[The next day]
Ryuu's eyes blinked open to the dim morning light filtering through his curtains. His mind felt heavy, like he had just surfaced from deep water, something important slipping through his fingers the harder he tried to grasp it.
Ryuu:("A dream?")
The thought barely had time to settle before his phone screen caught his attention. Squinting against the brightness, he registered the numbers.
9:32 AM.
A quiet beat. Then, realization struck.
His body moved before his brain fully caught up, kicking off the blankets as he shot upright. A dull ache settled between his brows, but there was no time to dwell on it. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling.
"Right!. The outing !!"
The floor felt cool beneath his feet as he pushed himself up, his movements still sluggish with sleep. He didn't rush—he wasn't late yet. But something about the quiet of the morning, the lingering haze of whatever dream he had lost, made him pause for just a second longer than usual.
Then, shaking it off, he made his way to get ready.
After finishing up, Ryuu adjusted his jacket and ran a quick hand through his hair. Satisfied, he grabbed his phone and wallet before heading toward the door.
Just as he reached for his shoes, a voice from the living room stopped him.
"Where do you think you're going this early?"
Ryuu turned to see Genzou sitting on the couch, arms crossed, eyes peering at him from behind the newspaper he was holding.
"Just meeting up with Kenta and Daichi," Ryuu answered casually as he slipped on his sneakers. "Figured I'd get some fresh air."
Genzou let out a small grunt, lowering the paper slightly. "Hmph. You mean goofing off."
Ryuu shrugged. "Same thing."
Genzou sighed, shaking his head. "Don't get yourself into trouble."
"No promises," Ryuu smirked, standing up and stretching.
Genzou eyed him for a moment before grumbling, "Tch. Brat." Then, as Ryuu reached for the door, his grandfather added, "Be back before dinner."
Ryuu waved a hand over his shoulder. "Yeah, yeah. Don't wait up."
With that, he stepped outside, letting the cool morning air wash over him as he made his way to meet his friends.
As Ryuu stepped out of the house, the crisp morning air greeted him, carrying the lingering scent of rain from the night before. Puddles dotted the pavement, reflecting the rooftops of traditional houses lined along the street. The occasional chirping of birds mixed with the distant hum of the city waking up.
He shoved his hands into his pockets, walking at an unhurried pace. The streets gradually grew livelier—cyclists weaving through traffic, an elderly man sweeping his storefront, a group of students in casual clothes laughing as they headed toward the station.
As he neared the meeting spot, a vending machine's mechanical hum filled the air, and the sight of two familiar figures came into view.
Kenta was slouched against the machine, furiously tapping on his phone, while Daichi stood beside him, hands in his hoodie pockets, looking like he had already lost interest in being awake.
Before Ryuu could even greet them, Kenta looked up and smirked. "Yo, Sleeping Beauty finally made it. Thought we'd have to drag your lazy ass out of bed."
Daichi let out an exaggerated sigh. "We should've brought a futon. Would've saved us from waiting."
Ryuu narrowed his eyes. "It's barely past nine. Stop acting like I made you wait for hours."
Kenta snorted. "Bro, Daichi was out here debating if he should take a nap on the sidewalk."
Daichi nodded solemnly. "The pavement looked inviting…"
Ryuu raised a brow. "That desperate for sleep?"
Daichi let out a deep sigh. "You wouldn't understand. Some of us were betrayed by our own alarm clocks."
Kenta scoffed. "Betrayed? Bro, I literally saw you text the group at 2 AM saying 'just one more episode.'"
Daichi clicked his tongue. "And whose fault is that? You're the one who recommended the show to me."
Kenta grinned. "Yeah, but I didn't expect you to binge-watch the whole season in one night."
Ryuu shook his head. "Idiots. Both of you."
Kenta smirked. "Maybe. But at least we didn't take forever to show up."
Ryuu scoffed. "I was literally on time."
Daichi stretched, yawning. "Yeah, yeah, but Kenta and I got here first, so technically, you're the late one."
Ryuu rolled his eyes. "Then why the hell did you guys show up so early?"
Kenta smirked. "Because we value friendship, unlike someone who left us to suffer in the elements."
Ryuu raised a brow. "It's a sunny morning."
Daichi crossed his arms. "Yeah, but emotionally? It was storming."
Ryuu sighed, shaking his head. "I should've just stayed home."
Kenta grinned, slapping a hand on Ryuu's shoulder. "Too late for regrets! Now let's go blow some steam off before Daichi actually takes a nap in the middle of the road."
Daichi smirked. "If I collapse, just leave me there. Let nature decide my fate."
Ryuu deadpanned. "Yeah, I'm sure a stray cat would appreciate the free cushion."
Kenta laughed. "Damn, Ryuu, don't do him like that!"
Daichi sighed dramatically. "Betrayed by my own friends….This is why I have trust issues.."
Ryuu smirked. "Shut up and start walking before I leave both of you behind."
Kenta grinned, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Alright, alright. Let's go raise some hell."
The city streets were alive with weekend energy. The air carried the scent of grilled skewers, freshly baked bread, and something fried that made Kenta visibly salivate.
Ryuu walked with his hands in his pockets, casting a glance at his two companions. "So, what's the plan?"
"Food," Kenta answered without hesitation. "Lots of it."
Daichi side-eyed him. "You ate before coming."
"And?"
Ryuu sighed. "Didn't you say you had, like, a bowls of ramen at home?"
"Correction—2 bowls. And a few snacks."
Daichi blinked. "And you're still hungry?"
Kenta clutched his stomach dramatically. "You wouldn't understand. This is a real struggle."
Ryuu smirked. "Yeah, must be real tough, having the metabolism of a black hole."
Kenta rolled his eyes. "Laugh all you want, but when the apocalypse comes and food is scarce, I'll be the one with superior eating experience."
Daichi chuckled. "You're assuming you'll even last long enough in an apocalypse. You'd probably cry if you skipped one meal."
Kenta gasped. "Excuse me?! I am a survivor!"
Ryuu and Daichi shared a look.
"I hate to break this to you but..no.you're not," Ryuu deadpanned.
"You nearly passed out that one time we were late for lunch," Daichi added.
Kenta groaned. "Okay, ONE time. And in my defense, it was four hours past my usual eating schedule!"
Ryuu snorted. "You act like you're some kind of delicate flower."
Kenta smirked. "Nah, I'm the main protagonist. The one with the biggest character development." Kenta said, winking–right at the reader.
Daichi shook his head. "Nope. You're the comic relief. The side character that gets wiped out first."
"HOW CRUEL!" Kenta clutched his chest in mock pain. "I thought we were brothers in arms!"
"We are," Ryuu said. "That's why we're preparing you for reality."
Kenta let out an exaggerated sigh. "Fine, whatever. Since you guys are so mean, I'll just treat myself to more food."
Daichi gave him a lazy shrug. "As long as you're paying."
Kenta immediately paled. "Now hold on—"
"You suggested it," Ryuu cut in. "So it's only fair."
"That's not how fairness works!" Kenta said, defending himself
[The Feast Before the Chaos]
After wandering around, they found a cozy little restaurant tucked between two larger buildings. The smell of grilled meat and sizzling dishes filled the air, making Kenta stop in his tracks like he had just found salvation.
"We're eating here," Kenta declared, already walking in.
"You just decided that for us?" Ryuu asked, raising a brow.
Daichi shrugged. "It's either this or we listen to him whine for the next half-hour."
They took a seat, ordered their food, and within minutes, steaming bowls and plates were set in front of them. Kenta, of course, wasted no time and started inhaling his food like it was a survival challenge.
Ryuu watched in mild horror. "Are you—Are you even chewing?"
Kenta paused mid-bite. "Chewing is a scam. Efficiency is key."
Daichi sighed. "This is why you always choke."
Ryuu then add "If you got choke,I ain't helping"
Despite all the banter, they enjoyed their meal, though Ryuu nearly met his end after biting into an entire chili by accident. He chugged his drink as Kenta laughed like an evil overlord.
"Nice knowing you, man," Kenta said, patting his back.
Daichi, completely unfazed, took a sip of his drink. "This is what happens when you don't check your food."
Ryuu glared at them both. "Wow,thank you very much for the kind words I guess"
With their stomachs full (and Kenta ordering a second round because "a true warrior needs fuel"), they left the restaurant, ready for their next adventure.
[Karaoke Chaos Begins]
As they walked, Kenta suddenly lit up. "Hey, let's hit up karaoke!"
Ryuu blinked. "Wait, seriously?"
Daichi, who had been silently scrolling on his phone, finally looked up. "You sure? Last time you almost popped a vein trying to hit a high note."
Kenta scoffed. "That was one time. My vocal cords have leveled up since then."
Ryuu smirked. "I'll believe it when I hear it."
As soon as they got their private room, Kenta grabbed the song remote like it was Excalibur.
"Alright, prepare yourselves. Y'all are about to witness greatness."
The moment the first notes of Baka Mitai played, Ryuu and Daichi exchanged glances.
"Oh no…" Ryuu muttered.
Daichi sighed. "He's serious about this…."
Kenta gripped the mic with both hands, closing his eyes dramatically. The screen showed the iconic Yakuza game scene, but Kenta took it to another level.
With the passion of a heartbroken man who lost everything, he belted out:
"BAKA MITAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!"
Ryuu's soul nearly left his body.
Daichi, who had been calmly sipping his drink, finally blinked. "That's…impressive in a terrifying way."
Kenta didn't just sing—he performed. He clutched his chest like he had been betrayed, gazed longingly into the distance, and even wiped away an imaginary tear.
Ryuu buried his face in his hands. "You being dramatic man..."
When the song ended, Kenta dramatically collapsed onto the couch. "Thank you. Thank you. I was born for this moment."
Daichi, completely unfazed, clapped slowly. "Amazing. Truly heartbreaking."
"Right?" Kenta grinned. "Alright, Daichi, your turn."
Daichi scrolled through the song list. "Hmm… this one."
As soon as Nandemonaiya started playing, Ryuu and Kenta actually shut up.
Daichi, usually nonchalant, started singing in that calm, soothing voice of his. The room's entire atmosphere shifted. It was like the ending scene of a coming-of-age movie where the protagonist watches the sunset, reflecting on life.
Kenta leaned forward. "Bro, why do you sound like you belong in a Ghibli movie?"
Ryuu nodded. "I was thinking the same thing."
Daichi just shrugged, finishing the song effortlessly before setting the mic down. "Natural talent~"
Kenta groaned. "How do you just casually do that?!"
Daichi smirked. "Some of us don't need to scream to be good."
Kenta gasped. "Um..Ouch??"
Daichi turned to Ryuu. "Alright. Your turn."
Ryuu hesitated. "I don't really—"
"No excuses." Kenta shoved the mic into his hands. "Sing."
Before Ryuu could protest, the song was already picked—My Dearest.
The room fell silent as the opening notes played.
Kenta grinned. "Oh, this is gonna be good~"
At first, Ryuu sang quietly, but as the song built up, his voice grew stronger. Then came the part.
"So, everything that makes me whole, I will offer it all to you!"
Ryuu actually hit the notes, making Kenta and Daichi's eyes widen.
Kenta's jaw dropped. "Wait… HOLD ON. SINCE WHEN COULD YOU DO THAT?!"
Daichi raised a brow. "Unexpected plot twist."
Ryuu scratched his head. "I don't know, I just… sing sometimes."
Kenta pointed an accusing finger at him. "AND YOU KEEP LYING ABOUT YOU'RE BAD IN SINGING?!"
Ryuu smirked. "I'm just being humble."
They continued singing (and roasting each other) for the next hour. Kenta attempted My Heart Will Go On and failed spectacularly. Daichi nailed another emotional song effortlessly. And at some point, 3 of them singing A Cruel Angel's Thesis dramatically while Kenta is also messing with Ryuu.
Ryuu deadpanned. "I will throw this mic at you."
Daichi, laughing, clapped along. "Beautiful. Truly touching."
After for some times,they finally wrapped up,Kenta stretched. "Man, today was great."
Ryuu smirked. "Even though you embarrassed yourself?"
Kenta pointed at him. "That's debatable."
Daichi shook his head. "It's really not."
As they walked outside, Kenta checked his phone. "Oh crap, it's late. I gotta head this way."
Ryuu gave him a lazy wave. "Later, idiot."
Daichi nodded. "Don't get lost."
Kenta grinned. "I'm an expert at navigating."
Ryuu narrowed his eyes. "Didn't you get lost in our own school once?"
"That was one time!"Kenta replied, defending himself
As Kenta rushed off, Ryuu sighed. "Wanna bet he messages us in ten minutes saying he went the wrong way?"
Daichi smirked. "No bet. That's guaranteed."
They walked in comfortable silence until Daichi eventually split off, leaving Ryuu to walk alone.
The air was cool, the city lights flickering around him. His mind wandered, the laughter from earlier still lingering in his thoughts.
But as he walked, something else surfaced. A quiet image—Hana's smile from yesterday.
Unknowingly, his lips curved slightly.
Ryuu:("Yeah. Today had been a good day.")
End of chapter 8.