The warm sensation of sunlight played on his skin through the car window. The world outside was a canvas of vibrant hues, from the azure sky stretching endlessly above to the many skyscrapers that are Academy City.
Seated in the front seat of the car, his eyes widened at the sheer magnitude of the outside world. For years, isolation had confined him to the dimly lit spaces within four walls, and now, the expanse of a concrete jungle felt almost overwhelming. The car engine hummed softly, a reassuring melody amid the cacophony of unfamiliar sounds – muffled engines of buses, horns blaring from cars, people talking from the road, and the rhythmic hum of tires on the asphalt.
As the car slowly glided down the road, he pressed his small hands against the warm window pane, marvelling at the world outside, many varieties of scenes passing by. Each passing moment was a revelation, a visual symphony of sights unseen and experiences untold. The world outside unfolded like the pages of a storybook, and the boy was the eager reader, soaking in every word with wide-eyed wonder.
The wind whispered secrets as it brushed against the car, carrying scents of the surrounding areas, which mostly consists of gas fumes but you get the point.
With every breath, he inhaled the fragrant notes of a world they had only heard about in tales spun from the imaginations of others. The landscape, once confined to faded and distant memories, now sprawled before him like an uncharted territory waiting to be explored.
The car came to a soft stop right next to a bustling street, to their front was a large single building filled with many windows. His door silently parted open. He looked over to his side, Yomikawa was staring back at him with a smile. "Why are we stopping?"
"Hm? We're getting you some clothes first. I'm pretty sure you're bored with that hospital gown." She replied with a small chuckle.
He hummed in understanding, carefully getting out of the car. His small stature made the sea of people difficult to navigate if not for Yomikawa to suddenly grab his shoulder and tug him through the crowd. The boy was glad to have her help, he might genuinely be able to get lost in the crowd.
The inside was even more overwhelming than the outside. The place was a cacophony of bright colours and bright lights, and a barrage of noises filling his eardrums. He moved closer to Yomikawa and looked around.
The woman was taking the lead, practically dragging him through the throngs of people. She went straight inside of a store and started talking to a clerk. The two women were talking about him, and he could even see Yomikawa gesturing at him.
"Is he yours? You must've been so young." The clerk said. He didn't understand what she meant, but it sounded innocent enough for his ears. But apparently, something about it made Yomikawa act a bit out of character for him.
Something about what the clerk said left Yomikawa's face into a blushing mess, he watched as she tried to take a deep breath, forcing the embarrassed look down before it spread over her face any further. "Could you just… take us to it?" She stammered.
It ended up lasting for an hour or so. It was hell, I tell you, hell. Most of the time he spent in that place was inside a booth, putting on tens to hundreds of different clothing, varying in colours, textures, sizes, and all sorts of varieties of different materials.
He didn't get what was so great about this, that the women were making him try all sorts of different clothes that had no discernable purpose in the real world. At the very least, he was grateful to finally be able to wear clothes other than the ones he'd been wearing for so long.
Though... the colour yellow and green might be the strangest combination he'd ever seen. Regardless, he felt an incredible sense of liberation and relief in not having to make sure that his hospital gown didn't lift up too high when he bent down.
The rest of the newly bought clothings was put on the back of the car. There were plenty of them, nothing fancy but will do the job just fine.
Coming back into the car did he truly appreciate the comfort that the clothings provided him. The weightlessness that the hospital gown always left him feeling naked and rather uncomfortable.
The car turned on as it reversed, aligning it with the line of others that were passing it.
At some point in the ride, the road got jammed. Yomikawa ran out of topics to talk of, and his jaw starts hurting from the abnormal amounts of talking he's had to do. She did turn on the radio to fill in the empty space, but the lyrics on it are just...
"Gucci Gang, Gucci Gang, Gucci Gang, Gucci Gang..."
It doesn't make any sense. Why is he repeating his words? What is the meaning of it? Is Gucci Gang synonymous with bitches? Did the artist have a brain aneurysm? And what's with the guy in the background?
Not even 2 seconds after the first verse came did Yomikawa immediately turn the radio off. She appears to be sweating. "Let's turn that off... it's... good for the car." She murmured, sounding unsure of herself.
They ended up arriving about 15 minutes later. A massive apartment building with an automatic glass door for its entrance. They entered this metallic chamber that somehow reminds him of a place he'd prefer not to visit again. He hesitated, but sucked it up and entered.
The feeling of an elevator is again, something new. The rather tight space has him feeling a bit claustrophobic, and the small bump as they ascended made it even worse. But he managed to keep it all cool, he is safe now.l afterall.
The door opened and he was the first to get out. A huff of air that he didn't realise he was holding all of a sudden escapes him. "You okay?" Yomikawa asks, plastic bags to her sides. He nodded.
She eyed him for a second before sighing herself, leading him to one of the many doors. She swiped a card and the door was unlocked. "Well... welcome to my apartment."
He was led inside. The place smells like a mixture of different things. The most prominent is food, or at least that's what he thinks it is. It smells citric. Was it called a lemon? The walls are pastel and bright. A couch greets them right on the front, the carpet tickles his feet, the furniture is chocolate brown and dark.
Besides the cabinet to his left was another glass door that leads to the balcony. He could see many more tall buildings through it. Only when he got closer to see more did he finally realise how truly high 13 floors are. And to think that's not even the highest point.
"It's nice." He states.
"I don't use much of anything except for the rice cooker, so feel free to make yourself comfortable." She says, settling back on the couch after putting the plastic bags on the table. He stays standing.
"Alright, first things first, let's settle with some ground rules." She started. "Rule number one, try to not do anything dangerous, like climbing the railings on the balcony. I wouldn't want anyone getting hurt."
He raised an eyebrow at that. What did she think he was, a monkey? There's no way he would do that, she's crazy.
"Rule number two, try not to make up too much noise. There are other occupants in this building, we wouldn't want to disturb them. Though, this one might be unnecessary. You're always so quiet after all."
"Rule number three and four, no using ESP ability in the area, and don't leave the apartment without supervision until you fully understand the surrounding environment like the back of your hand."
He hummed. "Is that all?"
"Actually, there's one more thing." Yomikawa continued. "We need to establish a way of communication."
He tilts his head. For as long as he could remember, they have been communicating just fine. What's wrong with it, he thought.
"Your name. You told me you don't remember them, correct?" He nodded. "We should get you one right now then."
He gets her point. It might be useful later on. Plus imagine the hassle it would cause just to call for him in public, without any sort of name it would be very confusing. An identity is crucial in this day and age.
"I've never really given this type of thing much thought. It never really crossed my mind. Do whatever you want with it, I guess, it's your idea anyway." He finally replied.
She shrugs. "Fair enough." She got up. "Your room is that one by the way. Take these and familiarise yourself with the place." She ruffles his hair before heading for the kitchen. "You haven't eaten right? I'll make us some lunch."
He nods, as does she, before walking off.
He flipped on the light, and started looking around. It's relatively small but somehow cozy. It's warmer than the living room, maybe because the AC hasn't been turned on. There wasn't much in here. Just a bed, a desk, and a cabinet, leaving much room for him to work with.
He settles the bags on the bed, opening the curtain to the balcony and peeking out, squinting a bit. He could see the hospital from here.
He retreats onto the bed, sitting and testing the cushions. It's better compared to the ones he's been on for the past month, but it reeks of dust. Granted, the bed hasn't been used up until he came.
He laid his head onto the pillow, closing his eyes, thinking for a few minutes.
"I could get used to this." He utters to himself.
He yawns, he could briefly hear a rustling in the background, but he heed it no mind, the lull of sleep finally taking over.
The sun is up high, it's light streaming into his rooms, flashing his eyes. His eyes are wide open, a scowl on his face. He pulled the covers of his bed over his face, closing his eyes as his thoughts and memories battled it out in his mind.
Had you told him a month ago that he would be feeling the sunlight so much until it literally began to annoy him, he would've thought you were a freak. But here he is now. Feeling just exactly that.
He shuts his eyes back again, forcing himself to sleep. But the wafting smell of food wouldn't stop teasing him, forcing his eyes open once more. The sound of tv muffled through the door, before being suddenly broken by an excited voice.
He wouldn't be able to sleep at this point. It's not like he's lazy or anything, he just has nothing to do at the moment.
...
"Oh come on." He groans as he leaves the comfort of his sheets, sitting down on the side of the bed as he looks around the place. His eyes narrowed. It's gonna take a while for him to adjust towards this new kind of life.
He sighs. Getting up, scratching the back of his head. He opens the door to a sizzling sound. It's coming from the kitchen, the woman appears to be busy, but with how carefree she looks, he couldn't tell whether she was supposed to be working or not.
She turns to grab something out of a cabinet, spotting him in his stupor. "Oh hey, you're awake. Come and take a seat." She chirps, giving a bright smile.
He hummed. "What time is it?"
"It's 3 o'clock. You slept for like, 4 hours." She replied, placing a plate on his front. "There's also milk in the fridge if you want."
He didn't respond, just slowly enjoying the feeling of the warm plate in his hands. "I don't usually cook meals like this, so excuse the mess." She speaks, making him roll his eyes.
"Food is food." He wasn't a picky eater by any means. Eating hospital foods for the past month had him build tolerance to pretty much anything. Stale chicken with rubbery carrots isn't even the worst thing he can eat, honestly.
Plus the things she made don't look so bad. They're not that visually appetising, but they taste pretty decent. The curry gave off a kick in his mouth that he didn't expect. It's spicy, but not overpowering. Just enough to hit his taste buds and keep him awake.
"How is it?" She says from the living room, her voice is slightly loud.
"Decent."
"If you say so." She responds.
She was watching some program on the tv while he savoured his meal. It was all quiet between the two, but there was no tension nor a hint of awkwardness. They're just comfortably minding their own business.
Finishing the plate, he leaves it by the sink and makes his way to the living room. The boy stood right at the doorway. Yomikawa leans on the couch's armrest, her legs stretched out. She turns when he enters, revealing a bright smile on her face. "So how're you holding up? Is the place to your liking?"
He shrugs. "It's nice, I suppose. The room is a bit dusty, but I can deal with it." He'd expected that there would be some kind of previous tenant's clutter. Could be a relative or a roommate, but didn't really see anything of the sort. The place was in very good condition for someone who lives alone.
She chuckles. "That's good to know. We'll add some more stuff later if you want."
He's perfectly content with the way it is, but knowing her, she'd probably get something anyway. He opted not to answer, choosing to change subjects instead. "Thought of any names yet?"
"No." She replied sheepishly. "It was a bit of a struggle. I can't seem to think of anything that might fit you."
He pondered for a second. Letting out a huff air. "Well, if I'm going to be stuck here, I might as well help." He suggests, continuing his thought process.
Although the boy prided his intelligence, as he was literally crowned to have been one of, if not, the best in the entire city, thus the greatest in the world at that moment in time, he was actually having a hard time figuring out what to call himself. Pretty much everything that came to mind ended up being a nickname.
Personality-wise, he was boring and bland, a fact that he was very much aware of. His appearance can be described as sickly, his hair pretty much covering his entire head and ears. He's never really smiled before, so there wasn't a real smile style that he could describe his facial expression as.
He didn't realise how much effort he was putting into thinking of a suitable name until there was a knock on the door. "Finally." Yomikawa went to answer it.
His eyes wandered towards the door. He couldn't see who it was due to the woman shielding it from his line of sight, but he could see black hair and white sleeves. He could also hear that it was also a woman. He kept sitting, staring at the two until the chatters ceased.
"Let me introduce you to the your savior." Yomikawa moved out of the way. "Her name's Yoshikawa Kikyou. She might look like... that, but she's a nice person."
Her black hair cut short just above her shoulder. Her expression is laid back, her body slouched, and her stance relaxed. A white lab coat laid atop of her plain, light purple t-shirt. "Hei." She says, her voice quiet and smooth.
His gaze hardened, he felt tense. A scientist, he thought. He never liked them. How could he not? His whole life was a painful one because of humanity's boundless lust for knowledge. And the epitome of that was academics.
He didn't reply, merely glancing at the two women. A look of betrayal crosses his eyes. "Hey now, is that how you treat your saviour?" Kikyou chuckled, a light smirk painting her lips. "I might look like them, but I can assure you that I'm nowhere near like them."
"Why should I trust you?" There was hostility in his voice.
"Well, you're out here and not somewhere right now, aren't you?" Kikyou stated.
...
She has a point. He lets himself calm down. There's no use of pointing fingers. Had the woman planned on doing something, she would've done it when he was at his weakest, which is in the hospital. She didn't.
But it could also be that she didn't know that he was already out there. Or that, just like he and Yomikawa, she just doesn't know his name.
Whatever it is, he doesn't intend on letting his guard down for long.
Yomikawa eyed the woman with a pleading look in her eyes. Yoshikawa noticed it right away. Sighing, she stuffed her left hand into her pockets. "Yeah, yeah. Sorry." She looks at him sympathetically. "I'm just here to check on you. I'll keep in mind to come without this on for later visits, I suppose." She said, pulling on her lab coat.
"I'll see you around then." And just like that, the two women left. He followed just outside the door, watching Yomikawa talk with her on the elevator.
"Sorry, I didn't think he was gonna react like that." He heard Yomikawa say. The rest were cut off as the door of the elevator closed. He went back inside and sat on the couch
Yomikawa comes back not long after, shutting the door quietly with a brief huff. Eyeing him with a saddened stare.
The boy can only blink. There was something bubbling in his chest. He didn't know what it meant, but it felt rather uncomfortable. He doesn't like it at all. "Maybe I should inform you of any more visits in the future. I don't want it to go like that again."
The woman comes over and sits back on the couch to his right.
They're both silent with the exception of the tv. It was honestly the most awkward moment in his life. The silence was too loud, it was deafening.
And it appears that he wasn't the only one who was uncomfortable. Yomikawa started, clearing her throat. "It's rather boring being holed up in the house all day, don't you think? Fancy some walkin' around?"
The boy could only nod in reply. He didn't have anything better to say, so he just kept silent. A breath of fresh air would have been nice too.
Turning off the tv, he trailed right behind her, letting her take the lead once more. They continued in silence, walking out the hallway onto the elevator. He wondered if the woman from before was still downstairs. He didn't think he'd be able to face her again after what he did. It's not like it's his fault, he didn't know who she was.
There was a soft thud as they stopped at the ground floor. The lobby is quiet except for the receptionist, who continues to stare at her computer.
Once out, she turns right. They'll be walking, he noted. He didn't realise that there's a park nearby. He didn't see it earlier when they got here. He could probably explore the area, maybe tomorrow when he has nothing to do.
The place wasn't big by any means, but it wasn't small either. The grass was green, emitting a faint scent from the ground, that of freshness. Quite naturally, it calmed his nerves. He takes a deep breath, releasing it with a light sigh.
Yomikawa has her eyes on a bench not far from here. There was a girl sitting on said bench, her face buried to a newspaper, revealing only her short pink hair. She seemed to be younger than he is. To be reading a newspaper, he mused. She has to be one of the mature ones.
"Why don't you play over there." Yomikawa points at a small playground. There were other kids, all grouped up and playing what appears to be some sort of game. "I'll be on that bench there if you need me."
The boy is hesitant. He's never really played with people his age before. "Come on, don't be shy. I'll be watching, don't worry."
Taking a second glance, he eventually nodded. Though, there was a frown on his face. He slowly made his way across towards them.
Yomikawa watched him get closer. He just stood there, observing everything that was going on around him. He ended up playing on a vacant swing. It was honestly kinda amusing.
She waits for a few seconds more before leaving for the bench. The pink haired girl puts down her newspaper when Yomikawa settles across the bench.
"Hey, how ya doin' kiddo." There was a hint of mischief in her voice. She laid her head on the palm of her hands, eyeing the pink haired girl.
The girl's eyes twitched. "That's not funny, Yomikawa-san." She pouts, fuming in a way that very much resembles a child. "You know I don't like being called that!"
Yomikawa didn't even try to hide her giggling. "Sorry not sorry Komoe-chan. I just couldn't help myself." The girl, Komoe, clearly wasn't pleased with this.
"Yeah, well, you're just a freakin' meanie!" Yomikawa continued with the giggles, earning herself some more yelling from the pink haired girl.
Seeing that her efforts were useless, Komoe stopped with the beratement. Yomikawa heard a sniffle, followed by a muffled, "You're a real jerk."
"Alright, jeez, sorry, I'll get you some drinks later, how about that." That didn't exactly stop the girl from tearing up, but it did stop her from retaliating. She wiped the tears off her face. Yomikawa, now feeling a bit like a dick, offered the girl a smoke.
She snatched it from the pack, lighting up along with Yomikawa. They dragged it in deep breaths, leaning on the backs of the benches. "Nothing feels better than a good smoke, am i right?" Komoe nodded, seemingly regaining her composure with just a little puff of smoke.
There were some people who threw them weird glances. Why wouldn't they? They didn't know any better. Imagine it was you walking in the park and seeing a little girl taking a bloody smoke. You'd do the same.
She turns to Yomikawa. "So, when are you coming back to school? The students are going to be missing you, y'know?" Komoe starts, flicking the accumulating ash off of her cigarette.
Yomikawa sighed, smoke blowing out. "Well, maybe in a week or two. I've got a lot on my plates right now. We've got this extremely important operation going on at the office. It's taking so much of my time that I just couldn't find a free time to teach." Her voice sounded hollow, seeming to relay a weak happiness.
Komoe nods, puffing a smoke away. "Well try not to push yourself so hard, alright? Or else you'll just get sick or something."
Yomikawa chuckles. "I'll try."
There was silence for a bit. "So what kind of operation was it?" Komoe asked, finally breaking the silence.
"It's a classified one, so I can't really say," Yomikawa admitted. "It involves a very serious matter." Her expression hardens, her eyes briefly flickered towards the kids.
"Oh, that's interesting." Komoe smiled. "I can see that it has something to do with children. That's so much like you." Her tone lightened, slightly imitating a carefree child.
A smile dons her face. "Yeah, thanks."
They grew quiet once more. But it was more comfortable than before. Yomikawa then remembers something important. "Ne, Komoe-chan." The girl in question turned towards her, tilting her head. "If you were to have a boy, what would you call him?"
Komoe paused. And then her eyes widened. Her tiny hands smashed onto the table, she stood up. "Are you pregnant, Yomikawa-san?!" Yomikawa's face burst into a blushing mess. Komoe must've taken this as confirmation as her face grew bright immediately after. "Congratulations! Who was it? Is he a nice guy? Where did you two meet? How d-"
"Wait, no, it's nothing like that!" Yomikawa's face scrunched, the flush lingers on.
The bright look dimmed. The smile turns into a frown. "Oh..." Yomikawa sighed in relief. "I'm sorry Yomikawa-san, I didn't mean to... please tell me his name and address so I can talk some sense into this bastard ape." Venom drips from her voice.
Her blush came back again, embarrassed of the misunderstanding. Komoe takes out her notepad and begins writing something. "Again, Komoe-chan, it's nothing like that." She stopped writing, the murderous look disappearing.
"Oh, so what is it?"
Yomikawa sighed for the umpteenth time that day. "We found a boy during a raid at a place somewhere in district 10. I was supposed to take him with me until we knew where to put him. The boy has no identity, and I can't think of a name for him. Which is why I'm asking you for one."
Komoe nods. "Can you show him to me?" Yomikawa points towards the group of kids by the playground. There were many of them. But one stood out the most.
From this far, she couldn't tell whether it was a boy or a girl due to how small he is compared to the others. His smooth facial features and delicate skin did not help either. Even his snow white hair cut close to his forehead. Even his clothing was ridiculously plain. A green shirt, yellow shorts and the standard sneakers that all children of any gender could've worn.
"So he's a boy?" Yomikawa nodded. "Hadn't you told me, I wouldn't have been able to tell otherwise." Komoe comments.
"Well, let's see." Komoe then eyed him up from afar. Thinking of a name that would be suitable for someone like him. "Looks like a nice kid. Reminds me of someone I know. Although, this one appears to be a lot calmer."
She looked at Yomikawa with a smile. "Why not name him Hirano? It sounds nice, don't you think?"
Yomikawa raises an eyebrow. "Hirano? Well… he did look peaceful from here. He's no ordinary boy though…" Yomikawa muses.
"Hirano also means 'to settle down', you know?" Yomikawa hummed. She could see where Komoe was trying to get at. It didn't take long before she nodded.
"Sure, Hirano sounds nice."
Komoe hummed in agreement as well. They stare at him for a bit. He was looking at the other kids playing catch. He doesn't react much, content with just watching. Indeed, he seems peaceful.
"When did you bring him here?" Komoe asked out of the blue, taking Yomikawa out of her trance.
"Well, we found him about a month ago. I just picked him up this morning. Why?"
"Will his stay be permanent?"
"... No, unfortunately... Why...?"
Komoe turned towards her. "You're basically his friend now, perhaps something more. Wouldn't it just hurt him if you were to send him away?" Yomikawa flinched. "I would take him myself, but seeing that you're the first to take the initiative, why don't you adopt him for yourself? He trusts you, doesn't he?"
Yomikawa was quiet. Komoe continues. "You've always wanted a child, right? Now is your chance." Yomikawa was just about to protest, but thought better not to.
Can I? Yomikawa wondered. She recalls the look of betrayal in his eyes. There was pain in them. Lots of them. What would he look like when she puts him in the care of someone else? She doesn't know. She doesn't wanna know.
Yomikawa relented, nodding. "You're right." Komoe beams at her. "Let's celebrate tonight at my place." She offers. Komoe rapidly nodded. "Great! I'm off getting the stuff. I'll see you later then."
She heads off towards him. He noticed her approaching. "Yo, Hirano-chan. Having fun?" She took a seat on the vacant swing.
He blinked at her. "Is that supposed to be my name now?" She nodded. "Okay…?"
"I have some things to buy. Let's head to the convenience store." He nods, not really having anything to do.
He was confused when she grabbed his palm. He eyed their clasped hands for a few seconds before shrugging it off.
Yomikawa smiled fondly at it. Vowing to make sure the boy gets the best that he deserves.