Back to Where We Began (Mikey X Y/N)
Memories
Y/n Hoshino
*swinging back and forth at the swing*
Y/n Hoshino
*hears footsteps, looks up*
Mikey
Didn’t think I’d find you here, of all places. The swings, huh? Still your favorite?
Y/n Hoshino
*glancing over her shoulder* And you’re still sneaking up on people. Some things never change
Mikey chuckles and hops onto the swing next to hers, pushing off lightly
Mikey
Yeah, like you always hogging this swing. You never let me have a turn when we were kids
Y/n Hoshino
*laughs softly* That’s because you were too busy climbing the monkey bars, trying to prove you were the strongest
Mikey
And I was! Remember when I raced all the way to the top before anyone else?
Y/n Hoshino
*smirking* You mean the time you slipped and landed flat on your back? Yeah, real impressive
Mikey laughs loudly, tipping his head back
Mikey
Hey, I got up right away! No tears, remember?
Y/n Hoshino
No tears, but you sulked for hours when I didn’t let you win at rock-paper-scissors afterward
Mikey
*grinning* Okay, fair. But what about you? Miss 'I’ll swing higher than everyone' until you nearly flew off?
Y/n Hoshino
*smiling* "Hey, you’re the one who dared me to jump mid-swing. I blame you
They both laugh, the sound carrying through the quiet playground. A comfortable silence follows as they rock back and forth on the swings
Mikey
*softly* It’s weird, huh? Being back here after all this time
Y/n Hoshino
*nodding* Yeah. Feels smaller somehow, but… the memories are still big. Like they happened yesterday
Mikey
Some of my best ones are here, you know? With you
Y/n Hoshino
Same here. I didn’t realize how much I missed it… until now
Mikey sits cross-legged on the merry-go-round, spinning it lazily with one foot as Y/n balances on one of the bars, looking out at the forest edge
Mikey
So, what made y'all come back?
Y/n Hoshino
*shrugs, a small smile tugging at her lips* Dad got a promotion, and they moved him back here. He says it’s for work, but I’m pretty sure he just wanted an excuse to eat at his favorite ramen shop again
Mikey
*laughs, leaning back slightly* The one with the old man who always complained about us sneaking extra toppings?
Y/n Hoshino
*nodding, grinning* Yup, that’s the one. Dad swears no one else in the world makes ramen like him
Mikey
*teasing* Sounds like your dad hasn’t changed much. Still as stubborn as ever?
Y/n Hoshino
*laughs softly* Pretty much. Though, I think he’s secretly excited to see his old friends again
Mikey hops off the merry-go-round and leans against one of the swing set’s poles, looking up at Y/n
Mikey
What about you? You excited to be back?
Y/n Hoshino
*pauses, glancing down at him* I guess I am. I didn’t think I’d miss this place as much as I do
Mikey
And me? Did you miss me?
Y/n Hoshino
*smirking* Maybe a little. But don’t let it go to your head
They both laugh, the sound echoing through the empty playground as the sun dips lower on the horizon
A nice dinner
Mikey walks beside Y/n, hands stuffed in his pockets, the fading light casting long shadows on the pavement. The air is cool, and the sounds of crickets fill the silence between them
Mikey
*glancing at her* So, what’s it like being back? Besides the ramen thing."
Y/n Hoshino
*smiling softly* It’s nice, I guess. Familiar, but different. Still getting used to it
Mikey
Bet it’s weird seeing how much everyone’s grown up. I mean, look at me—taller, cooler, and way more mature
Y/n Hoshino
*snorts* Taller? Barely. Cooler? Debatable. Mature? Not a chance
Mikey
*mock offense, placing a hand over his chest* Ouch, Y/n. You’ve gotten meaner, too
Y/n Hoshino
*grinning* I’ve always been this mean. You’re just remembering wrong
They turn the corner, and Y/n’s house comes into view. The porch light is already on, a warm glow in the twilight
Mikey
Looks the same as I remember. Even the bike out front
Y/n Hoshino
That’s my dad’s. He refuses to get rid of it, even though he barely rides anymore
They reach the gate, and Y/n pauses, turning to face him
Y/n Hoshino
Thanks for walking me back. You didn’t have to
Mikey
*grinning* What kind of childhood best friend would I be if I didn’t? Besides, I wanted to make sure you didn’t trip or something
Y/n Hoshino
*rolling her eyes* You’re impossible
Before Mikey can respond, the front door opens, and Y/n’s mom steps out, wiping her hands on a dish towel
Y/n's mom
Oh, Mikey! Is that you? It’s been so long!
Mikey
*smiling brightly* Hi, Mrs. Hoshino! Yeah, it’s been a while
Y/n's mom
You’re just in time. Dinner’s almost ready. Why don’t you stay and join us?
Mikey
*hesitating, glancing at Y/n* Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose-
Y/n's mom
*waving him off* Nonsense! You’re practically family. Come on in
Y/n raises an eyebrow at Mikey, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips
Y/n Hoshino
Guess you’re stuck with us now
Mikey
*grinning* If there’s food involved, I’m not complaining
They head inside, the warm scent of dinner filling the air as the door closes behind them
As Y/n and Mikey step inside, the lively chatter of her family fills the air. The dining table is set, and the scent of a home-cooked meal wafts through the room. Y/n’s little brother peeks out from behind the couch, his eyes lighting up when he sees her
Hiroshi Hoshino
Y/n! You’re home!
He runs over and clings to her leg, completely ignoring Mikey’s presence
Y/n Hoshino
*smiling and ruffling his hair* Hey, champ. Miss me?
Hiroshi Hoshino
Yeah! Can we play after dinner?
Y/n Hoshino
Sure thing, but only if you finish all your vegetables tonight
Hiroshi Hoshino
*pouting* Fine...
Mikey watches with an amused grin, leaning casually against the doorframe
Mikey
Wow, he really doesn’t like sharing you, huh?
Y/n Hoshino
He’s just selective
Y/n’s sister walks into the room, tying her hair back, and freezes when she spots Mikey
Akino Hoshino
Well, well, look who it is. Mikey, you’re still as scrawny as ever
Mikey
*smirking* And you’re still as bossy as ever. Shinichiro must have his hands full with you
Akino Hoshino
*rolling her eyes* He’s lucky to have me, thank you very much. Speaking of which, he’s coming over after dinner
Y/n's mom
*calling from the kitchen* Dinner’s ready! Everyone to the table!
They all gather around, Y/n’s little brother making sure to sit next to her and away from Mikey, glaring at him suspiciously
Mikey
*grinning at the little brother* What’s with the look, kid? I’m not stealing your sister
Hiroshi Hoshino
Good. 'Cause you can’t
The room erupts in laughter as everyone settles into their meal
The table is bustling with conversation and clinking dishes. Mikey glances around, taking in the warmth of the moment
Mikey
So, does dinner always feel this chaotic, or is it just because I’m here?
Y/n's mom
Oh, this is tame. You should see us during the holidays
Y/n nudges Mikey with her elbow, smirking
Mikey
Don’t let her fool you. It’s always like this
Y/n’s little brother, sitting protectively close to her, scowls at Mikey as he takes a bite of his food
Hiroshi Hoshino
Why are you still here?
The table goes silent for a moment before Mikey bursts out laughing
Mikey
Kid’s got guts. I’ll give him that
Akino Hoshino
He’s not wrong. You’ve been here five minutes, and you’re already taking up Y/n’s time
Y/n Hoshino
You’re all terrible. Can we eat without making Mikey the target?
The doorbell rings, and Akino jumps up excitedly
Akino Hoshino
That’s Shinichiro!
She rushes to the door, leaving the rest of the family at the table. Mikey leans toward Y/n, lowering his voice
Mikey
You think Shin’s gonna survive dinner with this crew?
Y/n Hoshino
Barely. But he’s used to it by now
Akino returns with Shinichiro in tow. He greets everyone with a warm smile, his presence instantly calming the room
Shinichiro
Hey, everyone. Smells amazing in here
He ruffles Hiroshi's hair as he passes by, earning a giggle, then pats Mikey on the shoulder
Shinichiro
What’s up, little bro? Causing trouble already?
Mikey
Always. Gotta keep things interesting
Chapter 3
Plates are cleared, and everyone migrates to the living room. Y/n’s little brother tugs at her hand, dragging her to sit on the couch. Mikey follows but stops when the boy glares at him
Hiroshi Hoshino
You sit over there
Mikey raises an eyebrow, amused, and takes a seat in the armchair instead
Mikey
Alright, boss. You win this one
Akino Hoshino
*plopping down next to Shinichiro* Honestly, you’re lucky. Last time, he tried to ban Shin from sitting near me entirely
Shinichiro
*chuckling* He’s just looking out for his sisters. Can’t fault him for that.
Y/n shakes her head, hiding a laugh as her little brother clings to her side. Mikey leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees
Mikey
So, Y/n, are you ever going to tell me where you disappeared to earlier? The playground doesn’t seem like your only stop
Y/n Hoshino
*teasing* What, were you keeping tabs on me?
Mikey
Maybe. Gotta make sure you’re not getting into trouble without me
Y/n’s mom enters with a tray of tea and snacks, placing it on the coffee table
Y/n's mom
I used to worry about you two getting into trouble together. But it was always Y/n pulling you out of fights, wasn’t it, Mikey?
Mikey
*grinning* I call it teamwork. She fought just as hard as I did
Y/n Hoshino
*rolling her eyes* Yeah, because someone had to clean up your messes
Akino Hoshino
*smirking* Oh, we all know Mikey was the troublemaker. Y/n just made him look good
Shinichiro
*teasing Mikey* That sounds about right. You always needed a partner to bail you out
Mikey raises his hands in mock surrender, laughing along with the group. Y/n’s little brother frowns, crossing his arms
Hiroshi Hoshino
Y/n’s the coolest. She doesn’t need Mikey
The room falls quiet for a beat before everyone bursts into laughter. Mikey shakes his head, leaning back in the chair with a wide grin
Mikey
Alright, kid, you win. Y/n’s the coolest. I’ll admit it
Y/n Hoshino
*smiling warmly* I’ve got you trained well
The front door opens, and the sound of heavy footsteps fills the entryway. Y/n’s dad walks in, loosening his tie and sighing deeply. He pauses, noticing the lively scene in the living room
Y/n's dad
Well, look at this. A full house tonight
Everyone greets him in unison, except Hiroshi, who stays glued to Y/n’s side. Mikey stands up and gives a polite bow
Mikey
Good evening, Mr. Hoshino
Y/n's dad
*smiling as he kicks off his shoes* Mikey, it’s been a while. You still hanging around my daughter, huh?
Y/n's dad
*chuckling* I’m just teasing. Good to see you again, son
He ruffles Hiroshi’s hair as he passes, earning a half-hearted grunt from the boy, before taking a seat beside Akino
Akino Hoshino
Rough day at work?
Y/n's dad
You could say that. But at least they’re paying me enough to come back here
Hiroshi Hoshino
Y/n said you just wanted ramen
The room bursts into laughter, and Y/n’s dad raises an eyebrow at her
Y/n's dad
Throwing me under the bus already, huh?
Y/n Hoshino
It’s not like you denied it
Shinichiro
I mean, I can’t blame him. That ramen place is legendary
Akino Hoshino
You’re just saying that because Dad always pays
Mikey
*grinning* Smart man
Y/n's dad
Alright, alright, enough ganging up on me. How about you, Mikey? What have you been up to?
Mikey
Not much. Still running the shop with Shin and the others. Trying to keep out of trouble
Mikey
*smirking* That’s new
Y/n Hoshino
Don’t let him fool you. He’s the same as always
Y/n's dad
*laughing* Well, as long as you’re not dragging Y/n into your antics again. She’s too good at bailing you out
Mikey
*shrugging* What can I say? We make a good team
Hiroshi Hoshino
She doesn’t need a team. She’s the best on her own
The laughter softens into warm chuckles, and Y/n’s dad looks around, his gaze softening
Y/n's dad
It’s good to have nights like this. Feels like old times
The Hoshino family stands in the doorway as Mikey and Shinichiro prepare to leave. The air is crisp, and the warm glow from the house contrasts with the cool night outside
Y/n's mom
Thanks for staying for dinner, boys. It’s always nice having you here
Shinichiro
Thank you for having us, Mrs. Hoshino. Dinner was amazing as always
Akino smiles and steps closer to Shinichiro, tugging at his jacket sleeve
Akino Hoshino
Don’t forget you owe me ice cream for making me wait all day
Shinichiro
*grinning* I didn’t forget. Tomorrow after work, I promise
Akino beams as she steps back inside, satisfied with the answer. Mikey turns to Y/n, a small smirk playing on his lips
Mikey
Guess I’ll see you around, Y/n
Y/n Hoshino
You’d better. Don’t make me hunt you down like old times
Mikey chuckles, slipping his hands into his pockets
Shinichiro
Mikey, stop hogging the door. Let’s go
Hiroshi Hoshino
*standing close to Y/n, glaring at Mikey* Don’t come back without Shinichiro
Mikey raises an eyebrow, his grin widening
Y/n's dad
*patting Mikey on the shoulder* Take care, boys. And Mikey, keep an eye on my daughter. She’s too stubborn to admit when she needs help
Mikey
Will do, Mr. Hoshino
Y/n crosses her arms, smirking at the exchange
Y/n Hoshino
I don’t need anyone looking out for me, thank you very much
Mikey
Yeah, yeah. I’ll just keep doing it anyway
With a final wave, Mikey and Shinichiro step off the porch and head toward Shinichiro’s bike. Mikey looks back briefly, his expression softening as his gaze lingers on Y/n
Shinichiro
Come on, Mikey. You can stare at her later
Mikey rolls his eyes, hops onto the bike behind Shinichiro, and waves one last time before they ride off into the night. Y/n watches them disappear down the street, a small smile on her face
Y/n's mom
They’re good boys. You’re lucky to have them in your life
As the family heads back inside, Hiroshi tugs at Y/n’s sleeve
Hiroshi Hoshino
You don’t really like Mikey, right?
Y/n Hoshino
*laughing lightly* What makes you think that?
Hiroshi crosses his arms, pouting
Hiroshi Hoshino
Because he’s annoying
Y/n ruffles his hair affectionately
Y/n Hoshino
Don’t worry, Hiroshi. You’ll always be my favorite
Her words seem to satisfy him, and he follows her back inside, the door closing behind them
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