Chapter 9 : A World for Two

Chapter 9 : A World for Two
“I never believed the world could be gentle…
until I started building one with you.” — Adam

Morning spilled through Adam’s curtains like melted gold, soft and lazy, warming the room inch by inch. A breeze slipped in from the open window, lifting the makeshift curtain he’d taped up a lifetime ago. On the mattress below, half-buried in his hoodie and tangled sheets, Akane woke first.

She didn’t speak. Didn’t move. Just watched him.

Adam, once sharp edges and storm clouds, slept like he was finally allowed to rest. His lashes cast quiet shadows. His lips parted, breath slow and unguarded. He looked like a boy who’d stopped running for a moment. Just long enough for her to catch him.

Her chest tightened.

She brushed her fingers over his brow, then pressed a soft kiss there.

His eyes fluttered open.

“What are you doing?” he murmured, voice rough and boyish.

Akane flinched back, cheeks blazing. “I, I thought you were asleep!”

His eyes drifted to the clock. “We’re gonna be late.”

Cue the chaos.

Burnt toast. Bad hair decisions. He combed his fingers through his Hair  while yelling about the thermostat. She brushed her teeth while hopping into her socks. They collided in the hall.

“Fix your hair,” he muttered, tossing her a comb.

“Eat an actual vegetable,” she shot back, shouldering her bag.

He caught her wrist gently and pressed a neatly packed bento into her hands.

“You forget,” he said simply.

She stared at the box. “Did you?”

“Come on,”  

At School,

Their teacher clapped loudly as soon as homeroom began.

“Students! For the cultural festival, form teams of five. You’ll choose your categories today.”

Akane instantly looked toward Ellie’s desk,
empty. Absent.
A leave slip pinned to her nameplate.

A knot of worry twisted in her stomach.

Where is she…?

Before she could spiral, footsteps stopped at her desk.

Three students, unfamiliar, but smiling, stood there.

A tall boy gave a polite bow.
“Um—hi. I’m Minato Suda. We don’t really know each other, but… you two need teammates, right?”

A shorter boy with messy hair slouched lazily.
“Ryusei Aoki. I sit behind you sometimes. You probably didn’t notice.”

The girl between them smiled brightly.
“I’m Hikari Mori. We were hoping...we could join you?”

Akane perked up instantly. “Yes! We’d love that.”

Adam gave a small nod. “Sure.”

The five of them pushed their desks together, forming a small circle.

“So,” Minato said, tapping his pen, “what event do you guys wanna do?”

“Not cooking,” Ryusei muttered. “ I burned water once.”

Hikari raised her hand shyly. “Art… maybe? I like watercolor.”

Akane lit up. “Art sounds perfect.”

Adam shrugged. “Fine.”

Minato grinned. “Done. Art it is.”

The teacher clapped again.
“And remember, sports festival sign-ups are open too!”

Akane barely reacted.

Adam immediately tried to look invisible.

Minato noticed.

“Oh! Adam, why don’t we sign up for volleyball and the 100-meters?”

Adam blinked. “No.”

Minato smirked. “Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

Hikari giggled. “Adam, it might be fun…”

Ryusei added, “You’re tall. You look like someone who’s good at hitting things.”

“We’re not doing this,” Adam insisted.

Akane smiled sweetly. “Darling… try it?”

He froze. “Don’t use that word as a weapon.”

Minato slapped the sign-up sheet onto Adam’s desk. “Too late. I already wrote your name. Teamwork!”

Adam stared at the paper, betrayed. “I hate all of you.”

Akane patted his shoulder lovingly. “You’ll be great.”

Meanwhile…

Akane and Hikari signed up for badminton.
Ryusei leaned back. “I opt out. I have a medical condition called being unathletic.”

They laughed. They registered.
And just like that, their team of five was official,
busy, mismatched, loud, and already comfortable.

(At the Lunch Break)

By lunchtime, the five of them had somehow claimed an entire corner of the cafeteria, not by force, not by planning, but by the strange gravity that forms when people genuinely click.

Minato was already mid-story, hands slicing the air like he was trying to conduct an orchestra.

“And then—get this—THE CAT KICKED ME. Right in the face. No remorse.”

Ryusei cackled so hard he nearly inhaled his soda.
“You lost a fight to a stray, dude!”

“It was a big cat!”

“Uh-huh. Sure.”

Hikari covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. “Minato… maybe the cat just didn’t like your aura.”

“My aura is amazing!” Minato protested. “Shining. Radiant. Magnetic.”

Adam muttered, “Chaotic.”

Akane elbowed him lightly. “Be nice.”

“I am being nice.”
He took a sip of soup like nothing happened.

Hikari leaned over the table toward Adam. “By the way… thanks for letting us join your team.”

Adam blinked. “We didn’t ‘let’ you. You just...joined.”

Akane added with a smile, “Yeah. You guys came like a storm.”

Minato puffed out his chest. “That’s our brand.”

Ryusei stole a fry from Adam’s tray.
Adam gave him a deadpan stare.

“Put it back.”

Ryusei held the fry between his fingers. “I can’t put it back. That’s unsanitary.”

“Then don’t steal it.”

Ryusei shrugged and popped it into his mouth. “Too late.”

Akane laughed, bright, unguarded. It made Adam glance sideways at her, the corner of his mouth twitching like it wanted to smile but hadn’t gotten permission yet.

Hikari leaned toward Akane. “He’s funnier when he’s not pretending to be made of iron.”

Akane whispered back, “Right? He pretends he’s tough but he’s basically a wet cat.”

Adam narrowed his eyes. “I can hear you.”

“Good,” Akane said, biting into her onigiri. “Maybe it’ll humble you.”

Minato slapped the table. “I knew it! Adam’s a secret softie.”

Adam glared.
“Say that again and I’ll shove this tray into your soul.”

Minato only grinned wider.
Hikari giggled.
Ryusei clapped like he was watching a comedy show.

And for the first time in a long time, Adam didn’t feel like he was sitting apart from everyone,
just… with them.
In the noise.
In the life of it all.

But across the cafeteria,

Riku watched.

His lunch untouched.
His jaw tight.
His fingers tapping the table, slow and rhythmic, like he was keeping time to a song only he heard.

His eyes weren’t angry.
Anger would’ve been simple.

No,
Riku’s gaze held something colder.
Sharper.
A deliberation that sent a flicker of unease up Akane’s spine when she accidentally met his eyes.

Minato followed her gaze. “Yo, what’s up?”

Akane forced a smile. “Nothing. Just… thought I saw someone.”

Adam looked too, and Riku immediately turned away, pretending to talk to a group of boys who weren’t even listening.

Akane swallowed.

He’s planning something…

But she said nothing.
The moment passed.
Lunch continued.
Laughter returned.

Yet somewhere in that noisy cafeteria, the air grew tighter,
a quiet tension threading between the tables, unseen but unmistakable.

And though Adam didn’t notice it now,
Akane felt the storm quietly beginning to fold its wings.

After School, 

The day ended mellow, with sunset dripping gold over the school yard. Minato suggested a snack run. Hikari agreed. Ryusei complained but followed.

Adam and Akane walked at the center of their little group, chatting about nothing in particular,warm, easy.

They turned into the alley behind the old bookstore,
and trouble snapped its jaws.

A handful of sand blasted into Adam’s eyes.

He staggered. “Tch—damn it—!”

“Adam!” Akane grabbed his arm.

Eight boys stepped out of the shadows.

Komamura at the front.

But the shock wasn’t him,
it was Ellie behind him.
Head lowered. Shoulders trembling.
Avoiding Akane’s eyes.

The world tilted.

Komamura smirked. “Thought you could walk around like some hero?”

Adam wiped at his burning eyes. “Cheap move.”

Minato stepped forward. “Back off.”

Ryusei too. “Yeah, man, pick on someone who doesn’t have sand for brains.”

But Adam raised an arm.
“No. Stay back. This is my fight.”

He swung blindly,
but hit only air.

Komamura laughed. “Can’t see, can you? Pathetic,”

A blur cut through the alley.

A boy, older looking, sharp-eyed, stepped in like he’d just been waiting.

One punch.

Komamura hit the ground like dead weight.

The alley went silent.

The newcomer dusted off his knuckles.
“…Kids fight like this now? Damn. Standards dropped hard.”

Komamura’s goons stepped back in fear.

“C-come on!” one yelled.
They fled. Komamura tripped after them.

Ellie stayed.

“Akane… Adam… I’m sorry,” she whispered. “He said, he said if I didn’t go, he’d,”

Adam shook his head. “I get it. It’s okay.”

She covered her face, ashamed.

The stranger stretched. “Well, that was entertaining.”

Adam blinked hard until shapes returned. “Thanks. Uh… who are you?”

The boy grinned.
“Tendog. I run the ramen shop two blocks from here. Was carrying groceries, heard some sound here, figured I might as well step in.”

Adam blinked. “You fight well, sir,”

“Sir? Dude, I’m eighteen.”

Adam corrected instantly. “Sorry, brother.”

Tendog laughed. “That works. Swing by the shop sometime.”

“We will,” Adam promised.

Akane turned to Adam gently.

“Your face… you’re covered in dirt.” She brushed it with her thumb. “There’s a park near here. Water tap. Let’s clean you up.”

The five walked there together, still shaken.

The park fountain dripped rhythmically as Adam leaned over it, splashing cold water onto his face. The dirt ran down in muddy rivulets, and the sting in his eyes finally began to ease.

Akane crouched beside him, dipping a handkerchief into the water.
“Hold still,” she murmured.

“I am holding still,” he muttered, flinching anyway when she dabbed his cheek.

Ryusei whistled low. “Damn, looks like someone ran face-first into a construction site.”

Minato elbowed him. “He literally got sand thrown at him, man.”

Hikari stepped closer. “Adam… does it hurt?”

Adam shrugged. “I’ll live.”

Akane gave him a look. “You always say that.”

He didn’t reply, just let her clean the rest of the dirt, her touch gentle enough to make his chest tighten.

Hikari sighed softly. “We should… report him, maybe. Komamura. This isn’t normal.”

Akane’s hands stilled for a second. “He’s getting reckless.”

Adam opened his eyes slowly, blinking away the last bits of grit. “He’ll be back. People like him don’t know how to leave things alone.”

A quiet shuffle of footsteps made everyone turn.

Ellie stood a few feet away, face pale, fingers trembling around the straps of her bag.

Her eyes flicked from Akane… to Adam… to the ground.

“I, ” She swallowed. “I’m sorry.”

Ryusei tensed. Minato looked ready to snap at her.
But Akane stepped forward first.

“Ellie…” Akane’s voice was soft, unsure.

Ellie shook her head, eyes glossy. “No. Don’t defend me. I was stupid. I knew he was planning something, and I still went with him. I thought, maybe I could keep him calm. Keep him from doing something worse. But I… I made it worse.”

Adam stood straighter, wiping his face with a handkerchief Akane shoved at him earlier.
He regarded Ellie quietly, no anger, no sharpness. Just a tired understanding.

“You’re not the reason he’s like that,” Adam said. “And you didn’t swing on me. Don’t carry his weight.”

Ellie’s lip quivered. “But if he had hurt you,”

“He didn’t,” Adam cut in gently. “And you walked away from him today. That takes guts.”

Ellie exhaled shakily, tears slipping before she could stop them.

Akane pulled her into a hug without hesitation.

“You scared me,” Akane whispered. “But… I’m glad you're okay.”

Ellie clung for a moment, then stepped back, wiping her face.
“I just needed to say I’m sorry before going home.”

Hikari offered her a small, warm smile. “We’re heading out too. Want us to walk you?”

Ellie shook her head. “No. I need some time alone.”
She glanced once more at Adam. “And… thank you. For not… hating me.”

Adam shrugged one shoulder. “You’re not the enemy, Ellie. He is.”

Ellie nodded, a small, broken motion, then turned and walked down the path, her silhouette swallowed by the fading evening light.

The group watched until she disappeared.
The silence that followed was soft, thoughtful… no judgement lingering, only the quiet ache of something that hurt too many hearts.

Minato suddenly wrapped an arm around Adam’s shoulders, pulling him upright.

“My guy! You survived your street brawl. I’m proud of you.” 

Adam frowned. “Let go.”

“No,” Minato said, squeezing tighter. “This is brotherhood. Bonding. Trauma sharing.”

Ryusei snorted. “He’s gonna snap your spine if you keep hugging him.”

Hikari laughed softly. “Minato… he’s turning red.”

Adam deadpanned, “That’s because I’m imagining murder.”

Minato finally released him with a dramatic gasp. “Wow. Cold. But okay.”

Akane stood and brushed off her skirt. “Let’s walk everyone home. It’s late.”

The five strolled toward the main street.
City lights blinked on one by one.
Their steps matched naturally, conversations scattered with tired laughs.

By the time they reached the intersection where their paths split, Minato turned to Adam one last time.

“For real,” he said, softer now, “if anything happens again, you call us. We’re a team.”

Adam looked away—but nodded, almost shyly.
“…Thanks.”

Minato grinned like he’d won something.

“Alright, everyone! See you tomorrow!”

They all waved and drifted into the night in their separate directions.

Adam walked Akane all the way to the glowing storefront of Hayasaka Mart, a warm rectangle of light against the darkening street.

As soon as Akane stepped through the door,

“Neee-chan!!”

A small body launched out from behind the counter.
Akane caught him instantly, spinning him once with a laugh.

“Sora! Slow down, you little rocket!”

The 10-year-old clung to her. “Mom made karaage! And she said I can have extra if you come home on time!”

Akane tapped his forehead. “What about Dad?”

“He already stole half the batch,” Sora said dramatically. “We have to eat fast!”

Adam chuckled under his breath.

Sora finally noticed him and peeked from behind Akane.
“Is that… the guy?”

Akane blinked. “Huh?”

“The guy!” Sora repeated nervously. “The one you talk about sometimes.”

Akane’s face went bright red. “SORA!!”

Adam lifted a hand awkwardly. “Uh… hi.”

Sora nodded like a tiny old man. “If you’re mean to my sister, I’ll punch you.”

Adam nodded seriously. “That’s fair.”

Akane groaned and covered her face. “Why… why are you like this…”

Her mother called from the counter, smiling warmly.
“Welcome back! Adam-kun, thank you for walking our girl home.”

He bowed instinctively. “It’s no trouble, ma’am.”

Her father lifted a crate with one hand and grinned.
“You fight off any trouble on the way here?”

Akane snapped, “DAD—!”

Adam rubbed his neck. “Actually, uh… yeah.”

Her parents exchanged looks.

Akane quickly dragged Adam toward the door. “Okay! Time for Adam to go home now!”

But her mother called out, “Next time, come in for dinner! We’d love to have you.”

Adam froze. “…Yes, ma’am.”

Sora hugged Akane again. “Good night, nee-chan. Don’t forget me tomorrow.”

“I won’t,” she whispered, kissing his head.

Adam watched them, watched the warmth, the laughter, the easy affection.
Something in him softened painfully.

Akane stepped back outside and walked Adam to the gate.

“Thank you,” she said, voice gentle.

“For what?”

“For staying today. Even when things got scary.”

He shrugged, trying to look casual. “I wasn’t gonna run.”

She smiled, small, soft, real.
“I know.”

They stood there for a breath longer, letting the quiet linger.

“See You Tomorrow, Adam.”

“…See you, Akane.”

He forced himself to turn and walk, even though part of him wanted to stay in that warm doorway forever.

Adam’s Home

Adam finally pushed open his apartment door, the silence swallowing him instantly.

He tossed his keys into the bowl, kicked off his shoes, and exhaled like he’d been holding his breath all day.

He showered, reheated leftovers, washed dishes, wiped the counter,
routine, grounding, mechanical.

But his mind wandered back to,

Akane laughing at lunch.
Ellie’s trembling apology.
Minato’s obnoxious hug.
Sora’s “I’ll punch you.”
Tendog’s ridiculous grin.
Komamura’s cowardly attack.
Akane’s warm fingers brushing dirt from his cheek.

When he finally collapsed onto his bed, he stared at the ceiling.

“What the hell was today…” he whispered.

His phone buzzed.

Akane: You home?

He replied: Yeah.

The phone rang.

He answered immediately.

Her voice came soft through the speaker, warm like a blanket.
“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“You okay?”

“I’ve been worse.”

She sighed. “You always say that.”

“…Because it’s true.”

“I know. But… still.”

There was rustling, maybe her lying in bed.

“What are you thinking about?” she asked.

He hesitated.
Then answered honestly:

“Today felt good. And bad. And good again. It’s weird.”

She giggled. “That’s how life works, Adam.”

He shut his eyes. “I liked having everyone around.”

“I did too,” she said softly.

A quiet beat.

“Adam,” she added, even softer, “thank you… for protecting us.”

His throat tightened. “You helped me more than I helped you.”

Another beat.

“…Hey,” she whispered, shy yet bold, “tomorrow… can we walk together again?”

“Of course,” he said without thinking.

“Good.”
A small yawn.
“Good night, darling.”

He smiled into the dark.
“Good night.”

But neither hung up.
They just listened to each other breathe until sleep pulled them under.

And Adam drifted off with something gentle blooming in his chest,
fragile
bright
dangerously warm.

A day that hurt.
A day that healed.
A day he wouldn’t forget.