Chapter Text
“Boy, you need to sort yourself out. Stop with these petty tussles, you're too old for that kind of stuff now.”
That familiar sinking feeling began, a gentle throb in his temples, knots in his stomach. Giving his best smile and a cheeky tut, he placed the plate of shoddily cut apple slices in front of his grandfather.
“Truth is Grandpa, this injury you think I got from a mean old fight, is actually what a basketball to the face does. Produces a nasty bruise, doesn't it?”
Yuji circled his finger just above the bruise on his cheek, eyebrows raised as he emphasized the fact it was a ball and not someone's fist. Wasuke grunted, eyeing the skin before rolling his eyes a little too hard.
“If that's what a ball does to you, that it might as well throw you around, seeing as it miraculously looks like a hand on that mug of yours.”
Yuji’s smile faltered momentarily before he laughed, waving his hand at the absurdity. “Grandpa, you're seeing things. Here, eat those before they go brown.”
Deflecting the subject was easier than explaining, seeing as he didn't even want to talk about it. Wasuke got the hint, begrudging as it was, he dropped the conversation, opting for the comfort of silence. It was even quiet outside, the usual hubbub of students walking home outside, elderly people chatting in the gardens, bird song common for company in bleak hospital rooms. Hearing none of it made him anxious. Yuji couldn't stand it, legs bouncing, fingers fiddling with the edge of his blazer. Filling the void with meaningless talk, about school, the house, what he'd had for lunch. Anything.
Wasuke didn't object, simply listening and occasionally commenting until he got restless. “Boy, shouldn't you be at school, enjoying time with friends? Are you in a club? Go do that instead of spending your time here. Not long left until you graduate and can't do anything if what we kids your age do.”
Hearing those words again, Yuji had to sigh. They had this conversation every time he visited, without fail. This time he didn't argue. “The club I'm in isn't on today, a few of our members were sick so they cancelled. No biggie though, means I can be here with you.”
That earned him another grunt and a partial scowl. Yuji couldn't help but chuckle before noticing the plate containing the apples was empty. Grandfather always nagged him about cutting up apples he didn't even like, yet they were always gone before the end of visitor times. Just as he reached across from his seat, a soft knock burst their bubble, a nurse coming in to announce timing was up.
Slowly he gathered his bag, feeling the heavy stare of his grandfather, choosing to ignore it. He knew what was coming, always did, and this time he just didn't want to hear it.
“Yuji, maybe it's time you sto–”
“–Grandpa, I'll be back as soon as I can. Maybe in a day or two, give your ears a break from my chattering, eh? That sounds like a plan. I'll see you soon! Get lots of rest while I'm away!”
Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he followed the nurse out of the room, going to the front desk to sign his name.
He was greeted on his way there and out, having been to this particular hospital many a times since his grandfather had fallen ill. It was a strange sense of comfort, seeing those familiar faces, only to remember why he knew them in the first place.
He hated it, so he quickly found something to distract himself with. His phone was the number one best item for that. Checking the time, he saw he had about an hour before his shift at the small restaurant he'd barely managed to secure began. If he was late, he was going to scream, and he knew no one wanted to hear that.
Making it home in good time, he changed into his worn, formal long sleeve shirt, shuddering at the feel of it. It wasn't terrible, just uncomfortable in a way he couldn't quite explain. He smoothed down his jeans, making sure they weren't dirty before heading for the door. He gave a once-over. That eerie quietness was something Yuji had never wanted to get used to, yet now it felt more familiar than he could have ever wanted it to. His eyes flicked over the empty bedroom of his brothers and he reminded himself to send a message after his shift. Before turning his back, he cast his eyes over the small building. Every light was off.
He spun on his heel, not dwelling on the sight any more than he needed to. It would ruin his mood if he did.
Getting the bus was starting to eat away at his small lump of savings, so his trusty bike had been his knight in shining armour for the last fortnight. It wasn't as difficult as he thought it would be, the bike ride was a little shorter than taking the bus, only because he found a few shortcuts to take that a bus couldn't even think of doing. It made his journey easier, so he wasn't complaining. It was far better than taking a bus full of people trying to get home after work. Definitely not an enjoyable experience.
Hopping on, he enjoyed the feel of the air flowing past him, a smile tugging at his lips.
It was by far the greatest part about working. Having that reprieve before going in, then to feel this exact feeling as you head home. Yuji couldn't help but think of clocking out already, a silly habit he hadn't been able to shake no matter how many jobs he'd had in the past.
Nearing the building, he tied his bike to the metal bar of the bike rack, hoping his lock wouldn't fail him and would last at least until next week. If he was lucky and worked hard for the duration, he'd be able to buy a new one after he got paid on the weekend. Small wins.
He spotted himself in another shop window, briefly smoothing his wind tousled hair into something a little more presentable, as well as sticking down the side of the plaster he'd put over his cheek. It didn't cover it entirely, but it worked for now.
Swinging the door open, he was greeted by a few curious eyes, nothing too bad. He didn't mind, oblivious to it most of the time, not having the space in his head to care about what others thought of him. He smiled, stopping when he felt the plaster crease uncomfortably against his skin, the tender flesh underneath throbbing with the action. Maybe putting on a plaster has made it hurt more?
As the stares and whispers got worse, Yuji began to feel hot, unusually so. Rolling up his sleeves, he made his way through, apologies spilling from his mouth as he squeezed through people or sidestepped around tables and chairs.
Heading into the back, he noticed his boss’s presence, a hard look on his face. Huh, he's never here this early. Usually, anyway.
He put on his overly cheerful persona, walking up to him with the confidence of a businessman ready to strike a deal they know won't be refused. He got four steps in when his boss jerked his head to the side, indicating he wanted to talk in his private office. That made Yuji nervous, steps hesitant as he felt the muscles in his face begin to strain.
Following suit, he closed the door behind him, the small office suddenly even smaller. His boss gave an exaggerated sigh, hand rubbing his forehead, eyes closed. Yuji, puzzled by his actions, went to open his mouth, to ask what was wrong, when he was beaten to it.
“Itadori, I'm sorry to say this, and you know I wouldn't do this without a good reason, right? But you're not needed anymore.”
He didn't know what to say. What to do. He frowned, momentarily struck by the words he heard. Fired? Why?
A sudden spike of panic rushed through him, gripping his heart tight, a painful stabbing in his chest. He couldn't let this happen, he needed this job.
“Uh–wait, sir, did I do something wrong? Maybe someone complained–I can do better! Or maybe you could put me in the back? I'm good with my hands, cleanings easy. Yeah. Or maybe I could–”
“Itadori, I told you the last time this happened. It's your look. Covered in bandages and bruises, a tall boy like yourself, you give off a terrible look. Making it seem like I run with a bad crowd, seeing as I hired you and all. I can't have that. Bad for business. You understand this, right? I can't lose customers. Wouldn't want that to happen to me, yeah?”
Yuji's sputtering came to a stop, his heart thumping too loud, blood roaring in his ears, deafening. He could feel his muscles giving up, the fight leaving his body. Instead he hung his head, guilt eating away at his chest. “No, of course not, sir. I…understand.”
His boss gave another sigh, this one sounding much more relieved, before rustling through his trousers pocket. A white envelope was revealed, provided ready as if he was waiting for this moment. Yuji could feel an unwanted surge of anger rise and he hung his head lower at the sensation coursing through him.
“For you. It's two weeks of pay.”
Yuji lifted his head, disbelief twisting his features. His boss scowled, obviously not pleased with that reaction. “What is it? You think you deserve more? You haven't completed your full schedule of shifts. Be happy I gave you this at all.”
Yuji swallowed, hard and painful, the words he wanted to say threatening to escape, scratching at his throat uncomfortably. He nodded, bowing as he took the envelope.
And with that, he was effectively kicked out.
Now out in the chill evening air, a barely noticeable weight in his pocket, shoved so deep it's probably all scrunched up now. Yuji couldn't help but swear, his emotions getting the best of him. He paced up and down beside his bike, his shoes digging in, clothes too tight, chest heaving. He clawed at the bunched up fabric on his forearms, ripping the material away. He needed air, he needed to get out of these clothes, to breathe.
He thumped down hard on the edge of the curb, lungs hollow as he calmed himself down. His eyes stung from unshed tears. He refused to let it get to him. He needed to push through this. It was only a small setback. If he skipped a few meals, biked to school, used the electricity sparingly…
What a joke. How cruel.
Having been thinking about luck and how he may be able to splurge some money on something non-essential, he'd really gone and done it. Jinxed to the max. He let out a shaky breath, letting his head fall back. Going home was the best idea, to rethink his situation and plan his next move. Maybe Choso would be able to help? I should call him when I get back.
Slowly he unclasped his bike, lock in hand. He kept it beside him, choosing to walk instead. He needed time to think and ruining his usual ride home with his spoiled mood wasn't something he wanted to do.
Hands on the bars, he traipsed in the direction of home, the wind weak and lackluster. It made Yuji think he wasn't the only one feeling down for once.
By the fourth ring, a small hello called out from the quiet. Yuji immediately perked up, stretching his neck as he tried to position his phone better on the pillow in front of him. Video calls were a must for Choso, saying if he couldn't see Yuji, then he didn't know if he was telling the truth or not.
“Choso-nii, are you there? Why are you so quiet?”
“Sorry Yuji, give me a moment. I'm…just a little preoccupied right now.”
Yuji nodded before speaking, realising Choso couldn't see him at the moment. A bout of silence ensued, some muttering as well as the clash of crockery the only indicator that his brother was on the other side. Yuji rested his chin on his hand, back uncomfortably hunched as he waited.
A much louder clang caught his wandering attention, screen illuminating as it was changed in position, Choso finally coming into view.
“Sorry about that, busy making something to eat. Haven't had much time with all the studying I've been doing–”
There was a pause, Yuji watched as Choso bright his phone closer to his face, eyes squinting as he scrutinized what he was looking at before a serious expression fell upon his face.
“What happened to your face?”
Yuji reacted immediately, hand going to cover his cheek, a nervous laugh escaping his throat, skin warming as he tried to deflect it. “Nothing, just school. P.E was rough, you know how it was…”
Seeing the hard look of disbelief laced with concern was enough to make Yuji falter, trailing off as he tried his best to force that familiar mask over himself. He gave an exasperated sigh, sheepishly turning his head the other way as he explained.
“It wasn't anything bad, just an argument that got a little heated. They threw something at me, so I responded, raised my voice a little, then one of them hit me. It didn't go any further and I went to see the nurse as soon as I could.”
Yuji chanced a glance, eyes darting to the screen as he straightened himself out, realising it was pointless trying to hide an injury when it's already been noticed. His brother didn't say anything for the first few seconds, eyes fixed on the screen, scanning every blemish or tufted strand of hair out of place until a low sigh filled the void.
“Yuji, next time tell me straight away, no matter how big or small the incident. I don't like seeing my brother all back and blue!” He gave the phone a shake, and Yuji laughed as the screen wobbled, distorting the image. When it stopped, a genuine smile was on Choso's face, eyes conveying something more, yet it remained unsaid.
Giving a smile in return, Yuji dove into other things, enjoying catching up with his big brother.
Choso was currently studying, moving away for university boarding to become a doctor. Or something like that. All Yuji knew was that it was extremely time consuming, and his brother barely slept because he was too busy stressing over his recent marks and how he could improve them.
Yuji was very proud, knowing the hard work Choso put in, but he knew the reason behind it as well. He wanted to support Yuji well enough, in case things went south in the future. He hated seeing Yuji waste his youth by working odd jobs, choosing to work instead of hanging out with friends or doing silly teenager stuff like staying up all night gaming.
Yuji enquired about how things were going, getting a practiced smile in return, one that didn't reach his eyes nor look at all genuine, before the subject was flipped into him again. It wasn't unwanted, but frustrating when he just wanted to see how he was doing.
“Well, uh…something did happen…” he paused, finding a softer way to word what he was going to say, until his brain ran short and he couldn't. “I was fired today…”
His mumblings made it difficult for Choso to hear and he was asked to repeat himself. It was embarrassing enough saying it once, let alone twice.
“I was fired…”
“Oh shit Yuji, what? Why? Are you okay?”
Giving a simple nod, he rubbed his cheek against his forearm, shrugging a little as he did. “Just my boss–ex boss now I suppose. He said my look made business seem bad, like he was tied up with dodgy people or something. It was stupid but I couldn't say anything, because he made it clear he didn't want me.”
Hearing it from his own mouth, he could already feel his throat tightening, so he decided to stop, cheek squished against his arm. He never sulked, yet he was overcome by the need to.
“Oh Yuji…don't listen to pricks like that, yeah? You're good at everything you do, but they picked on you because of something stupid. It wasn't your fault. Your ex boss just seemed like a total bastard, he didn't deserve you anyway!”
“Yeah?” His voice lit up a little, eyes searching his brothers, finding only honesty reflected. His usual smile returned, beaming, and he decided not to dwell on people who clearly don't appreciate his hard work. Choso didn't say anything else on the matter, deciding to talk a tiny bit about uni life, only to make Yuji feel better.
By the time they ended the call, it was late into the night. Yuji yawned, turning his phone off as he ruffled up the duvet. Choso offered some advice, nothing much, but it solidified Yuji's idea and shaped it into a plan. He wasn't going to let what happened today shake his resolve. He was going to find a new job and work ten times harder to negate the negative views. That was his plan, starting tomorrow, he'd job hunt.