His Favorite Target
01
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*yawn* Mmm...morning already?
Seiko(MC mom)
Kaito Hayaku! *yell outside his room*
Seiko(MC mom)
Wake up!! you’ll be late again!
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*groans* Hai…I’m getting up.
Kaito rolls out of bed, his messy blonde hair falling over his eyes. He shuffles to the table, where his mom already set breakfast: miso soup and toast.
Seiko(MC mom)
Eat fast. You’re always daydreaming in the morning.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*smiles* I like daydreaming(◍•ᴗ•◍)
Seiko(MC mom)
*sigh* Just don’t let people step on you too much, okay?
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
I'll try...
After breakfast, Kaito puts on his uniform, carrying his bag close to his chest as he walks to school. He whispers to himself.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Maybe today will be better😓
But the moment he enters the school gate, someone tugs at his bag strap roughly.
？？？
Oi, slowpoke. You walk like an old man.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*jumps* D-Damian
Damian Brown(ML)
*grinning* Hah. Look at your scared face
Damian Brown(ML)
I didn’t even do anything yet *smirk*
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Because you always do...
Damian Brown(ML)
*laughs* Fair point. You’re too easy, halfie.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*frown* stop calling me that..
Damian Brown(ML)
Tch. Whatever. Come on, I’ll walk with you
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*blinks in shock* E-eh? Walk…with me?
Damian Brown(ML)
Don’t make me say it again, bunny. Move.
Kaito and Leon arrive at the classroom. Everyone is chatting, the room a bit noisy.
Kaito spots his best friend, Coel, waving from the back row.
Coel Millie(MC friend)
Kaito! Here! Sit here! *waving*
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*smiles* Coel(>_<)
Damian Brown(ML)
You really sit with that guy every day?
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Y-yeah…he’s my friend.
Kaito walks toward Coel, but before he reaches the seat, someone sticks a foot out and trips him. His bag falls, books spilling on the floor.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Ah- *kneeling to pick the up*
Damian Brown(ML)
*leaningback in his chair, smirking*
Damian Brown(ML)
Oops. Didn’t see you there, bunny
Coel Millie(MC friend)
*glares* Damian, cut it out💢
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*whisper* It's okay, Coel..
Damian Brown(ML)
*picks up one of Kaito’s books*
Damian Brown(ML)
Hah. You even take notes like a little kid *laugh*
Damian Brown(ML)
Cute handwriting, though
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*reaches out nervously* C-can I have it back, please?
Damian Brown(ML)
*smirks, holding it high so Kaito can’t reach*
Damian Brown(ML)
Say “please” louder😏
？？？
*suddenly grabs the book from Damian’s hand*
？？？
Stop being annoying, Damian.
Damian Brown(ML)
*raises a brow* Oh? Look who’s playing hero.
Damian Brown(ML)
Thought you liked messing with him too.
Leon Russell
*looks away* I don’t share my toys.
Leon Russell
*puts the book back in his(Kaito) arm*
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
T-thank you
Coel Millie(MC friend)
*pats Kaito’s back gently*
Coel Millie(MC friend)
Ignore them. Just sit.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*sits beside Coel, hugging his bag*
The class goes on. During the break, Kaito heads to the vending machine alone.
While he’s choosing, Damian suddenly appears beside him.
Damian Brown(ML)
*leans on the machine, smirking*
Damian Brown(ML)
You’re too soft. People will keep stepping on you.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*startled* D-Damian…I just want juice..
Damian snatches a coin from Kaito’s hand, inserts it, and presses a button
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*confused* Huh? You…bought me one?
Damian Brown(ML)
*hands him the drink without looking at him*
Damian Brown(ML)
Don’t get the wrong idea.
Damian Brown(ML)
It was annoying watching you decide for so long.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*smile* Thank you(◍•ᴗ•◍)
Damian walks away, leaving Kaito holding the juice, staring at it like it’s the strangest gift ever.
Leon, who’s been watching from a distance, narrows his eyes.
Leon Russell
What the hell is that guy playing at?
Author-nim
Hi everyone! It’s me, your author✨ It’s been such a long time‚ how have you all been? 🥺💕
Author-nim
I just wanted to share a little update. I ended up deleting my last chat story because I honestly thought it was kind of boring, and I was worried you guys weren’t really enjoying it😓 But don’t worry, I’m back now!
Author-nim
Also, something unexpected happened....my old phone got stolen😭
Author-nim
But after working hard, I finally bought a new one, so I can continue writing again.
Author-nim
Thank you for being patient with me, it really means a lot 💖 I hope you’ll look forward to my new stories!
02
The bell rings and students rush out. Kaito quietly packs his lunch box. Coel taps his shoulder with a grin
Coel Millie(MC friend)
Kaito, let’s eat outside today. The sun’s nice
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*smile* okay(◍•ᴗ•◍)
They step out, heading toward the courtyard
Suddenly, Leon falls in step beside them, hands in his pockets.
Leon Russell
What? Can’t I walk here?
Coel Millie(MC friend)
*narrowing eyes* You’re tagging along?
Leon Russell
*grins* Why not? I’m hungry too.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Alright..
They find a shady spot under a tree.
Kaito carefully opens his bento, neatly packed by his mom: rice, egg rolls, and sausage cut like little octopus. Leon stares.
Leon Russell
Pfft. Seriously? Who eats food that looks like it came from a kindergarten lunch?
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
My mom maid it...
Coel Millie(MC friend)
*snorts* Don’t tease him. It looks good.
Leon Russell
*picks up one sausage without asking*
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*gasps softly* H-hey! That was mine!(•ˋ _ ˊ•)
Leon Russell
*smirking* Relax, bunny. I just taste-tested it for poison.
Coel Millie(MC friend)
*rolls his eyes* You’re impossible🙄
Coel Millie(MC friend)
💭such a headache
Kaito pouts, but Leon notices he doesn’t really get mad, just embarrassed.
Leon Russell
*looks away while scratching his neck*
Leon Russell
Tch. I’ll buy you bread later. Stop sulking.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Okay(≧∇≦)/ *smile brightly*
The three continue eating
After, Coel leans back, stretching.
Coel Millie(MC friend)
You know, it’s kinda weird
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*tilting his head*
Coel Millie(MC friend)
We never ate together before.
Leon Russell
That’s because softie here always runs from me🙄
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Because you’re scary *quietly*
Leon Russell
*looks at him*
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
:;(∩´﹏`∩);:
Leon Russell
*sighs* Fine. Maybe I was too much.
Coel Millie(MC friend)
*grinning* “Maybe”? You mean always.
Leon Russell
*snaps* Shut up
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*giggles while covering his mouth*
Both Leon and Coel glance at him. For once, Kaito’s smile feels natural, not nervous.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
It’s nice, eating like this😅
There’s a quiet moment. Leon clicks his tongue and looks away, while Coel nudges Kaito’s shoulder gently.
Coel Millie(MC friend)
Then let’s do it again tomorrow😇
Leon Russell
Yeah. Whatever.
But secretly, Leon’s smirk hides the fact that he actually enjoyed it too.
School ends. The hallway is noisy with students packing up.
Kaito carefully puts his notebooks away, while Coel waits beside him.
Coel Millie(MC friend)
Come on, Kaito. Let’s walk home together☺
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Mmm..okay(..◜ᴗ◝..)
Leon appears, leaning against the doorframe.
Leon Russell
Hah. You two are slow😑
Coel Millie(MC friend)
*glares* Why are you still here?
Coel Millie(MC friend)
(¬_ ´¬ )
Leon Russell
Maybe I feel like walking with you guys.
Leon Russell
Got a problem?
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Y-you…want to walk with us?
Leon Russell
*look away* Don’t make me repeat myself, bunny.
Coel Millie(MC friend)
( ,,⩌'︿'⩌,,)
Kaito hugs his bag close, listening to Leon and Coel bicker like cats and dogs.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
💭This is nice
Damian Brown(ML)
Oi! Bunny
Damian is leaning against a wall near the gate, hands in his pockets, eyes sharp but calm.
Leon’s smirk instantly fades into a frown.
Leon Russell
Tch. What do you want, Damian?
Damian Brown(ML)
Not talking to you *eyes stay on Kaito*
Damian Brown(ML)
You dropped this earlier.
He tosses a small notebook forward.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*catches it*
Kaito catches it with wide eyes‚ it’s his diary-like notebook, the one he thought he left in class.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*face turn pale*
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Ah—! T-that’s mine…
Damian Brown(ML)
*smirks* Relax, I didn't read it
Coel Millie(MC friend)
*snaps* Why do you even have it then?
Damian Brown(ML)
*shrugs* Because softie here would’ve cried if someone else picked it up.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
T-thank you𐔌՞. .՞𐦯
Damian steps closer, tilting his head slightly at Kaito. His tone softens for just a second.
Damian Brown(ML)
You should be more careful, bunny. Not everyone’s as kind as me.
Leon Russell
*snorts loudly* “Kind”? Don’t make me laugh.
Coel Millie(MC friend)
*glaring* You’re the one who’s always mean to him.
Damian Brown(ML)
*ignores them, gaze still locked on Kaito*
Damian Brown(ML)
See you tomorrow.
With that, he walks away, hands in his pockets, like nothing happened.
Kaito stands frozen, staring at the notebook in his arms.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Why was he…nice?
Leon Russell
*gritting his teeth* He’s messing with you. Don’t trust him.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Yeah. Don’t let him confuse you.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
But....he gave it back.
Coel Millie(MC friend)
(¬_¬")
Leon and Coel exchange a look. Neither of them says it out loud, but they can both see it‚ Kaito’s heart, no matter how innocent, is starting to notice Damian’s strange kindness.
The three start walking again, but the mood is quieter now.
Kaito keeps staring at the notebook in his arms, lost in thought. Leon notices and clicks his tongue.
Leon Russell
Oi, bunny. Stop looking at that thing like it’s treasure.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*blinks* H-huh?…But it’s important to me.
Coel Millie(MC friend)
*smiling* Don’t mind him, Kaito. He’s just jealous Damian gave it back😇
Leon Russell
Tch! Jealous? Of him? Don’t make me laugh.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*chuckle* You sound jealous though.
Leon Russell
*face turning a little red* W-what?! No way.
Coel Millie(MC friend)
*grinning* Gotcha
Kaito giggles quietly, hugging his bag tighter. Leon scratches the back of his neck, clearly flustered.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
But, really. Damian was…kind. Just for a moment.
Leon Russell
*frowns* That guy? Kind? You’re too naive, bunny
Coel Millie(MC friend)
He’s right, Kaito
Coel Millie(MC friend)
Damian’s only nice when he feels like it. Don’t let it trick you.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*looks down* But…even if it was fake, I still feel…thankful.
They walk in silence for a bit. The streets are calmer now, the sound of cicadas filling the air.
Leon glances at Kaito, noticing how he’s hugging the notebook like a lifeline
Leon Russell
If you lose it again, I’ll grab it before Damian does. Got it?
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*smile* O-okay. Thank you, Leon.
Coel Millie(MC friend)
*nudges Leon with his elbow*
Coel Millie(MC friend)
Look at you, acting all protective😏
They reach the corner where their paths split. Coel waves as he heads off to his own house.
Coel Millie(MC friend)
See you guys tomorrow. Don’t fight too much
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*wave* Bye, Coel
(‘. • ᵕ •. `)
Now it’s just Kaito and Leon. The walk feels a little awkward, but not uncomfortable.
Leon keeps sneaking glances at Kaito, who’s humming softly as he walks.
Leon Russell
You’re weird, you know that?
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*tilts head* Weird?
Leon Russell
Someone bullies you, and you still smile when they do one nice thing.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Maybe because…I don’t want to believe people are always bad.
Leon Russell
*pauses, staring at him*
Kaito keeps walking, unaware that Leon is staring at him longer than usual.
Leon finally looks away, shoving his hands deeper in his pockets.
Damian Brown(ML)
Tch. You really are too soft.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
(‘. • ᵕ •. `)
But deep down, Leon feels something stir‚ maybe annoyance at Damian, maybe…something else
Kaito and Leon finally reach Kaito’s street.
Houses are quiet, the smell of dinner floating from windows
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*stops in front of their gate*
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
This is my house…
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Thanks for walking with me, Leon(˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)
Leon Russell
Don’t think too much about it. I was just…bored.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*giggles* Okay
The gate opens suddenly. A tall man with sharp eyes and a serious face steps out
Kaito’s older brother, Haru, just back from abroad.
He freezes the moment he sees Leon standing beside Kaito.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
Who's this frog looking guy?❄
Leon Russell
💭H-ha? frog? me?
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*blinks in surprise* A-ani! You’re home!
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*ignores*
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*eyes narrowing at Leon* Answer me, Kaito. Who is he?❄
Leon Russell
*raises an eyebrow, smirking a little*
Leon Russell
Relax, old man. I’m just a classmate.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
Don’t call me that. Why are you with my brother?❄
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*panicking* N-no! Ani, it’s not like that! Leon just walked me home because…
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
Because?❄
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*smile* Because he’s my friend now.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*stares at Kaito, then back at Leon, still suspicious*
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
Friend huh..
Leon Russell
*shoving his hands in his pockets* Believe what you want.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*grabs Haru’s sleeve, whispering*
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
He’s really just my friend. Please don’t get mad( •̯́ ^ •̯̀)
Haru finally sighs, patting Kaito’s head gently. His eyes soften when he looks at his little brother.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
Fine. But I don’t like it.
Leon Russell
*grinning* Don’t worry. I don’t like you either.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Leon. Ani. Stop *pouting*
The door opens, and their mom steps out with a bright smile.
Seiko(MC mom)
Kaito! Haru! Oh, you’re both hom- *stops*
Seiko(MC mom)
And who’s this handsome boy? *smiling*
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
M-Mom! He’s Leon…my friend.
Seiko(MC mom)
*beaming* Oh, how nice. Thank you for bringing Kaito home☺
Seiko(MC mom)
He’s very precious to us☺
Leon Russell
*scratches neck awkwardly* Yeah, I can tell.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
Too precious.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
(˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)
Kaito hugs his bag, smiling softly as he looks at his family.
Even though Leon is rough, and Haru is scary when he’s protective, he feels warm‚ because both at school and at home, he’s starting to feel less alone.
Author-nim
Gosh, I got overwhelmed
Author-nim
I really missed writing
╥﹏╥
03
Inside the house. The smell of miso soup and grilled fish fills the air.
Kaito sits at the table while his mom sets down dishes, and Haru takes the seat across from him.
(Gosh can I have Haru as my husband?🥹)
Seiko(MC mom)
It feels so nice having both my boys at the table again☺
Seiko(MC mom)
Haru, eat a lot, you lost weight abroad.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*chuckles* I’m fine, Mom.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*glances at Kaito* Kaito looks the same though. Still too thin😑
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*pouts* I’m eating properly😗
Seiko(MC mom)
*smiling* He is. He’s just born like that, that’s all☺
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*raises a brow* More like too trusting😑
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*blink innocently* Huh?
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
I saw you with that guy earlier. Be careful, Kaito.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
Not every “friend” has good intentions.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
B-but Leon is…he’s not bad
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
He teases me but…he also helps me sometimes.
Seiko(MC mom)
Always see the good in people *smiling*
Seiko(MC mom)
That’s one of the things I love about you☺
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*poking his rice* And that’s exactly why I worry.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*giggles*
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*picks up a piece of grilled fish and puts it on Haru’s plate*
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Ani, don’t just worry. Eat.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*pauses, then sighs, ruffling Kaito’s hair*
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
You’re too sweet.
Seiko(MC mom)
He’s everyone’s little treasure. That’s why we must protect him *teasing*
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*hiding his face* M-Mom! Don’t say it like that…
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*chuckle*
The dinner continues with light chatter.
Haru tells some stories about abroad, Mom keeps fussing over Kaito’s plate, and Kaito just smiles quietly, feeling warm.
For him, this is happiness‚ being surrounded by people who love him, even if they’re overprotective.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*after a pause, serious again* But really, Kaito. If any boy hurts you‚ tell me.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Okay. But…what if they’re not trying to hurt me?
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
What if they’re just…confusing?
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*frowns*
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
Then stay away until they’re clear.
Seiko(MC mom)
*patting Kaito’s hand* Just follow your heart, sweetie☺
Seiko(MC mom)
But never forget‚ home is always safe.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Haiii!!! (◍•ᴗ•◍)
It’s late. The house is quiet, only the soft hum of crickets outside.
Kaito is in his room, sitting on the bed with his little lamp on.
He’s hugging his notebook, staring at the cover.
A knock comes at the door.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*opens the door, stepping in with folded arms*
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
You’re still awake?
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Just writing a little.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*walks in, sits at the edge of the bed*
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
Same old Kaito. Always hugging that notebook.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*giggles softly* It makes me feel calm.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*sighs, patting Kaito’s head* You’re too kind, Kai.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
Even when kids at school bother you, you just keep smiling.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Because I don’t want to believe people are always bad...
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*eaising a brow* You’re too good for your own good.
Kaito leans on his brother’s shoulder, eyes a little heavy from sleepiness.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
Ani. Today, I…I almost lost this notebook.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*frowns instantly* Lost it? How?
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
I dropped it. Someone picked it up *hesitant*
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
A guy? *sharp tone*
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*nods slowly* Mmm
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*sighs, rubbing his temple* And?
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
He gave it back. He didn’t read it.
Haru stare at him for a long moment, then pulls him into a side hug
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
Still…be careful, Kai. Not everyone would give it back.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*leaning closer* I know. But…I want to believe he wasn’t bad.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*groans quietly* You always see the good in people.
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
That’s why I have to watch out for you.
Kaito Hayaku(MC)
*giggles* Ani…you’re too protective😆
Haru Hayaku(MC big brother)
*ruffling his hair* And you love it.
Kaito hides his face shyly but smiles, the warmth of home surrounding him.
Still, as he drifts off to sleep, his mind lingers on that boy’s face‚ the one who returned his notebook, even though he usually hurts him.
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