Stay. ~ [COMPLETED]

Rainy Night Stories

At the entrance of Hope's Peak Academy, there was a usual lot of noise. The conversations between classmates, footsteps running to the entry, and the thumping of Rantaro's heartbeat. The first day back always gave Rantaro an uneasy feeling. Maybe it was the overwhelming presence of say, 1000 or more people? Since it was just him and 1 or 2 other people, there really was no need to get accustomed to large crowds.

"..Rantaro? Are you feeling unwell?"

The familiar voice brought Rantaro back to reality. The voice of his most trusted friend, Korekiyo Shinguji, or Kiyo, as he would prefer to be called. Korekiyo was the Ultimate Anthropologist, studying the behavior of human life.

Despite not knowing many trends, he sure knew how to dress up. Every day was a new outfit. Rantaro found it amusing. His sisters would be amazed. Today he was wearing a jacket on top of a V-neck sweater, which was on top of a collared, white button-up. His bottoms were denim jeans. Quite casual but Korekiyo still looked stunning.

Rantaro shook his head, flashed a winning smile, and replied cooly,

"Yeah, yeah, I am fine, thanks for worrying though. Just first day jitters."

He was not fine.

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Only half the school day went by and Rantaro was currently thanking whatever deity out there for lunch period. Rantaro entered the cafeteria and found Korekiyo sitting at a table, an outlier from the rest. He didn't mind sitting away from the rest, it was calmer here. Rantaro then made his way to sit with the blue-haired male. Sliding onto the bench, surprisingly, Kiyo had ignited the conversation.

"Good afternoon, Rantaro, how are you feeling?"

"Afternoon, Kiyo! I'm good, but do you need to ask that question every time?"

"Ah, I am sorry. I do apologize for the repetitiveness."

The mint haired boy shook his head and began eating his lunch. The taller watched him eat hungrily.

"Rantaro. You are forgetting something."

The mentioned looked up from his food to meet his friend's narrow, golden eyes. The eyes that brought him comfort from nights of nightmares and paranoia. Korekiyo holds out some jellybeans.

"We are supposed to share every day, remember?"

Ah, right. Jellybeans made Rantaro feel better. He didn't know why but Kiyo didn't seem to mind.

"Ah, right!" Rantaro took 2 from his palm. "Thanks, I nearly forgot.."

Rantaro let out a nervous laugh, then popped them into his mouth. The jellybeans were not very flavourful, but it was a nice snack.

"You are welcome."

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"Rantaro. Take my jacket. I don't want you to get sick again. You are prone to sickness these days."

The first day back had ended and it was raining of all things. Much to Kiyo's disliking, Rantaro frequently got sick. It was quite troublesome and it led, much to Korekiyo's dismay, to frequent visits to the pharmacy and Rantaro's house.

"But Kiyo-"

"No arguing. As much as I love coming over, it is quite a hassle. No offence"

Before the shorter male could argue a second time, the taller was already holding out his jacket for him. He had no choice but to oblige. Korekiyo never complained about being cold, or hot for that matter. To think of it, Korekiyo never complained. Unless it was about Rantaro's health. Rantaro found it strange. A human who was... completely content?

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The two walked in the rain, the repetitive drip drip drip becoming a steady melody. Korekiyo's hair looked shinier in the rain. It was beautiful. He was beautiful. And no, he would not like to elaborate. They walked along the concrete path in a comfortable silence that enveloped them into their own bubble. The world was quiet, except for the rain. So peaceful, so calming. So...

"Lost in thought, Rantaro?"

The taller suddenly said, without warning.

"No... kinda.. yes."

Korekiyo let out a quiet laugh. You could never tell underneath his mask. He never spoke in class either. It was like he was invisible, like nobody else could see him but Rantaro. Korekiyo.. was quite a mysterious individual. He studied others and kept journals on human behaviour and nature, despite always wanting to stay away from people who weren't Rantaro.

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After what seemed like a long walk, they arrived at the familiar confines of Rantaro's home. Upon entering, Rantaro quickly returned Kiyo's jacket with a smile and a casual 'thank you'. As per usual, Rantaro's dad was out doing things better than being there for his.. remaining family. Rantaro had figured that it'd be better without his father figure. Whatever. It didn't matter, he had Korekiyo.

After the 'long' walk to Rantaro's room, Rantaro flopped onto his bed, sighing. Korekiyo was inspecting, once again, the pictures in Rantaro's room. Most of them faded from in-caution, but they all showed Rantaro with his several younger sisters, smiling and being happy. Korekiyo held a photo in his hand, admiring it.

"Rantaro, tell me a story."

Stories that Rantaro told and retold again and again. Stories about his siblings that he used to know. From daring adventures, trips around the world to bedtime stories, and games of princesses and knights. Korekiyo loved to hear about all of them. The enthusiastic tone to Rantaro's voice, the wonderful spark in his eyes. Oh, it was truly beautiful when humans spoke about things that excited them. It was.. unique. Like no other.

Rantaro smiled his enlightening smile and nodded.

"I'm gonna tell you my favourite! You've heard it before but it's simply a great tell."

"Please, do not let me stop you."

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Rantaro Amami was an amazing storyteller. His stories were an ocean of thought and feeling. Maybe he was simply spilling out what he had been feeling. After a few enchanting stories, they had decided to call it a day and return to the sweet state of rest.

"Korekiyo, I can just move over, there's really no need for you to sleep on the chair again I-"

"Do not fuss. I am perfectly fine here."

"But-"

"I'm fine."

Rantaro was forced to look into Korekiyo's yellow eyes, so genuine and healing as if he had forgotten all his troubles by looking into the other's eyes. The shorter man sighed in defeat. Korekiyo was, or trying to, care for Rantaro. It was almost.. bittersweet?

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Rantaro lie in bed as Korekiyo held his hand from the bedside. Rantaro looked so peaceful and quiet, Korekiyo would give everything for Rantaro, for him to be happy, to live a life not full of angst and bitter memories. But for now, it was the best thing for Korekiyo to do. Stay with Rantaro. Just until he figures everything out.