#I make that zelda reference so often I didn't even realize I had written it but It's literally perfect for her lol

[cobaltusami]

Self conscious

Aaaahhhh this was so so SO much fun to write, Fuyuhiko Is my second favorite character from Goodbye Despair. I love this smol Yakuza boi so much. I wanted to do something sort of body positive, I'm not sure how well I did In that regard, But I love how this turned out either way. It's just so much fun to me. <3

Holy shit, It just occurred to me that this Is now my longest fic. and I wrote It In eight hours with breaks-- Dayum.

Also bonus fun points because Kuzuhina Is one of my favorite ships from the game-

Characters: Lee!Fuyuhiko, Ler!Hajime

Words: 4196 (It's a long boi)

Pairing: Kuzuhina

also mentions of MahiruXHiyoko

The sound of the ocean waves crashing against the sand, the warm sunlight enveloping his skin, the gentle cooling breeze dancing from tree to tree… It was almost relaxing enough to put Hajime to sleep.

Almost.

However, being pelted with a water balloon ruined that relaxing atmosphere.

He let out a shriek, jolting upright from his lying position on the newly soaked beach towel in the sand. His eyes darted around, offended, until they landed on the doubled over laughing perpetrator. Of course It was Ibuki.

“Bahahahaha! You should have seen your face! Ibuki thought you were going to have a heart attack!” She cackled, holding her ribs with one arm and pointing with the other.

Hajime should have known better than to relax, especially with Ibuki around. He sighed and stood up. “Yeah yeah, Very funny Ibuki…”

He felt something hard and plastic press Into his back, he quickly shot a questioning glance over his shoulder, meeting Chiaki’s gaze.

“It’s dangerous to go alone, Take this.” She whispered, He reached around and took the water gun from her. He winked and whispered his thanks, keeping the toy concealed from Ibuki’s line of sight.

“You think you’re sooooo funny, Don’t you Ibuki?” He smiled, shuffling closer to the laughing rockstar.

“Ibuki doesn’t think she’s funny, She thinks she’s hilarious!” She laughed, tears formed In the corner of her eyes. She was completely oblivious to her impending doom.

“Yeah,” He sighed, an evil grin on his face. “Well I think that this Is funny!”

The ‘this’ he was referring to, was blasting Ibuki in the face with a cold stream of water from the Water gun. She shrieked in surprise, still giggling as she brought her hands up to protect herself.

“Mayday mayday! Target has obtained a weapon! ABORT MISSION!” She went running off, With Hajime chasing after her laughing.

The other students laughed as they watched the two, joining In on the game by grabbing their own water guns.

Soon almost all of the students were enveloped In a water gun battle.

Well, Almost all.

Fuyuhiko remained in his spot In the shade under the tree, his arms crossed as he watched the others playing and having fun. Even Peko had joined In on the fight, throwing water balloons left and right like a friggin ninja.

He rolled his eyes with a fond smile watching their antics.

“Fuyu?”

He quickly stopped smiling as he looked away from the beach, looking up at a now dripping with water Hajime. “Y-Yeah?”

“Do you wanna join In? I’ll get you a water gun an--”

“No.” was his curt response. “I don’t.”

“Are you sure? You look kind of lonely over here all by yourself…” Hajime sat down In the grass next to him, pulling off his shirt and wringing it out.

Fuyuhiko glanced at him for a moment then quickly darted his eyes away, flustered. “I-I already said I don’t want to.”

“Will you at least change Into something beachy? That suit has to be uncomfortable.”

“No way!”

Hajime raised an eyebrow, questioning the urgency of his tone and the quickness of his response.

Fuyuhiko blushed, quickly thinking up a reason. “You’ll just shoot me with water if I do!”

He has a reason, but there’s no way In hell he’s going to talk about It. He’s insecure about his body.

“I promise I won’t?” the taller boy tried, thrown off by his odd behavior.

The young Yakuza shook his head. “No way.” he stood up and hurried inside the beach house, abruptly ending the conversation.

Hajime blinked in confusion. What was that about?

He wasn’t sure, But he knew someone who would be.

“Peko?” He approached the swordswoman, who was in the middle of cleaning off her glasses with a towel. “Can I ask you something?”

She looked up curiously, pausing her actions. “Sure. What Is It Hajime?”

“It’s about Fuyu.”

Her red eyes darted over to where Fuyuhiko had previously been sitting. “What’s wrong with Young master? Where did he go?”

“He went inside, He’s fine I think…” Hajime responded, putting the swordswoman at ease. “Does he have a fear of water or something?”

“Hm? Not that I am aware of. Why do you ask?”

“Because I asked him if he wanted to join us and he said no. Then he got kind of agitated when I suggested he change into some beach attire.”

She sighed softly, continuing to clean off her glasses. “Ah. I see now… Young Master Is, how should I put this… Self-conscious.”

“Self-Conscious? Of what?” He asked, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“His body. He Is smaller than most boys his age.” She replied, putting her glasses back on and wrapping the towel around her shoulders. “He hates showing off his body.”

Hajime frowned as he looked back at the beach house, He wouldn’t have pushed him so much if he had known that.

“Don’t feel guilty. You had no way of knowing.” Peko said as she put a hand on his shoulder.

“I still feel bad though. I knew he felt self conscious about his height but I didn’t even think about his body.”

“Perhaps I should go check on him, If you are that concerned.”

“No! No It’s okay, I’ll go check on him. You go back to playing with the others.” Hajime interjected. This was the first time he’d really seen her let loose and have fun, He didn’t want to be the reason she stopped.

She gave a small tilt of her head. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I can handle him. Go have fun.” He smiled reassuringly at the woman, She gave one last skeptical glance before getting hit with two water balloons in the back by a wildly cackling Kazuichi and Ibuki.

She narrowed her eyes, Holding out her hand. “Hajime, I am going to need your weapon.”

Hajime chuckled at her dead serious demeanor and handed her the toy gun. “Don’t murder them.”

“I make no promises.” She replied, whipping around and pumping the water pressure slide on the gun. “Which one of you wants to die first?!”

Kazuichi and Ibuki screamed and went running with Peko chasing after them.

Hajime laughed and shook his head at them before making his way up the beach house stairs and into the building.

“Ugh,” Fuyu had lowered his book to see who came inside, but upon seeing it was Hajime he quickly brought it back up covering his face. “What the hell do you want? I already said I’m not joining you guys.”

“I know, I’m not here to ask that.” He replied softly.

He pulled out the chair across from Fuyuhiko and dragged It over to the spot at the table next to him before sitting down.

The Yakuza glanced up from his book again for a moment, a skeptical look on his face. “Then why are you…?”

“I’m here to apologize.” Hajime answered.

“Apologize?” He parroted, more confused than before.

“I didn’t mean to pressure you earlier, I just wanted to include you In on the fun.” He said. “I didn’t realize that you were self conscious about your body.”

Fuyuhiko’s face turned bright pink with embarrassment, His hazel eyes widening with surprise. “W-What?! I’m not fucking self conscious! Where the fuck would you get that idea!?”

Hajime blinked. “It’s okay to be self conscious, There’s nothing wrong with feel--”

“I am NOT self conscious! I just don’t like getting blasted with water!” Fuyuhiko shot back, crossing his arms stubbornly.

“Fuyu?”

“W-What!?”

“Take off your shirt.”

“Excuse me??”

“If you aren’t self conscious… Take off your shirt.”

Fuyuhiko kicked out his chair from the table, aggressively shrugging off his jacket and tossing it on the floor. Next he undid his tie and dropped it on top of his jacket. He did all this without breaking eye contact with Hajime.

Hajime folded his arms as he watched with a skeptical look, It was as if he was challenging him with his gaze.

The Yakuza started to unbutton his dress shirt but stopped halfway. Without his jacket to obscure his frame even a little, He already felt shy.

He crossed his arms and looked away from the brunette. “I can’t.” He mumbled under his breath.

“What?”

“I SAID I CAN’T!” He snapped, clearly flustered. “Are you fucking happy now!? Yes! CONGRATULATIONS YOU FIGURED IT OUT! I’m fucking self conscious!”

Hajime frowned and hooked his leg around Fuyu’s chair leg, Pulling him closer without any protests. “Hey, It’s okay. Everyone has something they’re self conscious about.” He reassured the embarrassed boy In front of him.

“Yeah right.” He muttered, still refusing to meet Hajime’s eyes.

“It’s true. Even I’m self conscious.”

Fuyu rolled his eyes. “You don’t have to lie.”

“I’m not.” He insisted.

“What do you have to be self conscious about? Look at you…” The tips of his ears turned pink as he blushed more.

Hajime smiled a little and reached forward, starting to button Fuyuhiko’s shirt back up for him. “I can’t make people laugh. I can’t tell a joke to save my life… I’m not funny.”

“It’s because you’re trying too hard. You’re someone who is unintentionally--” Fuyuhiko immediately clamped his mouth shut, flinching rather violently as he felt Hajime’s fingers graze his ribs accidentally.

Hajime paused what he was doing, his hands hovering over the buttons of the white dress shirt still. “What was…”

“N-Nothing!” Fuyu stuttered, pushing his hands back. “Listen… I appreciate the attempt to make me feel better but-- HEY!”

The blond yelped as he felt a few fingers poke experimentally Into his side, He reached down and grabbed his hands, holding them away from his body. “Will you fucking stop that!?”

The Yakuza didn’t appreciate the grin on Hajime’s face. “Oh, Fuyu… I might be able to make you laugh after all~” He said teasingly, trying to pull his hands free.

Fuyuhiko narrowed his eyes at the other boy, keeping his hands in a vice grip. “Don’t you fucking dare!” He hissed.

“Don’t I dare what?” Hajime asked innocently, batting his eyelashes at the smaller boy.

“Don’t fucking touch me!”

“I won’t.”

“Liar!”

“Will you relax? I’m not gonna touch you. Can I have my hands back now? I’m kind of losing feeling in them.”

Fuyu watched him closely as he slowly released his hands. Hajime made a show of shaking them to regain feeling. “See? Have I touched you?”

“N-No… I guess n-nahahaha! You fucking lihihihied!” Fuyuhiko giggled boyishly, doubling over in his seat to block as many spots as possible.

Hajime grinned as he dusted his fingertips along his exposed neck, when he brought his shoulders up to try to protect the sensitive spot he darted his hands into his partially open shirt and began tickling his ribs. “I didn’t lie, I’m not touching you… I’m tickling you. There’s a big difference.” He winked at the laughing boy.

“Ihihihif you don’t stahahahap right nohohohow, I’m going to kihihihill you!” The blond laughed, writhing under his torturously gentle touch.

“Ooh I’m so scared~ Is the big bad Yakuza gonna kill me dead In my sleep?” Hajime laughed, paying special attention to a sensitive spot near the bottom of his ribs. “C’mon, How am I supposed to be scared? You’re so adorable when you’re being tickled!” he cooed.

The young Kuzuryu’s neck and ears turned red from that, He brought his leg up to try to kick Hajime away. “Stahahap! Dohohon’t fahahahacking tehehease me you jeheherk!”

Not only did he not succeed In kicking him, Hajime caught his leg and held it firmly in his lap as he administered tickles to the top and underside of his knee. “I’m afraid that’s gonna be impossible, You’re just too cute not to tease~” He hummed In reply.

Fuyuhiko squealed and desperately tried to pull his leg back, laughing much harder than before. “N-NOHOHO! AHAHAHAHAHA!”

Hajime glanced down at his hand, noticing every time his laughter spiked It was because he was scribbling against the spot above his knee. “You have ticklish thighs, Fuyu?” He asked amusedly, now honing In on that spot.

Fuyuhiko spazzed out, His body flailing at the electric sensations coursing through him. Unfortunately that meant he also threw himself out of his chair.

As soon as Hajime realized what had happened he was quick to follow, Kneeling beside the still lightly giggling boy. “F-Fuyu?! Are you okay?? I’m so sorry, I didn’t think you would fall…”

He gently pulled the blond up into a sitting position and was checking his head for any injuries when Fuyu waved him off. “I-I’m fine…” He reassured, still recovering.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you laugh like that, It’s nice. You should laugh more often.” Hajime smiled.

“Y-Yeah yeah… whatever.”

He thought about It. Maybe that wasn’t the worst thing he’s ever been through… It was actually kind of fun to let loose. He was still super self conscious about his body but for a minute he forgot about that, only focusing on the sensations and laughing.

Then again, Maybe It's the possible concussion talking.

He blushed as he shook his head. “I’m just glad you didn’t hear my real laugh.” He mumbled. “It’s really obnoxious.”

“Your real laugh?” Hajime tilted his head, his curiosity piqued.

“Yeah, when I laugh hard enough I snort.” He calmly replied.

“Okay, I have to hear that.” He laughed, slowly raising his hands.

“Keep your fucking hands to yourself.” Fuyuhiko narrowed his eyes half-heartedly. What he wanted to say was; ‘Go for it.’ but Yakuza pride and all that.

Hajime Isn’t an idiot, he can tell Fuyuhiko likes the attention but won’t admit it. And he isn’t going to make him uncomfortable by making him admit it.

“Who’s gonna stop me? You? I’m so scared.” Hajime smirked, quickly he pulled the Yakuza into his lap and pinned him against his body. “Now, Wanna make It easier on us both and tell me your ticklish spot~?” He asked teasingly.

Fuyuhiko squirmed, seeing If escape was even physically possible. It wasn’t. “Go to hell.” He growled, blushing.

“Suit yourself.” He shrugged, undoing the rest of his shirt buttons. Using both hands he ghosted his fingertips across the exposed sides.

Fuyu immediately began giggling again, his body actually relaxing under the soft touches. It wasn’t unbearable or torturous, but gentle and pleasant instead.

Hajime smiled at the string of bright laughter moving to his ribs brought about. He massaged his fingers in small careful circles against the ticklish bones. “Come on Fuyu~ There’s only a few spots I haven’t tried… If I have to find your tickle spot myself I’m really not gonna be nice~”

“Fuhuhahahahack you!” Fuyuhiko retorted, squirming aimlessly.

“That’s not very nice.” Hajime pouted, shoving his hands under the Yakuza’s arms. His fingers drilled and wiggled unrelentingly, which drew hysterical laughter from the smaller of the two.

“NAHAHAHA! STAHAHAHAP!”

“I would, But you sort of have my hands trapped and… Well, since they are, I might as well tickle you~” He teased, obviously pleased with himself for turning the tough Yakuza into a laughing heap in his arms.

“HAHAHAHAJIME! I WIHIHIHILL STAHAHAB YOU!”

“No you won’t.” Hajime smirked.

He continued to torture the blond student for a bit longer before ‘freeing’ his hands and brushing his fingers across his quivering stomach teasingly. “How about here? Is this a bad spot, Giggles~?”

The boy let out a shriek as he quickly brought his hands down over top of Hajime’s, trying to pry them away out of instinct. “Dohohon’t!” He tittered, blushing.

“Ooh, Looks like It is!” He declared, unfazed by Fuyuhiko’s attempts to stop him. His fingers gracefully descended on his soft belly.

Fuyu shrieked again, throwing his head back with loud bright laughter. His body jolted, and was sent flying out of his lap by the intensity of his flailing.

Hajime froze, did that seriously just happen a second time? He didn’t stay frozen for long, He sat on his legs to pin him down. “There, Since you’re on the floor you shouldn’t be able to fall for a third time.” He laughed at the ridiculousness of the situation.

Fuyuhiko’s face couldn’t get any brighter pink. He wrapped his arms around his midsection to hide his body and protect his stomach. “Okay, You found one of my worst spots… congratu-fucking-lations… Now let me up.”

“Oh no, I’m not letting you out of this. I warned you what would happen If you didn’t tell me, Didn’t I?” He hummed. “Although, I think Instead of being mean, I’m going to be nice instead…”

Although the tickles that he unleashed on his poor belly weren’t very nice. His fingers scribbled mercilessly against the sensitive skin.

“KYAHAHAHAHA! NOHOHOHOHO! STAHAHAHAP!”

“Look at this cute ticklish belly, It’s just begging for affection. And what better affection than tickles?” He grinned at the whine that slipped past his lips.

“THIS IHIHIHIHISN’T BEING NIHIHIHICE!” He whined between laughs.

“Yes It Is. I’m going to compliment every spot I tickle so that you feel a little bit better about your body by the time I’m done.” He replied. “I think that sounds pretty nice to me~”

Fuyuhiko covered his face with his hands, hiding his embarrassment.

“I like all the freckles across your skin, It makes you unique and It looks adorable~”

He switched to skittering his nails across his trembling stomach, drawing some higher pitched laughs from the boy. “I also like how your skin turns pink after a little bit of tickling.”

“BAHAHAHAHASTARD STAHAHAHAP IHIHIT!”

“Nope!” Hajime leaned down and blew a raspberry against his belly button.

“NAAAAHAHAHAHA! HAHAHAHAHAJIME N-NAHAHAT THAT!” He laughed hysterically.

Just as he said, He began to snort between laughs. It was absolutely precious to the younger of the two.

“So what If your frame Is smaller? At least you have all your organs and bones, like your ribs for example.” He winked, fluttering his fingers across his ribcage. “There’s definitely twenty four of em. Unless you want me to count~?”

“Nohohohoho! *snort* Don’t you fucking dahahahare *snort* You bahahahastahahahard!”

“Well, Maybe I better count. Just In case.” He winked, Starting from the bottom set of ribs he worked his way up teasingly, Counting as he did.

So this was how Fuyu was going to die? Not the most dignified death in the world but… There’s worse ways to go, he supposed.

“Yep! All twenty four ribs!” Once he finished he skittered his fingers across Fuyu’s neck. “Your skin is really soft and tender, Perfect for tickling~”

“I wihihihill ehehehehend you!” He giggled.

“Shush! Let me hype you up.” Hajime laughed, going back and forth between neck, chest, ribs and underarms. Keeping Fuyuhiko In stitches. (and snorting, much to his chagrin.) “So what If you're not as tall? I think your height suits you. Plus, It makes it easier to pick you up and smother you with tickles.”

“Okahahahahay! Okahahay! *snort* Ehehehenough! Plehehehehease!”

Hajime relented, sensing he’d had enough. He sat down on the floor next to him and watched his chest rise and fall as he gasped for air.

Fuyuhiko brought his hands up and wiped the tears away from his face with his sleeves. “Oh my… God…” he panted.

“So, Are you feeling any better?” He asked with a grin.

“Y-Yeah… Th-Thanks…” Fuyu blushed as he sat up. “But… If you tell anybody what just happened--”

“Don’t worry, It’ll be our little secret.” Hajime winked, smiling at the flustered Yakuza.

“I can’t believe you think I’m cute. I am not fucking cute.” he huffed, crossing his arms.

Hajime blushed. Huh, He didn’t realize how that might sound without the proper context… Of course he didn’t mean romantically initially but.

He also didn’t feel any need to clarify this.

Is this inner conflict between platonic feelings and romantic feelings what being bi Is like? (Yes. Yes It Is. at least In my experience--)

“I can’t believe you think you aren’t cute.” Hajime retorted. “If I find out you’re feeling self conscious or dissing on yourself again, I will find you, and I will wreck you with compliments and tickles.”

Fuyuhiko gave a cheeky grin. “Is that supposed to deter me? You think I’m afraid of you?”

Hajime smirked and stood up, offering his hand to pull him to his feet. “You should be. Because you said I found one of your worst spots, Not the worst one… which means I still need to find it. And when I do, there will be no mercy.”

Fuyuhiko shuddered internally as he took Hajime’s hand and got to his feet.

“I’m not going to pressure you but… I might have a temporary solution If you wanted to join us.” Hajime said, going over to where he left his swim bag. From it he produced a tee shirt. “You could wear this with your swim trunks so that you don’t have to walk around shirtless.”

The Yakuza’s expression softened. “I didn’t bring my swim bag.”

“Peko did. She thought you might change your mind.” Hajime looked up at Fuyu and smiled, standing back up. He set the clean shirt on the table and ruffled Fuyu’s hair as he walked past. “If you change your mind…” He lingered in the doorway, looking back at him. “I’d love It if you joined us-- Uh, I mean, WE would love it-- Oh, You know what I mean.”

Flustered, The usually tsundere boy hurried back to the beach, Leaving behind the smiling Ultimate Yakuza.

“There you are! You sure were gone a while.” Mahiru sighed. “What were you off doing anyway?”

“Was Young master okay?” Peko asked, suddenly at his side.

“Fiend, Why Is your face so red? Are you possessed by a demon!?” Gundham asked.

“Did someone say Demon possession?” Sonia practically bounced over, Her eyes sparkling excitedly at the prospect.

Hajime stammered, Trying to process his words. “I-I was at the beach house with Fuyuhiko, He’s okay Peko.” He answered both Mahiru and Peko at the same time before turning to Gundham and Sonia. “No, I’m not possessed by a demon.”

“Aww...” Sonia pouted momentarily.

“Then why is your face so red? Did you forget the Human uv protection barrier?” Gundham asked, crossing his arms.

Hajime blinked. “The what?”

“Sunscreen?” Sonia asked, Turning back to Hajime after Gundham nodded in response to her question. “His face does not look sunburnt. Actually his face looks like it is going back to it’s normal color.”

“So that means Hajime was totally blushing!” Ibuki giggled. “What went on In that beach house, I wonder.”

Hajime’s face went red again as he was swiftly reminded of the reason he was blushing in the first place. “Sh-Shut up Ibuki!”

“Did something happen with Young master?” Peko asked curiously.

“N-No, Of course not! I-- GAH!” Hajime yelled In surprise as he was pelted with a water balloon, He whipped around In the direction it came from, Expecting Soda or Chiaki to have thrown It but instead finding Fuyuhiko.

He stood there barefoot In the sand, wearing swim trunks and Hajime’s shirt, which looked baggy on him and obscured his frame.

Peko’s face lit up, As did Hajime’s. The others were shocked.

“Hey Dumbass! Don’t lie to them. The truth Is I was going to stay inside but he cheered me up and convinced me to join you all.” He smirked, winking at Hajime who smiled lightheartedly.

“Well, There goes my fun! Who said he could join us??” Hiyoko pouted.

Chiaki sidled up to Fuyuhiko, handing him a rather large water gun with a bright smile. “Upgrade unlocked.”

Fuyuhiko grinned and took it from her. “Target acquired.” He responded, Locking eyes with Hiyoko as he pumped the water pressure slide.

The dancer screamed and took off running with Fuyuhiko on her tail. “NOOOO! MAHIRU HELP!”

“GET BACK HERE YOU LITTLE SHIT!” Fuyu called after her.

Mahiru and Hajime exchanged looks, cracking up laughing at their friends. “I’ll get my girlfriend to be nice if you go call off your boyfriend.” She said jokingly.

Hajime blushed, laughing along with her. “Deal.”

“Hiyoko! Over here!” Mahiru called, taking off running after her girlfriend.

“Fuyuhiko! Stop it, she’s already deeeaaad!” Hajime called after his friend, Laughing. He took off running after him too.

Chiaki leaned against Peko, sighing dramatically. “I think we pushed them In the right direction today.”

Peko nodded, patting the Gamer’s head. “It was smart of you to bring Fuyuhiko’s bag. How did you know he would change his mind?”

“I had a feeling. Thanks for carrying it for me, It would have looked suspicious If I’d been spotted with it.” Chiaki smiled sweetly up at the swordswoman. “Good work getting Hajime to go check on him. I don’t think either of them saw us In the doorway.”

Peko faintly smiled, watching Fuyuhiko get thrown over Hajime’s shoulder and carried away from Hiyoko. “I don’t think so either. Not that they could have heard us over Young Master’s laughter.”

Chiaki giggled as she watched Hajime getting sprayed down with the water gun now. “Mischief managed~”