The next few days, Reo came to observe the fact that [Name] seemed a lot more up in the clouds than he usually was, and while he wouldn't normally mind it seeing as how he's come to get used to his weird behavior, it was the lack of attention that set him off.
[Name] would be seen sitting in a daze as he watched the teacher, his lips spilling hums and even a few lyrics, either in Japanese or some foreign language Reo couldn't make out. Either way, whatever it was seemed to occupy [Name]'s mind 24/7 leaving Reo no space for himself.
It took him a considerable while before he eventually snapped on one specific morning.
______
Reo wasn't pouting, he seriously wasn't! As the one and only Mikage heir, pouting isn't a thing that he does.
And yet, as he stared at his seatmate who hadn't once glanced his way ever since class started, he couldn't help the frown that tugged on his lips. Sure, he did receive a greeting and a few words here and there, but that wasn't enough!
Eventually, lunch came around and Reo was determined to finally get [Name]'s eyes set on him and him only.
As they both unpacked their lunch (Yes, Reo started asking his parents for packed lunches instead of just buying from the school cafeteria), Reo couldn't help but continuously sneak glances at the other while [Name] remained unaware.
After setting up his food, [Name] dug into his bag once again only to pull out the music player with earbuds already attached to it. Reo couldn't help but look at the device curiously.
"A music player?" Reo asked as he grabbed the item from the other's hand, observing the item boredly. It looked plain and old, but that's mostly because he'd been spoiled by the high-tech items his parents had showered him with.
"Hey!" [Name] whined a bit as he reached out to grab the device back from the other. A light bulb seemed to glow on top of Reo's head as he leaned the gadget further away. It seems like he's finally got [Name]'s full attention on him.
Had he known this was all it took then maybe he should've stolen this device a lot earlier.
As Reo continued to tease [Name] by leaning the music player away from his reach, his fingers seemed to accidentally press a button due to the tight grip he had on the device. As a result, music began to play from the item.
Despite the earbuds plugged in, the music was still somewhat audible from its speakers. Reo's eyes couldn't help but connect the pieces as he recognized the song being the same one [Name]'s been humming a lot these past few days.
"I didn't take you to be this interested in music," Reo couldn't help but laugh lightly as he felt [Name] stop struggling to reach up and grab his gadget. "Although I recommend you get a new one. This is quite old and there are tons of new models out there with more features than this." He explained as he finally gave it back.
"This was given to me by someone..." [Name] mumbled with a light frown as he hugged the item. Moreover, he wouldn't have asked his mom for a new one anyway.
The statement seemed to cause a glint in Reo's eyes as he leaned back against his chair, his eyes still glued onto [Name] figure. "Why don't you join the music club," Reo suggested suddenly, easily changing the subject, as he gave a hollow smile.
"I might like music but that doesn't mean I'm good at it," [Name] pouted at the ridiculous suggestion as he eventually placed his music player on his desk, deeming it safe for him to do so without Reo possibly snatching it up again.
Reo merely raised an eyebrow at the statement as he crossed his arms. He didn't know if he was being serious or not but if he was, then [Name] must be a lot stupider and less self-aware than he thought he was.
For a kid who didn't have any voice training (as far as he knows, at least), he admittedly has a great voice. It was enough to put the people a few grades above them to shame, at least.
"Just join," Reo argued simply, knowing full well that [Name] wouldn't listen to him even if he laid down good arguments. "Besides, you haven't joined a club yet anyways. Might as well choose something you like." He shrugged.
That seemed to bring a thoughtful look onto [Name]'s face. The teachers did tell him that everyone was required to join at least 1 club. He was thankful that they gave him a lot of time to think about it seeing as how he was fresh meat in this school.
"Fine," He sighed after a considerable amount of thinking.
"Yes!" Reo grinned in victory as he pumped his fists dramatically. [Name] merely rolled his eyes as he finally opened up the food container on his desk.
As he put on his earbuds and took a bite of his food, he didn't notice the way Reo's victorious grin turned into a mischievous one. Purple eyes seemed to turn to the calendar set inside the classroom before beginning to eat as well.
This was going to be so much fun.
______
The following afternoon, Reo had dragged [Name] over to the room where he knew the music club was being held. Although he never actually sought out the place, he's passed by enough times whenever he got dragged by people trying to hang out with him.
"Actually, maybe I should do this a different day," [Name] mumbled nervously, feeling his stomach rumble in anxiety at the thought of having to do this. "I just remembered I haven't told my mom and I don't want her to wait-"
Reo wasn't buying any of his excuses whatsoever as he kept pushing the smaller kid over to the door. "Just do it! You don't even have to do much. Just sing and let the teacher tell you if you made it in or not. It won't even take that long!" He argued as he held [Name]'s shoulders firmly, ensuring that he wouldn't run away.
"But..." [Name] stated at the door that seemed so much bigger than it actually is uncertainly. He took a deep breath and was about to argue some more until Reo suddenly knocked on the door.
"Just calm down. You'll do well, trust me." Reo murmured as he took a step back.
The loud sound seemed to make [Name] jump a bit as he quickly composed himself. Coincidentally, the teacher in charge of the music club opened the door instantly.
"What can I do for you?" A man asked as he greeted them with a kind smile.
"I- um," [Name] stuttered a bit, feeling intimidated despite the kind aura the man radiated.
Reo seems to roll his eyes from behind him before taking over. "My friend wants to try out for the club."
Realization seemed to dawn on the young adult's face as he turned to look at [Name]. "That's nice." He stated before opening the door a bit more. "What talent will you be performing? An instrument?"
[Name] watched as the teacher gestured to all sorts of instruments available in the room. He couldn't help but feel a bit fascinated at the many objects all clustered together. "Wow." He couldn't help but let out.
The teacher seemed to chuckle at his reaction as he placed a hand on his hip. "Amazing, right? Normal schools wouldn't put in this much effort to accommodate something simple like the music club but they do." He stated fondly, his eyes shining as he gazed down at the nearby piano.
[Name] couldn't help but smile along at the sight. Red lines were spread around the room, that much was a normal sight for him, but the enchanting part was the way it flowed around his teacher.
His eyes followed the long length of the thread and from his perspective, it almost seemed like they were wrapped around each of the instruments given how so much of the string was flowing seamlessly in the room.
"
Don't be shy to use them," The teacher urged slightly in attempt to ease his nerves, it seems like he must've assumed his silence as a form of nervousness.
While it wasn't entirely true, he appreciated the effort.
"Actually, I won't be using an instrument." He mumbled before that familiar feeling of wanting to back out suddenly came back. "Maybe I should just go-" He laughed nervously and backed away only to bump into Reo.
"He's going to be singing." Reo offered the teacher a charming smile as he pushed [Name] forward, causing him to stumble. Before the latter could complain, Reo was already by the door.
"I'll be outside, tell me how it goes!" He yelled before slamming the door shut.
[Name] couldn't help but clench his fists as he turned to face the patient looking teacher with a smile.
"Well..."
______
Reo tapped his foot impatiently on the floor as he waited for [Name to come out. He was standing guard outside just in case the other decided to run out suddenly.
As much as he wanted to watch and be one of the first to see the other perform, he knew how it feels like to not want to be seen when accomplishing certain things.
He understands how uncomfortable it is to start when there are eyes watching your every move, as if willing to mess you up. Granted, he would never think of [Name] like that but the mind is one vicious creature, and he can't control what the other thinks.
At long last, after who knows how many minutes of leaning against the wall silently, the door finally creaked open.
Reo perked up into attention only to be caught off guard when [Name] immediately threw himself onto him. The heir, despite the initial shock, was still quick to react as he wrapped his arms around the other.
"I got in!" [Name] yelled in delight, his happiness an infectious disease, causing Reo to smile as well. "I got in! I got in! He said he liked my song too!"
Reo simply watched the other bounce giddily at the praises he got with a fond smile. "See? What'd I tell you?"
"Thank you!" [Name] responded immediately as he turned to look at Reo once more. "For pushing me to do this, I mean." He added, a lot more quieter.
Reo's eyes widened for a split second before softening. "Anytime." He ruffled the other's hair.
As they had their moment, [Name]'s eyes suddenly widened as he remembered something.
"Wait, my mom!" He yelled in distress as he remembered she was still waiting for him.
He was quick to scurry off to their usual meeting place but not before giving Reo a smile and a goodbye wave.
Reo reciprocated the action before crossing his arms against his chest, his eyes watching [Name]'s figure until he was out of sight.
Once he was gone, he turned back to look at the closed door that led to the music room. He couldn't help but wonder slightly how [Name] performed.
He'd be a lot more upset if he didn't know that [Name] would end up performing sooner or later.
Yes, a grin formed on Reo's face as he remembered the up coming event.
The school festival.
__________________
I feel like I could wrap this childhood arc in like 4-6 more chapters before they're all finally grown up. I honestly just wanted a backstory for the MC so the ideas I have in the future would make more sense (And be more painful) :)