Strawberry Skies || Ishimondo Angsty Fluff

Chapter 10 - Dinner

MONDO POV

I handed a helmet to Taka, he looked perplexed.
" 'Cause ya wouldn't shut up about last time."

He didn't say anything and only smiled.

I wonder why he is the way he is. His presence feels familiar to me. Like an older figure that has already passed but whose spirit continues to live in the afterlife. His sense of security and constant scolding reminds me of him. But stricter n' shit. He was more laid back and joked around easily. Kiyotaka is hard to understand at times, but I feel like we get each other—Which is surprising since we're complete opposites. A motorcycle gang leader and the ultimate moral compass??? Stupid, I know right.

"Hop on idiot." I scoffed.

"You're so immature, Mondo."

"Yeah yeah stop bickering, just be glad I'm takin' ya' out to eat"

He wrapped his arms around my waist as the motorcycle let out a roar.

"Oh geez, I forgot how loud this thing was!" He exclaimed as he looked over my shoulder.

"Yeah? Well, ya' better get used to it" I chuckled, cocking my head.

This time he didn't scold me, he let out a laugh. Finally, the sweet acceptance of the hall monitor! Joking, obviously.

We started driving to a secluded area where great and lively green trees were everywhere we looked. You'd think we got lost, but it's a short cut. To avoid wasting time in the highway.

"So...Taka. Isn't your dad gonna get mad you'll be home late?"

"I'm sure he can make an exception." He paused, holding on tighter and resting himself on my body. "Ah crap, this is my second time being late and it's only the first week of school.."

There was a short awkward silence.

"Whatever, let's go get dinner, i'm sure he'll understand."

"Yeah, I hope."

The smell of warm food was getting stronger the closer we got to our destination. My stomach growled as i got a hold of the scent, when was the last time i had a good meal? Only God knows, i've been spending way too much time with my gang that I forget even my basic necessities.— Not to denigrate the gang, but sometimes i want a break from this whole gang leader thing. I mean, ever since Daiya... no. Daiya trusted me to take care of the gang and that's what i'm doing, i was willing to do this and these are the consequences of my actions. I did this to myself.

"Hey I think we're almost there." Taka said as he looked over my shoulder. Oh god — the smell of his cologne, his warm body pressing up against mine, the feel of his soft hair touching mine. My heart was about to explode. "Oh yeah! Hopefully I didn't starve you on the way here." I said pulling up to the parking lot. There was a fair amount of people inside the restaurant, but not enough for it to be packed.

As we entered the establishment I couldn't stop thinking about Kiyotaka. I know he's worried about his reputation so the most notable question hangs in the air. Why is he letting himself be seen with me? It was odd, i know. But he's mentioned several times how he wants to start a clean slate for his family name, i don't blame him. What i've heard about his grandfather is pretty brutal and disgusting stuff. I know that he's had several affairs with people beyond his age range before, and that he's recklessly spent his money on unnecessary shit. Poor guy, it must be a lot of stress to carry around on your shoulders at 16.

I sat down waiting for a server to arrive. "You know you didn't have to take me out to eat. I'm fine, really." Taka said as he fiddled with his straw wrapper. "Don't worry about it dude, it's the least i can do to make up for what happened. Ya know—the fight."

"Has anyone ever told you your eyes look like faded amethyst crystals? They're truly a different kind of beautiful"

"Huh?"

"Ah sorry, I shouldn't have said that. That was unexpected, i'm sorry."

I stare at him for a bit, "Oh no it's fine. First time i've heard anything like that actually."

"Really? I'm shocked. Your eyes are so... pretty."

A clogging feeling in my throat, the feeling of wanting to cry, something felt like it was about to jump out of my chest. My face felt hot, my hands were sweating a bit. What was going on? I'm nervous, I want to do things I've never wanted to do before. It felt like despair, or hope. A mix of both. More of despair, I dread this might be something I haven't felt in a while. Love. Attraction. Lust.

A woman's voice interrupted my thoughts, "What would you guys like to drink?"

"Lemonade. What about you, Mondo?"

"A water would be fine"

She left and got us our drinks in no time, as well as our food after getting us to order. Eating a warm dinner with him was amazing. Something about him feels so comforting.

"Hey so I have a question.."

"Hm?"

I let out a whiff of air, "Okay. Do you mind helping me study after school? I really suck at math and before someone important to me uh.... left— He wanted me to get better at school. Stupid, I know, but I kinda wanna make this up to him."

"Yes! I think that'd be a great idea. I'm available everyday after school. We can study together. Well, except for Friday. I need to catch up with Mukuro about some things."

"That's fine with me, thanks."

We didn't say anything for a while, just hopped onto my motorcycle and had a silent, yet comforting, ride home. We were both tired and wanted to get the bell outta the place.

As we made it to Taka's driveway he asked a peculiar question, "Hey Mondo, this is a really odd question, but i need to ask. We're not close at all so i'm really going out on a limb by asking it. Well, uh..." He holds on tighter to my waist, "I think i might be...gay."

"You think you might be gay?" I repeat.

"Yes."

I pause for a moment, did the Ultimate Moral Compass just come out to me?

"Look i'm not an expert with sexuality, but i can assure you it won't change anything. Ya just like men and not women, that's fine."

He sighs, "oh thank god, i thought this would go way worse than planned"

He walks to the doorstep of his house and stands for a minute or two, looking as if he's arguing with himself. Finally he turns around, still unsure, but confidentially shouts,

"I think I like one of my friends"

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hey lol 😀 sorry for not updating in 6 months (i think) i have no excuse except i'm not into danganronpa anymore and writing is absolutely boring for me. i might not ever update on this story again 😭 so yeah 😭 uhm, anyways, while i'm here a little update on life 🤔 1. in my flop era rn 2. i've picked up reading again (yay!) 3. i hate english. wow what a shocker, 100% not expected from me. /s i hate writing 😭 it's so,,, eh. i literally half assed this chapter sm, i have no energy left so yeah 🤙🏽 hope u guys enjoyed this shit chapter 😍