Niji {Mahiro×Reader}

Chapter 9- Shattering

Today we were travelling by plane. It was coincidence that Kiryu would be on the same domestic flight as the circus staff.

The circus staff were allowed on first, and my trapeze partner was the one sitting next to me. I had an aisle seat, which I really loved, so I was beginning to settle in. My partner was tired, as he had been partying all night at a bar before the flight. Before the plane had even set off, he had ended up resting on my shoulder.

I was pretty alright with it, really. I honestly couldn't care. We had to be close and trust each other for those stunts, so we had had several bonding sessions before, some of which had been worse. Like sleeping in the same bed, or showering at the same time in the same bathroom. Or even changing in the same room. Circus schedule was as such, especially for us pair performers. Not much we could do to change it.

But perhaps the discomfort came when Kiryu's members began to board. I think it was a shock to most of the members, but misunderstandings happen. Mahiro was looking down at his phone, walking past me and ignoring me. He only looked up once Mitsuki called him, because he wanted to have a switch in seats.

I had no idea why I felt so hurt and worried. Perhaps because we were friends. And he was treating me way colder than usual. I couldn't let my mind rest on the matter. I wasn't able to sleep a wink on the 8 hour flight.

It was after the flight that I realised my sight was beginning to return to its monochromatic state. The dark blue of my suitcase was increasingly turning into a dark gray. The colour of our passports, originally a multitude of colours, were turning back into different shades of gray as well.

Perhaps that had rubbed off on me. The colour of my soul began to drain, all feelings of excitement had started turning to despair.

This was the same as that day. I had flashbacks, horrible ones, back to that one day. The pain in my stomach, the glint of a knife, the cold hard concrete.

I did my best to imagine the colours back- but my mind was undoubtedly in tandem with my eyes. Eventually, even the wonder of music began to fade- the fire that Kiryu's music once brought me, had now subsided into dying embers.

Kiryu had a transfer flight, so I wouldn't be seeing them till 2 weeks later. Meanwhile, tour buses had been provided for us, 4 person to a bus, with beds and other basic facilities inside. I dragged myself into one with my partner, the ringmaster and a contortionist.

Throughout the 3 days trip, my change in personality was evident. I only did what was necessary, such as eating, washing up, and the basic exercises everyday, but otherwise, I spent my time on my bed, either trying to sleep, or using my phone. Nothing held meaning anymore. Not even this choice to join the circus troops.

I could still perform excellently, force a smile if needed, but anything anyone tried to do would fail to cheer me up. I tried calling or texting Mahiro, only to be left on read, or declined of my call. I absolutely refused to talk or open my mouth unless necessary.

[Mitsuki's POV]

The band has been quite cheerful overall. Takemasa and Hiyori still joking around, Junji joining in occasionally, Mahiro still as socially awkward.

But something was wrong with the atmosphere. Everyone could feel it. One of us was feeling slightly down. Heartbroken, even. Everyone knew who it was. But the raven haired male refused to show any sign of it, staying strong throughout.

It was breaking him inside. He would ignore any messages sent by her, decline any calls. And yet he seemed perfectly fine. Takemasa and Hiyori never joked about her. Junji never mentioned her. I didn't know what to do. I saw one of my closest friends tearing at the seams, and I couldn't do anything.

A whole week passed by, leaving another till we would come into contact with the circus group. I wondered how she was feeling. How she was coping. Was she coping?

But fixing their relationship would fix him, that, I knew.