Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

— Present Day —

Reigen walked toward his apartment, his stride seemingly confident, but inside, a gnawing emptiness festered. As he reached his door and unlocked it, he stepped inside and immediately threw his jacket onto the bed. He yanked off his tie, letting it drop carelessly to the floor, before sinking into a chair. There, he stared off into space, the loneliness finally starting to settle over him.

He had convinced himself that Mob was suffering without him, that the boy needed his guidance. Yet, when their paths crossed after days of mutual avoidance from their falling out, Reigen was shocked to see Mob genuinely enjoying himself with friends, shattering that illusion. The image of Mob's laughter and carefree demeanor stung deeply. Was Mob truly better off without me?

The memory of how the evening played out only deepened his sense of shame. Hiding behind a trash can and bench to avoid being seen by Mob—a middle schooler—felt pathetic. He was a grown man, yet fear had driven him to such lengths.

Dimple's discovery of him hiding only added to his humiliation, his reassurance that Mob was thriving on his own without Reigen amplifying his pain—more than he cared to admit.

Suppressing the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him, Reigen sought refuge in routine. "Guess I'll use tonight to update the homepage," he muttered to himself, the words hollow even to his own ears. With a sigh, he turned his attention to his computer, hoping that burying himself in work would distract him from the turmoil churning inside.

Reigen stared blankly at his computer screen, the glow casting a faint reflection on his tired face. "A newbie idol's blog got flamed, huh. Hm." He muttered to himself, half-hearted interest flickering across his eyes. His mind wandered, and he thought, "Well, since I'm online, I should check Friend Book. It's been a while." With a click, he navigated to the social media platform. "In this day and age, you can connect with people you know at any time. Talk about convenient." He clicked around, his mood lifting slightly when he saw a notification.

"Hey, looks like I have a new message here. Sorry for not reading it sooner. I've just been so busy, you know." His voice elated as he allowed himself a moment of seld importance, "Who could it be? Maybe it's the one I met at the mixer." With a click, a message popped up, and he read it carefully.

Congratulations, it's your birthday today. The words flashed on his screen, and instantly, Reigen's facade of self-confidence cracked. His expression shifted abruptly into somber realization, as if reality had slapped him back to attention.

"Oh yeah, right. I totally forgot." He sighed, the feeling of loneliness creeping back in as he glanced at the date in the bottom right corner of his screen. Clicking the message revealed a stark reality: See messages from your friends wishing you a happy birthday (0 messages). His eyebrows furrowed in disappointment, trying to mask his sinking heart with a forced smile. "Zero, huh."

Just as the sting of being forgotten began to settle in, a notification interrupted his thoughts, momentarily diverting his attention.

"Oo, wait, here we go," he exclaimed, his initial excitement at the sight of a new message in his inbox quickly overshadowed by a flicker of hesitation. The sender was his mother. His finger hovered uncertainly over the mouse, a swirl of conflicting emotions stirring within him. After a brief pause, he gathered his resolve and clicked to open it.

Her birthday greeting was brief before she cut to the chase: questioning his involvement in what she deemed a "shady business," updating him on trivial neighborhood news to compare him to others' successes, and urging him to secure a stable job while he still had a chance being at 28 years of age.

As he scrolled through the message, disappointment and resentment tightened in his chest. When he reached the end, he found an attachment labeled my gift to you. His mother's message echoed in his mind, intensifying his feelings of inadequacy and failure. Reigen sat motionless, staring blankly at the screen, his finger trembling over the mouse. He hesitated to click the attachment, afraid it would confirm his fears of never living up to his mother's expectations.

Finally summoning the courage, he clicked to open it. As he read through what was a job application, bitterness surged within him. A hollow laugh escaped his lips, masking the ache in his heart. The weight of disappointment and uncertainty bore down on him heavily. He knew deep down that no matter what he did, he would always be a disappointment to his mother. His laughter turned bitter, tears welling up as he fought to suppress a sob, struggling to conceal the pain and self-doubt that threatened to overwhelm him in the quiet solitude of his room.

It had always been this way—lonely, feeling like a perpetual disappointment, cast out by his own mother and family. From the earliest days he could remember, Reigen had been confronted with disapproval and a sense of not measuring up. As he sat there, staring at the screen with the weight of his mother's expectations pressing down on him, a question nagged at the back of his mind. Why was it always like this? Why did I always feel this way? He couldn't quite put his finger on the origin of these feelings; it was as if a haze had settled over his memories, obscuring the events that had shaped his childhood

— 24 years earlier, Reigen’s POV —

Reigen Arataka sat on the couch playing with a colorful toy car, his tiny fingers maneuvering it back and forth across the cushions. Next to him, his older brother Arashi was engrossed in the television, the comforting hum blending with the delightful aromas wafting from the kitchen, creating a familiar and soothing backdrop to their activities. Reigen's world was small and simple, centered around the warmth of home and the love of his parents.

The front door creaked open, breaking the spell. Reigen looked up to see his father stepping into the house. Immediately, he felt a wave of exhaustion emanating from him, a heavy cloud that seemed to settle into the room. He didn't need to notice the way his father's shoulders slumped with the weight of the day, his tie loosened, and his expression weary to understand his emotional state. Sensing the emotions of others was like a natural extension of Reigen, an ability few could compare with.

"Welcome home, dear," his mother greeted cheerfully from the kitchen. She turned from the stove with a bright smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. Reigen sensed the warmth and love in her greeting, but beneath it, he also felt the undercurrent of her own fatigue. She had been out running errands all day, taking him and Arashi to the doctor, and was now juggling dinner preparations.

Masato, his father, managed a tired smile, his eyes softening slightly as he looked at her. "Thanks, Aiko," he said, dropping his briefcase by the door and slipping off his shoes.

Reigen watched as his father trudged towards the bedroom. The boy returned to his toy car but couldn’t shake the feelings that swirled around him, the mingling of his parents' emotions creating a storm he couldn’t quite understand but deeply felt. His empathic abilities, still underdeveloped and raw, made him acutely aware of the emotional currents around him.

The boy sensed his mother’s happiness at having her family together, mixed with the fatigue that weighed heavily on her. She was glad to see Masato, but her body screamed of exhaustion, muscles aching from a day of endless tasks. Reigen felt her effort to stay cheerful, to keep the household running smoothly despite her own needs.

Masato’s tiredness was a different kind. It was the kind that seeped into his bones, making each step feel like a chore. Reigen could feel the stress from his father’s long day at work, the frustration that simmered beneath the surface. When Masato reached the bedroom, Reigen felt a sharp spike of irritation, a jolt that made his own small shoulders tense up.

“Where’s my change of clothes?” Masato’s voice called out from the bedroom, sounding more irritable than usual.

Aiko’s cheerful demeanor slightly faltered. “It’s outside drying, but there should be one or two comfortable pairs in the drawer that you haven’t worn in a while. They should be clean.”

Reigen felt the frustration from his father intensify. Masato reappeared in the living room, his face tight with annoyance. “Didn’t it get washed last night? How is it not dry yet?”

”Well, I didn’t get to put it out until recently.” Reigen’s mother tried to explain, her reasoning seemingly not good enough for her husband as he responded,

“So your saying you waited until the last minute to put it out?”

The boy winced at the tension, the air thick with his father’s irritation. He looked over at his mother, sensing her initial surprise at the accusation, followed by a flash of annoyance. But she swallowed it down, maintaining her calm exterior.

“I didn’t realize they weren’t put out already,” Aiko replied, her tone polite and even. “It was pretty late by the time I got home from errands because of the kids’ appointments, it didn’t cross my mind until later.”

Reigen’s fingers stilled on his toy car, his eyes wide as he felt the mix of emotions like a storm within him—his father’s simmering frustration, his mother’s bottled-up annoyance, and the exhaustion that clung to them both like a heavy cloak.

His mother’s words were calm, but Reigen could sense the hurt beneath them, a small wound inflicted by the stress of the day. Her exhaustion seemed to seep into him, making his own limbs feel heavy. He sensed her annoyance, tightly controlled, and her continued effort to maintain a pleasant atmosphere while his father’s frustration lingered in the air, a prickly sensation that made Reigen want to retreat further into the cushions.

He didn’t understand why they were upset with each other, but the emotions tugged at his little heart, making him uneasy and feeling a pang of helplessness. Reigen closed his eyes for a moment, trying to focus on his own feelings, trying to separate them from the overwhelming emotions of his parents. But it was difficult. His empathy made their feelings his own, and he struggled to find his own center amidst the chaos.

Masato slumped into a chair at the dining table, his shoulders still heavy with the day’s burdens. He rubbed his temples, his exhaustion evident. "I’m just so tired after a long day at work," he sighed. "I didn’t think it was too much to ask for clean and dried clothes to change into."

Aiko turned from the stove, her cheerful facade slipping slightly. "I’m sorry, Masato," she said softly. "I can look for that old set that’s clean, if you’d like."

Masato sighed again, more out of resignation than relief. "Fine," he muttered, his frustration still evident. Aiko turned down the stove fire, preparing to leave for a moment to grab the clothes.

Reigen, still on the couch with his toy car, felt the frustration building up inside his mother. It buzzed in his little body, making his chest tight and his stomach churn. The emotions swirled around him like a storm, their intensity too much for him to ignore.

"Mom, why are you mad at Dad?" Reigen asked, his innocent voice piercing the tension.

Aiko stiffened, glancing over her shoulder. "I’m not mad, sweetheart," she replied, trying to keep her tone light. But Reigen could feel the frustration radiating off her like a wave, pressing against his young mind.

"But I can feel it," Reigen insisted, his voice trembling slightly. "You’re mad at him for something."

Masato looked up, his eyes narrowing. "Is there a problem, Aiko?" he asked, his voice edged with irritation.

Aiko shook her head quickly, turning back to the stove. "No, it’s not that," she said, her voice tight.

Masato’s frustration flared. "Do you not appreciate all the work I do to provide for the family?"

Aiko’s patience finally snapped. "I do appreciate it," she shot back, her voice rising. "But I do a lot too! Especially today!"

Masato's expression hardened. "That doesn’t make all the work I had to do any less exhausting."

Aiko took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. "Look, we talked about this last night. I had to get up early to take the kids to their appointments."

"And I had a very important meeting first thing in the morning," Masato interjected.

"Yes, but I wouldn’t have had time for regular errands until later," Aiko continued, her frustration bubbling up. "So I couldn’t get home until late."

Masato crossed his arms, his voice tense. "So what? You didn’t have any time to hang up the clothes before-hand?"

Aiko's eyes flashed with anger. "You said you’d hang up the clothes to dry before you went to work since I had so much on my plate."

"I had an important meeting this morning. Dealing with the laundry was the last thing on my mind!” Masato retorted. "I had a full day ahead of me!"

Aiko threw her hands up in exasperation. "Well, when I get home after a long day of errands, expecting you to have taken care of the clothes like you promised, the last thing I think to do is double-check your work!"

Masato shook his head. "So now it’s my fault?"

"Well it’s not mine! At least I noticed it wasn’t done and hung them up eventually." Aiko continued, her voice rising. "And here I am still working to cook dinner for us while you’re just sitting there complaining.” Aiko's voice finally cracked. "All because I didn’t do something fast enough that you agreed to do in the first place!"

The words flew back and forth, growing louder and more heated. Reigen felt each emotional spike as a physical jolt, his small body trembling under the weight of their frustration and anger. The storm of emotions overwhelmed him, making his eyes sting with tears.

Finally, the argument died down, both parents too exhausted to continue. Aiko turned back to the stove, her movements sharp with irritation. As her eyes passed Reigen, although she didn’t show it, he felt her disappointment and annoyance with him, a heavy burden that made his heart ache.

Reigen’s older brother, Arashi, entered the kitchen with a calm, composed demeanor. "Here, Mom," he said, his voice smooth and comforting. "Let me help you cook. You must have had a long day."

Aiko’s face softened instantly, her frustration melting away. "Thank you, Arashi," she said, her voice warm with gratitude. She reached out and ruffled his hair, a smile spreading across her face. "You’re such a good boy."

Arashi's grin widened imperceptibly as he caught Reigen's eye, a silent taunt that didn't need words to sting. Reigen's shoulders slumped, and he turned back to his toy car, the weight of his family's emotions pressing down on him like a heavy blanket. He felt a deep sense of isolation, wishing he could understand why his abilities made things worse instead of better, why he couldn't make them happy like Arashi did effortlessly. Am I not good enough?

— Arashi’s POV —

Arashi sat on the couch, eyes fixed on the television, but his focus often drifted to his younger brother, Arataka, playing with a toy car beside him. The familiar background noise of the television and the comforting scents from the kitchen seemed to cocoon them in a sense of homey security. For Arashi, however, there was a persistent undercurrent of irritation and envy whenever he glanced at Arataka, a style of jealousy and annoyance that simmered beneath Arashi’s calm exterior over Arataka’s ability to sense emotions that no one else could. It infuriated Arashi how they seemed to make everything about Arataka, drawing attention even when he didn't try.

The front door creaked open, interrupting his thought, and Arashi watched as their father, Masato, stepped into the house, visibly exhausted. Arataka’s abilities immediately kicked, his body physically absorbing the fatigue coming from their father. But there was something else, a sudden jolt of tenseness coming from Reigen moments after their father had made his way to his room to change. It wasn’t until Arashi heard their fathers irritated words regarding his loungewear that Arashi understood what emotion his brother had picked up early on.

He noticed their mother, too, momentarily falter before replying cheerfully from the kitchen. Arataka, of course, picked up on her underlying fatigue, too, adding another layer to his already fraught demeanor.

It only deepened Arashi’s annoyance. Why did Arataka have to be so sensitive? It made everything more complicated, more dramatic.

The tension between their parents escalated, and when Arataka innocently asked why their mother was mad at their father, causing the argument to intensify, Arashi felt a twisted sense of happiness. It reinforced Arashi's perception of his younger brother as a nuisance, someone who disrupted their family's peace, but he also saw it as an opportunity.

"Here, Mom," Arashi said smoothly, stepping into the kitchen. "Let me help you cook. You must have had a long day."

Aiko's immediate softening toward Arashi, her expression brightening with gratitude, fueled Arashi's satisfaction further. He reveled in the moment, knowing he had successfully positioned himself as the helpful son, the golden child, while Arataka appeared to be the source of tension. It was a perfect opportunity to further his image and make Arataka seem even more of a failure. Catching Arataka's eye, Arashi allowed a small, knowing smirk to play on his lips, a silent assertion of superiority that didn't require words to sting deeply.

Chapter Text

— Present Day —

Reigen arrived to the bar late at night, his hands shoved deep in his pockets with a puffer jacket on as he approached the door. The sign above illuminated with the name "Happy Trails" as the bell chimed when he entered through the door.

The bartender looked up, shocked but pleased to see him as he stopped cleaning the glass he was wiping to greet Reigen. "Well, well, Reigen. Welcome back. It’s been far too long."

Reigen sat at the counter, arms crossed in front of him as he stared down, clearly depressed.

A regular, sitting nearby at a table with a beer in hand, called out, "It’s Reigen! Nice to see you here again, buddy."

Another regular, a woman, sitting beside the man patted the couch next to them. "What a surprise. Come join us, we need to catch up."

Their words hung in the air, barely registering in his mind as he continued to stare down, his voice tinged with defeat, "Lemon sour." He then lifted his gaze, his eyes serious. "Go heavy on the sour."

The bartender looked concerned. “Wait, should you be drinking right now?”

Reigen returned his gaze downward and said with a note of finality, “Yeah.”

As Reigen waited for his drink, his gaze drifted over the familiar faces of the regulars. They were a friendly bunch, always quick with a smile or a laugh, but their naivety was apparent. They were the sort who fell for scams and fake cults, always searching for someone to pour out their troubles to. As the bartender slid the drink across the counter, Reigen's mind turned, recognizing the potential of this place. It was a goldmine for someone like him—a haven where the weak-minded gathered.

Now, he reached for his untouched drink, about to take a sip before hesitating. He had come here looking more for company than a drink. Yet, despite the interactions, he still felt a sense of emptiness, like it wasn’t real friendship—just a one-sided exchange where his value was tied to the help he offered, not to who he was as a person. He reached out one last time, hoping to feel something different, “So, it’s my birthday today.”

The bartender clapped lightly. “Hah! Happy birthday!”

“Happiest of birthdays to you, buddy.”

“Happy birthday!”

Reigen’s face remained unchanged, disappointed seeping into his bones as he managed a simple, “Thanks, cheers.”

He had hoped for something more.

As he began to drink, the female regular immediately went on about a comfortable pillow she heard of, amplifying his feelings of loneliness. They may have been friendly, but they didn’t truly understand or care about him on a deeper level.

It wasn’t long before he found himself alone at the bar table, still nursing his first drink. His face was flushed; he couldn’t hold his liquor well. The bartender noticed and looked concerned. “Reigen, that is your first drink, right? Your face is flushed. You feeling okay?”

Reigen replied weakly, “Not the least bit,” but he still reached to chug the rest of his drink. The loneliness was making him feel sicker than the drink ever could, and he welcomed the distraction. He downed the rest of it, placing the now-empty glass on the table with a harsh thud. The bartender’s concern deepened, recognizing the state Reigen was in with the knowledge that he hadn’t even put any alcohol in the drink.

“What’s wrong?” the bartender asked gently.

Reigen, completely out of it, slurred, "Tab me out, please." His movements were unsteady as he finally left, the bell ringing with the push of the door. Outside, he stumbled a bit, thinking to himself, Well,  that backfired. I thought I wanted to talk to someone, to anyone.

It sure does suck to realize you don’t have any friends.

His steps were erratic as he made his way down an ally, giving the impression of someone utterly inebriated before he leaned against the wall and vomited.

This has gone south fast, he thought, wiping his mouth with a shaky hand. Can’t believe this is happening to me, me, of all people. Wait, me? What? What am I? His eyes widened, mouth gaping open as he struggled to breathe, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. He stared at the ground, breaths coming in quick, shallow gasps. After a few moments, he managed to compose himself just enough to start walking away. Guess I’m just gonna have to become somebody, he thought, his resolve hardening with each uneven step.

— 20 years earlier, Reigen’s POV —

Reigen trudged down the street, his small frame bundled in a coat that barely shielded him from the biting cold. His esper powers, which allowed him to sense the emotions of others, were on the verge of becoming overwhelming. If he let them get out of hand, they would drain him for the rest of the day. He needed to cool off both mentally and power-wise, so he had left for a short walk in the early-winter snow, unable to stand another moment of arguing with Arashi. Their mother had taken his side, as always, leaving Reigen feeling abandoned and misunderstood.

His breath came out in visible puffs as he walked, trying to shake off the frustration. The early morning air was crisp, and the sky was just beginning to lighten. Reigen’s hands were stuffed deep into his pockets, seeking warmth.

A group of kids appeared at the end of the street, laughing and playing in the fresh snow. Reigen hoped they wouldn’t notice him, but his luck, as always, seemed to be against him. One of the boys spotted him and nudged his friends.

"Hey, it’s Reigen!" one of them shouted, and before he knew it, a barrage of snowballs was flying his way.

Reigen tried to dodge, but there were too many. Snowballs pelted his coat, his hat, his face. He could sense the amusement and malice in the kids' emotions, and it stung more than the cold snow.

"Great," he muttered to himself, "first snow of the year and my schoolmates are already taking advantage of that against me."

His anger quickly turned to sadness. The coldness of the snow on his skin was a strange comfort, grounding him and preventing his powers from overwhelming him. His jacket, now covered in snow, felt like a heavy burden. He tried to brush off the snow, but the weight made his movements difficult.

He retreated to a nearby shelter, a small overhang of a closed shop. The snow was falling hard, and he could feel it seeping through his coat. Desperate to shake off the remainder of the snow, he slightly peeled his jacket off. Just then, a gust of wind blew the jacket the rest of the way off him and into an alley.

He inwardly cursed to himself as he clutched his thin clothes tighter against the cold. Shivering, he stepped into the alley to retrieve his jacket. As he did, a wave of loneliness, hunger, and cold washed over him, emotions that weren’t his own. They resonated deeply with his own feelings, tugging at his heart. He tried to ignore it at first, focusing on finding his coat, but the sensation grew stronger, compelling him to investigate.

He followed the pull deeper into the alley, the snow crunching under his feet. The alley was narrow, the buildings on either side blocking most of the light. Shadows loomed, but Reigen’s curiosity and empathy drove him forward. He reached the end and saw a small, shivering figure huddled against the wall.

It was a stray dog, thin and ragged, with matted fur and a look of pure desperation in its eyes. The sight tugged at Reigen's heartstrings, and he couldn’t just walk away. He approached the dog slowly, kneeling down beside it.

"Hey there, little guy," he murmured softly, feeling a deep sense of sympathy well up inside him. "What are you doing out here all alone?" He grabbed his coat that made its way near the dog, and gently draped it over it, hoping to provide the dog some warmth.

It looked up at him with sad, weary eyes. Reigen wanted nothing more than to take away the dog’s suffering, and his esper powers seemed to ooze from him as it carried his emotions to the dog. The dog’s shivering lessened, and it nudged closer to him.

“We're both feeling pretty lost, huh?” Reigen whispered, stroking the dog's head gently. “Like no one cares about us.” He watched as the dog’s eyes softened, a small spark of trust forming.

“I’ll be right back,” he said, standing up. “I’ll get you something to eat and clean you up. I can’t take you home—my mom would never allow it—but I’ll do what I can.” The dog seemed to understand, Reigen’s esper powers allowing a deeper connection, and its eyes followed him as he left.

Reigen hurried back home, his mind racing with plans. As he entered the house, his mother looked at him suspiciously.

“That was quick,” she remarked. “Where’s your coat?”

He paused, taking a deep breath before replying sheepishly, "It got pelted in snow—more like I got pelted in snow, but then the wind blew it away when I peeled it off slightly to try to shake the snow off."

His mother’s frown deepened. Reigen was known for his honesty, a trait that stemmed from both the empathic nature of his esper abilities and his father’s rigid values. While this might have seemed like a blessing, it often irritated those around him and made him struggle with deceit during the few times he deemed it acceptable; this being one of them.

"But," Reigen continued, his voice wavering slightly as he struggled to sound convincing, "I-I couldn’t find it after that… And, um… I started to get really cold without it, so… I figured I’d come back to get another jacket and… keep looking."

He grimaced inwardly at the deception, feeling the weight of it settle uncomfortably in his chest. He hated lying, but he also couldn't bear the thought of his mother's disapproving glare or enduring Arashi's ridicule if he revealed the truth. Moreover, he knew his mother would never allow him to care for the stray dog if she found out, and he wasn’t about to abandon the dog in the way he often felt abandoned by his own family.

His mother sighed, clearly exasperated, but convinced. Arashi smirked from the kitchen table, enjoying his breakfast. “You can’t do anything right, can you?”

His mother began to scold Reigein, “You better find it.”

“I will! I’ll bring my school bag so I can go straight to school after. It might take a while to find it,” Reigen said, grabbing his bag.

“What about breakfast?” his mother asked.

“I’ll pack some food in my bag,” he replied, his mind already on the hungry dog waiting in the alley.

He swiftly packed his bag with enough food to satisfy the dog's hunger, I can survive without breakfast, and carefully stashed a bundle of rags inside to later clean the dog with. Placing a bucket outside his window, he hurried out the door, quietly making his way around to his bedroom window with the hose and filling it with scalding water, foreseeing it would cool down to a comfortable warmth by the time he reached the alley.

Returning to the alley, Reigen sensed the dog's joy as it recognized him. Setting the bucket beside him, Reigen watched as the dog immediately sniffed out the bag of food, its nose twitching eagerly.

"There you go, buddy," Reigen said softly, a warm smile spreading across his face. He reached into the bag, pulling out the food and laying it out for the dog to devour.

As the dog eagerly ate, Reigen grabbed a clean rag, dipping it into the warm water as the steam rose gently in the cold air. He carefully began to cleanse the dog's dirty fur, his touch gentle and deliberate, ensuring not to cause any discomfort.

"See, I promised I'd come back," Reigen said with a gentle smile. "I can't take you home, but I'll visit. Maybe we can keep each other company?"

The dog's tail wagged faintly, sensing Reigen's sincerity through the emotions he projected. It was a small indication of its growing trust and ease. Reigen felt a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness. He had made a difference, even if just for this one stray dog.

***

Reigen ran through the streets, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he glanced at his watch. Oh no, I lost track of time! he thought, panic rising in his chest. Now I’m running late! He sprinted towards the school, his mind racing with panic. He skidded to a halt just as he reached the gates, his lungs burning and his legs trembling. As he stood there, trying to catch his breath, he felt the weight of countless eyes on him.

Looking around, Reigen spotted a group of three boys huddled together, whispering and casting furtive glances in his direction. He could feel their emotions—judgment, disgust, and an underlying aura of maliciousness. His heart sank, and a wave of anxiety washed over him. Trying to avoid their gaze, he looked down, only to be drawn back by a familiar voice.

"Well, look who decided to show up." Reigen's older brother, Arashi, stood a few feet away, arms crossed and a smirk on his lips. "You're covered in dirt and grime, and you look terrible.”

It was then Reigen noticed his own appearance. His hands were still covered in dirt from cleaning the dog, his coat and pants damp from the snow, and his nose was running from the cold. Arashi was right; he did look terrible.

"Didn't even find your coat, did you?" Arashi continued, his voice dripping with disgust.

Reigen's mind raced. He had left his jacket with the dog to keep it warm in the cold weather, but he couldn't tell Arashi that. "I, um... no. I couldn’t find it," he stammered, avoiding his brother's eyes.

Arashi shook his head in mock disappointment. "This is why you have no friends, Arataka. You're such an embarrassment." He turned and walked away, leaving Reigen standing there, feeling the sting of his brother's words.

The emotions from the group of boys intensified, and Reigen could feel their amusement. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to look away and head inside.

Once lunch rolled around, Reigen excitedly packed extra food into his bag, thinking about the dog waiting for him in the alley. The rest of the day passed in a blur as he waited eagerly to return. As soon as the final bell rang, Reigen hurried out of the school, making a beeline for the alley. When he arrived, the dog’s eyes lit up, and its tail thumped weakly against the ground.

"Hey there, buddy," Reigen said, kneeling down and pulling the food from his bag. "I brought you something to eat." As the dog devoured the food, Reigen watched, feeling a warm sense of connection. "You know," he continued, thoughtfully, "I should have a name to call you other than buddy."

The dog looked up at him, its eyes shining with trust and gratitude. Reigen smiled, thinking hard. "I'll guess I’ll call you Kazumi," he decided after a moment. "Because with you, I don’t have to worry about being judged like I do with other people. I can just enjoy my time with you, in peace."

Reigen gently petted Kazumi's head, feeling a rare sense of contentment. "You might be the closest thing I have to a real friend," he whispered, smiling lightly. But deep down, he could feel the weight of his isolation pressing down on him, making the fleeting moment of peace feel bittersweet. The reality that, apart from Kazumi—a stray dog—Reigen didn't have any real friends who understood or cared for him like this, hit him hard. His smile faded as a hollow feeling settled in his chest. It sure does suck to realize you don’t have any friends.

— Arashi’s POV —

Arashi leaned against the window frame, idly sipping his drink as he watched his younger brother, Arataka, trudge down the street below. The cold morning air seemed to accentuate his small frame, bundled up in a coat that looked like it belonged to someone twice his size. Arashi scoffed inwardly; even in his attempt to stay warm, Arataka managed to look out of place.

A twinge of annoyance flickered in Arashi's chest as memories of their earlier argument resurfaced. What a waste of time that had been. Arataka knows better than to argue with me; Mother never takes his side.

Glancing at the clock, Arashi noted it was still early. His anticipation grew as the scent of breakfast intensified. He heard his mother bustling around the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on their meal. Breakfast was almost ready—a comforting thought amidst the cold morning.

Suddenly, Arataka appeared sooner than expected, returning without his coat. Arashi raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.

“That was quick,” their mother remarked from the kitchen, a hint of suspicion in her voice. “Where’s your coat?”

Arataka's response was typically awkward, stumbling over his words as he tried to explain it away. Arashi smirked slightly, enjoying the discomfort he could always provoke in his younger brother.

“You can’t do anything right, can you?” He couldn’t help but jab, his mother shaking her head in exasperation at Arataka.

“You better find it.”

Arashi chuckled to himself as he watched Arataka hastily pack his school bag, clearly eager to get out of the house again.

***

Arashi stood by the school gates, leaning casually against the nearby pillar as he observed the chaos of students rushing in for the day. Among them was his younger brother, Arataka, who dashed through the streets with a look of panic etched on his face.

As Arataka approached the gates, his breath ragged and his watch glanced at, Arashi couldn't help but notice the dirt smeared across his hands and face. The kid looked like he had been rolling in mud. Arashi furrowed his brows, disgust flickering on his features as he watched his brother skid to a halt.

The scene unfolded exactly as Arashi anticipated. A group of boys nearby whispered among themselves, stealing glances at Arataka with thinly veiled disdain. Arashi knew those looks well, he had them himself.

"Well, look who decided to show up," Arashi drawled, his arms crossed and a smirk playing on his lips. "You're covered in dirt and grime, and you look terrible."

Arataka's discomfort was apparent, his attempt to avoid eye contact only confirming Arashi's suspicions. This was going to be good.

"Didn't even find your coat, did you?" Arashi continued, his tone dripping with mock disappointment.

Caught off guard, Arataka stumbled over his words. Arashi could practically see the gears turning in his brother's head, desperately trying to come up with a defense. It was almost too easy.

"This is why you have no friends, Arataka," Arashi jabbed, relishing the opportunity to twist the knife a little deeper. "You're such an embarrassment."

With that, Arashi turned and walked away, leaving Arataka standing there, stung by his words. He allowed himself a small smirk of satisfaction. This would serve as a reminder for Arataka to put him in his place.

As lunch rolled around, Arashi lounged in the cafeteria, surrounded by his usual entourage of friends who hung on his every word. Lunchtime was his domain—a chance to assert his popularity and maintain his image as the school's golden boy. As he scanned the room, his eyes fell upon Arataka at a distant table, furtively stuffing extra food into his backpack. Arashi arched an eyebrow, an annoyed crease marking his forehead. What's he up to now?

After school ended, Arashi casually excused himself from his friends, citing a need to handle some personal business. They nodded understandingly, accustomed to his occasional need for privacy.

He trailed Arataka from a safe distance, watching as his brother hurried through the streets with purpose. It wasn't long before they arrived at a familiar alley. Arashi leaned against a nearby wall, hidden in the shadows, observing silently.

To his annoyance, Arataka knelt down beside a stray dog, pulling out food from his bag. Arashi's brow furrowed. Why was Arataka wasting time on a stray? He watched begrudgingly as Arataka displayed an uncommon kindness, his frustration mounting at the sight of his brother being effortlessly good-hearted.

Just as Arashi contemplated ending his surveillance—planning how to bring this to their mom’s attention to stir up trouble for Arataka—a soft murmur caught his ear. "You might be, the closest thing I have to a real friend," Arataka spoke gently to the dog, his voice touched with sincere affection.

The words struck Arashi like a blow. For a fleeting moment, he felt an unfamiliar pang of guilt. He stood frozen, conflicted between his usual disdain for Arataka and an uncharacteristic twinge of empathy.

With a resigned exhale, Arashi silently withdrew from the alley, Whatever, he thought begrudgingly as he began walking towards the direction of their home, it’s not like it affects me or anything if mom and dad were to know. I’ll just keep this to myself.

Chapter Text

— Author’s Note —

We are going to skip that particular scene in Mob Psycho 100 because no one deserves to relive that kind of second hand embarrassment, and it’s less work for me to write. 🤭

— Present Day —

The damage was done. In his desperate bid to elevate his business and gain respect—make something of what he considered a pathetic life—Reigen had made a fool of himself on live television. Now, he was the internet's laughing stock. The latest episode of "Supernatural Detective" was the talk of the town, with headlines like "Destroyed on Live TV" and "That Dude Was Hilarious" mocking his every move. Reigen's exorcism antics had become viral memes, his moves clipped into GIFs that racked up likes and shares, each one further shredding his already ruined reputation. Reigen’s downfall unfolded on screens across the city, each viewer processing the spectacle in their own way.

An old acquaintance with a similar business sat at his cluttered kitchen table, slurping noodles and sipping soda as he watched the barrage of reviews on TV. "Oh man, he dug himself into a hole this time," he muttered, shaking his head.

Teru, a middle school esper who knew Reigen through Mob, lay on his bed scrolling through his phone. He couldn't forget how Reigen had saved him, Mob, and Mob's brother Ritsu from the terrorist organization Claw. Claw had tried to weaponize their esper powers for their own gain, but Reigen, wielding Mob's power with incredible skill, had taken them down. To Teru, Reigen had seemed like the real deal. Now, staring at the flood of memes and comments, he muttered to himself, "There’s just no way that guy’s a fraud."

Mob's brother Ritsu, also tuned into the news, sat on the couch, eyes glued to the screen. He had always thought of Reigen as a fraud, exploiting Mob's esper abilities to further his business. But after the Claw incident, Ritsu had come to see how much Reigen genuinely cared for Mob and others, protecting him and Teru from Claw and stepping in as the adult to defend children who shouldn't have to fight. Even if he used Mob’s power to achieve it, Ritsu appreciated Reigen's actions. "Wow, how’s he gonna get out of this one," he murmured, curious and maybe slightly concerned about Reigen’s predicament.

Former clients of Reigen also formed their opinions. The older couple he had once helped sat enjoying their meal at a restaurant, the man browsing his phone and coming across the news. "There's a group of people calling themselves his victims now. Want to check it out?" He leaned over, showing his partner a post. The woman shook her head, dismissing the idea. "We’re not exactly victims, though," she replied, remembering how Reigen and Mob had actually exorcised a spirit for them before their eyes.

Some were less convinced, like the high school students who initially drove off on their bill before coming back for his services again. They sat in their car discussing the topic, the passenger flicking through the damning news articles about Reigen on her phone. "So he was a con artist after all," the driver mused, a tinge of disappointment coloring his words. In the back seat, another student chimed in, bitterness edging his voice, "I bet it's his fault we're not getting any job offers." They hadn't witnessed any spirit exorcism firsthand, lacking the spiritual abilities to see spirits, and the spirits' desire to remain undisturbed had kept them hidden from view. They relied solely on Reigen's now dubious assurances that the job was done, which despite having the ability to with Mob by his side, the pair had decided against it to allow the spirits wish to remain in peace.

On the other end of the spectrum, one of Reigen's more questionable former clients sat hunched over his computer in a dark, cluttered room surrounded by garbage and filth. The glow from the screen illuminated his sneering face as he typed furiously. "I knew it, there was always something off about him. I'm going to expose even more of his bullshit," he muttered, his fingers flying over the keyboard.

***

The next day, Reigen's business remained shuttered with a sign on the door. Inside his home, he sat, ignoring the incessant phone calls, staring blankly at videos playing on his computer. A news station blared in the background, a smug news worker commenting, "Did he really think people wouldn't find out? And he calls himself a spirit medium." The woman reporter chimed in, recounting her own experience as a victim of spiritual fraud, prompting Reigen to finally shut off the screen.

Frustration gripped him, morphing into seething rage. He cursed loudly, lamenting how the show had set him up to boost ratings, barring resentment towards the old man who had orchestrated the whole debacle.

Reigen’s frustration turned into nervous energy as he hastily typed on his keyboard. Under anonymous accounts, he posted fervently, fabricating stories of his legitimacy and the success of his exorcisms. Almost immediately, someone challenged him, correctly accusing him of being Reigen himself, sparking a cascade of responses at his denial: "Fuck off, Fraud," "Reigen's watching," and finally, a humiliating blow as someone posted his high school graduation photo with the mocking caption, "kek, I found Reigen's high school graduation photo."

As days dragged on, the situation only worsened, spreading like wildfire across numerous media platforms, tarnishing Reigen's name further.

In his room, Reigen fumed with frustration and stress, tossing aside a tabloid that smeared his name once again. "Seriously! That crap isn't true at all!" he exclaimed, sinking into his chair with defeated exhaustion. Rubbing his hand over his face, he sighed heavily. "How dare these tabloid jackasses spread these lies about me."

He withdrew his hand from his face, staring down at the offending article in silence, the weight of his predicament sinking him into a defeated depression. He felt like a laughingstock, an outcast without any true friends.

Did nothing really change?

— 20 years earlier, Reigen’s POV —

The morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the kitchen as Reigen sat at the table with his family. He ate his breakfast hastily, sneaking extra food into his bag when his mother wasn't looking. His eyes darted to the clock, anxiety creeping in.

"Why the rush, Arataka?" his mother asked, her brow furrowing with concern. "You should eat slower; you'll get a stomach ache."

"I just want to get an early start to school," Reigen replied quickly, swallowing his food. "I was almost late yesterday, and I don't want to cut it close again." This way, I wont have to rush after checking on Kazumi.

Arashi smirked playfully. "Maybe you'll find that coat you lost," he teased, feigning innocence.

Their mother sighed, her worry lines deepening. "Don't remind me, that coat was very expensive. You should see if you can find it, Arataka."

"Okay, I was already planning on heading out soon, anyways; so I’ll just go right now," Reigen said, already halfway out the door. His mother started to call after him, managing only a half-spoken "Arataka-" before the door shut with a decisive click.

Reigen sighed a breath of relief as he closed the door behind him, wasting no time as he repeated yesterday's routine of retrieving the bucket he had left outside his bedroom window and filling it with water from the hose. The absence of snow was a small comfort. That means Kazumi is warmer.

With his backpack and bucket in tow, he made his way to the alley. Turning the corner, he was excited to see Kazumi after so long. But as he rounded the corner as the dark ally came into view, his heart sank.

Kazumi wasn’t there.

The spot where he usually curled up was empty, the coat he had left was ruffled and abandoned. Panic surged through Reigen like a tidal wave, his breathing quickening.

Where is he? Reigen thought frantically. What if he’s lost? What if he’s hurt? His mind raced with worst-case scenarios, each one more distressing than the last. He abandoned the bucket, its contents sloshing onto the ground, and sprinted down the alley.

Reigen began searching every nook and cranny, calling out Kazumi’s name. His footsteps echoed in the empty alleyways, the sound of his voice growing increasingly desperate. He peeked behind dumpsters, looked into cardboard boxes, and scanned every shadow, but there was no sign of Kazumi. His anxiety began to spiral out of control, his esper powers amplifying his stress, turning it into a feedback loop of escalating panic.

He doubled back, retracing his steps, his heart pounding in his chest. His vision blurred with tears of frustration and fear. Kazumi, where are you? He turned another corner, and another, his mind a whirlwind of worry. What if someone took him away? The thought of Kazumi being caged or worse made his stomach churn.

As Reigen’s powers continued to work against himself, his sense of helplessness grew. He stumbled, feeling as if the walls were closing in on him, the alleyways twisting and turning into a labyrinth. Every noise made him jump, every shadow seemed to mock him. Kazumi, please be okay. The more he searched, the more frantic he became, his breaths coming in short, ragged gasps. I can’t lose you.

Finally, as he rounded yet another corner, he spotted a person bent over a familiar coat. Reigen approached eagerly, his pulse hammering in his ears as Kazumi came into view. An older lady was gently petting him, murmuring soft words of comfort.

"Oh, you poor stray," she murmured, "I need to get you to an animal shelter."

"Kazumi, there you are!" Reigen exclaimed, his voice cracking with relief as he rushed over.

The lady looked up, surprised. "Oh, is this your dog?"

"Yes," Reigen blurted out instinctively, his heart skipping a beat as looked Kazumi, before reality set it. "Well, no," he corrected himself, shaking off the fleeting feeling. Kazumi isn’t really mine; I just take care of him.

Confusion flickered across the lady’s face, and Reigen felt panic creeping into his voice. He needed to ease her concerns and come up with a believable excuse. "H-he’s a friend’s," he stammered, struggling to form coherent words. “He got out, and we’ve been looking for him all over. I left early for school this morning to try and find him.”

She nodded slowly, her expression softening. "Oh, he just looked a bit frail, but it’s probably my old eyes deceiving me. Take better care of him; it’s dangerous for animals to be out in this weather."

"Of course, ma’am," Reigen replied, his heart still pounding as he led Kazumi back to the alley.

Once they were alone, he retrieved the abandoned coat and covered Kazumi with it, feeling his warmth and growing strength through his esper powers. Kneeling beside him, Reigen spoke softly, "You can’t do that, Kazumi. I’m glad you’re feeling better and strong enough to walk around, but I can’t have people finding out about you. They’ll send you away, and I don’t know if anyone else would take care of you like I will."

His mind flashed back to the overcrowded shelters he visited the day before, their grim faces telling him all he needed to know about the fate of many stray dogs. The influx of reports during the winter, driven by harsh weather conditions, left no room for more animals. Many shelters were forced to euthanize dogs after only a few days. The thought of Kazumi in such a place made his heart ache.

As Reigen worked to calm himself down, his powers still slightly on the fritz, he sensed the worry he had unintentionally projected onto Kazumi. The dog’s tail drooped, and his eyes mirrored a sadness that tugged at Reigen’s heart. "It’s not your fault," Reigen said, gently scratching behind Kazumi’s ears. "I know I haven’t been here since after school yesterday. You probably just got worried without me."

He sighed, considering his situation. "I just can’t risk coming by too often. My family would never understand." He let the thought settle for a moment before turning his attention back to Kazumi. A gentle smile spread across Reigen's face, a sense of ease washing over him.

Suddenly, a spark of recognition lit up his face, and Reigen eagerly opened his backpack in excitement. As he pulled out old clothes and an umbrella, he spoke excitedly, "But see, I came back! And look, I even brought some stuff to make it more comfortable for you. These old clothes will make a nice bed to keep you warm, and this umbrella will give you some shelter." He began to arrange the items, hoping his family wouldn’t notice the umbrella missing—at least until the rainy season came. By then, he hoped the weather would be less harsh and he could find something more permanent for Kazumi.

As he set up the umbrella and turned the coat and extra clothes into a makeshift bed, Reigen glanced back at the spilled bucket and sighed apologetically to Kazumi. "Sorry about that earlier," he murmured, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'll get it filled and cleaned you up after school today."

Suddenly, as his emotions finally started to calm, he sensed another presence outside the alley, the emotions seeping into his awareness. They were unmistakable—pity mixed with a yearning, a feeling of being left out. He glanced up, trying to discern the source of the emotions, but saw nothing. He looked at Kazumi, puzzled. My powers must be really on the fritz, I’m probably just feeling my own emotions and not realizing it, Reigen thought with a defeated sigh. If only someone cared for me like I promised to care for Kazumi.

"Right," he muttered, refocusing. "I should probably head to school soon." Shaking off the eerie feeling, he grabbed the empty bucket and moved it to the side where it wouldn’t be easily seen. He knelt beside Kazumi once more, pulling out his saved breakfast and placing it on the floor next to him. "I’ll be back, I promise." With a final, reassuring smile, he stood up and made his way out of the alley, his thoughts lingering on the dog  as he headed towards school.

The fear of almost loosing Kazumi tied to his fear of loosing the only one he felt safe and appreciated in the presence of. It reminded Reigen of just how little he really had.

Will nothing ever change? 

— Arashi’s POV —

The morning sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the kitchen. Arashi sat at the table, watching his younger brother Arataka eat his breakfast hastily, sneaking extra food into his bag when their mother wasn't looking. He couldn't help but notice Arataka’s eyes darting to the clock, anxiety evident on his face.

"Why the rush, Arataka?" their mother asked, her brow furrowing with concern. "You should eat slower; you'll get a stomach ache."

"I just want to get an early start to school," Arataka replied quickly, swallowing his food. "I was almost late yesterday, and I don't want to cut it close again."

Yeah right, you just want to go take care of that stupid dog again, Arashi thought, rolling his eyes. I bet your pretending like you want to be a good student just to suck up to Mom, too. Whatever, less time I have to spend with you.

Then, an idea struck him, and he smirked maliciously. "Maybe you'll find that coat you lost," he teased, feigning innocence. That’ll remind Mom how much of a mess-up you are, he thought with satisfaction.

Their mother sighed, her worry lines deepening. "Don't remind me, that coat was very expensive. You should see if you can find it, Arataka."

"Okay, I was already planning on heading out soon anyways, so I’ll just go right now," Arataka said, already halfway out the door. Their mother started to call after him, managing only a half-spoken "Arataka-" before the door shut with a decisive click.

As the door closed, their mother finished her sentence with a letdown sigh, "Stay warm," a sad look on her face. Arashi picked up on it and scoffed inwardly.

Standing up, he said, "I’ll go too, see if I can help him look for it so he’s not out there for too long."

"Oh, you don’t have to do that," their mother replied, looking touched.

"Of course," Arashi said, with a note of dutifulness in his voice, "you and Dad work so hard to buy these things, just for him to lose it. It’s the least I can do."

"Thank you, Arashi. I don’t know what I’d do without you," she said, her gratitude evident.

"Okay, bye Mom. Love you," he said, heading out.

"Bye, be careful!" she called after him.

As Arashi left, he thought inwardly, See, I’m the good one. I should be who you care about, not him.

***

Arashi felt a surge of irritation as he watched Reigen bolt out of the house. He trailed behind his younger brother, making sure to stay out of sight. Why is he in such a hurry? It’s just a stupid dog. Why does he care so much? He watched as Arataka retrieved the bucket and filled it with water from the hose. Pretending like he’s doing something important. Whatever.

Keeping his distance, Arashi followed Arataka as he made his way to the alley. He had to put in some effort to keep up with Arataka’s brisk pace, his annoyance growing. Why do I even waste my time and effort following him? He thought, almost losing track of him a few times.

Finally, Arashi caught up just in time to see Arataka frozen in place, panic and fear radiating from him so intensely and uncontrollably that anyone around, including Arashi, could feel it. What’s he so scared of now? he wondered, hiding around the corner.

Suddenly, Arataka threw down the bucket, water spilling everywhere, and turned to run back out into the street. Arashi quickly ducked out of sight as Arataka sprinted away, calling out for Kazumi loudly.

Once he was far enough away, Arashi stepped out of his hiding spot and looked at the alley. The coat Arataka had left for Kazumi lay abandoned, and a feeling of dread crept up within Arashi. What happened to Kazumi? he thought, his irritation replaced by an unsettling sense of pity as he looked towards the direction his brother ran off to.

Staying far behind, Arashi tracked Reigen by the sound of his yelling and the powerful emotions radiating from him, growing stronger with each passing moment, more desperate. What a mess, Arashi thought, feeling an uncomfortable tightness in his chest as he watched his brother's frantic search.

Arashi watched from a distance as Arataka rounded yet another corner and spotted an old lady bent over Kazumi, safe and sound. Relief flickered briefly through Arashi, but he quickly dismissed it. Why do I even care? It's just a dumb dog. He observed silently as Arataka rushed forward, his voice cracking with relief as he greeted Kazumi.

The older lady looked up in surprise at Arataka's sudden appearance. "Oh, is this your dog?" she asked.

Arataka hesitated for a moment, his emotions flickering across his face. "Yes," he blurted out, before correcting himself, "Well, no.“

What an idiot.

Confusion flashed across the lady’s face, and Arataka seemed to panic slightly, stumbling over his words to explain. "H-he’s a friend’s," he stammered, trying to sound convincing. "He got out last night, and we’ve been looking for him all over. I left early for school this morning to try and find him."

Arashi couldn’t help but scoff at the obvious lie. He can’t lie to save his life.

The lady nodded slowly, her expression softening. "Oh, he just looked a bit frail, but it’s probably my old eyes deceiving me. Take better care of him; it’s dangerous for animals to be out in this weather."

Arataka nodded fervently in agreement, his demeanor visibly lighter as he led Kazumi back to the alley. Arashi, hidden from view, observed his brother’s interactions with a mix of annoyance and a touch of empathy he wouldn’t admit to. He watched as Arataka covered Kazumi with the abandoned coat and spoke softly to him, his worry evident in his every gesture and word.

Arashi lingered in the shadows, silently observing as Arataka arranged clothed and an umbrella he pulled from his bag with a gentle smile, offering Kazuki promises of better care and comfort. He couldn’t help but wonder what it was about this dog that made Arataka so invested, especially considering their family's disapproval. Was this really all he thought he had?

A pang of pity struck Arashi as he recalled the first interaction he saw between the two, when Arataka had confessed quietly to the dog that he was the closest thing he had to a friend. It made Arashi ponder what might have been, a fleeting wish that things could have been different between them. Why couldn't we be happy together?

In the midst of his thoughts, Arashi's heart clenched as Arataka's gaze lifted, seemingly aware of his presence through the emotions swirling within him. Startled, Arashi swiftly retreated into the shadows, a mix of frustration and self-directed anger simmering within him.

What am I even thinking? He scoffed inwardly, brushing off the emotional surge that threatened to overwhelm him. It's just Arataka's powers playing tricks on me. It doesn't matter. With a decisive exhale, he resolved not to dwell any longer.

Turning away stealthily, Arashi made certain to avoid detection as he slipped away while Arataka's attention shifted back to Kazumi, intent on heading towards school without further delay. I don’t care, I never did.

This doesn’t change anything.

Chapter Text

— Present Day —

Reigen buttoned his shirt, his hands slightly clammy from the anxiety gnawing at him. The constant barrage of hate and accusations of fraud threatened to overwhelm him. He attempted to reassure himself, reminding himself of his plan to lean onto the regulars he’s always had the backs of. Sure, they weren’t perfect—but they weren’t terrible people. He’s helped them through a lot, so they had to have known he always had people’s best interests at heart. All he had to do was talk to them about vouching for his helpfulness, and surely they’d return the favor. 

As he finished getting dressed, his phone buzzed incessantly with notifications, a relentless reminder of the negativity swirling around him. Then, the buzzing changed to a ringtone. They’re calling me now? Just great. He ignored it, letting it ring out. Moments later, it rang again. They don’t know when to quit, do they?

Reigen reached for his phone to power it off, exasperated from the relentless harassment. The last thing he wanted was for it to buzz the entire way to the bar. He just wanted a walk in peace, free from the weight of reality.

Reigen brought the device to his face, his gaze scanning the phone when he recognized the caller ID. His frown deepened. It was his mom. He didn’t know what was worse: a random hater, or his mother. At least they’d have a reason to be upset — no matter what Reigen did, he always seemed to fall short to his families expectations.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. He couldn’t remember the last time he had talked to his mom. Aside from the message she had sent on his birthday a couple of weeks ago, that had been the only recent contact he’d had with any of his family. He just didn’t want the headache of dealing with them. There was always a lingering disappointment, often coming in the form of accusations and demands that he didn’t have the energy to constantly defend himself against.

The ringing subsided as the call timed out again, and Reigen figured that was that. Just as he went to put his phone down, it started ringing again. His brows furrowed in concern. Why would she call me three times in a row? A slight worry began to gnaw at him. Calling him was already unusual—being so persistent was even more out of character. What if it’s an emergency? Could something have happened?

His thoughts raced, considering the worst. With him being blasted all over the news and media as a conman, knowing first hand just how brutal some of the hate he was receiving, there was a possibility it could have gotten back to his family. His father had retired by now, and as the sole provider, his mother didn’t have a job either; so it couldn’t be about their jobs being at risk. It has to be something else, he worried as he answered the phone. What if they were threatened, or worse?

“Hello?” Reigen’s voice was hesitant, a mix of anxiety and resignation.

“There you are!” His mother’s voice shot back, immediately annoyed. “Why weren’t you picking up sooner?”

A familiar pit formed in Reigen's stomach. Of course, it’s something stupid, he thought. He took a deep breath and replied, “I’ve been getting a lot of spam lately. Is everything all right?”

“No, it’s not!” she snapped, her tone escalating. “You are all over the news, a laughingstock. You know, I knew that shady business of yours was going to get you in trouble, and look where it’s gotten you.”

Reigen’s face grew somber and annoyed. He felt a familiar mix of anger and resignation wash over him. “Yes, I’m well aware of your concerns already. I saw your message.”

“Well, you never replied! How am I supposed to know you read my messages when you never respond to them?” she demanded.

“It tells you if they were read or not,” Reigen replied, his patience wearing thin as he dragged his free hand down his face. “And regardless, you shouldn’t be spam-calling me over that. You had me worried.”

“Well, you should be worried!” she fired back. “You’re throwing your life away.”

“I’m not,” he said, his voice firm. “I have everything under control.”

"Really? Because the only thing it looks like you’ve accomplished is making things worse. Look, what I suggest is—"

"I don’t need any suggestions," Reigen cut her off, his voice tight with irritation as his free hand gestured animatedly. "I have a plan. In fact, that’s exactly what I was about to do before you started calling me."

"Oh yeah?" she scoffed, a note of skepticism sharpening her words. "And what great, spontaneous idea do you have now?"

Reigen rolled his eyes, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face as he thought of her disapproval when he left his corporate job to open his spirits and such consultancy center. "I’m actually headed to the bar to—"

"The bar?" his mother interrupted, disbelief ringing in her tone. "We both know you can’t hold your liquor. The only thing you’ll achieve is making an even bigger fool of yourself."

"I’m not going to drink," Reigen snapped, feeling his patience fray. "I’m going there to meet up with some friends who will vouch for me."

A brief silence followed, his mother’s voice softening, tinged with concern. "I don’t know what type of friends you think you have that would willingly get in the middle of something like this, but—"

"Look," Reigen interrupted again, his voice urgent, a hint of desperation seeping through. "I’ve helped them through a lot of rough spots, helped them avoid being scammed and taken advantage of, so I know they’ll have my back, too."

“Honey, that just sounds like they’re taking advantage of you .” His mother’s deep sigh crackled through the phone, followed by a weighted silence. When she spoke again, her voice was softer, laced with concern. “I just don’t want you getting your hopes up that they will. With everything that’s happened before with your friends—”

“I don’t want to talk about that right now,” Reigen cut in, his voice strained.

“Okay, we don’t have to," she replied quickly, a brief panic creeping in. "But my point is that this shouldn’t be your only plan.”

Reigen’s frustration grew, his jaw tightening as his mother continued to ignore his perspective, insisting she knew best.

“You need to stop ignoring everything like it’ll boil over—because it won’t—and face this head-on,” she continued, her words relentless.

“Mom!” Reigen finally snapped, “I need your support right now, not your constant criticism and judgement.”

"I’m just trying to give you advice," she said defensively, her tone turning sad. "I do care, Arataka.”

“I know you do,” Reigen sighed, his voice heavy with exhaustion. He knew his mother cared—they all did. But his family had always clashed, their personalities grinding against one another like gears that didn't quite mesh. Growing up in such close quarters had brought out the worst in everyone, tainting the good moments. He wanted to hold onto those fleeting good times, but the negativity had already scarred them all, including himself. So he distanced himself, unable to bear the toxicity any longer.

“I should go,” Reigen resigned, steering away from that painful rabbit hole of thoughts. Delving into those memories always triggered a response that shut him down emotionally. He couldn't pinpoint why, but he blamed the environment he'd grown up in. What he did know was that avoiding it was crucial. So he distracted himself, refocusing on the task at hand, “I don’t want to get to the bar too late.” He continued, truth to his answer. If he waited any longer, there’s no telling how drunk the regulars might get before he had a chance to talk to them.

“Okay,” his mother’s voice softened again.“Will you at least think about it?”

Reigen’s lips thinned. Initially, he had no intention of taking her advice, but a moment of hesitation crept in before he quickly dismissed it.  I already have a plan. The regulars at the bar will have my back, I’m sure of it , he thought.

Despite deciding against his mother’s wishes, he knew that arguing with her would only escalate the situation again. So, he agreed, wanting to quickly end the conversation. “Yes, I will. Thank you. Bye, Mom.”

“Bye, love you.”

“Love you too,” Reigen muttered, ending the call. He stood still for a moment, staring at the screen before slipping his phone into his pocket. He pushed the intrusive thoughts away, a mix of hopefulness and perhaps a hint of denial creeping in as he took one last deep breath and headed out the door.

Everything’s going to be just fine.

— 20 years earlier, Reigen’s POV —

As he walked to school, Reigen's thoughts kept circling back to the emotions he had sensed earlier. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he knew he was unhappy with his circumstances, always feeling left out and wishing he had friends like everyone else. Arriving at school only deepened his sense of isolation as he saw everyone having fun together.

Then he spotted his brother. Arashi was surrounded by a large group of people, talking confidently while everyone listened intently. Reigen could feel the confidence radiating from him, drawing everyone in. A pang of jealousy struck Reigen as he compared his brother’s popularity to his own lonely existence.

When Arashi made eye contact with him, Reigen quickly looked away, fear and frustration churning inside him. Why did I let my brother have so much power over me? Struggling with his own insecurities was hard enough, but Arashi took every opportunity to turn others against him.

Reigen could feel his emotions boiling over again, still raw from earlier. He took deep breaths, trying to regain control and prevent his powers from amplifying his intense feelings. As he steadied himself, he was taken by surprise when one of the boys from yesterday's group, who he had sensed judging him from afar, approached him.

Reigen couldn't get a clear read on him, his senses dulled from the morning's stress. The boy, cheerful and friendly, approached him with a bright smile, breaking through his gaze. "You’re Reigen Arataka, right?"

Reigen, unsure but happy that someone was talking to him, replied, "Yeah, that's me."

"You're Arashi’s brother?" the boy asked, making Reigen wince internally. Being recognized only in relation to his brother stung, but he didn’t want to push away the one person showing him kindness. He nodded, forcing a smile and laugh, "Yep, that’s my older brother."

"That’s so cool," the boy said, his smile wide and infectious. Seeing someone genuinely happy to talk to him lifted Reigen's spirits, a sense of warmth spreading through him. “I’m Takeda Sōken, but you can call me by my first name, Sōken."

Reigen was hesitant at the informality, the warmth of Sōken’s invitation contrasting sharply with the cold indifference he was used to. His heart raced with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. "Are you sure that’s okay? Usually, that’s reserved for friends," he asked, the nervousness in his voice barely concealed.

Sōken’s eyes lit up with a genuine warmth, his smile unwavering. "Of course, we’re friends now, aren’t we?"

The words hit Reigen like a wave of pure joy. His heart swelled, a feeling of belonging washing over him for the first time in what felt like forever. He could hardly believe someone wanted to be his friend. "In that case, call me by my first name, Arataka," he said, his face breaking into a wide, heartfelt smile.

Just then, the school bell rang, its shrill sound signaling the start of class. Sōken glanced towards the school building, a hint of regret in his eyes. "Sorry, I have to go," he said, turning back to Reigen. "But I’ll see you during lunch?"

"Yeah, see you then," Reigen replied, his voice filled with newfound hope. As he watched Sōken jog off to join the other students, a warm, hopeful smile lingered on his face. For the first time in a long while, he felt a flicker of optimism. Holding onto that feeling, he headed to class, his steps lighter and his spirit bright by the promise of a new friendship.

When lunch came, Reigen sat alone at his usual spot in the room, his eyes nervously scanning the crowded tables. He'd never eaten lunch with someone before and the anticipation made his heart race. He looked around, searching for Sōken, but couldn't spot him.

Just as he began to lose hope, his eyes found Sōken surrounded by the same group of boys as earlier. A wave of sadness washed over Reigen, his shoulders slumping. He felt a sinking feeling in his chest—had Sōken decided he didn't want to hang out with him after all? It hurt to see Sōken with those who judged him, and Reigen couldn't shake the bitter thought that it would be embarrassing for Sōken to be seen with someone like him. No wonder he’d rather sit with them.

Lost in his thoughts, Reigen barely noticed when a shadow fell over his table. He looked up, startled, to see Sōken standing there with a wide smile.

"Hey, mind if I sit here?" Sōken asked cheerfully, pulling out a chair without waiting for an answer.

Reigen blinked in surprise but quickly responded, "Of course!" His voice wavered slightly, a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling up inside him.

Sōken sat down, unwrapping his lunch. Reigen glanced over at the group of boys Sōken had left. They stared briefly before turning away, uninterested.

Trying to steady his nerves, Reigen asked, "Are those your friends?"

"Yeah, why?" Sōken replied, taking a bite of his sandwich.

"Well, just the other day, they seemed to... not like me very much," Reigen admitted, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"What do you mean?" Sōken asked, frowning in confusion.

Reigen hesitated, fidgeting with his lunchbox. "Oh, well, I... I felt it," he admitted vaguely, worried that if he spoke too openly, Sōken might find him strange and decide to distance himself.

Sōken’s eyes widened in realization. "Oh, I heard Arashi's little brother could sense stuff like that."

Reigen’s heart sank slightly, feeling the familiar sting of being labeled as weird. "You heard, huh?"

"Yeah, and I think it’s amazing," Sōken said enthusiastically.

Reigen felt a rush of joy, his expression lighting up with a wide smile as he eagerly responded, "Really?" The thrill of the moment was soon tempered by a flush of embarrassment, his voice softening as he confessed, "Most people just think I'm strange because of it." He cast his gaze downward, frustration simmering within him as he muttered quietly, "And Arashi makes sure of it."

"Well, I don’t," Sōken said firmly. "Thanks to you, I know those friends of mine are lame."

Reigen scrunched his eyebrows in confusion at the sudden rejection. Wanting confirmation and further elaboration, he continued, "Lame?"

"Yeah," Sōken nodded emphatically. "It's stupid. They haven’t even met you, and they've already made up their minds. Anyone who judges people like that is just plain lame. You have an amazing power, Arataka."

"You think so?" Reigen replied, slightly blushing at hearing Sōken call him by his first name, but happy all the same.

"Yeah," Sōken confirmed eagerly, leaning forward. "Can you feel anything right now with your power?"

Reigen shook his head, a hint of disappointment clouding his features. “I’m not really sure right now. I’m all drained today,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Oh, well, that’s fine,” Sōken said, his enthusiasm dimming slightly. “Does that happen a lot?”

Reigen’s shoulders sagged a bit as he explained, feeling as if he had let his friend down. “No, not really. I just kinda got worked up this morning.” he mumbled, avoiding Sōken’s gaze. He fidgeted with his lunchbox, the confession making him feel small.

Brightening up at a thought, a genuine smile formed on his lips as he continued, “But tomorrow, I should be fine.”

“I guess I’ll see it then.” Sōken replied simply, more at ease, before turning his gaze towards Reigen with a burning intensity and purpose, “We are hanging out again tomorrow, right?”

“You want to?” Reigen asked, disbelief creeping into his voice.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I?” Sōken nodded, his sincerity and happiness radiating from him. It was contagious, Reigen’s own eyes lighting up with hope at Sōken’s words as he continued, “I have to go to school early tomorrow anyway. How about you?”

"Early? Oh, well... usually I'm busy in the morning," Reigen admitted, his thoughts immediately turning to Kazumi patiently waiting for him. While he wouldn’t trade caring for Kazumi for anything, the thought of missing out on time with Sōken made his heart sink a little.

"With what?" Sōken inquired, curiosity piqued.

Reigen hesitated, shifting slightly as he felt a twinge of embarrassment. Finally, he confessed, "There’s this stray dog I take care of."

Sōken’s eyes widened with interest. "Aww, that's so sweet. Poor guy."

Reigen’s face lit up at Sōken’s positive reaction. "Yeah, I’ve even been giving him some of my lunch and breakfast," he said, his tone more animated now, a small smile forming on his lips.

Sōken looked concerned. "What about you? You must be hungry."

"Oh, I’ll be fine. I still have some to eat," Reigen reassured him, though his voice lacked conviction.

Sōken shook his head and started rummaging through his lunchbox. "Here, have some of mine. You must be hungry, and whatever’s left you can give to the dog."

Reigen stared at him, touched by the gesture. "Really?" he asked, his voice soft with surprise.

"Yeah," Sōken replied with a warm smile, handing over part of his lunch.

Reigen’s heart swelled with happiness. The rest of lunch passed in a blur, with Reigen feeling lighter than he had in a long time. As the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, he realized with a twinge of disappointment that he wouldn’t see Sōken again until the next day. The rest of his classes felt like a dream, the warmth of his new friendship keeping a smile on his face.

After school, Reigen dashed out of the building, his heart pounding with excitement. He couldn’t wait to meet up with Kazumi and share the events of his day. His smile was radiant as he ran, so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn’t even notice he passed by Arashi. His feet barely touched the ground as he hurried to the quiet alley where the stray dog usually waited for him.

Reigen's pace slowed as he approached the familiar spot, and his eyes lit up when he saw Kazumi's tail wagging eagerly. He knelt down, his bag rustling as he rummaged through it to pull out the food he had saved.

"Hey, Kazumi," Reigen greeted, his voice warm and filled with affection. Kazumi sniffed at the food eagerly, his tail wagging even faster. "You won't believe the day I had."

As Kazumi ate, Reigen’s excitement bubbled over. "I made a new friend today," he said, his voice brimming with joy. "His name's Sōken, and he’s really nice. He even gave me some of his lunch!"

Kazumi looked up at him, eyes bright, tail wagging faster as if he understood every word. Reigen's heart swelled with happiness as he pet Kazumi's scruffy fur, feeling a deep connection with his loyal friend.

"I was able to give you some extra food because Sōken pitched in. Isn’t that great?" Reigen repeated, his smile stretching wide across his face.

Reigen sat there for a while, the world around him tranquil and kind. He felt a sense of contentment he hadn’t experienced in a long time, knowing that he had made a friend who accepted him for who he was. And as Kazumi finished eating and nestled close to him, Reigen couldn’t help but feel that maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up.

***

The next morning, Reigen raced through the streets, his small legs pumping as he tried to make up for lost time. He had planned to leave earlier to feed and wash Kazumi, the stray dog he cared for, and still have some spare time to hang out with Sōken. But his mother had been especially resistant after he was late getting home the day before. Technically, I was home on time like usual, I just had to go back out and wash Kazumi, so she didn’t see me until much later, he thought to himself.

His usual excuse of looking for his lost coat only seemed to annoy his mother more. She had scolded him, saying he should have found it by now and not lost it in the first place. The last thing she needed was for him to get sick and need a doctor visit, costing more money.

It was only when Arashi started teasing him about wanting to hang out with his new friend that their mother’s mood shifted unexpectedly. She finally let Reigen leave early, but Arashi’s teasing turned sour as Reigen hurried out the door. Good thing I spent last night making that leash for Kazumi, I wouldn’t have time this morning.

After taking care of Kazumi and securing him with his makeshift leash, Reigen was now rushing to school, hoping to have at least five or ten minutes before the bell rang to talk with his friend. As he neared the school, he saw his friend, Sōken, standing with the same group of kids from before. Reigen could feel the judgment radiating from them, his powers now rejuvenated after a day's rest. Why’s Sōken hanging out with them? I thought I made it clear they were judgmental people, Reigen thought, a pang of confusion and hurt hitting him. "Hey," Reigen called out, approaching them.

Sōken turned, a bit surprised. "Hey, I thought you wouldn’t be here early."

"I figured I’d try to come a bit early to talk with you, you know," Reigen said, trying to sound casual despite his nerves. He could feel the intense judgment from the others before they finally left, leaving just him and Sōken.

"You still hang out with them even after what I told you?" Reigen asked, unable to hide his concern.

Sōken sighed. "They just started talking to me, and I didn’t want to be rude. But trust me, I don’t want anything to do with them. In fact, that’s why we were splitting up in the first place. I gave them an excuse to get away when you showed up."

"Oh, okay. Yeah, that makes sense. It’s just... I can really feel the negativity coming off of them. Almost like it’s still here," Reigen admitted, his voice tinged with unease.

"That’s odd. Maybe it’s just so negative it’s lingering," Sōken suggested.

Reigen nodded, convincing himself. "Yeah, that must be it." My powers are probably still a bit messed up anyways from yesterday.

Sōken glanced at the school building. "I should head to class. I have some questions for the teacher early, but we’ll eat lunch together again, right?"

Reigen perked up, his mood lifting. "Yeah, okay."

"Great, see you then," Sōken said with a smile before heading off.

"Okay," Reigen replied, watching him go. The negativity seemed to fade as Sōken walked away, and Reigen chalked it up to his own negative mindset. Remembering he had a friend to eat lunch with made up for everything, and he headed to class with a lighter heart, the earlier tension melting away.

When lunch rolls around, Reigen scans the cafeteria, spotting Sōken already seated with his food, away from the negative crowd. Relief washes over him, and he hurries to join his friend. As Reigen sits down, he notices a sharp panic influx in his emotions.

"Oh, Arataka, nice to see you," Sōken greets him, trying to sound casual.

Reigen senses the underlying anxiety and asks, "Why are you nervous?"

"What do you mean?" Sōken replies, a bit too quickly.

"I can feel it. You're nervous," Reigen spoke gently.

Sōken sighs, realizing it's futile to hide his emotions from Reigen. "Yeah, I shouldn't have even tried hiding it from you, with your powers and all."

Reigen feels a slight sting of judgment and quickly apologizes, "Sorry, it's not something I can necessarily turn off."

"Don't," Sōken responds with an aggressive seriousness. He suddenly flips, continuing more earnestly, "It's just that, it’s a part of you. You shouldn't have to hide it."

Reigen senses the sincerity in Sōken's words and feels a bit better. "So, why are you nervous? Did it have to do with me?"

"No, no, that's not why," Sōken says, but Reigen can feel the panic rising within him again. Suddenly, it dissipates, and Sōken admits, "Actually, I'm nervous because there's this girl I like."

"But you didn't start being nervous until you saw me," Reigen points out.

Sōken gets visibly flustered before composing himself again. "Well, I was thinking about her, and when you showed up, I got nervous thinking you'd read my thoughts. It was just super embarrassing."

"Oh, sorry I made you worry like that. For the record, I can't read thoughts, just emotions. But you know, you can trust me with things like that. We're friends now, after all," Reigen reassures him.

Sōken nods. "Yeah, that's right. Well, if you really want to know, I have a huge crush on Suzuki Emi."

Reigen's eyes widen. "You mean the most popular girl in our grade?"

"Yeah," Sōken admits, blushing.

Reigen shrugs, "Doesn't everyone like her?"

"Well, yeah, who wouldn't? She's so pretty," Sōken says dreamily.

"I don’t really find her attractive," Reigen says without thinking.

Sōken looks dumbfounded. "Wow, you really do just say the first thing that comes to mind."

Reigen blushes, apologizing, "Sorry, I didn’t mean—"

"Don't apologize. You're just a super honest person. That’s nothing to be ashamed of," Sōken reassures him.

Reigen's spirits lifted at Sōken's kind words. A genuine smile spread across his face. "Thanks," he said, the warmth of the compliment settling in his chest.

Sōken glanced around the cafeteria, his eyes suddenly widening. "Oh, there’s Suzuki right now," he said, pointing to a table a few rows over. Suzuki sat with a group of friends, her laughter ringing out across the room.

Reigen followed his gaze, studying Suzuki for a moment. "Yeah, I guess she is kind of pretty," he admitted, though he couldn't quite see what all the fuss was about.

Sōken glances over and sighs. "Do you think she'd ever like me?"

"I don’t know. You’re super nice, so I don’t see why not," Reigen says sincerely.

Sōken nodded slowly, “Yeah, I guess.” Then, a thought seemed to strike him. "Wait, why don’t you use your powers to tell if she has feelings for me?"

Reigen shook his head. "Oh, well, they don’t really work like that," he explained. "I can only tell what she’s feeling right now, and since she’s probably thinking about something else, I wouldn’t know how she feels about you."

Sōken seemed to consider this for a moment. "Then what’s she feeling right now?"

Reigen focused his powers on Suzuki across the room, trying to pick up on her emotions from the distance. "She’s feeling... amused. Maybe she’s listening to a funny story or thinking of something that makes her laugh."

Sōken let out a small sigh disappointment, frustration seeping from his emotions. "Well, that’s something, I guess."

Reigen felt a pang of guilt as he sensed Sōken's lingering disappointment and anxiety. He could feel his friend's negative headspace, and it gnawed at him. “Well, why don’t you talk to her?” Reigen suggested, a hint of hope in his voice. “If you’re having a conversation with her, I can read how your words affect her emotions. Maybe we can figure out if she likes you by seeing if she gets flustered or something.” He didn’t want to let his friend down.

As Sōken perked up at Reigen's suggestion, a wave of relief washed over Reigen, sensing his friend's happiness aligning with his own. "Yeah, that’s a good idea," Sōken said eagerly, his emotions shifting from uncertainty to determination.

Reigen smiled encouragingly. "Great! Just go talk to her, and I’ll see how she reacts to you. It’ll be fine."

As Sōken stood up to approach Suzuki, Reigen couldn’t shake a nagging feeling that something wasn’t quite right. "Wait, I thought she made you nervous?" Reigen observed, his empathy powers sensing a lack of nervousness from Sōken.

Now he sensed a surge of panic from Sōken, as he responded, "Of course I am. It’s just... with your help, I’m feeling more confident."

Reigen tilted his head, sensing the contradiction. "Then why’d you just get all panicky?"

Sōken hesitated for a moment, his smile strained. "Because you reminded me of how nervous I was before," he replied tersely, his emotions betraying a mix of irritation and anxiety.

Before Reigen could respond, Sōken interrupted, "Just tell me how it goes, okay?" He turned and started walking toward Emi’s table, leaving Reigen feeling a pang of guilt. Why do I always make things worse? he wondered, his heart sinking.

He snapped out of his thoughts as he saw Sōken talking to Suzuki. Reigen immediately focused, honing in on her emotions.

At first, she seemed shocked, her surprise evident beneath her friendly facade. But as Sōken continued talking, Reigen sensed a shift—Suzuki’s emotions turned to annoyance, a clear sign of disinterest despite her outwardly polite demeanor.

When Sōken returned, his face held a mix of excitement and uncertainty. "How did it go?" he asked.

Reigen took a deep breath, trying to be gentle. "I don’t think she’s interested, Sōken."

"Oh," Sōken replied, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features before he shrugged it off.

"I expected you to be more disappointed," Reigen observed, feeling a bit puzzled by his friend's reaction.

"Well, yeah, I am obviously," Sōken admitted, his emotions spiking with panic. "I just didn’t get my hopes up in the first place. It was a long shot anyway," he added bitterly. Sōken sat quietly, his mood darkening as he ate. Reigen looked away, trying to avoid the weight of his friend's disappointment. As he glanced around, he noticed someone walk by Suzuki. Her emotions spiked in nervousness, and Reigen's curiosity was piqued.

"Who’s that?" Reigen asked, pointing to the boy who had just passed by.

Sōken glanced over. "Oh, I think he’s Isamu. I heard he’s always on top of his studies. He doesn’t socialize much, even though he could easily make a lot of friends. I overhear a lot of girls saying it's too bad he’s so busy with grades because he’s pretty cute."

Reigen nodded thoughtfully. "Well, it’s just that when he walked by Suzuki, she briefly looked at him and radiated this warm, fuzzy feeling and got nervous. She even keeps glancing his way."

Sōken turned his head to confirm and saw it too. "Oh, so she likes smart guys," he said, suddenly excited.

Reigen frowned, sensing Sōken’s renewed optimism. "Shouldn’t that upset you that she likes someone else?"

Sōken panicked slightly, stammering, "Well, I already know she doesn’t like me, but now I know what kind of boy she likes."

Reigen's expression softened, his heart aching for his friend. "I wouldn’t really try to go after her, Sōken," he said gently, choosing his words with care. "She seemed annoyed by you just talking to her, and she doesn’t even know you. She doesn't seem very nice."

Sōken's shoulders slumped slightly, his earlier excitement dissipating into a subdued demeanor. "Yeah, I guess you're right," he mumbled, his voice tinged with resignation. Reigen sensed a shift in his friend's demeanor, noting how he seemed to accept the situation with a disheartened sigh rather than the disappointment he expected. Wondering why Sōken wasn't more upset, Reigen hesitated to probe further, afraid of stirring up more emotions that might irritate his friend.

Sōken seemed to make the decision for him, closing his bag and standing up to excuse himself from lunch. "I should get a head start to class," he sighed, his voice flat. "I still need to talk to my homeroom teacher about some stuff."

Reigen felt a wave of disinterest radiating from his friend, a dull, gray emotion that made him wince. "Didn't you talk to her this morning?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light.

Sōken shrugged, not meeting Reigen's eyes. "There were a lot of students this morning, so I figured I’d wait until now. See ya," he said, his words rushed and empty.

As Sōken walked away, Reigen's heart sank. He could feel the heaviness of his friend's emotions, like a dark cloud hanging over him. Sōken's steps were slow, his posture slumped, and the usual spark in his eyes was gone.

Reigen sat there, the weight of Sōken's sadness pressing down on him. He wondered why Sōken wasn't more upset, why he seemed so withdrawn instead. Maybe he just gets like this when he's sad, Reigen thought, a pang of guilt tugging at his chest. Good thing I didn’t question his emotions, I just misunderstood him. He wanted to reach out, to say something to comfort his friend, but he didn't know how. The realization that he couldn't help Sōken made him feel even worse as he left.

As lunch shortly came to an end and Reigen sat through the remainder of his classes, he couldn’t shake the heavy feeling in his chest. His mind kept drifting back to Sōken, replaying the scene over and over. The clock seemed to speed up, and before he knew it, the end of the day had arrived.

“Make sure to prepare for your spelling test on Monday over the weekend,” his teacher announced, her voice cutting through Reigen's haze. “Enjoy your weekend!”

The words barely registered at first. Weekend already? Reigen thought, snapping back to reality. At least I can spend more time with Kazumi. His heart lightened a bit at the thought of the stray dog.

As he packed his bag, Reigen hatched a plan. I’ll just tell her I’m playing with Sōken when I go out after breakfast and lunch, Mom seemed to like that I had a friend. He felt a flicker of hope at the thought, picturing Kazumi's wagging tail and happy barks. However, his hope quickly morphed into a bitter amusement. Although, she’s probably just glad I’m not completely hopeless.

***

Reigen sat at the dinner table, his mind drifting back to Kazumi. The stray dog had been more lively during their after-school visit, his tail wagging enthusiastically, and his playful barks filling the air. Reigen was glad he didn’t have to worry about Kazumi wandering off anymore with the leash, but the last thing he wanted was to coup him up all day when he was just now starting to get his strength and energy back. Maybe I can get some toys for him to play with? His thoughts were interrupted when his mom cleared her throat, making a loud announcement to both him and Arashi.

"I know your father has been away for almost six months for his job," she began, her voice cutting through Reigen’s thoughts. "But with Arataka’s birthday coming up, he got the upcoming week off and is flying in over the weekend. We'll do something special as a family.”

A thrill of excitement coursed through Reigen. They hadn’t seen their father since mid-April, shortly after Arashi’s birthday. But his joy quickly soured as he sensed a surge of anger from Arashi, like a dark cloud creeping into the room. Reigen had been aware of his brother’s negative emotions throughout dinner, but now they spiked sharply. Glancing at Arashi, he noticed his brother’s knuckles turning white as he gripped his spoon tightly.

"Arataka," his mother called, snapping his attention back. "Is there anything you wanted to do in particular for your birthday? Maybe you should invite your new friend the next time you see him."

"Yeah!" Reigen exclaimed, a spark of happiness igniting as he contemplated his choices. He began, "Can we—" but his words faltered as he sensed the intensifying anger radiating from Arashi. Reigen turned fully towards his brother, noting the tension in his clenched grip. Their mother, noticing Reigen’s shift in demeanor and how he turned towards to Arashi, asked him with concern, "Arashi, is everything okay?"

Arashi plastered on a strained smile. "Yeah, everything’s fine."

Reigen rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "No, he’s not." He’s probably just upset Dad’s actually coming for my birthday. He never likes it when anything good happens to me.

"Don’t roll your eyes like that, Arataka," their mom snapped. Turning back towards Arashi, her demeanor softened. "Arashi, you sure you’re okay? You can talk to me."

"Well," Arashi said, his voice tinged with disappointment, "I was hoping Dad would come by for New Year's Eve. If he's visiting now, it’s probably unlikely he’ll be able to visit later."

Their mom sighed, her face etched with concern. "Sorry, Arashi. With your brother’s birthday and New Year's Eve just a couple of months apart, we had to make a difficult decision."

Difficult? Reigen thought, feeling his anger simmer beneath the surface. Dad was here for Arashi’s birthday, so he should be here for mine over anything else. There’s nothing difficult about that.

"Your father is still trying to see if he might be able to fly in for the new year, but there’s no guarantee," their mom continued.

"I understand, don’t worry, Mom. I look forward to Dad’s visit," Arashi said, his tone falsely cheerful.

"Thanks for being so understanding, Arashi," their mom replied, smiling warmly at him.

Reigen, fuming, abruptly pushed his chair back and excused himself. As his mother started to ask what was wrong, he was already out the door and heading to his room, unable to contain his frustration.

Why is it always about him?

Quickly making his way to his room, Reigen slammed the door behind him. He threw himself onto the bed, causing the springs to squeak under the sudden weight. His anger bubbled over as he replayed the conversation in his mind, struggling to keep his emotions and powers in check. He forced himself to focus on the good news—his father coming home and the chance to have a birthday party that he had a new friend to invite to. The thought lightened his tension slightly. Despite the constant toxic atmosphere of his family, things were starting to look up for him, and he allowed himself that glimmer of hope.

— Arashi’s POV —

As he walked to school, Arashi couldn't shake off the fleeting empathy he had felt earlier for his brother. Why do I even bother? He pushed away the thought, distracting himself instead by immersing in the chatter of the many friends and people that admired him. They hung on his every word, drawn to his charisma and confidence.

The conversations continued to flow, but his attention was drawn away as he noticed Arataka arriving at school. That nagging feeling returned at the familiar image of his brother alone and withdrawn. Their eyes briefly locked, catching Arashi off guard. Arataka quickly averted his gaze with a dismissive air, sparking a flare of irritation in Arashi. What's his problem? he scoffed inwardly, frustrated by Reigen's apparent disdain.

Determined to bury his frustration, Arashi turned back to his companions, his smile unwavering. He laughed at their jokes, responded with practiced charm, and pretended that the brief encounter with his brother hadn't rattled him. But no matter how hard he tried, his attention kept drifting back to Arataka.

He observed how someone approached Arataka, striking up a conversation. The interaction seemed effortless, the smiles genuine. Arashi's irritation grew, morphing into a sense of betrayal. How could it be so easy for Reigen? Hadn't he always portrayed himself as the lonely outcast? Arashi felt deceived, the sympathy he had momentarily felt for his brother now seeming like a naive mistake.

As lunch rolled around, Arashi's emotions surged further. He watched from a distance as Arataka sat with his new friend, their conversation animated and lively. I should have never let him get to me in the first place, clearly he is perfectly fine on his own.

His final straw was the end of school, as Reigen dashed past him without a second glance. Arashi’s frustration boiled over, his mind seething with resentment. You don’t even see me, he fumed internally. You think I’m worthless. Always acting like you’re better than me. This is exactly why we could never be close.

***

Arashi half-heartedly ate his breakfast as his eyes followed the morning's commotion. Reigen was bustling around, clearly eager to leave the house. Arashi knew his brother's routine well—Reigen wanted to feed and wash Kazumi, the stray dog he inexplicably cared for. Probably to hang out with that friend of his, too. He rolled his eyes, annoyed at the thought.

"Where do you think you’re going so early?" their mother’s voice cut through the quiet of the morning, stopping Arataka in his tracks.

Arataka glanced up, guilt flashing across his face. "I was just going to look for my lost coat again."

Arashi couldn’t help but smirk. Mom’s not gonna keep falling for that.

Their mother’s face tightened with annoyance. “Arataka, you should have found it by now,” she scolded. “And you shouldn’t have lost it in the first place! The last thing we need is for you to get sick and need a doctor visit, costing us more money.”

“He just wants to hang out with his friend.” Arashi scoffed, a bitter edge creeping into his tone before taking another bite of his food.

Unexpectedly, their mother’s mood shifted, a layer of softness mixing with her irritation. “Alright, Arataka, you can leave early,” she said with a sigh, “but don’t think that excuses your past behavior. You better be home on time today.”

Arashi’s mood soured instantly. Why was she letting him go? He watched in confusion as Reigen’s eyes widened in surprise. Without questioning it, Arataka hurried out the door, not saying a word in case she changed her mind.

Arashi’s confusion turned to resentment. He’s just tricking her like he tricked me into feeling bad. He concluded, watching as Arataka disappeared down the street.

Arashi's day continued to spiral after breakfast. Resentment festered as he observed Arataka and Sōken chatting before classes. Each shared exchange between them seemed to intensify his frustration.

At lunchtime, his irritation had only deepened. Arashi sat with his friends, but his gaze was constantly drawn to Arataka and Sōken across the cafeteria. He watched as Sōken grew visibly uneasy while Arataka chatted animatedly, eventually pulling himself together before leaving to speak with Suzuki at a nearby table. Arataka's cheerful demeanor dimmed, replaced by a hint of sadness, but he remained focused onto their conversation.

When Sōken returned, their conversation resumed, punctuated by furtive glances at Suzuki. Arashi noted the way Sōken momentarily perked up as he looked back at her one final time, only to quickly withdraw himself from their conversation and leave abruptly. Arataka was left alone, his shoulders slumped and a forlorn expression on his face. A wave of pity crept over Arashi, but he quickly shoved it aside.

“Hey, Arashi, what’s got you so distracted?” one of his friends asked, nudging him.

“Nothing much,” Arashi replied, forcing a grin. “Just thinking about the math test later. I don’t want to mess it up.”

His friends chuckled, unaware of the turmoil bubbling inside him. Arashi’s gaze kept drifting back to Arataka, who was still sulking, the sight tugging uncomfortably at his heart. He tried to shake off the feeling, focusing instead on his own lunch and the conversation around him, but the image of his brother sitting alone stayed with him, nagging at the edges of his mind.

***

Arashi sat at the dinner table, absently pushing his food around his plate. Across from him, his brother Arataka seemed in a noticeably better mood compared to lunch and after school. It probably has to do with Kazumi, he always seems to lift his spirits. Suddenly, he frowned at himself. Why do I even care? I’ve been letting Arataka get to me too much lately.

Their mom cleared her throat, breaking the silence with a loud announcement. "I know your father has been away for almost six months, working at a branch out of the country," she began. "But with Arataka’s birthday coming up, he got the upcoming week off and is flying in over the weekend. We'll do something special as a family."

Arashi’s stomach clenched in anger. Of course, it’s always about Arataka when it comes to Dad.

"Arataka," their mother called, "Is there anything you wanted to do in particular for your birthday? Maybe you should invite your new friend the next time you see him."

Their conversation started to blur in the background as Arashi’s anger intensified. How come he makes one friend, and suddenly everyone cares about that more? He probably planned this, pretending not to be able to make friends to play the pity card. He remembered how easily Arataka had befriended Sōken, even more convinced of his manipulation.

"Arashi, is everything okay?" his mother’s voice cut through his thoughts.

He looked up, noticing she was staring at him, along with Arataka. He probably gave me away by sensing my emotions. Can’t he just mind his own business and stay out of my head? Arashi forced a smile, trying to play it off. "Yeah, everything’s fine."

Arataka rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "No, he’s not."

Arashi’s facade faltered for a moment. He glared at Arataka, annoyed at the way his abilities made it impossible to hide his lingering anger. His brother didn’t notice, however, and their mother quickly intervened,

"Don’t roll your eyes like that, Arataka," she snapped. Arashi felt a small, fleeting satisfaction as their mom put his brother in his place. She then turned back to Arashi, her demeanor softening. "Arashi, you sure you’re okay? You can talk to me."

"Well," Arashi said, his voice tinged with disappointment as he played innocent, lying about why he was upset, "I was hoping Dad would come by for New Year's Eve. If he's visiting now, it’s probably unlikely he’ll be able to visit later." It was more of a half-truth; he did wish their father would visit for a special occasion, but one that didn’t make it all about his brother. Sacrificing an important family day like New Year’s Eve with his father for him only contributed to Arashi’s frustration.

Their mom sighed, her face etched with concern. "Sorry, Arashi. With your brother’s birthday and New Year's Eve just a couple of months apart, we had to make a difficult decision."

So why is Arataka the priority?

"Your father is still trying to see if he might be able to fly in for the new year, but there’s no guarantee," their mom continued.

"I understand, don’t worry, Mom. I look forward to Dad’s visit," Arashi said, his tone falsely cheerful. He went along with it to appease their Mom, even though he still felt bitter towards the decision.

"Thanks for being so understanding, Arashi," their mom replied, smiling warmly at him.

Arashi felt some sense of comfort at his mothers words. But then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw his brother. Arataka’s face was twisted with frustration, his jaw clenched. Without a word, he abruptly shoved his chair back, the legs scraping loudly against the floor, and stood up.

“What’s wrong, Arataka?” their mom called after him, her voice a mixture of concern and weariness.

Arataka didn’t respond. He stormed out of the room, the door swinging shut behind him with a resounding thud. Arashi rolled his eyes. Not this again.

With Arataka out of sight, Arashi's gaze returned to his mother. She looked drained, the lines on her face deepening with each passing second. Her shoulders sagged under an invisible weight, and she ran a hand through her hair, sighing heavily.

“I’m trying my best; this isn’t easy for me,” she mumbled to herself, barely audible.

Arashi’s heart sank at the sight. He remembered the stress and exhaustion from when their dad was home, and how things had improved while he was away. Now, with his return on the horizon, it seemed like the old tensions were resurfacing.

Arashi sat in silence, caught between frustration and sympathy. His own irritation seemed insignificant compared to his mother’s evident distress, and he wished he could find a way to offer more support. But things had been like this for as long as he could remember, and somehow, they had always managed to get through it before. Everything’s going to be just fine.

Right?