Kokichi walked in gingerly, still not 100% trusting. He did his check, though a little less thorough, and joined Shuichi on the bed.
"Can you... uhm.." He spoke quietly.
"What?"
"Can you.. put your arm around me..."
"Oh! Uh, yea sure." Shuichi carefully lifted his arm around Kokichi's shoulders as the latter shifted towards him. He leaned his head into the crook of Shuichi's neck and closed his eyes.
Shuichi looked downwards taking in all the little spots and specks he wouldn't have seen otherwise. The multiple wraps around his pant legs and sleeves, the buttons that had no apparent purpose. The ragged ends of his clothes seemed to be intentional as the rest of it was in pristine condition. The only thing that actually looked worn and used was his scarf, though it was old, it was very well taken care of.
"I can feel you staring at me.." Kokichi pouted. Shuichi jumped slightly and apologized.
(so he really was? It was just a guess since i didn't feel him pick up his book)
Shuichi looked into his novel while Kokichi relaxed again. He could pretend the sound of folding pages was Kirumi pushing the iron across the board. That it was her gloved hand holding him close and protecting him.
He could pretend that he never saw the desperation in her eyes as she watched the crowd surround her. That he didn't see every little wince as she climbed the prickly rope.
Kokichi blinked his eyes open as a couple silent tears fell down his face. He tilted his head down more so Shuichi wouldn't see them. He can't be protected by Shuichi. If... When he loses him, he'll fall just as hard again.
He wanted to get up and leave, and pretend that he never needed Shuichi's help. He wanted to just say bye and never look back, but his legs felt so heavy. He felt so, so weak.
Shuichi closed his book and turned as he felt Kokichi's fist shaking slightly against his leg. He heard a quiet sniffle as Kokichi's head lowered more.
"Kokichi..?" Hearing that just made him start sobbing as he covered his face with his arms.
"JUST LEAVE ME ALONE. It's-It's better that way." He got up and ran towards the door. Shuichi jumped up after him, knocking his book to the floor.
"Kokichi wait!" Shuichi jumped as he saw the bedroom door swing open, hitting Kokichi in the face. He fell to the ground behind it shaking slightly. Kaito had a surprised look as he walked in.
"What was that loud thud? Did I hit somthing?" He went to go look behind the door but Shuichi reached him before he could.
"Sorry, just a bit of a mess.. Why are you here right now..?"
"Well I'm trying to convince Maki to come out of her room, and I thought you could help me!"
"I was.. actually about to shower..?"
"Huh? Ain't it a little early to shower?"
"Sorry it's kind of a routine, i'll come see you later, promise." Shuichi waved frantically trying to get him out of the room.
"well geez if it means that much to you.." He turned and waved before Shuichi slammed the door behind him. He sighed and looked at Kokichi before gasping. He was laying on the ground as he stared at the floor blankley and blood ran down from his nose.
"Oh-Oh my gosh! Uhm should I get some toilet paper?"
"...Okay.." Shuichi nodded and ran into his bathroom quickly. Kokichi slowly pulled himself up as Shuichi came back.
"Sorry about your carpet..."
"No, No it's fine, does it hurt too much? Is it just your nose?"
"I'm fine.. Honestly it kind of helped.. The one useful thing sponge for brains ever did." He gave a small half hearted chuckle.
"I don't know why I just ran like that.. Just... kind of a freak moment.." He wiped his tear stained face as he took some of the toilet paper and held it to his face.
"Is there anything I can get you? Or do for you?" Kokichi stared for a second before smiling solemnly.
"You're a good guy Shuichi.. putting up with my crap.."
"Huh? I don't really think it's that bad.."
"Heh.. maybe fate decided I should get a blessing right before I die.."
"Die?! Kokichi you're-" Kokichi grabbed his hand and chuckled again.
"Come on, I'm not going to make it out of here... I'm too big of a train wreck.."
"No! I can protect you and make sure nobody else kills!"
"If only it were that easy..." Shuichi slumped slightly and looked to the side.
"..."
"okay.. I don't think you can prevent everything... But we could try.." Shuichi looked back at him curious.
"We..?"
"Consider it payment for you helping me out."
"You don't have to pay me Kokichi"
"I don't care I said consider it!" Kokichi laughed as he put his hands on his hips.
"Finee.. yes siirrr" Shuichi responded dramatically.
"Is that sarcasm I detect?" Kokichi raised his eyebrow as he shook his finger at him.
Shuichi smiled and continued to jest with him as they walked into the bathroom to get him cleaned up.
"alright, I'll go sleep off my battlewounds, Goodnight Shuichi!"
"Goodnight! See you tomorrow!" Kokichi waved as the door was closed.
This place wasn't great, but spending these moments with Kokichi made it a little better.
.
..
...
