Chapter Text
The group of young cats, three exactly, were huddled in one of the tables talking and laughing away. Konoe eyed them curiously, wondering what they were talking about. But he stared too long because one of them caught his eye. He instantly looked away. He wasn't sure why he did it, but he did.
For the next few weeks, the same three cats were seen every day. They would come early in the morning and then once more at night. Apparently, one of the cats, the female, is the daughter of a close friend of Bardo's. Konoe is not good with them. Especially that female cat. She is very chatty, outgoing and she spews out anything that crosses her mind with no filter. That is exactly why Konoe couldn't get along with her because he doesn't know how to respond to her.
For example, there was that one time where the group was talking about quiet cats. It started with one of the group members saying that he is into quiet girls, but that cat was immediately countered by the other male who said cats who are the quietest are the creepiest ones ever.
Mei nodded her head like it is the most natural thing in the world, "Yeah, usually reserved and quiet cats have some of the strangest fetishes," she looked over to Konoe, "like Konoe."
What was that supposed to mean? Konoe smiled awkwardly and tried to laugh along. Mei would then wave her hand and say I'm just teasing you.
Okay. It's just a tease.
Then there is that other time where Mei labeled Konoe 'the neat freak' because he would wipe the same table three times.
Kaiya piped in, "I've seen it too!"
"Konoe has automysophobia," Mei sang with a mocking tone.
Konoe didn't know what to do. He just shook his head and tried to keep his burning face under control.
Bardo came in.
"Stop bullying him, he is just doing what I tell him to do. Don't tell me you guys don't wipe the tables at your home at least twice? That's basic manners. You kids lack that."
Anyway, it is not like Konoe hates Mei. He is just not good with her. Over time, he realized that he is in this constant cycle of Mei teasing him, over and over again. Soon he learned to not take it to heart, but he is still easily embarrassed.
One day, Rai and Konoe had an interaction in front of Mei, which was a first because Rai rarely talked to Konoe. It was either Konoe had a question or Konoe did something stupid that Rai couldn't help but step in. This time it was the latter. Rai rambled the usual of 'how did you mix up the ingredients? Do you have grass for brains?' It was a string of insults that Konoe grew accustomed to and he could definitely repeat it back to Rai's face.
"Stupid cat," he spat.
Mei saw that and she immediately snuck up to Konoe's side.
"Why do you let him call you stupid? You are far from it."
Konoe looked surprised at her sudden comment.
To be honest, he doesn't know. Sometimes he wonders what will happen if he barked back at Rai, but that thought just makes him cringe. So he would go the far end of the spectrum and dive into this crisis of self-doubt, in which he'd wonder if he is actually stupid. Eventually, he'd admit that there were times he hadn't exactly done the smartest thing ever.
"Get back at him," she whispered.
Konoe shook his head, a frown hanging on his lips.
"Hmmm...." Mei gave him the look. A mischievous look, not good by any means in Konoe's dictionary.
"Hey, silver-head big bro! Why did you dye your hair silver? Are you trying to be special?"
Konoe's eyes bulged out, he grabbed Mei on the arm and looked at her as though she is crazy. Mei just laughed and gave him a lazy smile.
"This is my natural hair color."
"Really? I guess you are a real snowflake."
Rai rolled his eyes.
"Where are your friends today? You guys usually hang around like cockroaches."
"Yes, cockroaches, but cockroaches can get heat-strokes too. They are at the river. Too hot today. Your shop is like a sauna."
Konoe's ears perked up to 'river.' He wants to go to. He hadn't realized how long he has been in the inn until now. The last time he saw a river was during the carriage ride to Ransen which was ages ago.
"Can I go too?" he asked softly all the while feeling like he was walking on tight rope.
"What do you think, stupid cat?" Rai shot him down.
Konoe ears fell. Mei looked at Konoe's pitiful state and couldn't help herself.
"Why not? He has been working hard all day. Why can't he go out for a bit?"
"No is no."
"I'm so glad I don't have a rock for a boss."
"Stupid brat."
"I don't want to be called that by someone who only knows how to use stupid as an insult."
"Shitty brat."
"Feminine long hair emo, " she snapped back.
"Foul-mouthed brat."
"Long boots-loving freak" because Rai actually wore boots that rode to his thigh.
She had a smirk on her face, nudging Konoe.
"Come on, you give one too."
Konoe glanced at Rai and the white cat returned a stoic look. Konoe has no idea if he was in the place to insult his boss. He has no idea if Rai was even expecting him to, but Mei was looking at him with anticipation in her eyes. It doesn't help that Rai was keeping quiet.
"Eye patch," he said softly.
There was a pregnant pause between them.
Mei hollered a burst of laughter, "Oh my, are you serious? That's your best?"
Konoe's face darkened a few shades. He pushed her towards the door and told her to leave.
Okay. Okay. Mei laughed, waved her hands and left.
Rai shook his head as he watched the girl leave the shop.
"Do you like her?"
Konoe jumped at that question. His cheeks flushed again.
Does he like her? Maybe he does. Maybe he doesn't. The idea of falling in love feels foreign. If anything, it reminds him of the main character in Of Cats and Cats. Maybe he does. He definitely felt a pull towards her. There are times when he felt like he had to do something for her.
Konoe shrugged.
"I don't know. I do like her. But I don't know if I like, like her."
Rai gave him an eyebrow raise and a goddamn smirk.
Konoe blushed harder.
A week has passed and the days only got hotter. Konoe's collar was constantly soaked with sweat. This heatwave was so particularly bad that Bardo said he'll close the restaurant for the morning and open up at night. Konoe didn't put up much of a fight. He was too sluggish anyway.
Mei pulled his arm.
"Let's go to the river!"
Mei has been going on about the river for the past week. She told him the crew's fishing trips, swimming trips, diving trips. The more she spoke about it, the more he yearned to go.
But he can't without Rai's approval, and so far, Rai denied every single request. At this point, Konoe is impressed that Mei could bring this up every day without fail. He isn't sure if she is just blatantly ignorant or optimistic.
Just when he was about to refuse, Rai stepped in and said, 'Sure, let's go. It is hot today.' Konoe couldn't process what happened until Mei pulled him again, giving him a really bright smile.
Just like that, they are going to the river — something he longed since a week ago. It is hard to believe that is happening right now because Rai was an unyielding wall. He always told Konoe that it is dangerous to wander in the forest with a bunch of kids. It's basically 'offering your ass to your enemy,' as Rai quoted it.
Kai and Dona were both by the doorway waiting for Konoe.
Of course, there are conditions. Rai has to go with him.
Konoe thought it was sort of too easy? Was the weather the only reason? He was tempted to ask Rai upfront, but that might steer the cat away and he doesn't want Rai to take back his words. So Konoe just kept his mouth shut.
They traveled to a nearby lake. The water was cool, refreshing, but still too cold to jump in. Konoe stared at the river in awe. There were so many things moving in there, especially little fish.
"Konoe!"
He looked up in response and was shocked to find out that everyone stripped their clothes. Even Mei. Mei was almost wearing nothing. Konoe blushed at the sight. She has a tight-fitting top on and a pair of undies. That was it. Is that ok? She is a girl.
Mei rushed him to take off his clothes and then practically dragged Konoe into the freezing water. His body instantly stiffened and his instincts are telling him to get out. He wanted to, but Mei was gripping so hard on his wrist.
"Mei, I can't. It's too cold. I'll just watch you guys."
He pulled his wrist free.
"Whaat? Come on. Don't be a bummer. Just stay for a few minutes. You'll get used to it," she coerced.
True to her words, he got used to the water temperature. The group started to swim towards the deeper parts of the river. This time, Konoe backed out for real. He can't swim.
"You don't know how to swim?"
Konoe shook his head, embarrassed.
"That's fine! I can teach you! Come on!"
Konoe took a glance back at Rai for reassurance. He wished the white cat would save him out of this situation.
However, the white cat wasn't paying attention to him. In fact, he was doing warm-up exercises. Rai was planning to swim...unexpectedly. He thought Rai would watch from afar. Also, he was in his underwear. But that wasn't all. Konoe gawked at Rai's defined muscles. Rai was toned, completely different from Konoe's scrawny body. Konoe couldn't help but stare in admiration.
"Isn't he ripped?"
Konoe snapped back at Mei, blushing.
"I am jealous of him," Dona said.
"I wish I had those muscles! But working out is too much work!" Kai blurted out then splashed water towards Dona. Dona ended up chasing after Kai for revenge. The two swam further into the river, leaving Mei and Konoe alone.
Now that he thought about it, he has never seen Rai work out.
"Hey, Konoe, come!" Mei urged him over. Konoe couldn't move well, only his toes are touching the river floor. The water was deep to the point that it covered his nose.
He suddenly heard a splash behind him and when he looked over, he saw Rai swimming fast towards the center of the river. Konoe felt left behind. He wanted to swim as good as everybody.
Konoe was terrified of the idea of drowning. Mei said she's got him and that she won't drop him, but Konoe couldn't help, but grab onto Mei super tight. Maybe too tight at some point, because Mei told him to relax and let himself be carried by the water. When he removed his hand from Mei's arm, he noticed that he left red marks. He felt so sorry afterward.
As they ventured out to the open water, Konoe started to learn kick water.
"Heey! Mei! COME OVER HERE ALREADY!"
"Wait!" Mei shouted over Kai's direction.
"Can you manage it?" She spoke quickly, looking at Konoe.
"Yeah I can," Konoe said without looking up, he was too focusing kicking the water.
"Okay great! I'll be right back!"
Mei left immediately, but Konoe did not feel scared at all. In fact, Konoe found swimming fun.
A few seconds later, he heard his name. Kaiya was calling him.
He looked towards Kaiya's direction and saw Kaiya pointing at the water and then he dived in. What? Konoe followed suit and ducked under the water surface. There, he saw Mei dancing in the water. It was amazing. She was swimming so fluidly, gracefully, swimming in curves. Then in a swift motion, she did a backflip and spun herself to the surface. Konoe swam up too, kicking vertically.
"Wow! That was so cool!" Konoe blurted out as soon as he reached air.
Mei came up giggling. A beautiful flush across her cheeks.
"Mei is awesome, right?" Dona asked him.
Konoe nodded in agreement.
"I'll teach you later when you can swim comfortably!" Mei shouted back.
Konoe nodded twice as hard.
"Konoe! I can do it too, you know!" Kaiya thumbed himself on the chest.
"Shut up Kai! I showed you how to do it!"
"So? I can do it better than you now!"
"No, you can't!"
"Oh yeah? Let's do it at the same time! Konoe be the judge!"
Konoe definitely does not feel he has the right to be the judge. Before he could refuse, the two already plummeted into the water.
Dona laughed, shaking his head and followed the two into the water. Konoe was at a loss, but he still dived down. It felt wrong to drop out and ditch his friends.
This time Konoe watched Mei with extra care, watched as she stretched out her arms and watched as she fell head back into the depths, her stomach rolled out, following the motion of her head, feet mimicking the same movements. Her body curved in a swift motion, making loops. She did it again and again, descending deeper and deeper into the water. Konoe was so amazed that he forgot about Kaiya.
When his eyes darted over to Kaiya, Konoe realized Kaiya was doing the same thing! They are both amazing! After a while of spectating, Konoe had to go back up for air. He tried staying as long as he could, but eventually, he gave in. When he returned, both Kaiya and Mei were still at it. Both pulling tricks from their sleeves like nothing.
While he had an appreciation for their skills, he was also impressed by their lung capacity.
He looked over to Dona and he saw a smile plastered on his face. Dona was completely immersed in the two displaying their skill below them. Dona is also amazing.
Kaiya was the first to take leave for air. Konoe looked over to Mei and saw the girl stick her tongue out and Konoe couldn't help but chuckle. Mei looked at him with a small smile and then with a determined look on her face, she proceeded to kick a larger and faster curve.
Suddenly, Mei's face twisted in pain. Konoe immediately caught on that something was wrong. Did she sprain her leg? Immediately after that thought, Mei crouched over, holding her calf. Without thinking, Konoe kicked himself over to her. He was pathetic though, his kicks are weak and erratic, he was practically not moving and Mei was sinking faster than his kicks.
Bubbles escaped her mouth. Her head was lolling back and her movements turned sluggish. This was bad. His kicks became frantic, a variety of random kicks. A deep dread pooled in his stomach as a realization set in. She was going to die.
That moment, Konoe could hear someone talking next to his ears.
He couldn't understand them.
Mei's eyes were slowly becoming muddled, losing light. The same thing happened before. It was his fault, his foolishness. Those eyes are going to turn dark again, lifeless. Dead eyes. Bone-chilling, death gripping, haunting. Dead. Eyes. He shouldn't have done that. He wasn't going to let it happen again. There is no way he is going to lose her again. Konoe had his fingers splaying out.
Then Mei's eyes close and her limbs were no longer moving and at that moment Konoe felt a chill ran down his spine. Suddenly, he was reminded of a certain cheerful cat. A cat who has the same determined look on her face all the time. She was always taking on challenges, she was optimistic, looking double, thinking double, she was so bright.
Konoe.
A voice against the side of his ears.
But it was too late.
His vision was darkening and everything blurs. He was running out of breath. The depths suddenly became threateningly dark and deep, he swore the river was sucking them in.
His body became heavy. He could not move. He could not paddle. He could not kick. He watched as Mei's figure turned into a blurred splotch of blackness in his field of vision.
Light filtered into his eyes and he saw white. Blinding white. The world was spinning on a spindle. The ground was pulling him down with the utmost force.
Rai managed to drag them out of water.
Konoe dripped in wet, choked on water, ragged breathing, but even while choking he was trying his best to push himself up. His eyes fixated on Mei's cold body.
"No..." Konoe sobbed.
Hey, Konoe I know we can do this.
"No."
We'll leave that door. Leave it up to me.
"No! You can't!" He screamed at her face, shaking her.
Konoe, don't make that face.
"WAKE UP!"
Hey, Ao. . .
"I'm so sorry! Please don't go!"
Do you want to die with me?
Konoe hugged her close.
The words, 'I'm sorry' were repeated over and over again. Left his lips like nothing. Trickled down like a constant stream.
She died.
And she is never going to return. He was so stupid. He was so stupid. What was he thinking? She was so young, so beautiful. Why did he make such a request? She is never going to come back.
She's dead.
Everything turned black. Then he could hear soft rumblings, followed by a soft chuckle.
"Konoe. . .don't look at me like that."
"Mom..."
"Just know, I do not regret giving birth to you. I. Do. Not. Have. A. Single. Regret."
Silence.
"You are my precious baby boy."
I am proud of you....
But she left him.
Just like Grandma, just like Ao.
Mom died of sickness. How could he forget?
Everything was coming back to him.
He has a doting mother, but his father was never home. His father was always...gone. He loved his mom, but she passed away from an illness early on. His father did not want to take care of him. He was left under the care of his grandparents from his mother's side. Only his mother's side because his father did not have the decency to even show his son to his parents. The only relatives he'd known are from his mother's side. The thing was, his grandpa hated him. He kept on saying that Konoe was the one who killed his daughter because, after childbirth, she has gotten even weaker than ever before. His grandma didn't want to deal with him either, but she still has some decency to take him in and care for him. She taught Konoe how to read and write. She taught him how to garden and that her favorite flowers were chrysanthemums because they make great tea. Gradually, his Grandma came to love him. Although his grandpa hated him, he felt okay and thought he could live with it. At some point, he realized that living with his grandparents was actually the best outcome ever. But, soon his Grandpa's health deteriorates and things became ugly. His grandma started giving him the cold shoulder. She stopped teaching him things and said he was a bother. She stopped caring. Then she broke when Grandpa passed away. She went full-on rage at him. She screamed at him. She blamed him for everything. She said it was actually his fault her daughter died and she wished Konoe never existed. And that every day she was painfully reminded of the bastard who left her daughter just by looking at Konoe's face.
Konoe's heart shattered. He left. He needed to leave. Even without a place to go, he left. Luckily, Goddess Ribika listened to his prayers and a miraculous offer landed on his hands. There was a clothing factory that was willing to house him in exchange for service. They even offered a salary aside from housing. He took the offer right away and never looked back.
But the offer was fake.
It was a trap for desperate run-away's.