He wasn't sure of the exact date they became friends, or even started spending time together, but Ryouta was sure that they were friends. He could remember the day they first met fondly, even if the exact date was lost to him.
It was early in the morning, the sun hadn't even begun to rise, and Ryouta was at his usual fishing spot. He usually only fished for his job, but today was just for fun. Just for feeling the morning breeze, just for relaxing without the worry of a ship collapsing. An hour or two after he had started, when the warmth of the sun had begun to show itself, the old man that would later become his friend showed up.
"Oh, I didn't know someone would be here. I thought this spot wasn't popular anymore."
Ryouta had turned around to see who had said that, Sugoroku Mutou was what his name was, and Ryouta was more than happy to let him join him. Why wouldn't he? The grandfather of Yugi Mutou was just out and about! And he liked fishing! That couldn't be more amazing!
Ryouta had explained that while the spot wasn't popular any more due to people preferring to not take the long journey and also preferring to do other things (like dueling), it was his second favorite spot. This spot was special because it was his first. He kept any questions of Yugi out of his mouth. The old man probably wanted away from that kind of attention, even though Ryouta knew such a man had to be proud of his grandson.
Sugoroku had listened, and said when he was younger this was THE spot. Before commercial fishing had ruined it for a few decades, before all of those competitions that he had used to partake in. The old man smiled fondly as he told a story about how he had once caught a shark here, but it had bitten him and he had to hastily throw it back.
Ryouta listened in turn, and shared his own story of the time he caught a pufferfish and then had to go to the hospital.
They talked, and talked, and talked. All day. All while fishing. Not much was caught. Ryouta only caught two fish that weren't edible, and Sugoroku had only caught one fish that wasn't big enough to eat. Even then, that day didn't feel wasted. It was one of the happiest days Ryouta has ever had.
Now, looking on at the old man's wake… that memory felt so painful. It felt like it had only happened yesterday, not 4 years ago. Ryouta squeezed his leg in an attempt to keep himself from crying or making a scene.
He received his invitation from Yugi in person, unlike his friends or extended family. He remembers the look on Yugi's face, cold, dead, and tired. Any excitement at seeing his old rival completely vanished just because of that look. He was invited to a funeral. The funeral of his friend.
Ryouta's condolence money was 6000 yen, whether it was because of his closeness with Sugoroku or because of his financial situation he didn't know, and he said his apologies to Yugi and his mother. He took his seat, slightly in the middle but more towards the back, and took notice of the people in the room. Not many were here. Just Sugoroku's family, immediate and a few extended, as well as the familiar faces of Jonouchi, Anzu, and Honda. They were more up front than him, but they still saw him and gave an acknowledging nod.
Ryouta sat through the ceremony, and when it was finally done, he said his final condolences, took his salt, and left for his apartment.
The streets of Domino seemed less bright, and the sky seemed less alive. Ryouta stopped at a park to sit, and collect himself. He still needed to make dinner, and his dishes were still dirty from last night. He still needed to do laundry, renew his fishing license, return his suit to his uncle… just so much in so little time.
With a heavy sigh, Ryouta buried his face in his hands.