Ryuzí stared at his phone like it had betrayed him.
On the screen: "Come to dinner tonight. Mom asked."
He groaned, raking a hand through his hair. He should've said no. He should've shut Suki down the moment his mom suggested it. But Ayumi's hopeful smile earlier had been too much to refuse.
Now here he was, standing at the gate, watching Suki wave cheerfully as he bounced up the steps.
"Hi, Ryuzí!"
"...Don't shout."
"Sorry, sorry," Suki grinned, lowering his voice only a little. "I brought dessert!" He held up a neatly wrapped box of melonpan from the bakery. "Your mom's gonna love me."
Ryuzí muttered, "...She already does." Then froze, realizing what he'd said.
Suki's grin widened. "Aww, was that a compliment?"
"...Shut up."
Inside, the Takeda home was as quiet and pristine as ever. The faint smell of simmering miso broth filled the air. Ayumi greeted them at the door with a soft smile.
"Suki-kun, thank you for coming."
"Thanks for having me!" Suki chirped, bowing politely before holding up the melonpan. "For dessert!"
Her eyes warmed. "How thoughtful."
In the dining room, Daichi sat at the head of the table, newspaper folded neatly beside him. His gaze flicked up, sharp and assessing.
"Father," Ryuzí said stiffly. "...This is Suki."
Suki bowed again. "Nice to meet you, sir. Thanks for letting me intrude."
Daichi's expression didn't change. "...Sit."
The atmosphere was heavy as they began eating. The only sounds were clinking chopsticks and the soft murmur of Ayumi asking if anyone needed more rice.
Suki, however, was not one to stay quiet long.
"So, Ryuzí told me he used to run track here too," Suki said brightly, flashing a grin at Daichi. "Guess speed runs in the family."
Ryuzí nearly choked on his rice. "I did not—"
Daichi blinked, then gave the faintest nod. "...He was fast."
Suki beamed. "See? Proud dad mode unlocked."
Ryuzí hissed under his breath, "Stop."
But for a moment, Daichi's lips twitched upward, almost a smile.
Ayumi poured more tea, her voice gentle. "Suki-kun, you've been friends with Ryuzí for a while now?"
"Yep!" Suki said. "He's my partner for a project. But also..." He glanced at Ryuzí, softening. "...He's important to me."
Ryuzí's chopsticks froze mid-air. His ears went red. "...Idiot."
Ayumi's eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering across her face. Then, slowly, she smiled. "I'm glad."
Daichi cleared his throat. "...Important, how."
Suki blinked, then grinned nervously. "Uh—like... he's reliable? Keeps me out of trouble? I'd probably forget my homework every day without him."
Ryuzí muttered, "You do."
"Exactly," Suki laughed, his sunshine filling the silent room.
Ayumi chuckled softly, covering her mouth. Even Daichi let out a faint hum that almost resembled approval.
Ryuzí sat rigid in his seat, watching his family react in ways they rarely did. The stiffness, the silence—it all seemed to soften under Suki's presence.
After dinner, Ayumi insisted on giving them tea in the living room.
"Your mom's cooking is amazing," Suki said earnestly. "Seriously, Ryuzí, you've been holding out on me."
Ryuzí glared. "It's just food."
"It's love disguised as food," Suki corrected, winking at Ayumi, who laughed softly.
Daichi raised a brow at Suki. "You talk too much."
Suki grinned sheepishly. "Sorry. Bad habit."
But Daichi didn't sound annoyed—more bemused. "...Better than silence."
Ryuzí blinked, stunned. His father never said things like that.
When it was finally time to leave, Ayumi walked them to the door. She touched Ryuzí's shoulder lightly, then turned to Suki.
"Thank you," she said softly. "For being his friend."
Suki smiled warmly. "Always."
Ryuzí shifted uncomfortably, muttering, "...You don't have to thank him."
Ayumi's gaze softened, but she said nothing more.
Outside, Suki stretched his arms toward the stars. "Well! That went great!"
Ryuzí glared. "You never shut up."
"And that's why they liked me," Suki teased.
Ryuzí looked away, his ears red. "...Idiot."
But deep down, his chest felt strange. Lighter. His father had spoken more than usual. His mother had smiled warmly. And it was all because of the boy walking beside him.
For the first time in years, the Takeda house hadn't felt like a cage.
"...Thanks," Ryuzí muttered so softly Suki almost missed it.
Suki blinked, then grinned. "Anytime."