Title: The Confession
Fandom: King of Fighters
Pairing: Shingo & Kyo
Summary:
[Originally written on 2018/09/28]
[Takes a place around in early KOF94~95]
When everything may seem perfect, Shingo's precious master's behavior makes him worried and prepare for the worst. Could it mean that Kyo already fed-off of his student?
Read and find out.
[Revisited and rewritten on 2022/02/01]
AO3 Link
It has been a while since Shingo has decided to become the disciple of Kyo. That’s right, the successor of the Kusanagi clan, which, a long time ago, played a critical role in defeating and sealing the legendary Orochi. Yet, this young lad is not only famous for his self-taught martial arts mixed with his wielded flame. But he is also an annual winner of one of the most challenging fighting tournaments – King of Fighters.
And thus, this is where Shingo met his adored idol. Ever since that moment when he saw the Japan team's first match, he began to admire the older brunette as a skillful fighter. However, Yabuki only had enough courage to approach him when the Kusanagi’s heir returned to the high school. Perhaps, befriending the older brunette was one of the most significant occasions in his life. And thus, Shingo realized that Kyo is also a kind and charismatic person.
As time passed, Shingo started to respect and admire his idol more and more. When the heir of Kusanagi took him as a student under his care, it was the best day in young Yabuki’s life. Even learning new moves or simple yet, helpful tips about anything was something special that made Shingo’s day. So, it becomes natural for him to kindly treat his precious mentor, and cherish him despite how sometimes Kyo treated him.
At first glance, it may seem like a pretty cold or rather a harsh treatment towards the younger brunette. The Kusanagi is sure that it is the only way to teach anything to his disciple. After all, as a teacher, he needs to be strict with Shingo, and he cannot go too soft on him. Otherwise, Kyo would waste his time, and his hard work would be for naught.
Unfortunately, no one has the slightest idea how much patience, time, and effort it takes to train someone like Shingo. By no means the brunette sees his student as a hopeless case, which is beyond any help. It is just these tiny little details that are the real test of Kusanagi's endurance and power of will…
For example, no matter how clearly Kyo explains even the basic things, the younger brunette does not seem to get it, and he keeps repeating the same mistakes.
‘Maybe it would be simpler just to give up and quit teaching Shingo. At least I could finally have some peace.’ — Or so, Kyo recently began to think about it after a long day.
On the other hand, the Kusanagi can see that his disciple tries his best, no matter what happens. Countless times the younger brunette would get scolded or fall, but he always gets up and continues the training until he will get succeed in mastering certain moves.
However, Kyo cannot understand how anyone could be so excited and proud even over the tiny achievements? At this point, Yabuki almost reminded him of a child. That’s right, this kind of attitude was similar to a naive kid who rushes to show what he has accomplished to someone worthy of that trust.
Possibly, such innocence, honesty, and loyalty are Shingo’s charms, which he has no idea about, nor how to use them. More importantly, the older brunette has never seen anyone working so hard or determined as Yabuki. Kyo is fully aware that his disciple will never destine to master the Kusanagi style nor wield the flame, but even someone like the older brunette shows respect for that stubbornness.
Hell, despite how it is hard to admit, seeing daily his student’s progress amazes Kyo. Perhaps, at some point, Shingo surpassed his mentor. For sure, it makes the Kusanagi proud and relieved, knowing his spent time teaching his disciple can be rewarding. Eventually, Kyo even started secretly admiring his disciple.
Besides, it’s not that bad to teach someone like Yabuki. Or at least, as it seemed at the beginning. After Kyo gets treated by Shingo every day because it is his way of payment. One wise person has told – stay hungry, stay foolish. So, there was no way that the older brunette could turn off such an offer. More so, the food always tastes better when you can share it with a good company. After all, hanging out with Shingo is not as annoying as Kyo imagined at first. Contrary, his company was enjoyable, and his presence alone has a relaxing and calming effect. And thus, such a routine became a part of the older brunette’s daily life.
Unfortunately, nowadays, something feels off, and it cannot give a rest for the Kusanagi’s heir. He cannot shake off the idea of Shingo finally having fed off of him. Kyo cannot imagine what may happen if someday Yabuki decides that his assistance won't be necessary. Then, he would leave his side and find a better person. Perhaps, he got used to too much of spending his time with Shingo, and it was only in his mind. Or so, the brunette tried to convince himself.
However, there are a couple of other things which cannot give him a rest. The younger brunette has a natural talent to attract the problems where there shouldn’t be any. And thus, it’s always Kyo who drags him by the back of the collar from getting into more trouble. So, who is going to stop him from any reckless behavior when the Kusanagi’s heir is gone? Therefore, Kyo feels the urge to protect his precious disciple no matter what. However, he does not get why he has become so anxious and restless.
He even began to wonder who is Shingo to him – only as a good friend? Or it is just a mere master-disciple relationship. Perhaps, it could be something more? No, there cannot be something more than that. Or this is what Kyo wants to believe.
It cannot be that without realizing it, he managed to catch the feelings for his disciple. On the other hand, it is the only explanation that came to his mind. If it is the case, it would be wiser to get rid of these thoughts and move on. And thus, the brunette decides to do so. However, it ends up with an utter failure.
After thinking about whether he did fall for Shingo or not, he decides to overcome his pride and admit that it is true. However, the next issue is finding the way to tell this. Confession might be the right solution. Yet, he needs to find the right words and the right place. But what is the best way of doing it? For sure, he cannot make it sound so unexpected. So, it must be subtle and smooth. After a while, the brunette came up with a decent idea. Therefore, he decides to give it a try. Besides, it cannot end that bad, can it? Even so, he would have nothing to lose.
Finally, the long-awaited day arrives. According to his plan, they should meet at the destination place, and the older brunette has to say something important. So, now all he needs is to wait for his disciple to show up.
Meanwhile, Shingo got surprised by receiving a phone call from his mentor. For sure, it was out of the blue because Kyo rarely is the one who contacts the younger brunette first. However, Yabuki was also concerned about the way how his mentor talked. That unusual serious tone and speaking up in short sentences do not sound so promising to him.
Could it be that something bothers his adored master? Perhaps, Kyo is finally fed-off with his disciple, and now he wants to meet him to tell that directly. At least, it might be the most humane way of him doing it. Was it just the worst-case scenario? Or, unfortunately, the harsh truth? On the other hand, Shingo may find out the real reason why the Kusanagi acts so strangely and avoids him.
At last, the time has come, and both met as they agreed. At first, these two were just quietly staring at each other for a while. Yet, Kyo was the one who broke the silence between them and approached Shingo.
Of course, his disciple mentally prepares for the worst and waits in fear for these words. However, he could still have those happy memories. So, it should be fine, even having them. After nervously taking a deep breath, Shingo already accepted the rejection and hopes that it should be over soon.
But for now, Kyo turns his gaze away while trying to hide the rising heat in his cheeks. Lastly, the older brunette confesses in a quiet and embarrassed voice ‘‘Umm, not sure how to put this in words… Well, listen, I called you here to tell you…’’.
Like never, Shingo can feel how his life will be over any second now. He even froze in fear and simply wishes that it will end quickly. All Yabuki could do is nervously close his eyes and wait.
‘‘Just take this!’’ - Kyo declared from the top of his lungs.
For sure, these words surprised Shingo and left him dumbfounded. After Yabuki opens his eyes, he notices how his mentor picks something small and shiny from his pocket. Lastly, he hands over the tiny item into the younger brunette’s hand while lowering his head.
‘‘So, there…’’ - Kyo adds in a barely hearable voice.
All Shingo could do was stare at the given button while figuring out what that was supposed to mean. In the end, he has no clue, and, for a second, he looks up at his precious mentor. Then once again, he returns his gaze to the small item in his hand. Suddenly, he realizes that it is a button from Kyo’s uniform.
‘Wait… what?’ — Shingo thought. Yet, he quickly figured out what was happening now.
‘So, Kusanagi-san felt the same?… Wait, WHAT?!… Calm yourself. Just calm yourself!’ — Or so, Yabuki realizes.
Suddenly, the younger brunette’s confusion changes to overflowing happiness and relief like someone removing the heavy rock from his chest. Shingo cannot even control his emotions, and he tightly hugs Kyo.
However, soon enough, Yabuki is returned to reality by the sudden groaning ‘‘Hey, could you at least give me some space? It’s kinda hard to breathe.’’.
Once Shingo releases Kyo, the older brunette could finally catch a breath. After a short pause, the Kusanagi suggests ‘‘We can go somewhere and celebrate this. Of course, if you want. Don’t worry, this time, I pay.’’. Lastly, he pats Shingo’s head. While enjoying his adored Kyo's affection, Yabuki never felt so happy in his life. Perhaps, it is also only the beginning of their story.
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