Chapter Text
Akane walks up to the counter. He quickly scans the menu before ordering.
As he was looking down at their menus and displays, he looked over at the counter register.
He had already noticed earlier that the café owned countless plants all around the store. However, there were specifically three plants by the counter that caught his eye.
One pot was of blue hydrangea flowers, one cherry blossom vase, and one violet potted plant.
Out of all of them, one peculiar plant stood out to him the most.
It was the violets. It stood out to him the most because it reminded him of Aoi.
It reminded him of her long dark purple hair which she often kept up, her indigo violet colored eyes, and all of her secrets she kept in the dark.
Maybe he would get her violet flowers the next time he confessed his love for her.
As he finally looked away from the potted plants, he noticed just how much this place had to offer.
They had numerous kinds of pastries and sweets, even serving ice cream.
And out of all of them, he knew exactly what to order.
He always remembered that Aoi had always loved raspberry pie.
After all, it was his favorite too.
It was mostly due to Aoi influencing him though.
Before he was about to place his order, Aoi walked up to the counter and taps Akane on the shoulder lightheartedly.
"Akane-kun, raspberry pie for me please. Though I'm sure you know that by now."
She said cheerfully in her sweet tone.
Akane turns around.
"Yes, Of course I remember Ao-chan! What drink would you like too?"
There was a pause before she replied.
"Wa-"
She cut herself off before she could finish her sentence.
"Actually nevermind. I would like a Raspberry float."
She flashed a warm small smile up at him before sticking her tongue out playfully.
Akane seemed a bit surprised then brushed it off.
"You really like raspberry, don't you?"
He smiled back at her warmly.
"Alright then, Ao-chan!"
He then placed their orders. With that, two of them sat back down.
As soon as they sat down, Aoi switched the topic to their project.
The pair then began working on their assigned activity in the comfort of the warmly lit shop.
There were discussions, planning, sketching, and researching done.
The next fifteen minutes were mostly spent productively.
Though there was some playful banter on the side and some incidents where their hands accidentally brushed against each other's, None of them said a word about it.
All they could do was ignore the tension in the room and put up with it.
After all, they couldn’t really head out.
Might as well make do with the time they had now.
The rain was still pouring outside.
Murky, misty, hard rain.
The road practically looked like a shallow swimming pool.
And they were afraid to step outside because of the risk of slipping and falling or catching a cold.
Quickly, a few minutes pass by.
Suddenly, they heard the person at the register call them over.
"Order number one, pick up your food!"
Their food was ready!
The Bakery was covered in a sugary, sweet aroma.
It smelled like a field of fresh fragrant flowers with treats that carried a sweet vanilla scent.
They couldn't wait to indulge in the pastries, they had been starving.
Finally! After all that waiting, they could eat.
Akane brought the tray over while Aoi fixed their table, neatly putting away all of their school supplies to make room.
Akane walked over to their table.
"Ao-chan! Here's your food."
He elegantly set her tray down on her side of the table.
"Thank you Akane-kun! also for treating me."
Aoi said, looking up at him smiling.
"Anything for you, Ao-chan!"
He said playfully. Yet, he meant every word, smiling back at her.
Afterwards, he set his tray down on his side and sat down.
Aoi and Akane then began eating.
For what he ordered, Akane also got a raspberry pie along with a hot mocha.
He had a thing for mochas. Sometimes ordering iced ones too when he felt like it.
It was a fun fact not many people knew about him.
He then started tasting his own meal, delighted to be eating such tasty treats with his dear beloved Aoi.
In a way, it kind’ve seemed like a date.
Well, to him at least.
He was sure she viewed it as another one of their hangouts.
Meanwhile with Aoi, she stares down at the plate, seemingly in awe. She couldn’t believe how perfect it looked! She was more than ready to start eating.
As soon as she took a bite, she staggered for a few seconds.
Never has she tasted a raspberry pie this good.
"Akane-kun, the food here tastes really good!" she smiles, enjoying herself.
Her left hand caressing her face as she chews delightedly. She then took a sip of her float, her eyes going wide.
Akane looks over at her and smiles.
"I agree, Ao-chan!"
He replied wholeheartedly as he
By how she reacted, he knew she would soon become a regular at this place.
Maybe she would even come here more often than she does for the cake shop.
And so, he made a mental note to himself to visit on days he could.
For both Aoi and the pastries.
After all, he had also taken a liking to this place's treats. I mean, who wouldn’t?
The two of them talked as they ate.
Slowly devouring all of the pastries, leaving their plate clean.
While talking, they brought up lots of different topics.
They talked about school, their project, and their everyday life.
It was easy for the both of them to talk to each other. They've been close for nearly all their years of living.
I guess that's part of what made their bond so special.
That and all the other little things that don't go unnoticed.
Like the way she doesn’t worry about putting her act on in front of him compared to other peers, the way she reveals little things to him about herself that she hides from everyone else, and the way he could be able to tell what she was thinking with just a glance.
Well, it was to be expected. He knew her better than everybody else did.
And not like the perspective on what she’s thought to be.
He knew her true self.
And yet, he still wanted to know more.
It's selfish in a way, huh?
Aoi then sips the last of her raspberry float, feeling content.
She glances over at Akane and sees his empty plate and cup.
Seems like the two of them had finished eating.
She then turns her head to face the window, the little raindrops had begun racing down the glass.
Akane then turns his head to look outside as well.
The rain had not yet fully ceased, but it was safe enough to go outside.
It was just moderate rain. The clouds became darker though. Revealing both the harshness and beauty of the cold, gloomy, winter sky.
Harshness and Beauty.
Hm.
It reminds you of someone similar doesn’t it?
Looking back at the view outside, Akane suspected a storm might break out.
By what it looked like right now,
Possibly lightning as well.
He knew how afraid Aoi was of lightning, no matter how many times she would pretend she wasn't.
He'd known her long enough to know that. He always worries for her whenever it does, sometimes checking up on her to see if she was doing okay.
He never actually had the chance to stay by her side though.
Maybe he will soon.
Looking down at the road and their pathway, It was still a bit flooded but not on a dangerous level where they could possibly injure themselves.
With that, Aoi and Akane stepped out and resumed their walk home.
Akane readily opened his umbrella yet again and shared it with Aoi, making sure that not a single drop of rain fell on her porcelain face.
While they were leaving the Bakery, he looked down and noticed that the steps downward were drenched in rain water.
Seeing this, Akane instinctively reached out his hand for aoi to take so she wouldn't slip.
After aoi looked at his hand with much hesitation, she eventually decided to grab it and let him help her get down.
Her soft hand against his, gently taking his help, she was just too cute.
He was mentally celebrating in his head for hours on end when aoi took his hand. Praising her over and over in his head like usual.
Repeating the scene over and over.
He was on cloud nine the entire way home.
Fast forward to when they finally reached their apartments, the sky had noticeably gotten darker.
Aoi looked up at the night sky. Just for a second, a worried look crossed her face. Yet, she masked it as usual.
"Akane-kun, the sky looks darker than earlier. Do you think there will be lightning tonight?"
She asked. Calmly, cheerfully. Like that worried expression didn't appear on her face just a second ago.
Akane looked at her before responding.
"Unfortunately, I think so."
He hesitated before speaking again, not sure if he should even be saying this.
"I can stay with you if you want, Ao-chan. I know how much you're afraid of lightning."
Aoi looked a bit shocked for a few seconds, staggering.
“How could he have known?” The very phrase lingered in her mind for a moment.
But yet, the more she thought of it, the more it made sense.
Of course he’d known.
After all these years they had spent together, Of course he had noticed.
Noticed her little gestures, the tiny change in her attitude, and the small reactions she made whenever she thought he wasn't looking.
Turns out, he was in fact looking.
After all, how could Akane ever peel his eyes away from her?
So then, after a minute of silence, she gave a reply.
Not worded but a small smile to him.
Not big, not her usual pleasing smile. Just a small smile that came from the depths of her heart.
The secret depths where she kept hidden.
She slowly lowers her head, looking down at the wet concrete ground.
Her shoes reflecting a shine from the rainwater she stepped in.
"Ah right. I should've known by now. You really do know me so well, Akane-kun."
She said softly. no facade, no pretending, but warm in a way.
After a few seconds, she mumbled something to herself, as if she accidentally said her thoughts out loud.
She whispered it under her breath though, the only witness of her words being the breezy wind flowing behind them.
"Sorry for doubting you, Akane-kun."
She then turns around, not being able to face him. Then opens the door to her house, letting herself in.
She couldn't let him see her absolutely crushed expression.
When they had reached inside, Akane noticed something was wrong. Well, he had noticed she had been acting off ever since they had began walking.
She had been doing things she normally wouldn’t.
Saying things she normally wouldn’t.
He didn't really know what the cause was, but he was sure of one thing.
He had to figure it out.
Besides, it was too obvious to push aside now.
Her mask was rapidly falling off.
He didn't know what it was she was so desperate to cover.
It wasn’t her real personality, so what else could it be?
Was it because of what he said before entering? He didn't really know.
But all he knew is that he wanted to be the one there for her if something happens.
After a few minutes, Aoi had finally collected herself.
She turned back to face Akane again.
"Sorry Akane-kun for dragging you all the way to my house. I guess I did kinda rush off back there hehe."
She stuck her tongue out yet again. Her hands formed the peace sign as a way to humor her mistake.
It was as if she was using it as some sort of defense mechanism.
Akane definitely knew something was up.
But yet, even though he couldn’t stand watching her like this, he didn't push.
It took everything in him not to say something.
He knew that would only make her uncomfortable and he could just wait until the following day to do something about it.
Nonetheless, Akane wasn’t just not going to do something tonight.
Maybe tonight he could cheer her up and be by her side and tomorrow she would talk about it with him.
Yet, a part of him knew it was too much to hope for.
Too optimistic of an ending.
After all, with him being a wonder and everything, you would think he would’ve gotten the gist, huh?
That out of all people he would be the best to know that?
Yet, he didn’t.
Well, not this time.
Because Akane just kept pushing it to tomorrow.
He didn't know what difficulties would arise but he was sure he could handle anything and everything that could possibly happen tomorrow.
That he could save her from whatever despair she could be having tonight and tomorrow, she would reveal everything.
Or maybe he would just ask her.
Whichever way it was, he was sure he had time for it tomorrow.
Yes, tomorrow.
Of course he had time tomorrow.
Just then, it began storming outside, disrupting his line of thought.
Aoi suddenly spoke up as well.
"Akane-kun. We should get to working now so we can finish early. This storm is going to get worse.”
There was a pause before she continued.
“And you should be home early before it happens to avoid any inconvenience.”
She gave a weak smile over to him.
Akane complied, returning a smile back.
He didn't really want to go though.
And by the look in her eyes, it seemed like she herself wasn’t too sure that's what she wanted either.
Nevertheless, they then made their way to Aoi’s room to work on the project.
Their project was a historical project.
They had to make a diagram of the time lines and historical dates from famous world altering events.
Since they had done most of the planning in the Cafe, The both of them easily breezed through the researching part. Even bringing their schoolwork notes in as reference.
While Aoi had made the structure of the diagram, Akane had worked on their information.
After a bit, the tension in the air had gradually dropped and they began talking like they usually did.
Besides, they had good teamwork after all these years of having known each other.
But that's to be expected, isn’t it?
If you've known someone for that long, you can’t just let them go because of such a small thing as quote on quote “tension” right?
Little did he know it was more than that.
Much, much more.
Roughly after two hours of nonstop work of writing, gluing, and pasting, Akane suggested taking a break.
The project was almost finished anyways, It just needed the final touches which they could add tomorrow.
But for some reason, Aoi wasn't set on the idea of finishing it the next day.
"Can we please finish this project tonight, Akane kun?"
She smiled at him warmly, trying to persuade him.
"Ao-chan, we can finish it tonight if that's your wish, but why? It's not due until Friday."
Truth is, Akane was willing to do whatever Aoi wanted, but he had begun getting a bit worried about her some time ago.
And now this?
Just then, Aoi's voice cut through his thinking.
"Well then, what do you wanna do now aside from the diagram, Akane-kun?"
"I.. I think I want to do something else other than the activity.."
She asked softly. Smiling at him.
He was shocked, stunned, then relieved for a second.
At least she wasn't pushing him away.
Hold on, Wait a minute—did aoi just ask him to stay over a bit longer?!
He didn't know why she was acting like this but he wouldn't waste the opportunity.
Therefore, he tried thinking what she would want to do most in this situation.
Then, he suddenly got an idea.
He looked around the room and spotted the small video game console in her room, right beside her TV.
He then walked towards it and turned it on.
"Ao-chan, I remember you liked playing video games. Wanna play?"
Aoi's eyes lit up, her eyes beaming.
She absolutely loved playing video games.
Even more if somebody was playing with her.
Honestly, she doesn’t play with anyone else other than Akane.
Moreover, she was getting tired playing single-player too.
All of the good games were locked behind multiplayer.
So then, without a doubt she replied.
"Yes! can we play, Akane-kun?"
She smiled at him big.
Like a little kid.
Whenever her eyes would light up when she got excited, he found it so undeniably cute.
Speaking of things she liked, he suddenly remembered something.
"Wait, give me a second, Ao-chan. I've got something special for you."
He reaches into his bag and grabs a small neatly wrapped gift box. It was mainly purple with specks of blue and red.
She didn't know how to describe it, but there was this scent to it.
Like a breath of fresh air after being stuck in a caged, suffocating room.
Maybe it really did have that scent.
Or maybe she was just excited Akane got her something.
Aoi looks at it, intrigued.
Akane hands her the gift.
"What is this, Akane-kun?"
"It's a present for you, Ao-chan. Open it."
He smiled at her warmly.
After Akane said it was for her, she unwrapped the box eagerly.
Inside was a new gaming console he had bought for her.
A dark purple console with dark red flower patterns. Brand new, untouched. It was pretty too. Something she would like.
"I was planning to gift it to you for Christmas along with a lot of other things, but I figured it would be best to give it to you now."
He said. carefully examining her expression if she liked it.
"I love it! Thank you Akane-kun!!"
Aoi excitedly said as she looked at her brand new console.
She didn't say anything before but she always found her old one to be classically boring.
Sure it functioned properly, albeit the buttons being a bit worn out, but she always wished she could get a new one.
Like, maybe one prettier?
She must’ve been really obvious with it though because apparently, he had connected the dots.
Whatever.
She was just too happy with her new, prettier console.
It was for sure, way better than her old one.
Akane stares at her, in complete awe.
When Aoi had said she loved it, a wave of relief washed over him.
He was trying not to freak out over how cute she was.
Noticing the quiet in the room, he then asks her a question.
"Want to play now, Ao-chan?"
Akane asked her, his head tilting ever so slightly.
He was eager to play with her again after a while of not hanging out.
"Yes! I feel bad about you having the classic one through. Do you want to buy a new one sometime? I could tag along!"
Aoi replies, giving a faint, warm smile back at him. She honestly did really mean it, but it kind’ve seemed like she was teasing him a little.
Maybe because she was.
Akane then suddenly let out a laugh.
A small chuckle before looking back at Aoi.
"Don't worry, Ao-chan! I got us matching ones just for this."
He reaches into his bag again and grabs his own console.
It was an orange console, with the same matching flower patterns as Aoi, except they were teal.
He smiled at her sheepishly.
He seemed really proud of it for some reason.
They then both compared theirs side by side, laughing.
"Whoa Akane-kun! They really are matching!"
She giggled in amusement.
"should we play now?"
Akane asked her.
"mm!"
Aoi responded.
They both decided to play this one point game, Akane remembering how much Aoi used to love it.
As they started playing, Aoi noticed this map looked different.
Like something had changed.
She brushed it off though, figuring she must’ve remembered wrong because she hadn’t played it in weeks.
While they were playing the game, Aoi quickly surpassed Akane in points.
She was known to be the one good at points games.
She quickly turned back to face Akane.
“Seems like you haven’t changed a lot, Akane-kun!”
She looks at him, flashing a big smile. Which honestly though, looked more like a cheeky grin.
After Aoi had pulled that playful stunt, Akane finally decided to play for real.
Aoi didn’t know yet but while she had been gone, the game had updated the map and a lot of other things.
One of those things being a new power-up.
Suddenly, a silly, lighthearted idea popped into his head.
He smiled to himself.
“I’ll finally beat you this time, Ao-chan!”
He then used the secret power up, his score growing rapidly.
Aoi stares at the screen in shock, then confusion.
Akane never beat her in these types of games.
Not once.
“Huh?! How did you do that, Akane-kun? Don't tell me you’re cheating now!”
She turned her head to face him, confused and a bit skeptical.
“I would never cheat, Ao-chan, I'll explain later.”
He turns back to face her too, a small cheeky grin appearing on his face, similar to what she did before.
She knew that already.
She only said that as a joke to tease him.
She knew he wouldn’t bother trying to cheat at a game, he would rather spend his time getting better.
So wait, if he wasn’t cheating—what has she missed in the weeks she were offline?!
Just then, Akane turns back to glance over at Aoi.
He noticed her confusion and her somewhat bitter expression in annoyance.
He instantly felt bad.
Without a word, he then set his controller down and walked over to where she was sitting.
He then held onto her controller, their hands intertwining with each other’s.
Maybe on accident, maybe on purpose.
She didn’t pull away though.
Akane began speaking again.
“The trick I used was recently added. It was unfair and I'm sorry, Ao-chan.”
“Want me to teach you how to get it?”
Aoi nods.
He then takes control of her controller, showing her how to get it.
It doesn’t take too long before Aoi is in the lead and winning.
By the time he was done helping her, the game had already finished.
And as suspected, Aoi had won the game.
Akane smiles.
A few weeks earlier, he had been practicing playing the game just to impress her.
Thinking maybe this time he could finally win against her.
And yet after all that effort, he ended up letting her win.
They then bickered and bantered for hours, akane staying up later than usual just to play with her.
By the time they were done, it was 10pm.
After their gaming session, they just began talking naturally. The both of them sprawled across Aoi’s new, soft carpet.
It had just been a few minutes until they heard loud thundering coming from the outside.
They took a peek outside Aoi’s window.
It was a mess out there.
By the condition of the weather, It had been storming for quite a while now.
The music from the game and their chatting must've drowned out the noise.
Seeing Aoi's annoyed yet composed expression looking at his apartment, he mistook it as a sign to go.
Akane gets up.
"I'm assuming you want me to go now, Ao-chan. I'll make it easy for you and just leave on my own."
He turns around.
When he had finished saying that,
For a moment—a flicker of hesitation crossed her timid expression.
As if she wanted to stop him.
As if she wanted him to stay.
Too bad he missed it.
He goes out of her room and makes his way to the door, Aoi following behind him.
Every step he took towards the door was another dagger stabbed into her heart.
All the way until he had finally made it to the doorstep.
"Goodnight, Ao-chan. If anything happens, don't hesitate to come to me, okay?"
He smiles reassuringly to her, though the worry on his face was still visible.
As much as he wanted to hug her, comfort her, he knew he couldn’t do that if she wasn’t able to reciprocate it first.
It would be wrong to do so, if she didn’t want him to.
He didn’t want to force her into anything.
As he reached his hand to grab the doorknob, a crack of lightning disrupted the moment.
It was then followed by thunderous storms outside.
Akane hesitated yet again, looking back at Aoi if it would really be okay for him to leave.
He really wouldn't mind staying.
After all, he really didn't want to leave her alone knowing how terrified she was. Noting her mom went out on a trip as well, leaving her isolated.
"Ao-chan, do you want me to leave?"
She gave no reply for a few seconds.
Only staring at the ground.
Then, she finally gave an unbothered reply, her head still looking down at her floor.
It was as if it was gonna swallow her whole.
"You don't have to stay, Akane-kun."
Seeing this, Akane misread the situation, thinking he wanted her to leave because of her indifferent reply.
Little did he know, she was fighting tears to keep her from grabbing onto him and making stay.
Forcing her voice to sound composed to make him not worry.
Suddenly, another lightning bolt struck down.
Aoi flinched, but tried to play it off.
Akane noticed.
His hand on the doorknob was shaking.
All he wanted to do was comfort her, yet he didn't know if that's what she wanted.
Suddenly, Aoi's voice echoed a bit, her voice louder than usual.
"Akane-kun, just go. Please."
After hearing her say this, he finally turned the doorknob.
Taking out his umbrella and opening it.
He turned back to face her, then hesitantly stepped forward towards his apartment.
Just when he was walking,
As if the universe was playing a cruel joke on her, the lightning struck again.
Nearer. In her vicinity.
As if it was echoing just right behind her.
But this time, she couldn't hold herself back any longer.
She lunged into the rain and grabbed the collar of his shirt before he could step away from her any further.
Aoi didn't want to be apart from Akane any longer.
She wouldn't be able to handle it.
"Akane-kun..!"
She hesitated to continue.
Her voice booming across the nighttime neighborhood.
By this time, she was already soaking wet in rainwater.
The unforgiving clouds above weren’t going easy on her, nor anyone else for the matter.
Her long dark purple hair was drenched and dripping,
Her normal up-do hairstyle getting undone.
"Don't go—Akane-kun..!"
She said, before finally lifting her head up, revealing tears streaming down her beautiful porcelain face.
She looked like a mess.