25+, girlfailure gamer. multi-fandom, self-indulgent writer. hyperfixates a lot. i yap too much. you've been warned lol.
this blog is just really a collection of thoughts that i wanna scream into the void but you're welcome to stay.
blog is better viewed in dark mode!
you can find me on ao3 and bsky too!
recent works
࿔ breaking the internet (hiori yo x reader) - masterlist updated
࿔ chapter seven
࿔ chapter eight
࿔ chapter nine
࿔ chapter ten
࿔ the night it all started (hiori yo x reader)
࿔ lines we cross (nirei akihiko x reader)
࿔ yours to keep (sanzu haruchiyo x reader)
࿔ back to you (nanase nijiro x reader)
event archive
angstmas 2024
turning point 2025
ever after 2025
ෆ ghost of you ft. klarkstella x reader
masterlist
haikyuu
blue lock
wind breaker
tokyo revengers
jujutsu kaisen
fragaria memories
vs ambivalenz
milgram
blue lock longfic series
pairing hiori yo x reader
contains slow slow slow burn, post blue lock timeskip, afab!reader, angst, fluff
SYNOPSIS
Hiori Yo may be one of Bastard München’s most technically gifted players, but he’s hardly the most popular. Stoic, soft-spoken, and an unapologetic introvert, Hiori’s tactical and supportive play style tends to get overshadowed by his flashier, extroverted teammates. But fame was never his goal—until, unexpectedly, it finds him.
When a midseason slump puts the team under pressure, an article by an unknown sports journalist shines the spotlight on him. Her piece goes viral, reframing the narrative around him and somehow, drawing the world into the chemistry that sparks between player and journalist, both on and off the field.
A genius football prodigy who is tired of performing for the approval of others. A career-driven journalist who is chasing the big break she knows she deserves.
Two people from different sides of the pitch. Both wanting to be understood beyond the masks they wear.
So when two people fall fast without truly knowing the other, eventually the cracks begin to show.
Because falling in love is easy. And baring the parts you've hidden feels like weakness in a world that feeds on broken things.
But staying through the wreckage—long after the internet stops buzzing—is the hardest part of it all.
CHAPTER LIST (ongoing)
chapter one (1.6k words)
after Bastard München's third loss, Hiori Yo finds a spark of hope in a warm, unexpected article by a cute keen-eyed journalist
chapter two (2.6k words)
Hiori discovers Miss Journalist might be a loyal fan of his — and learns the hard way that stalking someone on Winstagram can quickly get complicated.
chapter three part 1
Miss Journalist follows the day-in-the-life of Bastard München for the midseason promos, unexpectedly bringing her closer to Hiori in ways she didn’t anticipate.
chapter three part 2
after one video and a candid photo, Miss Journalist and Hiori go viral as their chemistry together off-camera stirs up unexpected fan attention, leaving them both wondering what’s next.
chapter four (5.3k words)
a whirlwind of chaos and laughter turns into something much more when Miss Journalist and Hiori Yo can't ignore the spark between them any longer.
chapter five (4.1K words)
a win turns bittersweet for Hiori when the person he wants to share it with the most seems just out of reach—as he sees Miss Journalist running towards someone else.
chapter six (5.1k words)
a series of misunderstanding and lack of communication finally leads Hiori and Miss Journalist to talk, once and for all.
chapter seven (4.9k words)
Hiori and Miss Journalist share more than just a passionate night, opening up about their relationship and the uncertain future that lies ahead.
chapter eight (3.9k words)
when some clout chaser claims to be the mystery girl in the photo, Hiori shuts down the rumors and teases about the girl who truly has his heart
chapter nine (6.6k words)
sparks fly as Hiori finds himself with unexpected realizations and plenty of "oh" moments, proving that love and self-discovery often come hand in hand.
chapter ten
Hiori finally finds the courage to meet his mom and her new family and faces the inescapable reality he’s been running away from
chapter eleven
author's notes: i have hiori yo brainrot for weeks now. and i just have to get this out of my system because i fear for the lack of hiori fanfics for my himejoshis out there (if there are any huhu)
it is a very lengthy synopsis so bear with me, it's my first time writing a fanfic
will update the chapter list as soon as i have the energy to finish it
sooooo i've updated the synopsis and it changes the whole trajectory of the fanfic from the original plan. i might have made it angstier than before.
and yes i blame my constant need to feel something for trying to write it like this.
im not sure if everyone will like it but i hope you'll still enjoy the following chapters. i'm working hard on writing chapter eleven (FINALLY) 𐔌՞. .՞𐦯
so much has happened irl and it drained me to the point that i lost motivation in all of the things that makes me happy. it took me a while before i was able to recover.
i see the notifications yet haven't bothered reading them because of anxiety. but here i am. a little bit sad but still proud of myself!
i'll read thru all the notifications. i'll continue writing my longoverdue hiori fanfic update and i hope to write more fanfics after that major slump!
here's hiori knocking on my windows and reminding me to do some writing hehe
it's been a while since i've logged in on tumblr and i swear march felt too fast and too slow at the same time. work has definitely consumed more than 12 hours of day and as much as i want to write (which i actually managed to do, somehow, fueled by spite and repressed emotions lol), i always end up just decompressing after work.
hopefully, i finish polishing breaking the internet ch 11 and some of the wips i have.
more life updates below the cut but that's just me venting
despite my full time job in a marketing agency being barely tolerable, my remote jobs keep me afloat. im just trying to catch up to all of the fandoms im in, and there's a lot of things happening!
milgram has been killing me softly, there's fragmem, pararai, vsa, 18trip, bllk and all of the animanga im into, waiting for me to get started again!
also i just missed reading my fave writers on tumblr too (੭ ;´ - `;)੭ ♡
i just watched the new video milgram dropped for haruka. i was holding my breath the entire time watching it. the lore drop. his last words. his last expression.
no amount of cat videos will make me happy tonight.
AHHH IT WAS SO FUNNY!! I cant wait for the next part pikero is actually insane XD
YESS THE STANDS!!!! theyre so gorgeous i just had to get my hands on these too hehe…cant wait for them to make more MV merch because the recent art is absolutely gorgeous!!!!
anyways how have u been doing?? hope ur getting time to relax and write fun things ~
~Anya
PIKERO IS LOWKEY SCARY AND HAVE YOU SEEN THE SEED POCHACO THEORIES?!
i swear i love how everyone on twt is just going crazy after noir ep3 dropped. i can't wait for more content hihi and yes the merch! gorgeous art, i'm so excited to buy more!
work has been crazy recently, since i've been going out more to do photoshoots. but i'm trying to spend more time for my hobbies, especially writing. hopefully this week i can start writing again!
anyway, i hope you've been doing well too!
i also have some kuroklark and stella twin art ive been working on and so so so many blue bouquet, niko and hiori fanfics on my wips.
roommates AU barou shouei x reader, who writes for a women's magazine, gets assigned to write an article on spicing things up in the bedroom, specifically, why women should try topping their partners.
needing "first-hand research", you rope in your grumpy, no-nonsense roommate, barou, who begrudgingly agrees to be handcuffed and blindfolded for the sake of "science." what starts as a simple experiment quickly turns into something far more interesting when always in control barou finds himself reacting more than he expected, especially when you tease him about why men secretly enjoy being topped.
what could possibly go wrong? (or, rather, what could go too right?)
—
this is definitely not in my drafts lol jk it is im weak for this man
omg amariiiii did u see the noir bouquet ep part 1?????? i actually lost it i wont say anything further jic u havent watched yet but LMK
~Anya
OMG ANYA IT'S GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOUUUU
yes i've seen it! and i'm hooked by noir bouquet! the fact that we're getting more lore dumps/hints about the seeds is excitiiiiing! i've been reading some theories by the fandom and everything's just so good!
i wanted to rewatch it again but i think the subtitles are still down huhu im now invested in noir bouquet!!!
someone requested an es x reader for any scenario a few days ago so thank you for that!
i've been meaning to write for milgram since i'm big about character pieces and i do love milgram's overall premise. writing about es is pretty challenging for me (but i do love a challenge hihi)
i already have two ideas, one that follows the original milgram story and the other one is an office au. (i might write both since i love both ideas huhu)
but let me introduce you to cybersecurity officer es who reprimands risk analyst! reader for clicking on a very obvious phishing email like a child.
"You analyze financial risks but can’t recognize an email scam from a mile away?" Es sighs, looking visibly pained as they skim through your pc.
"Listen, it had the company logo! And a very formal tone!"
Es stares at you, unimpressed. "It was signed by ‘Mr. Payroll’. Y/N. 'Mr. Payroll'."
let me get this out of my head because barou x close-friend!reader who got together in their early 20s is consuming my thoughts.
barou gets you pregnant at 23, right as his career is taking off so you ghost him, convinced it’s for the best since he's insanely family-oriented, traditional, and responsible that you think he might just drop everything.
so no calls, no texts, nothing.
six years later, the universe screws you over. you bump into barou at a coffee shop.
and maaaaaan, he’s hella pissed coz his ex, the one who vanished into thin air, is standing right there as if nothing happened.
but then he sees the kid. same wild black hair. same red eyes.
if Tsukishima were braver, he’d kiss you. then again, he isn’t. but at least this time, he takes a step forward.
pairing tsukishima x reader
word count 1.1k words
tags aged up characters, post manga timeskip, hurt/comfort, tsukishima and reader works together at the museum
navigation
The walk home from the museum was supposed to be uneventful, like every other night. You and Tsukishima strolled side by side in comfortable silence, the kind that comes from knowing someone just enough to not feel awkward with the quiet.
If it’s just like any other night after work, you and Tsukishima would’ve just walked past in silence until you reached the station and boarded the train home.
You, listening to your favorite songs on repeat, your wired earphones plugged on an old ipod you kept for sentimental reasons. Tsukishima, blasting his own music from his headphones, without a care in the world.
Unlike normal workmates who would spend time talking while walking home, you’ve come to enjoy the silence without filling it with nonsensical babble. You’ve learned it the way when you first started working with the man. It was very clear how he didn’t appreciate your nervous ramble when you first met him, giving you the nastiest glare you’ve ever seen.
But just like how winter thaws into spring, he eventually warmed up to you. In his own snobbish way.
The crisp evening air carried faint hints of coffee and freshly baked pastries, which you absentmindedly noted as you passed the café on the corner.
On a normal day, you would’ve ignored the seductive sweet aroma and carried on your usual route to the train station. On a normal day, you would’ve ignored the sudden craving for something sweet.
You should’ve definitely followed your gut. Because in the middle of the bustling crowd, your steps halted abruptly. A grumpy Tsukishima, softly collides on your back.
“Why the hell did you stop so suddenly?”
You weren’t listening. Your attention somewhere else, pointed at the direction of the cafe. He follows your gaze, his sharp eyes narrowing behind his glasses as they land on the scene that you are both now watching.
Through the wide glass window, the guy you were seeing last month is laughing softly at something their date said. The way they leaned in, their hand brushing against the other’s on the table.
It was intimate, effortless, and so painfully familiar.
Tsukishima adjusts his glasses, the faintest sigh escaping his lips.
“You’re going to catch a cold if you continue standing here like an idiot,” he muttered, but there was no real bite to his words.
You tore your gaze away, embarrassment and heartache blooming in equal measure. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to stop.”
But you didn’t move, and Tsukishima didn’t push you to. Instead, he shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket, his posture relaxed but his eyes unusually serious.
Even though he always insists he doesn’t care for your personal stories, Tsukishima has gotten used to hearing them anyway. That’s how he knows about the guy who broke your heart—the one you trusted enough to lay it bare.
It was a stupid move, he told you before—letting someone hold your heart so easily, only to hand it over without a fight the moment things got difficult. Stupid, for sure, but he couldn’t blame you.
Love makes people stupid, doesn’t it?
“As cliché as it sounds,” you break the silence, “if you really love someone, you let them go. That’s what they say, right? You let them be happy, even if it’s not with you. If I couldn’t make them happy, then... maybe this is what they need.”
You expected Tsukishima to scoff or throw in some sarcastic remark. After all, that’s so like Tsukishima, right?
But what came instead was far heavier than you expect.
“That’s stupid,” he said bluntly, his voice low and even.
You blinked, startled by his frankness. “What?”
He turned to you before pulling you softly towards him, by the big scarf engulfing your face.
“I said it’s stupid. Why would you just... give up like that? If you really cared about them, you should’ve fought for it. Letting them go just because you think it’s what they need? That’s not love. That’s giving up.”
His words stung because they hit too close to home. You looked down at your feet, your hands clenching and unclenching by your sides.
“What if I wasn’t enough for them? What if I wasn’t what they needed?”
Tsukishima let out a soft, exasperated huff, as if the answer was painfully obvious. From this position, he’s sure that you’re no longer looking at the cafe. Instead, you’re looking up at him.
“Then you show them you are. You make sure they know that you’re better than anyone else who could come along. You don’t just step aside and hope it works out for them. You’re not a fucking martyr.”
His words hung heavy in the air, and you didn’t know how to respond. Part of you wanted to argue, to tell him it wasn’t that simple. But deep down, another part of you know he is right.
You laugh, a genuine and hearty laugh. Even if the scarf muffles the sound, he somehow hears it loud and clear. Like music to his ears.
“I wish I could be like that,” you admitted, your voice barely audible over the noise of the street.
“I wish I could be brave enough to fight for something like you would.”
You break eye contact for a brief second, looking back at the cafe, before you stare at Tsukishima’s hands still clutching your scarf.
His expression shifted, a flicker of something vulnerable crossing his face before he looked away. He adjusted his glasses with one hand, a nervous habit you rarely saw.
“Yeah, well,” he said, his voice quieter now, “not everyone’s as great as me.”
A small laugh escaped you despite the ache in your chest. It was the kind of laugh that felt more like a release than anything else. Tsukishima fixes your scarf, fluffing it further until it hides your stupid bittersweet smile of yours.
As if that was enough to make it go away. And he thinks, if he kisses you, will it all go away?
“The person you like,” you said as the two of you began walking again, “they’d be lucky to have someone like you.”
This time, you walk side by side.
He didn’t reply immediately, but you caught the slight flush at the tips of his ears. When he finally spoke, his voice was quieter, almost careful.
“...Yeah. Let’s hope they realize that.”
For the rest of the walk, neither of you speaks. The silence lingers—not heavy, not awkward, just different. You board the train like always. But this time, Tsukishima sits beside you, closer than usual.
He doesn’t look at you, but you feel it. The way his arm brushes yours, the way his foot taps against yours and doesn’t move away. His fingers twitch slightly on his lap, hesitant.
And then, just for a second, his pinky brushes against yours.
You don’t pull away. And neither does he.
anyway, I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave a reply or drop an ask or even a request! ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡
chapter ten
Hiori finally finds the courage to meet his mom and her new family, with Miss Journalist, his self proclaimed emotional support girlfriend, by his side as he faces the inescapable reality he’s been running away from
blue lock longfic series
pairing hiori yo x reader
contains fluff, post blue lock timeskip, afab!reader, hurt/comfort, very hiori centric piece
masterlist
Hiori has been staring at his phone for almost ten minutes now. His grip tightens around the device, as if the pressure alone could somehow alter the words on the screen.
"Are you free for dinner this weekend, Yo-kun?"
A simple invitation. A casual question. A few harmless words.
But to Hiori, they might as well be a ticking time bomb.
Dinner with his mother. To catch up. To talk about life. To finally meet her new family. To face the reality he's been avoiding for months.
Just dinner.
Ever since she remarried, she has been persistent about him meeting them.
Every few weeks, another invitation. Lunch, dinner, brunch. Whatever excuse she could find to get him to sit at the same table as her new husband and the kid who aren’t his family.
She even hinted once about bringing them over to his apartment. That was when he started dodging her calls more often.
I’m busy.
I have training.
I’m too tired.
Some of those excuses were true. Most of them weren’t.
And his mother, perceptive as ever, never called him out on it. She knew. Of course she knew. But she let him have his distance, never pushing too hard.
Because in the end, they both understood the truth—this wasn’t just about a meal.
This was about moving forward.
And that terrified him.
He knows it’s selfish, but the thought of seeing her with a new family, a new life—one where he isn’t the center of her world anymore—feels like a rejection.
A confirmation that while she has turned the page, he is still stuck in a chapter that no longer exists.
The only thing tying his parents together anymore… is him.
Just a lingering reminder of a failed marriage and a legacy that was never fulfilled.
How ironic.
Because when he was younger, he hated being their world. He resented the weight of their expectations, the suffocating pressure of their broken dreams forced onto his shoulders.
But now, standing on the outside looking in, he realizes that he wasn’t trying to escape them.
He was trying to matter to them in a way that didn’t feel conditional.
And now that they’ve let go… he isn’t sure where he belongs anymore.
The warmth of your touch jolts Hiori from his thoughts. Your hands rest gently over his, pulling him back from whatever storm had been brewing inside his mind.
“You okay? You’ve been spacing out for a while.”
Your voice is soft, gentle but laced with concern. Your brows knit together slightly as you search his face, eyes filled with warmth.
Hiori glances at his phone, then back at you. He wants to say something—anything—but the words feel like they’re caught in his throat, stuck somewhere between hesitation and the overwhelming urge to let it all spill out.
“You know you can talk to me,” you murmur, squeezing his hands ever so slightly. “But only if you’re ready, okay? No pressure.”
A small, reassuring smile tugs at your lips, offering him an out if he needs it.
You know Hiori. He isn’t the type to just talk about things—not the heavy stuff, not the things that weigh on him in the quiet hours of the night. He keeps them locked away, buried under layers of restraint.
And yet, even without words, you can see the unspoken pain lingering in his eyes, in the way his shoulders tense, in the way his fingers twitch against his phone.
If he wants to talk, you’ll listen. If he doesn’t, you’ll sit here beside him, offering comfort in whatever way he needs.
That’s who you are in his life. His girlfriend.
It still feels a little surreal, calling yourself that. But more than anything, you want to be his safe place, his steady ground when everything else feels uncertain.
And as if he hears your unspoken promise, Hiori finally exhales.
“Yeah,” he says, voice quieter than usual. “My mom just texted me.”
You wait, watching as he stares at his phone again, the weight of something unspoken hanging in the air.
“She’s inviting me to dinner.” A pause. “With her new family.”
There’s a bitterness laced in his tone. Not outright anger, but something more fragile, more resigned.
And when he says new family, there’s an ache behind those words, as if saying them out loud makes it all the more real.
He wonders if they look like a picture-perfect family. Laughing around the dinner table, filling a space he once occupied. A space he wasn’t sure he could ever truly belong to.
Hiori leans back against the couch, his head falling back, an audible sigh escaping his lips.
“I’ve been avoiding it for so long.”
You shift closer, closing the small space between you. “Do you mind me asking why?”
He turns his head slightly, just enough to meet your eyes.
“It’s just…” He hesitates, his throat bobbing as he swallows thickly.
And then, barely above a whisper—
“It scares me, y’know?”
His voice cracks, just for a second.
And in that moment, you see it—the weight of everything he’s been holding back, pressing down on him all at once.
"It scares me… because if I go to that dinner and see her new life, it’ll be like accepting that things will never be the same again.”
His voice is raw, trembling at the edges. He puts down his phone, his gaze fixed on his fingers curling into a fist on his lap.
“It hasn’t been the same… not since Blue Lock ended.” His voice wavers, barely above a whisper.
“I knew it was only a matter of time before they divorced. But now… it’s different. They’ve moved on, and I’m the one left behind. It’s ironic, isn’t it?” He lets out a bitter laugh, one that doesn’t reach his eyes.
“I hated being their entire world when I was a kid. I resented the pressure, the expectations, the way they suffocated me. But now… now I’m the one clinging to a family that doesn’t exist anymore.”
His words hang heavy in the air, an open-ended question more for himself than for you. He’s questioning the cruel irony of it all, the way life keeps twisting the knife even when you think you’ve grown numb.
Your fingers find his, gently wrapping around his trembling hand. You give a reassuring squeeze, grounding him in the present, reminding him that he’s not alone. It’s the only thing you could do for him.
Hiori’s shoulders sag, his weight leaning into you as if he’s finally allowing himself to break. You let him, holding him steady as the six-foot man folds into you, his head resting against your shoulder.
There’s a vulnerability in his touch, his fingers clutching yours as if letting go would mean being swallowed by the sea of emotions threatening to drown him.
“I hate this feeling,” he admits, his voice cracking. “It’s like this heavy weight just sits here, crushing me… and I don’t know what to do with it. And I know… I know wallowin’ in self-pity won’t change anything, but… why does it feel so damn hard to let go? Why can’t I just… accept it?”
His words shake and you feel your own heart breaking. You want to take his pain away, to carry even just a fraction of that weight.
But you know better than to promise things you can’t fix. Instead, you offer him the one thing he needs most—understanding.
You run your thumb gently over his knuckles, giving him an anchor to hold on to. Your voice is soft, steady. “Because it’s never easy to take the first step… not when moving forward means leaving behind everything you once knew.”
Your words are gentle, echoing the very fear that’s kept him rooted in place. “And that fear? It’s valid. It might feel ironic, but it actually makes perfect sense.”
Hiori’s fingers tighten around yours, his jaw clenching as he listens.
“It’s okay for you to feel this way,” you say.
“You were forced to grow up under impossible expectations. They put their broken dreams on you, made you carry burdens that were never yours to bear. And now, seeing them move on, seeing them do better with someone else… it hurts."
"It makes you wonder, ‘Why wasn’t it like that for me? Why did I have to suffer alone?’” Your voice is tinged with pain, echoing the unspoken thoughts he’s been too scared to voice.
“It feels unfair. Because you went through so much. And now it seems like they’ve moved on like nothing ever happened. Like you were just a chapter they’ve already closed.”
Hiori stiffens under the weight of your words. He feels seen and understood in a way he never thought possible. He releases a trembling breath, his head leaning further into you.
“If you’re not ready, you don’t have to go,” you whisper.
“We can stay here. We can watch cheesy romcoms, marathon anime or I’ll play Hades 2 while you backseat and critique my every move. Whatever you need, I’m here. We’ll get through it together.”
Hiori stays still, his breathing uneven. He’s so quiet that it makes you nervous, a lump forming in your throat. Just as you’re about to speak again, his voice breaks the silence.
“No.”
You blink, confused. “No?”
He pulls back just enough to look at you, “Let’s go.” His voice wavers, but there’s a quiet determination behind his words. “I—I’ll to go to that dinner. But only if you’re with me.”
Pride swells in your chest. You see the fear in his eyes, but you also see his courage—the bravery it took for him to reach out, to ask for help, to take that first step. You nod, your voice unwavering.
“Of course. I’ll be right there with you. Every step of the way.”
Hiori doesn’t see the smile on your face, but he hears it in your voice. He feels it in the way your fingers tighten around his, steady and unwavering.
And in that moment, he realizes that maybe he’s not as alone as he thought.
Hiori checks his phone for the third time in five minutes.
30 minutes early.
He sighs, glancing at the screen to re-read your text from last night, just to be absolutely sure he’s at the right place. The last thing he needs is to embarrass himself by knocking on the wrong door and looking like a complete idiot.
You haven’t replied to his last text. You’re probably still getting ready.
Hiori shifts on his feet, feeling the awkwardness settle in his bones. If he stands out here for the next half an hour, he’ll definitely look like a creep to any nosy neighbors who pass by.
His fingers tap against his leg, nervous energy bubbling up inside him. Before he can overthink it, he lifts his hand and knocks—three quick taps against the door.
No answer.
The silence stretches. His heart starts to pound a little faster. He’s about to knock again when he hears muffled shuffling from the other side.
The door creaks open just a sliver, revealing a dark-haired girl peeking through the narrow gap. Her eyes narrow, scanning him up and down with suspicion.
Hiori instantly recognizes her from your descriptions—Miko, your roommate. The same loudmouthed girl who’s apparently a serial yapper and the world’s worst movie critic.
But right now, she’s nothing like you described. She’s quiet, guarded, eyeing him like he’s a stalker.
“Can I help you?” she asks, her voice low and cautious.
Hiori’s heart stutters, but he quickly recovers, offering her his most harmless, polite smile. “Good morning. I’m looking for Y/N.”
Miko’s eyes narrow further. “And you are?”
The words roll off his tongue easily, almost too easily. “I’m her boyfriend.”
He feels a flicker of warmth at the admission. It still feels surreal, saying it out loud. But each time he does, it becomes a little more real, a little more his.
Her expression flickers, her eyes widening with recognition. The door opens wider, revealing more of the apartment behind her. Hiori catches a glimpse of your shared living room—messy, cozy, filled with a chaotic warmth that already feels like you.
Miko shouts over her shoulder, her voice louder now, “Babe! There’s a pretty boy at the door! Says he’s your boyfriend!”
Hiori’s cheeks flush at the description. Miko turns back to him, her face breaking into an unnervingly wide smile.
She doesn’t move. She just stands there, her gaze fixed on him, silently appraising him like he’s some sort of artifact.
The longer she stares, the more awkward he feels. His confident smile wavers under her scrutiny. He shuffles on his feet, pretending to dust off an invisible speck from his bomber jacket before clasping his hands in front of him to stop his fidgeting.
The sound of hurried footsteps echoes from inside the apartment, followed by a loud, frantic voice.
“I’m coming! I’m almost ready!”
You burst into view, hair slightly tousled and face flushed. You’re wearing a black skirt that sways around your knees, moving fluidly with your every step.
You practically trip over your sneakers as you shove your feet into them, mumbling under your breath about how you’re never letting Miko wake you up late again. When you look up and see Hiori standing there, a warm smile instantly lights up your face.
“You’re early!”
A chuckle escapes him, the tension melting from his shoulders. “Yeah, sorry about that.”
He extends his hand towards you, and you immediately slip yours into his, letting him pull you closer.
Miko’s grin widens, and she leans against the doorframe, watching the scene unfold with unabashed curiosity. Her eyes flicker between the two of you, her head tilting in amusement.
You shoot her a warning look, but it only makes her snicker.
“We’re off,” you announce, deliberately ignoring the mischievous look in her eyes. “Don’t wait up.”
You lead Hiori away, your fingers intertwined with his, warm and steady. You’re almost at the elevator when Miko’s voice rings out behind you, echoing through the hallway.
“Have fun, kids! And use protection!”
The drive to the house is nothing but quiet and tense.
Hiori’s grip on the steering wheel was tighter than usual, his posture tense and awfully upright. There’s an unnerving feeling lingering in the back of Hiori’s mind, lurking. As if anytime, it would pounce right at him—this irrational fear of his—and would make him crawl back at home and just chicken out.
He’s played against world class players under the eyes of the world, with his team’s victory hanging in balance where tension is at an all time high. But nothing has prepared him for the crushing pressure of meeting his mom’s new family and accepting the inevitable.
Nothing.
And when Hiori pauses in front of the house, you can feel his nervousness. His breath is shaky as he exhales, as if he was holding his breath for such a long time during the drive.
Without thinking to much, you reach over and slip your fingers through his. Your presence, your support, is the only reassurance you can give him.
“You ready?” You look at Hiori. He gives you a strained smile as he nods and presses the doorbell.
The doorbell rings from the inside of the house, the faint sound of it muffled by the closed doors and windows.
For a brief second, nothing happens. The house remains silent, unmoving. A flicker of hope ignites in his chest. Maybe they’re not home. Maybe he doesn’t have to do this today. Maybe—
A young boy stands there, barely reaching Hiori’s waist, his wide eyes curious and innocent. He looks up at Hiori with curiosity, his head tilting to the side.
Hiori’s heart stutters. The boy’s eyes are so familiar—large and expressive, a shade of brown that reminds him of his mother’s.
Before he can process it, Junko appears behind the boy, her face lighting up in recognition. She’s wearing a pink apron, her hair tied back in a messy bun, a warm, welcoming smile stretching across her lips.
“Yo-kun!” Her voice is bright, affectionate, and she pulls the gate open wider, her eyes sparkling with joy. “I’m so glad you made it!”
You feel Hiori’s fingers twitch, his shoulders going rigid for a moment before steps forward.
You gently release his hand, giving him space as Junko steps forward and wraps her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug.
He hesitates but then he melts into her embrace, his shoulders sagging, his face burying in her shoulder just for a moment before he pulls away.
Junko’s gaze shifts to you, her eyes widening as she takes you in. She steps closer, her hands reaching out to grasp yours. Her hands are warm, slightly calloused—the hands of someone who’s worked hard her whole life.
Just like Hiori’s.
“And you must be—”
Her words die off as her eyes widen in realization. Recognition flickers in her gaze, and her mouth falls open in a soft gasp. Her head whips towards Hiori, her expression a mixture of shock and delight.
“Oh my! You’re the—” Her eyes dart between you and her son. “And you two are dating?!”
A crimson flush spreads across Hiori’s cheeks, his eyes flicking to the ground as he scratches the back of his neck. “Yeah, we are. So can we go inside before the neighbors hear all about my love life?”
The boy, no older than ten, scurries after Hiori, his small legs working double time to keep up with Hiori’s long strides. You follow closely behind, watching as his tiny steps try to match Hiori’s big steps.
Inside, the house is warm and cozy, sunlight filtering through the curtains, illuminating the framed photos on the wall.
Your eyes catch on one with a younger Hiori in a Bastard München jersey, standing next to his mom who looks impossibly proud.
You even spot a framed article about him from years ago, back when he first officially joined Bastard Munchen’s starting lineup as a rookie.
Junko’s voice calls from the kitchen, “Make yourselves at home! Lunch will be ready soon!” The rich and savory scent of curry wafts through the air.
Hiori sinks into the couch, his shoulders relaxing as he leans back.
You carry the cake you bought to the kitchen, hesitating for a moment before approaching Junko.
“Um… Mrs. Hio—” You catch yourself, realizing the name might be a sensitive topic.
Junko turns to you, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Just Junko, dear.” She reaches out, taking the cake from your hands with a warm smile.
“And thank you for bringing this. You really didn’t have to.”
“It’s no problem. Also, it’s nice to finally formally meet you. I’m Y/N, Hi—You-kun’s girlfriend.” Your voice gets a little bit higher, a shy smile breaking across your face.
It’s your first time addressing Hiori by his first name. It does make his ears perk up hearing you say it from the couch.
“Thank you for taking care of Yo-kun, dear. And it’s really nice to meet you under better circumstances.” Both of you laugh at the inside joke that is the exhibition match fiasco.
It somehow thaws the awkwardness you’re feeling.
“I’m sorry, dear. The curry’s still cooking. I was helping little Ryuu with his homework earlier and completely lost track of time.” Junko apologizes, mid stir of the curry.
“Also, my husband’s running a bit late from a client appointment, but he’ll be joining us for dinner. So please relax and make yourselves at home.”
The words echo in Hiori’s head, bouncing around before finally sinking in.
Her husband.
It feels weird for Hiori to hear his mom call another guy her husband. And it’s definitely weird to be in a house with her other than the house he grew up in with her and his dad.
It smells like curry and laughter and a life that doesn’t include him. A life his mom built without him.
His fingers tap against his leg, restless and jittery. His knee bounces rapidly, his body wound so tight it feels like he might snap.
A gentle poke to his side breaks him out of his spiraling thoughts. He looks over to see you watching him, concern etched into your features.
Your eyes are soft, wide with worry, and your lips are pressed into a thin line.
“You good?” Your voice is low, meant only for him.
He forces himself to nod, his head moving stiffly. “Yeah… yeah, I’m good.”
You don’t look convinced, but you don’t push. Instead, you shift closer, your shoulder pressing against his, your warmth seeping into him. The tension in his chest loosens just a little, his knee slowing to a stop. He lets out a shaky breath, his fingers brushing against yours in a silent thank you.
Every so often, little Ryuu's eyes flicker up to Hiori, wide and curious, while he draws on the paper in front of him absentmindedly.
It’s funny to him, seeing how looking at the kid reminds him of his younger self, with the same curious big eyes.
There’s something hauntingly familiar about those eyes—big and innocent, filled with questions he’s too shy to ask. He sees himself in that curious gaze, a younger version of himself who was just as small and wide-eyed once upon a time.
The realization hits him hard. That’s his brother.
Or step brother, right? Since they're not blood related.
The words feel foreign to him. He’s never been a brother before. He doesn’t know how to be one. Should he introduce himself? Would that be too weird? What would he even say?
His heart hammers in his chest, his fingers twitching at his sides, but before he can fully process his thoughts, you’re already moving.
You slide off the couch and plop down beside Ryuu on the floor, cross-legged and casual.
“Hi, Ryuu!” you greet, your voice warm and friendly. “Whatcha doin’?”
The boy’s head shoots up, his big eyes widening even more. He looks at you, then at Hiori, then back at you, his mouth falling open slightly. You wait patiently, giving him time to process before he mumbles, “Just drawing.”
Your eyes light up with genuine curiosity. You lean closer, watching his tiny hands fumble with the crayons, drawing a person kicking a ball.
“You’re really good at this. I can’t draw well but I can draw pretty flowers.”Ryuu’s lips twitch, the beginnings of a smile forming. He shyly pushes a piece of paper and a crayon towards you.
“You can help if you want.”
Your face lights up. “Really? Thanks, Ryuu!” You take the crayon, carefully drawing sunflowers on the paper. You glance down at your drawing, cringing. You’re pretty sure Ryuu’s stick people look better than yours.
From the couch, Hiori watches the scene unfold, his chest tightening at the sight. You’re so natural with the kid.
Junko’s voice rings out from the kitchen, breaking his thoughts.
“So, how long have you two been dating?”
“Four months,” Hiori blurts out before you can answer. His face immediately flushes, his eyes darting to the floor.
A soft chuckle drifts from the kitchen. “Four months? And you didn’t tell me, Yo-kun?” There’s a hint of hurt behind her words, masked by a strained laugh.
An awkward silence follows.
You sense the tension and decide to break it the only way you know how—by being your usual, chaotic self. You turn to Ryuu, a mischievous grin forming on your lips.
“Hey, Ryuu. Wanna see something cool?”
The boy’s eyes sparkle with interest, his head bobbing eagerly. “Yeah!”
You wiggle your eyebrows dramatically. “Wanna see how cool your big brother is?”
The words tumble out naturally, and Hiori’s chest tightens.
Big brother.
The title is heavy, unfamiliar… but somehow, it feels right. It leaves a warmth lingering in his chest for some reason.
Ryuu’s head snaps towards Hiori, his eyes widening in awe. “Big brother?” His voice is soft, reverent, almost as if he’s been waiting to hear those words.
Hiori’s heart stutters, his breath catching in his throat. He can’t speak, his voice stuck somewhere between his chest and his throat.
Meanwhile, you’ve already grabbed the remote, switching on the TV with practiced ease. You navigate to YouTube, typing in the search bar with a speed that makes Hiori’s head spin.
He squints at the screen, his eyes widening when he sees the search result:
Hiori Yo nasty highlight clips
His face flushes red. “Ehem.” He clears his throat, his eyes flicking from the TV to you. “Seriously?”
You look at him, confused. “What? That’s the title. I’ve watched it before.”
He stares at you, his mouth agape. “That… sounds so wrong.”
He imagines you in your pajamas at home, lounging in front of your pc, your glasses reflecting the videos of him you watch.
The idea makes him chuckle because he’s damn sure you’ve done it a couple of times. Now he wonders which clips of him you’ve watched countless of times and which ones are your particular favorites.
The video starts with a close-up of Hiori, sweat dripping down his face as he rakes his fingers through his hair, his expression intense and focused. Then, the scene cuts to a montage of his best plays.
Perfect passes, impossible assists, and jaw-dropping goals that make even the commentators lose their minds.
The scene cuts to a series of b-rolls—Hiori walking to his position, his body language exuding quiet confidence. Then another shot of him standing on the field, his gaze unwavering, scanning the pitch with laser-sharp focus.
A third clip shows him conversing with his teammates, his expression serious, his words inaudible but his leadership evident. All the shots are from official match broadcasts, crisp and clear, showcasing Bastard München.
Then the music picks up, an upbeat, electrifying tune that sets the perfect stage for action. The atmosphere shifts, the anticipation building as the video plunges into a sequence of breathtaking highlights.
The first clip is a wide shot of Hiori facing off in a 1v1 with Bachira who makes the first move, his feet a blur of motion as he pulls off a series of feints. But Hiori doesn’t bite. He tracks Bachira’s movements and then, in a flash, Hiori lunges.
His foot intercepts the ball, flicking it away as he pivots, the ball glued to his feet.
Effortless dribbling, perfect ball control. Hiori’s genius as an offensive midfielder on full display.
You let out a low whistle, fanning yourself dramatically. You look back at him, your eyes wide with exaggerated admiration, mouthing the words, “So hot,” with an over-the-top expression that makes him chuckle.
Ryuu’s eyes widen, his mouth dropping open. “Wow… that’s you?”
Pride blooms in Hiori’s chest, his lips curving into a small smile. “Yeah… that’s me.”
You turn to Ryuu, your eyes shining. “Pretty cool, huh? Your big brother’s a superstar.”
Ryuu nods eagerly, his admiration evident from his sparkling eyes. He looks at Hiori like he’s the coolest person in the world.
The video keeps going, the music intensifying as the plays get even more spectacular.
Hiori pulls off a Rabona against PXG’s Charles Chevalier, his body twisting gracefully as his foot wraps around the ball, curving it perfectly past Charles. The stadium erupts, the camera zooming in on Hiori’s calm, unbothered face as if the impossible play was just another day at the office.
You dramatically fan yourself again, your head shaking in disbelief. “Okay, now that’s just unfair,” you whisper, clearly mesmerized by his speed and agility.
But the video isn’t done yet. The final highlight is a masterpiece of playmaking—a two-stage fake pass followed by a no-look alley cross.
Hiori sprints down the sideline, his eyes locking with Isagi’s for a split second. His body shifts as if preparing to pass, his entire stance selling the fake perfectly. The defenders bite, their bodies moving to intercept—only to realize too late that the ball never left his foot.
With a quick turn, Hiori spins around his marker, his eyes still on Isagi as his leg swings back. But instead of kicking towards Isagi, the ball flies to the opposite side, curving beautifully towards Yukimiya, who’s unmarked on the far post. Yukimiya heads it in effortlessly, the net bulging as the crowd goes wild.
You whistle lowly, shaking your head in disbelief. “You’re so good it’s actually scary.”
Hiori laughs, his cheeks flushing under your praise. But his eyes soften when he notices Ryuu’s reaction.
The boy is motionless, his face a mask of pure awe. His big brown eyes are locked on the screen, his mouth hanging open as he watches Hiori work his magic.
When the video ends, Ryuu doesn’t move. His eyes stay glued to the screen, his little body leaning forward as if waiting for more.
Then, his head whips around, his eyes wide and sparkling. “Can—can we watch it again?”
You grin. You hit replay, and the video starts all over again.
This time, you provide a colorful play-by-play, adding dramatic sound effects every time Hiori pulls off a crazy move. Ryuu giggles, his body swaying with excitement as he watches the highlights with newfound fascination.
You glance over your shoulder, your eyes locking with Hiori’s. You tilt your head towards Ryuu, raising an eyebrow. “C’mon, Yo-kun. Don’t just sit there. Get down here and watch with us.”
Hiori blinks, a little startled by the invitation. But when you pat the spot next to you, he feels his body moving before his mind catches up.
He slides off the couch, his long legs folding as he sits cross-legged beside Ryuu. The boy’s eyes widen in delight as his face breaking into a huge grin.
“Football looks so cool,” Ryuu breathes, his voice tinged with awe.
It catches Hiori off guard, his mind flashing back to his younger self—wide-eyed and hopeful, mesmerized by the magic of the game. It’s the same look he had when he first fell in love with football.
Then you lean in, your voice playful. “Bet if you ask nicely, your big brother will teach you how to play.” You loudly whisper to Ryuu, making sure Hiori can hear every word loud and clear.
Ryuu’s head snaps towards Hiori, his eyes wide and pleading. “Really? Will you teach me?”
His voice cracks for a bit. “Ask mom if she’s okay with it.” Who can say no to a kid who gives the most adorable face, right?
Without missing a beat, Ryuu scrambles to his feet, his little legs propelling him towards the kitchen as he shouts, “Mom! Big brother’s gonna teach me how to play football! Can I? Can I?”
There’s a brief pause, followed by Junko’s voice, shaky and emotional. “Y-yeah, of course, sweetie. If your big brother is fine with it… then I’m fine with it.”
Ryuu trudges back to Hiori, his small feet pattering against the floor, his eyes sparkling with excitement. He skids to a stop beside Hiori, his chest puffed out with pride as he beams up at him.
His entire body vibrates with excitement, his smile so wide it crinkles the corners of his big, bright eyes.
There’s a strange tug inside him, a flicker of something warm and unfamiliar. But there’s also an uneasy twist, a hollow ache as he looks down at the boy—at those eyes, so full of wonder.
Was I like this before?
He remembers himself as a child, smaller and wide-eyed, standing on a football field for the first time. He remembers the rush of adrenaline, the thrill of kicking the ball, the way his heart soared when he scored his first goal.
His heart throbs, his chest aching as he remembers how fast it all changed.
How the light in his eyes dimmed as football became less about fun and more about perfection. How the joy was replaced with pressure, the excitement overshadowed by expectations. How he became an extension of his parents’ legacy, a vessel for their broken dreams.
How he sacrificed everything—time, friends, childhood—just to be the best. Just to make them proud.
And how, one day, he looked in the mirror and realized the love for football was gone.
Nothing was left but emptiness.
His eyes flicker to Ryuu, to the boy’s wide, innocent gaze, so full of hope. The wonder is alive in his eyes, glowing brightly, untouched and pure.
An unfamiliar protectiveness washes over him, strong and overwhelming.
Ryuu isn’t even related to him by blood, but that doesn’t matter. Hiori’s chest burns with the desire to protect that light in his eyes.
To keep that wonder safe. To make sure Ryuu never loses that joy. To never lose himself to expectations and pressure and heartbreak.
By the time dinner rolls around, the warm atmosphere is momentarily interrupted by the sound of the front door opening.
Footsteps echo through the hallway, each step growing louder, closer, until a man appears in the doorway.
Junko’s face lights up, her posture relaxing as she walks towards the man, her smile bright and genuine.
She wraps her arms around his waist, his hand resting on her back as he leans down and presses a kiss to the top of her head. He smiles into her hair, his eyes soft, his expression tender and affectionate.
A strange, hollow ache twists in Hiori’s chest.
He watches as his mom giggles, playfully swatting the man’s arm as she glances back at them, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. There’s a lightness to her that he hasn’t seen in years.
She never smiled like that at his dad.
The man pulls away, his eyes flicking to Hiori, his expression warm and welcoming. He steps forward, his movements unhurried, his demeanor gentle. He’s not intimidating, not imposing in any way.
Just… normal.
“I’m Kobayashi Yohei,” he says, his voice steady and kind. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Yo-kun.” He extends his hand towards Hiori, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a genuine smile.
For a split second, Hiori freezes, his body going rigid. His mind races, his heart thudding in his chest.
Yo-kun.
The nickname feels foreign and strange when spoken by someone who isn’t his dad.
Hiori stands up and reaches out, his grip firm as his hand meets Yohei’s. “Likewise. And… thank you for taking care of my mom.”
His words come out even and controlled. Not bitter, not overly enthusiastic. Just an honest acknowledgment of the truth.
They break apart, and Hiori quickly steps back, his eyes flicking to the floor. You sense the tension and immediately step in, introducing yourself with a bright smile, your voice warm and friendly.
Yohei’s eyes soften, his shoulders visibly relaxing as you greet him. He thanks you for coming, his voice gentle and sincere, and you can feel the atmosphere slowly thawing.
Dinner is surprisingly lively, mostly thanks to Ryuu’s animated storytelling. He recounts the videos he watched earlier with you and Hiori, his eyes wide with excitement as he describes each move with exaggerated hand gestures.
“And then Big Brother—” Ryuu’s voice falters, his eyes darting to Hiori as if seeking permission.
He meets Ryuu’s gaze, and after a moment, he gives a small but gentle smile.
Ryuu beams, his face lighting up as he continues, “Big brother did this crazy move where he passed the ball behind his back without even looking!” He leans closer to his dad, his eyes sparkling.
“It was so cool! I wanna learn how to do that someday.”
Yohei’s eyes widen, his brows arching in surprise. His gaze shifts to Hiori, his expression softening. “Is that so?” He ruffles Ryuu’s hair affectionately.
“Well, if your big brother is willing to teach you, then I think that’s a wonderful idea.”
He looks at Ryuu, the boy’s face glowing with excitement, and for a brief moment, he feels something unfamiliar… something like belonging.
When dinner finally ends, you offer Junko help to wash the dishes while the men move to the living room.
Ryuu slumps back in front of the TV, watching more Bastard Munchen clips.
Yohei looks over at Hiori, his expression thoughtful. “I heard from your mom that you were sick and got benched during a match.” His voice is soft, laced with genuine concern.
Hiori blinks, surprised. “Mom’s just exaggerating. It was an exhibition match, and we were trying new things on the field.” He shrugs, trying to play it off.
Yohei nods, his face relaxing. “That’s good to hear. Your mom worries a lot.” His lips curve into a gentle smile. “She always talks about you… how proud she is of you.”
A lump forms in Hiori’s throat, his eyes dropping to his lap. “Yeah… I know.” His voice is quiet, almost a whisper.
To break the tension, Hiori clears his throat. “Mom mentioned you’re a physical therapist?”
Yohei’s face brightens. “Yeah. I’ve been working with athletes for years, along with the usual cases that come my way. It’s rewarding, helping people get back on their feet.”
Hiori’s interest is piqued. “Do you work with football players, too?”
“Occasionally. Mostly with runners and swimmers, but I’ve had a few football clients. It’s fascinating… the way the body moves during a match, the strain on the muscles.” Yohei’s eyes light up as he speaks, his passion evident.
They fall into an easy conversation about training, stretching, and how to properly take care of his body as an athlete. Yohei even points out Hiori’s posture, teasing him about how Junko mentioned he hunches over while playing video games.
Hiori laughs, his shoulders relaxing, the awkwardness fading just a little.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Junko hands you a plate to dry.
“Thank you… for being here with him. I don’t think he could have done this alone.” Her voice is thick with emotion.
You smile gently. “He’s stronger than he thinks. But I wanted to be here. For him.”
Junko’s eyes glisten, her lips trembling. “He’s changed so much. And it gives me hope. Maybe we can find our way back to each other.” Her voice cracks just a little and you feel like the damn might break any moment now.
Before you can respond, Hiori appears in the doorway, his face serious. “Mom… can we talk?”
Your heart tightens, knowing he needs this moment. You give him a reassuring nod before slipping out to the living room, joining Ryuu as he replays Hiori’s highlight videos.
Junko gestures to the dinner table, her hands trembling as she pulls out a chair. Hiori follows suit, sitting down across from her, his body rigid, his fingers twisting together in his lap. He can’t look at her, his gaze fixed on the table.
Silence stretches between them, heavy and suffocating. For a moment, neither of them speaks.
Then, Hiori lets out a shaky breath, his voice breaking the quiet. “Thanks for dinner. And for inviting me.”
Junko’s lips tremble, her eyes glistening. “I—I wanted to see you. It’s been so long. And… I missed you, Yo-kun.” Her voice wavers, the vulnerability raw and exposed.
Hiori’s chest tightens, his heart aching at the pain in her voice. He swallows thickly, his fingers gripping his knees under the table. “I missed you too,” he admits, his voice barely above a whisper. “But it was easier to stay away.”
Junko’s face crumbles, her shoulders shaking. She drops her head, her hands clenching the dish towel as she fights back tears. “I know. I deserve that. I deserve every bit of that.”
Hiori’s fingers twitch, his throat tightening. “I was so angry. For so long.” His voice wavers, his eyes stinging. “I hated you. And Dad. Even football. I hated everything.”
“I thought—I thought it was my fault. That if I was better, you and Dad would’ve been happier.” His voice cracks, the vulnerability raw and exposed.
“I was the reason everything fell apart.”
Junko’s head snaps up, her eyes wide and horrified. “No… no, Yo-kun. No.” She moves without thinking, reaching across the table, her hands trembling as she takes his.
“It was never your fault. Not even for a second.” Her grip tightens, her voice desperate.
“You dad and I were wrong. For pushing our dreams to you. You were just a child back then and our motivations were in the wrong.”
Junko lets out silent sob, her face buried in her hands. “I failed you as a mother. I was selfish and weak.”
"I wish I could go back and do it all over. I wish I had been a better mother to you.” Junko’s words felt heavy, filled with pain and regret. His chest heaves, his shoulders shaking.
But amidst the pain, he feels something shift, easing the tightness in his heart.
“I’m not mad. Not anymore.” Hiori’s voice is quiet, steady.
“I—I was. For a long time. But I’m not anymore.” He looks up, his eyes meeting hers.
“You… you’re good to him. To Ryuu. And you look happy.” He pauses, his voice cracking. “I want you to be happy, Mom.”
Junko gives him a small smile. “I want that for you too. More than anything.”
Hiori takes a shaky breath, his fingers squeezing hers. “I’m 26 now. I’m an adult. And things are different. You have a new family. New priorities.” He pauses, his voice wavering.
“We’ll just do better and figure things out. But this is a good start, right?”
Tears well up in Junko’s eyes as she tries to hold herself back from crying. Hearing those words from her son felt like a huge weight from her shoulders were lifted.
“Thank you, Yo-kun. And for what it’s worth, no matter how different things are now, I’ll always be here for you. I’ll always be in your corner.”
She stands, her chair scraping against the floor as she rounds the table, her arms wrapping around him. Hiori’s body stiffens, his breath hitching. But then, his arms move, wrapping around her, holding her close.
They stand there, their shoulders shaking as they softly cry in each other's arm. The years of pain, anger, and loneliness still there but slowly melting away, replaced by a fragile hope.
It’s not perfect. It’s not a fairytale ending. The scars will always be there, reminders of what was lost. But it’s a start.
Things can’t be fixed. Not completely.
But that doesn’t mean they can’t get better.
And maybe this is how things get better.
amari's notes: this is the longest chapter by far, thank you for the wait!
jan and feb have been so busy for me so i didn't really have much energy to write but now, i'm planning to get back into it!
also this chapter is really close to my heart, being a child of divorce who is also an only child and an eldest siblings to my half-siblings an all, i feel like hiori would be the type to be protective of his step brother. a lot to unpack in this chapter but i didn't want to make it longer huhu.
anw, I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave a reply or drop an ask. i'll greatly appreciate it! Hope you all enjoy this chapter! ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡
(if you wanna join the taglist, just comment or send me a message!)
YESS IT WAS AMAZINGGG!!! ty for the wonderful content amari!!! <3
i hope u got some rest after ur busy day!! a photoshoot sounds rlly interesting tho omg hope it went well!!!!!
also did u see we finally got an announcement LOL new red bouquet MV 3/21!!! lineup is Sanah Merold and Puruth!
~anya
i have more works coming soon, especially for fragmem and hiori.
whenever i disassociate or leave myself alone with my thoughts, the ideas just keep on coming to me and i have no choice ( that's what i'd like to think lol) but write them down in my endless WIP notes lol
AND YES THE NEW MV? IM EXCITED FOR THE NEW CONTENT BUT DO HOPE NOIR BOUQUET GETS THEIR EP 3 SOON HUHUH
ill be ur personal cheerleader hehe ~ but u also give me sm motivation!! reading ur works rejuvenates me and gives me the will to keep working on hahaha hope u saw my comments on ur latest Klark piece too hehe
also YESSS I SAW THE MERCH OMG MY WALLET IN TROUBLE!!!! adding to the twin merch army fs im def gonna get the twins for basically like everything the stands keychains clear cards and im def gonna get a few other characters too for the stands the art is just too good!!!
hope u have a great weekend tooo!!! can’t wait to see what u come up w next as usual >.<
~anya
you definitely cheer me up! (〃´▽`〃)
to think my writing rejuvenates someone (like you) isn't something on my mind when i started writing but i'm happy it does!
THE AMOUNT OF STELLA TWINS MERCH ISN'T ENOUGH COMPARED TO MY HIORI SHRINE!
i haven't busted out my rimicha and kurode standees. but hopefully i'll be able to get more too! my wallet is shaking already, knowing that we have new merch coming up. also i am beginning to like willmesh too huhuh i need to add myunna too, he is so baby
had to take a photo of my cat since he's such a diva, looking outside the window like he's in a music video lol
i love the way u wrote klark processing grief and i was especially hit hard when he first approaches the bakery and just stands there speechless ueuuee sth abt the scene was just so powerful
also when klark starts crying i was like me too LOL but seeing his vulnerability was also *chefs kiss* this is not gonna sound good but i kinda like seeing him cry?? like just in contrast to his usual kinda emotional constipated self LOL very refreshing
another wonder by Amari thank u for the food
~Anya
KNOWING YOU LIKED IT MEANS EVERYTHING! (ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)
im so happy that you did! okay, i was really torn doing that ending but i thought it was a huge cop out if i just made them like each other or be together.
klark being in denial and having a hard time grieving would really just match his emotionally constipated self LOL. but it just feels right for him. i do love writing character pieces and exploring their personalities based on what i know (without being too OOC) so it really warms my heart knowing you appreciate it and get where im coming from huhuh.
im so excited to write your request and i really hope you like it just as much as you liked my klark fics huhu
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i literally just got home from the work photoshoot and just had to hop on my pc to reply. i swear i break out into a smile when i see you in my inbox, like i was really tired and stressed running around and directing people but this kinda washed everything after a long day of hard work.
