Throughout the festival, the Drama Club's play became a huge hit. They were packed every show. On the last day and their last showing, all the boys managed to get away from their tasks to watch. When the play ended, they were the loudest in the crowd, clapping and cheering.
Ayoshi was taking off his makeup when they all rushed over. They smiled at him and their eyes filled with warmth. He looked away, silent for a few seconds. "I would like to invite you to my home. I want to introduce my friends to my parents."
***
Ryoba rushed around the house filled with excitement. "I can't believe it. My baby's friends are coming over and there's so many!"
Jokichi chuckled, "Honey, calm down."
"No! Everything must be perfect for our guests," Ryoba said, fluffing the pillows. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, causing her to freeze. "They're here!" She straightened her clothes and walked over, opening the door. With a big smile, she said, "Welcome!"
All the boys had agreed to meet at the park so they could arrive at Ayoshi's house at the same time. "Hello," they said enthusiastically while walking in.
Jokichi noticed them looking around. "Our son is upstairs in his room. If you would like, you could go up there or we could call him down."
"No thank you. We'll go up ourselves," Megamo answered for everyone.
Jokichi nodded, "His room is the first door on the right."
They walked upstairs, soon arriving in front of the door. Oko knocked, "Ayoshi, it's us. May we come in?"
"Mm." They walked in on Ayoshi sitting on his bed reading a book. He gestured around the room, "Please sit wherever you like."
They rushed to sit next to Ayoshi, with the winners being Aso and Osoro. The others glared at them, but they just smiled in triumph.
Taro sat on the floor on a cushion. "I've been wondering, why did you want all of us here?"
Ayoshi looked into all of their eyes. "I have something important I need to talk to you about."
The boys frowned, nervous at Ayoshi's serious tone, but they nodded. "You can tell us anything," Amao said, giving him a reassuring smile.
"I have grown to care for all of you and I hope you will not grow to be disgusted with me," Ayoshi said, fiddling with his hair.
"That could never happen!" Aso said, grabbing his hands while the others agreed.
"All my life, I've been isolated by those around me because of my demeanor. People have called me cold, strange, emotionless, a monster, and many other things."
Osoro clenched his fist, his face darkening. "Who?" He asked, his voice deep and low.
Ayoshi shook his head, "This was a long time ago, however, many of the things they said were not wrong. I was born into a family of female yanderes. The women in my family lived the first half of their lives soulless, void of emotions until they met their senpai in high school. Meeting their senpai brought color to their life, but sadness, anger, and possessiveness were things they were also finally able to feel. I was the first ever male born in my family. My entire life my mother told me I would one day meet my senpai just like them and told me that I would have to do whatever it took to capture their heart, even if it meant hurting and using others along the way. So when I began this year, that was my goal." He closed his eyes, head hanging. "I am sorry…"
"What could you possibly be sorry for?" Budo asked, brows furrowed.
"I didn't become friends with some of you with pure intentions. Only to… use you…" Ayoshi whispered.
Kizano got up and stood in front of Ayoshi, lifting his head so that they would look into each other's eyes. "Ayoshi, whatever your intentions were at the beginning, I don't care. You're a wonderful friend and we care about you. You aren't a monster or an emotionless weirdo. In fact, you're quite expressive in many ways. Some very cute!"
Osano crossed his arms with a huff. "You're more of a dummy than I thought you were if you thought something like this was going to make us hate you!"
A weight lifted from Ayoshi's heart, making him relax. "Thank you for being kind to me, for believing in me, for defending me, thank you for being my friends."
The boys looked at each other, communicating with their eyes. They all came to an agreement. Megamo cleared his throat, heart racing. "Ayoshi, we have something to tell you."
"What is it?"
They all stood up, facing Ayoshi, and bowed. "I love you!"
Ayoshi's eyes widened, "I do not understand."
"We've fallen in love with you and we understand that all of this is overwhelming because there are so many of us. However, we would love for you to give one of us a chance."
Ayoshi looked at all of them, "I–"
Before Ayoshi could finish his sentence, the door busted open. "Ayoshi, honey, the food is ready!" Everyone paused and looked at her in shock. Realizing she walked in and interrupted something, she said, "I apologize!"
"It's ok, ma'am. I'm pretty hungry and would enjoy some of your food," Amao said, trying to ease the awkwardness. Everyone nodded and walked out together.
Ayoshi walked behind all of them, a few steps behind. 'I do not understand, I need to talk to mother.'
Ryoba smiled at them apologetically. "I'm sorry about the lack of seats at the dining table, so please sit wherever you like and I'll serve you." She walks into the kitchen and Ayoshi follows.
"Mother, I need to talk."
"What is it?"
"I haven't found my senpai…"
Ryoba's eyes softened, "There is still ti–"
Ayoshi glanced at the boys and back at Ryoba. "I don't think I ever will… I started the year searching, but, without me even realizing, as time passed, my search lessened and lessened. I've focused less on my search and began to focus more on my own life, friends, and clubs."
Ryoba tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. "Since the moment you were born, I knew you were different, but not just because you were a boy. When they handed you to me, you looked up at me with your beautiful dark eyes. They weren't dull, but full of light and innocence. When you grabbed my finger, I fell in love, and you became my entire life. As you grew up, you were very similar to me as a child, but so different in many ways. You always sought for our approval, cared and loved us. When I was your age, I didn't have any friends before meeting your father, but look at those people out there. I, the other women in our family, could never have done anything like that." She hugged Ayoshi, caressing the back of his head. "I've always hoped you would never turn out like us, but I tried my best to guide you in case. It's ok if you never do find this magical life fulfilling senpai."
Ayoshi hugged her back, snuggling into her shoulder. "I have another thing I need to tell you."
Ryoba moved back, "Yes?"
"I have been confessed to," Ayoshi said, pursing his lips. "I do not know how to respond."
A huge smile spread across Ryoba's face, excitement radiating from her. "Oh my goodness, who?"
"Would it be ok if it was a boy?"
"Oh! Are they here?" Ryoba whispered, sneaking a glance at the boys.
"All of them…"
"Oh my!" Ryoba exclaimed before smirking. She moved close to his ear, discreetly pointing. "I quite like that one."
A small blush spread across Ayoshi's cheeks when he made eye contact with the person Ryoba pointed to. He smiled at Ayoshi, giving him a small wave. "Me too…"
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A/N: Hello guys! I just want to start this off by saying thank you to everyone who's read and enjoyed my story. Also a really big thank you to those who stuck around despite my long periods of time without posting. Every time someone commented kind words it really motivated me to finish this story. I started this story before starting high school and I've just graduated. This may be the end of the main story but this isn't the end. I will continue to post chapters for each of the boys getting together with Ayoshi. I felt like this was the best ending because I really couldn't choose who, I like them all. I hope this is a satisfying ending for you guys.