Out Of Sight

The First Match

Hello~~

Surprised to see me again? I'm a bit like a cockroach that way, every time someone thinks I've been exterminated, I end up proving them wrong :D

I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

~'0'~

The day of Raimon's first match dawns grey and wet, the skies pouring out their sorrows for the entire city to see. The weather forecast for that afternoon, thankfully, seems more optimistic.

Tenma wakes early, as usual - even the sudden change in lifestyle after the accident didn't change the fact that he's an early bird by nature - and spends most of the morning in a nervous daze, much to the bemusement of his father.

When the man comes downstairs, it's to the sight of the teenager busying himself with making breakfast. Kichirou joins him at the counter, wordlessly offering his help, and father and son prepare their food in comfortable silence. It's a familiar routine to them both, especially during weekends when neither has to leave for work or school.

And yet today, it feels off.

Tenma is constantly drumming his fingers in an unusual show of impatience, or glancing at the clock, or tapping his knife against the cutting board. His fidgeting is both a familiar sight and odd to see - the teen has always been a physically active person, but he's calmed down in the last few years. Kichirou can't help but smile fondly at the sight. It reminds him of when Tenma was young, always running around or bouncing in his chair, and the man hides a chuckle.

"Are you alright?" he asks eventually when they finish the food and begin to set the table, keeping his tone gentle.

"Huh?" Tenma pauses, looking confused for a few seconds. Then he seems to understand, and he smiles sheepishly. "Oh. Oh, um, just a bit nervous, I guess." He shrugs.

Kichirou makes a sympathetic noise, opening one of the cupboards above the counter to grab two plates. "Are you usually nervous before a match?"

"Sometimes," the brunet hums, plating their food and moving over to the table. "If it's a big one. It's just... been a while."

"I see." They both take a seat and say their prayers, and Kichirou smiles at the teen. "I'm sure you'll do great. 'Everything will work out somehow', right?"

That startles a laugh out of the younger brunet. "Right. Thanks, tou-san." Tenma means it. This'll be the first time his father is present at one of his matches - living so far away from one another meant it didn't happen before, something Kichirou apologized for multiple times despite watching them on TV. Tenma hadn't been angry about it, but now knowing his father will come and watch him... it's a good feeling. ''You're still coming?''

There's something sad in Kichirou's eyes. ''I wouldn't miss this for the world, buddy,'' he promises him softly, but no less heartfelt.

Tenma swallows, and tries to smile, but it comes out a little wobbly. It's genuine either way.

''Oh,'' his father says, straightening up in his seat. To Tenma's confusion, he starts grinning brightly, looking startingly similar to his son in that moment. Tenma takes after his mother in appearance, but he's always had his father's smile. ''Finish your food, kid. I've got something for you.''

That, of course, sends the brunet's curiosity skyrocketing, and he devours his breakfast quickly. Kichirou chuckles at his enthusiasm and deliberately eats slowly, taking the time to chew each mouthful thoroughly and pretending he doesn't see Tenma's dry look. The teen knows exactly what he's doing.

Finally, though, they both finish eating and clear the table, and Kichirou directs Tenma to their comfy couch while he disappears up the stairs. When he returns, he's holding a small box wrapped in yellow wrapping paper, with a royal blue bow. Raimon's colors.