Nostophobia

Hoshi Ryoma

Hoshi = in-game.
Ryoma = child.

-•°•❀•°•-

Thud. Everyone jumped as another thud sounded around them. Despite how many times a thud boomed through the dining room, new ones made them all jump each time. After a fifth time, Iruma slammed her cutlery against the wooden table. "What the fuck is that?!"

"Either check or stop complaining," Harukawa responded, her eyes locked onto a salt shaker. Instead of retorting, Iruma let out a small whimper which made a few people grimace.

Akamatsu took everyone's attention as she stood up, grabbed Iruma's hand and began to leave the dining hall. "We're going to investigate!" She called over her shoulder.

When the door closed, Saihara held his chin in thought. "Yonaga, Hoshi and Akamatsu are the remaining ones to be targeted by the motive."

"That's right Saihara-Chan! You're so smart!" Ouma smirked as he pinched Saihara's cheek, trying to make him angry.

Instead of becoming angry, Saihara blushed slightly and frowned. "I'm filling your bed with glitter tonight." The two began bickering back and forth, playfully slapping each other.

Saving everyone from the lighthearted argument, Akamatsu and Iruma threw open the dining hall doors, a child walking behind them. Ryoma - a small boy with short, brown hair - gripped a tennis racquet tight as he raced over to the group. "Hello! Hi!" He shouted, waving cheerily at everyone. Hoshi sighed, knowing he was soon to be tormented.

Ryoma gasped and climbed into the spare seat that everyone reserved for whichever child happened to accompany them. "Can I have food too?" He asked the teenagers. Akamatsu stepped forward and placed her portion before the child. Tojo had cooked everyone a classic English Breakfast since she wanted them to try meals from different countries.

When he saw the meal, Ryoma grimaced and recoiled. "Is that meat?" Everyone glanced at each other, not saying a word as they soaked in confusion. "Don't you all know that you should be vegetarian?! It's better for the planet!"

Another long sigh attracted everyone's attention to Hoshi. "Hoshi, we've seen you eating meat. You aren't a vegetarian anymore, right?" K1-B0 asked, trying to wrap his head around humanity for the umpteenth time.

"Being a death row inmate limits your dietary choices," Hoshi explained with a grumble.

"Hey! That doesn't excuse you hating animals!" Ryoma shouted, jabbing an accusatory finger at his future self.

Instead of arguing, Hoshi stood up and turned away, refusing to look at his younger self for longer than necessary. Continuing this discussion would prove futile, as Hoshi knew first-hand how stubborn Ryoma was about vegetarianism. After excusing himself, he left the dining room alone.

As always, the short tennis player walked behind the school where many large machine units whirred away. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small box containing a few candy cigarettes, popping the end of one into his mouth. He craved the bitter taste of tobacco on his tongue, but he'd settle for a sweeter fake. After all, the promise he made to his girlfriend mattered most.

Saihara stepped around the corner, not surprising Hoshi. Hoshi instinctively pulled out another candy cigarette and handed it to the detective prodigy. "Thanks." The two stood by each other, chewing on sugar. Both of them had been helping each other overcome their tobacco addiction, managing to keep it secret from their fellow Ultimates.

"I figured you'd follow me, depression buddy," Hoshi spoke over the sound of a whirring boiler.

"Why does everyone think I'm depressed?!" Saihara complained with a roll of his eyes. "Do I give off that aura?"