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“Are you sure it’s not going to rain?” Ryunosuke asks, his voice quivering before he swallows. “The clouds are pretty dark, after all.”
Kazuma glances up, crossing his arms with a tight face. “Hmm, I don’t think so. I bet it’s just a few clouds rolling by.”
Kazuma glances over at his partner, who still looks concerned. So his words hadn’t provided too much comfort, then…
Perhaps a distraction will help.
“Come, there’s some floats coming down the street. I can see them in the corner of my eye.”
Kazuma grabs his arm and leads Ryunosuke forward. Dodging the crowds, Kazuma stays focused, trying to not get distracted by the many conversations surrounding them. Once they find a place to get comfortable to watch the floats on a bench, Ryunosuke’s pout is still apparent as he looks up at the sky again.
“Calm yourself, it won’t rain. Those clouds we saw earlier have already blown over.” Kazuma grabs his shoulder with a comforting but firm grip. He wants to offer a reassuring smile, but he knows it would be forced, so he just scoots closer. “Just take a deep breath for me, okay?”
Thankfully, Ryunosuke knows Kazuma doesn’t like to force his emotions out and understands he’s trying to be comforting. Ryunosuke offers a weak smile, immediately looking forward at the floats, trying to enjoy their stunning beauty.
Before the festival, Ryunosuke had confided in him that he was terrified it would rain and the festival would be doomed. According to his testimony, it was a pattern.
Kazuma had spent a good time trying to soothe Ryunosuke’s fears, but it was useless. Kazuma isn’t sure what else to do, so he inches closer to offer a bit more assurance that it will be alright.
Though, as Kazuma actually observes the massive dark grey clouds that just rolled in, he can’t help but wonder if Ryunosuke’s got a point.
After all, it has been really dark today and this summer has been periodic with rainstorms. The only thing providing any comfort is that the clouds are still moving and there’s been no sign of rain. Even so, Kazuma’s got to admit it. Ryunosuke has a legitimate concern, and he should really stop dismissing it to assure him.
Kazuma subtly glances over at the new carts in their area to see if he can find anything helpful.
In the distance are beautiful parasols, an abundance of colours clashing against the gloomy weather. An idea sparks in his head. He stands up and starts dusting off his crimson yukaka. “One second.”
Ryunosuke raises an eyebrow with confusion before Kazuma steps away. Going towards the parasol, the merchant greets him eagerly. “Ah, so you see it too? Wise man. These should shield you from the rain.”
Kazuma barely acknowledges the man with a quick nod. There’s so many beautiful designs, but a lot of them are more aligned to what Susato-san would like. As he’s about to just grab one and lie his favourite colour is purple, one buried underneath a few of the others sticks out. It’s a beautiful one, with a stunning indigo base with painted golden tips that reminds Kazuma of Ryunosuke’s favourite colour scheme.
He knows who it should belong to. Digging through the others on top of it, he grabs that one.
After a bit of bartering from the stubborn merchant and paying, Kazuma brings it back, handing it to Ryunosuke. “Do you think this will soothe your concerns?”
Ryunosuke blinks, his eyes lighting up as he takes the gift. Opening it up to admire the gold details, his smile brightens before finally looking over at Kazuma again. “It’s…it’s beautiful. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Kazuma nods before looking back at the floats. Ryunosuke scoots closer, his breathing relaxing as he rests his head on Kazuma’s shoulder. Kazuma looks down at Ryunosuke, raising an eyebrow, “Comfortable?”
“Yeah.”
Kazuma just chuckles in response, looking back at the floats. There are so many vibrant ones intent on warding away illness for the year, and though they’re beautiful, perhaps they should have made a couple to ward off bad weather. Before the third float makes it to the end of the parade, a droplet hits his head. Kazuma sighs, and before he can admit Ryunosuke’s intuition was correct, Ryunosuke opens the parasol and invites Kazuma underneath, scooting to the left.
That droplet was almost freezing…
“You were right.” Kazuma sighs. “Hopefully it’s just a little shower.”
“I think it’s going to get worse.” Ryunosuke explains, reaching his hand out with a deep frown. A few droplets fill his hand before he sighs, bringing the damp hand back. “When clouds are that dark and puffy, it usually means there’s a lot of rain in them.”
“I believe you. Good thing we got this little parasol, right?”
Ryunosuke glances over at the parasol cart, now swimming with people desperately trying to buy one to shelter themselves from the light rain. “You got it at the right time.”
“He was the smart one for selling them even when it was supposed to be a sunny day. Anyway-”
With a deep rumble in the distance, the gasps of the audience have made it clear the festival is over. Ryunosuke sighs, his head hanging in defeat. Kazuma frowns at the depressing sight. He has another idea to make up for the bad weather.
“Come, we can find shelter at my place and do something there. It’s not a festival, but I’m sure we can have a good time.” Kazuma stands up, offering his hand.
Ryunosuke grips it tightly as the both of them run through the summer rain, their sandals splashing the puddles and drenching the hems of their yukatas.
At first, it’s fun, even recalling a memory of Susato-san and him playing in a shower and looking for frogs at her request, but the reality of the situation is snapped back into reality as lightning cracks through the sky. The weather’s a lot worse than even he would have guessed…
“Under there!” Ryunosuke points out a small stall with a small roof they can stand over for the time being.
Kazuma doesn’t protest as they dodge the dangerous weather conditions. Ryunosuke closes his umbrella, pressing himself close to Kazuma. As they huddle underneath the rooftop and another crack of lightning is heard in the distance with a loud boom. The sky lights up for a split second before the lightning hits the ground, thankfully quite a bit away.
Ryunosuke wraps his arms around Kazuma’s frame. His breath is shallow and he’s quivering in place. Kazuma pauses, then wraps his own arms around Ryunosuke’s shoulders, using his back to calm him down.
“Are you okay?” Kazuma whispers.
Ryunosuke nods. “I’m sorry. I’m a bit afraid of thunder. You don’t mind if I stay here?”
“No, no. It’s okay.” Kazuma whispers, “I got you.”
Kazuma’s always been pretty unsettled by thunder and lightning too, but he’d never admit that when someone else is obviously showing signs of distress. He almost jumps when the thunder roars again, but exhales through his nose to stay grounded. This time, there’s a bit of a yelp and he can feel a couple tears drip on his clothes. Kazuma frowns, moving his hand through Ryunosuke’s hair in a desperate way to soothe him.
“So…” Ryunosuke swallows his tears, looking down as he pulls away. “Sorry about your yakuta.”
“You’re fine. I’d rather it have a couple of dried tears than be struck by lightning.” Kazuma does force a small smile before Ryunosuke makes himself comfortable back on Kazuma’s chest.
Kazuma glances back to the street, observing the pouring rain as the wind howls, the dark clouds making their retreat to the north. The rain steadies, now just drizzling raindrops. The tapping on the rooftop is almost comforting, rhythmic and soothing. If it wasn’t for the abysmal weather conditions, Kazuma would have suggested they just stay and observe the storm.
Once it’s been about ten minutes and there’s no sign of any more thunder or lightning, Kazuma pokes his head out. “I think the rain has calmed down. Let’s get to my place before anything else starts up again. I’m just down the street.”
Ryunosuke sighs, opening up his umbrella. He steps out, placing the parasol over his head. He offers a spot for Kazuma to slide under. As they walk down the street, it’s a peaceful silence as the humid air blows to the north.
“So what do you want to do instead?” Ryunosuke asks. “I think it’s too dangerous to go back later.”
Kazuma looks up at the sky again. This time, he’s the one a bit nervous about the weather. “I’d be surprised if the festival’s not cancelled, to be honest. Though there’s no more lightning or thunder, I think it’s going to rain again.”
“I agree. Do you think we can make it without running into any more horrid weather?”
“Yeah.” Kazuma nods.
They don’t. When the droplets begin to pour again, it’s Ryunosuke who offers his hand and the two bolt it down the wet streets, hoping to avoid being drenched.
*
“We made it!” Ryunosuke breathes, trying to catch his breath. He closes the umbrella as soon as they make it underneath the covered porch. Before he follows Kazuma in, he covers his arm and starts hacking.
“A bit out of shape?” Kazuma inquires, raising an eyebrow.
“I…I’m not sure. It’s been this way since I’ve been young.” Ryunosuke admits as Kazuma opens the door and lets him in. He coughs again before Kazuma closes the door behind him.
In the dark home, Kazuma leads Ryunosuke to a place where he can sit and ground himself.
He’s already setting up the tea kettle and warming up the stove. Ryunosuke’s coughing has calmed down a bit after resting. As the water warms up, Kazuma sets up the teabags and places them in.
Ryunosuke goes over to the kitchen, poking his head in. “Can I help?”
“Nope, almost done.” Kazuma hums as the tea kettle whistles. “There’s some honey if you’d like some in your cup.”
“Oh, great, thank you!” Ryunosuke’s face brightens as he takes the cup and pours an exorbitant amount of honey in his.
“Want some tea with your honey?” Kazuma teases, pouring the tea in.
Ryunosuke laughs at the jab. “What type is it, anyway?”
“English Black tea. My guardian really likes it.” Kazuma explains, pouring his own cup and adding a drop of honey. “It’s decent, I hope you like it.”
Ryunosuke pauses, then takes the cup and swallows it whole. Kazuma blinks, stunned at the swift action. “It’s pretty sweet, but it’s good.”
Kazuma shakes his head. “That’s what you get for making half of your drink honey.”
“Too true.” Ryunosuke admits. “I can’t believe we’re having tea in such hot weather.”
“I can.” Kazuma decides to look at the rain outside. It’s barely sprinkling now. “Those droplets were pretty cold. I think summer’s almost over. Besides, it’s normal for my family to have a cup each morning.”
“I see. Do you think we could watch the rain?” Ryunosuke glances outside with a bit of wonder in his eyes. “It’s nice to watch when there’s shelter.”
“Sure. I usually watch the rain when having tea on the porch. Come, I’ll even show you my little spot.”
“You have an area?”
“Yes, I do. It sometimes gets really loud here, so I study when it’s nice outside. I sometimes knit and write in my journal too. It’s a place where my guardian made me so I could have some quiet when it all becomes too much.” Kazuma opens the door with his tea in his hand, turning towards the small area.
It’s not much, but he’s never shown anyone else this place before…
There’s an abundance of blankets and pillows on a chair, his yarn stowed away under the seat to stay protected, and a little desk to store some small hobby items. He had just cleared that out earlier this week, so it’s empty. Something Ryunosuke finds out quickly after opening up a few drawers.
“Whoa, this is spectacular.”
Kazuma can’t help but be amused at Ryunosuke’s fascination. Placing his teacup on the desk for a moment, he walks over to the seat. “It’s not much, but it’s suitable. Here. Let me just move a few of the blankets here…”
Kazuma takes the soft blankets, rearranging them to the side to make more space for Ryunosuke. He settles down, making sure it’s comfortable. Before he can say anything, Ryunosuke has grabbed his cup of tea and handed it back to his partner with a bright look on his face. Kazuma smiles, taking the tea in his hands before Ryunosuke decides it’s comfortable enough and sits right next to him, resting his head on Kazuma’s shoulder. They don’t say a word as the droplets fall, dripping from the trees and unto the hobby garden his guardian had grown.
If only things could be like this forever…
Things are so peaceful now, and yet, Kazuma’s mind wanders to his choices he’s made to find the answers to the questions that he’s been searching for his entire life. If only it wasn’t now out of all times.
Their bond has become strong in such a short time. They quickly have progressed from friends to being as affectionate as an official couple, but neither have made an actual move yet. If only things weren’t going to eventually implode…
There’s a soft snore that breaks Kazuma’s thoughts. Ryunosuke’s dozed off to the comforting sound of the raindrops, still nuzzled in his shoulder. He looks so peaceful and blissful, his face relaxed as he adjusts the angle of his body to be pressed closer.
Kazuma wraps his arm around Ryunosuke, bringing him closer as his own eyes relax, making sure he doesn’t fall asleep in case the weather turns awful again.
After all, he’s more than willing to provide shelter for the one he cherishes most while he still can.