Halloween lights flickered dimly around Ren and Yohei's small apartment, casting an eerie glow that was perfect for the night's vibe. Ren had laid out his paints on the coffee table, all ready for the face-painting he'd convinced Yohei to let him do. It was the first time Yohei had agreed, and to Ren, it felt like a small victory, a chance to share something he loved with someone who'd never really bought into it before.
Yohei sat on the couch, dressed in all black. His hair was pulled back in a small, messy samurai bun, stray strands framing his face in a way that made Ren's pulse skip. He looked up at Ren, one eyebrow raised, an amused smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Don't make me look like a damn clown," Yohei warned, eyes glinting with mock suspicion.
"Relax you bastard," Ren replied, smiling as he dipped a brush into the deep black paint, steadying his hand before moving closer. "You'll look nothing like a clown."
He started by tracing the hollow of Yohei's cheekbone with a thin line, mapping out where the darker shadows would go. His face was strong and sharply defined, with high cheekbones that the black paint accentuated, giving his expression an even more intense look. Ren leaned in close, focusing intently as he began to blend the paint along Yohei's jawline, adding depth to his features.
His gaze wandered up to Yohei's amber eyes, dark and steady, watching Ren work with a patience that felt surprisingly intimate. Ren felt his fingers shake slightly as he shaded the lines around Yohei's eyes, darkening them to create the hollow effect of a skull. He couldn't help but notice the tiny details, the faint scar on Yohei's brow, the subtle creases at the corners of his eyes from all the times they'd laughed together. It was like seeing Yohei in a new light, closer and more vulnerable.
This is just Halloween. It's just makeup, he reminded himself. But each brushstroke felt heavier than the last. He'd never been this close to him before, never had an excuse to trace the contours of Yohei's face so carefully.
As he moved to paint the area around Yohei's mouth, his fingers brushed Yohei's lips by accident, sending a quick jolt through him. He froze, the world narrowing down to the quiet space between them. Yohei's lips parted slightly, and for a second, Ren forgot what he was doing.
Quickly gathering himself, Ren resumed painting, blending in small strokes, his gaze lingering on Yohei's mouth a moment too long. You idiot, he thought, biting back a sigh. You're painting his face, not... He shook himself inwardly, forcing his attention back to his work.
With the dark circles and shadows in place, Ren moved to the final details, adding delicate lines to create the illusion of cracks spreading from Yohei's brow and jaw, giving the skull makeup an almost ethereal quality.
Ren pulled back, examining his work. The face paint brought out the best and the fiercest parts of Yohei's features, turning him into something primal and powerful. He was putting the final touch on Yohei's face, carefully brushing the last streak of white to complete the skeletal look. Yohei was still, though the muscles in his jaw twitched with impatience.
"I don't get why we have to do this," Yohei muttered, trying and failing to keep a smirk off his face. "We're going into a rap battle, not a haunted house."
Ren chuckled, pulling back to admire his work. "Because it's Halloween, and you owe me. This is the first time you actually agreed to let me paint your face."
"Yeah, well, don't get used to it," Yohei said, but his voice softened as Ren's fingers brushed along his cheek, finalizing the rough shadows around his eyes. Their faces were close, and for a moment, everything else faded in the dim light, the worn couch they were sprawled on, the distant thud of music somewhere in the building.
Ren lingered, feeling his heart twist in that familiar ache. Yohei. You have no idea how much you mean to me, he thought, the words locked tightly in his chest.
"There," Ren said, trying to keep his voice steady. "You're ready for your big Halloween debut."
Yohei glanced in the small mirror on the table, raising an eyebrow in approval as he traced a finger over one of the painted lines. His gaze flicked back up to Ren, and he grinned. "Not bad. Think it'll scare off my competition?"
"Oh, definitely," Ren laughed, but he felt a pang as he said it. This whole night, the face-painting, even their usual banter. It all felt too close to the edge of something he wanted but could never admit. God, Yohei. You're all I want, and you don't even know it.
Yohei snapped him out of his thoughts with a nudge. "Your turn," he said, gesturing for Ren to sit. Ren handed him the brush, smiling nervously as Yohei began to paint him in return, their faces only inches apart.
Ren held his breath as Yohei picked up the brush, dipping it into the inky black paint and testing it on his hand before leaning in close. For a guy who didn't take Halloween seriously, Yohei was unexpectedly precise, his grip firm as he began tracing the shape of a skull along Ren's forehead.
"This okay?" Yohei asked, his voice low, breaking Ren out of his thoughts.
"Yeah, that's... perfect," Ren stammered, the faintest blush creeping up his neck.
Yohei grinned, and Ren could feel his gaze lingering as he worked, taking extra care along Ren's cheekbones. His touch was surprisingly gentle, and for a moment, Ren lost himself in it. The warmth of Yohei's fingers as he steadied Ren's chin, the intensity in his dark eyes as he concentrated.
"This is my first time painting a skull," Yohei muttered, half-amused, "but I think I'm a natural." His hand moved to Ren's jaw, angling his face to get the lines just right. The intimacy of the moment felt electric, charged with something neither of them dared acknowledge.
When Yohei finished, he stepped back, arms crossed as he assessed his work. "There you go," he said with a hint of pride. "You look pretty good, if I say so myself."
Ren glanced at himself in the mirror. Yohei's work was rougher than his own, but somehow, it was perfect. Bold and raw, like Yohei himself. He turned back to Yohei, catching his friend's smirk as he took it all in.
"You ready?" Yohei asked, grabbing his jacket from the back of a chair.
Ren grinned. "Let's fucking go!"
They arrived at the underground venue, a converted warehouse alive with Halloween energy. Strobe lights flashed across the room, casting shadows that danced along the graffiti-covered walls. The crowd buzzed with excitement, and Ren could feel the pulse of the bass in his bones. It was loud, gritty, and exactly Yohei's kind of scene.
People parted as Yohei walked through, nodding and greeting him. Ren followed, feeling the thrill of the night pulse through him. Yohei was a force on nights like this, a commanding presence that demanded attention without even trying. Ren couldn't help the surge of pride he felt watching his friend take it all in, soaking up the energy around him.
They reached the edge of the stage, and Yohei shot him a cocky grin. "Better grab a front-row spot. This is gonna be legendary."
Ren leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Sure it will be, Kanbayashi. Let's see if you can handle the pressure."
"Pressure?" Yohei scoffed, rolling his shoulders as he prepared to take the stage. "This is what I live for."
The lights dimmed, and a single spotlight shone on the center of the makeshift stage, casting shadows that turned the crowd into a sea of dark silhouettes. A DJ started up a beat, low and pulsing, the perfect backdrop for the rap battle about to unfold. Yohei stepped up, the crowd's murmurs rising to a fevered pitch as he faced off against his first opponent.
Ren's eyes never left him. Watching Yohei on stage was like seeing fire in motion. Each word was sharp, every line deliberate, delivered with a confidence that had the crowd cheering and his opponent looking rattled. Yohei's voice filled the room, every line woven with a clever edge and a biting wit that left no doubt that he was there to win.
Ren felt a thrill shoot through him. Yohei had always had this ability to captivate people, to make them feel like they were part of something bigger. Ren felt that every day he was around him, and he knew he wasn't the only one. But there was more to it, a part of Ren that always wondered... Does he know how much he means to me?
Yohei's battle ended with a final, crushing line that left his opponent speechless, and the crowd roared as he hopped off the stage, his face lighting up as he made a beeline for Ren.
"How's that for pressure, Akamura?" Yohei grinned, breathing hard from the rush of performing. His face paint was smudged, a streak of black trailing down his cheek, but he didn't seem to care.
Ren smirked, crossing his arms. "Not bad, Kanbayashi. You might actually know what you're doing up there."
Yohei laughed, and for a moment, the tension of the night lifted. They were just Ren and Yohei again. Two best friends, side by side, like always.
They made their way to the bar they worked at to celebrate, the place was packed as Ren and Yohei pushed through the crowd, the music pounding so loudly it was almost impossible to think. Laughter and shouts mingled with the bass-heavy beats, and neon lights flickered above the busy bar. Ren could feel the adrenaline from Yohei's win still buzzing in his veins, and he couldn't shake the grin from his face as they settled at the bar counter.
"To you being the next Eminem!" Ren teased, raising his glass of whiskey, grinning.
"To never doubting me again!" Yohei shot back, clinking their glasses together before knocking his drink back with a victorious smirk.
They were laughing and recounting the highlights of Yohei's battle when Ren's phone buzzed in his pocket, vibrating urgently. He pulled it out, noticing it was from Jin, one of his bandmates. Frowning, he answered, barely able to hear himself over the noise.
"What's up, man?" he shouted into the phone.
"Ren! Get ready, we're up tonight! One of the bands just dropped out of the Battle of the Bands and it's Resonance's slot if we can get there in thirty!" Jin's voice was nearly drowned out by the loud background noise on his end too, but the message hit home loud and clear.
"Wait—tonight?!" Ren stammered, his heart immediately kicking into overdrive.
"Yeah, man! We gotta be there in half an hour, tops!" Jin confirmed, sounding just as wired as Ren felt.
Ren dropped his phone, staring at Yohei with wide eyes. "Dude... I need to get back to the apartment. My guitar, my stuff! I need to grab all of it. We've only got thirty minutes to get to the venue!"
Yohei's grin only grew, that electric excitement sparking in his eyes. "Then what are we waiting for?" he said, grabbing Ren's arm. "We'll make it. Let's go!"
Without another word, they slipped out of the bar and raced into the night, weaving through the busy streets, their hurried footsteps echoing off the pavement. Ren's heart hammered, both from the sprint and the realization that this was actually happening. The opportunity they'd been waiting for, the one he'd been working so hard toward and it was finally here.
They reached their apartment, barely stopping to catch their breath. Ren threw open the door and scrambled into his room, grabbing his guitar, tuner, pedals, and cables, hastily shoving them into his gig bag. Yohei was right there, helping him throw everything together, grabbing whatever Ren pointed to.
"You've got this, man," Yohei said, giving him an encouraging shove as Ren zipped up his bag. "All those nights I heard you playing, going over every damn note, this is what it's all for."
Ren nodded, his pulse racing. "It's just... huge, you know? And with no time to prep, it's gonna be insane."
"You thrive in chaos," Yohei said with a wicked grin. "This is exactly your kind of thing. Now let's get you there, rockstar."
They bolted out of the apartment, taking the stairs two at a time, their adrenaline carrying them all the way. As they flagged down a cab, Ren found himself sneaking glances at Yohei, who was as hyped as he was. The support and energy coming off his friend made everything feel a little less terrifying.
The cab pulled up to the venue, a grungy, neon-lit building pulsing with life as a line of fans wrapped around the block. Ren's heart hammered as he stepped out, feeling the buzz of the crowd and the thrum of music leaking through the walls. The atmosphere was electric, a mix of anticipation and the edgy thrill that only a live show could bring.
Yohei was right by his side, glancing at the line of people and giving Ren an encouraging nod. "Look at this, man," he said, clapping him on the shoulder. "They're here for the music, and soon enough, they'll be here for you."
Ren swallowed, nerves bubbling up, but Yohei's confidence was contagious. They pushed through the side entrance, and Ren's bandmates greeted him in a flurry of relieved grins and back slaps.
"Ren! Thank God you're here!" Jin said, his eyes bright with excitement. "We thought we were done for!"
"Wouldn't miss it," Ren replied, giving them a confident grin that he hoped matched Yohei's. He quickly set up his gear with the band, plugging in his guitar and running through a lightning-fast check with the sound tech. Time was tight, and they'd be on stage in minutes.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd's roar filled the room, Ren could feel his pulse quicken, the adrenaline spiking. Yohei stood off to the side, giving him a solid thumbs-up and a grin that held more pride than Ren had ever seen before he left backstage to join the crowd. Ren's heart surged, and for a brief moment, he found himself caught in Yohei's gaze, that confidence grounding him in the chaos. This is it, he thought, feeling the electricity run through his veins. This is what I've worked for, what I've dreamed of. And with him here... I feel like I can do anything.
The stage lights burst on, illuminating Ren and his bandmates in a flood of color as the crowd went wild. Ren stepped forward, his fingers finding their familiar place on the strings, the thrill of performing taking over. He struck the opening chord, and the sound was thunderous, like a release of every emotion he'd bottled up and poured into his music. His bandmates joined in, and together they filled the room with energy, the crowd swaying and screaming. Ren could feel himself sinking into the music, his nerves melting away as he played, each note feeling like an extension of his soul.
As they tore through the set, Ren stole a glance at Yohei, who was watching him with pride and excitement, mouthing the words along to the chorus. Ren felt a surge of warmth, a connection that seemed to resonate through the music itself. The energy from their set began to settle, Jin, the band's lead singer, leaned in with a gleam in his eye, his grin infectious. "Alright, guys, we've got a special surprise for you all tonight!" he announced, his voice cutting through the chatter and excitement in the room. "We're going to play one of Ren's original songs. The crowd deserves to hear what this genius can do!"
Ren's heart dropped into his stomach, panic rising as he glanced at Jin. Wait, what? He wasn't prepared for this, especially since the song had come from a place of deep emotion. A place that was all tangled up with his feelings for Yohei, the lyrics a raw expression of everything he struggled to articulate. The room buzzed with anticipation as Jin continued, "And Ren's going to sing with me on this one!"
Ren's pulse raced. Oh God, no. He opened his mouth to protest, but the spotlight was already on him, the crowd cheering, and he felt trapped between excitement and sheer terror. He wanted to refuse, to hide away from the weight of the moment, but there was no turning back now. With a deep breath, Ren picked up his guitar, fingers trembling slightly as he strummed the opening chords. The familiar notes flooded back, wrapping around him like a second skin. He could feel his heart pounding in rhythm with the beat, and as he looked out at the sea of faces, his gaze landed on Yohei, who stood in the front row, a steady anchor amid the storm of emotions swirling in Ren's chest.
As they launched into the song, Ren could barely focus on the lyrics; all he could think about was Yohei. The crowd swayed, caught up in the energy, but it was Yohei's presence that held his attention, the intensity of his gaze drawing Ren in deeper.
When it came time for the chorus, the words spilled out, heavy with meaning:
"'Don't just sit and wonder
You aren't just another
Afterthought when I'm alone
Or someone I can string along
I won't ask for a thing
Would you even listen?"
Each line felt like a confession, a raw truth that clutched at Ren's heart. As he sang, he locked eyes with Yohei, and the connection sparked between them, an unspoken understanding thrumming in the air. Would you even listen? The phrase echoed in his mind, and in that moment, it felt as if he was baring his soul to Yohei alone, the rest of the world fading away. He poured every ounce of feeling into the performance, his heart aching with vulnerability as he let the music carry him.
Yohei stood transfixed, a flurry of emotions coursing through him. He watched Ren on stage, captivated by the way he commanded the crowd with such raw passion. There was something powerful in the way Ren expressed himself, something that tugged at Yohei's heart. What is he doing to me?
As he listened, an odd pang twisted in his chest. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but the lyrics struck a chord deep within him, igniting a flicker of longing he didn't fully understand. Yohei had always known Ren was talented, but witnessing him like this, pouring his heart into something so personal, was different. It stirred something inside, a protective urge mixed with pride, and he felt the weight of Ren's unspoken feelings hang heavy in the air.
As the song reached its electrifying end, the crowd erupted into cheers, applause thundering through the venue. Ren's heart swelled, a mix of relief and exhilaration flooding through him as he took a step back, breathless from the performance and the weight of the emotions he had just laid bare.
With the final notes still ringing in the air, the announcer stepped back on stage, a wide grin plastered across his face. "And that was Resonance, ladies and gentlemen! What an incredible performance!"
The anticipation in the room grew thick as he continued, "After an amazing night of talent, we're ready to announce the winner of the Battle of the Bands!" He paused for dramatic effect, letting the tension build. "And the title goes to... Resonance!"
Ren's heart soared, disbelief washing over him as the crowd erupted in cheers once again. He turned to Jin, who was beaming, and then to Yohei, who was grinning wide, eyes alight with joy.
We did it, Ren thought, a surge of happiness mingling with the earlier anxiety, a sense of victory that felt like a new beginning. In that moment, surrounded by the roaring crowd and the thrill of success, he realized just how much he needed Yohei by his side, both on stage and off.
Yohei's heart raced as he watched the celebration unfold, a strange combination of happiness and confusion swirling within him. Ren was always the one shining the brightest, he thought, unable to shake the feeling that there was more to their friendship than he had ever allowed himself to acknowledge. He wanted to tell Ren how proud he was, to convey all the emotions battling inside him, but the words never came. Instead, he felt a quiet resolution settle in: I'll figure this out.
As the excitement of their victory settled into a buzz of elation, the members of Resonance gathered their gear and made their way out of the venue, the cheers of the crowd still echoing in their ears. The night air was crisp, infused with the intoxicating scent of victory and anticipation for the night ahead.
"Alright, who's ready to celebrate?" Jin called out, a wide grin plastered across his face, his energy infectious. He turned to Ren, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "We crushed it up there, man! Let's hit the bar and get a drink or ten! I'm buying!"
Ren's heart raced at the idea, a mix of adrenaline and joy still coursing through him. He glanced at Yohei, who stood a little off to the side, watching the scene unfold with a subtle smile.
"Hell yeah!" Ren replied, his voice buoyant. He felt light on his feet, the world brightening around him. They started making their way down the street, laughter and excitement filling the air as they bantered back and forth, each person riding the high of their win.
As they stepped into the bar, the atmosphere changed instantly. The music was loud, pulsing with a vibrant energy, and the place was packed with people, some celebrating Halloween, others just enjoying the nightlife. Ren felt the rhythm of the crowd wrap around him, a comforting blanket of sound and movement.
They found a large booth toward the back and quickly settled in, ordering a round of drinks that came in tall glasses filled to the brim. Ren felt a wave of warmth wash over him as he sank back into the cushioned seat, the buzz of the bar swirling around them.
"To Resonance!" Jin exclaimed, raising his glass high, the others following suit with cheers and laughter.
"To Resonance!" they echoed, clinking their glasses together. Ren took a long drink, letting the cool liquid slide down his throat, grounding him in the moment. He looked around at his friends, feeling grateful.
With a grin spreading across his face, Ren raised his glass again, catching everyone's attention. "And a special toast to Yohei!" he declared, his voice cutting through the din of the bar. "For winning that rap battle tonight! You fucking killed it, man!"
The table erupted in cheers once more, and Yohei's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson, but he couldn't hide the satisfied smile on his face. "Thanks, guys." he replied, trying to downplay the compliment, though the pride in his eyes was unmistakable.
Amid the noise and revelry, his gaze fell on Yohei, who was leaning back with his drink in hand, observing everything with a thoughtful expression. Ren felt a flutter in his chest. He really is something else, Ren thought, warmth spreading through him. There was something captivating about Yohei tonight. The way he seemed both part of the chaos and yet so separate, so uniquely himself.
As the night wore on, they shared stories and laughter, the drinks flowing freely. Jin and the other bandmates kept the mood light, but Ren's thoughts kept drifting back to the performance, to the way he had sung directly to Yohei, the vulnerability of it all. The energy in the bar felt electric, but there was a different kind of electricity sparking between him and Yohei, simmering just beneath the surface.
Ren caught Yohei's eye from across the table and felt a rush of affection mixed with an inexplicable tension. He could almost read the thoughts behind Yohei's intense gaze. What's going on in that head of yours? he wondered, but before he could think too deeply, Yohei broke into a grin.
"You did amazing tonight," Yohei said, his voice low but loud enough to cut through the noise. "Seriously, I'm so proud of you."
Ren felt the heat rise in his cheeks. "Thanks, man. It really means a lot." But as his eyes locked with Yohei's, who was leaning back against the booth, an air of quiet contemplation about him, a different kind of warmth surged through Ren. Yohei was his rock, the one who had stood by him through the darkest times, and tonight felt like it was charged with potential.
As the drinks flowed, the conversation shifted from the victory to plans for the future. Jin turned to Ren, eyes sparkling. "We've got to keep this momentum going! That song you wrote is a hit! We should play it at every show."
Ren nodded, his heart racing at the thought. "Definitely. I can't wait to share it with everyone."
"Speaking of sharing," Jin said, grinning mischievously, "you should let us all in on the inspiration behind those lyrics."
Ren's heart skipped a beat, his mind flashing back to the meaning behind the song. Every word was a reflection of the unspoken feelings he had for Yohei, a truth wrapped in metaphor. He swallowed hard, forcing a casual smile. "Just some personal stuff, you know?"
Ren's mind raced. What if they all knew? What if Yohei figured it out? The weight of his unspoken feelings settled heavily in his chest, and he took a long sip of his drink, willing himself to shake off the nerves.
But the moment of distraction didn't last long. When he caught Yohei's eye across the table, something shifted in the air. It felt like a magnetic pull, an unspoken connection that left him breathless. Ren's heart raced, and he felt an inexplicable urge to delve deeper into that look.