𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝘆𝗲𝘀 - 𝗞𝘆𝗼𝗷𝘂𝗿𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗸𝘂 𝘅 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿

~Chapter 14~

You and Kyojuro were sitting on top of your apartment building, looking at the view of the city. Tokyo was a beautiful city when you're watching it from afar. You looked to your side and found Kyojuro lighting up a cigarette, making a knot form in your stomach. You've never expected someone like him to be smoking, and you just hated it. Everything about smoking. Especially its unpleasant aroma. It reminded you of your parents. They'd smoke all the time, at every chance they got. You hated going back home because you'd always be greeted by the smell of burning cigarettes.

"Never knew you smoked." You mumbled, avoiding Kyojuro's eyes. Kyojuro looked at you.

"I did stop for a while... for some reason, I've got the urge to do it again just a few days ago." Kyojuro said, looking up at the sky. Your shoulders slumped. It wasn't your fault, was it. Your eyes adverted down. You needed something to eat in order to calm your nerves. You were still surprised he's still talking to you, and you're still talking to him.

"Why don't you hate me?" You mumbled, looking down. Kyojuro sighed.

"Y/N, I have no reason to hate you. I was the one who made a mistake, not you. If anything, I should have asked you this question. I kept you in the dark by hiding the truth from you. I am sorry for what I did." Kyojuro mumbled, trying to express his sincerity.

"Tell me about your problems, Kyojuro." you said, trying to change the subject, "I know I was such an asshole, but you can still talk to me." Kyojuro stayed quite for a few seconds before he lit up another cigarette, making you feel sick, "And please... stop that..."

"I remember you asking about my parents... I think now it's about time you knew." You stayed quite, signaling him to continue.

"I was just a kid back then. About seven or eight. Mother was pregnant with Senjuro, and father... he was the flame pillar before me. I've inherited the spot from him, partly. We were very happy. I've... I've never thought things would take such a bad turn. I just wanted to have a happy life with my family..."

"What happened?" You asked with concern.

"About a year or two after mother gave birth to Senjuro, she started to fall ill, and it seemed like the doctors had no idea what was wrong with her. We did know she'd have to leave eventually, and it hurt me... it hurt us so deeply. I could've never imagined someone like mother dying young like that. She didn't deserve it. Father tried to cheer us up, but in vain. Soon... he also fell into depression. After mother passed... he snapped.

"I had to live seven years trying to protect Senjuro's head from bottles of liquor father would always throw at him every time he tried to ask if he can help father in anyway. It made me depressed myself. I just hated it. Yet for some reason, I still loved father really dearly. It's like there was something wrong with me. I've never hated father. I've always hated the drink that turned him the way he is.

"Once I finished school, I decided it would be best if I moved out and took Senjuro with me. It wasn't for myself, but for my brother. Senjuro was starting to blame himself for what had happened to mother, claiming that if he was never born, mother would still be happy and healthy. I didn't want my little brother to grow up believing that. I wasn't able to grow up happily, and I didn't want Senjuro to be the same. I wanted to at least watch him smile more." Kyojuro's eyes were tearing up, "My mother has always said I was stronger than others, meaning I had the responsibility of protecting those who aren't strong. It's the reason I never gave up on my dream. I didn't want to let her down."

You placed a hand on Kyojuro's and gave him a small smile as he turned to you with a surprised expression.

"You most certainly did not let her down, Kyojuro. I bet she's smiling down at you from up there with pride. If I'm proud of having you as my friend, then she's most probably even prouder for having such a sweet and brave man like you as a son. I'm sure your father has never meant any of what he said. He's just depressed. I'm proud of you for trying to get over your past, Kyojuro. If anything, it's about time your father does the same as well." You said. Kyojuro just stared at you as you tensed up at the awkward silence. Was what I said too much?

"Can I... hug you?" Kyojuro asked, staring right into your eyes. You froze in your spot as you felt yourself blush ever so slightly. Kyojuro didn't even bother getting a response from you. He just pulled you in as your eyes widened, before slowly hugging him back, rubbing his back softly. Kyojuro buried his head into your shoulder.

"I'm so sorry for being such a jerk the other day. I promise I never meant a single thing I said to you. Please, I understand if you can't, but forgive me. We can pretend that argument never happened." You tightened you grip around Kyojuro.

"Hey. I was the one being an asshole. You were right though. I was being ignorant, trying to pretend everything is ok when it isn't. I forgave you a long time ago, and I promise, I'll try my best to change into a better person." You pulled away from the hug with a small smile, yet part of you wished you both could stay like that forever, "Also, can you please try to quite smoking..." Kyojuro smiled as he pulled out the box of cigarettes from his pockets, crushing it with his hand and throwing it away.

"Consider it done." He said softly. Right at the moment, Kyojuro felt his phone buzz. Now of all times? You chuckled.

"I'm guessing you've got more hero work up your sleeve, huh?" You said as Kyojuro helped you up.

"It really is nothing..." Kyojuro sighed, pulling you towards him again, "I should get you home now." He said as he flew with you down, stopping right at your window. Kyojuro stopped you from getting off. As you looked at him confused, his grip tightened around your waist. With his other hand, he tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear, and he slowly caressed your cheek, causing you to blush.

"I'm so sorry, I think I've been stopping myself from doing this for far too long now." Before you had the chance to speak up, Kyojuro pressed his lips against your, bringing you into a kiss. As he pulled away, your face turned fifty shades darker than it already was. It wasn't a long kiss, but it wasn't a peck either. As you touched your lips, the sting from the kiss was still evident as you tried to process what had just happened. You didn't have a chance to react before Kyojuro took off without a word.

I... he... HE JUST KISSED ME?!?!?!

You quickly turned back to the window, trying to catch one last glimpse of Kyojuro, but by then he wasn't visible anymore. You turned back as you slid down the wall, covering your face.

You idiot! Why didn't you kiss back?!