Chapter Text
"It was nice talking to you, Kai."
Conversations like these are difficult to maintain these days. Being separated across countries with their own lives and schedules, one busy with school while the other focusing on his Vanguard career, left little time for themselves. No matter what, they would always try to find time for each other.
It stung knowing that he wouldn't be able to speak with Kai for a while. With the days growing colder and the holidays fast approaching, it meant the little time they had together would diminish into brief texts. And the time in between each message would be painfully long if sent at the wrong moment.
So, Aichi doesn't want this conversation to end, not yet. There were so many things he wanted to say- one was truly important that dared to leave his lips yet could never quite come to life. It hangs on the tip of his tongue a little too often, more than he would like. It's a sign that he shouldn't dare saying it over the phone. Although, he found a strange reassurance if he did. In case of rejection, at least Aichi wouldn't have to see the look on Kai's face.
"Yeah, it's nice," Kai replies. His voice, despite being miles away and trapped behind a cell phone, is surprisingly clear. It's enough that Aichi can imagine him standing beside him. "You're going back home for Christmas?"
"Yeah, I am! You're going to be back too, right?"
It was silly to ask, but he wanted to confirm it. Winter break for school coincided with a break from tournaments. Which meant they could both return to a place they called home.
"Mhm. I think it'll be nice to see everyone for Christmas."
"It's kinda weird hearing you say that," Aichi chuckles. "I can still remember the old Kai who would have to be dragged to a party."
Kai snorts and Aichi pictures him rolling his eyes.
"I'm not a party person. But I wouldn't be surprised if the others were planning something."
"I should ask Kamui about it tomorrow..."
Thinking about seeing everyone at Card Capital lifts his spirits. Aichi had missed everyone since he decided to study abroad. Every chance he got to return home, he would take it. Not only to reunite with his family but his friends too. While the excitement of being around friends lingered, there was still that pressing matter wanting to spew from his lips.
"Hey, Kai..." His voice falters as he utters his name.
"What is it?"
Aichi opens his mouth but lacks any words. He shakes his head, glad that Kai can't see him struggling to speak and hesitating on this for the millionth time.
"I...I have something I want to tell you. It's important, but I think it's better said to you in person," he weakly laughs to calm his nerves. "So, um...I'd like to see you before the others! If...you're okay with that."
"You sure you can't tell me now?"
"Y-Yes."
"Alright. I'll see you then, Aichi."
Before their call comes to an end, they wish each other good luck on their respective finals.
Aichi lets out a breath he'd been holding for too long. Fingers grip tightly onto his cell, blue eyes stuck on Kai's number. After a moment, he tilts his head up. Things are set in stone. He will confess to Kai the next time he sees him.
~...~
It was no surprise that a Christmas party was going to be held at Card Capital. Kamui had answered too excitedly that one was already being set in motion and would be ready by the time he arrived back in Japan. With the party a few days away, it gave him some time to spend with his family.
And while he was told to rest and enjoy his little vacation from school, Aichi couldn't help but volunteer to go out for some groceries. He missed walking around town, seeing the familiar sights and subtle changes since his last visit. And there were quite a few now that Christmas was just around the corner.
Even the store was filled with festive decorations. Snowflakes hung from the ceiling, an inflatable Santa waved to those who entered, and presents were hiding around every corner. It was expected to run into these now. The only thing he wasn't expecting was running into a familiar face that got his heart racing.
"K-Kai?!" He yelps out his name and nearly drops the apple he'd been holding.
"Aichi?" Kai tilts his head. Despite not sounding surprised, Aichi could see the sparkle in his eyes.
"What are you doing here? I mean- not at the store, but I thought your plane arrived tomorrow?"
"I managed to book an earlier flight after the tournament ended. I got back yesterday."
"Oh, that's great!" Aichi chirps. "I'm sorry I didn't get to see your tournament. I heard you guys won though, right?"
Kai smirks. "Of course. You should have seen it."
"I wish I had." He sighs. The time of his tournament airing had clashed with his plane's arrival. By the time he landed and made it home, the program had finished airing. There was the promise of reruns the following day, but it didn't feel right cheering for an already victorious Kai. "I promise I won't miss the next one."
"It's fine." Kai didn't take it personally, he knew.
An awkward pause is left between them. The memories of what he promised to speak of creep up on him. They were always there, though they had been temporarily forgotten over the joy of meeting with Kai so early.
"Umm...would you like to hang out for a bit? After this?" Aichi gulped.
"I've got time."
Aichi beams at him before returning to his list. He learns that Kai is here shopping for ingredients to make curry. Miwa had been whining to him the moment he got back about how he missed his food. To quiet him, he obliged to his wishes.
Shopping with Kai was more fun than he thought. He learned alot about picking the better, fresher foods and taking advantage of sales. His mother and Emi had done the bulk of shopping prior, so he was happy to learn these little tricks.
Once finished, they decided to take a detour to the nearby park. While their shopping experience had been lively, their walk here had been silent. Aichi's worries swirled and made his chest feel heavy. The fear of an undesirable outcome was growing with every step he took. All that he could really wish for, if that ended up being true, was for them to still be friends. He couldn't imagine a life without Kai in it.
"So, what did you want to tell me?" Kai asks, curious.
The question makes Aichi's heart thump against his chest. He straightens up as his face grows hot. The orange hue that covered the park was beginning to disappear, along with the remaining people in it. The decorations on the trees flickered to life alongside the regular lights. It added a magical feeling, filling him with hope.
He only hopes that he doesn't flounder with his words. It's embarrassing to mess up in front of the entire class, but even more so in front of the person you love.
"Well, I wanted to say that..." Aichi takes in a breath and keeps his eyes on Kai. As the shade washes over him, he stares into those deep green hues. They say so much without him ever knowing. Aichi swears he could see everything in them, even Cray. His cheeks warm when he realizes he's staring and hesitating.
"You're always on my mind, you know? Even when I'm in another country, I'm always wondering how you're doing. I know we talk, but even when we don't I just...end up thinking about you." He can feel his cheeks burn even more. "You're...really important to me, Kai. You've helped me so much and I'm truly grateful for that. If it weren't for you...my life would be a whole lot different."
He takes in a breath and shuts his eyes only for a moment. He won't look away, he can't. Not when Kai is his entire view.
"Kai, I...I like you. A lot."
His confession is steady and firm. The fear in his chest has been silenced by his proclamation. And it feels...good to have those words finally break past their prison.
Kai blinks in response and Aichi catches his cheeks turning pink before he could raise a hand to conceal his face. What seems like seconds feels like an eternity. Waiting for his response makes his confidence falter. He considers speaking up and letting him know that it's okay if he doesn't feel the same. As long as they can remain friends, he'll be happy.
"I...wish you would have told me sooner."
"Huh...?"
Kai steps forward and takes his hand in his. The warmth they bring shoots through his entire body. With just this, it could protect him from the cold.
"I've...liked you for a long time," Kai admits. "I'm glad you told me."
Aichi's eyes go wide upon hearing that. A bright smile sneaks its way to his lips, one that could rival the lights in the park. In his burst of joy, arms find their way around Kai's waist. The embrace is returned shortly after.
This is more than he could ever ask for.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"Not rejecting me..." Aichi pulls back to meet with his gaze. It's so strange to see the warmth in his gaze now. He always thought it to be friendly, but now he knows it's different. "I was a little scared you would. You're just so cool and I figure you would have a lot of people to choose from."
"I could say the same. That's why I never said anything."
"What?!" Aichi gasps. "I mean, I love a lot of people, but that's different! And...I could never reject you."
Kai lets out a breath and gives the shorter one a squeeze.
"I'm just glad one of us did this."
Aichi chuckles. His nerves melted away. "Me too. So, after the party...can we spend some time together? I'd like to spend as much time with you before we have to leave."
"Of course." Kai smiles softly at him. The warmth they shared disappears as he pulls away. But his pounding heart keeps him warm especially as Kai gives him a quick kiss on the forehead. He still tries to hide his burning cheeks from Aichi afterwards. "I want to spend my Christmas with you, Aichi."