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Gifts. Akito sees it as a way of showing one’s appreciation.
He likes giving gifts, and it feels even better knowing that he’s giving something that’ll carry meaning.
Typically, he doesn’t think too hard about what he gives someone as long as he knows them well enough to know that it’s significant to them, like the one thing that they’ve been eyeing for a while or taking them out to someplace that means a lot to them.
When it came to the point where Akito’s starting to contemplate about what to get for Tsukasa…
He has no clue where to begin.
For one, he wasn’t sure if Tsukasa was even a materialistic person, and he was lost on what he could even buy him with the budget he had.
He could take him out, but a café seemed too bland, the mall didn’t sit right with him, and he couldn’t even bring him to somewhere fun like a themepark because he fucking works there, damnit.
“What are you doing?” A voice emerges from behind him, “Are you trying to glue yourself to our couch?”
At that, Akito startles, meeting the near judgemental gaze from his sister. Leering away, he mutters, “Where did you come from?”
“My room? Obviously?”
Akito groaned, not bothering to come up with a comeback. He slumps back, mumbling. “Whatever. I’m just… thinking.”
Ena scoffs, moving to take a seat beside her brother. “Well, you sure think loud,” she says, “What’s so important that it’s got you all bothered like this anyways?”
“Nothing,” Akito all but slipperily blurted out.
There’s a wave of silence surrounding them both, and Akito’s nerves jitter around him. There’s no way she would’ve just bought that and moved on like it was nothing - she will ask.
God forbid he will have any peace of mind if she knew.
He was only proven right when Ena began to stare at him skeptically as if she knew he was hiding some kind of big secret from her.
To be fair, he is hiding something, but she doesn’t have to know because that’s the point.
Akito shot a glare back at her that practically teetered on the edge of threatening her not to say anything so he could be spared of the embarrassment, but Ena has never been one to listen to her brother. Not back then, and certainly not now.
“There’s definitely something up, isn’t there?”
He lets out a visibly disappointed noise of complaint. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Ena crossed her arms and shot him with a pointed look. “Uh-huh?” It almost sounded like she was trying to coax him out of his reticent behaviour. He didn’t know whether he should be perplexed or angry about it.
He’s just angry that it’s actually working.
“...Ena.” He utters out.
It somehow frustrates Akito even more when all she did was smugly hum in response.
He fumbled around with his words for a while, finding the right way to ask his question without making things seem too awkward for comfort. “How do you- like, decide on a gift for someone?”
…On second thought, the fact that he even got the question through was already a miracle on its own. He was pushing his luck in hoping that it wouldn’t come out all blundered and broken. In fact, didn’t know why he’s even seeking advice from Ena. Has he finally gone insane?
He’s met with silence; of course he is. Facing Ena, she gave him an expectant look, like she was still waiting for him to continue. When there was nothing left, however, all she could manage to say was: “That’s it?”
“...Yes?”
There was an indescribable expression on his sister’s face, and Akito could see her visibly trying to hold back from laughing straight at his face. “What’s so funny?” He retaliated.
“You’re worrying so much about a gift? I almost thought that someone died.”
His expression turns sour. “...Don’t joke about that,” Akito grumbles.
It wasn’t as if he was expecting Ena to help him with his predicament or anything. It was actually the furthest thing he was expecting, but now that he’s said it out loud, the only thing he hopes for next is that Ena doesn’t try and ask him-
“So, what kind of person are they like?”
Fuck.
Stay cool, he tells himself. Don’t fuck this up for yourself.
“Well, uh… They play piano. I guess they’re also very- very pompous?” Awesome, you fucked it up. Congratulations.
“I have no idea what you just said,” Ena retorts, puzzled and unimpressed. “Are they that embarrassing to you? Cut it out with the big words, you know that I failed at vocabulary.”
Akito responds with a roll of his eyes. “I actually didn’t know that, but considering that it’s you, I wouldn’t be too surprised.” He didn’t make room for Ena to start yelling at him when his face fell and he quietly followed with a murmur, “It’s just- it’s not my fault that he’s so hard to describe.”
Initially, he didn’t expect Ena to hear what he said. As a matter of fact, he would rather have her scream his ears off rather than bring up what he had accidentally let slip from his mouth, but it seems that nothing escapes her after all when she immediately asks him, “Oh, so it’s a guy?”
“What.”
“Just answer the question.”
Akito looks away, defeated. “Yeah, okay. Whatever you say. Does that make things easier for you or something?”
Ena sighed. “Well, although it sorta gives me an idea, it doesn’t really help,” she mindlessly remarks before trailing up with a suggestion. “Though… If you insist on having my opinion, then answer me something, will you?”
I am not insisting, he wants to say, but he can’t help but think that maybe Ena’s input might prove more useful than he thought it’d be considering how she even wants to help him in the first place. Shifting in his seat nervously, he could clearly tell that she was purposefully dragging things on to make him feel more nervous than he already is.
“Tell me, Akito, who is this person to you?”
Akito feels like all the air had just been punched from his chest.
Now, where did that question even come from? Was she just messing with him at this rate?
Irritated more than ever, Akito grouches. “The hell does that have to do with anything?”
“Do you want your gift to be valuable or not? You’re so defensive all of a sudden,” complains Ena in return, “I’ll have you know that this actually has a lot to do with the advice that I’m going to give you!”
It doesn’t take long for him to realize that she’s right. What’s gotten him so worked up all of a sudden? He could only reason with the fact that it’s because Ena knows nothing about him and Tsukasa, and now it feels like he’s teetering on the edge of it all coming out sooner or later.
Fuck, that scares him; it scares him more than the day Saki found out about their relationship.
Would Ena judge him? He knew that she could care less about his preferences, but the thought still settles like thorns prickling at his skin to brood on about.
Would Ena make fun of him? He hoped not. He doesn’t know if he could handle the daunting thought of being judged, but surely she wouldn’t go as low as to belittling him, right?
Would Ena tell anyone? Guilt spreads as the thought conjures; no, he throws the thought away, yet he finds himself struggling to find any faith.
Gods, he was a mess - but really, what’s new?
For the past week, Ena has noticed the troubled look on her brother’s face, and that’s a lot coming from her considering how they rarely see each other, even at home.
Sometimes, she’d catch him in a daze, and he wouldn’t even notice her there right beside him with how deep in thought he was. It just didn’t feel like the Akito she knew.
At first, she didn’t think much of it. It was simply out of her place to meddle with his problems.
She assumed that he’d get over it soon enough, but much to her irritation and ire, it became much frequent throughout the week and the way Akito kept drawing a blank whenever she talked to him left her vexed out of her mind.
Ena would be lying if she said that she wasn’t the least curious at all. It’s quite the opposite - she’s, in fact, very curious, and will be very nosy about it. She just couldn’t find a way to approach him about it.
She consulted Niigo when the peak of her frustrations grew nigh, to which Mizuki suggests that she should stop mulling it over so much and just be direct with it.
“Your bad vibes are killing mine, too, y’know?” Mizuki had protested, to which Ena scoffed. “What ‘vibes’? I’m literally talking to you behind a screen.”
Needless to say, she went through with Mizuki’s suggestion.
Finding out that it was actually because he was struggling to find a gift for someone wasn’t quite what she had in mind, but the confusion soon wore down since it wasn’t all that surprising the more she thought about it.
Her brother did seem like the type of person to chew himself out about something like this, after all. She would know better than anyone; it runs in the family.
There was only so much she could do with this information.
Most people are usually considerate of others’ private affairs and refrain from prying for answers unless consented.
Ena is not most people.
She was going to figure out this mystery lover either now or it’ll bother her until the sun rises the next morning.
Believe her, she tried guessing who it could be from her inconveniently very short list of options, but nothing seemed to match up.
From what she could tell, it can’t be any of his groupmates. She’s seen Akito bring them gifts a few times, so what’s the difference between then and now?
Stumped with curiosity begging to be satiated, she realizes that she regrettably knows very little about Akito and his social life. It was the first time that she had ever stopped to think if he even has any other friends outside of his music group.
Amongst her attempts to quell her nosiness, there was the subtle, almost unrecognizable feeling of wanting to be that person that Akito can go to when he’s having trouble with asking for help, especially with things that he can’t easily open up about.
Well, Ena supposes that it was never too late for her to start trying to be that person. She’s well aware of how their relationship isn’t the smoothest, but there’s always time to mend it bit by bit.
If there’s one thing that hasn’t changed all these years, it’s that she still cares about him. It may not be as present as it was, but it’s there , deep down.
She couldn’t even berate him for being so closed off about his life either when she’s so painfully conscious of the fact that she isn’t any better.
Enough thinking . She’d be better off being upfront with it rather than exhausting her mind to the point of practically begging for a headache.
She waited for Akito to give a response. Ena expected him to ponder over the question for a while, but she was soon met with his cheeks slowly turning red with the back of his hand quickly coming up to cover his face as if he was-
-embarrassed?
Seriously?
The longer she waited, the more it didn’t seem like she was getting an answer anytime soon. To ease both her frustration and Akito’s nerves, she decided to give him some peace of mind just this once.
“Look,” she began, “I know this is weird coming from me, but I’m not stupid enough to see how obviously important this is to you. I won’t do anything to fuck it up for you; I’d almost be offended if you thought that I was that shallow.”
That seemed to have stirred something in Akito as he looked at her, almost bewildered, and Ena took a moment to ask herself if he had really thought that lowly of her.
It stings in a way she can’t describe, serving only as a reminder of their wedged relationship.
Frankly, it was taking every part of her self-restraint to remain patient if she wanted to hear what Akito had to say, biting her lip so she wouldn’t snap at him to hurry his ass up by accident.
Ah, to hell with maintaining ‘temperance’.
“Akito.” She presses on, mildly annoyed. That gets him to crack just a bit. “I know, I know!” Akito stammers, “Agh, just- don’t rush me!”
Ena doesn’t say a thing afterwards, giving him more time to collect himself.
“He-” Akito started, instantly failing to piece the right words together as he clamped his mouth shut. Swallowing thickly, he tries again with a deep breath. “He means… a lot to me. He’s so- so kind that I don’t even know if I even deserve that much kindness sometimes. He’s been there for me when I needed reassurance, and- and I’ve done the same for him too, but-”
He tried to ignore the heat surging up in his face as he continued, pulling his legs up to his chest, chin resting on his knees. “I want to let him know how much he means to me, whether it be through words or- or from actions, and y’know, gifts.” Akito looks down, fumbling with his fingers. “I want to give something special to someone very special… to me.”
Oh, lord. Her brother is absolutely, completely smitten over this guy, and she doesn’t even know who ‘he’ is.
Reluctantly, Ena pats his back, sitting with him quietly. Akito grew just the slightest bit anxious at the silence that followed her actions, but the pressure against his back was enough to soothe it for the most part.
When the idea came to her, it was sudden. A detail that Akito brought up earlier abruptly sprung back up to mind.
“Hey, Akito,” she nudged him, the idea becoming more and more promising as seconds went on. He only hummed in acknowledgement.
“You said he was a pianist, right?” Akito hums again, but this time unsure of the point that she’s trying to make.
Ena grins. “Then I think I know how to help.”
He looks up at her, eyes practically lightening up.
“...Really?”
Her smile almost grows wider at how hopeful he sounded. “Really.”
A discussion quickly began to settle in between them both as Ena shares what she has in mind with Akito, who listens intently and carefully.
This was what led to him suddenly in Ena’s room near midnight, preparing for a Nightcord call.
“...Remind me why we can’t just meet them in person?” Akito begrudgingly sat on Ena’s bed, waiting for her as she set her computer up.
“It’s easier this way.” She replies, spinning her chair around to face him. “Trust me,” she added.
A sound comes from Ena’s computer to which Akito registers as a notification came up, and his sister was back to typing away on her keyboard, fingers flying across keys.
He thought back to the conversation he had with Ena, with her vaguely telling him that she had a friend who was a composer that might help. He didn’t quite catch all the details nor did she share much about them at all, but he was quite excited to see how Ena’s suggestion would pan out.
If this works out, then he might have found just the perfect gift for Tsukasa.
Ena has her headphones on now, and Akito catched a glimpse of her screen. She’s messaging someone, probably the person that he was going to meet. Moments later, Ena had dragged her cursor over to click on the call button.
Not even a second passed when the call was picked up. Ena’s expression brightens. “Ah, K! Sorry for calling earlier than usual…”
‘Earlier than usual,’ huh, Akito deadpans.
The conversation was quite one-sided to him with how he couldn’t hear the person on the other end of the line, but he could make up bits and pieces with what Ena was saying back to them.
Admittedly, he zoned out a few times while she was talking, but had the sense to look up when Ena turned around to face him, gesturing at him to come closer. When he does, Ena slides her headphones off and drops them onto Akito’s lap. “I just told them that I’d be letting you speak to them now, so here you go.”
“What-” Akito glanced down at his lap before looking back up at her. “You could’ve given me a heads-up!”
“Didn’t I already do that?”
“No, you didn’t!”
Ena shrugs. “It doesn’t matter now, so go talk to them or else I’d look like a jerk for keeping them waiting for too long.”
Akito groans as he picks up her headphones, sliding them over his ears. “You did mute yourself before you called me over, right?” He absentmindedly asked as Ena moved to make herself comfortable on her mattress, pulling her legs to cross over each other as she shifts comfortably.
Confused, she could only stare at him as she tried to recall her actions. “I mean, I’m pretty sure I did…” Her thoughts trail off.
“Um,” a third voice fills Akito’s ears, promptly startling him. “I heard everything.” He jolts, throwing Ena a half-hearted glare. “You didn’t mute shit!” He whisper-yelled.
For a second, Ena looked flustered, knowing well that this wasn’t the first occurrence. “S-Sorry, Kanade,” she apologizes, just loud enough for it to be picked up by her mic.
“It’s fine,” the gentle voice sounded again in Akito’s ears, genuine and sweet. “I don’t particularly mind.”
He passes the message on to her, knowing that she couldn’t hear them. With Ena reassured, it was about time that Akito had a proper chat with Kanade.
Keeping his voice collected and leveled, he spoke. “Hello. Kanade-san, was it?” A noise of confirmation emits from the other end. “Yoisaki Kanade. It’s nice to meet you, Shinonome-san.”
Akito nods, despite the fact that Kanade wouldn’t be able to see him anyways. “Just call me Akito.”
They hum once again, “Alright, Akito-san.” A pause settles between them. Kanade continued not long after. “I heard some things from Ena, but I’d like to hear the full story from you. You said you wanted to give your… ah, pianist friend a gift?”
Akito can hear the hesitance behind their voice, like they were trying to be careful and direct yet still a little stiff about the matter at the same time; like they were weighing their words and contemplating on the right things to say.
Kanade is nervous, Akito concludes. So was he.
“Yes,” he affirms, “That’s what I’m intending to do. I want it to be a way of showing my gratitude, as he’s always so kind and determined that I want to return the affection that he has given me.”
He was worried he might have said too much, but the concern dispels when Kanade tells him, “That’s a wonderful reason, Akito-san. It’s very admirable,” and it never stops short of sounding genuine.
“…Thank you.” He has a small smile on his face. Akito then follows up with another question, finding rhythm in their conversation. “Ena said you’re a composer, so does that mean you have experience with the piano?”
“...Not exactly the piano, but I do use synths with the keyboard my father owned.” They demonstrate directly with the way Akito instantly hears the familiar sound of a key being pressed. “I also play a little guitar, but it’s irrelevant to the topic.”
Akito hums, getting more comfortable. “That’s very impressive, Kanade-san.”
“Thank you. It’s all a part of being a composer, really. I learned most of it from my father.”
They were being modest, Akito could tell, but that didn’t stop him from admiring both their skills and bond with their father. However, he couldn’t help but notice the sadness that laced in their voice whenever they spoke about him.
He chose not to dwell on it for any longer, fearing that it may be a sensitive topic, especially since they just met.
“It’s still quite the talent,” Akito insists, and he could practically feel Ena’s eyes boring through the back of his skull, nearly disgusted by the nice-guy front that he usually puts on.
“You two won’t get anywhere if you keep going back and forth like that,” remarked Ena. As annoyed as he was, Akito couldn’t help but agree.
He then gets straight to the point. “If possible, I’d like your guidance on some things. Please.” Akito’s voice almost wavers, but he keeps himself composed for the most part. He didn’t want to seem like he was imposing on them, but he still desperately needs all the help he can get.
“I don’t mind,” they agreed almost immediately. “Do you have any experience with pianos at least?”
“I’m not the best, but I can play a few songs.”
From the other end, Kanade softly smiles. “That’s good. It’ll save us a lot of time. Just send me your Nightcord address through Ena’s direct messages and we can chat over the details there. This would probably take a few days, after all.”
Ah, right. Of course it would. He had almost forgotten about how time consuming this would be.
Before he could apologize about taking some of their time, Ena’s suddenly right behind him, with her hands on the headrest of her chair. “Don’t worry about it. Kanade’s pretty much free most of the time, so this shouldn’t be that much of a bother.”
Akito could hear them sputter at his sister’s words, but ultimately couldn’t find any words to defend themselves. A part of him feels at ease knowing that there are people who Ena can feel safe and comfortable with. Kanade seemed like a wonderful person.
He’s glad that there’s people like them who can be there to pick Ena up when she’s down.
Fuck , he’s getting sentimental and he doesn’t even know why. Maybe he’s proud of Ena. Maybe he’s happy for her.
Whatever the reason, he’s relieved to see Ena doing much better over the years.
The rest of his talk with Kanade goes by like fluid. They traded their Nightcord accounts with one another, and they’ve arranged another call on the next day once Akito gets back from Tsukasa’s place.
Slowly but surely, it really felt like things were starting to take a turn for the better.
The day after felt slow. Too slow for his liking. School felt irritating, but that was old news at that point. Doodling over the course of his classes, clicking his mechanical pencil in his hands, twirling them with his fingers - he did everything he could to make it feel like the day was progressing quicker than it actually is.
When the bell rings and another school day draws to a close, Akito’s waiting for Tsukasa by the gate again. Before long, the two slid into place with their usual routine, and Akito felt light on his feet.
Once they made it, Tsukasa fumbled around for his house keys and unlocked the door with one swift click, letting Akito enter first as the two slipped their shoes off and went along inside, bags strewn on the floor.
Lately, Tsukasa has been feeling the most joyous he’s ever been in a long time. His previous doubts weren’t dispelled quite yet, but it still felt like he was changing for the better; that it is because of Akito that he is finally choosing to change for the better. He is getting better.
Tsukasa made sure to make his gratitude known to Akito, by sneaking in unsuspected kisses on his cheeks more frequently, holding his hand as they sat, sliding his fingers to curl around Akito’s with their shoulders touching because of their proximity - it truly felt like bliss.
He always takes the moment to appreciate the silence. Perhaps he thinks that it is also Akito that made him love the silence from the way he could convey so many emotions and unspoken words through his actions and expressions alone.
Akito may deny it, but his expressions always revealed more to him than words will ever tell.
Tsukasa catches onto the subtleties of the worry etched onto his face whenever there was something that was bothering him. He’s caught onto the fact that his expressions seemed much more calmer, tranquil throughout the past few months despite how Akito has never vocalized it.
He especially catches onto the sheer amount of affection that he carries for him, and it never fails to warm his heart up until this day.
Tsukasa is content with where they are right now. He wouldn’t ask for anything more, and being greedy was out of the question. He already has everything he could possibly want right here in his arms.
It brought him comfort, and he feels at home.
Even right now, as Akito is practicing the piece that Tsukasa taught him, he couldn’t help but think that he wouldn’t want things to be any other way, and he’s eternally grateful to Akito for giving him a chance. For finding worth in what used to be Tsukasa’s way of coping.
It was a silly thought, but Tsukasa thinks of the piano as a means of silent communication.
If either of them were to struggle with vocalizing their feelings with one another, then all it takes is one song. Just one piece, and the other would know.
It’s a level of intimacy that strikes a chord in Tsukasa’s heart.
He remembers hoping, wishing, that perhaps one day, there would be someone that he could share his joys of playing the piano with.
He wished to be able to lock his hands with them as they played song after song together.
He wished that he could feel their shoulder brush against his as they’re humming to the melody of the song, that their legs would bump against each other while the music carries them.
He wished that he’d experience what it felt like to be so close to somebody once the music had been brought to a close, together proud and satisfied from what they have done.
Now, he’s able to live through all of it. Now, he’s able to share not only his joys, but also his woes. Now, he could feel every touch, every moment of closeness between them, sewn into his memories, and he is determined that he would never let those memories go no matter what.
He can’t afford to lose his happiest memories; not again.
Right now, he wants to enjoy his moments with Akito that he wouldn’t give away for the world. It may be a selfish thought, but it is only human to be selfish.
Tsukasa glances over to his right, his lover is focused on completing the piece. He notices that he’s getting better and better. His eyebrows are knit together in a way that’s immensely endearing to Tsukasa, biting his bottom lip while his fingertips are running along the keys.
Tsukasa smiles; he’s so proud of him.
Once he finishes, Akito looks up at him expectantly. Tsukasa finds it adorable. Lords above, he wants to kiss him right now.
With his cheeks cupped in his hands, Tsukasa bombards his face with soft kisses as he usually does, feeling Akito resting his palms over the back of his own, eyes tightly squeezed shut, yet clearly enjoying it.
Between kisses, he tells him how well he’s done, complimenting him, praising him for his efforts, and it never fails to make Akito feel like swooning from the effect that Tsukasa had on him.
It was maddening, but in a way that’s almost akin to a moth drawn to a flame the same way Akito is drawn to Tsukasa and how Tsukasa is drawn to Akito. Equally, they are enthralled by one another.
The rest of the evening was well spent, and Tsukasa was ready to welcome the next coming day with open arms as he slept snuggly against his pillows.
A few weeks later, Akito’s visits started becoming less and less frequent, though never fully coming to a cease.
It was only just the slightest bit disappointing to Tsukasa, but he knows not to question anything. Being a performer takes up a lot of one’s time - it’s something that he’s all too familiar with, and he is especially aware of how hardworking his lover is when it comes to surpassing his dreams.
It’s fine if he doesn’t have all day to spend together.
Fleeting, that wish of Tsukasa’s had lasted, but it didn’t stop him from wishing. He would be a fool to stop. He’ll wait, as he always has, right by the piano, waiting to interlace his fingers with his once more, waiting to feel the warmth of another embracing him.
He has never truly left his side, after all.
“Ah, what am I thinking,” mumbled Tsukasa as a melancholic tune filled the space. “I miss him.” His fingers all pressed down, a sour tone aggressively berating his ears.
Quite the drama queen he was, an entire monologue crafted in his head just because he hasn’t seen his boyfriend in four days.
Looking at the time, it was getting quite late. He should sleep soon.
Pushing the stool back, Tsukasa stood up and closed the lid of the piano with a thud, stray particles of dust floating along the night air.
To his surprise when he moved to walk upstairs, Saki had just come out of her room with finger hooked around the handle of an empty mug, spoon clinking whenever it hit the edges for each step she took down the stairs.
“Saki? What are you doing awake?”
“Oh!” Saki smiled. “Don’t worry, I’m just about to go to bed. I’m putting this mug away first.”
“Composing again?”
If the small laugh he got in return was anything to go by, then he supposes that he has his answer. Tsukasa’s happy to hear how passionate she is about her work, but a subtle twinge of worry rests in him - he doesn’t want her to push herself over the edge.
She cheerily walks past him. “Hard working as ever, Saki,” he tells her along with a reminder, “Make sure to get some rest tonight!”
His sister enthusiastically nods, setting the mug in the sink. “I will! You too!”
Tsukasa heads upstairs then after, mood lightening up as he goes. Whether intentional or not, Saki never fails to make him feel a little better.
As he closes the curtains in his room, his mind drifts to Akito once again. He’s more worried than disappointed, but he trusts that he would tell him if there was something truly wrong - so for now, he just has to hope.
He couldn’t say that he slept without any worry, but that couldn’t be helped.
Tsukasa went through the next morning trying to swat away thoughts of Akito that were inevitably building up from the back of his head. He’s trying to get school out of the picture quickly so he could go find his junior.
He felt like he was getting more weird glances at his direction than usual, but he couldn’t find it in him to be bothered by it too much as he tunnel-visioned on the clock for as long as it kept ticking until the end of his final lesson.
By the time the last bell rang, he was already packing his things up to leave, eager to go straight to Akito’s classroom to look for him. He had been waiting for a while, after all.
With his bag around his shoulders, he exited the room without another word.
The hallways were crowded as the bell had just rang, but Tsukasa managed to squeeze by with some effort and apologies and made it to the first floor with no less than a few struggles.
He couldn’t waste any more time than he already has, however, as Akito might have already left. Right as he caught his eyes on the windows of his classroom, however, there was no sign of him inside anymore.
Tsukasa practically deflates, disappointed with the fact that he had come down too late.
“Hello…? Can I help you?”
Tsukasa startles; it seemed like it was one of Akito’s classmates who saw him peeking through their window. “Ah, my apologies! I was wondering if you know where Akito went?”
The student ponders for a moment, “Shinonome-kun, huh…” she mumbles to herself. “I don’t usually know what he’s up to, but you could try checking the library. I’ve seen him go there a few times to check with Aoyagi-kun from another class.”
“Oh, Toya!” Tsukasa brightly exclaimed, “Thank you, kind junior! I appreciate it!”
“Ah- uh… You’re welcome..?” At that point, Tsukasa had already run off, leaving the girl dumbfounded.
Tsukasa reaches the library, knowing that that day was one of the days where Toya was helping out in the library committee.
Without thinking, he bursts through the door with a grand entrance. “Toya!”
Many people in the room jolted at the sudden display of rowdiness, and the librarian sent him a sharp glare as Toya fumbled with the books in their hand, placing them down on a table before walking up to him. “What brings you to the library, Tsukasa-senpai?” They asked, completely unphased by his sheer volume.
“I’m looking for Akito! Has he stopped by here?”
Toya hums, “If you’re looking for Akito, then he just left a moment ago. He came to give me a reminder and left.” Seeing the dispirited look on Tsukasa’s face, Toya quickly followed up with a suggestion, “Though, I believe you can still catch him by the school gate if you leave now.”
Like a switch, Tsukasa was immediately back on his feet again. “You’re right!” He bellowed, “I’ll be going now, thank you, Toya!”
Toya only nodded with a smile as Tsukasa left and turned around only to be met with the less-than-pleased look from the librarian…
On the other hand, Tsukasa had turned on his heels and headed back to the entrance, hastily swapping his shoes out before bolting out and to the school gate.
As soon as he stepped outside, what he saw was Shinonome Akito in all his glory much to his delight, earphones on connected to his phone, intently listening to whatever was playing with a satisfied grin as he stood right outside the gate.
Tsukasa had to remind himself not to take one too many glimpses of his boyfriend as he remembered that he had a purpose to be talking to him right now.
“Akito!” He called out, loud enough for him to hear as he took his earphones off and pointedly looked at Tsukasa in surprise. “‘Kasa-senpai?”
“Oh, that’s right- I need to talk to you about something.”
“I need to talk to you!”
“Ah…” They both stopped, taking in each other’s words awkwardly as they stared at one another.
Tsukasa clears his throat as an attempt to clear the tension. “You go first,” he offers, and Akito slowly nods, putting both his device and earphones away, neatly tucked away in his pocket.
“Sorry if it’s sudden, ‘cause I know I haven’t been around lately,” began Akito, “but could I come over today?”
When the question dropped, Tsukasa’s jaw practically went slack.
Maybe he was worrying over nothing this entire time after all.
“O-Of course! I was actually just about to ask how you were doing since I was worried that something might have come up…”
Akito’s eyes softened, and Tsukasa could’ve sworn that he might’ve looked a little guilty at his admission, too. “Sorry, again,” apologized Akito once more. “I should’ve let you know that I’d be a little busy over the past few days.” His gaze trailed downwards.
Before Tsukasa could say anything, however, Akito looked back up and clasped his hands over his. “I’ll make up for it today, though!” He declared, “I promise it!”
“A-Akito!?” Tsukasa stutters, rather overwhelmed by his sudden determination. “Really, I was just concerned- it’s nothing you need to-”
“It’s fine,” Akito insists. “Just let me do this. Please?”
With how far gone he was already, Tsukasa couldn’t possibly find a single bone in him that’d ever think of refusing.
As Tsukasa led Akito back to his place, he thought about just what he’d do to make up for his absence. While he did feel lonely, it wasn’t as if he was truly upset at him, so a part of him feels bad that Akito went through all the trouble just to do this for his sake.
Even so, he couldn’t deny that he wasn’t at least a little excited to see what he had in mind. He wondered, what could it be? Will he be taking him out somewhere? Will he give him something? If he was, then what would it be?
Scratch that, he was very excited.
The second they arrived, Tsukasa was already ushering Akito inside, giddy to have him visit again after a while.
They took their shoes off and shuffled inside, with Akito walking ahead of Tsukasa like he already knew what he was going to do. Tsukasa could only follow him curiously, uncharacteristically quiet as he did so.
He watched as Akito opened the lid to his piano, pulling the stool out and taking a seat. Tsukasa happily sat beside him, his gaze never leaving him.
Akito looked nervous, Tsukasa could tell that much, so he slid his hand up his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze to reassure him, to let him know that he’s there. He felt Akito’s palm rest on top of his, squeezing him back. ‘I know. Thank you.’
His hand slipped off and stationed itself on top of the piano keys, but before he started playing, he gave Tsukasa a fond look. “For the past few weeks, I’ve been workin’ on something. For you. I tried to finish it as soon as I could, but it wasn’t something I could rush either, so… ‘M sorry that it took some of our time away.”
Circling an arm around Akito’s waist, Tsukasa pulls him towards himself. “It’s okay,” he mumbled with his cheek squished against Akito’s neck as he laid his head on his shoulder. “I missed you.”
“...I missed you, too.” Akito muttered, a faint blush crept on his face.
The two stayed like that for a moment longer, before Akito shifts his position, causing Tsukasa to sit up again in anticipation.
Compared to how nervous he was a few minutes ago, Akito was regaining some confidence as he took in deep breaths. His body relaxed, and he was ready to start.
Tsukasa waits, as patient as ever.
The piano keys were smooth under Akito’s rough fingertips, cold under his touch.
As he was about to begin, the sky suddenly grew darker, cloudy. It was then that little drops of water multiplied to a multitude of rain softly pattering outside, the scent of petrichor already present despite it being subtle.
It created an ambiance, and the room gradually grew colder than ever, with the only source of warmth coming from one another as they sat entangled with each other.
Tsukasa felt it to be the perfect setting, and he’s sure that Akito felt the same way.
Slowly, but surely, the first note rang low and proud, making way for another note as Akito carefully built his rhythm up. It started softly, undoubtedly capturing Tsukasa’s attention the moment he began.
As he continued, the melody grew as notes resonated - it sounded hopeful, like a brand new beginning had presented itself. In a way, it felt nostalgic to Tsukasa, like he was recalling a sweet memory that he held dear.
The tone then took a drop, from a calm, nostalgic tune turning bittersweet. Tsukasa felt his chest twist as Akito went on, and he could see his expression shifting as well.
It gave the feeling of losing oneself in a plethora of emotions, stuck in a storm of different choices, different outcomes, but it didn’t last long before it picked up, as if they’d found themselves within a barrier of a safe haven, of comfort.
Music enveloped Tsukasa in a hug. It was warm, so unbelievably warm.
The piece was slow, but it was comforting, pleasant in Tsukasa’s ears. It felt like opening a box, like he was hearing a story unfold and being able to experience everything first-hand.
It felt like it was trying to tell him that even if things were going slow, there was never a reason to rush, because there will always be someone waiting for him at the end of the day.
It felt like he was reliving all of his past moments with Akito at its worst, at its best… It was beautiful. Breathtaking. Akito was breathtaking.
He might tear up.
The music fades as Akito closes it with his lips sealed tightly, eyes closed by the time he’s done.
Tsukasa immediately surges forward, arms wrapping him in an embrace, face buried in his neck, and if Akito hadn’t caught him in surprise, they would’ve toppled over and fell to the floor. He brought his shaky hands to hug him back, still in disbelief that he actually did that.
Oh, gods , he did that.
“A-Are you crying?”
“How could I not?” Tsukasa hiccuped, “I’m so happy right now.”
“Tsukasa…”
Any worry that Tsukasa had earlier was quickly dispelled as he held Akito tightly in his arms, unwilling to let go. Hearing a composition made by Akito with him in mind was one of the last things he had expected - and for it to convey so much meaning, so many memories…
Yes, this was truly the perfect gift for Tsukasa. It was just like a time capsule, made specifically for him so he would never, ever forget the meaning of their relationship, something that they can both share together as it was meant for them.
“I love it,” Tsukasa says into Akito’s neck. “It’s the best gift I’ve ever received.”
“I- I wouldn’t go that far…” his lover replied, flustered.
Tsukasa lifts his head up, his hands grasping his shoulders. “I mean what I said.” His smile turns delicate. “Thank you, Akito.”
He watches how the blush on Akito’s face spreads all the way down his neck and Tsukasa laughs, “Thank you so much.” He repeated.
Akito hums, his face falling onto Tsukasa’s neck. “I’d be happy to do anything for you,” he murmured.
The following evening, Niigo were out together at their usual restaurant when Ena’s phone buzzed in her hands. A message notification came down her screen and Ena wordlessly read what was written, a small grin on her face as she finished reading.
“Kanade,” she nudged the person beside her.
“Hm?”
“He just texted me; said that everything went well and that he loved it.”
Kanade smiled. “That’s good. I managed to help someone.”
Proudly, Ena laughs. “You did.”
From across the table, Mafuyu and Mizuki listened in to their conversation. The latter leaned in towards Mafuyu, whispering to him, “Do you think this has something to do with otouto-kun?”
Mafuyu could only shrug. “Who knows.”