Main Sequence (BL)

3

3

AKIO POV

My body needed time to rekindle so the majority of my day was spent in and out of sleep. My head was pounding, my thoughts slurring and my vision blurred each time I stirred awake. Every piece of light or noise worsened the pulsating pain at the front of my head. I searched for my phone; it was plugged into the charger with a glass of water gently placed next to it. Growing nervous about what I'd see if it was on, I let it be for the moment. I may have woken up feeling feverish but at least I slept through the night.

Disoriented, I squinted at my clock, it read six in the evening. My face was burning hot; desperate for relief, I chugged the glass of water without thinking and my mouth immediately pooled with an acidic liquid. I quickly bucked up to my feet, nearly losing whatever balance I had left, and darted to the toilet to vomit. The sour taste urged me to brush my teeth, but my stench ushered me harder into the shower.

My mom's door was shut as I scanned the house. Holding onto the wall to steady myself, I peeked around the corner and into the living room. The dishes were done and even the trash had been taken out. The entire place had been cleaned spotless without a sign of a party. I don't know who to thank for that. Something of it irked me, as though it had inadvertently made me out to be this impractical energy. I just wanted to be useful for once and clean a damned bowl.

Hi, honey! There's some leftovers in the fridge for you!

A small note lay on the counter and I grew nauseous once more at the thought of food. I could tell it was my mom; graceful penmanship, flattering grammar, and signed with a heart–totally oblivious to the party that happened last night. I wonder, is this what our relationship was reduced to? If it wasn't for these notes we'd have no sense of communication, we wouldn't even know the other one existed; we're just two ghosts occupying the same space.

My phone taunted me as it bounced against my leg in my pocket. I wasn't sure if Ryu had texted me, but I would rather be told he hated me than to keep guessing. I flipped open my phone and I felt my heart skip seeing multiple unread messages. Ultimately, I was let down as my moderately trembling finger opened each one. Ryu hasn't texted me; his factual mood could only be my speculation.

Takashi: hey sryyy bout last nite

Shun: sry I culdnt make it

Takashi: u ok??

Unknown: how are you feeling?

Akio: whos this?

When Kenshin replied and confirmed the unknown number was him, I felt embarrassed, I guess he's always had my number. I'm not surprised at who messaged me, just surprised anyone even messaged me at all.

My head pounded steadily in sync with my heartbeat as I sat on the porch steps. I just know I didn't want to be around anyone that expected me to be responsive. The sun had set, the stars were starting to show, but I couldn't see the moon yet. Sad, the moon had been a comforting presence. I stuck my hands in my pants pockets, my stomach gurgling, and wondered how I looked to everyone last night. It's impressive and different; sleeping the night all the way through, even at the cost of a headache. The chilled air allowed the pain to subside momentarily but it made way for thoughts to flood in.

Last night's state was to blame for my blurry memory, but I do remember Ryu's lips on mine. Right? Did I dream of it? Why would I dream about this? Do people do this? I think it's weird. I can't even focus on that memory, it feels like a blur. My first kiss, something I'd never given much thought until now, was caused by a mind-numbing substance, undeniable irritation and panic. I flushed uncontrollably, holding my head down lower. I didn't have much time to spiral, my face turned pale as nausea hit me and I swallowed a few times holding the sickness down.