ɢᴀɴɢ-𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦! [ ᴛʀ x ᴍᴀʟᴇ! ғᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ]
CH. 14
Joyride by Kesha and Zhone
"I'm just looking for a joyride, joyride
I'm just looking for a good time tonight
Baby, I want you to
Rev my engine 'til you make it purr
Keep it kinky, but I come first
Beep-beep, bitch, I'm outside
Get in, loser, for the joyride"
MORNING settled quietly over the house, the kind of calm that would encourage anyone to sleep longer and lounge at their beds all day long. (Tru)
The dining table was already set with plates aligned neatly, steam still rising from the food M/n had prepared. Delicious congee with garlic bread.
M/n stood by the counter, sleeves slightly rolled, drying his hands with a cloth as footsteps echoed down the hallway.
Ran came out first, fingers already threading through his hair as he fixed it with lazy loops. Rindou followed, a yawn slipping past his lips, headphones hanging lazily around his neck. Neither of them greeted him.
M/n didn’t miss the opportunity as he slid into the chair across from them, resting his cheek lightly on his palm, a small smile playing on his lips.
“Good morning.” he greeted, tone light, as if this was the most natural thing in the world.
“I was wondering if I’d be dining alone again today. That would’ve been tragic." Ran scoffed, grabbing his utensils.
“You talk too much in the morning.”
“Do I? Well, I guess in a rather good mood today.” M/n replied lightly, taking his seat across them. Rindou snorted faintly, already eating. M/n hummed, resting his chin lightly on his palm as he observed them, not in a suffocating way, but in a way that noticed things.
How Ran avoided certain dishes. How Rindou ate faster when he liked something. It was just something he picked up on ever since the twins began to join him at the dinning table.
M/n was stoked at the twins joining him for dinner. He finally made progress! 🫦
So, M/n grew bold. Not wanting to waste every opportunity to join the boys at the table whenever they come home, even if he was already done eating, he would brew himself some tea just so he could be with them.
"So? How's the congee? It's not salty right? Is it delicious?" M/n jabbed tons of questions at the twins. Ran paused for half a second at that.
"Why the hell are you fishing for compliments?"
"Oh, did it sound that way? I'm merely asking for feedback so I know what to fix about it." M/n chuckled, taking out a notepad. This caused Ran to choke on his water.
"Oi! Why do you need to take down notes?! Creepy!" M/n frowned at that.
"If I want to know the your critique, then it's only normal to take note, right?"
"Maybe remember it instead?! That's weird!"
As Ran and M/n bickered, Rindou put his utensils down and grabbed his glass of water.
"It's not bad, could use more ginger. Other than that, it's delicious..." Rindou said groggily. M/n and Ran stared at Rindou for a long time.
M/n finally processing this, started to note down.
"Ah, got it. More ginger... Ah, one more thing. Rindou is honest when he just woke up—"
"Stop noting that, you creep!"
Once they were done eating, M/n settled the dishes on the sink. Meanwhile, the chairs scraped softly as the twins stood up almost at the same time, grabbing their jackets like muscle memory.
M/n tilted his head slightly. “Heading out?”
“Obviously,” Ran replied, already walking toward the door. M/n faced the twins, brushing his hands together lightly.
“Mind if I join you?”
“Hard pass.”
“Yes, we mind.”
The rejection was immediate. M/n blinked once, then exhaled softly through his nose, amused. “That was quick.”
“You can’t come,” Ran added, already walking toward the door. M/n tilted his head slightly, smile still there
"That sounds like a rule. I don’t remember agreeing to it, though.” Rindou opened the door.
“You don’t need to.” Ran said before cloaing the door a little hard. And just like that, they left.
Cricket sound effx
M/n stood there for a moment, staring at the closed door.
“…Tough crowd,” he murmured. Then he grabbed his own jacket.
“Well, they didn't say I couldn't follow after them.” he added under his breath, a faint glint in his eyes. M/n went out the house quietly, tailing behind the two Haitani brothers.
The city was alive and loud. M/n moved through it with ease, quiet, unnoticed, like james bond. M/n was curious at what the twins do whenever he's at work. He wanted to see if they have any interest in particular.
So, M/n commenced a mission.
_________________________________________
OPERATION: observed Ran and Rindou Haitani for the day!
(Aka a day in a life of the Haitani brothers) ™
_________________________________________
M/n wrote on his notepad, with a smile on his face. To get to know your kids, a parent must know their child's interest, likes, and dislikes.
Sure, M/n know the twins birthday and where they were born in their adoption papers—but the fuck cares about the basics? That's only scratching the surface!
While following the two, M/n noted things he noticed. Like how Ran lingered near shop windows more than expected, fingers brushing fabrics like he was testing quality without buying.
Huh, now that M/n saw it, he realize how Ran dress. His clothes were neat and often times stylize.
"Is Ran a big fan of clothes and fashion? Huh... I'll write that down." M/n scribbled on the paper.
_________________________________________
OPERATION: observed Ran and Rindou Haitani for the day!
(Aka a day in a life of the Haitani brothers) ™
—Ran likes clothes and cares for fashion, or his fashion.
________________________________________
M/n smiled at his notes and wanted to see if Rindou might show what he likes during his observation. Luckily, Rindou had music playing constantly, sometimes through headphones, sometimes low enough to leak into the air. His head tilted slightly with rhythm, fingers tapping unconsciously.
"Hm... Big fan of music, I see...I'll write that down."
_________________________________________
OPERATION: observed Ran and Rindou Haitani for the day!
(Aka a day in a life of the Haitani brothers) ™
—Ran likes clothes and cares for fashion, or his fashion.
—Rindou seems to like music. Not sure what kind and specific artist yet.
_________________________________________
M/n took note of everything. Clothes, music…Simple things.
Then, something shifted. They stopped near a crowded street corner, bodies brushing past them in a constant stream, and M/n’s gaze sharpened when he saw it.
It was quick, almost invisible if you weren’t looking for it. Ran bumped into a woman. He apologized to the girl and pulled out the most charming smile he could manage.
It was something someone could overlook, just a teen apologizing for bumping into a stranger. Nothing wrong with that. But, M/n's eyes cuaght Rindou's hand slipped into the womans pocket and came out with a wallet like it was nothing. M/n froze.
“…You’ve got to be kidding me.” His expression flattened, disappointment settling heavy in his chest in a way he didn’t expect. Not anger no...not yet.
Just…that quiet, parental kind of disappointment that felt worse.
“Really?” he muttered under his breath.
“…This is what you’re doing?” He watched as they walked off like nothing happened.
“Yeah, no,” M/n said to himself, pushing off the wall. “We’re not doing this today.”
Ran and Rindou chuckled at their ploy, flipping the wallet open, already checking the contents, completely unfazed.
“This has decent amount.” Ran said, flipping through the cash.
“Split it? I wanna replace my earphones, the other side is not producing sounds” Rindou asked.
Before they could even discuss their plan for the poor poor wallet, a hand reached out, taking the wallet off of Rindou's hand. The twins were about to shout and possibly beat the living hell out of the person who stole their goods (Hypocrites, I cannot 🖐🙄)
M/n stood there, holding the wallet between two fingers, head tilted slightly, eyes curved in that same gentle smile.
But this time, It felt different.
“You boys are full of surprises,” he said softly.
“You two work well together. Though, shame about the method.” he said mildly. Ran’s expression darkened immediately.
“Give that back.”
"Funny for you to say that..." Instead, M/n turned away slightly, jogging his way to the lady on the crowd while dragging the twins in the collar of their shirt.
“Excuse me—!” he called out. The woman from earlier paused, looking back.
M/n approached her calmly, offering the wallet with both hands.
“I believe you dropped this earlier. It’s a busy street, things tend to disappear quickly.” M/n stood there, holding the wallet loosely, head tilted slightly, eyes curved in that same calm smile.
Relief flooded her face.
“Oh—thank you! I didn’t even notice!” M/n chuckled lightly, shaking his head. “No need to thank me. My sons were the ones who picked it up. They’re just a little shy.”
The woman looked at the twins who were silent and red, smiling warmly.
“That’s very kind of you boys. Thank you!” She left, completely unaware.
And just like that, silence dropped.
Ran grabbed M/n by the collar, pulling him down slightly. “What the hell was that?” Rindou’s arm hooked around his neck from behind, tightening just enough.
“You trying to get yourself killed?”
M/n didn’t resist, didn’t tense. Hey, they were still on the streets with people passing by, the people walking were none the wiser about what the hell was transpiring. If anything, it looks playful with how M/n was smilling despite having his collar gripped and his neck on a headlock.
He simply raised both hands slightly, as if humoring them.
“Careful, I just ironed this clothes.” he said lightly. “
“Answer.” M/n’s smile softened. Then, just slightly faded.
“It’s wrong.” he said. Rindou scoffed.
“Don’t start acting like a parent now.” M/n glanced at him, eyes still gentle but sharper now.
“I don’t act like one,” he replied quietly.
“I am one. I think you forgot that I am your Father.” That made them pause. That made Rindou pause. Ran’s grip tightened.
“Shut the fuck up, you don't get to speak as if you raise us.” M/n didn’t respond immediately.
His eyes opened just enough to show the E/c beneath. And something in it shifted.
A stare that was a mix ot both disappointed and cold yet hold a tinge of anger.
“Then consider this your first lesson...” he said softly. The air changed, enough to make Ran’s fingers hesitate.
“…I don’t like children who steal,” M/n continued, his smile didn't quite match his eyes.
“Not because it’s illegal. But because it’s pathetic. And I don't like it." Rindou’s arm loosened slightly. Ran’s grip faltered.
Because the way he said it, wasn’t loud, wasn’t aggressive, It was worse. Heck, he wasn't even displaying any signs of anger.
Before Ran and Rindou could say anything. As quickly as it came, the tension broke. M/n smile returned again, like nothing happened.
“So, instead of stealing. You can ask me for money, though I do advise you not to abuse this privilege." he added, tone light again.
Ran frowned. “Like hell we would.”
“I’d say thats better than stealing like a racoon who hasn't been fed in days." M/n replied simply. Rindou narrowed his eyes. He gently removed Ran’s hand from his collar, then slipped out of Rindou’s hold with ease.
“Deal?”
No answer, but no argument either. M/n clapped his hands once, the sound light, almost cheerful.
"I'll take your silence as a yes."
"We didn't—"
“Alright!” he said, already stepping past them. “Now that that’s settled, where are we going?” Ran blinked.
“We’re not—”
“You already rejected me once today,” M/n cut in smoothly, glancing back over his shoulder, smile calm but eyes knowing.
“Let’s not make it a habit.” Rindou stared at him.
“He’s inviting himself.” Ran clicked his tongue.
“…Yeah.” They exchanged a look and followed anyway.
Ran and Rindou didn’t bother hiding their irritation as M/n casually fell into step beside them, hands tucked in his pockets like he belonged there.
Ran shot him a look, clearly annoyed, while Rindou rolled his eyes. The two exchanged a glance, silent communication passing between them in an instant.
Ran leaned slightly toward Rindou, whispering just low enough.
“…Let’s ditch him properly.” Rindou’s lips twitched, catching on quickly.
“Yeah. I’m getting tired of his face.”
M/n, walking right beside them, tilted his head just slightly.
“If you’re going to conspire, at least lower your voices. It loses its charm when I can hear you." He said mildly, The twins froze for half a second.
Then Ran straightened, clearing his throat, face immediately shifting into something neutral. “We were talking about the new amusement park.” Rindou nodded along, hiding his smirk.
“Yeah, it just opened recently.” M/n blinked then his expression brightened just a fraction.
“An amusement park? Now that sounds promising.” he echoed, tone light, almost intrigued.
He stepped a little closer, naturally too, and draped an arm over each of their shoulders before either could react.
“Let’s go, then, seems like a perfect opportunity." he said with an easy smile. Ran stiffened.
“Opportunity for what?” M/n’s smile didn’t falter.
“To spend time with my sons. Like a family bonding!” Rindou let out a short, awkward laugh, clearly uncomfortable.
“You’re being weird.” M/n agreed.
“You’ll get used to it.” Ran and Rindou exchanged another glance, this time with a bit more urgency.
…Yeah. They really needed to lose him. Fast.
The amusement park buzzed with energy, bright lights, loud music, people everywhere. It was the kind of place that swallowed people whole.
Perfect.
Ran’s eyes scanned the rides before landing on one in particular, a towering drop ride that goes up into the sky before plunging straight down. A slow smirk formed on his lips.
“There,” he said, pointing. “Let’s ride that.”
M/n followed his gaze, studying it briefly before nodding.
“Ah. Straight to the nerve-wrecking ones. I like that.” Rindou snorted.
“Try not to cry on the way down.” M/n glanced at him, amused.
“If I do, I’ll make sure to hold your hand for comfort.”
“Don’t touch me.”
“Ahahah! I'm kidding!”
They got on the ride. The attendant’s voice echoed through the speakers, instructing everyone to secure their seatbelts. M/n did so without issue, checking the harness with practiced ease.
𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞!
He leaned back slightly, completely at ease. Then, at the last possible second, Ran and Rindou slipped out of their seat, gone before the ride could even fully register their absence.
The mechanism locked and the ride started. M/n looked down. The twins were already on the ground, grinning.
“I see...” he murmured. Not surprised. Just… mildly amused. Ran cupped his hands around his mouth.
“Have fun!” Rindou snickered.
“Don’t scream too loud!” The ride goes up.
Wind rushing past, people around him screaming as the height climbed higher and higher. M/n remained still. Calm and unbothered. At the peak, just before the drop he exhaled softly.
“…So that’s how you want to play.”
Then, The ride dropped.
𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗔𝗛𝗛𝗛𝗛𝗛𝗛𝗛𝗛𝗛𝗛𝗛𝗛!!!!
Screams erupted around him. M/n didn’t make a sound, his eyes were glued to the twins who were running, possibly even laughing at the bottom.
Meanwhile, Ran and Rindou were already walking away, laughter slipping freely now.
“I told you it would work.” Ran said smugly. Rindou grinned.
“He actually stayed. Didn’t even notice.”
“Too easy.” They moved deeper into the park, scanning for their next ride. Rindou shoved his hands into his pockets.
“He really thought we wanted to bond or something.” Ran scoffed.
“He’s not even in our circle.” “Yeah, way off.” Rindou added.
Suddenly a voice spoke behind them.
“…And when do I get the invitation?” Both of them froze. They turned.
M/n stood there, just a few steps behind them, fixing his slightly disheveled hair with one hand. His expression was the same as always, soft, composed, almost pleasant.
Like he hadn’t just been dropped from the sky minutes ago. Ran blinked.
“…What?” Rindou stared. “How the hell—”
M/n tilted his head slightly.
“You left rather suddenly,” he said, tone thoughtful. “I assumed the ride was too much for you.” Ran’s eye twitched.
“We didn’t—”
“It’s alright, not everyone handles heights well.” M/n continued smoothly, cutting him off without raising his voice. Rindou scoffed, irritated.
“You think we got scared?”
M/n smiled. “Well, you did get off before it started.” he said lightly, Ran clenched his jaw. “We chose to.”
“No need to hide it.” M/n nodded. Rindou’s eye twitched now too. “You’re annoying.”
Ran exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “How did you even find us?”
M/n hummed, glancing around briefly before looking back at them.
“You underestimate how predictable you are. You go where it’s loud,” M/n continued, almost casually. “Crowded. Places you can disappear in… but also places you enjoy.” Ran clicked his tongue. “Tch.”
M/n’s smile softened again, like the sharpness from earlier never existed.
“Anyway,” he said, clapping his hands once lightly. “That ride was quite fun.”
“That was not ‘fun,’” Rindou snapped. M/n ignored that.
“So...” he continued, already stepping forward, “what’s next?” Ran and Rindou stared at his back. Burning stares could ignite M/n if they could.
“We’re not done trying to lose him,” Rindou muttered. Ran smirked slightly.
"We'll figure out another way.” he agreed. Then they followed.
It didn’t stop there.
At some point, M/n casually excused himself, mentioning he’d be heading to the bathroom for a bit, but the moment he stepped out and returned, the space where Ran and Rindou had been was already empty. Not even a trace.
Just the faint echo of their laughter somewhere deeper into the park. M/n stood there for a second, blinking before letting out a quiet hum, the corner of his lips lifting ever so slightly.
“Ah… so that’s the game now,” he murmured to himself, not even remotely bothered. It happened again. And again. Each time, they’d slip away the moment he turned his back slipping into crowds, ducking behind stalls, blending into noise like they were born for it.
And yet, every single time, M/n found them. Effortlessly and casually. Like he had all the time in the world to track them down.
By the third attempt, he wasn’t even pretending to be surprised anymore. He simply walked up behind them, hands in his pockets, and spoke like he had never been gone. The pattern became obvious, and honestly? A little insulting.
M/n chuckled softly under his breath, watching them from a short distance as they whispered again, clearly plotting their next escape.
“Do they really think they can keep treating me like this and get away with it?” he muttered, voice amused, but there was something underneath it now.
“How bold.” His smile didn’t fade. If anything, it deepened.
“Alright… I’ll play.” So when Rindou casually mentioned he was going to the bathroom, clearly setting up another attempt to split up and lose him again, M/n didn’t even bother stopping him. Instead, his attention shifted to Ran.
And Ran, unfortunately for him, didn’t notice.
“Hey,” M/n called lightly, already turning on his heel. “Come here for a second.” Ran frowned, suspicious. “Why?”
M/n didn’t answer directly. He just smiled, the kind that didn’t explain anything, and gestured lazily toward a nearby attraction. “You’ll see.”
Ran clicked his tongue but followed anyway, more out of curiosity than trust.
The mirror maze loomed ahead, walls of glass and reflections twisting endlessly into one another. Before Ran could question it further, M/n stepped inside, and something in the way he moved made Ran follow without thinking.
That was his first mistake.
The moment they were inside, M/n’s hand moved quick, and the tie holding Ran’s hair slipped free. Ran’s head snapped slightly at the sudden looseness. “Oi—”
But M/n was already walking ahead, his reflection multiplying endlessly across the mirrors.
“Catch me if you can.” he said lightly. Ran scoffed.
“You’re asking for it.” He lunged forward—
And ended up slammed straight into glass.
“Tch!” His reflection stared back at him, identical, mocking. Somewhere ahead, M/n’s voice echoed, calm, unbothered.
“Careful! Not everything that looks like me is actually me.” Ran grit his teeth, turning sharply, trying again only to hit another invisible wall.
And another.
And another.
Every time he thought he saw M/n just ahead, every time he reached out, nothing but glass met him.
“Stop running!” Ran snapped, irritation building fast. M/n’s faint laughter echoed somewhere in the maze.
“I’m not running,” he replied smoothly.
“You’re just… chasing the wrong things.”
Ran’s eye twitched.
“I swear when I get my hands on you—”
“Not if you can't catch me, no?” M/n’s voice came again, closer this time, but when Ran turned, there were only reflections. Endless, identical, frustrating reflections.
By the time Ran realized what was happening, M/n was already gone.
Outside, M/n stepped out of the maze like nothing had happened, adjusting his sleeves calmly. Not even a hint of rush in his movements.
Right on cue, Rindou returned, hands in his pockets, scanning the area.
“Where’s Ran?” he asked. M/n glanced at him, expression unreadable for a split second before that soft smile returned. Then, after a small pause,
“He's...reflecting.” Rindou stared at him.
“Um... Okay? Whatever, there's a ride I want to try." M/n tilted his head.
“What did you have in mind?”
Rindou pointed toward a small, brightly colored mini rollercoaster clearly meant for children, the kind with exaggerated curves and cheerful music playing in the background.
“That one.” he said.
M/n glanced at it, then back at him.
“Oh…it's cute. I get it.”
“Yeah,” Rindou replied flatly. (Lie.) M/n nodded as if taking it at face value.
“Alright.” They got on. Rindou sat down, already planning his move.
He heard the click of a seatbelt and smirked inwardly, thinking M/n had already secured himself. His plan was simple, wait until the last second, slip out, and leave M/n stuck riding a kiddie ride alone. Oh god, this would be so embarrassing. Imagine seeing an adult riding a kiddie ride. Rindou already has the camera open on his phone.
But just as he was about to move, M/n spoke.
“Oh! Rindou, you’re not buckled.” Rindou paused.
“Here.” M/n said gently, leaning over.
𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞!
The belt locked in place. Except, It caught. Rindou blinked, tugging at it slightly. It didn’t move. His clothes had gotten stuck.
“…Oi.” M/n straightened, glancing at the mechanism with mild curiosity before nodding to himself.
“That should keep you safe.” Rindou frowned, pulling harder now. “It’s stuck.” M/n hummed. “Hm? Is it?” The ride operator’s voice echoed faintly in the background.
“Ride starting.”
Rindou’s head snapped up. “Wait—” M/n stepped off the cart, effortlessly and unbothered.
“Honestly, I think I might be a little too old for this.” he said, tone was almost thoughtful.
“But since you wanted to ride it, I’ll let you enjoy it.” Rindou froze.
“…You didn’t—” The ride jerked. And started moving.
“Oh, you’ve got to be—” The small cart rolled forward, cheerful music playing obnoxiously as it climbed the tiny track. M/n stood just outside, hands in his pockets, watching and grinning at the teenager who was stuck on a kiddie ride.
Rindou struggled with the belt, face heating up as realization fully hit him.
“Get me out of this!”
“Mm, you look like you're having fun.” M/n hummed, pulling out his phone. “You're doing great sweetie!" The cart dropped.
Not even a big drop, yet Rindou flinched. 🤦♀️
“SHIT—!” Children nearby pointed.
“Why is that guy on the kiddie ride?”
“Is he lost?”
Rindou’s face burned. “I swear I’ll kill you!”
𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞!
M/n tilted his head slightly, reviewing the picture he cuaght with quiet satisfaction.
“Hold that expression,” he said calmly. “It suits you.”
And just like that, the game had turned. Oh, hoe the table have turned...
After a couple of minutes, Ran finally stumbled out of the mirror maze looking like he had just fought an invisible enemy and lost his patience somewhere inside it.
His hair was half-loose, half-braided, strands sticking out in every direction, and his expression? Absolutely murderous. He wanted to murder a certain H/c man.
At almost the same time, Rindou managed to wrestle himself free from the kiddie ride, his clothes slightly wrinkled and his pride completely shattered.
The moment their eyes spotted M/n, standing a few feet away, relaxed, scrolling through his phone like he hadn’t just humiliated both of them, they didn’t even need to say a word.
They moved without a second thought. Rindou hooked an arm around M/n’s neck from behind, pulling him into a headlock, while Ran grabbed the front of his collar and yanked him forward.
“You think you’re funny?” Ran snapped, eyes sharp with irritation, while Rindou tightened his hold just enough to be annoying.
“Real funny, huh?” M/n, to his credit, didn’t even struggle. He let out a soft whistle instead, hands raised slightly in mock surrender, completely at ease despite being restrained.
“Mm… I’m getting a strange sense of déjà vu,” he mused casually. “Didn’t we do this earlier?”
“Shut up,” Rindou grumbled.
“We should beat him,” Ran added flatly. M/n tilted his head slightly, still smiling.
“That seems a little excessive over a children’s ride and a reflective experience.”
Ran’s grip tightened.
“You trapped me in a maze.”
“And you tried to abandon me on a drop ride,” M/n replied smoothly.
“And?"
M/n hummed, then sighed softly as if indulging them. “Alright, alright. I’ll make it up to you.” That caught their attention. Both of them paused.
M/n glanced at them from the corner of his eye.
“Go on, dare me to do anything. Consider it compensation.” he continued, voice calm, almost inviting. Ran and Rindou exchanged a look.
A slow grin spread across both their faces.
“…Anything?” Rindou repeated. M/n smiled. “Within reason.”
“Don’t add conditions now,” Ran shot back.
M/n chuckled.
“Fine. Within your imagination, then.” That was enough. The twins released him almost immediately, their earlier irritation melting into something far more dangerous, excitement.
“Oh, you’re screwed,” Rindou muttered under his breath. Ran cracked his knuckles lightly.
“We’re not wasting this.”
M/n dusted off his collar, completely unfazed, watching them with quiet amusement as they started scanning the park like hunters searching for the perfect trap.
“Take your time,” he said lightly. “I’d hate for you to waste such a valuable opportunity.”
And they did take their time. Maybe a little too much time, though.
Because the problem slowly became obvious.
“…What does he even hate?” Rindou muttered, arms crossed, eyes darting from ride to ride.
Ran clicked his tongue. “I don’t know.” They both fell silent. It hit them at the same time.
They didn’t know anything about M/n.
Eh, 50/50. 6—7-ish probably.
They knew his name, his reputation, his past. The way people talked about Nightingale like he was untouchable.
But him?
What he liked, what he didn’t, what scared him.
Absolutely nothing came to mind.
Trailing a few steps behind them, M/n watched quietly, hands in his pockets, smile faint but knowing. He could practically hear the gears turning in their heads and failing altogether. It was almost endearing.
“Awh, thinking this hard over me? I'm flattered” he teased softly.
“Shut up,” both of them said at the same time. M/n chuckled.
Truthfully, he wasn’t worried.
Because there was one ride, just one. that, he absolutely refused to get on.
And if luck stayed on his side…
They wouldn’t pick it.
Ran exhaled sharply after a while, running a hand through his hair.
“This is so annoying.”
“I’m thirsty,” Rindou muttered, glancing toward the food stalls.
M/n took that as his cue.
“Let’s take a break, then” he suggested casually, nodding toward a nearby bench. “You’re both starting to look like you’re about to fight the rides instead of enjoy them.”
They walked over, settling near the food stalls, the noise of the park slightly more distant there. M/n reached into his pocket and pulled out a few bills, holding them out to Rindou.
“Go on,” he said. “Get something cold.” Rindou blinked, clearly caught off guard.
“…Huh?”
“Consider it part of my apology. "M/n added lightly. Rindou hesitated for a second before taking the money anyway.
“Tch… don’t think this fixes anything.”
“Noted.”
Ran immediately leaned back, smirking.
“Get me a slurpee too.” Rindou shot him a look.
“You’ve got legs.”
“I'd rather I use yours.”
“…You’re so annoying.”
“Go.” Rindou grumbled under his breath but still turned to head toward the stall, muttering curses that made M/n chuckle quietly.
“Oh, siblings, such a fascinating dynamic.” M/n mused. Ran ignored him, focusing instead on fixing his hair, until M/n suddenly held something out.
“I apologize for taking this.”
His hair tie.
Ran clicked his tongue and snatched it back, already tying his hair again with practiced ease.
“Want me to braid it for you?” Ran froze. But was quick to turn it down.
“No.”
“I’m quite good at it.”
“I said no.” M/n nodded easily. “Alright.”
Silence settled for a moment as Ran continued braiding his hair, M/n watched quietly and suddenly he got an idea. without a word, pulled his own hair tie loose.
Ran glanced at him.
“…What are you doing?” M/n smiled faintly. “Copying you.” Ran’s eye twitched.
“Don’t even. ” M/n ignored him completely, beginning to braid his own hair with surprising skill.
“That’s my style,” Ran snapped, clearly annoyed now.
“Well, I'm just inspired by the Ran Haitani that I want the same hairstyle.” M/n replied lightly.
Ran let out a long, irritated sigh but didn’t stop him, focusing instead on finishing his own braids. Still… his gaze flickered back once.
M/n’s hair looked… good.
Ran would be lying if he said that he wasn't jealous. M/n's hair was smooth, clean and shiny in a way that it looked like he was fresh out of a hair appointment.
Ran hesitated for a moment. Then, almost reluctantly, he spoke. “…What do you use?”
M/n paused mid-braid, glancing at him.
“Hm?”
“Your hair,” Ran muttered, avoiding eye contact. “What product do you use?”
M/n’s smile softened, just a little.
“A rather expensive one,” he said.
"It does its job well, though. Keeps it healthy, makes it easier to manage… especially if you style it often.” Ran tried not to look too interested but failed anyway.
“If you want, I can buy you a bottle next time I go out.” he added casually, Ran scoffed immediately. “I didn’t ask.”
“I know."
“I don’t need it.”
“I didn’t say you did. I just wanted to share it to you. You take care of your hair, right?”
Ran didn’t shut it down completely, M/n noticed that too. So he just smiled, quietly satisfied.
Rindou returned not long after, three slurpies in hand, the plastic cups sweating under the afternoon heat.
He didn’t say anything when he approached, just set one down in front of M/n with a small, almost careless thud before dropping beside Ran on the bench. His eyes averted immediately after, fixed somewhere far too intensely on the pavement.
M/n glanced at the drink, then at Rindou, and the corner of his lips lifted just a fraction.
“Ah, how generous. I must be doing something right today.” he hummed lightly, picking it up.
Rindou clicked his tongue, already stabbing his straw through the lid.
“They were on promo,” he muttered, tone dismissive, like he was justifying it to himself more than anyone else. Ran snorted beside him, stretching his arms behind his head as he leaned back.
“He probably bought the wrong size and needed someone to dump it on.” Rindou shot him a glare. “Shut up.”
M/n chuckled under his breath but didn’t press further, letting the moment settle without making it heavier than it needed to be.
“Oh right, Rindou. You can keep the change, in case something else catches your eye.” he said, tone light as if it were nothing.
Rindou blinked, clearly caught off guard, his fingers tightening slightly around the money before he quickly shoved it into his pocket.
“…Yeah, sure.”
He didn’t say thank you, but he didn’t push it back either.
The three of them sat there for a while, the noise of the amusement park buzzing around them. laughter, music, the distant mechanical clanking of rides.
Ran and Rindou pretended to mind their own business, sipping their drinks, while M/n leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on his knees as he scanned the attractions ahead. Then his eyes lit up.
“Oh, that looks fun.” he said suddenly, straightening as he pointed toward the distance. Ran and Rindou followed his gaze, spotting the large bumper car arena, lights flashing as people slammed into each other with reckless joy. Laughter and mock outrage echoed from the area as cars collided in chaotic bursts.
M/n’s expression softened into something almost boyish, a quiet kind of excitement settling behind his calm demeanor.
“We should try that next. Might help clear your heads. You’ve both been thinking awfully hard back there.” he added, glancing at them.
Ran scoffed, rolling his eyes.
“Like we’re doing this for fun. We’re trying to make you regret your actions earlier.”
Rindou leaned forward, elbows on his knees, frowning slightly.
“Also, It’s not fair,” he muttered. “We don’t even know anything about you. How are we supposed to figure out what you hate?”
M/n tilted his head slightly, sipping his drink again before answering, his tone easy.
“That sounds like a ‘you’ problem,” he said with a faint smile.
“I don’t know much about you two either. Seems pretty even to me.” Ran shot him a look.
“Don’t twist it like that.”
“I’m not twisting anything.” M/n replied smoothly.
“If anything, this is a great opportunity. You learn something about me, I learn something about you. Sounds productive to me.”
Rindou exhaled sharply through his nose.
“Or you’re bluffing,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “What if the ride you ‘hate’ isn’t even here? What if you’re just messing with us?”
M/n chuckled, low and amused, shaking his head.
“No bluffing, It’s here. You’ve both probably seen it already." he said. Ran clicked his tongue, irritation creeping in.
“Then give us a hint. There’s like a hundred rides here.”
Rindou nodded in agreement, crossing his arms. “Yeah, One hint. At least make it fair.”
M/n hummed, tapping his finger lightly against his cup as if considering it. His eyes flickered between the two before he smiled.
“I’ll give you a hint,” he said, “on one condition.” Ran immediately looked suspicious.
“Of course there is.”
M/n’s smile didn’t waver.
“Next time you go out, you let me tag along. No running and no disappearing acts.” he said, voice calm but firm beneath the softness.
The twins stiffened slightly.
Ran clicked his tongue again, clearly annoyed, while Rindou leaned back with a frown.
“That’s a pain.”
“It’s a deal,” M/n replied simply.
“If you want the hint, you agree.” They exchanged a glance, wordless communication passing between them.
Then Ran sighed, dragging a hand down his face. “Fine. Whatever.”
Rindou groaned but nodded.
“Yeah, yeah. Deal.” M/n’s smile softened, just slightly more genuine now. “Great.” He straightened, lifting a finger as if beginning a lesson.
“First hint, when you think of an amusement park, it’s one of the top three things people imagine immediately.” he said, voice light. Ran frowned. “Top three…”
Rindou tilted his head, thinking, then suddenly smirked, eyes glinting with mischief.
“Hold on.” M/n raised a brow.
“There’s two of us.” Rindou said, pointing between himself and Ran.
“So we deserve two hints.” M/n stared at him for a moment, completely unimpressed.
“…That’s not how that works.” Rindou shrugged shamelessly. “Yet it sounds fair to me.” Ran snorted. “He’s got a point.”
“Believe me, he does not,” M/n replied flatly, though there was a faint amusement in his eyes. He sighed softly, shaking his head as if indulging children, which, in a way, he was.
“…Ugh, what to do with you both.”
M/n exhaled through his nose, then lifted his hand again. “Fine. Second hint.” The twins leaned in slightly despite themselves.
“You can see it from afar, even from outside the park.” M/n continued. There was a brief silence.
Ran’s eyes narrowed, gears clearly turning. Rindou tapped his fingers against his cup, thinking. M/n watched them quietly, sipping his drink, the faintest curve of satisfaction on his lips.
“…Now,” he added lightly, nodding toward the bumper cars, “while you two overthink that, let’s go crash into people. Might help your brains function better.” Ran scoffed. “As if.”
he stood up anyway. Rindou followed, muttering under his breath. And M/n rose with them. Composed and just a little too pleased with himself.
Thee three of them had already drifted toward the bumper car arena, drawn in by the constant clang of metal and bursts of laughter.
The line snaked around the entrance, filled with impatient teens and overly competitive adults, and M/n stood there with his usual easy posture, hands tucked casually into his pockets while Ran and Rindou lingered just ahead of him, still whispering under their breath as if plotting something.
“Still thinking about my dare?” M/n asked lightly, tilting his head just enough for his voice to slip between them. Ran didn’t even turn around.
“We’re thinking about how annoying you are.”
“Ah, so you are thinking about me. I’m flattered.” M/n hummed, smiling faintly.
Rindou scoffed under his breath, but there was less bite in it now.
“Don’t butter yourself up. Creep."
When it was finally their turn, the attendant lifted the chain and let a group of them in, and that’s when chaos truly showed itself. People rushed forward, scrambling for the best cars like it was a battlefield instead of a ride.
M/n blinked once, then let out a soft chuckle under his breath.
“Oh, how competitive,” he murmured, stepping forward without urgency.
He spotted a two-seater immediately. A sleek F/c one and slipped into the driver’s side with ease, claiming it without fuss.
Meanwhile, Ran and Rindou had zeroed in on a single-seat car at the same time.
“I saw it first,” Ran said flatly, already placing a hand on it.
“You literally didn’t,” Rindou shot back, grabbing the other side. “Move.”
“I’m older.”
“That’s not how that works.”
“It does today.”
Rindou clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed, but in the end, Ran shoved him aside just enough to slide into the seat first, shooting him a smug look. “Find your own.”
Rindou stood there for a second, jaw tight, scanning the arena, only to realize every other car had already been taken.
“You've got to be kidding me...” From a few feet away, M/n leaned back slightly in his seat, watching the exchange with quiet amusement before lifting a hand and gesturing.
“Rindou, over here.” he called, voice calm but carrying.
Rindou hesitated, visibly resisting the idea for a moment before letting out a sharp exhale and walking over. he slid into the passenger seat.
"I’ll try to meet your expectations.” M/n replied smoothly, already adjusting his grip on the wheel. Rindou rolled his eyes, but he didn’t get off.
The attendant’s voice echoed through the speakers, reminding everyone to buckle up. M/n clicked his belt into place, then glanced sideways. “Seatbelt.”
“I know,” Rindou muttered, snapping it in.
“Good,” M/n said, smiling faintly.
“I’d hate to lose you mid-ride. Paperwork would be exhausting.” Rindou huffed, but before he could respond, the buzzer sounded and the ride began.
The cars jerked to life, humming as the arena filled with sudden movement. M/n didn’t hesitate. His foot pressed down on the pedal, sending their cart forward in a smooth, controlled surge. M/n chuckled under his breath. “Hold on.”
He steered with ease, weaving between incoming cars, occasionally bumping into others just hard enough to jolt but not enough to lose control. It wasn’t reckless, it was intentional.
After a moment, M/n noticed how Rindou was quiet. He was just sulking at his side, possibly still upset about earlier. He leaned sideways.
“You’re quiet.”
“I’m not—” Rindou started, then paused.
“I’m just...watching.”
"Uh-huh..." M/n paused for a moment, before saying something that cuaght Rindou's attention.
"Do you want revenge?” Rindou blinked.
“…What?”
“Your brother,” M/n clarified, eyes still on the arena. “He seems quite pleased with himself.”
Rindou followed his gaze, and sure enough, Ran was cruising nearby, completely unbothered, even sticking his tongue out at them when their eyes met.
“…Yeah,” Rindou muttered, straightening slightly. “Yeah, I do.” M/n’s smile deepened just a fraction.
“Then watch carefully.”
Oh, M/n is going to have fun.
Before Rindou could even question him, M/n pressed his foot down on the pedal. The cart surged forward with sudden speed, weaving between other riders with a fluidity that didn’t match the supposed clumsiness of bumper cars. Rindou’s eyes widened slightly, his earlier sulking fading as intrigue took over.
“You’re actually driving this seriously...!” he muttered, gripping the side of the cart as M/n maneuvered past another incoming hit.
“Half-hearted efforts are boring, I enjoy the thrill more.” M/n replied lightly. It didn’t take long before M/n’s gaze locked onto a familiar target.
“There he is.” Ran’s cart came into view just ahead, cruising confidently through the arena. As if sensing the attention, Ran turned and immediately caught sight of them charging straight toward him.
His eyes narrowed, and with quick reflexes, he swerved his cart just in time. M/n’s cart brushed past him instead of colliding. Ran clicked his tongue, then stuck it out at them with a smug grin. “Missed.”
But M/n only chuckled, soft and unbothered, his eyes narrowing slightly as his smile curved just a little sharper. “Did I?” He leaned forward.
“Rindou, hold on.”
Rindou barely had time to react before M/n slammed the pedal again. The cart shot forward. Ran saw it coming and tried to evade again. Keyword; Tried.
While he managed to slip past the initial angle, M/n didn’t chase directly this time. Instead, he swerved, fast and precise. forcing their cart into a tight arc that looped around Ran’s position entirely.
Rindou had to brace himself against the side, eyes flickering with surprise. “What the—”
M/n completed the turn, cutting Ran off from the side—
—and slammed directly into his cart.
𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗚!
Ran jolted hard in his seat, his expression immediately souring as the impact threw off his balance. TM/n lifted one hand off the wheel for just a second, forming a lazy L with his fingers, angling it toward Ran with a faint, almost playful tilt of his head.
Ran’s eye twitched.
“You—!” He slammed his foot down on the pedal, his cart jerking forward aggressively as he aimed straight for them.
“Get back here—!” M/n’s smile didn’t falter.
“Ah,” he mused, steering away just as smoothly. “He’s upset.” Rindou let out a short laugh despite himself. “You think?!”
The chase began in earnest.
Ran was relentless, closing the distance with every turn, his cart practically breathing down their necks.
But no matter how close he got, M/n slipped away at the last possible second. swerving, pivoting, controlling the flow of movement of the cart.
“You’re doing this on purpose!” Rindou realized, eyes narrowing. M/n hummed in acknowledgment, amusement clear in his tone.
“Wouldn’t you, in my position?” Ran growled behind them, pushing faster, more reckless now, desperate to land a hit.
He got close.
“Got you!” He lunged forward, but that’s when M/n moved. He took a sharp turn. The cart slid wildly but in a controlled, deliberate arc that cut away from the collision at the last possible second.
M/n juked Ran.
Ran’s cart, having committed fully to the hit, couldn’t correct in time.
𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗦𝗛!
He slammed straight into the barrier. Rindou’s eyes widened then lit up.
“No way!” He burst out laughing, loud and unrestrained, pointing shamelessly at his brother.
“You actually hit the wall—!” Ran slammed his hands on the wheel, glaring. “Shut up!”
Beside him, M/n let out a soft chuckle, clearly pleased, though his expression remained composed. "How unfortunate, Ran." Rindou turned back to him, still grinning.
“That was insane!”
M/n blinked once, almost like he hadn’t expected the compliment, before his smile softened just slightly. “Thank you.”
He didn’t stop driving. Instead, he glanced at Rindou again, eyes glinting faintly with mischief.
“Do you want to see something funny?” Rindou raised a brow. “Hm?”
“Count down from ten.”
“…Huh?”
“Ten. Trust me.” M/n repeated calmly.
Rindou hesitated, but curiosity got the better of him. “Fine...Ten… nine… eight…”
Behind them, Ran had already recovered, his cart speeding toward them again with clear intent.
“Seven… six…”
M/n continued to drive, weaving effortlessly through the remaining riders, never once looking rushed.
“Five…” Ran was gaining again.
“Four… three…” Closer.
“Two…” Rindou glanced back. Ran was literally inches away from them.
“One… zero—”
Then, right on cue. The ride stopped. Every cart froze in place. Ran’s cart halted just an inch behind theirs, so close it almost looked like it should have hit.
“Are you kidding me?!” Ran snapped, slamming his hands against the wheel in pure frustration.
M/n turned his head slightly toward Rindou, smile calm, almost innocent.
“Ta-daa.”
Rindou stared. Then he laughed again, harder this time, the sound breaking through whatever distance he’d been holding onto all day.
“That—…that’s so dirty, you did him so dirty!” he managed between laughs.
“You planned that! everything, you planned all of it!”
M/n only shrugged lightly.
“Planning is just anticipation with confidence.”
Rindou shook his head, still grinning, breath uneven from laughing.
“You’re actually… fun to hang out with.” For a brief second, M/n stilled. Then his smile softened.
“I’m glad you think so.”
BY the time M/n recovered from Ran’s very loud and very personal rant about “cheap tricks” and “unfair driving,” the three of them had already drifted away from the bumper cars and back into the heart of the amusement park.
The noise, the lights, the crowd. it all blended together into something lively and overwhelming.
Behind them, a Diva followed behind them at an easy pace, one hand tucked into his pocket while the other held a freshly bought slurpie.
M/n took a slow sip, letting the cold settle him after the chaos of the ride, his expression relaxed, almost lazy but his eyes stayed on the two boys in front of him.
“Careful,” he called out lightly, voice carrying just enough to reach them.
“If you keep huddling like that, people might think you’re planning something suspicious.”
“In a sense, yeah. We are planning something,” Rindou shot back without turning around. Ran smirked. “And you’re not invited.”
M/n hummed, unbothered.
“That’s unfortunate. I do enjoy being the center of attention.” The twins ignored him, already deep in thought.
“Top three rides…” Rindou muttered. “Ferris wheel, carousel, and rollercoaster is what we agreed that comes in our mind..."
Ran nodded slightly.
“And the second hint, something you can see from far away.”
“So, carousel’s out, it's too small. Also what could even scare M/n? The horse?” Rindou concluded immediately.
“Which leaves rollercoaster… and Ferris wheel,” Ran finished, tapping his chin. They walked in silence for a moment, both thinking hard.
“Rollercoaster makes sense, It’s obvious. Big, fast, you can see it from anywhere.” Ran said finally. Rindou shook his head. “But isn't it too obvious? He said he likes thrill rides earlier. That’s suspicious.”
“Then Ferris wheel?”
“Maybe he’s scared of heights?”
The twins took a moment to think. Long and hard (🫦). Then, as if a telepathy had connected their brains, they realized something.
"M/n didn’t even flinch on the drop tower!” That made both of them pause. They slowly turned their heads. M/n was still behind them, sipping his drink like he had not a single problem in the world.
“…It’s the rollercoaster.” Ran decided suddenly.
“Yeah, it has to be" Rindou agreed, narrowing his eyes. They both spun around so fast it looked like they nearly gave themselves whiplash.
“We pick rollercoaster.” they said at the same time. M/n blinked once. Then he nodded.
“Alright.”
That was it and M/n passed by them to the direction of the rollercoaster. No hesitation. No reaction. Did they...
Did they got it wrong?!
The twins’ confidence shattered instantly.
“That was too easy...he didn't even react...” Rindou muttered. Ran clicked his tongue.
“I think we picked wrong...”
“Was it the Ferris wheel?!”
“Or none of them—?!”
M/n smiled faintly, saying nothing as he walked past them toward the line. And just like that, the two of them were thrown into full panic mode.
THE line for the rollercoaster stretched long, filled with excited chatter and nervous laughter, but Ran and Rindou weren’t paying attention to any of it. They kept glancing at M/n, watching him carefully, trying to catch even the smallest hint.
But he was calm.
Hands relaxed. Posture loose. Even sipping his drink like they weren’t about to strap him into a machine designed to throw people around at high speeds.
“We completely messed up...” Rindou whispered.
“Shut up, we’ll know when we get on.” Ran muttered back. But the closer they got, the quieter they became.
Until finally, it was their turn.
They stepped forward, the metal gates opening with a clank as the operator waved them in.
Ran exhaled sharply.
“…Fine. Whatever. If this isn’t it, we’ll just—”
He turned to M/n and stopped. Rindou followed his gaze and froze as well
M/n… didn’t look the same anymore.
He was still smiling, but it was tighter now, just a little strained at the edges. His hand was gripping the metal railing beside him, knuckles faintly pale, and though his posture remained upright, there was a subtle tension in his shoulders that hadn’t been there before.
“…Oi,” Rindou said slowly. M/n didn’t move. Ran’s eyes narrowed.
“No way...are you...?” M/n finally spoke, voice still calm, but quieter.
“W-we could… reconsider.” That was all they needed and Oh boy, they just found gold. A grin spread across Ran’s face.
“Oh, we’re definitely not reconsidering.”
Rindou snorted. “Not a chance.”
Before M/n could react, both of them grabbed him, one on each side and dragged him forward.
“Wait,” M/n said, his grip tightening on the railing. “Let me tell you something—Let me tell you something—!”
“Nope.”
“Character growth is important—”
“Too late for that now~”
M/n actually held on to the metal bar, digging his heels in slightly.
“I’ve grown enough." Ran laughed.
“You’ll grow more after this.” Rindou added,
“Face your fears, old man.”
“I am facing it,” M/n replied smoothly, still smiling despite the situation.
“I’m simply choosing not to engage with it.”
“Well engage harder.”
And omehow, by some miracle, against all odds, the twins managed to pry him off the railing and shove him into a seat between them.
M/n sat there, stiff. Like someone threw an ice bath challange on him. Gone was the relaxed ease, replaced by something… far more human.
“This was a mistake...” he muttered under his breath. Ran leaned in slightly, grin sharp.
“What happened to ‘half-hearted efforts are boring’?” M/n glanced at him.
“This isn’t half-hearted. This is self-preservation.” Rindou snickered. The lap bar came down.
𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗞!
M/n’s hands immediately wrapped around it, grip firm.
“It’s secure...” he said, almost to himself.
“Relax,” Rindou said, clearly not helping.
“It’s just a ride.” M/n gave him a look.
“That sentence has never reassured anyone in history.”
"Look, it's secure!" Rindou teased, shaking the lap bar a little too aggresive.
"Stop that! Have you seen Final Destination?!" M/n complained, his mind praying on multiple god and in different languages. The operator’s voice rang out.
“Ready?”
Ran smirked, absolutely ready for another thing to happen.
"Absolutely." Rindou snickered as he kept glancing at M/n. Wanting to see every emotions he could manage.
M/n inhaled slowly.
“No...”
The ride launched. Speed hit them instantly, the track rushing beneath as the coaster surged forward, twisting and turning without warning. Wind slammed against them, loud and relentless, as the loops came one after another.
Ran and Rindou whooped, laughter ripping out of them as the ride flipped and spun.
M/n… did not.
His jaw clenched, teeth digging into his lower lip as his grip on the bar tightened even more. His body stayed rigid, refusing to give in to the motion, but the sensation in his stomach flipping, his head spinning, was impossible to ignore.
“This is unnecessary!” he muttered. Another loop greet them.
“This is far too much!" Another turn. Rindou laughed beside him.
“You look like you’re about to die—!”
“I think I see the light...” M/n replied tightly.
Then, the Click at the very top of the rails.
𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸... 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸... 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸...
The coaster dragged them upward, higher and higher, until the entire park spread out beneath them. It pause at the top. Ran glanced at him, smirking.
“How is it?”
M/n didn’t answer. He stared forward, eyes unfocused, expression blank in the most concerning way possible.
“…I see everything, and I don't like it.” he said quietly.
And without any warning whatsoever, the cart dropped. Screams tore through the air, Ran and Rindou’s included.
And M/n felt it. That gut-wrenching, soul-leaving, gravity-defying drop that made his entire being feel like it had been ripped out of his body and left somewhere behind.
“…Ah,” he breathed or maybe that was his soul leaving.
By the time the ride finally slowed to a stop, M/n sat there in silence, hands still gripping the bar, eyes slightly unfocused as if he had just experienced something life-altering.
Ran leaned over, grinning.
“So? How is exposure therapy?" Rindou added, barely holding back laughter,
“Still prefer kiddie rides?” M/n blinked once.
Rindou snorted, trying and failing to hold back his laughter.
“You look like your soul got left at the top.” M/n blinked once. Then slowly, very slowly, he turned his head toward them.
His usual smile appeared. Calm and composed. As if he didn't almost ascend to heaven earlier.
“I will remember this...” he said quietly. The twins burst out laughing.
They barely made it ten steps away from the ride.
M/n suddenly stopped mid-walk, one hand coming up to cover his mouth as his other pressed against his stomach. His shoulders tensed, breath hitching just slightly.
Ran noticed immediately and his grin only widened.
“No way, are you gonna—” he said, already laughing.
“I need—” M/n cut in, voice tight but still somehow controlled. “Bathroom.”
Rindou didn’t even hesitate this time.
“This way. Pft...” he said quickly, grabbing M/n’s wrist and pulling him along before things got worse. Ran followed behind them, already losing it.
“Oh my god, you’re gonna puke. this is gold—”
“Your commentary is not helping.” M/n muttered weakly.
They made it just in time. M/n barely got to the sink before he leaned forward, gripping the edge as his composure finally cracked and he, very undignifiedly, threw up.
Ran lost it completely. He doubled over, clutching his stomach as laughter tore out of him, loud and relentless.
“You—haah...you were acting all cool—!”
he choked out between breaths.
“Mr. ‘half-hearted efforts are boring’ look at you now!”
Rindou, while still laughing, stepped closer and patted M/n’s back in a surprisingly steady rhythm.
“Alright, alright,” he said, trying to sound helpful despite the grin on his face.
“Get it out. You’ll feel better.”
M/n didn’t respond, too busy dealing with the consequences of his life choices.
After a moment, he finally straightened slightly, breathing out slowly as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Rindou handed him some tissue, which he took with a quiet, “Thank you...” Ran was still laughing.
M/n rinsed his mouth, then looked up at his reflection in the mirror. His hair was slightly messy, his face a bit pale but his expression?
Stayed calm after all that shenanigans. Like nothing had happened.
“…I handled it,” he said smoothly, dabbing his face with a paper towel. Ran pointed at him, incredulous. “You literally threw up.”
"Shut up, I'm still standing." M/n replied, turning to face him with that same gentle smile,
“Might I add; barely.” Rindiu added. M/n glanced at him, eyes soft but carrying that familiar edge.
“Recovery is part of endurance.” Ran shook his head, still grinning. “You’re unbelievable.”
M/n folded his arms lightly, posture returning to its usual relaxed stance.
"Let's just keep going."
BY the time they left the amusement park, the sky had already begun melting into warm shades of orange and gold.
The noise of the rides faded behind them, replaced by the quieter hum of the streets as evening slowly settled in. It had been a long day, longer than any of them expected.
M/n stretched his arms slightly as they walked, letting out a small sigh.
“We should head back,” he said, tone easy but firm. “If I don’t start cooking now, dinner will be late.”
Ran clicked his tongue but didn’t argue. Rindou just shrugged, hands in his pockets as they followed along. They were halfway down the street when M/n suddenly stopped.
His eyes locked onto something across the road. A bright red sign plastered on a store.
𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗘! 𝟱𝟬% 𝗢𝗙𝗙 — 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬!
“Hold on, wait here,” M/n said immediately. Before either of the twins could even react, he was already gone, full on sprinting across the street with alarming speed.
They both turned toward the store window just in time to witness absolute chaos.
Inside, M/n was already in the middle of it, shoulder to shoulder with a group of determined shoppers, most of them older women who looked like they had no intention of losing the battle.
Right in the center of it all was M/n, somehow smiling as he skillfully maneuvered through the crowd like it was just another challenge.
“Is he wrestling them?” Rindou muttered. Ran leaned slightly closer to the glass, watching as M/n expertly snatched a discounted pack of meat right before someone else could grab it.
“Lmao, he’s winning,” Ran said, impressed despite himself. They both stared for a moment. Before, they burst out laughing.
“Look at him!” Rindou wheezed.
“He’s fighting for his life in there!”
They stood there, watching for a bit longer, their laughter slowly settling into quieter chuckles.
“…Today was kinda weird,” Rindou admitted after a moment, shifting his weight slightly. “Didn’t think it’d turn out like this.” Ran hummed, glancing back at the store where M/n was now triumphantly holding a basket full of groceries.
“Yeah… weird.”
“But I guess, it wasn’t bad.”
Rindou glanced at him, a small smirk forming. “You mean you had fun?” Ran rolled his eyes.
“Don’t put words in my mouth.”
“You literally laughed the whole time.”
“That was because you looked stupid on that kiddie ride.” Rindou scoffed.
“Says the one who got lost in a mirror maze.”
Ran clicked his tongue. “That was sabotage.”
“Sybau, you just have skill issue.”
“Shut up.”
They fell into silence again, but this time, it was easier.
“He’s kinda annoying,” Ran muttered after a bit, crossing his arms.
“Always smiling like he knows everything.”
Rindou huffed a quiet laugh.
“Yeah...And he keeps hitting my nerves on purpose.”
“Right?"
“But…” Rindou hesitated, glancing back at the store window again, where M/n was now carefully inspecting vegetables like nothing had happened earlier.
“he’s not boring.” Ran followed his gaze, eyes narrowing slightly in thought.
“He said he’d buy me that hair product, didn't even hesitate to say it...” Ran said after a moment, almost like he was reminding himself.
Rindou smirked.
“You’re really hung up on that, huh?” Rindou snorted. Ran clicked his tongue, but didn’t deny it.
“He takes care of his hair too.” Rindou chuckled.
“Oh? Did you just find something in common with him?”
"Don't twist my words now, asshole."
Silence settled between them. Ran looked away, laying his eyes on the birds flocking by. While, Rindou, kicked a pebble.
“Still… he notices things.”
Ran didn’t respond immediately.
“…Yeah.” he admitted quietly.
Rindou leaned back slightly, hands in his pockets.
“And earlier… with the bumper cars, he wasn’t lying. That was insane. He literally did full on Tokyo Drift just like from Fast and Furious.”
Ran whipped his head toward him.
“He what?”
“I’m serious,” Rindou said, grinning now.
“You were too busy trying to get back at him, you didn’t even notice. But he spun that thing like it was nothing.”
Ran stared at him, clearly offended.
“You’re telling me I missed that?”
“Yep.”
"Hmph."
“It was cool though,” Rindou added, softer this time. “Being in the passenger seat and all. Kinda felt like… I don’t know. Like he had everything under control.” Ran exhaled through his nose, glancing back at the store again.
“He doesn’t act like it,” Ran muttered. “But he’s not normal.” Rindou laughed lightly.
“You just realized that now?”
“It's not like that, I mean— yeah, he's weird but...” Ran said, as he trailed off. Rindou didn’t push.
“I didn’t think he’d be scared of rollercoasters,” Rindou said instead, changing the subject slightly, a faint grin returning.
“That was… unexpected.” Ran snorted.
“Right? Acting all calm and shit, then suddenly he looks like he’s about to die.”
“Did you see his face?”
"I wish I took a pic, though. It would have been the perfect blackmail." They both laughed again.
“…Guess he’s not as perfect as he looks,” Rindou said, Ran hummed in agreement.
“Yeah...” Another pause settled between them but this one felt different. Not quite comfortable… but not distant either.
The wall between them and M/n was still there. solid and unmoving. but for the first time, it didn’t feel impossible to cross.
Unbeknownst to Ran and Rindou, a group of men lingered just beyond the corner of a building, their figures half-hidden in shadow, their motorcycles lined up like predators waiting for a signal.
One of them held a phone to his ear, voice low but urgent.
“Yeah… we’ve got eyes on them. The Haitani brothers. They’re alone right now...mhm...” There was a pause. Then he nodded, a slow, satisfied grin creeping onto his lips.
“Got it. We’ll handle it.”
The call ended. Engines roared to life. The sudden rev of motorcycles shattered the calm, drawing attention instantly.
Ran’s head snapped toward the sound, instincts kicking in before logic could catch up. His eyes narrowed as he watched the bikes speed toward them.
“Rin,” he muttered lowly, already stepping forward, “move.” Rindou barely had time to react before Ran grabbed his arm and yanked him back. A crowbar sliced through the space where Rindou’s head had been just a second ago, the metal whistling through the air with enough force to crack bone.
The impact hit nothing but air, but it was enough to send a jolt of adrenaline through both of them.
“What the hell—?!” Rindou hissed, stumbling slightly before regaining his footing, his eyes darting toward the attackers.
More bikes pulled up, surrounding them in a loose circle. ten, maybe twelve men, all dressed in dark clothing, faces half-hidden.
The atmosphere shifted instantly, from casual evening chatter to something tense, suffocating.
Ran clicked his tongue, irritation flashing across his face as he reached under his shirt for his baton, only to freeze when his hand grasped nothing.
“…What?!” His expression darkened, something sharper, colder slipping into place.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
A chuckle came from one of the men, low and mocking.
“Looking for this?” he said, lifting Ran’s baton in the air like a trophy. Before Ran could react, the man snapped it clean in half, the crack echoing in the space between them before tossing the broken pieces to the ground.
Rindou let out a quiet curse.
“Well… that’s annoying.” Ran exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the inconvenience rather than the threat.
“Guess we’re doing this the old-fashioned way.”
The fight broke out in an instant.
Fists flew, bodies collided, and the once peaceful sidewalk turned into chaos. Ran moved like a blade, precise and calculated.
While Rindou fought with a rougher edge, more reactive, his movements sharp with irritation. They held their ground well, knocking down attacker after attacker, but the numbers weren’t in their favor.
Every time one went down, another stepped in.
One of the men staggered back, pulling out his phone with shaky hands as he turned away from the fight.
“Boss… they’re tougher than expected. We’re getting overwhelmed—”
There was a brief pause before his posture straightened, like he’d just been given permission for something worse.
“…Understood.”
He hung up, slipped the phone back into his pocket and pulled out a pocket knife instead.
The glint of the blade caught the light just as he lunged forward, aiming straight for the nearest target.
Rindou.
Ran saw it immediately.
“RIN—!” Time seemed to slow for a split second. Ran moved, pushing forward with everything he had, but he was just a fraction too far.
Rindou turned too late, his body freezing as the realization hit, the knife already too close.
Rindou’s eyes squeezed shut.
—and then came the sound.
A sickening, unmistakable sound of something piercing through flesh. But it wasn’t him. Both twins froze.
A hand, had caught the blade mid-strike. The knife had gone clean through it. For a moment, everything went quiet.
Ran’s breath hitched, his mind refusing to process what he was seeing. Rindou’s eyes snapped open, widening in disbelief as he stared at the hand in front of him.
The blood, the blade embedded straight through a hand. The sharp end of it glinted and decorated with blood.
Rindou slowly looked at the owner of the hand.
And there, standing a few inches away from him was none other than M/n.
“Do you mind explaining...” M/n said quietly, his tone carrying an edge—so sharp that it put the knife embedded in his hand to shame—it cut through the chaos instantly,
“what the hell you think you’re doing to my sons?”
Ahahahahah...this chapter is mostly filler, but I'm starting to go on the Bonding Arc for their relationship.
I want to at least give you guys a wholesome moment before I pull out the angst in the upcoming chapter.
Hint: M/n's past is coming back to bite his ass 🤗
Oh right, I forgot. A little sneak peak of an upcoming fanfiction. The anime is underrated, so I'm not sure if most of y'all know it. I'm not sure when I'll initiate on writing it.
Does it ring any bells? No?
Hint: it's about kids. Our M/n is a co-parent and a vampire. The anime ends with the word 'Nursery'. 🤗
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