Sora's POV
Lying on my bed, I stared at the ceiling, lost in thought, as I contemplated my next move.
The Inter-high Junior Tennis Tournament loomed just two days away, and my body and mind desperately needed a break. Thankfully, my coach had recognized this and granted me a well-deserved day off from the gruelling practice sessions.
I decided to roll onto my side. I propped my head up with my hand and sighed in relief. It was a rare chance to rest and recharge before the tournament demanded my all.
With the day ahead stretching out before me, I couldn't help but let my mind wander about how to make the most of this precious time. And then it hit me – why not spend it with Shoyo?
As I lay there, I thought about how to make our day special. The money I had earned from my past tennis tournaments could be put to good use.
It was time to enjoy the fruits of my labour – maybe treat ourselves to a nice meal, explore some stores, or whatever else came to mind. The possibilities were exciting.
"That could work," I muttered, a sense of anticipation coursing through me. With newfound energy, I pushed myself up from the bed, determined to turn this day off into a memorable experience.
Leaving my bedroom, I ventured into the living space of our place, my steps purposeful. The thought of spending quality time with Shoyo made me smile.
As I stepped into the living room, a familiar scene greeted me. Shoyo was engrossed in watching a volleyball match on the television, and his attention was riveted to the screen. He seemed so absorbed in the game that he didn't notice my arrival.
A mischievous grin tugged at the corners of my lips as an idea formed in my mind. I decided to seize this golden opportunity and have a little fun – I would give Shoyo a playful scare.
Moving stealthily, I began to sneak up on him, my steps soft and deliberate.
With each silent step, my excitement grew. I could already imagine the surprised expression that would cross Shoyo's face when he finally realized I was there. The element of surprise was on my side, and I was determined to make the most of it.
Carefully, I closed the distance between us, my heart racing with anticipation. Shoyo remained focused on the match, utterly oblivious to my presence. This was the perfect moment to strike.
Just as I was a hair's breadth away, ready to execute my plan, my foot brushed against a small object on the floor. The unexpected contact caused a soft noise.
Shoyo's head whipped around, his eyes widening in surprise as he finally registered my presence. Caught in the act, I couldn't help but burst into laughter at his startled reaction.
"Aniki, you scared the heck out of me!" Shoyo exclaimed, a mixture of surprise and amusement colouring his tone.
Chuckling, I raised my hands in mock surrender. "My bad, Shoyo! I couldn't resist giving you a little scare."
His lips curled into a playful grin, his surprise quickly melting into amusement. "Well, you succeeded in that," he admitted, his eyes still holding a glint of laughter.
"Yeah, I did," I chuckled in response, my amusement evident. Gathering my composure, I continued, "Anyways, wanna hang out?"
A warm smile replaced Shoyo's surprise as he considered my offer. "Sure! I want to buy some new shoes." His enthusiasm matched mine, and I could already sense the excitement building.
I nodded, my grin widening. "Great! Let's grab some lunch first. I heard a new burger joint is supposed to be really good," I suggested, eager to kick off our bonding time with some delicious food.
Shoyo's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "Sounds like a plan, Aniki!," he agreed, his stomach apparently in sync with his excitement.
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Sporting our new casual attire, Shoyo and I entered the bustling environment of AEON MALL Natori, a renowned shopping destination in Miyagi prefecture.
The lively atmosphere and diverse array of stores immediately caught our attention, promising a day filled with exploration and excitement.
Our decision to wear matching outfits wasn't just a coincidence – it reflected our unique bond as twin brothers.
Clad in vibrant orange hoodies, light blue jeans, and crisp white rubber shoes, we walked side by side, our outfits a testament to our shared connection.
The only way that could identify us is by our height. I'm taller than Shoyo by 2 centimetres.
As we strolled through the mall, our matching attire garnered a few curious glances and smiled from onlookers.
It was a simple yet powerful way to showcase our unity and our special bond. We weren't just brothers; we were partners in crime, allies in adventures, and supporters of each other's dreams.
The mall's vibrant energy resonated with our excitement. We exchanged glances with each store we passed, silently communicating our shared interest in exploring further.
As we ventured into the mall, the promise of delicious food, intriguing shops, and a few friendly competitions at the arcade lay ahead.
...
Time had flown by, and three hours into our mall adventure, our shopping bags had multiplied. Our spree yielded an array of items, each a testament to the diverse interests and needs we were catering to. And among those bags was a special purchase with Shoyo grinning from ear to ear – his brand new volleyball shoes.
Seeing his excitement as he held the shoe box, I couldn't help but share his joy. Volleyball was more than just a sport for Shoyo; it was a passion that defined a significant part of his life. The new shoes were not just footwear; they symbolized his dedication and love for the game.
We also thought of our loved ones as we continued our shopping escapade. Our purchases included new clothes for our younger sister, Natsu, and mom. The thought of surprising them with thoughtful gifts brought smiles to our faces. It was a small gesture that carried the warmth of our love and appreciation.
Shoyo's sudden question caught me off guard as we continued our stroll through the mall. "Aniki, what are you going to buy?" he inquired, his curiosity evident in his tone.
I arched an eyebrow in mild surprise, his question prompting my own. "What do you mean by that, Shoyo?" I asked, intrigued by his line of thought.
Shoyo and I bought a ton of stuff. What does he mean by that?
"I meant stuff for yourself," Shoyo clarified, his gaze earnest. "These things you bought are for me, Natsu, and Mom, and none are for yourself."
His observation left me momentarily speechless, his insight a testament to his thoughtful nature. As I processed his words, appreciation and amusement bubbled up. Leave it to Shoyo to notice the fine details and express genuine concern.
I chuckled softly, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "Well, I guess I got a little caught up in making sure everyone had something special," I admitted, my tone light.
Shoyo sighed and lightly punched me on my shoulder, "Aniki, you deserve something special, too. We should find something you like before we leave."
Shoyo's playful punch and heartfelt words struck a chord within me. His genuine concern reminded us that our bond went beyond being brothers; we were each other's support system and source of care.
"You're right," I agreed, a soft smile tugging at my lips. Shoyo's insight often guided me in ways I hadn't considered.
As I pondered what to buy, my brows furrowed in thought. "I don't know what I want at the moment," I admitted, my voice reflective of my uncertainty.
The truth was, I was at a point in my life where I had everything I needed. My recent sponsorship deals had provided me with top-notch tennis equipment, leaving little room for additional purchases. It was a fortunate position, but it left me in a dilemma regarding indulging myself.
My gaze wandered around the mall, searching for inspiration. Among the various stores, one caught my attention – a barbershop. A simple idea began to form, and a grin spread across my face.
"I think I have an idea," I announced, my eyes lighting up as I turned to Shoyo. "How about I treat myself to a nice haircut? It's been a while, and I could use a fresh look."
Shoyo's approving nod mirrored my excitement. "That's a great idea, Aniki! A new haircut can change your vibe."
I looked over at Shoyo, considering his response. "What about you, Shoyo? Want to get a new haircut?" I asked, curious about his thoughts.
Shoyo sighed his expression a mix of fond exasperation and amusement. "I'm fine, Aniki. You're being over-caring once again," he replied, his tone light but sincere.
I chuckled softly, knowing that Shoyo was used to my occasional bursts of concern. "Can't help it, you know. Part of being a big brother," I teased, my smile warm.
I nodded and offered a grateful smile. "Thanks, Shoyo."
With a sense of purpose, I made my way to the barbershop. The welcoming atmosphere put me at ease, and a staff member approached me, offering me a seat.
"Hello, what kind of haircut would you like?" the barber asked, his tone friendly.
I considered the question, realizing I was open to something new but unsure of the specifics. "Do you have any pictures of different hairstyles?" I inquired, hoping to gain some inspiration.
The barber nodded with a smile. "Yes, of course. Here you go." He handed me a book, its pages filled with various hairstyles, each accompanied by a corresponding image.
As I flipped through the book, I couldn't help but glance at my reflection in the mirror.
With newfound determination, I pointed to a particular hairstyle in the book. "I think I'll go for this one," I said, my voice carrying a mix of excitement and readiness.
The barber nodded, his professional demeanour kicking in. "Excellent choice. Let's get started."
As the scissors and clippers did their work, I couldn't help but feel a sense of renewal. Just as the hair fell away, I felt a weight lift, as if shedding the old to make way for the new.
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Shoyo's POV
Sitting on a bench, I glanced at my watch, realizing I had been waiting for Aniki for thirty minutes. Despite the passage of time, my anticipation remained intact, my excitement growing with each passing moment.
As I waited, I couldn't help but wonder about the kind of haircut Aniki had chosen. His decision to update his look was intriguing, and I envisioned the potential styles he might have gone for.
With a small smile, I reflected on our day so far. The shopping, the laughter, and the shared experiences had already made this bonding time special.
"Hey, Shoyo!" Aniki's voice rang out, pulling me from my thoughts.
Startled by the sudden sound, I turned my head toward the direction of his voice, a smile forming on my lips as I spotted him approaching.
I was genuinely amazed by his new hairstyle, and as I saw Aniki in his undercut style, I couldn't help but be impressed by how well it suited him.
The sides and back of his head were cleanly buzzed or cut very short, accentuating the sharp angles of his face and jawline. The contrast between the closely cropped sides and the more extended top portion of his hair added a sense of dimension and edginess to his overall look.
But what truly caught my attention were the signature orange spikes that adorned the top of his head. Left longer and styled in a spiky or slightly tousled manner, they retained his distinctive touch while blending seamlessly with the contemporary undercut style.
"Aniki, you look amazing!" I exclaimed, my enthusiasm evident in my tone and expression.
He grinned in response, a mixture of satisfaction and lightheartedness dancing in his eyes. "Thanks, Shoyo! I figured it was time for a change, and I'm glad you like it."
Ring!
My phone ringing caught my attention, and I instinctively reached into my pocket to retrieve it. Glancing at the screen, I saw that it was Mom calling.
"Aniki, Mom is calling me," I informed him, a slight hint of curiosity in my tone.
"Shoyo! Where are you two?!" Her voice came through with a mix of urgency and concern, carrying a hint of irritation.
I exchanged a glance with Aniki, the seriousness of the situation evident in both our expressions. Mom's tone was enough to convey that something important was at play.
"We're at AEON MALL Natori, Mom," I replied, ensuring my voice was clear and steady. "Is everything okay?"
"You went to the mall without turning the lights off?!" Her words came through with exasperation and concern, making it clear that this was more than a casual inquiry.
I exchanged a startled glance with Aniki, both of us taken aback by the revelation. The realization hit me like a jolt – in our excitement and the rush to leave, we had forgotten to perform a primary household task.
Aniki's expression mirrored my disbelief, and I felt the weight of the situation settle in. "Aniki, I thought you turned off the lights?" I turned to him, my tone mixed with disbelief and genuine surprise.
Aniki's response was a nervous chuckle, and he scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Oops! Sorry about that!" he confessed, his voice mixed with embarrassment and genuine remorse.
As he admitted to the oversight, I couldn't help but release a sigh. It wasn't the first time this had happened – there had been instances where Aniki had forgotten to turn off the lights before leaving.
The sigh responded to the situation and a moment of shared exasperation. It was a reminder that even as we grew and had our responsibilities, some things remained consistent.
But beneath the sigh was an undercurrent of affection. It was a quirk, a part of who Aniki was, and even though it led to moments like this, it was also part of what made him endearing and human.
As I exchanged a knowing look with him, I couldn't help but offer a small smile. "It's all right, Aniki. Let's make sure to remember next time."
A nod accompanied Aniki's sheepish grin. "Definitely. The third time's the charm, right?"
"You both better go home now. Natsu is waiting for you," Mom's voice came through with a mix of authority and concern.
"We'll do, Mom," Aniki and I responded simultaneously, our voices overlapping perfectly.
The moment it encapsulated the synchronization that often came naturally to us as twins. It was a reminder that even in our individuality, a unique connection bound us together – a shared understanding that went beyond mere words.
I ended the call and turned to Sora, a slightly sheepish smile on my lips. "Aniki, lead the way. I already forgot," I admitted, a light chuckle escaping as I scratched the back of my hand.
Sora grinned in response, his amusement evident. "Sure thing, Shoyo."
Sora took the lead with his characteristic confidence, guiding us toward the mall's exit.
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Author's Note:
Hello! I hope you all enjoy this chapter!