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Tori's stomach grumbled in the middle of class as he sat with the hunger pains slowly getting to him.
He can hear his stomach begging for food but he ignores its calls simply continuing his work as the class lecture continues, eventually leading up to the bell ringing prompting the end of class and the start of lunch break.
As most students leave class to go get food or hang out with their friends, Tori stays put on his desk simply ignoring the hunger pains that grows in his stomach.
Lost in his thoughts he hears Tsukasas voice in the far corners of his ears.
"Hey, Tori, you okay? You looked like you were struggling to focus during class," Tsukasa asked, concerned for his boyfriend, unaware of Tori’s silent strike. Tori looked far less energetic than usual, and it didn’t go unnoticed.
“Huh? Oh yeah I'm fine just had a bad morning” Tori grumbled, clearly not in the greatest of moods.
“Oh I see well is everything alright then?” Tsukasa asked analyzing Tori’s weakly looking state.
Tori sighed loudly before turning to Tsukasa. “I fought with my parents this morning, that’s all, so there’s no need to worry,” he said, trying to reassure him. “I don’t want to see them, or Yuzuru right now, I’m so annoyed, I just need some space,” Tori huffed, clearly frustrated.
Though it may have been true that he fought with his parents he had avoided the fact that he was currently on a hunger strike due to this fight.
Tsukasa nodded. "Why don't we grab lunch? It might help clear your mind."
Tori shook his head. "No, I'm fine. Not hungry."
Tsukasa hesitated. "You sure?"
“Yes I'm ok really, you go have lunch with your other friends I'll be fine” Tori insisted, trying to hide the slight frustration in his voice as he felt the hunger pains once more.
“Alright then, but let me know if you wanna talk alright?” not wanting to push on the subject anymore clearly sensing Tori's frustration, Tsukasa lets it go and kisses Tori on the cheek before leaving.
Tori nodded with a faint smile as he watched Tsukasa leave. Once alone, he sank back into his thoughts, trying to ignore his grumbling stomach by focusing on any assignment he could find to distract himself.
Minutes felt like hours as Lunch ended and Tori continued the rest of his day. Distracted by the lack of food in his stomach he almost didn't realize the final bell had rung and most people had already started leaving.
Caught in his own daze and hunger he quickly snaps out of it packing his things and heading out before any of his friends or Tsukasa could get the chance to talk to him.
Quite frankly he just wanted to be alone.
Walking towards the direction of the front of the school he sees two familiar faces up ahead getting closer and closer with each step. The closer he got their faces become clearer seeing Arashi and Mika talking side by side.
“Oh momo-chan hey” she greeted, smiling warmly at him “Where you headed?” she asked as she looked at the short pink hair.
“I just saw Tsukasa-chan looking for you he asked me if we had seen you?”
“Oh hey Narukami-senpai, it must've been because I left class quickly without him” he replied feeling the hunger pains again as he could feel his stomach grumbling.
“Oh I see are you two ok?” she asked, looking at Tori intently as she notices his very weak-looking complexion.
“Yes, yes we're fine I just wanted to leave clas–” Cut off by the sound of his own stomach growling again Tori almost blushes embarrassingly holding his stomach.
“Nhmm Tori-kun ya’ don’t look so great though. Ya almost look like a zombie” Mika spoke up as he looked at the short pink hair in worry.
“What me? no, I'm fine” Tori smiled trying his best to hide his hungry demeanor.
“Momo-chan you look almost deathly are you sure your complexion looks horrid” Arashi added looking worried for the younger. “You look like you haven't eaten all day.” she continued hitting right on the nail.
Tori, not taking into account his own complexion and giving himself away, tried hiding the truth but failed almost miserably due to the stupid growl coming from his stomach.
“momo-chan I can tell that you are definitely lying, and I will be taking matters into my own hands if you don't tell me what's going on right now” Arashi states, clearly and firmly with a very intimidating voice.
“Ok, ok fine I'm not fine I haven't eaten yet so I'm a little cranky” Tori confessed, giving up at the sound of Arashi’s more serious tone hiding the real reason for having not eaten.
“Mm. Tori-kun ya’ look like me when I use’ta watch ma diet” Mika added again now concerned for the little junior. Arashi hearing Mika's comment made her realize a certain something prompting her to ask “Tori when was the last time you ate?”.
“Umm… yesterday dinner hehe” Tori replied nervously knowing that this answer would not make Arashi happy.
"Yesterday!? Why haven’t you eaten yet?" Arashi exclaimed, her frustration clear as her assumption about Tori’s pale, weak appearance was confirmed. "It’s nothing serious. I don’t have to tell you," Tori replied defensively, instantly regretting it as he saw the disapproving look Arashi shot him.
“Really now? and if I said I would tell on you to little Kasa-chan what then hm?” Arashi threatens with a very scary-looking smile that made not only Tori shiver but Mika as well.
“Ok, Ok! No need to get Tsukasa involved I won't hear the end of it if he finds out” he says frantically trying to avoid Tsukasa getting involved in his problem knowing that Tsukasa would scold him.
Sighing in defeat under the blonde senior’s gaze, Tori finally admitted, “I got into a fight with my parents this morning. They were being so unreasonable, nitpicking everything about me—my choices, my appearance, even my idol career. Then, when I spoke up, they accused me of having some imaginary attitude.” He huffed in frustration. “I refused to eat after that, and it just... dragged on all day. I’ve been avoiding Yuzuru too, 'cause knowing him, he’d definitely think I'm being childish and disagree with me. Hmph.”
As he finished his explanation, another loud rumble echoed from his stomach, making both of them even more concerned.
Standing in silence as they listened to Tori's explanation, he blushed slightly, embarrassed. “I know you both think this is childish, so if you’re gonna give me a lecture, you don’t need to say anything—I’ve already heard it from Yuzuru after the fight this morning,” Tori huffed in frustration.
“Besides, my parents probably wouldn’t even notice if I didn’t eat all day. They just have Yuzuru take care of me, like always, all I’m good for is being their future heir, my well-being isn't the priority so it wouldn’t matter what I did as long as I was functioning that was enough.” he continued lowering his head.
The two listened to Tori, left nearly speechless by his outpouring of frustration and anger. They exchanged worried glances, unsure how to respond, feeling a deep sense of remorse for their pink-haired friend. After a moment, they turned their attention back to him.
Arashi softened her gaze, feeling for Tori. She could almost relate to what he was going through, understanding the frustration behind his actions.
“I know what you’re feeling right now Tori—you feel like you’re not being heard, like your feelings aren't valid, right?” Arashi held her hand out placing it on his shoulder her tone filled with sincerness for her junior trying to comfort him.
“I don’t think that you’re being childish, adults can sometimes suck, that much I know—some say mean things whether intentional or not; they can be terrible” Arashi continued, her words catching Tori's ears as he lifted his head to look at her.
“But know that you are heard Tori-chan there are others who hear you, who will listen to you, and most importantly care about you—you shouldn’t have to starve yourself to feel it's the only way to feel seen by your parents” she finished, referring to Tori by his name rather than the nickname she usually uses. Her words reach Tori as she realizes the poor boy is now in tears.
Tori wiped his tears as he looked at Arashi with a smile on his face despite his crying.
"Thanks, Narukami-senpai," Tori mumbled, his voice shaky as tears began to spill. Arashi watched as he let out all his frustration and anger, a quiet smile forming on her lips. Seeing him release those pent-up emotions brought her some comfort, knowing she could be there for her dear junior.
Still, a part of Arashi’s heart ached for Tori. She understood all too well how hurtful adults could be. Moved by his vulnerability, she gently pulled Tori into an embrace, letting him cry freely in her arms.
Mika bent down to Tori’s eye level, extending his hand toward him. “ya know we’re always here fer ya, Tori-kun,” he said gently, locking eyes with him. “So reach out when yer not feelin okay alright. And no more starvin yerself, got it?” He smiled, lightly scolding Tori while offering comfort.
Tori nodded wiping the last of his tears as he lightly smiled feeling a weight off his shoulders.
Arashi couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Tori’s faint smile. An idea sparked in her mind as she gently released her grip on his shoulder and swiftly grabbed her phone, typing away. She glanced at Mika, and as their eyes met, his expression shifted, a knowing grin spreading across his face. He pulled out his phone and started typing as well, clearly in on the plan.
Confused by the twos actions, Tori stares at Arashi “Narukami-senpai what are you doing?”
Arashi glances at Tori quickly before putting her phone away with Mika following behind, a grin plastered on both faces. suddenly being grabbed by both his arms by the two he gets pulled towards an unknown direction.
Startled by this almost losing his balance at the speed the two were pulling him at, he had no choice but to follow “Where are we going!?” Tori asked almost yelling while he was dragged to an unknown location.
“It's a surprise momo-chan, you’ll see hehe” Arashi giggled, as she walked with a happy smile on her face.
Minutes of walking led the 3 to what Tori can only recognize as the cafe the Pretty 5 meetings usually took place—Cinnamon Cafe.
“What are we doing here?” Tori asked, confused by the sudden destination choice. “You’ll see inside” the blond replied pushing Tori lightly inside the cafe with the help of her best friend Mika.
The sudden push startled Tori, nearly causing him to trip over his own feet as they entered the café.
"Wha– Hey! What's the big deal? You two have been dragging me around into places without—" Tori’s words trailed off when he noticed not only Tsukasa standing across the room, arms crossed with a mix of seriousness and concern on his face, but also the rest of Pretty 5—Hiyori and Aira—sitting in a nearby booth, waving with a smile.
Tori now definitely more confused looked at Arashi and Mika looking for answers in their expressions but none could be found in both their grinning faces. “What's this about?” He asked.
“Well, it’s late, and since you clearly had a bad day, I wanted to cheer you up," Arashi explained happily. "So, since you also haven't eaten I texted the rest of Pretty 5 to meet us here for some bonding time and to lift your spirits."
Tori nodded but then glanced back at Tsukasa, still confused. “Alright, but what about Tsukasa? What’s he doing here?” he asked, noticing the same serious expression still plastered on Tsukasa's face.
"Ah yes, I also texted Tsukasa-chan to come here after I explained everything to him," Arashi said with an innocent smile.
Tori's face paled as the realization hit him. Now fully understanding the reason behind Tsukasa's serious expression, he felt almost too scared to look back at him.
“Narukami-Senpai! Wh—” cut off by the feeling of a hand placed on his shoulder feeling a scary aura emitting behind him. “Tori…” he hears, as he slowly turns around knowing whose tone of voice that belongs to.
Now facing Tsukasa he can see a scary-looking smile plastered on his face.
“Tsukasa hehe hey…” Tori greeted with a nervous smile as he prepared himself to hear a lecture from his boyfriend. A sigh could be heard coming out of Tsukasa’s mouth his face turns from a grim smile to a more serious look.
Tori gazes at Arashi and Mika to save him suddenly feels Tsukasa’s scary aura increase “Don’t look at Narukami-Senpai and Mika-Senpai to save you, Tori, you know full well and clear why I'm here” Tsukasa spoke beginning the start the earful only Tori could imagine.
“Momo-chan, you shouldn’t hide this from Tsukasa-chan either, He cares about you a lot and so I took the liberty to tell him what was going on because I care about you and I'm sure Tsukasa chan has been worried about you all day” Arashi explained giving Tori a soft and understanding smile knowing her intentions were out of worry.
Tori sighed nodding at Arashis words understanding her reason for doing this look back at Tsukasa who still had a serious and worried expression.
Both Mika and Arashi excuse themselves leaving the two alone to talk heading to the booth with the rest of the Pretty 5.
Now only the two remaining Tori struggles to face Tsukasa as he avoids his eyes that he knows is glaring down on him.
“Look, I’m sorr—” To Tori’s surprise, he felt both his hands in Tsukasas causing him to stop mid-sentence to look up at him their eyes locking on each other.
“Stop, Tori I didn't come to hear you apologize” Tsukasa started looking intently into Tori’s eyes. “In fact, I don’t want you to apologize to me at all, I came because I was worried just like Narukami-senpai said.”
“I only wish you had talked to me about it, you know I wouldn't have judged you; I care for you a lot” he finished his grip tight on his hand and his gaze staring deeply into Toris.
“I know, I was just so angry and frustrated I didn't know what to do I just wanted to be alone and I didn't want to worry you in this childish tantrum of mine” Tori explained feeling embarrassed and ashamed.
“Tori, I’m your boyfriend. It’s basically my job to worry about you,” Tsukasa said gently, pulling him into an embrace. “You have every right to be angry, so don’t say what you did was childish.”
Tori, slightly startled by the sudden embrace, felt the warmth of Tsukasa close to him and smiled softly, returning the hug.
“Please, rely on me more,” Tsukasa continued, his voice pleading. “If you’re ever going through something, don’t hide it from me. I don’t care how big or small it is—I want to be there for you. I want to stand by your side and help you,” he said, burying his head into Tori’s hair before pulling back to meet his eyes again, sincerity written all over his face.
“Thank you, Tsukasa” Tori thanked Tsukasa for his sincerity and comfort giving him a soft kiss. “I’m glad to have you beside me” He finished giving him another quick embrace before the sound of loud voices reached their ears calling for them.
“How long are you two love birds gonna be there for? Come and sit we’re dying to eat” The voice of Hiyori almost ringing through the cafe.
Tori chuckles glancing at Tsukasa before walking to the booth both hand in hand.
The two take a seat next to Arashi as they the two gain stares from the rest. “That was a bit of PDA over there don't you think? Kissing in front of the cafe entrance like that hmm” Hiyoris voice sings as he grins teasing the two.
“Right on the mark Hiyori-senpai, I didn't know you were like that Tsukasa-chan” Arashi joined grinning teasingly as she watched the two blush causing a reaction out of Tsukasa.
“Narukami-senpai please don’t tease us” Tsukasa uttered, trying to calm himself as the sound of laughter surrounded him.
The sound of loud rumbling emits from Tori's stomach causing everyone to cease their laughter. Embarrassed by this Tori blushed once more as he gained stares “Well what are we waiting for we're all starving aren’t we let's get to ordering because tonight there is no budget, what a good Hiyori!” Hiyori exclaimed very happily as all the others agreed.
“Right, I’m starving I’ve been dying to order!” Aira joins excited to order food.
“Oh, Tori-kun ya gotta try this new dessert they just released” Mika states flipping the Menu in his direction. “Oh don't worry I’ll make Tori eat everything we order hehe” Arashi chimed.
“Right, Narukami-senpai we should order Tori this, and this, OH, and this for sure!” Tsukasa followed pointing at multiple different dishes causing Tori to stare at the 2 in utter shock as he heard the ridiculous amounts of orders they were picking out for him.
“A– wait, hold on a sec! I can’t finish all of this!” Tori protested, trying to reason with them.
“Ah ah, what kind of big sis would I be if I didn’t feed my starving junior a feast?” Arashi hummed with a smile. “Right, Tsukasa-chan?”
“Exactly. I want you to eat everything—it’s for your health, got that?” Tsukasa added, joining in.
Tori sighed in defeat, knowing there was no rationalizing with the two Knights members when they got like this.
Amid everything, sitting among the people who genuinely cared for him, Tori couldn’t help but smile as he watched the cheerful faces and listened to the lively chatter around him.
He felt a warm sense of comfort, knowing he was surrounded by people who made him feel valued, cared for, and that he truly mattered.