It was hot again, but the cool breeze felt nice as it hit his wet body, refreshing him. The sound of the ocean water hitting the platform resonated around them. The rollercoaster hadn't made another trip, but they paid no attention to its silence. The only other noises heard around them were the sounds of harsh breaths and soft moans as they took themselves in pleasure.
David's head hung low as he held himself on his hands and knees, mind not thinking about anything in particular but of someone who was currently behind him, gentle hands holding his hips in place.
And it was good, the feeling of fullness overwhelming him as every thrust of his partner brought him sweet bliss, his own hips moving in time with the movements, body desperately craving more of that feeling, not wanting it to stop.
But of course, release was always the end result in these moments of physical intimacy.
He didn't even need to touch himself, for the hard and warm muscle moving inside of him was enough to bring him to ecstasy. And it was an intense feeling—it coursed throughout his body, arms feeling weak but still being able to hold himself up as his partner was still moving behind him, seeking his own release.
Which didn't take too long. Arms wrapped around his torso, the weight of his partner on him as he hugged him closely, finishing inside him, a few moans escaping his lips.
He wanted to turn his head, bring his partner into a deep kiss, but he felt the strong arms release from the warm embrace, and he slightly winced at the empty feeling now that there was nothing inside him or holding onto him.
David pulled up his board shorts in silence, but as he did so he turned to his partner, who was eagerly waiting for him.
"Rollercoaster?" the smooth voice of Katsuo asked, a small smile on his face—
David awoke abruptly, internal chrono alarm beeping. Groaning, he turned it off, blinking a few times.
Right, school…
He got up, rubbing his eyes and stretching as he walked to his shower. Lukewarm water ran down his body, and he slightly shivered. Hot water did exist in the Megabuildings, and although it would be nice to enjoy a hot shower, he didn't feel like paying extra a month for such a luxury.
Quickly finishing up, he dried himself before dressing into his school uniform. His dress shirt and slacks weren't too damaged, and he was thankful for that. His blazer, however, didn't look too good. No matter how many times he patched the thing up on his own, the holes and tears would just come apart again. Fine clothing material like this would need professional repair. If eddies weren't a problem, he would have bought a new one. But the damn things cost a fortune.
He sighed, slipping into his sneakers. Those were worn out too, but he shrugged it off. They were still good for a few more months or until they tore a hole.
Before he left, he went up to the vending machine, scrolling through the breakfast menu before selecting an egg and bacon burrito and a pouch of orange juice. The price irked him as he paid—even a simple early meal was costly enough.
His chrono beeped again, a reminder to start heading to the NCART station if he didn't want to miss his scheduled train. There was no time to sit and eat, but no matter; he would eat on his way to school. It served better than eating alone in his quiet apartment…
———
Walking into class, the first thing he noticed was the blue-haired boy. It's not like he wanted to catch his attention or anything of the sort, but he did want to see how he was doing since the last time they spoke. And right now, the rich boy looked anything but his normal self—usually his blue eyes would be focused, his attention on point, ready for another lecture. But that wasn't the case today.
Katsuo's eyes were closed. There were still a few minutes left before class started, so it really didn't matter. But seeing his miserable form strongly indicated that he still hadn't been sleeping well. And how long has it been? Five days? It was looming close to a week. No way an Arasaka Academy student would lose that much sleep; it was a huge risk towards their performance, and to top it off, a liability to their health.
One of Katsuo's hands reached into the inner pockets of his blazer. His eyes were still closed as he retrieved a small bottle of some kind. He weakly held it up to one of his nostrils, giving a small and quick inhale. His eyes slowly opened now, but he still looked like shit, dark bags heavy and very noticeable.
Was his sleep schedule so fucked that he had to resort to using boosters to fully wake him up? As ridiculous as it sounded, David couldn't help but feel slightly guilty. Sure, he wanted the rich boy to suffer a bit, but this was starting to get dangerous. He didn't want to see Katsuo fully lose his mind.
Huh, when did David get here…? Katsuo thought, putting away his caffeine booster back in his pocket. He must've dozed off for a few minutes and didn't realize until he felt the wave of fatigue hit him hard. Good thing he came prepared.
He side-eyed the brown-haired boy—who was doing the same—and they locked gazes for a few seconds before David looked away, equipping his old braindance wreath. Katsuo sighed through his nose, not surprised that his classmate was still upset with him. As much as he deserved it, he didn't want this barrier between them to stay permanent.
Incoming Call: Katsuo
David narrowed his eyes. He didn't have time for this.
Call Rejected
Katsuo blinked, a bit shocked the choom hung up on him. He turned to him again, this time trying a different approach.
Incoming Message: Katsuo
Katsuo: David
David huffed in annoyance. If he couldn't escape him from a call, there was no way he'd be able to escape him from a text. He assumed it was better than Katsuo chasing him down the halls after class.
David: What?
The blue-haired boy braced himself.
Katsuo: Do you have time to talk after class?
David hesitated before responding.
David: Talk about what?
Katsuo: There are just some things I want to clear up. I don't like how we left things off last week
David tensed in his seat. Why was the blue bowl-cut always wording things like that?! And it wasn't the first time he's done it.
David: I hated it, Katsuo
There was no need for him to explain why. Surely the rich boy took the hint.
Katsuo: I understand why you feel like that
David: No you don't. And you probably never will
Katsuo: David, please…
David lifted up his wreath, turning his head towards his classmate. Sure enough, those blue eyes were looking back at him with desperation. He lowered his wreath. If it'll save Katsuo's sanity, then he'll hear him out.
David: Fine…
Katsuo: Thank you. Bathroom?
A warm feeling began sprouting in David's stomach. That place harbored memories, both new and old. It felt almost comforting.
David: Sure…
Katsuo let out a breath he didn't know he was holding, heart hammering against his chest. The anxiety was still there, the cold feeling looming deep down, waiting to pounce yet again. But he ignored it. What mattered now was that David agreed to meet up with him.
His hand retrieved the booster again, and he took another small huff, somewhat ready for another lecture.
…
David made it to the bathroom first, waiting for the blue bowl-cut to show up. It made sense though, figuring Katsuo was coming up with some bullshit excuse to not walk home with his two lackeys. Although he already had a good enough excuse to use, being severely sleep deprived to the point of relying on caffeine boosters to keep him awake in class.
Speaking of boosters, he was sure he saw the rich boy inhale that bottle at least three more times during lecture. They were small huffs, but if he kept this up, sooner or later one bottle wouldn't be enough to keep him awake.
Hands in his pockets, he leaned against the sink. Hurry up you blue mullet-bowl—
His ears perked up when he heard the bathroom door slide open, head turning to the direction.
Katsuo's familiar presence walked in, giving both of them a respectable distance. His face looked even worse up close—eyes bloodshot red, more prominent than his beautiful blue irises. A cold shiver ran down David's chromed spine.
"David," Katsuo greeted, giving a small respectful bow. "I wanna thank you for—"
"Never mind that, Katsuo," David interrupted, walking up to the rich boy, eyes roaming his face. "Have you slept at all since last week?" His voice was quiet with worry.
Katsuo slightly looked away. "Some."
David's eyes narrowed, crossing his arms. "Define 'some'."
"It's not important," Katsuo sighed. Like before, he wanted to ask him that question again: Why do you care?
"It is when it's affecting your health," David countered. "Saw you sleepin' when I walked in."
"So I'm a little tired, no big deal," Katsuo murmured. He let out a small sigh. "Look, I wanted to ask if you could come over again."
David stood up straight, body slightly recoiling, and the rich boy quickly added, "Not today, if you don't want to, but maybe tomorrow? Just some time this week. Please?"
Brown eyes searched Katsuo's pale face, but there was no sign of suspicion, just very obvious distress. It felt more serious that the rich boy was practically begging him, something that just wasn't like his character.
David slightly turned away, thinking. "I don't know, Katsuo. What's so important that I gotta come over to your place again?" Leaving that luxury apartment felt like a relief, no doubt he'll feel unwelcomed if he returned out of the blue.
"I have something for you," Katsuo answered in a soft tone. "And because…"
His voice faltered as he noticed something on David's neck. Katsuo's blood ran cold, and he brought up his hand, inspecting the wound. The choom slightly moved back but didn't say anything.
"Did I cause this as well?" Katsuo asked in a shaky voice.
"What…?" David asked, face contorting in confusion. He pulled back from the touch. "The hell are you talking about, choom?"
"The bruise…"
David turned to the smart mirror, pulling on his collar and taking a look for himself at the nonexistent mark there.
"There's nothing there, Katsuo," David confirmed, touching the spot. A wave of dread shot at him, realizing that it could have been a hallucination from lack of sleep.
Katsuo rubbed his eyes, and looked again. David was right. "Must've been my imagination… Sorry…"
"You're starting to hallucinate, Katsuo. This is serious," David pressed.
"I'll be fine. I've been managing these past few days," Katsuo assured, but not too confidently. David saw his hand reach for that same bottle in his blazer again. The blue-haired boy was about to inhale the thing again before David stopped him.
"And you need to stop taking these," David said, hand holding Katsuo's wrist in a firm but gentle grip. "How long have you been on them?"
The way he phrased it made it sound like he was on some kind of drug. Boosters like the ones Katsuo was using didn't classify as such, but used in large quantities in short periods of time was a ticking time bomb for one to constantly rely on the damn things. Sooner or later, it would become hard to not go about one's day without using the bottles.
"Since…" Katsuo began to say, but paused, thinking back. "I think Saturday… No, Sunday." He couldn't really remember when, but it was definitely sometime during the weekend.
David took note of the fact. He wasn't one to judge people's personal habits, but he couldn't just let his classmate descend into the first depths of addiction.
"I'll come over. Today," he finally said, hand now touching Katsuo's own. But it wasn't out of affection—he was trying to smoothly get to the bottle. "But on one condition." He looked up at him.
Katsuo blinked, face beginning to feel warm. He was sure David was going to reject his invitation, but he didn't seem angry like before. And there was something else in those brown eyes. He inclined his head to hear his classmate's terms, already sensing a strong feeling of what it was going to be…
"You gotta stop using these," he heard David say. The bottle wasn't in his hand anymore. Of course… It wasn't going to be easy, but if it'll get him to spend more time with David, then it would be worth it. He stared at him, and with a quiet breath, Katsuo said, "Okay."
Feeling confident, David handed the bottle back, trusting his classmate.
"Nova. Let's go," the rich boy finally said, leading the way.
Before they left, though, David saw Katsuo discard the bottle in a nearby trash bin. He momentarily glanced at his classmate as they walked together in silence towards the AV parking zone. Aside from the blue-haired boy looking like shit, there was a more serious aura resonating from him today.
———
As expected, there was a different vibe upon entering the luxury apartment. David's stomach clenched with anxiety, not knowing what to expect. Some of it washed away when Shira welcomed him back. But apart from the rest of the apartment, Katsuo's room held a more somber feel to it. It still looked the same like before—bed neatly done, everything cleaned and polished to perfection. But something felt off…
"You can sit on the bed," Katsuo said, going to one of his dressers.
"I'll stand. Don't think I'll be here for long," David stated, hands in his pockets.
Katsuo turned to him. "David…" Whatever comeback he wanted to say ceased to come out. This wasn't about him, and he won't let his selfishness get the best of him. Especially right now.
The blue-haired boy walked up to him, placing a box of some kind on the bed. "You have every right to be mad at me… about everything." He sat down on the bed, leaving some space in case David changed his mind.
"I cannot dictate how you will feel about today and the things I have to say… but I won't hold it against you if you don't ever want anything to do with me afterwards," Katsuo explained. No matter what happens, he will respect David's decision, even though deep down in his heart he didn't want to lose him. He shifted on the bed, head bowing slightly, hands loosely clasped in front of him.
"It was not my intention for things to go awry last week. I'm sorry I hurt you," Katsuo expressed solemnly.
David slightly frowned at his classmate. "You're apologizing now? After all this time?!"
Katsuo closed his eyes. "I know…"
There was a grimace on David's face now. "What you said that day was beyond fucked up, Katsuo!" He didn't need to get into specific details to point out the obvious.
Katsuo opened his eyes, a pained look on his face. "I know…" Beside him, he felt the bed stir as David sat down. From his peripheral vision, he saw the brown-haired boy sulk sadly, leg bouncing in a nervous manner.
"If you knew, then why did you say it," David quietly hissed. "The hell did I ever do to you to deserve that?!"
The choom looked down at the floor. This wasn't going to be a repeat of last time; he had grieved back then, and it was depressing to say the least. Today, however, it was anger that was bubbling inside him.
"I don't get why you hate me so much…"
Katsuo sharply turned his head to him. "I don't hate you—!"
"Don't bullshit me, Tanaka!" David retorted, staring at him. He lowered himself to sit on the floor, hugging his knees. In a quiet voice, he added, "The way you were staring at me back at the principal's office… I don't think I've ever seen so much hate in someone's eyes before…"
Katsuo joined him on the floor, slightly scooting closer to his classmate, his back against the front of the bed, tired eyes staring ahead. He mentally cursed himself. This was no time for being in denial, which was something he'd been struggling with since he hung out with David.
No excuses, no bullshit.
"You're right…" Katsuo said softly. "I did hate you. I was pissed off. I didn't think I would get in trouble…"
Beside him, David stayed quiet. Katsuo glanced at him for a brief moment. "Forget about the apology I said to you back at the principal's. It was all bullshit. I only said it 'cause I got caught."
David's eyes narrowed. As if it wasn't obvious… No way a rich and privileged corpo student like Katsuo would actually feel any sympathy towards him.
"I appreciate you coming over, though," Katsuo said. From the corner of his eye, David saw him reach for the box on the bed. "Here. I want you to have this."
David hesitated before taking it, now crossing his legs as he inspected the package. "What is this?"
"Open it and find out, choom." He was trying hard to hide a small smile.
David gave him a wary look before removing the cardboard box. His eyes widened at what he saw inside. Hands carefully removed the plastic cover surrounding the official high-end braindance wreath, exactly like the ones everyone in his class used, well, except for him.
"I noticed you still use your old wreath. Now you don't have to worry about certain lag and choppy graphics. This one's updated to the latest software version, so it's ready to be used," Katsuo explained, his heart hammering hard against his chest out of excitement and nervousness.
David carefully lifted the new wreath, taking in its dark color theme, surprised the item was lighter than expected. Even his old one at home felt heavier. A wreath like this must have cost more than ten-thousand eddies at the least. But why would Katsuo go out of his way to get him this?
He turned to him, face looking a bit confused. "Why…?"
Those blue eyes stared at him for a few seconds before answering, looking ahead again. "You deserve a fair education like the rest of us. You shouldn't be held back just because you can't afford certain tech. It's not right. Besides, you're smarter than most of the students at the Academy."
David looked back at the wreath. It was a nice gesture, really, but he felt bad for receiving such an expensive gift. Katsuo was already paying for his tuition—that alone was expensive beyond his mind, but this added to that as well…
"That's not the only reason I wanted you to come," he heard Katsuo say, and he watched as the rich boy moved from his sitting position, getting on his knees and bowing down, his head coming into contact with the floor, facing David.
"I would like to apologize for everything I've ever said and done to you," Katsuo said in a gentle voice. He was nervous, but the adrenaline coursing through him only encouraged him to continue. "But I want to make it clear that I am not asking for your forgiveness. I would never do that."
I don't deserve it…
David blinked, suddenly feeling a bit at the center of attention at Katsuo's new position. He went back to hugging his knees. Nonetheless, he stayed quiet, letting the blue-haired boy say his thoughts.
"It was wrong of me to assume you were a lesser person simply because of your social status. I shouldn't have called you names or picked on you. You're capable of attending Arasaka Academy just like everyone else. You have the intelligence, even with the limited cyberware. You don't take your education for granted, like I or others do."
David's eyes shifted from the floor to Katsuo's blue hair.
"I've never given any second thought to my own background, but now I understand: I am privileged. I am entitled. And… I am an asshole." The rich boy didn't hold back; it was the truth.
"Back when you told me you work for your ripperdoc, I was impressed. Shocked, even. I don't think I know anyone else in the Academy who has taken an apprenticeship for a ripperdoc, let alone just a job for that matter. I have great respect for your hard work and determination, David. You continue to thrive to make a living even in the most difficult situations."
The choom's eyes were still fixated on the blue hair, wanting to reach out and touch those soft and silky strands while he listened.
"I'm sorry I physically assaulted you. I regret everything about that day, and there's no excuse for my actions. I saw that you had wounds from the car accident, and I still went and antagonized you when I shouldn't have. I should have never picked a fight with you. It was very immature and foolish of me to even do such a thing. I'm really sorry, David."
Small instances of the memory flashed in David's head.
"And I'm sorry I spoke ill of your mother that day. I made the decision to call you that night. Those words that I used were of my choice, my doing. Nothing can excuse my hurtful and cruel behavior. You never deserved that kind of pain. I now understand that your mother tried her best to provide the best life possible for you. It was wrong of me to assume she was anything less. I know she really cared about you, and loved you deeply. I'm really sorry for your loss, David."
Katsuo didn't waver as he felt a single tear roll down his face and drip onto the floor, his voice holding a small tremble.
"She didn't deserve any of that—both of you—and I'm so sorry you lost her. If I could go back in time, I would fix everything from the start. Even if you never remembered me, even if we never talked, even if you hated me, I would do everything in my power to make things right."
David tried to blink away the tears forming in his eyes, failing as a few rolled down his face.
"I'm such a horrible person, David. And I'm sorry I treated you so horribly. I'm embarrassed and ashamed it's taken me this long to realize that what I did was wrong. A person like me deserves nothing but the worst—"
"Why would you say that…?" David interrupted in a harsh whisper.
Katsuo lifted his head from the floor, looking at David. In a quiet voice, he said, "Because it's the truth. How else am I supposed to pay for how I treated you? I wasn't stupid at the time; I knew what was right and wrong, and I still went ahead and chose to do wrong. I'm sorry…"
His heart clenched as he saw David's watery eyes. He sat on his knees, continuing, "I misjudged you from the start, when I knew I shouldn't have. I thought I was better than you—thought you didn't fit in with the rest of us. That's why I wanted you to drop out."
His blue eyes shifted to look at David's brown ones. "But I'm glad you didn't listen to me—I'm glad you stayed. And… I want you to know that I don't hate you for breaking my nose. You managed to knock some sense into me by doing that. It was a real eye-opener, and I deserved it."
He slightly looked away for a brief moment. "I don't hate you, David. This past week, I got to know you better, despite it being for only a few days. I was nervous at first, but I enjoyed your company. You're not like the other's from the Academy, and I mean that in a good way."
With an amiable voice, he continued, "You're kind, funny, and incredibly smart. Your name was in the top three for the midterm—that alone says a lot. Back in the beach braindance, I saw a side of you that I've never seen before. You were smiling and laughing. All other times I've only ever seen you in a quiet manner or in pain, and I'm to blame for that. I'm sorry. You even offered me some of your food, whereas I've been selfish my whole life, taking everything for granted. But since that day, I've been relooking things in a different light. And… I wanna thank you for that."
Katsuo felt his cheeks warm at the sentiment. This was starting to sound like a confession, but he knew now wasn't the time for that. He bowed down again.
"I'm really sorry for the way I've treated you in the past, David. I know my words can't make up for the pain and suffering I've caused, but I want to try and make things right."
He looked up again. "Like I said before, I understand if you don't want anything to do with me after today." It hurt, but he remained calm.
There was a long silence between them, but it didn't feel awkward. Katsuo didn't know what else to say or how to convey the short conversation. David was still silent beside him, but the blue-haired boy wasn't in any rush. It was all up to his classmate to decide whether or not he'll accept the apology.
And if he didn't… well, Katsuo would understand completely. But no matter what, it wouldn't stop him from trying to do good in the future.
"You know…" Katsuo began to say, reverting back to his sitting position with his back against the bed, "… I wanted to show you the rest of that BD."
David perked his head at the comment. "Like what?" His voice was quiet.
"The mall. I wanted to explore the other five floors with you." It sounded selfish, he knew, but it was his feelings that were speaking for him now. "I've been holding back this whole time, waiting for the right moment… and the right person."
Another moment of silence passed between them.
He was about to say something else until he felt David wrap his arms around him, pulling him into an embrace. Katsuo's eyes widened a bit at the sudden action, heart racing. But he didn't say anything, and his own arms snaked around to pull David closer.
He was so warm, just like before, but it felt good this time. There was no sadness, no tears of sorrow. Just warmth.
"Thank you," David whispered to him. He inhaled, savoring the cologne Katsuo was wearing. One of his hands gently brushed the soft blue hair. He gave a small smirk when he heard Katsuo give a small yawn.
"Sorry," Katsuo said as they pulled back, a hand rubbing his eyes.
"Don't worry about it," David soothed. "I think you should get some rest, choom." He was surprised Katsuo had managed to keep himself awake for this long, but that energy was quickly slipping away from him.
"I would, but we've got homework."
David checked his chrono, then hesitantly asked, "Wanna work on it together?" He felt his face warm at the question. It was stupid—just a bunch of reading followed by free response questions. There was no need for help, but he didn't want to leave just yet. He felt his face getting hotter at seeing Katsuo's genuine look.
The rich boy gave a small smile. "Sure. Let me grab our laptops."
David swallowed, watching as his classmate went to go retrieve the devices, his heart fluttering.
…
The air felt a bit chilly when David stepped outside. Guess it was that time of the year. Up ahead, he watched as the neon lights illuminated the city.
"Delamain's almost here," he heard Katsuo say beside him. Once again, the rich boy insisted he take the cab, and this time David couldn't say no.
He glanced at him—the rich boy was fidgeting a little, a hand nervously combing through his blue hair. Come to think of it, usually when he hailed the smart cab, it would already be parked outside, waiting.
"I don't expect you to forgive and forget," Katsuo said, looking out at the city lights and AV's flying in the distance. His eyes were burning with fatigue, and he turned to his classmate. "But I promise I won't let you down again."
He nervously brought out his right hand. "Friends?"
David looked at him, surprised, but also relieved. Before, it didn't seem like a possibility; it somehow felt impossible to become friends with someone like Katsuo. But now, hearing the official word alleviated his fears and anxieties. And here he was, reaching out and shaking his hand, no longer able to hide his smile.
"Yeah, friends," David agreed with warmth. But a handshake felt too professional, and he closed the space between them, embracing Katsuo once again.
The rich boy was slightly taken aback again, but returned the hug. He reflected back at how he treated David back then, feeling guilty and remorseful. The thought only made him hug his classmate tighter.
"I'm really sorry, choom…"
"I know… Thank you for the wreath… and what you said. It really means a lot." Before he completely pulled back, though, he placed a small kiss on Katsuo's cheek.
Katsuo's eyes widened, face beginning to burn, and he swallowed. His awkwardness was saved by a honking noise in the distance, and they both saw the Delamain taxi pull up. Clearing his throat, he said, "Your ride's here…"
"See ya later, Katsuo," David said, waving goodbye at him.
The blue-haired boy waved back, watching as the smart cab took off. One of his hands instinctively went to touch his cheek—the spot where David kissed him. It was so unexpected, like his hugs, and yet he craved for more of that intimacy…