Just Taking Pity

A New Home

[Normal Highschool AU]

Everything was going so well. Kiyotaka had a strong bond with his dad. He was really the only family he had and knew. He trusted his dad, and looked up to him. He had the only support system he needed.
Obviously though, that was what it once was. It wasn't like that anymore. His father had passed away in the line of duty. This left Kiyotaka devastated and out of a home.
Then there was also the money his dad invested to save for his retirement, but it was little, seeing they weren't in the best place financially. For the time being, he used some of the inherited money and some of his own money from past side jobs, and favors for neighbors, to rent a dorm in a motel for 2 weeks, as he wasn't sure how long he'd stay there. There was also money saved aside for his college tuition, but of course he didn't want to use that, he wanted to save it for college obviously, he also didn't see it lasting long.

Regardless, he kept going to school and tried his best to keep his grades up and get his work done. It was hard when dealing with his dad's death as well but he pushed through.
Atleast for the first week. Halfway into the second week on staying at the motel, Chihiro approach him in the halls.
"Hey Ishimaru, you haven't seemed to be yourself lately. Is everything alright?"
"Oh Fujisaki. I'm perfectly fine! Thank you for asking though. It is very appreciated for you to check on your fellow classmates" he wanted to tell someone so bad... but it didn't feel right pushing his problems onto them
"Taka... please, tell me anything on your mind. Quite a few of our classmates have noticed and we're worried sick."
He was taken aback by that remark, was it really that obvious? "Oh, I didn't know I was that bad at hiding it.. truthfully then, my father passed away, a little over a week ago. I don't have anyone else to stay with and I'm currently in need of shelter. I have a motel currently but it's not a good long term solution. Trying to balance school, and his death, and housing, and holding a reputation up is ... tiring."
Chihiro let out a silent gasp, holding his hand to his mouth, "Taka.. I'm so sorry to hear your situation." He was thinking to himself, maybe there's something he could do, "I might know some people willing to help!"
"What? No, no, I don't want to bother anyone, it's fine, really!"
"No it's not! I can't imagine what you're going through, you're far from fine, you deserve to have people with you and shelter as well."
Kiyotaka didn't argue anymore. He appreciated Chihiro trying, he just felt guilty for it, "thank you."
"Of course, I'll get back to you when I find help, for now, good luck with everything. Just know you're not alone, we're friends Ishimaru."
Ishimaru smiled and looked down at his watch, "Ah! It's almost time for class let's go"
Chihiro nodded and followed him to class.

Later that day Chihiro ran into Mondo, "Hey Mondo!"
"What's up Chi?"
"You know how we were talking about Taka earlier? Well I checked on him and.." He went on to explain Kiyotaka's situation, with Mondo listening with no slight of expression. "So.. yeah.. he's looking for a place right now and I know! I know you don't like him BUT! He's a good person deep down. And he just lost his only family too and it'd be nice to have someone he can relate to, like when you lost your brother-"
Mondo groaned, "don't finish that sentence. Regardless you provide a good point, and even makes me feel bad for the stuck up smartass," Chihiro crossed his hands at the last remark but didn't jnterrupt, "so I will offer him to stay with me but I'm not responsible if he refuses, and if he does accept, that doesn't mean we'll be buddy-buddy."
Chihiro smiled, "Thank you Mondo. You won't regret it, I swear, if anything, I'll repay you somehow"
"Yeah, yeah, well, like I said I'll talk to him tomorrow. Get home safe, goodnight"
"You too!" Chihiro excitedly scurried out of the school. Maybe this would spark a new friendship between his two close friends! ..As well as support Taka through this hard time!

Meanwhile, another cold, conflicting night passed for Kiyotaka. He had gained hope again when he heard people actually cared about him. Yet, it was hard to think there are supportive people around you when every thought is so clouded with grief. He even started crying from this rare awakeninng of happiness.
"Dad?" He said something to his dad every night since he passed, in case he could hear him, "I think I will be able to rely on others besides you. I think I might have found people who are willing to support me. Maybe bad things really can change for the better.. just like you always said. I'm still sad you had to go so soon, but you will never be forgotten!"
"I love you" he whispered at the end, closing his eyes to fall into a nice sleep.