Saji Residence
27.4.2015
'So damn tired...' That was the only thought that crossed Masahide's mind as he slowly began rising from his bed. The park had took a number on the boy, causing sharp pains and aches to course through his body from the labor the night before. Still, the boy forced himself to his feet as he began to put on a fresh suit- all the while yawning and stretching as he tried to adjust. Shortly after, he'd find himself in the bathroom neighboring his bedroom, going over the same routine as he briefly styled his hair and turned to leave. It was then that he paused, eyeing himself over in the mirror as he looked over himself- as he did the night before. Still as pale as a ghost, and those dark circles under his eyes still prevalent. '... Maybe I'll head home early tonight?' Masa thought to himself as he continued to leave the room, making his way down stairs.
The hardwood platforms creaked softly under the weight of the boy, despite having survived many generations of the Saji family, it was beginning to show it's age. Even then, it was very well maintained: nearly no dust was present, the carpets well cleaned, and even the lights in the house seemed to be new. Or at least immaculately well kept. But the visual were soon trumped by the scents wafting about the abode, originating form the kitchen as subtle clatter and commotion would be heard. Reaching the doorway within moments, Masa would peek his head inside- spying his mother and her daily practice of cooking breakfast...
"Morning." Masahide spoke as he now fully entered the kitchen, causing his mother to jump as if slightly startled.
"Masa?" She replied, setting her whisk aside for a moment as she seemed somewhat awe struck. True, it had been a while since Masa had made time to converse with his mother, and even longer since he'd stopped by for her cooking. Still, the look subsided into a warm smile as she returned to her labors, "Glad to see you up and about. I was worried you were going to sleep all day, what with you coming home so late."
"I didn't plan on being up this early either... But I've got a couple of things to do before practice today." Masa made his way to the counter at his mother's side as he leaned against it, unable to suppress an audible groan from the strain his muscles were experiencing.
"Really, Masa?" His mother's eyes had that look again... The same look he had gotten the night before form that girl, "Could you skip at least one day to get some rest? I mean, you haven't mis-"
"I'm fine." Masa replied curtly, eyeing over his mother out of the corner of his eyes as he forced himself to stand... The concern on his mother's face was more then evident, but he wouldn't hear another word, "I'll try to be home after practice."
"Masa... Just- Be careful." Was his mother's final reply, placing her free hand on his shoulder as she leaned in to kiss him upon the cheek, before returning to her work. As Masa left his home, the sound of the shutting door would trigger his mother to pause in her efforts as she began to cry.
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Ferrero Mall
It seemed like an eternity had passed as Masa entered the mall, his legs tensing up and cramping slightly as he paused a moment. It had only been yesterday since he had been here, but all at once it seemed like a different place. Was it always this busy? Had he just not noticed? Even with experiencing the rush firsthand, it was different looking from the outside in. Still, he'd begin traversing the mall, though with no real goal in mind. Even he didn't know why he was here... A few people had recognized him and snickered slight, but all at once their attention became diverted as they rushed to a growing commotion. Though curious, Masa would make no attempt to actually see what was going on- merely posting himself upon a wall as he watched over the crowd.
A lucky split in the crowd revealed what looked to be a fight, "Really? In broad daylight? What type of idiots would throw down in the mall at a time like this?" Shaking his head, he'd merely wait patiently, watching the events play out- an amused smirk subtly spread across his lips.