Chapter Text
With a serious wind, Winter came in hard. Snow coated the ground, and the lights were warm with a gentle glow, bringing solace to those who were under it. Christmas was coming, and the quiet little town was preparing for the worst, while the bustling city seemed to resemble something from a stage production. Even the Moon was beautiful, a picturesque winter.
Two friends discussed plans over warm tea, both aware of the outside weather, taking refuge in a house many would dream to have. Both of them elegant, you’d be forgiven for believing they’d be nobles. But they’re schoolchildren, discussing a Christmas party, one that seems to be coming up rather quickly.
One of them was none other than Hosokawa Miho. Descended from actual nobility. A girl popular at school for her grace, talent, and smarts. Many boys send her letters, asking for her hand, showering her in affection. The truth is, she harbored feelings for her senior, Otomo Ryunosuke. Here, today, she had invited him for tea and a conversation. This wasn’t abnormal— they were friends for quite a while.
“You invited her, right? Uchino-san, from my class. She was a most gracious guest when I invited her this spring for my family’s tea ceremony.” Miho asked, as she set down her tea cup. The girl she was referring to, Uchino Musume, was not a businessman’s daughter, but a modest young woman living in the middle of nowhere. She was, however, polite and friendly, and was Miho’s friend.
Ryunosuke knew of her name, she was quite popular. He had heard that she was on the Student Council in Elementary, though he hasn’t yet worked alongside her. “Unfortunately, Uchino-kun had informed me that she was busy that day. I can only wish that she spends her Christmas safely, even if I wished for her to be in attendance.” He sighed, recalling Musume’s disappointed face vividly.
For a moment, the lights flickered. It seemed this winter was not merely beautiful, but dangerous. “I hope this weather improves soon, it would be dreadful to walk home in this weather…” Miho mused, as she notices that the two of them are now noticeably out of tea. “You’re welcome to stay for longer if you really must, Ryunosuke-san.”
A dangerous winter… for some reason, Ryunosuke saw Kousei’s face. He was certain that he had a home, but he couldn’t imagine Kousei had the safest place for the winter. Perhaps it was a budding savior complex. “Miho-san. Before I leave, may I ask you one more question?” Ryunosuke’s face went deadly serious, his heart set, but still a bit hesitant.
“What’s the matter?” Miho was a little confused, but if it’s important, she’ll listen. “You can ask me anything, we’re friends.”
“I’m grateful for that. It’s about the Christmas Party, and a friend of mine. I would like to invite them, but they are not necessarily graceful, nor are they wealthy. Their family provides us with no connections whatsoever. However, I wish to see them. Is this idea foolish?” Ryunosuke wasn’t too sure if Miho would know Kousei herself. At least, he assumed she wouldn’t, there’s no reason for her to go anywhere near the red light district.
Her face soured, but just for a moment. “This friend of yours… I think it’s fine. You’re really progressive after all, Ryunosuke-san. I believe your family will understand. We are young, and we shouldn’t have to concern ourselves with our families our entire childhood. We have each other after all, right?” She smiled, words earnest despite initial shock. “Forgive me for my rudeness, but this friend wouldn’t happen to be that Frog Mark worker, would it?”
She knew. “I’ve been caught, haven’t I?” Ryunosuke stifled a chuckle, all part of his charismatic persona. “That man is not the easiest to persuade. Thank you, Miho-san, for both my question and having me as your guest. You are as gracious as you are beautiful.” He thanked, standing up, but appending the polite bow. “I will see you again at the party.” His kindness was probably going to get him into trouble one day. But today won’t be that day. Snowflakes peppered his nose, and Ryunosuke was grateful for his foresight to dress warmly.
He wasn’t too sure if Kousei would be at his house by now, but it couldn’t hurt to make a cautious trip to the red light district. That, after all, is more or less what he imagined Kousei’s “turf” to be. And Ryunosuke was proven correct, as he heard a somewhat familiar voice, though did not see its owner. He knew it must’ve been Kousei, but he couldn’t see where it was coming from. He could always ask the delinquents loitering around, but something told him that wasn’t the best idea.
The sound of music was a most welcomed hint, and Ryunosuke turned his head to see something that made his cheeks slightly blush. A cabaret… He could hear Kousei, if only barely— was he shouting? Is this where his Frog Mark money goes? Not that Ryunosuke would think any less of Kousei if he were, perhaps, a deviant, but this was… less than an ideal place to spend Christmas. Part of him wondered if his idea was any good.
No, it was a selfless idea. Oda Kousei was, if nothing else, an acquaintance of his. And that would make him an associate of the Otomo household. He’s right to invite him. Ryunosuke decided to pull his scarf a bit further up and used his umbrella to shield his face— there was no need to damage his reputation by standing outside of a place like this.
And the door was opened, with a rather angry patron’s growl. “Damn it, of all the…” He muttered, just beneath his breath. “It saves me the effort…”
So it really was Kousei in there, wasn’t it. Cautious, Ryunosuke tilts his umbrella in such a way to peek out, like a schoolgirl embarrassed over locking eyes with her senior. “Kousei?” He asked, simple and succinct. “Are you here alone?”
“… Otomo boy.” Kousei responds, equally short. He imagined up a nice jab, maybe poking fun about how this isn’t the first time they’ve met at a place for degenerates. He imagined it. But he didn’t say it. He was already sort of pissed, though Ryunosuke’s face seemed to… not necessarily make him calmer, but it wasn’t angrier, either. “No, I’ve brought my army of monkeys to have champagne while the finest in Japan entertain. Of course I’m alone.”
Snow continued to fall, and Ryunosuke held out a gloved hand to catch a handful of flakes, as if illustrating the weather. “It’ll only get worse, Kousei. I don’t see you with an umbrella. This one is big enough for the both of us— I selected it especially for this occasion.” He offered, now holding his umbrella a bit over Kousei’s head. “If it’s alright with you, I’m able to escort you home.” He’ll just bring it up on the way, Ryunosuke rationalizes.
“…” Kousei opened his mouth to speak, but only an exhale came out. “… …” He wanted to say something, but couldn’t think of anything appropriate. “… … …” So he chose to step forward, head hung low in shame. It isn’t as if things could get any worse. Or any better. “… … … … Just this once.” Was all he could muster, and by then, Ryunosuke was already walking, with Kousei by his side.
Hamasaki at night. A most wonderful sight, now with Christmas around the corner, covered in lights. “What were you doing at the Cabaret?” Ryunosuke asked, face pensive. “When you left, you sounded rather upset. I hate to imagine what you look like when you’re truly angry.”
Kousei didn’t want to answer that. “So the otaku wants to lecture me on perversion.” He retorts, a clever way to not tell the truth. “My business is my business, and yours is yours.” Saying that made him sound like a defensive pervert. Which… well, he wouldn’t really go to a Cabaret for the girls. After all, his mother worked there. Not that Kousei was willing to tell Ryunosuke that.
Somehow, Ryunosuke didn’t believe that Kousei was just there to stare at girls. “I see, forgive me for prying on something personal.” He apologized, now half-hearted. “Do you wish to hold the umbrella? You seem to have difficulty staying under it.”
“You’re my lackey tonight, Otomo boy. You can hold the umbrella.” Kousei responded, fiddling with his hands. “Shit, I really should’ve brought the thing. Do I hafta light a fire under you to get you moving?” Impatient, Kousei fidgeted some more.
It was at this point that Ryunosuke noticed that, just out of sight, was a cross on Kousei’s neck. It didn’t resemble a rosary, but it was unmistakable. It didn’t hurt to ask, either. “Kousei, do you celebrate Christmas?”
“What the hell kind of question is that?” Kousei’s voice lacked the anger his words implied. Maybe the snow was weighing down his emotions. “I’m a very busy man. I don’t have time for holidays. Or is Christmas something you’re purchasing the rights to. Enlighten me, Otomo.”
“Cabarets and Cycling aren’t necessarily plans, Kousei-kun.” Ryunosuke jokes with a wink. Even someone as serious as he is can poke fun, it’s why he enjoys Kousei’s company. “Forgive me for prying. The better question is if you’ll be free— as in, not working— on Christmas Day. The 25th. My family is hosting a party, and I believe someone who’s hoping to own a company would appreciate some connections.”
Geez, being invited to a party? By Ryunosuke? Otomo Ryunosuke? That one? Kousei felt stupid. “Allowing the future legend of Oda Kousei into your elite business meeting, huh? You’re even stupider than I thought.” Kousei snickered. “And I thought you’d invite me as your girlfriend. Under this shitty umbrella…” Then, he paused. Did Ryunosuke actually have a girlfriend? He really should, right?
“It’s an investment. If I’m able to set you up now, it will pay out in the future. That, Kousei, is business.” Ryunosuke explained, not as serious as his words imply. “A friend of mine told me today, however, that we are young. We can treasure time with our friends. I would be delighted to see you there, Kousei. If you would accept, that is.” Laying it on thick like a confession. Maybe being immersed in the snow with each other brought out some special feelings. Ryunosuke certainly liked it.
Kousei decidedly not so. He tilted his head away, and muttered “Fine” before quickening his pace, then running off into the distance.
Now abandoned alone in the snow, Ryunosuke watched as Kousei ran. “He’s quite bashful, isn’t he?” He mused to himself, still concerned for his wellbeing. With the frequency of these meetings increasing, Ryunosuke questioned more and more about his relationship with Kousei. Someone freeing. Someone new. Someone unapologetic. There isn’t much he can do, though. They’re from wholly different walks of life. Ryunosuke isn’t oblivious to that.
The most he can do is force himself into a place he doesn’t belong. In a war he’s not able to fight. He knew why, it’s a noble reason: he wanted to keep Kousei out of trouble. So that’s what he meant, Ryunosuke thought quietly, by a war he’s been caught into. The question now, then, is simple.
Who is Kousei (and now, Ryunosuke) fighting?