Also, if he wasn't teasing me, he was rather earnest in helping me out.

I'd be glad to have someone like him by my side.

Tsubasa... I had a nice feeling about her, so if she wanted to be my friend, then she could be my friend... in due time.

That was what you taught me, right, Eiichiro?

To not overthink things... and to sometimes, just go with the flow.

But I must admit, I still did not have a profound understanding of how friendships work, so I do not know if I am taking the right approach.

At the moment, however, I was simply calling Tsubasa a friend for the sake of calling her a friend. Hopefully, I would be able to find my own answer as to what actually constitutes friendships.

Does this entail a certain level of trust? A certain level of comfort? Simply feeling the vibe? Or a combination of all those factors?

For now, I'd only consider Eiichiro as a 'friend,' but at the same time, he was a useful tool that helped me realize how human relationships work.

Now... that was a little complicated. Can you be friends with someone you consider a tool? Can a tool eventually become a friend?

Or perhaps they could both go hand-in-hand?

Hm... I will soon find out.

"Kiyotaka, what are you spacing out for?" Eiichiro asked in worry.

I shook my head before facing the staff and telling her what my order was.

"That's... a lot of ice cream, Kiyotaka-senpai," Tsubasa pointed out upon hearing what I ordered.

I couldn't resist trying out new flavors of ice cream.

"Is it weird?" I asked.

"Not in particular if it's your first time trying it out," Tsubasa replied. "It's normal to be curious about stuff, so don't worry about it."

"I see. Thanks, Tsubasa."

"It's definitely weird, Tsubasa-chan! The guy eats three entire tubs of ice cream on his own. Three entire tubs!"

"EHHH?!"

Somehow, tales of my eating habits were enough for Tsubasa to lose her composure. I guess even the level-headed girl could be surprised by things.

"Oh, that was weird? I'll restrain myself the next time," I replied.

Tsubasa giggled at my response while Eiichiro snickered.

Why do people get a kick out of the things I say?

Were they actually funny?

"There's that look again, Kiyotaka! No, you weren't funny. It was... so pathetic that it's funny," Eiichiro replied.

I see.

"Not as pathetic as your—"

Eiichiro immediately covered up my mouth before I could drop a bomb that would have ruined his reputation.

"SHHH! That's between men!"

"What are you guys talking about?" Tsubasa asked.

"Eiichiro's luck in board games. He always loses," I replied.

Eiichiro shot me a grateful look for not revealing the fact that he had a rather... modest pet.

'Don't worry, Eiichiro. I will protect your dignity.'

"That's right! I think he has never won a round before... not even when we were playing with his classmates!"

"Even cool guys like me have their flaws, you know?" Eiichiro said in an attempt to defend himself.

Tsubasa simply looked at Eiichiro like he was the biggest idiot in the world before giggling in his face.

Even the cute puppy can be mean, huh?

A few moments later, the server arrived with the meals that we had ordered.

"ITADAKIMASU"

After we offered up our thanks, we began eating our food... but considering we bought a lot of them, I think it would take us some time to finish everything off.

There were three plates on Eiichiro's side, four on Tsubasa, and... while I only had one plate, there were seven smaller plates containing ice cream on my side.

I first tasted the cookies and cream flavor, then tasted the strawberry flavor next.

It was really delicious.

It would seem that no matter the flavor, ice cream would always be delicious... or if there are any deplorable flavors, I hope I never get to taste them.

As I was 'happily' eating my ice cream, I noticed Tsubasa shooting me a look that was not offensive in any way, but rather, a look that somehow said, 'He looks like a little kid.'

"Is something on my face, Tsubasa?" I asked before eating another scoop of ice cream.

"You look like a little kid when eating ice cream, Kiyotaka-senpai," she replied, affirming my intuition.

"I see. That's normal, I guess. One of the books I've read said that sometimes, food brings out our inner child," I replied, using a made-up quote just to prove a point.

Tsubasa giggled before turning her attention back to the food in front of her.

"Did someone actually say that?" Eiichiro whispered to me.

"No. I made that up," I replied.

"That really could have come from a self-help book, though. Maybe you should write one in the future," Eiichiro said.

"Hmm... might be a good idea," I replied absentmindedly as my attention was still on the food and desserts in front of me.

Eiichiro then got closer to me and whispered,

"You are right... Tsubasa-chan does look like a puppy," he said as he observed Tsubasa's messy eating habits.

"Shh... she'll hear you," I whispered back before grabbing some tissue papers that I handed to Tsubasa.

Tsubasa's cheeks reddened a little upon noticing why I had to hand her those tissue papers.

"Sorry, Kiyotaka-senpai! The food was just too good," Tsubasa said, her cheeks turning pink in embarrassment.

"That's fine. Indulge yourself, Tsubasa," I replied.

Tsubasa smiled at that and went back to eating her food.

Eiichiro and I did the same, and within twenty or so minutes, we consumed all of our food.

"Man, is this what they mean by 'eating like a king'? I haven't been able to indulge myself in food like this for quite some time, you know?" Eiichiro said.

"Me too! Thanks for the treat, Kiyotaka-senpai!"

"Eiichiro... how do you call for the bill?" I asked.

Eiichiro looked at me for a couple of seconds before his eyes widened.

"Wait... is this your first time entering a restaurant?" Eiichiro asked.

I nodded my head.

"Hm. That's fine. I'll show you how to do it, Kiyotaka," he replied before he motioned for one of the staff to come over to our table.

"Good day, sir. How may I help you?" The female staff who approached us asked.

"Hello miss, can we ask for the bill for our table? Thank you!" Eiichiro replied.

The staff simply nodded and headed back to the cashier area before returning to our table, carrying something in her hands.

"Here's the bill for your meal, sir," she replied.

Eiichiro passed over the slip to me.

15,000 Yen?

That was quite expensive. Good thing Matsuo gave us 30,000 Yen to use.

I took out the envelope from my pockets and took out the exact amount from it before I turned the slip over to the female staff.

The staff returned to the cashier before returning to our table and showing us our receipt.

"Thank you so much for your patronage," she said as she bowed.

"Thank you as well for your service," the three of us echoed.

"Now that we're done with eating, where should we go next? The movie theater or the mall?" Eiichiro asked me.

"Hmm... I want to try going to the mall. How about you, Tsubasa?" I answered before consulting with the other member of our trio.

"If Kiyotaka-senpai wants to go to the mall, let's go to the mall," she agreed without hesitation.

"The mall it is. But I'm surprised you're just going along with what Kiyotaka wants, Tsubasa-chan," Eiichiro said.

Tsubasa's brow arched slightly, a hint of confusion in her gaze. "Isn't it his first time there? Thought it'd be nice to show him around."

"Always the caring one," Eiichiro teased, only to stiffen under Tsubasa's sharp glance.

"You're treading on thin ice, Eiichiro-kun," she warned, though it didn't seem like she was actually displeased.

"Said that so many times and nothing has happened since," was Eiichiro's cheeky challenge.

So this was how actual friends banter...

It was interesting to see people hurl insults at one another but feel no malice at the words they receive... such was the beauty of being connected, I suppose.

This link between close friends allowed them to have a degree of understanding over one another to the point that they could discern the intent within the words spoken to them.

I wonder if someday I will be able to naturally engage in a harmless banter with a friend.

It must be fun... sharing a bond like that with another person.

Yuki...

Shirou...

Those were two names that hadn't crossed my mind for quite some time—the only other students that I knew inside the White Room.

I wonder if they would be happy to see my progress.

These may simply be baby steps... but progress was still progress.

Wasn't it?

"Earth to Kiyotaka," Eiichiro waved a hand in front of my face. "You zoned out again, man."

Tsubasa looked at me, concern etching her features. "Is everything alright, Kiyotaka-senpai?"

I glanced at them, then at the bustling street around us—so different from the White Room's silent walls.

"Just reminiscing. It's nothing important."

"That's cool," Eiichiro said, clapping me on the back. "You don't have to share it."

"But if you ever feel like sharing what's on your mind, we're all ears," Tsubasa added, her tone sincere and inviting.

Their words, though kind and reassuring, were, for me, another subject of study. The impact of such phrases, which I had previously only encountered in literature, was different when experienced in a real-life context.

It evoked positive feelings if I had to categorize it.

What was happening to me...

End of Chapter

Changes:

Eiichiro is now Kiyotaka's age, like in canon. But he still isn't going to ANHS.

Nanase is a bit more faithful to the source, but not completely.

A/N: I don't know if what I'm doing with Eiichiro and Kiyotaka makes sense from a relationship standpoint, but I thought that a guy like Kiyotaka, who has never received any sort of positive treatment from anyone, would use his first experience of such as to test out some of the theories he has had on how relationship dynamics between people work.

I've built Eiichiro to be a Hirata on steroids in terms of socialization (but without the baggage of leading someone to attempt suicide), so I thought that him being around Kiyo for almost a month would give Kiyo plenty of material to discern.

Of course, it is not possible to immediately undo the damage of the White Room on Kiyotaka's view of other people. That's why he's currently conflicted if Eiichiro is just some textbook or if he is a valuable ally that he could eventually call a friend.