TW: Language, Drugs, Drinking.
Akihiko approached a young couple who stood in the backlines of the show, they looked to be arguing amongst themselves.
"You guys look like you need something to help with your situation."
The girl looked up at him, curiously. Her boyfriend turned, anger still tainting his words, "Back off, she doesn't want to talk to you."
Aki flashed him a peek of one of the small packages in his jacket, his facial expression changed, and he dug in his jeans for yen.
"How much?"
"Standard price for an 8th, 4,000 yen" He said under his breath.
The boy quickly slid the money into his palm, and he deftly slipped him the package before turning around. He could see Kenji in the crowd, though it looked like he was mostly just watching the show. He sighed, looking around for his next potential customer. He quickly saw a large group of teenagers; they wore a uniform from a school across town and he felt that was a good indication that they wouldn't know him. He walked up and before he could speak one of them interjected,
"How much, and don't rip us off like that last guy."
Are they talking about Kenji?
"4,000." Aki said.
"Sold my man. We need-" He paused, counting his friends heads, "6."
Akihiko tried to his excitement; he'd almost sold most of what he had in one go. He gave up what he had in his pockets quickly, fishing inside his backpack for the rest. He handed it to them, collecting the money from each of them individually and quickly. He walked off and when he felt he was a safe distance away, he counted his yen up.
Fuckers. They shorted me 3,000.
He sighed, it would surely be taken from his own pay. But he'd nearly completed his job in less than 30 minutes, and he felt that was a win. He scanned the endless bodies in the crowd, the music was pulsating his entire being as he stood close to the large speaker. It overwhelmed him for a moment, and he walked back to the edge of the concert, leaning against the railing. He could see out the gate, Issei was talking with a large group of girls who seemed to be giggling. He had a cigarette clutched between his fingers and was excitedly telling a story with lots of hand motions. He smiled, laughing quietly as he watched him.
He always was a ladies man.
Akihikos thoughts drifted back to Yuki and snapped him back to reality, the loudness of the concert deafening his senses once again. He looked around and saw a younger man in the corner, his arms were folded, and he seemed agitated. He took this as a sign and approached him,
"Need anything?" He said, ominously.
"Uhhh...what?" The teen replied, looking at him curiously.
He flashed him the remaining package and his eyes lit up.
"Ooooohh...." He said, fishing in how own bag for some yen.
Just then a shout could be heard, piercing through the music.
"Hey! What are you doing over there!?" Akihiko looked up and a security guard was jogging towards them. His stomach dropped and the beat of his heart increased tenfold, he put the small bag back in his pocket and did the only thing he could think of at that time: Run. He sprinted for the exit, holding on to his hat as the wind threatened to throw it off. The entrance was being guarded by another set of bodies,
Fuck, fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck FUCK!
He stopped suddenly and locked eyes with Issei who was standing just on the other side of the people blocking his way. He shot him a worried look and Akihiko tried to avoid his gaze to raise less suspicion. He made an immediate turn and ran for the gate that was at least 6 feet, he scaled up it and dropped down, quickly, while the guards attempted to cut him off. His feet hit the concrete, and his track instincts took over, he pushed through the multiple bodies preventing his escape, shouting "Move!"
He ran. And he ran. And he ran some more, through alleyways and streets until he came to a remote corner behind a convenience store. He quickly threw his hat in the garbage can, catching his breath while simultaneously ripping his jacket off, tossing it in the can along with any other evidence. He straightened his shirt and did his best to control his breathing, walking around the front of the building and entering the store. He mindlessly stared at the shelves, picking up various items and examining them while his heart thumped in anticipation. The door cracked open and a ding could be heard throughout the aisles. He looked up, terrified, but saw an older woman simply picking up a shopping basket.
Breathe. It's fine. You're going to be alright.
He picked out some pre-made food items for him and Kanada, his eyes caught a small section with medicine, and he walked over, examining the multiple items that could potentially help with Yukis cough. He settled on some tea, and a bottle of Esutakku Eve Fine, a commonplace medicine in Japan typically used for colds and flus. He shrugged his shoulders,
He probably already has this stuff...
He walked up to the front of the counter, suddenly a police officer entered the store, that expectant ding sent a shockwave through his body. He didn't turn around, he simply stared forward as the cashier rang up his items,
Beep. Beep. Beep.
He pulled out the wad of yen in his pocket and paid the cashier, a lump in his throat threatened to make him vomit. The officer interjected as he turned to leave,
"Yes, you. Have you seen a high schooler about-" He held up a hand next to Akihiko. "As tall as this young man actually."
The officer paused for a moment looking him up and down before turning back to the cashier and continuing his conversation. Akihiko didn't wait to hear what he said, he left as quickly as he could and walked to the closest park, waiting to meet back up with Issei and the others for the night.
When it neared the three-hour mark, he rode the train back to Isseis house, waiting just outside. He heard some laughter in the alleyway about 30 minutes later, the three of them had made it out safely together. He stood up and Issei ran over to him,
"Oh my god man, that was so fucking COOL! You actually got away!" He high fived him and Akihiko cracked a smile.
"Yeah, but I definitely took a hit on profits, I lost my last bag with my jacket that I had to ditch." He admitted.
"Dude, after that performance I'll give you a cut of mine. I still can't believe my eyes."
"Yeah, respect." Kenji said, he had a t-shirt from the concert in his hands.
"You...you bought a t-shirt?" and without remorse he laughed, loudly.
The rest of them joined him and Kenji stammered, "H-hey fuck you guys! They're not that bad!"
They went inside and shared another drink together, this time, in victory.
Akihiko owed 12,000 yen just to the suppliers, he lost another 4,000 when he dumped his jacket. Accompanied with the 3,000 the other teenagers ripped him off, he only walked away with a little over 11,000. He sighed, handing over his dues to Issei who collected them from everyone.
"Hey man, remember I said I'd get you that bag you lost." He slapped 4,000 yen into his hand and Akihiko took it gratefully, remembering Kanadas field trip.
"Here's to the track star, maybe next time, pigs!" He raised his glass, and they clinked together once, before Akihiko gathered his things to leave for the night.
"Hey, thanks Issei." He said. He just nodded at him gratefully, "Are you sure you don't want to stay and drink the night away with the rest of us?"
"Yeah, you know I can get you guys some fake ID's" Kenji said suddenly, "We could go to some hostess clubs and drink for real next time."
Isseis face lit up, "Kenji, dude, I need you to get me one like, yesterday."
"Pay up and it's yours." He said.
"How much?"
"20,000 yen."
Issei leaned back in his chair and groaned, "Oh come on man that's like, everything I made today."
"I don't make the rules." He retorted.
"Yeah well, you guys have fun with that I can't afford anything extra right now." Akihiko admitted to them.
"Well, the rest of us don't have a family to support." Issei joked but Aki shot him a look.
"What? What did I say?" He questioned.
He playfully flipped him the middle finger and downed one more drink before he left. His head was swimming as he rode the train home.
When he arrived, he half expected police lights, but he turned the corner to a surprisingly empty street. The nervous pit in his stomach started to dissolve as he walked into the safety of his own home. Kota greeted him happily and he gave him a few pets before setting his bad back in the kitchen. It was just past 9, he felt guilty he left Kanada alone all night, but he heard footsteps running down the stairs towards him and he forced a smile.
"Aki!!!" She said happily, "You're back!"
"I am, and I brought you some food."
She ran to the bag and opened it, quickly unpacking her meal.
"Cough medicine? Are you sick Aki?" She questioned.
"No it's...it's for Yuki." He said under his breath.
"Yuki is sick?" She said in between one of her bites.
"He uh, he has a stubborn cough." He said, unsure if he was lying, or just didn't know any better.
"Well, I hope he gets better. Will he be coming over again soon?" She said.
"Uh...maybe." He said, looking away from her in case his cheeks decided to flush.
"You should invite him over." She replied, munching happily.
"Yeah...maybe I should." He said, an unfamiliar courage emanating from him.
Akihiko fished in his pocket for his money, he counted out the 2,000 yen for his sister and set it on the table. Her eyes widened and she got up from her seat quickly, running around the table and throwing her arms around him,
"Thank you, Onii-san.." She said quietly, "I'm so happy."
"I know, Kanada. You're welcome." He replied, unable to contain his smile.
"Now let's clean up and get to bed."
They cleaned the kitchen together before heading up the stairs, their father never interrupting them.
The night, Akihiko clicked open his phone, fiddling with a few of his apps before he instinctively pulled up Line. He stared at Yukis contact for a few minutes, the bottle of cough medicine sitting right in his peripheral vision near his bedside table. He started typing, half of the courage coming from the sake he'd drank,
明日またお会いしたいです.
I want to see you tomorrow.
His hands shook, hovering over the send button for what felt like hours before he finally mashed it down. This time, he didn't click his screen closed, he waited, staring at the message until the "read" icon popped up. His stomach lurched, he sat up and watched him type. The bubble stopping, then starting again multiple times, he swallowed nervously as a ping came through,
私もあなたに会いたいです.
I want to see you, too.
Akihikos face burned, he swallowed the unfamiliar lump in his throat and willed his fingers to type once more,
Make it sound normal, make it sound...casual.
He groaned in frustration when he couldn't think of the right words, he begged his fingers to move and he let the alcohol take control, typing back,
最近,あなたのことをよく考えています.
I've been thinking about you a lot, lately.
He started to erase it, but his typically deft fingers hit send on accident.
Oh fuck, that was anything but casual.
He clicked his phone off quickly, tossing it on his dresser in terror. He forced himself to sleep, too afraid to read his reply until morning.