Hall Pass - an Ishimondo love story

revelations

- Ishimaru's P.O.V. -

     I was woken up at 3:29am by an super animated,  agitated voice, which, not going to lie, made me wake up kinda happy. I picked up the phone and answered laughing.
     - Good morning, Fujisaki, what makes you wake up at such an early time? - I ask, in an sleepy, just woke up, kind of tone.
     - I haven't sleep just yet in fact, so that makes it the real question be "why are you up so late?" and the answer to that is... i'm practicing my cheerleading movements! - Chihiro answers in a very happy tone, I can practically see his genuine smile through the phone.
     - Well, then, that's great! But why to call me this late, i've got a sleeping schedule, y'know? - I laugh a little.
     - Oh, I'm so sorry for interfering on your very good night of sleep, sir! - he jokes. - Well, I just wanted to tell you that. You'll be on the cheer election, right?
     - I wouldn't miss it. I gotta be there supporting you, dummy. - I smile, I know he can't really see it, but he knows i'm happy for him. - Now, i'd suggest you to go sleep, mister, otherwise you'll get tired for tomorrow. - I advice.
     - Oh, you're right! Well, very good night, Taka! - he chuckles a little.
     - Good night! Be sure to take plenty of sleep, see you at school, Chi!
     I hang up the phone and stare at the ceiling. God, where has my mind been up lately? I almost forgot about Chihiro's audition... I'm sure he'll be the best, the girls will love him as part of the team. I can already see him screaming and cheering while dancing. He trained so hard for this moment, i'm very proud of him, I got to admit.
     Lost in my thoughts I end up falling asleep to them. Waking up by the school alarm at 6:00am. Taking a deep breath, I finally got the strength to get up and have this intense school day. I change into an grey, long-sleeved shirt, a ripped ocean blue jeans and a pair of black converse shoes. There was no need for uniform, since there would not be classes anyways.
     I run downstairs to see if I could catch my dad before he left for work, but all I could see is a note written:

- 'Hello, dear, Taka, my beloved son. I'm so very sorry I couldn't make it til' very late yesterday, and had to leave extra early today due to some occurrences. Have fun at the game, tell Chihiro I wish him good luck, and I apologize once again.
Love, dad'
    
     - 'Well, it's kind of nice he got the time to write me a note, I suppose...'
     I take the note and fold it properly, putting it together with the other millions of notes dad gave me. I then come back in the kitchen direction, checking the clock. I would just start my walk to school by now, but I was starving, I haven't ate the entire day and that was starting to make me feel kind of nauseous.
     I stared back at the clock. "oh well." I thought to myself as I ignore breakfast again and decide to just go directly to school. Getting there I was greeted by Leon, and his "nice" friends.
     - Hello, little nerd. My best friend has been talking a lot about you lately... did you actually manage to make him soft, dickhead? Fucking piece of shit. You're trying to steal my bro from me, aren't you? You've got no friends, Kiyotaka. And you never will.
     Leon said, taking me by the collar of my shirt, and putting his hand on a fist, on his way to punch me. And so he did, he punched my right arm, strongly. It hurt. It hurt badly. But I am used to it. He would've hit me stronger, but he noticed Mondo coming on his way to meet us.
     - Take that as a warning. Stay away from him, Kiyotaka. - Leon said, putting me back on the floor, as I ran into the school.

- Mondo's P.O.V. -

     I was coming up to Leon as I see Kiyotaka running past us. He had what seemed like tears in his eyes. I got worried, very worried.
     - Heyyy, bro! - Leon yelled at me, waving.
     - Sup, man. Shit, I gotta go in now, dude, gotta do some stuff before final practice, a'right? See ya later!
     I say, hopefully being successful in persuading him to let me go about now. I was just walking fast in the school when i feel a hand grabbing my wrist.
     - Aw, common, man, what are you even gonna do? Is it thaaat important? Now, you're not gonna go see the stupid nerd, right? Right, Owada? - he seemed desperate for me to stay.
     - Geez... I wish I could stay, I promise you it's important, otherwise I wouldn't leave that quick. And no I ain't going to see that little shit head. I'll talk to you later, dude. - I respond.
     - Stay, Mondo, please. - he grabbed my wrist tighter. - please.
     - No, Leon, I got to go.
     I got my wrist out of his hand and run back inside, trying to find Ishimaru, and hoping I would find him just fine.

- Ishimaru's P.O.V. -

     'Today was supposed to be a nice day, I am supposed to be there for my friend. I am also supposed to be cheering for Mondo. How could it start so badly?...'
     I thought to myself while fast-walking the school's corridors, reaching for the man's restroom, entering it quickly. Looking at myself in the mirror, i put up the shirt's sleeve, to check up on the bruise, and in fact, there was a bruise. But the thing that was most hunting me while I stared at my arm was not the stupid small mark Leon gave me.
     I was just staring at my own reflection now, forcing myself to stay strong, and not cry, and I did succeed on it. I held back the tears in full concentration. What did I not notice was who had just entered the bathroom.
     - Kiyotaka Ishimaru. - said a deep voice behind me.
     I hid my arm again pulling the long sleeve shirt down. Too nervous to look who was talking to me in the eyes, I just peeked the reflection in the mirror. Mondo Owada. He was behind me, and he seemed angry.
     I had to hold in my tears again, successfully doing so, and finally gaining courage to turn over. I see Mondo go to the main door and close it, locking it next.
     - What is it, Owada. - the nervousness could be heard in my voice.
     - Your wrist. Show me. - Mondo demanded.
     - No. - I quickly responded.
     - Show me your wrist, now, Kiyotaka. - he seemed as if he was going to take it out on me if I didn't do as he said.
     - I said no. - I insist.
     - Alright then, i'll have to fucking make you do it.
     - Mondo, NO! - I scream.
     It was useless, as much as I was strong, he was way stronger then me. He grabbed my right arm quickly, pushing up the sleeve, revealing an arm full of bruises, scratches and cuts. He just stared at it in horror, chocked.
     - Who did this, Kiyotaka?
     I refused to talk, I refused to even look at him, I was ashamed, uncovered.
     - I asked you something. Who the fuck did this to you?!
     - It was myself. - I said very low, he could barely even hear it.
     - Huh? Say it loud! - he demanded.
     - It was myself! I did this to myself, God, damn it! - I snapped.
     We both just stared at each other in panic. I was in the verge of tears, and so was Mondo. He was really devastated to what he had just heard. He had no idea.
     He takes me into a very gentle hug, one that made me feel comfortable, yet I couldn't help myself but cry, after holding back all those tears. But I wasn't the only one. Mondo also started crying while holding me in his arms. He hugged me tight as if he was afraid to let go.
     - I-I'm so very sorry, M-Mondo. I...I...
     I tried to help the situation, not working much, ending on both of us very delicately separating from the hug. He whipped his own tears and then whipped mine, grabbing my wrist and gently kissing it. His action made me show a sad small smile, it was genuine, but still very sad.
     - I don't want you to do this anymore, please. - he had his hand firmly holding on my wrist while saying this. - God, fucking damn it, I care so fucking much about you, I don't wanna see you like this ever again.
     I just looked back at him, his words made my heart skip a beat, and my stomach flutter.
     - I promise you I won't ever do this again, Mondo, I really do.
      He smiled, genuinely, holding both my hands and getting his body closer to mine, pressing his forehead against mine. In that moment I realized I was in love, his sweet little actions, the way he made my heart melt, the way his tough personality could soft up in a matter of seconds when he's around me. I am in love.
      God, will Chihiro be happy to hear this.