Warrior's Mask

11. Madness Into Love

Ishido's POV:

“Yoshi, what are you doing here?” Terao interrupted, shooting his brother an icy glare. Terao caught on to what was happening. He knew what Yoshiyuki was trying to do. And he knew I couldn’t stop them because that’s too much of a big-brain thing for me. My mask doesn’t allow me to be that smart, which is annoying. Especially at times like this. “I thought you were staying with mum in England.”

England? What’s he doing all the way out there? And why don’t they live together? I’m confused. So, if Yoshiyuki lives with their mum, does that mean Terao lives with their dad? And if so, does that mean their parents split up or something? Or are they split up because their parents have different jobs, and they took one child each? Hmm… That’s a lot to consider. I don’t think my little head can take it all at once.

I looked at my mum for some help, but she just gave me a small shrug before walking off, a clear disinterest in the conversation. A lot of help she was. It’s like this is none of her business. Well, actually, it isn’t, but it means I’m the only one who’s been thrown in the deep end. I am so confused about the whole situation. I looked at Shin, who seemed to be intrigued by the whole situation, but managed to keep track. See, he’s a smart guy. He may have been thrown in the deep end, but he knows how to swim. He’s probably figured all of this out by now. I haven’t had to use my head this much in a long time, and it hurts.

“Mum moved back to Japan, and she wouldn’t let me stay with Gramps. So now I’m back here with you. Aren’t you just the luckiest?” Yoshiyuki briefly explained with a massive grin on his face. But it was the same way he spoke to Shin - manipulative. He wanted Terao to leave; to go home and talk to his parents so he’d have more time to talk to Shin. He could be a threat in the future. That scared me. Yoshiyuki was an uncalculated piece of the equation that could throw everything off. I don’t know what to do with him. It doesn’t help that I know nothing about him.

Is there anything you can do? This meticulous plan of yours seems based on years of methodical surveillance and careful consideration. Are you really going to let one boy change that because you made a couple of rash decisions?

How much do you know?

Not a lot - you’re a very cautious person. But it’s enough for now. I just pray it isn’t too late for this hope you’ve created. These people rely on it more than any of them realise. You know that, right?

Of course I know that. I’ve been there for them through their best and worst times. I’ve seen what hope can do. I’m the wonder boy. It’s my job to perform these fantastical miracles and give hope to these people - these children - when they are at their lowest. I’ve taken it into consideration, and as much as I hate to say it, my time is coming to an end. I don’t know how much longer I have left, and I don’t want him to ruin everything I have worked so hard to achieve.

Then you’re already stronger than the rest of us, Mr Wonder Boy. You have my full faith, just like always.

I’m sorry it has to end like this. Not for my death, but the events leading up to it. None of you deserved any of this.

“Great, now I have to deal with you as well. Go back home, and we’ll talk later.” Terao said with a huff of annoyance, and Yoshiyuki nodded in agreement. There was a hint of resentment in his eyes.

“Alright, see you later, bro.” Yoshiyuki walked away, and as he passed, he took one final glance at Shin, as if he was confirming what he saw. Terao’s gonna be in trouble when he gets home. That kid's gonna say something to their parents that is gonna make them mad at Terao. I can just feel it. And I don’t like him. But at the same time, I feel like he’s hiding something. He’s pushing everyone away so he doesn’t get hurt. That’s the vibe I get from him. Hurt everyone else before you can get hurt yourself. I guess I’ll find out eventually. I always do. It can’t be helped. The wonder boy is the only person people can trust.

Terao sighed, and then took one look at the crowd, which looked like it made him want to crawl in a hole and die. The guy was not only tired, but he had a weight on his shoulders that he wanted to share. “Everybody scram.”

The crowd quickly disappeared, as if they were afraid of what could happen if they didn’t, which I can understand. Terao had a reputation for being scary when he was mad, and we don’t want that. We don’t need Terao mad just yet. At least let me do something first. Both Shin and I shared a concerned glance. He was getting stressed out, and I still haven’t done anything yet. Shin gave him a curious look. “Are you alright?”

Terao nodded, a vacant look in his eyes. Something was on his mind, and it was scaring him, but he didn't wanna tell anyone. And he’s gonna say the same thing as everybody else when they’re breaking. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Shin furrowed his eyebrow, obviously noticing the change in our friend. This is the great thing about Shin. 99.9% of the time, he knows what’s up, and can instantly pinpoint it to something. And because he strives for perfection, when something’s off from what he’s used to, he notices the smallest details so quickly, which is why I’ve got to be careful around him. I can’t let my mask slip. He can’t know that this is all a facade. Shin let out a small sigh as he noticed a small number of people start to regroup. “What’s wrong?”

Terao looked at us uncomfortably. He still doesn’t want to tell us. Shin gave him a small nod in encouragement, and Terao took a deep breath. “So there have been these rumours going around that you and I are going out. My family has heard these rumours, and now think that we’re dating. The problem with this is that we’re not going out, they don’t know that you’re actually a dude, and they don’t know that I’m actually gay. But I can’t tell them this because they’re homophobic. So, life’s going just swell.” He explained, and I suddenly realised that not even I could make his day worse. “And as you’ve already heard, my mum and brother are now in Japan, meaning it’s gonna be ten times harder than it already was.”

“Calm down, Shishido. I’ll help you. I’ll pretend to be a girl for you, alright?” Shin said, taking his hands, and offering him a small, reassuring smile. I feel like I’m a third wheel, and I don’t like it. I shouldn’t have to be third-wheeling. I’m far too young for this.

“Ooohhh.” I heard the crowd say, and I instinctively burst out laughing. I was not expecting that kind of response. I mean, at least they’re not homophobic or transphobic or anything, so that’s a positive. Shin glared at me, and then at the crowd.

“I thought he told you all to scram,” Shin growled, and his voice faltered. That’s it. He was done. He wasn’t used to standing up to himself, and they’re going to jump on that small sign of weakness. He shouldn't have said anything. I almost felt bad for him.

“Or what? You f*****g freak!” Someone yelled, and I could honestly murder someone right now. I’m not going to, for obvious reasons. But I could.

“Hurry up and die, you monster! Your life is meaningless!” Someone else yelled, and I found it hard to restrain myself. I could easily slaughter the lot of them in 30 seconds flat. Maybe 35 because I am a little bit rusty.

“No one loves you, so you should just give up already!” I heard someone else cry, and I almost lost it. Almost. Then mum stepped in and kicked butt, which was so epic!

“They said scram, so hurry up and get your backsides back home now, OR ELSE!” Mum roared, and I have honestly never been so amazed and so afraid in my life. She looks like she’s gonna murder everyone she can see, but she’s also kicking butt. I instinctively took a step back, for safety precautions of course, as the entire crowd ran off in fear. That was so awesome, and so scary at the same time. I loved it! My mum is epic! Mum smiled at us and then walked back into the house.

“So, would you be happy lying for me?” Terao asked, a hopeful look on his face, and Shin nodded in agreement, setting it in stone. I was not expecting this to happen today. That was a nice turn of events. I still feel like I’m too young to be third wheeling right now, but that is beside the point, I guess. I think they’ll make a cute couple.

“Of course I would. I even have the right parts.” Shin chuckled, and we both stared at him, confused. “I’m intersex, and could use either female or male as my identity.”

“WAIT A MINUTE, YOU HAVE THE FULL PACKAGE?!” I screamed, and Shin nodded. “And why am I only just hearing about this? I take great offence to that, Shin Hattori.” I said, “I thought we had something great, but obviously not because I wasn’t even trusted with the most important thing about you.”

“I thought my Wi-Fi was the most important thing about me,” Shin replied, and I gave him a blank stare for a moment. I did say that, but he didn’t need to use that against me, and I feel betrayed that he would dare do this to me. Honestly, the audacity he has to take me up on what I said is incredible, arguably even ridiculous; suicidal. This person is crazy

I rolled my eyes at his clear stupidity. And he was supposed to be the smart friend of the group. Unbelievable. “Not including your Wi-Fi, dummy.”

“Of course. How could I be so stupid? We do have something, Seiji. It’s just difficult to bring these things up in conversation with you.” Shin told me, and I shrugged. I have no idea what he’s talking about. I am the easiest person to talk to and don’t make every conversation difficult for everyone.

“So, is this actually okay with you?” Terao asked, still seemingly unsure. I tilted my head to the side in curiosity. Why does he seem so uncertain? He’s usually so sure of himself. That’s strange. But then again, today’s been a strange day so far, hasn’t it?

“Yeah, I’m okay with this,” Shin reassured him with a small smile and squeezed Terao’s hands. Terao smiled a sad smile, and then kissed Shin’s forehead, leaning his own head on Shin’s and closing his eyes, wrapping his arms around Shin’s waist. He’s getting comfortable, ain’t he? Slow down there, mate. You’ve only just got into a ‘relationship’. Hurt him, and I will murder your ass.

“Thank you, Hattori.” He murmured, and what seemed to be relief flooded over him. This may have just saved him. I tilted my head to the side as I watched the two of them. This may turn into a great relationship. Or it could go horribly wrong because of Yoshimura. Hell, even Yoshiyuki could screw them over if he ever figures it out. But I think they’ve got a fighting chance. I glanced at Shin. If he doesn’t tell either of his brothers about this for at least a month then they may make it out of this.

“You’re welcome,” Shin replied, and then took us both inside, away from all of the stares of all the passers-by that were secretly judging the three of us. “Mama.”

“Yes, what’s wrong?” Mum stood at the dining room door and watched us make ourselves at home.

“Can we stay around?” Shin asked, giving her a sweet little smile that seemed to melt her heart. I wish I could do that. It’s not fair.

Mum ruffled his hair “You can stay for as long as you want. You know you’re always welcome here, right?” She looked at Terao and smiled. “Both of you.”

“Mrs Ishido?” We all turned to Terao, who looked uncomfortable with the situation he had been presented with. He was an honest person - he always had been. So when forced to lie to people closest to him, I didn’t expect him to act any differently. But there was something more. Almost like he actually had feelings. I, personally, think he lied to us as well. Not about everything, but the rumour part was something he came up with on the spot. I wonder why he would do that - ruin his perfect record for a white lie.

“What is it, sweetie?” Mum tilted her head to the side as she awaited an answer, and I narrowed my eyes at him. She knew. She was a mother, she always knew.

“Are you sure you want me to stay at your house?” He asked, still completely out of it, and she smiled at him. There was kindness in her eyes. Something that seemed like a rarity nowadays.

“Of course, I don’t mind. Like I said before, you are always welcome here. Drop by whenever you want to. If you need anything, you can always ask. If I can handle these two, I can handle you.” She chuckled, giving him a prisweet, almost as a kind of truce. She knew what was up, and was prepared to help with the aftermath. We didn’t deserve someone so caring as she was, but here we are.

“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?” I whined, keeping up the act, and hopefully keeping the positivity going. I might even cause a couple of laughs. I just hope they know that they’re not alone in their fight and that this world isn’t as bad as it seems.

“You know exactly what I mean!” Mum said, putting her hands on her hips. Things are getting real, people. Her hands are on her hips. This might get ugly. I need to find cover.

“I’m not that bad!” I protested, taking a couple of steps back in case I needed to make a break for it. If I need a place to stay for the night, I could always break into Shin’s apartment and stay there.

“Sure, you’re not,” Shin told me, amusement written all across his face, and I pouted. He’s supposed to be on my side. This isn’t fair! I want someone in my corner. If Kitani was here he would have stuck up for me. Two against one just isn’t right, I demand to have someone here rooting me on.

“I’m not!” I insisted, and everyone started laughing at me. Their laughs scare me, and they make me think that I’m doing something wrong and that they’re judging me for every move I make and every word I speak, and I can’t catch a break. But, on the other hand, I strive to make people laugh and experience happiness because no one wants to feel sad for too long. Sadness is temporary, trust me, I know, but I’ve also learnt that so is happiness, which means I’ve got to make people as happy as I possibly can for as long as I possibly can, because what else could I possibly do? “Why does no one believe me?”