Set The Moon on Fire (Akaza x Kyojuro Rengoku)

Chapter 1

"Kyojuro! Don't forget to take your lunch with you!" His mom screamed from downstairs, just as stressed as the boy was getting ready to enter college for the first time. The new experience and environment caught him flustered especially since he's never seen the Kyotai campus or where his classes are being held. He didn't even see photos online, all in the name of a good surprise, but now that surprise is ruined due to him sleeping through his alarm. He woke up an hour before he was due to leave and it's thrown everything off, unusual for Kyojuro who demands everything to be in perfect order. He has a bad history of sleeping in, and he vowed to change that as soon as he entered college, but old habits die hard, don't they?

The yellow and red-haired boy rushed to button his shirt while putting on his socks at the same time, yellow and red eyes catching himself in the mirror for a split second. I haven't even washed my face, I look like shit. He wanted to curl up and cry, but now wasn't the time for that.

"Nii-san," Senjuro banged on his bedroom door sleepily before walking away casually, a towel draped over his shoulder while he moved his toothbrush to clean his teeth. "You're done in the washroom, right? I'm going in then~" What?! I still need- Kyojuro's eyes widened into plates, rushing to open his door and scold his younger brother, but by the time he opened his door, the bathroom door locked and the shower water started running. Kyojuro put his head down in defeat, letting out a deep sigh.

"Kyojuro, it's almost 8:30! What's taking you so long?!" His mom yelled again.

"What a good way to start your first day of college, Kyo..." He muttered to himself as he walked back to his mirror to finish sorting himself out. He managed to get ready in the few minutes that remained, styling his messy hair and putting on a light jacket, grabbing his bag and heading downstairs. By the stairs, his mom stood, brown eyes looking at her oldest son in adoration at how big he's gotten. Like every mother, she could recall all the memories from when he was a baby, barely able to walk by himself, stubby legs wobbling with every step. Oh, how she wished they never grew up...But now he's a grown man, heading to school to better himself and become something more, become his own person and make an impact in society just as his righteous heart always made him do. Ruka started to tear up, beckoning Kyojuro to come closer so she could fix his collar.

"Oh my son, look how big you've become. You look so much like your dad now, hm?" She said, brushing his shoulders. Kyojuro chuckled while scratching the back of his neck. "He would have been so proud of you, you know? Proud of how strong and smart you've become, proud of your independence, proud of the man you've become." The young man rolled his eyes, cheeks turning a light pink. His mom always exaggerates everything, at this point, it was just her complimenting him in the name of his father.

"Yes, yes, you always tell me this." He sighed, running his hand through his gelled hair. She always goes on this type of rant, and Kyojuro always lets her. Maybe it's her way of coping with his death, he assumed, always accepting the compliments without any resistance.

"Well, I have you. You need to know the truth." Ruka laughed, using her index finger to wipe away her tears of joy.

"Well, can the truth wait until later? I'm getting late for class." He sighed, going in to place a soft kiss on her forehead. He moved from the staircase, walking to the foyer to put on his shoes, looking in the mirror once more before he stepped through the front door with his signature bright smile on his face, wide, glistening eyes filled with optimism as he made his way towards the bus, slowly beginning to believe today wouldn't be as bad as he thought-

"Kyojuro!" Ruka called out once again. Kyojuro's smile fell from his face, his head turning around to see his mother running towards him, lunch wrapped in a brown bag in her hands. "Didn't I tell you not to forget your lunch?" She said, eyebrows furrowed in faux anger. He chuckled, receiving the bag with both hands and bowing slightly to apologize. He didn't know what he would have done if he forgot his lunch, after the hell he was put through this morning.

After placing the brown lunch bag in his grey messenger bag, he waved his official goodbye to his mother and finally walked through the small gate of the Rengoku residence, making his way to the bus stop down. From the small encouragements he made to himself, Kyojuro's spirit was high and he felt confident once again, looking forward to his first day at college in the city after being a country boy ever since he could remember. The slip-up from this morning was easily forgotten and excitement filled his muscular body, positive energy radiating off him as he waited for the bus.

His dreams were finally coming true.

His dreams of living in Tokyo were finally in full action, and nothing was going to hold Kyojuro from setting his heart ablaze and achieving what he wants.

--

Akaza, too, missed his alarm and woke up late. Although this time, there wasn't anyone calling him, there wasn't anyone entering the bathroom before he could, there wasn't anyone at all.

The high-rise apartment was cold when he woke up, pink eyelashes fluttering in an attempt to open his eyes, but to no avail. His bed was too warm, the peaceful quiet of the morning luring him into another deep slumber, but before his mind could wander so far, he rose, sitting upright on the edge of his bed. After a few minutes of staring at his pale feet, mind emptier than a black hole, he yawned and began his morning routine.

The pink-haired man left his room, heading towards the kitchen. It was bright outside, the sun shining harder than ever and Akaza usually likes the natural light entering the small apartment, but all the blinds in the entire apartment were closed. His mom never opened the blinds, and whenever he did, she'd always close them right behind him. It's whatever... he supposed.

The coffee pot was lukewarm, evidence that she was here this morning, but she made no sound; Akaza didn't even hear the door close when she left. Oh well. He didn't pay too much attention to it, starting the coffee maker for another cup while he went back to his room to grab his towel and head off to shower.

His mind was blank the entire time he was getting ready, unfazed by the lack of his mother or the fact that it was his first day at school. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary when living in the city, people living the fast pace life, entering and exiting school without looking back, so what's there to be excited about? Yes, starting college is interesting, but he assumed it was the same for everyone, especially in Tokyo. He also just didn't have the energy to be excited and positive; Akaza realized now that sleeping in can really impact a person's mood.

His cup of coffee was finished by the time he changed into loose jeans and a graphic tee shirt of his favourite band, Red Velvet, short pink hair not needing any special attention. His closet and overall aesthetics weren't all that; blacks and greys that fit the dull vibe of his city life and he frankly liked it like that. With a few minutes left on the clock, Akaza cursed at himself for always being time blind, never having enough time to complete anything but somehow barely making it on time. He chugged the dark, bitter cup of liquid as he finished getting ready, throwing on a grey hoodie and carrying his beige tote bag, heading to put on his shoes just as the clock hit 8:45.

Locking the door behind him, Akaza yawned on his way to the bus stop, debating if he should buy another cup of coffee on his way to campus.

Akaza was tired as usual, but he was on his feet and finally fulfilling his dream.

He was tired but happy.