Chapter Text
Goro woke up itching for a smoke.
Normally on a morning as frigid and cold as this, unforgiving in the depth of January, getting out of bed would be exceptionally difficult.
This would be especially true considering the frankly unbearable day Goro had spent the evening prior turning over in his mind. Being Student Council president -though something which he had worked tirelessly to achieve and had no intention of ever relinquishing- required far more bullshit than he had initially realised. Today’s responsibilities were a perfect example of such bullshit- an inevitably mind numbing tour of the school for the Board of Education.
For this reason, the night prior he had wisely promised himself a cigarette. This was successful in rousing him, in coaxing him out of bed. He slid on his slippers. They tapped on the hard floor as he walked over to the sliding doors to his balcony, hidden by his curtains and pulled them aside. It wasn’t very light out. Fog clouded the city, and Goro’s usual view of streets and cars and houses was shrouded in an obscuring layer of winter mist. Perfect weather for this secret kind of smoking, he reasoned internally, imagining how the smoke would fade right into the foggy air.
The morning paper was sitting upon the table at his request, which pleased him. A cigarette and the paper guided him into the day. The smoke filled his lungs and grounded him, his chest becoming warm and head clear. His eyes breezed over the headlines, and before he knew it, he was ready.
Shower first (a necessity for Goro every day but especially after smoking), then skincare. After that he brushed his hair in the bathroom mirror. He looked deep into his own eyes. Unending eye contact, a silent oath to himself. He could do this. He would win.
And the first step to his plan for conquering this horrific day? Dealing with school delinquent, Akira Kurusu.
He wasted no time. As soon as the limo parked outside of Shujin he was out of the door. He walked with purpose towards the school- breezed right past the front entrance, feeling his heart begin to beat faster as he strode towards the building's side. It was clear in his head what he would see: Akira, perhaps accompanied by somebody (like that blond haired waste of space ex-track boy), slumped against the wall without a care in the world.
It made him smile. He couldn’t help it- how pleasurable it was to stamp him down, to put him in his place. Even despite the pleasure it brought him, today he had an arguably noble reason for his interference with the delinquent- it just wouldn’t do for the governors to come and see a delinquent so rudely loitering.
His heartbeat further ramped up as he turned the corner. When he finally arrived at Akira’s usual haunt, his smile fell. Not a soul. Just the vending machine and a lone tree, swaying in the harsh breeze. Oh. He certainly hadn’t been expecting that. Swerving around, he looked across the courtyard. No trace of Akira. Goro felt his lips twitch.
The adrenaline he had felt moments prior had come crashing down. His excitement had rapidly drained from his body, leaving him now simply cold and feeling rather foolish just standing there. A deep sigh left him. He glanced down at his watch. Still too early to head inside, really, unless he wanted to risk running into Nijima, or even Kobayakawa, God forbid.
Goro sank against the wall with his defeat. A smoke would really fix things right now- warm him up and soothe his irritation. He folded his arms tight. Perhaps Akira had caught wind of the governors’ visit and decided to knock off his delinquency for once? That seemed implausible, Goro thought, considering the fact that Akira never seemed to care about tarnishing the school’s reputation during similar occasions (such as the recent inspectors visit, which Goro had had to shoo Akira and the blond boy away for). Besides, it just didn’t seem in his nature. Akira stood his ground, was immovable and sure. Despite his unassuming appearance, behind the black rimmed glasses and the ordinary dark mop of hair, Goro could sense the determination in him. He was not the type to compromise- and yet neither was Goro he supposed.
He watched the tree still. Watched as the wind siphoned through its leafless branches, caused it to sway against the grey sky.
“You know you’re not supposed to loiter, right?”
Goro’s head snapped in the direction of the voice. Instantly he straightened up. He recognised that teasing cadence, the nonchalant delivery.
Akira stood with his hands in his pockets- nothing unusual- with a look of amusement on his features. His cheeks were reddened by the cold, adding some colour to his pale face. Goro’s heart picked up the pace once again. He raised an eyebrow.
“Late, aren’t we, Kurusu?” He replied, ignoring the boy’s smartassery. “You’re usually always here loitering by the time I arrive at school. In fact, it’s rather impressive.”
Akira chuckled, and Goro felt his lips twitch. He schooled his mouth back into one of neutrality. “Got held up. Train was delayed.”
“Huh. How unfortunate.” Said Goro, shaking his head before tilting it slightly to the side. “Well, I don’t suppose you’re aware of the Board of Education's visit today, Kurusu? Or have you suddenly taken an interest in the workings of the school all of a sudden?”
“I heard something of it.”
“Perfect.” Goro said. “Then you’ll understand when I ask you not to loiter here today, yes?”
“Of course. Wouldn’t want to tarnish the reputation of our precious, precious school.”
“Precisely, Kurusu.” Goro stepped closer. “You’re learning.” He allowed himself to smile, looking into Akira’s eyes. Though they were as stormy as always and somewhat obscured behind his thick glasses, Goro could see the way they seemed almost pleased.
“So, do me a favour,” He began, the rush of putting Akira in his place thrilling him as he watched the other’s face intently, “And find somewhere else to be. Alright?”
“Yes Sir.” Said Akira. He held Goro’s gaze.
“Funny. Now get on with it, Kurusu, or I really won’t hesitate to tell Kawakami about this.”
“Got it. Good luck.”
“With?”
“Today. The Board.” Akira smiled, just slightly, as though at a joke only he understood. He held Goro’s gaze for a little while, and when he walked off, Goro just stared.
His body was buzzing. A high better than a cigarette and the familiar buzz of nicotine was what he derived from Akira. He felt almost relieved that he had showed up, that he had been able to get his power fix before the inevitable slog of the day ensued.
With that, Goro felt that he was ready. He made his way inside with the bell, feeling unshakeable.
—
Goro sat slumped against the train seat. How awful it was, having to talk to those people all day, smile and lie and laugh about things that really didn’t matter. He watched the city go by, looked at the buildings, the dark sky, the stations and the platforms and the people. It all faded into nothing after a while- just colours in front of Goro’s eyes, lulling him into a state of exhausted numbness.
He needed something to take the edge off. Grabbing dinner somewhere, maybe? No, he didn’t have the energy. A cigarette? Too risky. His father would definitely be home at this time, and there was no way he would risk being caught by him. That’s when it dawned on him- Coffee. That sounded perfect.
Goro got off at Jongen-Jaya. He had decided on this particular location for two reasons: the first being that it would definitely be less busy than Shibuya at this time, and the second being that he had heard whisperings of a good coffee shop there. Perhaps out of exhaustion he decided to trust this vague recommendation, and made his way down the dimly lit backstreets. The buildings were mostly grey, a welcome change from the blistering brightness of most of Tokyo. The place was mellow, slow with the evening and calmer than any place in Shibuya. He conceded that he had made the right decision coming here. Just thinking about being somewhere more populated right now made him want to blow his brains out.
After a brief wander around as he looked for this fabled coffee shop, he found it, hidden away in a snug alleyway. The name on the door read ‘LeBlanc’. Goro released a sigh and pushed the door open. A bell dinged above his head.
“Evening, sir. Unfortunately we’re closing now.” Came a husky voice from behind the bar. It belonged to man who looked to be in his late forties. His features were sharp and ascetic, but his eyes seemed more tired than particularly harsh.
“Oh, pardon me.” Goro gave a polite chuckle, despite feelings the beginnings of rage boiling inside of him. “I suppose I lost track of the time. Have a pleasant evening.”
As he began to turn on his feet, his face already twisting into a tight frown, he heard another voice.
“Akechi…?”
He stopped. Froze, even.
“… Kurusu.” He uttered, turning around to confirm his suspicions.
He was greeted with the sight of an apron wearing Akira paused in the midst of wiping a cloth over one of the tables.
“Is this a friend of yours, Akira?” The older man asked, eyes travelling from Goro back to Akira.
Silence.
Goro said nothing. Saying no would definitely be perceived as rude, which he wouldn’t care about in the slightest had it been just him and Akira, but he didn’t want the cafe owner to see that side of him. He instead left the explaining up to Akira, and looked on with an undeniable interest. What would he say?
“Yeah. From school.”
Goro’s eyes widened. What exactly was Akira playing at? Stunned into silence, all Goro could do was see how the conversation between the two unfolded.
“Oh,” The man seemed to become engrossed in thought. “I see…” He trailed off.
“Well… if he’s a friend of yours, I suppose we could make an exception…” He muttered. “If it’s just a coffee he wants.”
Overcome by a sudden uneasiness, Goro started to speak, the words tumbling out rapidly. “That’s too kind sir, but it’s truly alright, I-“
The sound of a phone ringing cut through the air. The man quickly brought his phone to his ear. “Hello? Yes, I’m leaving now, just-“ He sighed. “I’ll be five minutes.”
Once he had hung up and placed the device back into his pocket, the man turned back to Akira. “Listen,” He began, staring intensely into Akira’s eyes, “Your friend can have a drink while you clean and lock up for the night, alright? Just a drink. Then send him home.”
Goro scanned Kurusu’s face. It betrayed nothing.
“Nice to meet you, uh…” The man gestured towards Goro.
“Goro Akechi. It’s a pleasure.” He bowed, giving a small smile.
“Right. I’ll see you tomorrow, Akira. See you, Akechi.”
With his jacket slung over his shoulder, the man exited the shop. Goro heard the ding of the bell.
The air now felt much too thick. His mind was swarming with questions, mainly regarding why Kurusu was actually being… nice to him.
“What on earth was that little performance?” Goro remained by the door. He removed his gloves.
“Performance?”
Akira was now over at the bar, wiping it over with the same cloth from earlier.
“As far as I was aware we’re not… friends.” Goro scoffed, a snicker escaping him. The idea was so unrealistic it was comical.
“I guess. Still, you had a pretty busy day. It wouldn’t hurt me to quickly make you a coffee while I close up.”
“You remembered,” Said Goro, amused as he took a seat at the bar. He watched Akira’s hands as they slid over an empty mug, its inside coated with dark earthy dregs as he stood over the sink. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, revealing long, lean forearms.
“Guess I did.”
Goro caught the slightest smirk on Akira’s lips. He crossed one leg over the other, and perused the chalkboard menu. The sound of running water and clinking dishes acted as the backdrop to his thoughts as he considered his order.
“I’ll get the house blend. Black.” He tapped his fingernails against the wooden bar.
“House blend, black. Got it.”
The way Akira moved around the bar was practised and elegant. He didn’t seem to think about anything he was doing, as though it was so deeply ingrained into his muscle memory that making coffee was simply second nature to him by this point.
This kind of atmosphere would ordinarily be extremely relaxing for Goro. The dimmed lights and the wooden surfaces gave the place a warm feel, and the smell of coffee was pleasant and hearty- but he felt on edge. Akira was being far too nice. Had Goro missed something? Perhaps he was going to make him an awful coffee on purpose, rile him up and laugh at him and then cast him out. He watched Akira with an eagle-eye, but spotted no foul play. For some reason, this only served to irritate him further. This sudden kindness… It simply didn’t add up.
The whole time he had known Akira, all of their interactions had been the same. Goro would get that urge to put him in his place, feel that strange anger he had come to associate only with Akira, and lay it on him- insult him, belittle him, tell him his faults and his detriment to the school. Akira would just take it. Did it really not bother him at all? Not cause any hatred for Goro to fester even a little bit?
His face looked perfectly calm. Focused and relaxed. He placed a cup in front of Goro.
“House blend, black.” Their eyes met. Akira’s seemed to twinkle.
The warmth of the cup made Goro realise just how cold his hands had been. It seeped into his skin pleasantly, and he brought it to his lips. The taste was satisfying- the coffee had a full bodied-ness that pleased him. Its bitter warmth coated his mouth, thawing him from the inside, and yet he could feel his own countenance growing colder and colder.
He couldn’t help it. What the hell was Akira playing at?
“You know,” Goro began, “I really am perplexed by your insistence in pretending not to hate me. It really is admirable, your skill at covering it up.”
Akira was leaning against the bar. His intense gaze didn’t stray from Goro’s.
“You think I hate you?” Goro could see the way he was smiling just slightly.
“I know you do. Why wouldn’t you? I make your life a living hell.”
“Is that what you think?”
“Don’t tease me. It’s irritating.” Goro scowled. He swirled his drink around in his cup.
Akira shrugged. “I don’t think I’m the hating type.” He said. “Are you?”
“That’s really not your business.” Goro took a long drink.
Akira smiled.
“I didn’t know you worked here. You struck me as the unemployed type.”
“Yeah. I work a few jobs, actually, but I help out here the most, I guess.”
A few? Now that really was unexpected. Goro said nothing. He finished his drink quickly, and slid it over to Akira.
“Not too bad.” He said, standing up.
“What glowing praise.”
Goro began to walk towards the door, but something compelled him to pause.
“I still don’t understand.” He said. His voice was quieter than he had intended.
“What, exactly?’
“Your actions tonight. Your aggravating blitheness and whatnot.” Goro grumbled.
He could hear Akira walking towards him, hear his shoes against the floor. “I don’t know. Just felt right.”
“How vague.”
Goro turned to look at Akira. “I’ll be taking my leave.”
“Already?”
What kind of response was that?
Something danced behind Akira’s stormy eyes that Goro couldn’t quite place. It flickered behind his grey irises and caused Goro to feel as though his control over this situation was slipping.
“I doubt that the cafe owner-“
“Sojiro.” Akira cut in.
“Sojiro, would appreciate me overstaying my welcome.” Goro replied.
The implication that Akira actually wanted Goro to stay was entirely perplexing. He crossed his arms, feeling himself smile as he looked over at the boy. A game was afoot, and Goro vowed to not lose.
“He’s not going to come back. And I don’t mind. I probably won’t go to bed for a bit.”
“Stop pretending you’d actually want me to stay.” Goro spat through a tight smile.
“I’m not pretending.” Said Akira simply. "I don't mind if you stay a little longer, or want some more coffee or something."
His words hung in the air, heavy and far too candid.
“That doesn’t make the slightest bit of sense, you know that? I’m not your friend.”
“I know.”
“-And we have nothing in common.”
“Maybe.”
“You’re being ridiculous, Kurusu.”
Akira didn’t respond to that. He held Goro’s gaze. Something about the way he looked at him suggested he was waiting for Goro’s move to decide how he should proceed.
Goro stepped towards the door. Akira followed. He stepped onto the street. So did Akira. He turned to face him- Akira stared back.
“I really don’t understand what you’re playing at, Kurusu, but I can assure you that it is extremely stupid.”
Akira just smiled. “See you at school, Akechi.”
“Farewell, Kurusu.”