Work Text:
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.
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He never liked noisy or crowded places because they put him in a bad mood. In this case, even more so than he already was, since he'd been sitting there for at least two hours. Time dragged on, and although in these circumstances he should be grateful for it, he was starting to get tired. He'd been awake since that damned six in the morning, his head ached, and he longed for some silence.
"Do you want to splash water on your face again?" he heard a voice beside him, and he looked up from the novel he'd been fruitlessly trying to read to clear his head. "Or maybe it would be better if you went home?"
"You're kicking me out again," he replied, settling back into that seat for the umpteenth time and yawning. "You shouldn't have asked me to come in the first place if you were just going to throw me out."
He could feel Seijuurou staring at him. Chihiro didn't understand why he was there. They both knew how difficult it would be, and yet they still bothered to pretend it was just another trip that would separate them for at least a weekend. This time it would be too many days apart.
So much silence.
"I wanted to be with you until the very last minute, what's wrong with that?" Seijuurou said and Chihiro rolled his eyes because he knew he was smiling. "And you came willingly. I don't remember threatening you or anything."
Seijuurou's fingers slid through his hair, and Chihiro turned to look at him. That tender smile, the caress, and the words stuck in his own throat. Chihiro couldn't lie to him. They had eaten breakfast together before leaving, and despite knowing what he would have to endure there, the thought of staying home and sleeping a little longer never crossed his mind.
He frowned, trying to pull away from his hand.
"Are you upset?"
"Not at all. Can't you see how happy I am?"
"Six months will fly by," Seijuurou murmured, glancing down. "Before you know it, I'll be back here."
As soon as he finished speaking, an announcement over the loudspeakers alerted them, and Chihiro knew his time was up. His mind went blank as they silently rose from their chairs and walked to the stairs that would separate them for months. Seijuurou reached for his suitcase, and Chihiro couldn't help but pull him into a hug.
For a moment, he heard nothing.
His mind still hadn't grasped the fact that his boyfriend was leaving. Far away. Very far away. However, his heart had, as it began to feel as if it were emptying with every second the hug lasted. Seijuurou took hold of the lapels of his jacket and pulled him down to his level to kiss him on the lips one last time.
Neither of them cried. They weren't that kind of people. But they felt the distance growing with every step Seijuurou took away from him. They didn't say anything either. There was no need; they had learned to look at each other.
He considered staying a little longer, but his reason had left him, so he simply returned home, mentally preparing himself for the emptiness of the following weeks.
○●○●○●○
Sei
online
I'm here.
3:01 AM
It must be three in the morning there.
3:01 AM
Sleep well.
3:02 AM
Hey
3:06 AM
I noticed, it's a fucking thirteen-hour time difference.
3:06 AM
Why didn't you tell me?
3:07 AM
Why are you awake?
3:08 AM
You have classes in a few hours.
3:08 AM
Stop avoiding the subject.
3:08 AM
Besides, it'll probably be like this for the next few nights.
3:09 AM
My apologies.
3:09 AM
I didn't want to upset you any more.
3:10 AM
Wow, how thoughtful.
3:10 AM
Come on, Chihiro.
3:10 AM
I'm sorry.
3:10 AM
Please try to sleep.
3:11 AM
I already told you I don't think I can for a few days.
3:11 AM
You're not here.
3:11 AM
I'll blame you for my dark circles and for falling asleep in class.
3:11 AM
Is this your way of telling me
you miss me?
3:12 AM
And that you can't sleep
without me?
3:12 AM
I'll take the blame. And I'll tell you I miss you too.
3:12 AM
Just shut up.
3:12 AM
Don't you have to move in?
3:13 AM
Go and rest or whatever.
3:13 AM
Maybe I'll manage to sleep for an hour or two.
3:13 AM
Please, go to sleep.
3:13 AM
We'll talk later.
3:13 AM
○●○●○●○
When Chihiro opened the door, he hadn't expected to see the person standing on the other side. He raised an eyebrow and twisted his lips into a grimace of annoyance. The boy returned his gaze without the slightest change in his expression.
"Mayuzumi-san, good afternoon," he greeted before extending a cardboard box. "I came to bring this to Akashi-kun. Is he home?"
Chihiro waited what felt like an eternity for the light blue-haired boy to say he was joking, that he obviously knew Akashi wasn't there, or even in the country. But nothing happened. Then he wondered if his boyfriend had simply decided to disappear without saying anything to his friends. And he also wondered if he was supposed to tell them.
Chihiro took the box from Kuroko Tetsuya's hands and sighed, shaking his head.
"He's gone," he murmured.
"Oh, he'll be back soon?"
"Sure, in about six months."
"I'm serious, Mayuzumi-san," he said, rolling his eyes.
"Me too," Chihiro replied, slamming the door in his face.
He walked to his room and placed the box by the closet. Out of curiosity, and sheer boredom, he opened it to check the contents: a couple of books, some photos, and a smaller box containing hair ties and clips, as well as a black button. Akashi used to share an apartment with Kuroko when he first moved to Tokyo to study, and then moved in with Chihiro a year later. Kuroko must have found the box after a thorough cleaning.
The photos were from high school, the basketball team to be exact. They looked really young in them. He didn't keep things from that time because he didn't like accumulating mementos from his high school days. However, there was one exception on his phone that no one knew about, and he hoped it would stay that way.
A photo of Seijuurou playing basketball.
He wasn't quite sure what he was thinking at that moment to force himself to take that picture, but there it was.
He put everything back in the box with a weary sigh. He stared at the button until he remembered where it came from and quickly put it away.
"Mayuzumi-san.”
“Since when are you so formal?”
He saw Seijuurou smile slightly. He glanced around, not wanting to be caught by those scarlet eyes again.
“Congratulations on your graduation,” he said softly but firmly, taking two steps toward him. “You'll be missed on the team.”
“You know I won't,” he sighed. “I can't believe Your Highness came to say goodbye to me,” he teased, toying with the tube containing his diploma. “What do you want?”
“Why do you think I've come to ask you for something?”
“Every single one of our encounters has been to ask me for something, why would this be any different, or ever?”
Seijuurou nodded, that slight smile never leaving him, the one that made him look like an innocent child who hadn't done anything wrong in his entire life, yet was capable of destroying you if you crossed him.
“You're right,” the distance between them closed even more. “I want the second button from your uniform.”
Chihiro raised both eyebrows without saying a word. There was no point in mentioning that his heart skipped a beat. He clicked his tongue and handed it over without another word.
"Thank you very much."
"Whatever.”
○●○●○●○
Sei
online
Good morning.
9:06 PM
Good evening.
9:07 PM
Didn't you have classes today?
9:07 PM
In the afternoon. I went out for a walk to get a little more familiar with the place.
9:08 PM
My roommate is...
9:08 PM
An idiot.
9:08 PM
By the way, I can't find one of my jackets.
9:08 PM
The black one with silver details. Have you seen it?
9:09 PM
You don't even know him and you're already insulting him.
9:10 PM
And well. I brought it with me.
9:10 PM
...
9:10 PM
Seijuurou, what have I told you about stealing my clothes?
9:10 PM
And I don't need to know him, the way he talks to you is enough to know he's an idiot.
9:11 PM
I'm wearing it now.
9:11 PM
And I know, I should have asked your permission.
9:12 PM
But it's one of your favorites, so
I knew you'd refuse.
9:12 PM
I'd rather not comment on it.
9:12 PM
I can't do anything anyway, you're on the other side of the world.
9:12 PM
That's right.
9:13 PM
I wish you'd punch my
roommate.
9:13 PM
I really want to.
9:13 PM
Didn't you ask for a change?
9:13 PM
All rooms are full so they can't make changes.
9:14 PM
I just found a really nice bookstore.
I bet you'd like it.
9:14 PM
I swear if that idiot does anything to you, I'll personally go and break his nose.
9:15 PM
I know you don't let people like that intimidate you, but. You know, be careful and all that.
9:15 PM
Are books cheaper there?
9:15 PM
Thank you for looking out for me.
9:16 PM
Well, there are a lot that are not that expensive.
9:17 PM
They're good quality. I could get you some if you want.
9:17 PM
As if I could read English.
9:17 PM
But you took an English Literature course.
9:17 PM
You know it has nothing to do with it.
9:18 PM
I know. I was just trying to joke with you.
9:18 PM
I have time to think about what to take you from here.
9:19 PM
I don't need anything. Buy something for yourself if you want, but not for me.
9:19 PM
Suddenly I can't read.
9:20 PM
How funny.
9:20 PM
○●○●○●○
He wouldn't lie to himself. Maybe he would to others, he didn't care. But Chihiro wasn't so sure about the whole thing anymore because every day there was a specific moment when he remembered his boyfriend, and his absence was too noticeable.
There was no one waiting for him at home.
Seijuurou's side of the closet was empty.
There was only a toothbrush in the bathroom.
That extra weight on his lap every time he sat down to read on the couch was gone.
And of course, the bed felt big and a little cold.
Chihiro hated to admit he missed him because he would inevitably think about him and wouldn't be able to stop until he ended up crying or with an erection. It wasn't the same talking through texts or video calls or anything like that. He needed to have him there, walking around, in his arms, talking, sitting next to him. He needed his warmth.
One of Seijuurou's smiles was enough to turn his world upside down.
And a kiss all he needed to change his entire life.
Chihiro missed him so much.
Although he would never tell him.
"Mayu-chan, how's Sei-chan? We haven't talked in a while, and I feel bad about it, but I've been busy," Reo said, sitting down next to Chihiro in the café across from the university.
Kotaro and Nebuya had stayed in Kyoto to study; only Mibuchi had dared to move to Tokyo, just like Akashi and him. Sometimes he'd run into him on campus or on his way to class, and since they'd known each other for a while, they always ended up exchanging a few words.
At a certain point, he was pleasant company from time to time.
"So is he," he replied, taking a sip of coffee, "and me. It's been almost two days since our last conversation. He's doing well."
"I'm glad to hear it," Reo smiled. "He must be going out a lot too, right? There must be hundreds of fun things to do in New York."
Mayuzumi shrugged. The little he knew was what Seijuurou told her every now and then. He wasn't really interested. Their conversations revolved around classes, his homophobic roommate, food, and sometimes, how much Akashi missed him. Because, once again, he wasn't about to admit it directly.
He preferred to pretend that Seijuurou's return was imminent.
"Oh, by the way. Do you plan to visit him sometime?"
"I have plenty of things to spare, but money isn't one of them," Chihiro said, glancing down at his nearly empty mug. "We won't see each other until he gets back, probably at Christmas."
"I see, that's a shame," he said, pressing his lips together while still carefully observing Chihiro. "Have you been sleeping well?"
"I have a lot to study."
"That doesn't answer my question."
"Too bad, that's all I'll say." He gathered his things and stood up from the table.
"It's not bad to miss him, Mayu-chan. I miss him too," Reo said before he left.
"Goodbye, Mibuchi."
○●○●○●○
Sei
online
Chihiro.
2:26 PM
What the heck?
2:27 PM
It's freaking 2 AM there. Did something happen?
2:27 PM
I miss you.
2:27 PM
Uhm
2:28 PM
Hey, it's late.
2:28 PM
You should sleep, Sei.
2:28 PM
I know. Just...
2:29 PM
Never mind.
2:30 PM
Hold on.
2:30 PM
Calling...
“Chihiro?”
“Are you okay?”
“Not really. Sorry, you probably had classes or something, right?”
“Idiot. You're not bothering me. Text or call anytime.”
“Hmm. Have you eaten yet? I want to believe you haven't been living on junk food.”
“Keep believing that then. And no, maybe when I get home. Why can't you sleep?”
“Because you're not here.”
“Ah…”
“I swear I hadn't realized until now how hard it is to sleep without you. How long has it been? Two weeks?”
“Yeah, tomorrow will be two weeks.”
*sigh* “Time really does move so slowly.”
“Hey, you said it yourself. Before we know it, you'll be back.”
“I know. I don't usually think about it if I have things to do, but now…”
“Now that you have a break, you prefer to torment yourself with this. You're better than this, you brat.”
*swishes sheets* “I'll try hugging the pillow. Hum a song for me.”
“A lullaby? We can count sheep too.”
“No, no. I just want to hear you hum and imagine you're next to me, stroking my hair.”
“...I'm here, okay?” *soft humming and murmuring*
○●○●○●○
Seijuurou had come up with a somewhat cheesy idea to show Chihiro the place and the part of the city where he was living. At first, Chihiro wanted to refuse, claiming it wasn't necessary, but it was so hard to say no to his boyfriend. Especially now that they were on opposite sides of the world.
"You're wearing my jacket again," he said with feigned annoyance.
On the other side of the phone screen, Seijuurou stifled a chuckle, pressing his lips together. Chihiro could see the streets the redhead was walking down. It was ten in the morning there, and despite being exhausted, Chihiro agreed to this video call with his boyfriend.
"It's a bit chilly despite the sunny day," Seijuurou replied, glancing shyly at the screen.
Chihiro's heart did that strange thing it always did when his boyfriend was ridiculously adorable in his eyes.
"You brought your jackets, remember?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," he tilted his head to the side, feigning innocence and making Chihiro smile.
"Little idiot."
He was surprised by the sweet tone in which he said those words, but preferred to pretend nothing had happened. He asked Seijuurou about the language, whether people were looking at him strangely for being Japanese or for talking and laughing at his phone screen. Seijuurou answered everything with his characteristic calmness; Chihiro knew it didn't bother him at all since, one way or another, he always ended up attracting attention.
Which made him a little uncomfortable.
"How do you manage not to get lost? It seems like there are a lot of people," he said, wrinkling his nose at the mere thought of so many people moving together. Not that Tokyo was any less crowded.
“There’s a guy in the dorm next to mine that I sometimes go for walks with,” Seijuurou said, stopping suddenly, waiting for the intersection to change. “His name is Mark. He’s nice.”
“More so than your roommate, I hope.”
“Much more,” he agreed enthusiastically, resuming his walk. He sighed. “Enough about me. What about you? Is Mibuchi still forcing you to hang out with him?”
“First of all, you’re the one in New York, so of course you’re more interesting. Second, yes, and I’m about to transfer universities because of it.”
Seijuurou laughed, shaking his head. Chihiro felt so strange at that moment, between his obvious (but unacceptable) jealousy and how much he missed him despite seeing him. His heart tightened slightly, and his mind began to race.
The city was beautiful, with towering buildings, bustling streets, giant billboards, and food everywhere. Akashi became his virtual guide, telling him various things he remembered about each place. He'd be lying if he said he paid real attention to all of it, because he could only concentrate on his boyfriend.
It wasn't the same. Sightseeing is fun if you hold the other person's hand the whole way.
About an hour later, Seijuurou returned to his apartment and they had to say goodbye. Chihiro kept yawning, and the redhead apologized for keeping him awake, knowing how tired he might be.
"Did you hear any complaints from me?" Chihiro replied. "You've never apologized so much, idiot. Why are you suddenly so considerate?"
"You're right," he barely managed a smile, and Chihiro cursed under his breath. "I don't know, whenever we talk, it's always late for one of us and..."
"Sei, shut up," he interrupted. He massaged his temples before sighing. "I couldn't sleep without talking to you first anyway, so stop thinking you're bothering me. I've sacrificed hours of sleep for you before, and it's not a reproach. I really don't mind."
He saw his boyfriend's reddish eyes well up with tears and felt his own insides loosen, his defenses breaking down once again because of Akashi Seijuurou.
"I love you, Chihiro."
His cheeks warmed, and with a lopsided smile, he shook his head.
"I love you too.”
○●○●○●○
Sei
online
I had my first exam.
11:45 PM
So, how did it go?
11:46 PM
I think I did well.
11:46 PM
Although, my handwriting is weird.
11:46 PM
You're probably exaggerating.
11:47 PM
Since when is Your Highness bad at anything?
11:47 PM
Stop it.
11:47 PM
What about you? Remember not to overdo it.
11:47 PM
It's a little late for you to say that.
11:48 PM
Why?
11:48 PM
[image]
11:48 PM
Good heavens, Chihiro. Go to sleep.
11:49 PM
It's still very early.
11:49 PM
It's early HERE. Have you at least had dinner?
11:49 PM
I want to believe that's your first cup of coffee.
11:49 PM
Yes, Mom.
11:50 PM
It's almost lunchtime there, enjoy your meal.
11:50 PM
About the coffee, I'm not telling you.
11:50 PM
If I were there...
11:50 PM
But you're not. That's the thing.
11:50 PM
You're a mess without me, aren't you?
11:51 PM
Have a little faith in me, okay? I'm fine, I won't stay too late.
11:51 PM
Around 2 AM my brain will probably shut down on its own.
11:52 PM
[image]
11:53 PM
Did you just send a selfie?
11:54 PM
I think it's pretty obvious.
11:54 PM
And… Why are you making that face?
11:54 PM
If you think you'll change my mind, you're wrong.
11:55 PM
Your pout won't work this way.
11:55 PM
Oh? How would it work, then?
11:55 PM
In person, you know.
11:57 PM
Hmm.
11:59 PM
Fine, if you're not going to obey me...
11:59 PM
[image]
12:00 AM
Have a good night, Chihiro.
12:00 AM
Fuck.
12:01 AM
Akashi, what kind of person are you?
12:01 AM
Come back here
12:01 AM
Damn it
12:10 AM
○●○●○●○
A folded piece of paper fell from between the pages of one of the books he was organizing for the fifth time that month. He didn't have much to do on his days off, and while he used them to sleep for twelve hours straight, he wasn't always that tired, so that was his only distraction. He picked up the paper to examine it and raised both eyebrows at the memory.
"What's this?" he muttered to himself. A note on his desk. What the hell?
He unfolded it, curiosity gnawing at him. Was it really for him, or had they gotten his desk wrong? He pursed his lips as he read and frowned when he finished. Was it some kind of joke? He glanced around, hoping to catch someone watching his reaction or a camera filming him, but there was nothing.
He simply slipped the note into his pocket.
Whoever it was, did they really expect an answer? Not a chance.
"Do you like Akashi Seijuurou?"
□ yes □ no
The bell rang, signaling the end of recess, and he took his seat, completely forgetting about the note.
Months later, he learned it was Mibuchi, trying to help his Sei-chan figure out Mayuzumi's feelings for him. He hadn't exactly been subtle about it. Anyway, he didn't even remember why he'd put it there.
His laptop interrupted the music he was listening to, notifying him of a video call request, and he quickly accepted it without thinking too much, since it could only be one person. He smiled slightly when his little one appeared on the screen.
"What are you doing up at six in the morning?" was his greeting after realizing the time.
Akashi lowered his gaze, smiling shyly.
"My roommate went home for the weekend yesterday. I want to make the most of my solitude," he replied with a sigh of relief that made Chihiro giggle. He was inevitably happy if Akashi was too. "Today's not a good day to go out, so..."
He showed him his coffee mug and a book with an English title completely unfamiliar to him. Chihiro nodded, fully approving of the plan, since it had been his idea originally, but he'd ended up tidying his bookshelf. He showed Seijuurou his mess of books on the floor and he asked Chihiro to be especially careful with the ones that belonged to him.
"Ah, my hands are slippery today, I can't promise anything."
"Chihiro," his warning tone made him chuckle slightly, "If when I get back there's..."
Seijuurou stopped himself when he heard a knock at his door. He looked at Chihiro, frowning.
"Is your roommate back?"
"He has keys."
"Who's visiting you at six in the morning?"
"It's a quarter past six."
Chihiro clicked his tongue, gesturing for him to open the door. He heard Akashi talking to someone else and, after a few seconds, returned to the screen next to another boy.
"Chihiro, this is Mark. Remember when I mentioned him to you?" Seijuurou said, pointing to the boy beside him. He had black hair, a larger build than his boyfriend, and a toothpaste commercial smile. "He came to give me some books, but this is a good opportunity to introduce you."
The boy nodded in his direction, and he did the same. He was sure they didn't speak the same language, so this was for the best.
"Wait a minute... he's the guy in your wallet!" Mark pointed at the screen with an expression of surprise and realization.
Chihiro tilted his head to the side, not quite understanding. Seijuurou, for his part, seemed to pale slightly.
"W-what are you...?" his boyfriend murmured, and Chihiro pressed his lips together to keep from laughing at his accent mixed with his perfect pronunciation.
"Last week we went to that cafe, and I saw it. The photo in your wallet. It's him!" he laughed, patting Akashi on the shoulder, who swallowed hard. "He's your boyfriend, right? Aw, you're such a romantic, carrying a photo of him…”
"Enough! Shut up or I'll kick you out of here," he cleared his throat and turned his attention back to Chihiro as if nothing had happened, with his innocent little smile. "I'm sorry about that, we've probably lost you."
"Um, something like that. Hey, I have to go. Talk to you later, okay?"
"Oh. Sure, until then."
When he hung up, a couple of words Chihiro managed to salvage kept swirling in his head.
Wallet.
Photo.
Him.
○●○●○●○
Sei
Online
September 3
Good morning.
10:10 PM
Have a nice day.
10:10 PM
September 4
Hey
9:34 AM
Good night
9:34 AM
September 6
Chihiro, I hope your classes aren't too stressful.
8:56 PM
Don't consume too much caffeine.
8:56 PM
September 7
Don't stay up too late.
11:28 AM
And bundle up. I don't know what the weather is like there, but it's starting to get cold here.
11:29 AM
September 9
Thank you for your concern.
12:02 AM
I'll be fine, I still have this:
12:02 AM
[image]
12:03 AM
As long as you don't catch a cold, use it.
12:46 AM
I've already given up.
12:46 AM
I can't be mad at you.
12:46 AM
I love you too much for that.
🚫Message not sent
September 13
Mark and I visited Central Park today.
07:24 AM
It's huge, but beautiful.
07:24 AM
Although I inevitably thought about the hundreds of murder cases we saw on CSI:NY.
07:25 AM
You were traumatized, huh?
08:09 AM
Do you have any pictures? I need to confirm that it's like in the show.
08:10 AM
September 14
Chihiro, sorry about the time.
02:04 AM
Here they are.
02:04 AM
[image]
02:04 AM
[image]
02:05 AM
[image]
02:05 AM
[image]
02:05 AM
Incredible
08:10 AM
I miss you
🚫Message not sent
Get some rest, don't worry about me
08:11 AM
September 17
I apologize, this exam is coming up and it's a bit harder than I thought.
07:35 PM
I don't think I'll be able to do video calls for a few days.
07:35 PM
I'm sorry.
07:36 PM
It's okay. You went there for a reason, don't apologize for doing what you have to do.
08:01 PM
I also need to focus on exams.
08:02 PM
September 20
Chihiro, are you busy?
1:18 AM
I know you're not asleep yet.
1:28 AM
That's true.
1:20 AM
But I have some essays to finish and...
1:20 AM
Oh, right.
1:21 AM
Don't worry, keep going then.
1:21 AM
Is everything okay?
1:23 AM
Yes, it was nothing.
1:24 AM
Don't stay up too late.
1:24 AM
I can't promise you that.
1:30 AM
○●○●○●○
Looking out the window, Chihiro sighed, fogging the glass. He settled more comfortably in his seat, recalling bittersweet memories. He tried listening to music, starting a new novel, sleeping...
Whatever he did, it was useless. He couldn't silence the image of his little boyfriend fluttering around him, the sound of his melodious laughter, or his unparalleled warmth. He bit his lower lip and thought about the many times he had made this trip in the past, the anticipation gnawing at him, knowing who awaited him at the end of the journey.
Their relationship was strange at first. Mayuzumi had started college and didn't have much time to travel; it was mostly Akashi who made the effort to carve out space in his equally busy schedule to go to Tokyo and spend time with him. They didn't do much; they usually slept together, or Seijuurou would bring his schoolwork so he could finish it while Chihiro worked on his projects or studied for an exam.
He felt guilty at the end of the day. He thought he was boring his boyfriend, that maybe he should sacrifice sleep hours and go out, go on a date, or... whatever. He found it hard to admit or show his feelings, which is why he appreciated Seijūro's gestures; he seemed to read his mind all the time.
"Chihiro, take a break and eat," Akashi said, sitting down next to him on the couch after placing a plate of food on the coffee table. He had to move some notebooks aside.
Chihiro sighed and nodded. He massaged his temples and cursed under his breath, noticing how dry his eyes were from not blinking. He heard Akashi chuckle softly and turned to look at him, frowning.
"What's so funny?"
"You. I never expected to see you surrounded by so many textbooks. In high school, you only read your novels; sometimes you didn't even attend classes," he explained, picking up his chopsticks next to the plate and using them to take a piece of vegetable. He placed it in front of Chihiro. "Say ‘Ah…’"
"I'm not going to—hm!"
At the risk of choking him, Akashi forced the food into his mouth, and only then did Chihiro realize how hungry he was. He had no idea what time it was or of what Seijūro had been doing during that time.
"I'm sorry," he murmured. Seijuurou tried to feed him again, but he stopped him.
"What's wrong?"
"This. You're probably busy and you still come all the way here..."
They didn't always have such grand displays of affection. Usually, they held hands or sat very close together, their shoulders touching. That's why, when Akashi climbed so comfortably onto his lap, he couldn't help the slight blush on his cheeks.
"Eat."
"But..."
Seijuurou snuggled into his boyfriend's chest, burying his face in his neck. He closed his eyes, and Chihiro knew he wouldn't say it again, so with one arm around the redhead's waist and the other holding the chopsticks, he finished the impromptu dinner.
The station was approaching—or rather, the train was approaching—and his heart beat a little faster unconsciously, as it always did. He got off the train, dragging his suitcase, and breathed in the Kyoto air, feeling right at home. However, something still felt off, and he knew exactly what it was.
Seijuurou always waited for Chihiro by the platforms so he could wrap him in his arms as soon as he stepped off the train. It bothered Chihiro when there were a lot of people around, but his boyfriend didn't care. And to be honest with himself, he appreciated it because it was the most beautiful welcome of all.
He smiled when he spotted his mother waiting for him outside the station.
○●○●○●○
Sei
online
[image]
11:57 PM
Did you go to Kyoto?
11:59 PM
How nostalgic.
11:59 PM
Yeah
0:01 AM
My mom kept asking about you.
0:01 AM
Oh, I hope she's doing well.
0:03 AM
I miss her desserts, you know.
0:03 AM
How are things over there?
0:03 AM
Like usual.
0:04 AM
And yes, she's fine.
0:04 AM
When you get back, we can go eat her desserts. She'll be so happy to see you.
0:05 AM
She loves you more than me.
0:05 AM
Oh, Chihiro.
0:06 AM
You know that's not true. How could she not love you?
0:06 AM
Also, I'm a wonderful son-in-law.
00:07 AM
And I'd really like to. I want to go back already.
00:07 AM
Tsk, sure. Whatever you say.
00:08
If I bribe you enough with desserts, will you come back sooner?
00:08 AM
Pfft, who knows. Maybe.
00:10 AM
However, there's just a couple months left.
00:10 AM
I know.
00:10 AM
By the way, uhm.
00:11 AM
There's something I need to tell you.
00:11 AM
Oh, can it wait?
00:12 AM
I have to go, Mark's whining about his girlfriend again.
00:12 AM
Have a good night, try to get more than four hours of sleep.
00:12 AM
I'll try.
00:12 AM
○●○●○●○
Mibuchi asked him a couple of days ago if he felt lonely.
At the time, he didn't have a concrete answer, telling him to mind his own business and leave him alone. However, the word just lingered in Chihiro's mind, reminding him of his high school years when he thought he would graduate without having made a single friend. Back then, the idea didn't sound so bad, since he was a rather introverted teenager whose presence was hard to notice, but his pathetic life hadn't counted on Akashi Seijuurou appearing.
He arrived out of nowhere one day, determined to turn his whole world upside down, and when he succeeded, he surveyed his handiwork with pride and satisfaction before kissing him, as a final touch.
Since then, a pair of scarlet eyes have followed him wherever he goes, observing him with curiosity and scrutiny.
Perhaps that's why he didn't think twice when he noticed a similar look in the small creature now resting in his lap, before deciding to take it in. He had to admit that if Akashi were an animal, he'd definitely be a cat.
"What did you want to tell me yesterday?" Seijuurou asked, raising an eyebrow from the other side of the screen.
Chihiro pursed his lips, stroking the furry friend who wouldn't stop purring. He thought for a second about how he would tell his boyfriend that they had suddenly become parents, especially knowing how little Akashi liked animals.
"You're not allowed to get angry," Mayuzumi stated, earning a frown.
"What the hell did you do?"
"Hey, hey. That language isn't appropriate, Your Highness."
"Chihiro."
Mayuzumi was starting to find Seijuurou's expressions amusing. American life was getting to him, it seemed.
He gently picked up the cat and showed it to Akashi. The little animal sniffed the computer curiously, making Chihiro smile slightly as he waited for the other boy to react.
"First of all," he returned the cat to his lap, "you can't get angry or scold me. You left."
"And you replaced me?" Akashi murmured, a shadow of surprise crossing his face.
"Tsk. Idiot," he sighed with a smile. "How could I...?" he whispered to himself.
At least now someone would greet him when he returned to the apartment; he wouldn't be alone.
○●○●○●○
Sei
Online
Chihiro, good morning.
10:32 AM
I hope you didn't stay up late again.
10:32 AM
Ah, I told you to leave me alone about that.
10:34 AM
It's annoying.
10:34 AM
I wouldn't have to if you had a regular sleep schedule.
10:35 AM
If video calls are keeping you awake, then we could just stop them for a while.
10:35 AM
Seijūrō
10:35 AM
What the heck?
10:36 AM
Are you serious?
10:36 AM
If I'm bothering you, just tell me.
10:36 AM
Are you late for class because of me?
10:36 AM
It's not that. I'm worried about you.
10:37 AM
You'll never be a bother to me.
10:38 AM
Then why did you leave me alone?
🚫Message not sent
I'm fine, okay?
10:40 AM
Don't exaggerate things, I'm getting enough sleep and I feel good.
10:40 AM
Are you sure?
10:40 AM
Yes.
10:41 AM
Just leave it.
10:41 AM
[image]
10:43 AM
Does the cat sleep with you?
10:44 AM
Uh-huh
10:44 AM
He doesn't always wake up on top of me, but he does.
10:44 AM
[image]
10:45 AM
That one's from yesterday.
10:45 AM
I was trying to work on an assignment and he sat on the keyboard.
10:45 AM
He's very affectionate.
10:46 AM
Why do you take pictures of it?
10:46 AM
Everyone takes pictures of their cats, I'm no exception.
10:47 AM
Everyone takes pictures of their partners too.
10:47 AM
I know that?
10:47 AM
Wait.
10:49 AM
What are you trying to say?
10:49 AM
Figure it out yourself.
10:50 AM
○●○●○●○
Another month less until Akashi's return.
Outside the apartment, the trees were beginning to shed their green leaves, giving way to the warmer, muted colors of autumn. His cat sat by the window, watching the scenery, and he sighed after taking one last look at the photo of the redhead he kept on his phone.
He knew Akashi was somewhat jealous of the attention he gave the little animal, and he couldn't help but smile, amused by the situation. He had far more photos of Akashi than he liked to admit, and he treasured them all equally. In fact, he found it strange that said boyfriend didn't know they existed.
Most of them showed Akashi distracted or asleep. In some, he was walking ahead of Chihiro; in others, he was reading or intently looking at his computer; and a couple were selfies that Akashi himself sometimes sent him.
It was all he had now.
He never thought he could keep so many pictures of one person, but there he was. At first, he tried to delete them, but he couldn't. He always just left them there until one night he found himself organizing them into a single folder on his phone.
He was sure Akashi had photos of him too, but he preferred not to think about it.
"Sei-chan, how come you don't have a picture with Mayu-chan?!" Mibuchi exclaimed a while ago, checking Akashi's phone.
"Oh, is that so?"
"Yes!" He looked at Chihiro. "Mayu-chan, how is that possible? You've been dating for a while now."
"Your point?" Mayuzumi muttered, bored.
"Photos are important! Maybe you don't think so now, but in a few years you'll regret not having them," he said. He held the phone inches from his face and leaned back. "I'll take one of you, come on."
“Who gave you permission?”
"Mayu-chan, be quiet and pose with your boyfriend!"
Mayuzumi clicked his tongue, crossing his arms over his chest. Was it really that important? He wasn't exactly the most photogenic person. Next to Seijuurou, he...
"Chihiro."
The moment he turned to his right, Seijūro's sweet smile froze him in place, and his gaze softened his heart so much that his own lips curled slightly without him even realizing it. It was hard not to be happy with Seijuurou looking at him like that.
He heard a click and shook his head. Reo was squealing excitedly, staring at the phone in his hand.
"So adorable!"
In the end, he couldn't stay mad at Mibuchi for long, since it was a cute shot of them looking at each other and smiling like the lovestruck fools they were.
Maybe when Akashi returned, he'd allow himself to take a few more pictures with him.
○●○●○●○
Sei
Online
Chihiro
3:40 PM
Ah, I know you're not sleeping. It's the afternoon.
3:40 PM
You're ignoring me.
3:40 PM
You're ignoring your boyfriend.
3:41 PM
What kind of person are you?
3:41 PM
The kind of person who is trying to STUDY..
3:44 PM
What the heck, Akashi?
3:44 PM
Here you are.
3:45 PM
I feel weird, you know?
3:45 PM
Weird how? Are you okay?
15:46
Yes
15:46
Listen
15:46
Or read, whatever.
15:46
Mark gave me this drink, I can't remember the name
15:47
And it was amazing
15:47
He promised it was alcohol-free
15:47
But I'm not sure anymore
15:47
Where are you?
15:48
Please tell me that idiot didn't leave you alone
15:49
[image]
15:50
There he is
15:50
Damn it
15:50
Go to the bathroom
15:51
Why?
3:51 PM
I'm telling you to go.
3:51 PM
I'm supposed to be the one giving you orders.
3:51 PM
But alright.
3:51 PM
I'm here now.
3:52 PM
Calling...
Huh? Chihiro?
Can you explain what the hell you're doing out at this hour?
We went out with Mark, that's all.
What's with tricking you and giving you alcohol without your permission? I don't know if you remember how weird you are when you drink.
I don't know. But I'm fine. I didn't drink that much, anyway. And yes, I remember, you were there and you took care of me. You're a good boyfriend.
It's not that I don't believe you, but it makes me nervous that you're in that state without me there.
Ah, you want me to cry.
What time will you guys be back at the dorms?
Soon, I guess I'm tired.
Be careful, okay? And talk to your idiot friend about this, it's not funny.
Yes, sir. *giggles*
What's so funny? I'm telling you, it's not, brat.
I'm not a brat anymore, senpai.
...You're unbearable when you drink, more than usual.
...
...
Chihiro.
Um?
I miss you so much.
...I know.
That's good.
...
...
You should tell Mark it's time to go back, don't you think?
Hmm... I don't know if he wants to right now.
Why not?
His favorite song is playing, he'll want to dance. I'd better stay here, I don't want to dance with him anymore.
Did you dance? You? With him?
Mmm, yes. He's terrible at it, I tell you. I miss dancing with you.
We hardly ever go out dancing. Mibuchi is the one who dragged us along the few times I remember.
I'm talking about just the two of us, at home, classical music. You always end up hugging me, and you learned to do it without tripping because of me.
I never said it was because of you.
It wasn't necessary.
Tsk. Believe what you want. The world doesn't revolve around you.
I'll sing for you.
Huh? What will you sing?
Uh... a waltz.
Pfft. You can't "sing" a waltz, silly. At most, you hum it.
Leave me alone.
*giggle* You're cute speaking English.
What are you saying? I didn't hear you at all. A guy went into the bathroom, and the music from outside blew in. *silence* Oh, he's gone now.
It was nothing.
Well, I'll sing for you.
Sei, don't…
*harmonious and soft humming*
○●○●○●○
Chihiro sighed in frustration as he finally hung up. He was grateful for the magic of the internet, since that hour-and-a-half call to the other side of the world would have cost him a fortune. Seijuurou stayed on the line until he arrived at his college dorm; only then could Chihiro breathe a sigh of relief and dispel all his worries. He checked the time and pursed his lips before getting up to find some coffee. He would call Akashi again at midnight to check on him.
Seijuurou wasn't a troublemaker or uninhibited when he drank. He could text, walk on his own, speak without stuttering, and know when he'd had enough. The only drawback was the word filter in his brain, which seemed to go lazy and allowed Akashi to blurt out whatever came to mind, even answering any question honestly. The next morning, he could barely remember what he'd said.
He still remembers the first time he went out drinking with the Rakuzan headliners.
"Sei-chan, it's your turn. Truth or dare?" Mibuchi pointed at him with a mischievous smile. It wasn't a good idea to play this game with him.
Chihiro had a high alcohol tolerance, as he'd discovered that very night. Genetics, perhaps. Anyway, aside from the faint pink blush on his cheeks, he was the most lucid of the five. They all looked at Akashi, waiting for his answer.
"Hmm," he put a finger to his chin as he thought. He became quite adorable in that state, to be honest. "Dare."
Kotaro shouted excitedly next to Reo before they started murmuring amongst themselves. Nothing good would come of this, he had a feeling.
"Confess to the person you like," Mibuchi declared.
"It's supposed to be something he can do now and in front of us," Nebuya complained.
"Reo-nee, you promised you'd be tough on everyone without exception," Kotaro pouted.
Akashi turned to Mayuzumi silently and stared at him without blinking for a few seconds. Mayuzumi frowned, feeling uncomfortable. What the hell did he want? He wasn't going to help him get out of this, or whatever.
"Mayuzumi-san."
"What?"
"I like you."
Chihiro choked on his drink.
Mibuchi started laughing while Kotaro and Nebuya couldn't close their mouths, agape in surprise. Akashi kept his gaze softened on Mayuzumi, not the least bit flustered.
That was followed by a few other occasions when he had to deal with Seijuurou in that state. And most of the time, he ended up being the butt of jokes because of all the embarrassing things his boyfriend said to him.
Like, "Do you love me?"
Or that he found it sexy when Chihiro gave him orders.
Or that he sometimes wanted to snatch the books out of Chihiro's hands so he'd pay attention to him.
Or that he loved Chihiro's scent when he got out of the shower.
And things like that. Chihiro couldn't stand them, and when he questioned Akashi about them the next day, he insisted he didn't remember anything he'd said. It was quite frustrating, but in the end, Chihiro pretended they'd never left his boyfriend's mouth, for his own peace of mind.
○●○●○●○
Sei
Online
[image]
5:55 PM
Good afternoon, Chihiro.
5:55 PM
What are you doing up? It's still early over there.
5:56 PM
Did you go out?
5:56 PM
I couldn't fall back asleep.
5:56 PM
And yes, I went for a walk. The trees are pretty, aren't they?
5:57 PM
I guess so.
5:57 PM
Why did you wake up in the first place?
5:57 PM
It's silly, don't worry about it.
5:58 PM
I'm not, I'm just curious.
5:58 PM
How was your day? How's your cat?
5:58 PM
Our*
5:59 PM
[image]
5:59 PM
She likes your side of the bed
5:59 PM
I've been reading one of my texts for a class
6:00 PM
Chihiro.
6:00 PM
Aren't there any other places she can sleep?
6:01 PM
Yes. But she chose that one, what can I do?
6:02 PM
There are things I can't control
6:02 PM
That's true.
6:02 PM
But this, you can just put her away.
6:03 PM
I repeat, there are things I can't control
6:03 PM
Will you tell me why you woke up so early on a Sunday?
6:03 PM
I already told you it's nothing.
6:05 PM
Come on
6:05 PM
Why so insistent?
6:05 PM
I'm bored
6:06 PM
Is it my job to entertain you?
6:06 PM
I can do and/or say other things.
6:06 PM
Akashi, for God's sake
6:07 PM
Are you sure it's nothing?
6:07 PM
You're too evasive for it not to be.
6:07 PM
You'll make fun of me.
6:09 PM
Since when is that a problem for you?
6:09 PM
I've been doing it since we met.
6:09 PM
I know. It doesn't bother me in general.
6:10 PM
But this is... something else.
6:10 PM
Okay...
6:11 PM
I won't laugh.
6:11 PM
Hmm.
6:11 PM
I had a nightmare.
6:12 PM
And it's weird because I never have them.
6:12 PM
In the dream, I was returning to Japan and looking for you everywhere, but I couldn't find you. Not at the airport, not at home, not at the university. It was like you had vanished. I tried calling you, but your phone was out of service. I didn't know what to do, and when I asked others about you, they just looked at me with pity without saying anything.
6:14 PM
I woke up just as they were about to tell me what happened to you, but oh well.
6:15 PM
I think you died while I was gone, and no one was telling me. I still felt despair coursing through my body as I tried to go back to sleep, and when I couldn't, I decided to go out.
6:16 PM
I thought about calling you, but when I looked at the trees and felt the cool breeze on my face, I calmed down. And I sent you the photo.
6:17 PM
Chihiro?
6:22 PM
Do you still feel that way?
6:23 PM
No, I'm talking to you.
6:23 PM
You're okay, nothing bad has happened to you.
6:23 PM
Of course nothing has happened to me, what could possibly happen?
6:23 PM
I know I can be clumsy sometimes, but not to the point of hurting myself.
6:24 PM
Sei, I'll only say this once.
6:25 PM
I'm not going anywhere.
6:25 PM
Even if I wanted to, I wouldn't be such a jerk as to scare you like that.
6:26 PM
I know it was just a dream, but you know how they work.
6:26 PM
Subconsciously, you're afraid I won't be here when you get back. And let me tell you, that's stupid.
6:27 PM
If I didn't do it when I had actual chances, why would I do it now?
6:27 PM
You can relax, kid. I'll be here when you come back.
6:28 PM
Thank you, Chihiro.
6:29 PM
Just wait a little longer for me, okay?
6:29 PM
I wil.
6:30 PM
Always
🚫Message not sent
○●○●○●○
Actual chances.
Yes, they existed a while ago.
For Mayuzumi, it was strange to accept that he was dating Akashi Seijuurou. It wasn't that he didn't want to; rather, the fact made him uncomfortable. Who on earth was he to be with Akashi? Why had he said yes? Did he really do it for himself?
After all, Akashi always got what he wanted with a few words and a fixed gaze that could make you tremble.
However, Chihiro needed to believe that he had a part in this decision as well. Otherwise, there was no reason to have had to endure Akashi Masaomi belittling him and making him uncomfortable with the obvious dislike he felt for him. He could have easily turned around and gotten as far away as possible from that stupidly intimidating and conservative family, sparing himself the unpleasant feelings and the constant urge to punch the man who, even though Seijuurou was legally an adult, still controlled his life.
Chihiro didn't have to put up with it. And yet he did.
It was then that he understood that being Seijuurou's boyfriend meant much more than spending time together or kissing him whenever he felt like it; it meant more than simply saying they were together and that Chihiro would occasionally hang around the house.
Seijūuurou took his hand, intertwining their fingers, and gave it a squeeze that Chihiro mimicked.
"I'm not going anywhere, don't worry," Chihiro murmured.
From then on, visiting the redhead at his family's house was the greatest torture of Mayuzumi's life, and he hated every minute he spent there. But he learned to tolerate it solely for Seijuurou's sake, because later he would get a long kissing session as a reward for a job well done, and that was motivation enough.
On the other hand, there were the arguments.
At the beginning of their relationship, surprisingly, things weren't all roses. His insecurities remained latent, and Akashi slowly began to show his true colors, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing, and yet he still managed to disappoint Chihiro quite a bit for a while.
Seijuurou was extremely secretive about his activities, to the point of disappearing for weeks at a time without warning because "I just had to take care of some business on the other side of the country." Chihiro wasn't at all interested in whatever his father delegated to him, but he found it very irresponsible and selfish of him to not answer his calls and ignore his messages from one day to the next.
"Are you worried about me, Mayuzumi-san?" the scoundrel asked.
Chihiro wished he possessed some kind of superpower that would allow him to reduce this idiot to ashes with just a glance.
"Of course I'm worried, you jerk," he spat, too angry to pretend otherwise. "I'm your damn boyfriend, do you think it's fun not knowing anything about you? This whole long-distance relationship thing is stressful enough."
"Mayuzumi-san..."
"Do you think I don't have better things to do than call your friends asking them to help me find you? Well, I do, and they're called exams and work."
He didn't want to look at Akashi anymore, so he tried to clear his head by tidying the books he'd left by the couch. Chihiro still couldn't believe the nerve of him showing up at his university dorm because "it's been a while and I missed you." He'd never felt such a burning desire to punch someone.
"I'm sorry I caused you trouble," Akashi said, bowing and provoking even more indignation in Chihiro. "It didn't cross my mind that..."
"Akashi, it's good to know you're alive," he interrupted. He really didn't want him there. "Go, I'm busy."
"But..."
"I won't say it again."
That night he barely slept because of his conflicted mind. For a moment he considered breaking up. If things were going to continue like this, was it worth enduring? However, the part of him that missed him and felt tremendously relieved to see him safe and sound softened his heart, inspiring an irrepressible desire to find him and hold him in his arms to compensate for every second of agonizing stress.
In the end, his love for Seijuurou was deeper than he had thought, and he was able to forgive him, after a long period of deep conversations and tense interactions between them.
○●○●○●○
Sei
online
[image]
11:27 PM
Didn't you say that guy has a girlfriend?
11:28 PM
Yes, he does.
11:28 PM
What does she have to do with it?
11:28 PM
Doesn't it bother her that you guys are always going on dates?
11:29 PM
To look at pumpkins, of all things.
11:29 PM
The pumpkin thing is a tradition, according to Mark.
11:31 PM
You can come with your family or your partner.
11:31 PM
I wasn't really interested,
but he said I had to "do it for the experience."
11:31 PM
Americans are so weird.
11:31 PM
Not that we're any less weird, but whatever.
11:32 PM
His girlfriend didn't want to come with him? Since he went to bother you
11:32 PM
Supposedly his girlfriend shares this tradition with her family.
11:33 PM
Regarding the "dates" you mentioned...
11:33 PM
They're not as frequent as you think, and she doesn't mind them.
11:33 PM
On the other hand, I suspect you do.
11:33 PM
I hate you
11:33 PM
I hope a pumpkin rolls over that guy
11:33 PM
I'm almost certain the possibility is minimal, almost nonexistent.
11:34 PM
But not completely nonexistent
11:35 PM
And that's what I'll cling to
11:35 PM
Ah, I miss you so much.
11:35 PM
Pumpkins are boring, but they wouldn't be with you.
11:35 PM
I would never go pumpkin hunting with you, Seijūro.
11:36 PM
By the way, are you planning on taking any home?
11:37 PM
We can see hundreds of other things.
11:37 PM
[image]
11:38 PM
I'll take this little one.
11:38 PM
Oh? It is small… like someone I know.
11:38 PM
Are you keeping it as a pet? If I remember correctly, you can't cook.
11:38 PM
Is this Bullying Seijuurou Day?
11:40 PM
What I do with it is none of your business.
11:40 PM
Come on, “small” was with affection.
11:41 PM
You're always so affectionate, aren't you?
11:41 PM
I'm surprised you barely noticed.
11:41 PM
As if I didn't know you, Mayuzumi Chihiro.
11:41 PM
Just wait until I come back.
11:41 PM
Your novels might "affectionately" disappear one by one.
11:41 PM
Seriously? Are you threatening me?
11:42 PM
Seijūrō
11:44 PM
[image]
12:01 AM
Mark tripped over a pumpkin.
12:01 AM
Satisfied?
12:01 AM
100%
12:02 AM
○●○●○●○
Chihiro sighed in annoyance, glancing one last time at the selfie with Mark that Seijuurou had sent him before burying his face in his pillow. It was past midnight, and he had class first thing the next morning, but he couldn't fall asleep.
It was rare not to stay up late because of an exam or homework assignment, so there he was, lamenting his pathetic existence because he missed his boyfriend and because, at that moment, he didn't care about the stupid pumpkins; he'd tolerate them as long as Seijuurou was by his side.
Of course, it bothered him that Mark was the one spending time with Seijuurou now. And he knew he shouldn't be jealous, much less hate the guy, since he was better company than Akashi's roommate. However, that little voice in his head wouldn't leave him alone.
Chihiro hadn't thought he was the jealous type until he started dating Akashi. Relationships usually seemed like a waste of time to him, and jealousy a pointless feeling that implied a lack of trust or something downright unhealthy. But it turned out that jealousy was actually normal, a response to his own insecurity.
And Chihiro definitely felt it whenever his presence was ignored and other people tried to flirt with his boyfriend. Or whenever Akashi's friends seemed to know more about him than Chihiro himself.
"Is something wrong?" Mayuzumi asked, noticing that Akashi had barely touched his berry ice cream.
It was Chihiro's favorite flavor, and when he'd asked the redhead if he was okay with ordering it, he'd nodded without hesitation.
"Not at all, why do you ask?"
"You haven't eaten anything, are you feeling unwell or something?"
"Ah, no. It's just..."
"Akashi-kun hates berries," Kuroko said from across the table, enjoying his vanilla ice cream and waiting for Kagami to finish ordering his.
Mayuzumi frowned.
"Tetsuya..."
"I thought you'd go for your usual chocolate with coffee," he shrugged simply.
Akashi pressed his lips together and looked around for Chihiro, but Chihiro's eyes were already fixed on the table, ignoring him. Fine, he didn't know Seijūro's favorite ice cream flavor. So what? It wasn't the end of the world. However, the fact that Kuroko knew, and even which one he hated, gave him a rather unpleasant feeling.
It made Chihiro think for a moment that maybe he didn't really know Seijuurou that well, that he wasn't asking or showing enough interest. It was ridiculous.
For Mayuzumi, it was strange to say that Akashi Seijuurou was his boyfriend. He often thought that he didn't have the right, or that Akashi could simply push him aside at any moment and find someone else. Someone more...
Someone less... him.
"Chihiro, I'm willing to tell you as much as you're willing to accept from me."
Akashi began to quiet those intrusive thoughts. It took a little while, but he managed to build some self-confidence: Seijuurou chose to be with him out of all other people for a reason, and as long as he continued to do so, for Chihiro that was enough.
○●○●○●○
Sei
online
Remember that time you got mad because I was hanging out with Mark so much?
1:04 PM
I didn't say that.
1:04 PM
And what the hell? Why aren't you sleeping?
1:04 PM
Well, it's October 31st.
1:05 PM
No shit, Sherlock.
1:05 PM
I know, you showed me pictures of the stores' Halloween decorations.
1:05 PM
Mibuchi invited me to a costume party tonight.
1:05 PM
Oh, yes. He said he'd tell you about it.
1:06 PM
I liked his costume. Are you going?
1:06 PM
Obviously not. I don't have a costume and I'm not interested.
1:08 PM
The most I can offer for this holiday or whatever is watching a horror movie before bed
1:08 PM
You still haven't answered my question
1:08 PM
[image]
1:10 AM
Happy Halloween, I guess.
1:10 PM
Okay
1:12 PM
So
1:12 PM
Did you go out with Mark?
1:12 PM
Yes.
1:13 PM
To a costume party
1:13 PM
That's right.
1:13 PM
Are you drunk yet?
1:13 PM
Not that much, I might lose sight of Mark with the costume he's wearing.
1:13 PM
Mhm
1:14 PM
Be careful
1:14 PM
Don't let a vampire suck your blood
1:14 PM
There's only one person I let sink their teeth into my neck.
1:14 PM
Don't worry about it.
1:14 PM
You little shit...
1:15 PM
You haven't told me anything about my costume, Chihiro.
1:16 PM
What do you think?
1:16 PM
Mark's girlfriend helped me with my makeup.
1:16 PM
You look fucking great
🚫Message not sent
Not bad
1:17 PM
Did you pick it out?
1:17 PM
Yes, honestly I didn't know what to wear.
1:17 PM
The times I've attended these kinds of events, I've just worn a mask over my eyes.
1:17 PM
Oh, and that time Mibuchi dressed us up as Catrinas, you know.
1:17 PM
Mark told his girlfriend, "A pirate is a classic, but make it sexy."
1:17 PM
Well, she succeeded.
1:17 PM
I'd definitely bite your neck right now.
🚫Message not sent
It's definitely more interesting than Mark's No Face costume.
1:18 PM
I agree.
1:19 PM
[image]
1:19 PM
So that you'll think of me when you're alone.
1:19 PM
Akashi, you.
13:19 PM
Damn it.
1:19 PM
○●○●○●○
The Catrinas.
He cursed Akashi for reminding him of that annoying experience. Although he had to acknowledge Mibuchi's tremendous skill in painting his entire face in less than ten minutes; he spent hours removing all traces of makeup. The only redeeming quality was that no one recognized him and seeing his then-boyfriend of barely a couple of months having fun without a care in the world.
It was around that time that he realized his weakness for Seijuurou's smile.
It was his first year of university. Akashi was a second-year high school student, and they talked quite often via text messages. They had only been dating for a few months; Mayuzumi had moved to Tokyo, and they had no choice but to make it work long-distance. Anyway, Akashi told him about the upcoming School Festival and invited him to come along, but Mayuzumi had classes. Traveling to Kyoto for a silly high school festival was out of the question.
Or was it?
Chihiro never considered himself a believer. However, ever since Akashi Seijuurou appeared in his life, he began to think that coincidences weren't so coincidental after all, and that if opportunities were presented to him on a silver platter, the right thing to do was to accept them. And that's exactly what he did when he was notified of the cancellation of his classes due to fumigation and took the first train to Kyoto.
"I'm going crazy," he muttered over and over during the journey.
Chihiro sighed after putting his phone in his pocket and wondered for the thousandth time what on earth was wrong with him, coming all the way to his old school for his stupid boyfriend. He should be sleeping.
Chihiro was planning to visit his parents at the end of the month anyway; he could have seen Akashi any other day, and yet...
"Ah, Mayuzumi-san."
...here he was.
"Hey."
Akashi Seijuurou smiled at him, and his heart skipped a beat. Okay, maybe Chihiro had missed him a little.
"I didn't expect you to come, to be honest," he said, approaching him.
"Tsk. I can leave if I'm bothering you," he muttered, pretending to turn away, but Akashi tugged on his jacket sleeve.
"You're misunderstanding me, Mayuzumi-san. I'm glad to have you here. It's a pleasant surprise," he clarified, searching Chihiro's eyes and smiling when he found them.
Mayuzumi rolled his eyes before ruffling Akashi's hair and walking past him, warning him that he'd leave if he didn't show him the festival once and for all. Akashi chuckled and nodded.
They walked through almost the entire school, passing classrooms decorated with different themes and hallways overflowing with colorful posters and drawings announcing schedules, games, and school slogans. Mayuzumi felt a touch of nostalgia, even though he hadn't been a big fan of school activities when he attended; sometimes he ended up enjoying them. More than once they had to stop because a student wanted to talk to Akashi, being part of the committee and all that.
"Sei-chan! I'm glad you're here, I need help!"
Chihiro cursed inwardly. Mibuchi Reo.
"What's wrong?" Akashi asked, entering Mibuchi's classroom, which was apparently inspired by Mexican culture.
"Two of my teammates are sick, and I don't have anyone to take their shifts. The rest have signed up for competitions," he explained with exasperated gestures, his face painted like a pretty skull.
He definitely should have stayed in Tokyo.
"I understand. So, two people?"
"Yes, just half an hour!"
"Alright, we'll do it."
"We?" Mibuchi and Mayuzumi questioned simultaneously. It was then that Mibuchi finally noticed his former teammate. "Mayu-chan, you're here!"
"Not anymore, I'm leaving," he turned around, ready to get out of there once and for all. He was stopped again. "Akashi."
"Mayuzumi-san," he called, and as soon as Chihiro looked at him, he gave him those eyes that... "Please."
Why did Akashi Seijuurou know how to make those pleading puppy-dog eyes?
And why couldn't Chihiro ignore them?
"Well, damn it."
There are photos from that day, of course. And Mayuzumi hopes they never see the light of day under any circumstances.
○●○●○●○
Sei
online
Chihiro.
11:32 PM
Uh?
11:33 PM
Are you busy?
11:33 PM
Technically, yes. But what is it?
11:34 PM
Calling...
Seijuurou?
I know it's kind of late there. My morning classes were canceled, and I was wondering what you were doing.
Hmm. Not much, I'm writing study guides for the exams.
Oh, I already did mine.
Of course you did.
Do you want some help?
No, it's fine. You just keep talking to keep me awake.
Haven't you had your coffee yet?
...I ran out of it. I haven't been to the store, maybe tomorrow.
I see. *giggles* Then I'll be your caffeine for a while. I want you to go to sleep as soon as it's midnight.
So early? *rough rustling of papers* Hey, no... ugh.
Everything alright?
The cat sat on my book.
So they invade your privacy.
Sei.
I didn't say anything.
*purring sounds* Can you hear it?
Yes. It's relaxing.
I can picture you sleeping with him.
I'll be sleeping with you. Having the bed to myself isn't so appealing anymore.
Too bad, I'm perfectly fine.
Whatever you say, Chihiro.
Tsk. Only a month left.
I know. But somehow, that makes me miss you even more.
...how do you say it there?
Excuse me?
...that you miss me... how do you say that in English?
Oh. It's I miss you.
Mm.
I miss you so much, Chihiro.
Sei...
*Background sounds; a rather irritating voice: "Hey, Agashe you didn't have class?"* I told you that's not how you spell my name. And no.
Pfft. Your accent...
Silence.
*"Oh? Who are you talking to?"*
None of your business.
*"I heard you from the entrance. Trying to get into some guy's pants?"*
I'll be in my room.
*”Come on! Don't be shy..-"*
Stop bothering me. *Door closing* Fuck...
Oh? Did I just hear Akashi Seijuurou swear?
Sorry. I didn't think he'd be back so soon.
Your roommate?
Yes. I bet he's spying behind the door.
But he doesn't speak Japanese.
Which I'm grateful for every morning when I wake up.
*giggle* He sounds really annoying.
He is.
In that case... come back soon, that way you won't have to see him anymore.
Sounds good. I promise to come back soon.
Hmm.
For now, go to sleep.
Even my mother didn't scold me this much, you know?
She always asks me to look after you; I'm just doing my duty.
No way.
Go to sleep, Chihiro.
*sigh* Fine. Good luck with your roommate. Hit him if he gets too pushy.
I wish I could. Good night.
○●○●○●○
One month.
Just one month until they would see each other again.
The feelings Chihiro began to experience after this reminder were an overwhelming mix that he was no longer sure how to contain. He was mainly anxious; almost daily his mind did nothing but create possible scenarios of his reunion with his boyfriend, causing him frustration.
It was strange because, despite not considering himself used to Seijuurou's absence, he thought he had achieved a kind of balance over these months, and yet, knowing that his return was so soon, he was suddenly unable to concentrate on absolutely anything else.
He felt ridiculous.
“I miss you so much, Chihiro.”
Damn it, yes. He missed him terribly too. He had no idea how, but he wouldn't allow Seijuurou to be gone for so long again. He thought it would be easy; it wasn't the first time they had faced a long-distance relationship. However, this was different.
To begin with, they weren't separated by a three-hour train journey from one city to another, but by a fucking ocean impossible to cross just like that. Then there was the time difference; when Chihiro woke up to start his day, Seijuurou was already back in his bedroom to rest. Coordinating schedules was quite complicated, hoping neither of them would fall asleep in front of the screen.
"...for that reason I've considered... Chihiro?"
"Yes," he replied, jumping in his chair. He blinked rapidly, trying to focus on Akashi again. "I'm awake."
"You're definitely not," he said, smiling resignedly and sighing. "Go to bed, it doesn't bother me, you had a long day."
"Sei, no," he interrupted himself with a yawn. He shook his head to dispel the sleepiness. "You haven't finished talking yet."
"You're not usually this receptive at home, it always seemed like you just wanted me to shut up already," he commented. “And now you want to listen to me? That's an interesting change, I must say.”
Chihiro threw his head back, feeling exposed.
"When you put it like that, I sound like an idiot."
"Hmm?"
"You're getting carried away. It's not just now that I'm willing to listen to you, and you know it."
Seijuurou nodded, and the small smile that touched his lips made him realize he knew even more. Chihiro clicked his tongue, leaning back in his chair. The clock in the corner of the screen showed past midnight. Back in New York, Seijuurou was on his lunch break.
"Go to sleep, Chihiro."
There came a point when it was impossible for Chihiro to fall asleep without hearing his boyfriend's voice before going to bed. Seriously, he couldn't be more pathetic.
One month.
All of this would end in one month. The calls late at night or at the damned dawn, the lack of physical contact, the worry during those days when they couldn't communicate, the anxiety of not being able to do anything for the other in a difficult situation. Soon there would be no need to calculate schedules, wondering who Akashi was with, where he was, and what he was doing. His mind would finally find peace at night when faced with the solitude of his bed.
His heart would no longer feel this kind of jet lag caused by Seijuurou's absence.
I miss you so bad...
○●○●○●○
Mibuchi
Online
December 10
Mayu-chan
2:30 PM
Do you know what's coming up soon?
2:30 PM
No
2:32 PM
Aish
2:32 PM
I'm sure you know, but I'll remind you anyway.
2:32 PM
It's Sei-chan's birthday!
2:32 PM
You're a great asset to the community.
2:35 PM
Are you going to visit him?
2:35 PM
Or are you sending him a present?
2:35 PM
I'll wait until he gets back; it gives me even more time to think of the perfect gift.
2:36 PM
It's none of your business.
2:37 PM
You should visit him.
2:37 PM
Sei-chan would be so happy.
2:37 PM
Even if I wanted to, I couldn't.
2:41 PM
I don't have any money.
2:41 PM
I don't speak English.
2:41 PM
I might get lost.
2:41 PM
:(((
2:42 PM
Well, that's true.
2:42 PM
It's just that I thought it would be romantic.
2:42 PM
Whatever.
2:44 PM
Mayu-chan, If you had the chance, would you do it?
2:44 PM
Do what?
2:50 PM
GO INTO SEI-CHAN'S ARMS.
2:51 PM
Stop being so dramatic
2:53 PM
Answer me
2:53 PM
Ugh, of course
2:53 PM
What stupid questions you ask
2:53 PM
○●○●○●○
Kuroko
online
December 15
Mayuzumi-san
7:08 PM
I hope you're doing well
7:08 PM
Here's the thing, Kagami-kun and Himuro-san are spending Christmas with Alex-san in NY this year
7:08 PM
And they've invited Murasakibara-kun and me
7:08 PM
But Murasakibara-kun had an emergency and won't be able to join us until two days after we arrive in NY
7:09 PM
Which would be December 20th, and that's why I'm writing to ask if you'd be interested in traveling with us instead of Murasakibara-kun, so you can visit Akashi-kun.
7:09 PM
I wasn't sure if you were going to do it on your own, so I preferred to ask you rather than cancel the ticket.
7:09 PM
Kagami-kun and Himuro-san don't mind.
7:10 PM
Please, I need you to reply as soon as possible.
7:10 PM
I guess I'll take this as a clear sign from the Universe.
9:01 PM
Or whatever, shit.
9:01 PM
Excuse me?
9:03 PM
○●○●○●○
Sei
online
December 20
Hey
12:45 PM
Chihiro, good afternoon.
12:45 PM
Do you have plans for today?
12:45 PM
Well, no, not really.
12:45 PM
My roommate is out all day and Mark has a date with his girlfriend, so I was thinking of staying in the dorm.
12:45 PM
I was going to ask if you'd like to video chat.
12:46 PM
Oh, sorry.
12:46 PM
I'm not home.
12:46 PM
Is that so?
12:46 PM
Who did you go out with?
12:46 PM
Mibuchi.
12:47 PM
He dragged me out of the apartment for some reason.
12:47 PM
You know how he is.
12:47 PM
Mmm, yes.
12:48 PM
Too bad.
12:48 PM
We can talk later. Okay?
12:48 PM
Sure.
12:49 PM
Have fun, I guess.
12:49 PM
You guess wrong.
12:50 PM
○●○●○●○
Mibuchi
online
December 20
If Akashi asks, you dragged me out of the apartment because of one of your dramas.
12:47 PM
What?
12:48 PM
What are you talking about?
12:48 PM
Why are you lying to Sei-chan?
12:48 PM
So I don't spoil the surprise.
12:49 PM
Mayu-chan
12:49 PM
Don't tell me...
12:49 PM
[image]
12:50 PM
OMGGGG
12:50 PM
YOU WENT TO NY
12:50 PM
SEI-CHAN WILL BE SO HAPPY
12:50 PM
Just do what I say and hopefully it'll turn out alright.
12:50 PM
Yes, yes! I got you!
12:50 PM
I KNEW YOU COULDN'T STAND BEING AWAY ON SUCH A SPECIAL DAY
12:50 PM
Stop or I'll block you
12:51 PM
I don't think he suspects you, so just act normal
12:51 PM
Yes, Mayu-chan
12:51 PM
Trust me~
12:51 PM
○●○●○●○
New York was never part of Mayuzumi Chihiro's plans.
Until that moment, the very idea was inconceivable, utterly improbable. Yet there he was, observing everything almost without blinking, worried that it might all be just a dream. His travel companions smiled, pointing at buildings every few minutes, chatting amongst themselves, and speaking impeccable English. How on earth did he end up in this famous place?
Ah, of course.
Because of the one person for whom low odds don't exist: Akashi Seijuurou.
"Did you call Akashi-kun?" Kuroko asked from beside him.
"No."
"Oh. Are you planning to surprise him?"
"That's none of your business. You just have to leave me at that stupid academy and get on with your lives."
Kuroko didn't reply, but the mocking little smile he gave him was enough to annoy him. Clicking his tongue, Chihiro focused on the city they were entering. He couldn't help but recognize certain places Akashi had shown him in one of their many video calls, strolling around in the jacket he'd stolen and commenting on what he saw, keeping Chihiro awake until late at night.
To think those sleepless nights would become distant memories.
Upon arriving at Mayuzumi's destination, the others said their goodbyes to continue their journey, wishing him luck and sending greetings to Akashi. Chihiro sighed deeply after scanning the campus entrance, which was much larger than he'd expected, and wondered how he was supposed to get to the dorm where Akashi was staying and, later, to his room. Akashi had once mentioned the strict security personnel, given the privileged nature of the institution, though Chihiro wasn't just anyone.
His peculiar lack of presence, coupled with his ability to misdirect others' attention, helped him slip through. Just like that. No one turned to look at him even once.
He began to walk around the place as if he knew it well, dodging people, his heart racing with every step, his mind recalling those times Akashi had shown him the entire campus and the route he had to take to get to his dorm every day. The feeling of familiarity with every corner was absurd but useful. And he didn't stop until he finally arrived.
"Shit..."
Only then did he realize the reality, what he was about to do, the longing that completely enveloped his heart. I want to see him...
He knocked on the door. His mind stopped all thought, leaving only the echo of the name his lips were dying to utter.
The door opened, and that was it.
The wait was over.
"What..."
Witnessing Seijuurou's expression in that moment was worth everything. He would never forget it.
"...Chihiro," Akashi whispered, "...Chihiro, you... you're here..."
Extending his arms, Mayuzumi smiled and nodded. After a few seconds, Akashi took his hands tightly, perhaps fearing he might disappear or wake from a dream. Mayuzumi felt the same way.
But it was real. Undeniably real.
"Happy birthday, Sei."
Akashi pulled him into the bedroom, quickly closing the door, and threw himself into his arms without saying a word. His scent hit Chihiro's senses so intensely that his eyes welled up with tears. They hugged each other as tightly as they could, their bodies pressed so close that not even air could pass between them. He felt pathetic, really. How much had he missed him?
"How come...?” began Akashi, barely pulling away, but was interrupted by Chihiro's mouth, which attacked him mercilessly.
Seijuurou quickly grasped the back of his neck, his fingers entangling in his hair as he effortlessly followed Chihiro's rhythm, like a waltz he'd danced his whole life. Chihiro didn't stop until he'd coaxed a few sounds from his throat, his hands tracing a familiar path from his torso to his waist. Akashi tugged at his hair and Chihiro knew there was no way to control himself now.
"Shall we talk later?" Chihiro murmured, shifting to tend to his boyfriend's neck.
"Absolutely," Seijuurou smiled playfully as he began tugging at Chihiro's clothing. "You don't need this in here."
(...)
"I still can't believe you're here."
Chihiro lifted his head from Seijuurou's chest. They were both still sweaty and tangled in the sheets, catching their breath.
"We can go for another round if you want to confirm it," he smiled, pleased with himself, noticing his boyfriend lightly biting his lower lip.
Akashi leaned in close enough to reach Chihiro's mouth and kissed him. The mere thought of putting even the slightest distance between them again was unacceptable. Seijuurou's lips were as addictive as the very first time.
"Tell me how you got here," Akashi asked (ordered) in a murmur. “I want to know.”
"There are more interesting things to occupy my mouth with, Sei."
"Chihiro."
Rolling his eyes, Chihiro sighed before telling Seijuurou about his unexpected visit to New York, his arrival, and how he managed to get past security.
"Interesting. I always find your anecdotes about dodging the law amusing," Akashi smiled, stroking his boyfriend's hair the whole time. "Thank you for coming all the way here, Chihiro. You have no idea how happy it makes me."
Chihiro looked away, nodding absently, aware that he was blushing. Seijuurou's chuckle stirred something within him, and he remembered what he had learned long ago after experiencing a long-distance relationship: home isn't a thing, it's a person. It didn't matter if he was on the other side of the world, in a country he didn't know, with a different culture and a language he was still struggling to learn; as long as Seijuurou was there, he would feel at home.
"Should we go out? It's your first time in New York, after all," Akashi asked.
"Mmno."
"Come on, don't you want to do anything?"
"I'm comfortable here," he grumbled at his boyfriend's insistence. After a few seconds, he frowned and turned to look at him. "Do you want us to go out?"
Seijuurou shrugged, that annoying little smile creeping across his face. Chihiro sighed, thinking how low he'd sunk because, despite how exhausted he felt, he was willing to get up and do whatever his boyfriend wanted. Seijuurou, reading his mind as always, must have sensed his inner struggle because he proceeded to say:
"You know I love being in bed with you, Chihiro. And it's been a very long few months... But my roommate will be back any minute, and I want to leave as soon as possible."
"You should have started with that," Chihiro murmured, beginning to gather strength to get out of bed, not without stealing one last kiss from the boy beneath him. "I need a shower."
Akashi showed him where the bathroom was, and they began to get ready to leave. Since Seijuurou planned to return to Japan the next day, most of his things were already packed, so they agreed to take everything at once to avoid having to go back. Once they were showered and bundled up for the outside world, Seijuurou led them across the campus to the exit where he had to hand over his key and ID before leaving completely. While Akashi was dealing with that, Chihiro decided to wait a few meters away with his things.
Responding to a few messages from Mibuchi and Kuroko, he didn't realize for a moment that his boyfriend still hadn't returned. When he looked up to see what he was doing, he saw the exact moment a guy started yelling at Akashi and shoving him.
Chihiro didn't know when his feet had carried him there. He quickly positioned himself in front of Seijuurou and stopped the guy who seemed intent on continuing his attack.
"Who the fuck are you?!"
Ah, damn it. How was he supposed to deal with an idiot in another language?
"Fuck off, idiot."
Well, swearing in other languages had always been easy for him to learn. And it seemed he made himself understood because the guy looked even more annoyed.
"Chihiro, ignore him," he heard his boyfriend's voice behind him. “If you don't want me to report this, get out of my way.”
"Sei, are you okay?" Chihiro asked, still on his guard but worried Akashi might have been hurt.
"I'm fine, don't worry," he replied before turning back to the guy. "I've been tolerating your behavior since I don't think you're worthy of my time and effort. Besides, I'm not stupid; since it was all verbal, I didn't have any proof."
The guy in front of them wasn't any taller than Mayuzumi, but he looked athletic and very annoyed. He exuded the aura of a damn rich kid who thought he could take over the world. Chihiro had experience dealing with spoiled brats.
The spoiled brat in question continued talking.
"But now we're in public, and the evidence is more than sufficient: cameras, people. And if you think your father would take your side, let me tell you that nobody wants to mess with an influential Japanese family."
Chihiro didn't really understand anything. Seijuurou spoke so fast and fluently that he couldn't even try to translate. However, from his tone of voice and intimidating expression, he could discern that it was a threat. And one that promised an international scandal, even.
The guy clenched his jaw in barely contained rage.
"You're just a coward, saying all those things while hiding behind who I suppose is your boyfriend."
He said that last part with such palpable disdain and disgust that Chihiro covered Akashi even more with his body. It was then that the threads connected in her mind.
"Don't tell me this is your homophobic idiot roommate," he whispered to Akashi.
His boyfriend sighed before answering, "Yes, it's him."
"He's really annoying."
"Isn't he?"
"Come face me if you dare!"
This guy really wanted to die.
“A lowly one like you doesn't have the right to tell me what to do."
Whatever Akashi said enraged him, and he charged again, his fist raised in the air, determined not to listen to reason. The people around them didn't intervene, and no authority figure was in sight. They would have to sort it out themselves, and Chihiro had had enough. In a swift movement, he dodged the blow coming toward him, ducked slightly, and kicked him in the stomach, leaving him motionless and breathless on the ground.
"That was for bothering my boyfriend for months," he muttered, satisfied. "And in self-defense, of course." Sighing, he turned to Seijuurou and took his hand. "I've wanted to do that ever since you told me about him."
Seijuurou smiled, shaking his head before pulling his hand toward the exit, ending his stay there.
○●○●○●○
"Welcome back."
Seijuurou felt an unusual surge of excitement as he walked through the door of the apartment he shared with Chihiro, dragging his suitcases and feeling utterly exhausted from his trip.
"I'm home," he said with a smile.
Although he was used to traveling for long periods, since moving in with his boyfriend he had decided to reduce the number of days he was away from home, because it had become particularly difficult for him to leave the comfortable place they had built together, and of course, to be away from Chihiro.
"I'm dead tired, but I'll let you shower first," Chihiro said, taking off his shoes and complaining about how tired he was. "Oh, there you are."
Seijuurou looked up and saw his boyfriend holding a calico cat that, until that moment, he had only known from photos and videos. The feline meowed in response to what Chihiro was saying and enjoyed being petted while sniffing at his clothes. A soft sigh escaped his lips; if, for some reason, the little animal didn't like him, things would get quite awkward. Chihiro turned to look at him with a small smile before approaching the cat, who finally noticed Akashi's presence.
"Yuyu, this is the person I've been warning you about."
"...Do you think she'll get nervous if I approach her?" he asked, ignoring his boyfriend's words.
The cat was watching him intently.
"As long as you're not rough, I think she'll be fine," Chihiro replied, continuing to stroke the cat. Seijuurou was beginning to envy the feline for the attention it was receiving.
Without saying anything else, he raised his extended finger to the level of the cat's nose. He had read that this was the best way to introduce yourself to one for the first time, allowing it to sniff and identify you instead of rushing in to pet it directly. Chihiro's eyes reflected how amused he found the situation.
The cat seemed to approve of Seijuurou, who tensed up when she started rubbing its face against his finger. He immediately took a step back, and Chihiro cleared his throat before finally putting the little animal down.
"That's enough for today," he said. "You'll get used to it eventually. It's adorable, don't you think?"
Seijuurou shot his boyfriend a sharp look that softened considerably when, sighing, he leaned in to place a kiss on his cheek. Six months without physical contact between them had taken a hard toll; at times, he wondered how he had survived without his boyfriend's occasional caresses.
"Aren't you going to tell me I'm more adorable?"
"Of course not."
It really was good to be home.
(...)
Just as he was about to go into the bathroom to shower, Chihiro's voice stopped him.
"I'm not cooking for you today, I'll order takeout," he said, yawning. Seijuurou nodded. "Oh, your present's on the bed."
So that's what it was. He didn't want to touch the bag when he noticed it while looking for clean clothes, thinking maybe it was something Chihiro had bought for herself. A new little smile crept onto his lips, causing exasperation in his favorite person.
"I thought your trip to New York was my birthday present, and it turns out there's more," he commented as he went into the bathroom. "Thank you, Chihiro."
Chihiro's voice was muffled. "Whatever."
Once he'd showered and was much more relaxed, he opened the present. It was a hoodie, clearly two sizes too big, plain and gray. He shook his head, remembering the times Chihiro had questioned his "stupidly formal" attire, and how he seemed to have no idea what casual meant. Seijuurou wasn't at all bothered by his everyday clothes; he was used to them, even though he knew the comfort of sportswear. However, he had to admit that on a few occasions he'd considered wearing one of his boyfriend's hoodies to his father's company.
It wouldn't have been so scandalous, though his father would undoubtedly have something to say about it.
After finding Chihiro feeding his furry friend and letting him know he could use the shower, he went to the living room to wait for him while he took the food out of the bags and checked his phone. He had messages from Mark asking about his trip and a few from his friends urging him to make time to visit them and update them on his journey across the ocean. He smiled as he began replying to each of them. He had truly missed them too; perhaps he could organize a basketball game to get them all together in the next few days.
Mark was the last one he wrote to, a little bitter at the reminder that he had no idea if he would ever see him again. The good news was that he considered himself an expert at long-distance relationships; after all, he'd had plenty of practice with Chihiro. A chuckle escaped him involuntarily as he remembered the scene the three of them had made at the airport before boarding the plane that would bring them back to Japan.
Mark went with his girlfriend to say goodbye to him, and while they were hugging, Mark whispered to him:
"Why is your boyfriend looking at me like he's going to murder me?"
"Are you serious?" Akashi replied. He had his back to Chihiro at that moment.
"I swear, dude. It's scaring the shit out of me. Didn't you tell me he's super calm and uninterested?"
"He is. But I guess you always discover new things about people, don't you think?"
"Yeah. I'm not judging," he said, laughing as he pulled away from him. "If you're into that..."
"Shut up."
There was no way he would ever forget this experience. It was a radical shift in perspective and self-awareness. He would like to return in the near future, this time accompanied by Chihiro. He wanted to do real sightseeing, not just through a screen, take him to see the "ridiculous" pumpkins, get lost on the paths of Central Park, explore dozens of beautiful bookstores and themed restaurants. It didn't matter; if it was with him, it was enough to just stand in the middle of Times Square holding his hand.
Something expanded in his chest when he noticed the container of tofu soup Chihiro had ordered, and he smiled when Chihiro appeared next to him on the sofa, drying his hair without much enthusiasm and yawning. Chihiro felt the weight of his gaze and turned around.
"What?"
"I missed you so much, Chihiro."
Chihiro shifted and nodded. Seijuurou closed his eyes for a moment in contemplation before maneuvering himself onto his boyfriend's lap.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Don't think I haven't noticed, Chihiro, that you haven't told me even once since I landed abroad months ago."
"Tell you what?"
"That you missed me."
Seijuurou watched, amused, as realization crossed Chihiro's face, leaving a slight blush in its wake. Of course he knew, even if he hadn't received a verbal demonstration; he was able to pick up on the signs here and there. Nevertheless, he felt a strong urge to tease Chihiro a little and see if he could finally get those words out of him.
"...you already know," he murmured accusingly.
Seijuurou shrugged without making a sound. Chihiro groaned in frustration and pulled him closer to his lips. The kiss was slow, his mouth practically being tasted by Chihiro's, his boyfriend's hands slipping under his hoodie, sending an electrifying and pleasurable sensation through him that silenced all the chatter in his mind, as only Chihiro could. And then, in the middle of that kissing session Seijuurou had longed for during his time in New York, he heard them. Words so full of sincerity that all he could do was kiss Chihiro again.
"I missed you so much, Sei."