Natsuya runs a hand on his head, brushing his hair back. He takes a deep breath and rings Serizawa’s residence doorbell. He glances at his watch–almost 11 pm, which is not the right time to be a visitor, but Natsuya really really needs someone right now.
And he doesn’t know why, but that someone has to be Serizawa Nao.
He hears a click sound, the lamp is turned on, and a silhouette opens the door–Natsuya finds himself sighing in relief. It’s Nao, dressed simply in his baggy pants and loose T-shirt. He smiles brightly at Natsuya, as if he understands.
Well, this is Nao, and Natsuya knows a long story isn’t needed whenever he’s with this guy.
“Come inside?” Nao asks, mellifluous voice hits Natsuya like summer breeze. Cold, comforting. He nods.
“My parents aren’t here, so you’re not disturbing anyone. You’re lucky I was still downstairs when you rang the bell.”
Natsuya laughs nervously. “Um, this is kinda impulsive but… I really need someone to talk to.”
“I know,” Nao replies, still smiling too bright for 11 pm. “Come in, Natsuya. Do you prefer orange juice or plain water?”
“So? You’re still in cold war with your brother?”
Natsuya sighs. “Ikuya refuses to talk to me after we yelled at each other for approximately thirty minutes. I just- I don’t know what should I do now. I wish I didn’t snap at him, because now our relationship is just getting worse than ever.”
“True, you lose your cool pretty fast when it comes to him,” Nao says. His cold fingers touch Natsuya’s arm, giving him an encouraging smile. “But you’re still a hero for him. Someone he looks up to, someone he wants to become in the future.”
“I don’t want Ikuya to be me when he grows up,” Natsuya mumbles. He’s almost disappointed when Nao moves his fingers away from his skin (but why would he?) and his breath hitches when the very same fingers land on the curve of his chin, forcing him to look up and meet Nao’s eyes.
“Snapping at him is not the way to tell him what you wanted him to be, Natsuya.”
Natsuya bumps his head on the wooden table, ignoring the stung pain on his forehead. “Why are you always right about everything, Nao?”
“I’m just trying to open your eyes.”
“Come with me tomorrow?” Natsuya lifts his head up enough to catch a glimpse of Nao’s dazzling smile.
Nao nods, smiling wide until his eyes disappear. “I don’t know if I have to feel guilty for stepping in Kirishima brother’s matters most of the time. What do you think?”
Natsuya shrugs. “You’re important to me. So… it’s okay. I guess.”
Nao smiles softly, his fingers playing on the nape of Natsuya’s neck. “Oh, you’re just as important for me, Natsuya.”
