Chapter Text
Sunday, February 1
In the Nanase Residence’s living room, Tenn sits across from the new couple. The former model sits cross-legged, his back tall and stiffly upright, ready for an explanation from the two. From what Iori can tell, Tenn isn’t happy. Then again, when is Tenn ever happy?
”You will start by explaining to me why the sapphire bracelet is in this guy’s possession.” Tenn attempts to get the truth out of his twin. “I did not give it to you just so you could mindlessly give it away, Riku.” He scowls, fully assuming the role of a disapproving parent. Not even two months have passed and they dare sit together, holding hands right in front of him? The nerve.
”I’m in love with Iori.” Riku answers firmly. The best approach is to reveal the truth, he thinks. They aren’t doing anything wrong. They are only following their hearts.
”I promised Nanase-san that I’ll take him to the city.” Iori doesn’t back away from Tenn’s piercing gaze. He will most definitely have to face many difficulties supporting Riku in the city. This is simply a test, and Iori has never failed one.
”What?” Tenn’s tone tells the couple that it is the most ridiculous thing he’s ever heard. He raises his voice. “You can’t even help yourself. What makes you think you can help Riku when he has an attack? He’ll stop breathing before you can fetch him an inhaler.”
”Iori can walk now. He was still in a wheelchair two weeks ago.” Riku argues, willing to defend Iori to the end of the world. “I believe he can do it, Tenn-nii. He’ll regain most of his movement in a month.”
“You don’t have a month, Riku!” Tenn slams the table, making Riku jump. Yes, he knows because he’s been sleeping almost every night in Riku’s room, making sure the sounds of his rough breathing don’t get louder or go completely silent.
”You’re just as incapable, Kujo-san.” Iori speaks sternly and honestly. “There’s no guarantee that you won’t go insane inside the city.” According to Riku, Tenn still struggles with trauma. The city filled with painful memories will hurt him, if not break him.
Just the word “city” sends a shiver down Tenn’s spine. He remains stubborn though. ”I’ll do anything for Riku.”
Riku hates hearing those words. “I don’t want you to sacrifice yourself for me.” He doesn’t want to see the miserable Tenn who shuts himself in his room again ever. He pleads with his puppy eyes. “Please, let me go with Iori. As soon as I get better, we’ll come back.” Leaning forward, he reaches for Tenn’s hand. “Then we live together happily in this town forever.”
Tenn looks away, slightly hurt. It is his duty to support his little brother in times of need. Even knowing he is not well-suited in this situation, being replaceable hurts. “So you’ll listen to Izumi Iori but not me…”
”We’re family, Tenn-nii.” Gently, Riku smiles at Tenn. Knowing how far Tenn is willing to go for his sake is enough for him. “Family protects each other.”
In the end, after a long staring contest with his twin, Tenn gives in. He hates the sense of relief that overcomes him when he knows he does not have to leave for the city. He won’t ever say it out loud, but he admits that Iori saves them both from the world of pain.
———————
Monday, February 9
On top of rigorous exercise, Iori also does extensive research on Gremme City, where he and Riku are going to live for at least three months. He makes sure that he knows how to get to their apartment, the fastest route to get to the hospital from there, the best place to get food, etc. The pressure is on him to ensure Riku’s recovery goes smoothly and the least he can do is not cause him extra worries.
According to Tenn, Riku’s asthma has gotten worse during the past week. He’s been coughing a lot. Having paused the university course, he usually spends his days reading at home. Iori visits him almost every evening because one, he’s worried, and two, he’s learning tips and tricks on how to support Riku from Tenn.
Iori can’t yet say goodbye to his cane. However, he walks a lot more smoothly, keeping a better balance. Whenever he feels he is not recovering fast enough, Riku always has a way of calming him down. Riku’s powerful positive energy is a reminder of hope for Iori.
———————
Saturday, February 14
With Iori able to take mindful steps without a cane, the boyfriends take a stroll along the park at a leisurely pace. They stop at a duck pond in the middle to greet the duck families with a bag of seeds. Riku sits on a bench, chatting with the ducks surrounding him. Iori stands behind him, his heart melts as he watches his boyfriend make sure each and every duck gets something to eat. How adorable!
While Riku has his focus on the feather friends, Iori takes a chocolate rose out of his shoulder bag. The details and the size match those of an actual rose, with the thorns, leaves, and everything. The flower colour is glittery red, which blooms beautifully in Iori’s hands. The man stealthily makes his move, sitting right next to Riku. Just when Riku turns his head towards him, he flawlessly presents the gift.
”Happy Valentine’s Day, Nanase-san,” Iori says without shying away, earning a blushed face followed by a happy smile from his boyfriend.
”Uwaaah! It’s so beautiful. Did you make it?” Riku asks while appreciating the details of the edible rose.
”Yes.” Iori smiles fondly. Two months ago, he was a man who snapped at his customer, saying he couldn’t hold a bowl in place. Now he is a prince who can proudly present his delicate craft to a man he adores. He smiles, eternally grateful to the man who has brought him back his life.
”It’s so pretty I can’t bring myself to eat it.” Riku brings the rose up to his nose, taking in the pleasant smell of sweet chocolate. While Iori is off guard, Riku gives a quick kiss on the man’s cheek as a display of gratitude.
Since Riku has started the opening act, Iori uses both hands to pull Riku into an affectionate kiss. Riku’s body immediately welcomes the soft, warm touch on his lips. It leaves him wanting more when Iori pulls away. Unable to suppress his desire, Riku presses his lips onto Iori’s so that Iori will share the same fluttering heartbeat.
Later in the afternoon, the couple ends up sharing the chocolate rose, indulging in the sweetness of the confectionery and of each other’s company.
———————
Tuesday, February 17
Iori hits the treadmill for the first time at the hospital. The conveyor belt is larger than usual as it is built specifically for patients in recovery. The therapist stands right next to Iori, giving him directions while also ensuring his safety.
Tenn observes quietly, hand on his chin, analysing every step Iori takes. It does not take a doctor to tell him that, while Iori can walk, he cannot run. Not right now. Not soon. Iori’s face tells Tenn that he is counting steps in his mind, barely keeping up with the moderate walk pace.
Mitsuki appears doubtful. Is he really going to make it in time? Don’t get him wrong. He couldn’t be prouder of Iori. It’s just that he might be setting the goal a little too high. If Iori was alone in the city, Mitsuki doubted he would have trouble taking care of himself. Taking care of Riku greatly raises the challenge due to the unpredictability of his illness. Frankly, Mitsuki isn’t sure Iori can handle that responsibility in his current state. He chooses to remain silent for the time being. They still have around a week, and so far, Iori has shown leaping improvement in the past few.
I have to make it. Iori repeats the sentence in his head. He made a promise. He cannot disappoint the man who is looking at him with expectant eyes—the man whose life depends on him. The responsibility is huge, but he must be able to handle it.
After the session, Iori’s left leg shakes pretty badly. He insists that he doesn’t need rest, but while they are leaving, Riku has to tug on his arm to prevent him from falling a couple of times.
”Stop right there.”
The former model cuts in front of the couple, thrusting his hand on Iori’s chest, sending him curling backwards. He grabs the shirt collar before Iori can do anything, driving him to sit on the bench behind them, shocking everyone, including Riku and Mitsuki.
”Iori!” Riku gasps in shock. Turning pale, he faces his brother. “Tenn-nii, what are you doing?!”
“Oi, what’s gotten into you, Kujo?!” Mitsuki shouts, looking between Iori and Tenn.
”Stand up, Izumi Iori.” Tenn orders, staring him down with a deadly glare. When Iori does not move, he repeats, raising his voice. “I said stand up!”
Iori grunts, his teeth gritting. It’s no use. Once he puts even an ounce of his weight on his weak leg, he falls right back on his bum.
”Of course you can’t.” Tenn shakes his head.
Iori blinks as he stares at those pink eyes. Somehow they, accompanied with Tenn’s gruff voice, show a hint of sadness rather than disappointment or disapproval.
”Iori is only tired.” Riku starts defending his boyfriend.
Mitsuki backs him up. Crossing his arms, he says, ”Right, right. It’s unfair to judge him when we’ve just walked right out of the physio.”
What am I doing? Tenn clenches his fists. Why am I trusting the fate of my twin to another man? Why am I, a fully functional man, leaving Riku to the disabled?
Tenn sighs. He is ashamed. While he is happily arranging precious bracelets and necklaces in his shop, Iori is working himself to the bone. Riku is bearing the pain of his illness while he gets on with his day as if everything is fine. Nothing about this is right and it is up to him to make things right.
Gathering resolve, Tenn declares, “I’m taking Riku to the city.”
”What?” Iori exclaims in surprise. More than anything, he feels hurt. Hurt that he can’t prove Tenn wrong. That he fails to show Tenn he is capable of taking care of himself and his boyfriend. Still, he refuses to go down without a fight. “You’ve seen how much progress—“
Tenn shakes his head once again, stopping Iori mid-sentence. “You don’t have to prove anything to me.” Tenn has seen how much Iori cares about Riku. He has seen how much effort Iori puts in to keep the promise. And he has seen how Riku blossoms into a beautiful red rose while Iori is with him.
The prideful model takes a deep bow, conveying the gratitude he feels deeply towards Izumi Iori.
”Let me handle this.” Tenn places his palm on his chest after lifting his head. “For myself. And for my little brother.”
Worried, Riku says, “But Tenn-nii… the city will–”
“The city might hurt me, but losing you will end me.”
Teary Tenn faces his twin with a reserved smile. One day, his haunting memories will become less vivid. Not pushing past his limit for his precious family, however, will haunt him to no end.
“Besides, I won’t be in the city alone this time.” Having spent time with the lovely people of Cherriton, the former model now understands that he can lean on other people. His twin has always been by his side, helping him see the light of day and reminding him that he is no longer living in a nightmare.
“I’m counting on you too, Riku.”
———————
Thursday, February 19
Today was Tenn’s last day at his shop. He knows he is going to miss the slow life Cherriton offers, especially his friends. A few hours ago, he was at Yamato’s bar, having a farewell drink with the owner himself, Nagi, and Mitsuki. Everyone agreed that they should go on a trip once Tenn and Riku got back from the city. It made Tenn happy that he was included in the bundle.
Before Tenn left the bar, the trio made sure he had their numbers, emphasising that he could call them at any time if he ever needed anything. They might not be with him in person, but they could offer advice and, at least, be his emotional support.
Thanks to his friends, Tenn can put things away in a suitcase without dreading the journey as much.
~~
The Izumi brothers visit the Nanase Residence for the last time late at night before the twins leave for the train station tomorrow morning. Two large suitcases are placed at the door. Iori wishes one of them was his suitcase instead. Undeniably, things are going to be tougher without Riku’s ray of sunshine to cheer him on. He will probably spend a lot of time studying, reading, and exercising, falling back into a boring routine with no one surprising him with an unplanned, whimsical event. Riku has made the past two months exciting and Iori is going to miss that feeling very much.
Iori didn’t think Riku would be outside at this hour, but Tenn did point to the garden. Once he walks out, he is met with that snow fairy sitting on a large mat, basking in the light of the full moon. He sits down next to Riku, joining him in this calming nature.
Despite keeping his neck warm with a fluffy scarf, Riku finds himself coughing frequently. No, he shouldn’t be out here, but just for tonight, he wants to take in the view he is going to miss for a while. The beautiful scenery feels complete now with Iori beside him.
For several minutes, the couple sits in silence. Iori often glances at Riku's way, dreaming of touching that pretty red hair and planting a gentle kiss on the forehead. It does not feel appropriate now that he has broken the promise to him. Riku deserves no less than a perfect man, and the current Iori is not that man.
Iori decides to break the silence with an apology. ”I’m sorry, Nanase-san, for not being able to keep our promise.”
Riku shakes his head. Taking Iori’s arm in his, he rests his head on Iori’s shoulder. “Still, you saved my life, Iori.”
”And so did you.” Iori gently strokes Riku’s hair. “When things get tough, know that I’m always with you.” He stops, taking both Riku’s hands and staring into those red, expectant eyes. “When you return, I’ll take you wherever you want to go, Nanase-san.” He vows to get better, not just for his own sake but for Riku’s sake as well. More than anything, he wants this man to be happy. To do that, he needs to be able to take care of everything Riku needs. To fulfil whatever he desires. To make him his favourite foods. And lastly, to be with him every step of the way.
“Will you take me to see the fireworks?”
“Of course.” Iori gives his word.
”I’m looking forward to it!” Riku beams, dreaming of future adventures with Iori.
The smile on Riku’s face suddenly turns into a grimace as he begins to cough his lungs out. “Nanase-san!” Acting purely on instinct, Iori pulls his boyfriend into a loose hug, hoping to warm him up but not suffocate him. He takes a deep breath, ready to shout for help. “Ku-mhmph?!“
Riku quickly covers Iori’s mouth. “I-I’m fine.” He insists, even though he is panting heavily.
“Please… Stay with me. Ha… Just a little longer, Iori.”
Riku pulls his boyfriend's shirt, pleading, before hugging him fully. It is all happening too fast. He needs just a bit more time in these arms. He is ready to fight, but not now. It doesn’t matter if his weakness is exposed. Grant him comfort, even for a temporary moment.
In the end, Mitsuki and Tenn come out to check on the couple. Iori stays by his boyfriend’s side until Riku tucks himself into bed. As the redhead lets exhaustion take him to a dream world, the younger man gathers the courage to plant a farewell kiss on Riku’s forehead.
“I’ll see you soon, Riku-san.”
———————
Around ten months later…
Thursday, December 31
“Iori, come!”
”Nanase-san, there’s no need to rush.” Iori takes a quick glance at his wristwatch while the childishly excited redhead pulls his other hand.
Riku knows. He just can’t contain his excitement. For the first time ever, he gets to attend a New Year countdown event at the town square, and he gets to do that with his favourite man. Now with his illness under control, Riku, brimming with energy, dashes towards an area where most people, including Mitsuki and Tenn, gather to watch fireworks.
Iori sighs, giving up on trying to stop his boyfriend from dragging him around. Even though he needs some time to gain balance after standing, he has recovered almost all of his strength in his left arm and leg.
This year has been rough for them. Riku, who is holding Iori’s arm, and Iori look up at the sky, reminiscing about past events…
-
The Nanase twins lived in a studio apartment in Gremme City, sharing a queen-sized bed. It may have been cramped compared to their home in Cherriton but it did have a living area and a small kitchen. During the first two weeks in the city, Tenn was quite tense, which was not unexpected. The city brought back a lot of unpleasant memories, after all.
“Tenn-nii, are you okay?”
Riku would always check on him, even though he felt somewhat uncomfortable with the change in environment. The process of meeting a new doctor, discussing medications and procedures, and getting blood tests to make sure his body was ready also wore him out.
“I’m okay, Riku. How are you holding up?”
In return, Tenn would squeeze his little brother’s hand, never leaving his side when he was struggling.
In mid-March, Riku went through the first out of three procedures of his severe asthma treatment. As warned, his respiratory symptoms worsened for whole seven days afterwards. He swapped between being in bed or on the sofa.
It wasn’t all that bad. After the dreadful seven days, Riku had to wait three weeks before he could continue with the therapy, meaning the twins could explore Gremme City to their hearts' content during that time. Oh, and there was a lot to explore.
Tenn took Riku to his favourite restaurant, which was on the highest floor of one of the skyscrapers in the city. Tenn loved the food presentation there. Riku enjoyed the view just as much as the food. He had never once stepped foot inside a tall building. He found the eagle-eye view of the futuristic city to be interesting. No, there was more to the excitement. Tenn led Riku to the balcony, where the floor was made of thick, clear glass.
“W-We can walk on it…?” Riku asked hesitantly, pointing at the floor, searching his twin’s face for reassurance.
“Yes.” Tenn nodded. Confidently, he took a step forward, proving to Riku that the glass was indeed safe to step on.
“Whoooa! The cars are so tiny.” He laughed while seeing the world underneath his feet. “Haha. It’s kind of scary but it’s so cool!” He grabbed his phone and started taking a bunch of pictures. He sent his favourite to Iori: one where he took a selfie of him and Tenn lying on the glass floor.
Another place that immediately captured Riku’s heart was the city’s aquarium. Cherriton may have had an Usamimi theme park, but it did not have vibrant schools of fish dancing, surrounding him with the magic of nature. He couldn’t get over how a massive whale swam over his head in the underwater tunnel section. He also loved how a slow-moving train took them through an ice-themed tunnel, showing them swimming penguins and fur seals in love.
It did make him wonder if Iori would love touring the aquarium or the city with him. Yes, Riku loved being in the city. He loved watching the extravagant ways people dressed. The dazzling lights of entertainment estates blinded him with joyfulness.
Kujo Tenn himself also found comfort sitting in a bar in the evening, delighting in mocktails, each with a different flavour than the one before. He, unfortunately, ran into his stepfather, Kujo Takamasa, one day. The producer, hungry for power, tried to get Tenn to return “home.” He was aggressive in his approach, saying he could pay for the best surgeon in the city to remove Tenn’s nasty scar and get him back to fame once again.
“Tenn-nii will never work for you ever again.” Riku said bravely, defending his shaken brother despite how frightened he was himself.
Finding courage in his little brother’s voice, Tenn gathered his strength and confronted his stepfather. “I do not agree with your methods and therefore I cannot accept your offer, Kujo-san. Now, please leave us alone, or I'll have to involve the police.”
With the man gone, the twins could continue touring the limitless city. Tenn couldn’t explain it, but he felt freer now that he had confronted the root of his trauma. While he wouldn’t like it, he would probably be okay if Riku or his trio of friends suggested a trip to the city again in the future. His haunting past could take away a lot of the enjoyment, but he understood he could create new, precious memories with them.
As wondrous as the city may be, the twins agreed on one thing, however. The city was full of wonders, but it was not home.
In Cherriton, Iori settled back into the same mundane recovery routine. Mitsuki played a big part in providing both physical and emotional support to his little brother. The young man also appreciated that Riku had been calling or chatting with him almost every night. Seeing Riku’s name on the phone screen reminded him of his resolve to get better.
In early May, Riku received his second round of treatment. This time, the boy had an infection in his lungs as a side effect. Even after it was treated, his asthma was barely controllable, turning him into a familiar face in the emergency room. His doctor stated that they had to push back the last round of treatment until Riku’s condition stabilised.
“Nanase-san, how are you doing today?”
One day, Iori asked on the phone with a worried tone.
Riku, lying in bed, didn’t want to answer. He felt exhausted and he didn’t want to say it out loud. Forcing out “I’m fine” with his hoarse voice would be a terrible act, so he redirected the question. “You tell me how you’re doing, Iori.”
I’m worried about you. Iori thought but refrained from saying it. Recently, Riku hardly replied to his messages or calls, and when he did, he kept it short. Iori knew that his boyfriend must be terribly unwell. He found himself losing sleep on several nights, thinking, Please be all right. Nanase-san, you have to be all right.
Seeing as Iori had gone silent for some time, Riku asked, “Iori, are you there?”
“Right, sorry.” The younger man shook his head. “I have good news, Nanase-san.” He sat up, forcing himself to temporarily adopt “idiot Riku mode” where super positivity defied everything.
“You do?” Already, Riku’s voice sounded more energetic. He pushed himself up to sit on the bed, his heart beating fast for what Iori was about to say.
Crossing his fingers, Iori broke the news. “I can now swim, Nanase-san.”
“Yay– *cough cough* ” A coughing fit hit him. Not that it could stop Riku from feeling uplifted. “I’m so happy… now I can go to the beach with Iori. Ahaha.”
Iori chuckled. That sounded like an idiot Riku all right. “That’s what you’re happy about?” He then blushed, imagining how Riku was radiating a glowing aura of hope.
There was a brief pause.
“You’d better come back, Nanase-san.”
Iori used it as a chance to get serious and emphasise the most important message. He wouldn’t have it any other way. Riku had to survive this no matter what. “You just have to.” Were that kiss to the forehead turned into a goodbye kiss, he wouldn’t be able to take it. Even a grumpy realist like him could dream, and he was already dreaming about their future together.
”I miss you, Iori.” As Riku said those words, he sank back into bed, curling up and taking his fingers to his lips. Oh, how he longed for that sweet, loving kiss. Riku wished Iori was by his side, embracing him and stroking his hair. In that moment of weakness, Riku spaced out, living vicariously through his past self.
“Promise me,” Iori ordered. The words came out softer than he intended them to, sounding more like a plea.
It was that voice that woke Riku up from his dream. Right, the reason he was here in the first place was for him to continue writing his future with a man he loved. Give up now, and he would never feel the warmth from Iori again. His memories of Iori might be lovely, but they were cold and fading.
So Riku replied with certainty. “I’ll see you soon, Iori.”
Finally, in July, as a birthday present, Riku was able to go through the last part of his treatment. His condition improved drastically after a day of struggling with repetitive attacks. He could sleep soundly most nights and felt he had more energy during the day, especially when he hardly got sudden, surprise attacks anymore. The sunshine after the storm did not only stop there. Riku was overjoyed the moment Iori said he’d passed the entrance exam and would be attending the same university with Riku when he got back.
“I’m back! I’m back, Iori!”
The twins returned to Cherriton in late July. Riku dashed and jumped into Iori’s arms as soon as the train doors opened. He shouted “I’m back” over and over again, earning emotional looks from Mitsuki and other passersby.
Iori returned the longest, tightest hug now that he had full strength in both arms. “Welcome back, Nanase-san” might have been the only words he said, but the way the normally cool, calm and collected man smiled without restraint showed just how much he had been longing for this moment.
Tenn began to set his shop back up. This time though, he wasn’t alone. Mitsuki, Nagi, and Yamato, his favourite trio, showed up to help him get his business running and settle back into the slow life of Cherriton several times faster than he had planned.
Before their university life (re)started, the couple went to the mall where their “first date” took place. This time, they laughed themselves silly at the arcade. Iori couldn’t play dance games very well yet with his arms and legs not coordinating, but he knew he’d catch up with Riku one day. What he couldn’t compete with was Riku’s voice. At the karaoke, this red snow fairy left him enchanted.
University life could not stop them from spending time with each other. In fact, it put the two together even more. Quite often, they found themselves studying together at the library even though they weren’t sharing any classes. There were a few times when they “studied” late into the night at the Nanase Residence. Specifically, in Riku’s room.
-
And now, here they are at the Town Square, linking arms, their eyes gazing upwards. Bursts of vibrant fireworks explode against the deep night sky, each time giving the clock tower a new work of art. Riku’s mouth hangs in awe, for he has never seen such mesmerising details up close.
“How dazzling…”
Iori finds himself staring at that childish face much longer than the impressive fireworks display, for the man is gorgeously radiant. The very moment their eyes meet, their lips touch. Iori pulls his boyfriend into a loving embrace with his hands on Riku’s back. Riku locks his arms around Iori’s waist, refusing to let go and refusing to pull away from the kiss full of passion, care, and love.
The boys pant as they break the kiss. Riku keeps his gaze on those sharp, dauntless eyes while he starts swaying his body to the rhythm of a merry melody. Iori soon takes over, teaching Riku the steps to the town’s traditional dance. Along with the others, they sing with joy. They sing, knowing their happiness will now last.
Forever.
———————
Fin
———————