Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Sakura woke up early. Too early. The sun was just beginning to filter through the windows of his new room, and the rest of the house was still silent.

He lay staring at the ceiling for a moment. The wooden beams. The warm light. The scent of tatami.

I'm here, he thought. I'm really here.

He dressed carefully, even though no one was there to see him. The clothes he had brought were the same as always: formal sweaters, shirts buttoned to the top. He couldn't dress any other way anyway.

He went down the stairs with slow steps. Mrs. Suo was already in the kitchen.

"Good morning, Sakura," she said, with a smile. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes," Sakura replied, with a small bow. "Good morning, Mrs. Suo."

"Oh, Sakura. You don't need to bow to me." She laughed softly. "You can call me Emma, if you like."

Sakura hesitated.

"Mrs. Suo is fine," he said, because "Emma" was too close. Too intimate. Too much for someone who had barely been in that house for a day.

Mrs. Suo didn't insist.

"Hayato already left for school," she said, serving breakfast. "He said to apologize, but he had to go because there was an early meeting."

"That's fine," Sakura replied, sitting at the table.

Breakfast was served. Rice, miso soup, grilled fish. Normal things. But Sakura couldn't stop feeling that something was strange.

She's kind, he thought, as he ate. Too kind.

He wasn't used to it. In his previous house, no one asked him how he had slept. No one smiled at him during breakfast. No one served him food without expecting something in return.

"Do you need anything else, Sakura?"

"No," he replied quickly. "It's fine. Thank you."

Mrs. Suo smiled and sat across from him with her own cup of tea.

"Today we have to go buy your uniform," she said. "I didn't want to order it without you trying it on. It might be too big or too small, and then it would be a hassle to exchange."

Sakura nodded.

"We can also look at some things for your room," she continued. "If you want."

"It's not necessary," Sakura said, automatically.

"Sakura."

He looked up.

"Do you know you're not a burden, right? You can ask for things."

Sakura lowered his gaze.

"I know," he murmured. "Thank you."

He didn't fully believe it, but he tried not to think about it. Suo would get angry with him if he found out.

⋆˚࿔

After breakfast, they went out.

The Makochi market was different from his town's. Here, people knew each other. They greeted each other. They stopped to chat in the middle of the street without anyone being in a hurry.

Mrs. Suo walked beside him, calmly, pointing out the stalls. Sakura turned in the direction she indicated.

"This is the fishmonger," she said. "Mr. Tanaka always has the freshest fish. Over there is the bakery. Mrs. Suzuki makes delicious matcha breads."

Sakura nodded, trying to memorize.

"Emma," a voice stopped them.

An elderly woman approached, with a kind smile. She looked at Sakura curiously.

"Who is this handsome young man?"

"This is Sakura," Mrs. Suo replied, with pride. "Hayato's boyfriend."

Sakura felt his cheeks warm.

"Ah, the famous boyfriend?" The woman approached him. "Oh, how cute. Those eyes... are they natural?"

"Yes," Sakura replied, in a small voice.

"That boy is so lucky." The woman looked at Mrs. Suo. "You're going to have a very handsome son, Emma."

Sakura blinked.

"He's not my son yet," Mrs. Suo said, laughing. "But he will be soon."

"Did you hear that, young man? Emma wants you to be her son," the woman explained, as if Sakura hadn't already heard. "You're already part of the family."

"I'm not... I'm not..." Sakura stammered, not knowing what to say.

"Of course you are," Mrs. Suo gave his arm a little squeeze. "Come on, we still have a lot to buy."

Sakura followed her, his ears burning.

The uniform shop was at the end of the main street.

"This is it," Mrs. Suo said, opening the door. "Hello, Miss Yamada."

"Good morning, Mrs. Suo." The shop assistant greeted them with a smile. "Have you come to pick up the uniform?"

"Yes, but I want Sakura to try it on before we take it."

"Of course."

Sakura tried on the uniform in the fitting room. The green jacket, the slightly loose plain pants, the white shirt. He looked at himself in the mirror.

I don't recognize myself, he thought.

"How is it going, Sakura?" Mrs. Suo asked from outside.

"Good," he replied. "I think it's fine."

He came out of the fitting room. The shop assistant nodded with satisfaction.

"It fits perfectly. It's the right size."

"You look very handsome, Sakura," Mrs. Suo said.

"Thank you," he murmured, looking away.

"Do you want to wear it now?"

"I don't know, I don't think so."

"Well, then you can wait until Friday."

Sakura stared at the uniform.

"I'll change," he said, and this time his voice sounded firmer. He didn't want to get it dirty and have to ask Mrs. Suo to wash it before even going to Furin.

Mrs. Suo smiled.

They left the shop. Sakura kept thinking it was strange to be alone with Mrs. Suo, at least without Hayato with them, but his boyfriend's mother was kind and Sakura wanted to try to be kind too. Or at least not mess it up.

"Sakura?"

"Yes?"

"Do you like Makochi?"

Sakura thought for a moment.

"I don't know it well yet," he replied. "But the people are kind."

"I'm glad."

They walked back, and Mrs. Suo introduced him to several more people. "This is Sakura, my son's boyfriend. He'll soon be my son too." Sakura felt his ears grow hot, but he no longer tried to correct her.

He'll soon be her son too, he repeated in his mind.

He didn't know how to feel about it. But he didn't really dislike it, although Sakura had doubts. What would Mrs. Suo be like? Sakura didn't even know what it meant to be someone's son. It wasn't that he had really thought much about wanting a mother. Well, maybe sometimes he did want to call someone "mom" and have that person comfort him, but that had only been when he was little. Then he forgot. He accepted that he didn't have one and never would. He could never call his aunt that, and the one time as a child it slipped out, she had screamed at him to never dare call her that again. Sakura shook his head. He couldn't call Suo's mother that. It would feel wrong. She was Suo's mother, and Sakura was only her son-in-law. His aunt had said he should respect her properly.

⋆˚࿔

Suo arrived around four.

Sakura heard the keys in the door, the footsteps in the entrance, and then his voice:

"I'm home."

"Hayato," Mrs. Suo said from the kitchen. "Sakura is in the living room."

Suo appeared in the living room doorway. He was wearing his Furin uniform, the same one Sakura had just tried on a few hours ago, and a tired smile on his face.

"Haruka."

"Hayato."

They looked at each other for a moment. Sakura wanted to say something, but didn't know what. He wanted to get closer, but he was a little embarrassed that Suo's mother might see them.

"How was your day?" Suo asked, sitting beside him.

"Good," Sakura replied. "I went to the market with your mother."

"With my mother?"

"Yes. We bought my uniform."

"Did you try it on?"

"Yes." Sakura pointed to Suo's jacket. "I put it on."

"Did you like it?" Suo said.

"Yes, it's comfortable."

"Do you want to go out? You should get to know the streets better. I'm sure my mother only showed you her daily shops and their owners."

Sakura thought that Suo really knew everyone. Well, it was his mother he was talking about. He nodded.

They went out walking. Suo took him through streets he didn't know yet, pointing out shops, alleys, shortcuts.

"If you ever get lost," Suo said, stopping in front of a shop, "you can ask here. The owner knows all of Makochi."

"I'm not going to get lost," Sakura protested.

"Of course not."

"My memory isn't that bad."

"Of course not."

"Stop agreeing with me when you don't believe it!"

Suo laughed. And Sakura, despite the embarrassment, felt something loosen in his chest.

They walked more. Suo greeted everyone. Sakura heard repeated "Good afternoon"s alongside new names. And then, the phrase Sakura was beginning to dread:

"This is my boyfriend. He just arrived in Makochi. If he ever gets lost, don't hesitate to call me."

"I'm not going to get lost!" Sakura protested.

"Of course not."

"Stop teasing me!"

"Oh, how cute," the women would say. "Suo-kun, you have good taste."

"I know."

"That's not true," Sakura would mutter.

"What do you mean, not true?" they would ask. "You're very handsome. Those eyes... they're really unique, young man."

"Ehh, no, I..."

Sakura would end up giving a small bow, embarrassed, and the women would exclaim that he was even cuter for being polite.

"Let's go," Suo would say, when Sakura tugged at his hand because Suo wanted to keep accepting compliments on Sakura's behalf.

"Hayato!"

"What?"

"You could stop showing me off."

"I can't. My pride is stronger than me."

Sakura pushed him, and Suo laughed.

⋆˚࿔

That night, at dinner, Mr. Suo asked:

"How was your day, Sakura?"

"Good," he replied. "I went to the market. I bought my uniform."

"Does it fit well?"

"Yes. I tried it on."

"I'm glad."

Mr. Suo nodded and returned to his meal. He didn't ask more. He didn't demand explanations. Sakura felt strange.

Sakura kept comparing things to his previous house. The dinners where they let him sit with them were interrogations. "What did you do today? Did you study? Did you help in the kitchen? Why didn't you do this? Why did you do that?" It was never enough.

Here, no one judged him.

"Sakura," Mrs. Suo said.

"Yes?"

"If you want, tomorrow you can stay home. Or go out. Whatever you prefer."

"Okay," he replied. "Thank you."

Sakura didn't know what to do with that "whatever you prefer." Could he follow Suo? Sakura shook his head. Fool, Suo would just go another day. I'll join the next one, because I want to follow Suo if anyway we'll be together the rest of the day.

⋆.ೃ࿔🌸*:･

The next day, Sakura woke up with the sun streaming through the window. A little later than the previous day. He lay in the futon for a moment, listening to the sounds of the house. Footsteps in the hallway. The clinking of cups in the kitchen.

Suo had surely already left.

He went downstairs after changing. Maybe he should steal clothes from his boyfriend; Sakura looked too presentable for breakfast.

"Good morning, Sakura," Mrs. Suo said. "Today my mother-in-law is coming."

Sakura blinked.

"Your mother-in-law?"

"Yes. Hayato's grandmother. She wants to meet you."

"Why?"

"Because Hayato has told her a lot about you. And she wants to see with her own eyes the famous fiancé of her only grandson."

Sakura felt his cheeks warm.

"I'm not famous."

"To her, you are."

Suo's grandmother arrived around ten.

Sakura watched her come through the front door and felt his heart race. She wasn't what he expected. She wasn't a hunched-over elderly woman, with a cane and a trembling voice. She was an elegant woman, her silver hair pulled up in a low bun, dressed in a kimono of soft tones.

She walked with a firm step, back straight, eyes bright. Sakura, for once, was relieved to be wearing formal clothes.

"Yumiko-san," Mrs. Suo said, approaching to greet her. "This is Sakura."

The grandmother looked at him. Her eyes slowly scanned his face, and Sakura felt a bit of pressure.

"Nice to meet you, ma'am," Sakura said, with a bow. "I'm Sakura Haruka."

The grandmother didn't respond. She approached him and, without saying anything, hugged him.

Sakura went rigid. He hadn't expected that.

"Finally," the grandmother said, pulling back. "I meet the boy who stole my grandson's heart."

Sakura stammered.

"Uh... I... Hayato didn't..."

"Didn't?" The grandmother raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't steal anything," Sakura said, and then realized what he had said.

The grandmother laughed. A soft, warm laugh.

"And what will you call me?"

Sakura looked at her, confused.

"You will call me Grandma," she said. "Like Hayato. Because I know you liked my sweets."

Sakura nodded, started to say "but it's not right for me to..."

"No buts, young man. My sweets are only for my family, so you'll have to call me Grandma."

"Uh, I, no, yes, okay." Sakura felt defeated. Well, those sweets were worth it. "Nice to meet you, Grandma," he finally said, his voice smaller than he wanted. "Your sweets are delicious."

The grandmother smiled.

"That's more like it."

Mrs. Suo served tea, and the three of them sat in the living room. Sakura was tense at first, but the grandmother spoke so naturally that he gradually relaxed.

"Do you know why I started making sweets?" the grandmother asked.

"No," Sakura replied.

"Because my husband liked them too much." Her eyes softened. "That's how I won him over."

Sakura listened attentively. The grandmother spoke fondly of her husband, of the years they spent together, of how she learned to make traditional sweets to see him smile.

"And him?" Sakura asked. "Where is he?"

Silence fell over the room. Sakura saw the grandmother's expression change, and he knew he had said something wrong.

"I'm sorry," he said quickly. "I shouldn't have asked."

"Don't apologize," the grandmother replied calmly. "He passed away years ago. But I remember him fondly. That's why I still make sweets. Because it makes me happy that others enjoy them."

Sakura lowered his gaze.

"I'm glad you like them," the grandmother continued. "My grandson came to my house embarrassed, asking me to make special sweets for his fiancé. I had never seen him like that."

Sakura looked up.

"Embarrassed?"

"Yes. Very embarrassed. So much so that at first he didn't know how to ask me." The grandmother smiled. "He's a quiet, polite, quite teasing boy. But that day he was... different."

Sakura felt his cheeks warm.

"What did he tell you?"

"That he wanted to win you over. That you were important to him." The grandmother looked at him. "That you were adorable."

"I'm not adorable," Sakura murmured.

"He says you are. And now I agree. That's why I'm here."

The grandmother kept talking. She told him how Suo used to visit her before, how he would tell her things about his boyfriend, how he always repeated how adorable Sakura was. How she had grown fond of him without even knowing him.

Sakura listened, his ears burning, but he didn't want her to stop.

"Hayato can be embarrassed," the grandmother said finally. "Like anyone. It's important that you know that."

Sakura nodded.

"Thank you for telling me," he said. "And thank you for... for being so kind."

The grandmother smiled and pinched his cheek.

"You're a good boy, Sakura. I'm glad my grandson found you."

Sakura felt a lump in his throat.

"I'm glad too," he said, barely audible.

"And what will you call me?" the grandmother asked again.

"Grandma," Sakura replied, this time more confidently.

The grandmother smiled, satisfied.

"Good. Now, do you want me to teach you how to make my sweets?"

Sakura's eyes widened.

"Can I?"

"Of course. That's why I came. It's a family recipe."

They spent the morning in the kitchen.

The grandmother showed him how to prepare the dough, how to shape it, how to achieve the perfect texture. Sakura followed her attentively, imitating her movements, listening to her advice.

"You learn fast," the grandmother said.

"I've... I've had practice," Sakura replied, thinking of the cooking classes he hated. But this time he didn't hate what he was doing.

When they finished, the grandmother tasted one of Sakura's sweets.

"It's good," she said. "Not perfect, but good."

Sakura smiled.

"Thank you."

"Next time it will be better. I'll come back in a few days."

"Really?"

"Of course. I have to make sure my new grandson learns the family recipes well."

Sakura didn't respond. He just nodded, his heart warm.

⋆˚࿔

Suo arrived around four.

Sakura heard the keys in the door, the footsteps in the entrance, and felt something move in his chest. He got up from the living room and walked toward the entrance.

"Haruka," Suo said, surprised to see him so close. "What..."

Sakura hugged him.

He didn't think about it. He didn't plan it. He just did it.

"Haruka," Suo repeated, his voice strange. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," Sakura replied, tightening the hug. "I met your grandmother today."

Suo was still for a moment.

"My grandmother?"

"Yes." Sakura pulled back just enough to look at him. His eyes were bright. "I talked to her. A lot. She's very kind."

"And?" Suo asked, watching him. His boyfriend seemed too excited.

"She taught me how to make her sweets," Sakura said, and his voice sounded happier than he wanted. "And she said she'll come back to make sure I learn properly."

Suo blinked.

"She taught you how to make her sweets?"

"Yes."

"And she said she'll come back?"

"Yes."

"And that makes you happy?"

Sakura opened his mouth to deny it, but realized he couldn't.

"Yes," he admitted, quietly.

Suo smiled. A soft, warm smile.

"I'm glad, Haruka."

"She also told me that you went to ask her for sweets, embarrassed."

Suo raised an eyebrow.

"She told you that?"

"Yes."

"How indiscreet my grandmother is."

"She said she'd never seen you like that."

"Haruka."

"She said you told her everything about me. That you always said I was adorable."

"Haruka."

"And that she had grown fond of me without even knowing me."

Suo sighed, but he was smiling.

"I get it. My grandmother told you all my secrets."

"Not all," Sakura said, with a small smile. "But some."

"Happy?"

"A little."

"Just a little?"

"Shut up."

Suo laughed and hugged him back.

"Come on," he said. "I'll take you somewhere."

"Another place?" Sakura asked, as Suo dragged him toward the door.

"Yes. I promised I'd introduce you to someone. Mother, we're going out for a while," Suo added.

"Have fun!" Suo's mother shouted from the kitchen.

"Who?" Sakura asked.

"Kotoha. The owner of Photos. She's the sister of Furin's previous leader."

"And why do you want to introduce me to her?"

"Because she asked me to. She saw the photo I showed the guys and said, 'Suo, you have to bring him. I need to see him in person.'"

Sakura felt his cheeks warm.

"Everyone wants to meet me?"

"It seems so."

"Why?"

"Because you're cute."

"Hayato..."

⋆˚࿔

Photos was a small café, with large windows and warm lights. It smelled of freshly brewed coffee.

"Kotoha-san," Suo said, entering. "I finally introduce you to my boyfriend, Sakura Haruka."

Behind the counter, a short-haired brown-haired girl looked at them. Her eyes scanned Sakura from head to toe.

"Hello," Sakura said, with a small bow. "Nice to meet you."

Kotoha didn't respond. She approached him from behind the counter where Suo had pushed him to sit and stood staring at him intently.

"May I?" she asked, pointing to his eyes.

"What?"

"See them up close."

Sakura didn't know what to say. Kotoha had already leaned in, studying his eyes with intensity.

"They're incredible," she murmured. "I've never seen heterochromia like that." She whistled. "Suo, you were right. He's very handsome."

"Thank you," Suo said, ignoring that his boyfriend was starting to turn red.

"Did you know Suo is popular with girls?"

Sakura blinked.

"What?"

"Yes. They're always looking for him. But he rejected them all. We wondered why." Kotoha smiled. "Now I understand."

Sakura looked at Suo, who was already sitting properly, drinking a tea that Sakura didn't remember seeing before sitting down.

"Hayato."

"I don't know what Kotoha-san is talking about," Suo said, with his most innocent smile.

"You're lying."

"No."

"Haruka, I promise I'm not popular. I only love you."

"Aagh, you! You're teasing me!"

"I would never tease you, Haruka," Suo feigned offense.

"Sakura," Kotoha interrupted him. "Do you want something to eat?"

Sakura was going to say no, but his stomach gurgled. Well, he had only eaten sweets...

Kotoha laughed.

"I'm going to make you my specialty," she said, and went to the kitchen.

"What's her specialty?" Sakura asked, sitting across from Suo.

"Omurice," Suo replied. "The best you'll ever taste."

Kotoha soon returned with the plate. An omurice decorated with a tomato sauce heart.

"This is..." Sakura looked at the plate, not knowing what to say.

"Eat it," Kotoha said.

Sakura took a bite. Chewed. Swallowed.

"It's..." He fell silent.

"It's what?" Kotoha asked.

"It's very good."

Kotoha smiled, satisfied.

"It looks like it's the first time you've tried omurice," Kotoha said, watching him curiously.

Sakura felt his cheeks warm. He gripped the spoon tighter.

"And what if it was?" he replied, in a more defiant tone than he intended. "My teacher wouldn't let me try it because she said it was just a domestic subsistence cooking resource."

Kotoha blinked.

"Huh?"

Sakura said nothing more. He lowered his gaze to the plate, lips pressed, ears burning.

Suo, who had been drinking his tea in silence, felt something twist in his chest. It wasn't the first time he had heard Sakura accidentally let something like that slip. A comment about his house, about his aunt and uncle, about school. Things Sakura never told directly, but that escaped him in the most unexpected moments.

That teacher, Suo thought, gripping his cup tighter than necessary. The cooking one. Did she not only criticize and bother my boyfriend? Did she also not let them try certain dishes?

He remembered the classes Sakura spoke of with disdain, the recipes he had to prepare with unpleasant partners, how Sakura said no one wanted to work with him. How he said his teacher always disagreed with what he prepared and reminded him why he should know how to cook as an omega. He remembered how Sakura said he hated cooking, but then, when alone with him, admitted it wasn't so bad and had made chocolates for him.

It's not that he hates cooking, Suo thought. He hates who he cooks for and how they judge his food.

"Kotoha-san," he said, in his softest voice. "Could you prepare another one for my guy? Please."

Kotoha looked at him. She had been a little annoyed by that comment. Well, it was actually an insult. Saying it was a leftover dish? But she let it pass. The boy didn't seem to have meant it as an insult, and Suo was asking for another.

"Sure," she said, sighing. "In a moment."

"It's not necessary..."

"Yes, it is," Suo interrupted.

Suo took Sakura's hand over the counter and squeezed it gently.

"Haruka," he said, and his voice was so warm that Sakura felt his cheeks warm even more. "Can we add omurice to your list of things you like? Besides sweets, I mean."

Sakura looked at him. Suo had that smile of his, which he liked too much.

"I didn't say I liked it," Sakura murmured.

"You don't have to say it." Suo stroked the back of his hand with his thumb. "Just nodding is enough."

Sakura hesitated for a moment. Then, with a barely perceptible movement, he nodded.

Suo smiled and, without letting go of his hand, leaned toward him.

"That's it," he said. "One step at a time."

And then, with the same naturalness with which he breathed, he pinched his cheek.

"Hayato!" Sakura pulled back, red as a tomato. "What are you doing?!"

"You're just cute," Suo replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"I'm not cute."

"Of course not."

"Stop playing!"

"Never."

Kotoha returned with the second omurice. She put it in front of Sakura and looked at him with a smile that could have been mocking or knowing, witnessing the scene.

"Enjoy," she said. "It's on the house."

"It's not necessary..."

"It is."

Sakura couldn't refuse when the girl was already crossing her arms in front of him.

When he finished, Suo took him to a corner of the café.

"It's time you learned to use the phone properly," he said, taking out his.

"I already know how to use it," Sakura protested.

"You know the basics. I'm going to teach you how to call."

"I know that too."

"Really?"

Sakura hesitated.

"More or less."

Suo laughed and explained. Step by step. From finding the green icon to knowing what to do while it rang.

"Now call me," he said, going outside the café.

Sakura called him.

"Haruka?" Suo's voice sounded on the other end.

"Hello," Sakura said, his voice smaller than he wanted.

"Hello, Haruka. You know my boyfriend is the cutest."

"Don't start."

"I really like you, Haruka."

"Shut up."

"Ha-ru-ka-kun."

"..."

"Darling," Suo said, and his voice was a caress. "You have to talk too."

Sakura moved his cup by accident. The clinking echoed through the call.

"I..." he began, but the words wouldn't come out.

"Haruka."

"You... you're an idiot."

And he hung up.

The café door opened. Suo entered with a satisfied smile.

"You hung up on me," he said, sitting beside him indignantly.

"You're an idiot," Sakura repeated, not looking at him.

Suo rested his cheek on his arm.

"Don't you like me calling you that?"

Sakura turned toward the window.

"I didn't say I didn't like it," he murmured.

Suo felt his heart skip.

He leaned close to Sakura's ear. His lips brushed his skin.

"Darling," he murmured. "It's time to go home."

Sakura stood up so quickly that the chair almost fell. He didn't look at him. He didn't say anything. He just walked to the door with his ears blazing.

"We're leaving, Kotoha-san," Suo said, standing up calmly.

"I see you're still shameless with him."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Kotoha-san."

Suo took Sakura's hand at the door.

"Haruka."

"Don't talk to me."

"You're red."

"It's the heat."

"It's not hot."

It's... the tea."

Suo laughed, and Sakura gave up.

⋆.ೃ࿔🌸*:･

April. The sun streamed through the window with a golden light, promising a clear day. The cherry blossoms were still blooming, and the scent of spring filled Sakura's room.

Sakura woke up before the alarm went off.

Not that he had set it wrong. It was just that he couldn't sleep. The night before, he had tossed and turned on the futon, staring at the ceiling, mentally reviewing everything that could go wrong.

First day, he thought. First day at a new school. With new people. In a new town.

He forced himself to get up.

The uniform was hanging in the closet, perfectly ironed. The green jacket. The loose pants. The white shirt.

Sakura looked at it for a moment.

It's simpler than my old school's, he thought. There we wore blazers and ties.

He remembered the stiff fabric, the tight knot at his neck, the layers of clothes to look "presentable." He remembered how his aunt would check that everything was in place before he left, how his uncle would look him up and down, evaluating whether he was worthy of carrying the family name.

He shook his head. That time was over.

He put on the shirt. The pants. The jacket.

He looked at himself in the mirror.

Something's missing.

He searched the closet and found a dark gray vest. He didn't remember bringing it, but it must have been in one of the bags. He tried it on.

It fit well. Too well, perhaps.

"It's not prohibited," he murmured to himself, looking at his reflection. "I can wear it if I want."

But he felt embarrassed. He didn't know why. Maybe because he looked good. Maybe because he liked looking good. Maybe because he had never been able to choose how to dress before.

It's just a vest, he scolded himself. It's not a big deal.

He was adjusting his cuffs when he heard soft knocks on the door.

"Haruka?" Suo's voice on the other side. "Are you awake?"

Sakura opened the door.

Suo was there, in his uniform, hair still slightly damp, a smile on his lips. His eyes scanned Sakura from head to toe.

"It looks great on you," he said, with a naturalness that made Sakura look away.

"Thank you," he murmured.

They stood in silence for a moment, looking at each other. The air between them was warm, familiar.

"Can I come in?" Suo asked.

Sakura nodded.

Suo entered and, as soon as the door closed, opened his arms.

Sakura didn't need a verbal invitation. He launched himself against him, burying his face in his neck, tightening his arms around his waist.

"Happy birthday, darling," Suo whispered against his hair.

Sakura was still.

Right, he thought. It's my birthday too.

He had forgotten. Again.

"Thank you," he replied, his voice smaller than he wanted.

He didn't tell Suo he had forgotten again.

They stayed embraced for several minutes. Suo's arms completely enveloped him, his scent of green tea and mint surrounding him too. Sakura felt safe. Warm. In a place where he felt he belonged.

"Hayato! Sakura! Come down for breakfast!" Mrs. Suo's voice echoed from downstairs.

Sakura pulled back, but Suo stopped him.

"Wait," he said. "I have something for you."

He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small dark velvet box.

Sakura frowned.

"You don't need to buy me anything," he said. "I didn't give you a gift."

"It's not a gift. Well, yes, but it's not new." Suo handed him the box. "Open it."

Sakura took it with trembling hands. He opened the lid.

A ring. Silver. Thin. Simple, but clearly expensive. It was discreet, extremely elegant, and the platinum gleam told Sakura it was costly.

"It's the engagement ring," Suo explained, his voice trying to be casual but trembling slightly. "I should have given it to you when we got engaged, but... I wanted it to be special and for you to really want to wear it. And when I managed to make you reciprocate my feelings, I thought your aunt and uncle might take it from you. So I had to keep it safe." He paused. "My mother said it was missing a stone, like hers. But then I remembered you like to fight, and a stone would be a nuisance for you."

Sakura couldn't take his eyes off the ring. It was beautiful. He hadn't even thought about wearing an engagement ring all this time. He forgot what was normal.

"I hope you like it, Haruka," Suo continued, and for the first time, Sakura heard him hesitate. "If you're still sure that I deserve to be your fiancé... would you let me put it on you?"

Sakura looked up. Suo was looking at him with an expression he had never seen before. Nervous. Insecure. As if he really thought Sakura might say no.

Idiot, Sakura thought. As if I could say no.

"Yes," he said.

His voice sounded too low, too trembling. But Suo heard him.

He took the ring from the box. With hands that also trembled, he slid it onto Sakura's ring finger.

It fit perfectly.

Sakura looked at his hand. The ring gleamed in the morning light. It was simple. It was beautiful. It was Suo's.

If there is a god, Sakura thought, feeling his eyes grow moist, he must be apologizing for all the bad luck I've had.

For the parents who didn't want him. For the aunt and uncle who treated him like a burden. For the town that looked at him like a freak. For everything.

Because in the end, after everything, there was Suo.

Sakura threw himself against him again. Buried his face in his neck, tightened his arms, and whispered:

"I love you."

It was barely a murmur. Almost imperceptible. But Suo heard it.

Suo was still for a moment. Then, his arms wrapped around Sakura tighter, and his voice, when he spoke, was hoarse.

"Haruka."

"Don't say it," Sakura said, hiding his face.

"I love you," Suo said, ignoring him. "I love you."

Sakura didn't respond. But he tightened his arms tighter, and Suo knew he didn't need to.

"Hayato! Sakura!" Mrs. Suo's voice came again, this time more impatient. "Breakfast is getting cold!"

"We're coming!" Suo shouted, not letting go of Sakura.

"Now!"

"Okay, okay."

Sakura pulled back, but not completely. His fingers clung to Suo's jacket.

"Are you ready?" Suo asked.

"No," Sakura admitted.

"Me neither." Suo smiled. "But let's go before my mother comes up to get us."

Sakura nodded and, taking a breath, followed him downstairs. Although he felt he surely couldn't hide that he was happy.

Breakfast was quick. Mrs. Suo watched them with a knowing smile, Mr. Suo leafed through the newspaper, and Sakura could barely eat from nerves. But before he could get up from the table, Mr. Suo lowered the newspaper.

"Sakura," he said, with a smile. "Happy birthday."

Sakura blinked, surprised.

"Thank you," he replied, with a small bow.

"We hope you like the cake," Mrs. Suo added, pouring more tea. "My mother-in-law will come for dinner. She'll make it."

Sakura felt his heart skip.

"Grandma?"

"Yes. She said she wanted to celebrate with you." Mrs. Suo smiled. "So try to get home before dinner, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am," Sakura replied, his voice smaller than he wanted.

Grandma is going to make a cake, he thought. For my birthday. Someone is going to make a cake for my birthday.

He didn't remember the last time someone had done something for his birthday. Actually, he didn't remember any time.

"Haruka," Suo said, watching him. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," Sakura replied, and this time his voice sounded firmer. "I'm fine."

The walk to school was quiet. The cherry trees stood out, and the sun was warm enough not to need a jacket. Sakura walked beside Suo, their hands occasionally brushing.

I can't stop thinking about the cake, he mocked himself. How ridiculous.

But he couldn't help it. Someone was going to make a cake for him. Suo's grandmother. An elegant lady who made delicious sweets and who had hugged him as if he were part of the family.

"You're smiling," Suo said.

"That's not true."

"Yes, it is. You have a silly smile."

"It's not silly."

"It's silly. But it's cute."

"Shut up."

Sakura felt the ring on his finger. The metal was smooth, warm. Every time he moved his hand, he felt its weight. A pleasant weight. A weight that reminded him Suo would be there.

Damn Suo, he thought, as they entered through Furin's main gate. You make me feel like those omegas who drool over an alpha.

But he didn't care. Because his alpha was Suo. And Suo was the best. So he let Suo hold his hand as they entered Furin.

The stares began almost immediately.

Sakura felt eyes on him as soon as he crossed the entrance. Some students stopped to look at him, others whispered among themselves, others simply walked past.

"That's Suo's boyfriend," he heard someone murmur.

"So it was true? I thought he was joking."

"Yeah. I thought it was one of his pranks too."

"He's handsome."

Sakura felt his cheeks warm.

"Haruka," Suo said, as if nothing. "Don't pay attention to them."

"I'm not paying attention to them," Sakura replied, though he was still listening.

He decided to ignore the stares. He just gave a small bow to those who greeted Suo, and kept walking. He didn't have to be friends with everyone. He just had to survive the first day.

"Everything will be fine, Haruka," Suo encouraged, as they went up the stairs for Sakura to introduce himself to the principal. Then they would go to the classroom. To Sakura's relief, they allowed him to join Suo's class because it would be easier for him to adapt.

Suo smiled and squeezed his hand before letting go when they arrived at class 3-1. They had taken a while at the principal's office. The principal had complimented Sakura on the education he seemed to have, mentioning that his previous school was really good, so they were happy that someone considered Furin to continue studying.

The teacher was already at the blackboard when they entered. Suo approached to explain the situation, and Sakura, at the back, gave a too-formal bow.

"Sorry for the trouble," he said. "I'm Sakura Haruka. I've been transferred to this institution."

"You don't need to be so formal, Sakura-kun," the teacher replied, with a smile. "We're more relaxed here."

"S-sorry," Sakura said, and heard a small laugh behind him. Suo.

The teacher turned him to face the front of the classroom.

"Well, everyone," he announced. "This is Sakura Haruka. He comes from another town. He'll be with you for your final year. Treat him well."

Sakura bowed again.

"I'm Sakura Haruka. Thank you very much for having me."

His voice sounded formal. Too formal. He heard another small laugh from Suo and wanted to kick him.

He lifted his gaze just enough to observe his classmates. There were many. More than he expected. And they were all looking at him.

He could identify the alphas, the betas. And among them all...

The blond. Nirei. The only omega he could see.

Nirei raised his hand and waved at him with a cheerful smile. Sakura raised his, just a little, in response.

He's Suo's friend, he thought. And he really seems like a good guy.

Then he felt a more intense gaze. A long-haired boy, sitting near the window, was watching him with an expression Sakura couldn't interpret.

What does he want? he thought, but didn't have time to find out.

"Sakura-kun," the teacher said. "You can sit wherever..."

"Here," Suo interrupted, pointing to an empty seat next to him. "Anzai-kun offered his."

"It's not necessary..." Sakura began.

"Thank you, Anzai," Suo said, ignoring him.

Sakura sat down. To his left, Suo. Across from him, Nirei.

Not bad, he thought. Not bad at all.

"Good morning, Sakura-san," Nirei said, as soon as the teacher started writing on the blackboard.

"Good morning," Sakura replied, quietly.

He looked for Suo's other friends. Kiryu was two seats away, lounging in his chair with an expression of feigned boredom. Tsugeura, beside him, seemed to be writing something in his notebook with surprising concentration.

Everyone is here, Sakura thought. I'm not alone.

And then Suo looked at him. And smiled.

Sakura stared at him.

He's very handsome, he thought. When he smiles like that. When he looks at me like that. When...

"Haruka," Suo whispered. "The board is at the front."

Sakura blinked, returning to reality.

"I know," he said, but he hadn't looked at the board the whole time.

Suo laughed silently, and Sakura wanted to die.

⋆˚࿔

During break, Sakura barely had time to breathe.

Nirei spun around in his seat with speed, notebook in hand and eyes shining.

"Sakura-san, you're really joining us!" he exclaimed. "Suo-san had been showing off that you would enter this class to everyone, and you really entered our class. Kiryu-san had teased Suo-san saying you might end up in another class, and Suo got annoyed with him."

"Oh, Nirei-kun," Suo said from behind, in his most sing-song tone. "My favorite student betraying his teacher..."

"I'm not betraying you!" Nirei protested. "You were just excited."

Sakura looked at him. Showing off? Suo has been showing off that I was coming, and that's why everyone had looked at him?

"Suo-chan hasn't stopped talking about you since he found out you were coming," Kiryu confirmed, appearing out of nowhere. "It was unbearable."

"I wasn't unbearable," Suo said.

"You were unbearable."

"Just a little."

"A lot."

"Well, maybe a little."

Sakura felt his cheeks warm. Before he could respond, more people approached.

The boy who had offered his seat. Another tall boy who greeted him with a smile. Another quieter one who nodded at him. Another who slapped him on the shoulder. And the long-haired one, who was watching him from the edge of the group with an intensity Sakura didn't know how to interpret.

"I've told you about them before," Suo said. "But officially, these are Anzai, Takanashi, Kurita, Kakiuchi, and Sugishita."

"Nice to meet you," Sakura said, with a small bow.

"Suo, man, you don't need to be so jealous and look at us like that," Takanashi said, crossing his arms. "We know he's your boyfriend. You made it clear to all of Furin."

"All of Furin?" Sakura asked, turning to Suo.

"Well..." Suo smiled, that smile that meant "yes, I did, and I don't regret it."

"Oh, oh," Kiryu whistled, with a mischievous smile. "So you gave him the ring today? Right on the first day of classes. How timely, Suo-chan."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Suo replied, with his most innocent smile.

"Of course you don't."

"It's true. Sakura is my fiancé. It's obvious he would have a ring."

"But did you give it to him today?" Kiryu insisted.

"Not necessarily."

"Nirei-chan, ask him when he gave it to him."

Nirei blinked, confused at being singled out when Kiryu could have just asked directly. He looked at Sakura, then at Suo, then at Sakura again.

"When did he give it to you, Sakura-san?"

Sakura felt all eyes on him.

"Today," he said, in a small voice.

Kiryu let out a triumphant laugh.

"I knew it! You're possessive, Suo-chan! You couldn't stand the idea of someone else approaching him without knowing he already has a boyfriend."

"I'm not possessive," Suo said, though he didn't fully deny it.

"Yes, you are."

"Just a little."

"A lot."

"Well, maybe a little a lot." Suo raised his hand, downplaying it.

"A little a lot? It's the first day of class and you already put a ring on him!"

"It's an engagement ring," Suo pointed out. "He should have had it before."

"But you didn't give it to him before."

"Because it wasn't the right time."

"And today it was?"

"Today is his birthday."

Silence fell again.

"Today is your birthday, Sakura-san?" Nirei asked, eyes wide as saucers.

"Yes," Sakura replied, confused by the reaction.

"What?!" several voices in unison.

And then everyone turned to Suo.

"Suo-chan, and you didn't tell us anything?" Kiryu pointed a finger at him.

"Maybe I forgot," Suo said, shrugging.

"Liar!"

"It wasn't on purpose."

"Yes, it was!"

Suo laughed, and no longer denied it. The others joined in the accusations.

"Suo-san, you're shameless," Nirei said, though with a tired smile.

"I always knew it," Anzai added.

"Man, you could have warned us," Takanashi crossed his arms.

"We came without a gift," Kurita complained.

"Gifts aren't necessary," Sakura intervened, but no one listened.

"Suo-chan is a traitor," Kiryu decreed.

"A traitor," Tsugeura repeated.

"Sorry, guys," Suo said, with feigned innocence. "I forgot."

"Liar!"

Suo laughed again. Sakura watched the scene, not knowing whether to laugh or hide. Suo's friends were scolding him, but there was no malice in their words. Only a familiarity Sakura wasn't used to seeing firsthand.

"So," Tsugeura said, raising his fist. "Let's celebrate Sakura's birthday at Muscles Power!"

Suo made a face.

It was small. Quick. Almost imperceptible. But Sakura saw it.

And then laughter finally escaped his lips. A slightly shy and soft laugh, but a real laugh that quickly drew attention, that had bubbled up from his chest and escaped before he could stop it.

He couldn't help it. The memory of Suo telling him about that place, about the protein, about the extremely thick shakes. The way Suo had rolled his eyes, how he had said "I won't let them drag me there again." And now the face. Small. Quick. Almost imperceptible.

The classroom fell silent, and Sakura fell silent.

All eyes landed on him.

"What?" Sakura asked, feeling his cheeks burn. "What's wrong?"

"Oh," Kiryu exclaimed, with a smile Sakura couldn't interpret.

"I can understand why Suo is jealous," Takanashi murmured.

"And why he always shows him off," Anzai added.

"Suo-chan really is lucky," Kiryu decreed.

Sakura opened his mouth to ask what all that meant, but Suo stood up from his seat before he could utter a word.

Sakura felt Suo's arms wrap around him from behind, his chin resting on his shoulder, the scent of green tea and mint enveloping him completely.

"Don't fall in love, guys," Suo said, in his most sing-song tone. "Haruka is mine."

Sakura felt his cheeks burn. He wanted to pull away, but Suo's arms held him firmly.

"I'm not yours," he murmured, without conviction.

"Of course you are."

"No."

"Yes."

"Suo-chan, let him breathe," Kiryu said, laughing.

"I don't want to."

"How annoying you are."

"I know."

Sakura heard the laughter around him. The acceptance. The affection. And then, close to his ear, Suo's voice grew lower.

"I'm glad you're happy, Haruka."

Sakura was still.

"I'm not happy," he murmured.

"Yes, you are. You laughed."

"It was an accident."

"There are no accidents."

"Yes, there are."

"Not with you."

Sakura didn't know what to say. He stayed there, enclosed in Suo's embrace, with his boyfriend's arms around him, with the laughter of the others in the background, with the ring gleaming on his finger.

And he smiled. Because yes. He was happy. And he didn't want to hide it that day.

⋆˚࿔

They left school as a group. The afternoon sun was warm enough not to need a jacket, and the cherry blossoms were still falling on the sidewalks.

Sakura walked in the middle of everyone, but Suo walked beside him. Their hands brushed once. Twice. The third time, Suo intertwined his fingers with his.

"Aren't you embarrassed?" Sakura murmured, though he didn't try to pull away.

"No," Suo replied, naturally.

"Your friends are going to stare at us again."

"Let them."

"Hayato..."

"Haruka, it's your birthday."

"So?"

"So it's your day. You can do whatever you want."

"I don't want people staring at me."

"But you don't mind me holding your hand."

"That's not..."

"Then it's fine."

Sakura nodded.

"Don't you have patrol?" he asked, remembering what Suo had told him about Furin's afternoons and changing the subject.

"We convinced the others to cover for us," Kiryu replied, walking on the other side. "We'll keep an eye on the commercial area, which is where we're going anyway."

"We also told the new leader," Nirei added. "He said it was no problem."

"The new leader?" Sakura frowned.

"You'll meet him," Suo said. "He'll have a barbecue this Monday. They usually invite former students too."

"Former students?"

"Yes. Graduates who still visit Makochi." Suo smiled. "You'll like them."

Sakura wanted to ask more, but the conversation turned to another topic before he could utter a word. Tsugeura was talking about a new training routine, Kiryu was teasing him, Nirei was writing something in his notebook.

Sakura got distracted looking at Suo. His boyfriend walked with his hands behind his back. Well, one behind his back now, the other intertwined with his, the afternoon sun illuminating his profile, and every so often he would turn to him to explain something the others were saying.

Photos was busier than usual. Kotoha greeted them with a smile and a gesture of "sit wherever you can." Sakura raised his hand to wave, still a little embarrassed from the previous visit, but Kotoha just nodded and went to the kitchen to bring him an omurice.

"Today we'll all eat omurice," Kiryu announced, sitting down. "Because it's Sakura-chan's birthday, and it's what Kotoha-chan knows he likes."

"Everyone doesn't have to eat the same thing," Sakura said.

"Yes, they do," Tsugeura replied. "It's the rule."

"What rule?"

"The birthday rule. The birthday person chooses the food."

Sakura didn't know that rule existed, but he didn't argue. He had never celebrated a birthday, and Suo didn't say it wasn't true.

"Do you like to fight, Sakura-chan?" Kiryu asked, while they waited for the plates.

"It's not that I like it that much," Sakura replied, looking away.

"Suo-chan said you didn't let anyone intimidate you at your old school."

"That was self-defense."

"Self-defense or not, it sounds like you can fight," Tsugeura said, leaning over the table.

Sakura didn't respond. Maybe he did like it, and he didn't consider himself bad.

"Have you fought many gangs?" he asked, trying to contribute to the conversation.

The guys exchanged glances.

"Several," Kiryu said, shrugging.

"Which ones?"

"Shishitoren," Takanashi began to list. "Keel. Gravel..."

"And one bigger one," Anzai added, in a lower voice. "Noroshi."

"Noroshi?" Sakura frowned.

"It was hard," Kiryu said, and his tone was no longer teasing. "Very hard. They were Furin alumni. They knew how we fought, they knew our weak points.

"How did you win?"

"By having one left standing, Furin wins," Suo replied, his voice calm. "That's the rule."

"Just one?"

"Just one. The last one standing."

Sakura looked at Suo. His boyfriend wasn't looking at him. He was looking at his tea cup, as if remembering something.

"Suo-san made a great strategy," Nirei said, with admiration. "Without him, I don't know what would have happened."

Sakura looked at Suo. His boyfriend had that expression of "it's no big deal," but Sakura knew it was. Suo was intelligent. Suo was clever. Suo was many things that people didn't see at first glance.

"How did you manage it?"

"It was a long battle," Suo replied. "But Furin is strong. Not only in physical strength.

"In unity," Nirei said, with pride.

"In trust," Tsugeura added.

"In not giving up," Kiryu decreed.

Sakura listened in silence.

"Did Hayato get hurt?" Sakura asked.

His voice came out before he could stop it. Smaller than he wanted. More worried.

Silence fell over the table.

"My boyfriend really worries about me," Suo said, and his tone was sing-song, but Sakura saw something in his eyes before he was pulled into a hug. "I'm so lucky."

"I thought Suo was the only one lost," Takanashi murmured.

"They really love each other," Anzai added. "I'm so alone."

"Our Suo has won in this life," Kiryu decreed.

"I didn't get hurt," Suo said, answering him directly. "Not that time. And if I ever got hurt, I'm fine now."

Sakura felt his cheeks burn.

"I wasn't worried," he murmured.

"Of course not."

"I knew you were fine."

"Of course you did."

"You're by my side."

"Yes."

"So don't look at me like that."

"Like what?"

"Like that... with that idiot face."

"That's my normal face."

"It's not your normal face."

"It's my happy face."

Sakura fell silent then.

The afternoon passed quickly. Between omurice and laughter, between stories of fights and strategies, Sakura listened more than he spoke. But he did get bold enough to ask a few things.

"Who's the strongest here?" he asked, a little curious.

Silence fell for a moment.

"Suo," several replied in unison.

Sakura turned to his boyfriend. Suo was drinking his tea with an expression of total innocence, as if he hadn't heard.

"He doesn't seem to accept it," Sakura said.

"No, he never does," Kiryu confirmed. "But he is.

"Strategy," Nirei added. "Suo-san is not only good at fighting. He's also quite good at strategy.

"And he always wins," Anzai said.

"And the long-haired one?" Sakura asked, nodding toward Sugishita, who was at the back, silent, arms crossed. "He looks strong too.

"Sugishita is strong," Tsugeura said. "Very strong.

"But he doesn't join conversations," Takanashi added.

Sakura observed Sugishita. The boy wasn't looking at him. He was looking ahead, as if nothing they were saying interested him. But Sakura remembered his intense look in the classroom. The way he had watched him, as if evaluating something.

"Does he ever talk?" Sakura asked.

"When he wants to," Kiryu replied, with a smile. "Not much.

"But Sugishita-san is kind even if he doesn't look like it," Nirei added.

Sakura nodded. He shouldn't judge the way others had judged him just because someone seemed intense and didn't talk much.

"The strongest of all," Tsugeura said, changing the subject, "was Umemiya."

"The previous leader?" Sakura asked.

"Yes. Umemiya Hajime." Nirei took out his notebook. "He was the one who unified Furin. Who created the patrols. Who...

"Okay, okay, Nire-chan," Kiryu interrupted. "You don't need to give the whole lesson.

"But it's important," Nirei protested.

"Umemiya-san is important," Sugishita said.

Everyone turned to him.

"What did you say, Sugi-chan?" Kiryu asked.

"Umemiya-san is the strongest," Sugishita repeated, not looking at them.

"We all know that," Tsugeura said. "But you spoke."

Sugishita didn't respond. He went back to his silence.

Sakura watched him for a moment. So Umemiya seems strong to him, he thought. And he respects him enough to speak.

"What was he like?" Sakura asked, turning back to Nirei.

"Umemiya-san?" Nirei smiled. "He was... unique. Very strong, very charismatic. He had four kings who helped him: Hiragi-san, Tsubaki-san, Momose-san, and Mizuki-san."

"Four kings? Are they all strong?"

"Yes," Nirei replied. "Hiragi-san is the most normal, but he always ended up with a stomachache. Tsubaki-san is..." he searched for the word. "Tsubaki-san is unique. And strong. And he gives good advice."

"Momose-san is quiet," Takanashi added. "But when he fights, he's more serious."

"And Mizuki-san?" Sakura asked.

"Mizuki-san is the quietest," Anzai replied. "But also the most terrifying, according to some.

"Yes. They were the leaders of Furin's most important teams. Together, they made the town safer.

"And now?" Sakura asked. "Where are they?"

"Some still visit often," Suo replied. "They're in university, but they all come to the leader-change barbecue."

"The barbecue?"

"Yes. On the Furin rooftop." Suo smiled. "You'll like it."

Sakura nodded. He didn't know if he would like it, but he wanted to see it and was curious about the strong ones.

When the sun began to hide behind the rooftops, Suo spoke.

"Guys," he said, in a more serious tone. "It's time to end the celebration."

"Already?" Tsugeura protested.

"My family wants to celebrate tonight too."

Sakura felt his cheeks warm. That's right. Dinner. Grandma. The cake.

"Okay," Kiryu said, standing up. "But we continue tomorrow.

"Tomorrow is a school day," Nirei pointed out.

"After school."

"Okay then."

Everyone stood up. Sakura received pats on the back, some gentle, others not so much. Tsugeura's was so energetic it almost made him trip.

"Tsugeura," Suo said, holding Sakura's arm. "Please don't try to leave me without a boyfriend."

"It wasn't on purpose!" Tsugeura protested, though he was laughing.

Sakura straightened up, his cheeks burning. Nirei approached then and, without saying anything, hugged him.

Sakura was rigid for a moment. He hadn't expected that. But Nirei was warm, and his hug was quick, and when he pulled back, his eyes were bright.

"Happy birthday, Sakura-san," he said.

"Thank you," Sakura replied, his voice smaller than he wanted.

Suo laughed. Sakura glared at him.

"Idiot," he murmured.

"Your idiot," Suo replied, taking his hand.

⋆˚࿔

The Suo house was lit up when they arrived. Sakura saw the lights through the windows, the silhouettes moving inside, and felt his heart race.

"Are we late?" he said, more to himself than to Suo.

"No, because you're the host," Suo replied, squeezing his hand.

The door opened before they could knock. Suo's grandmother was there, in her soft-toned kimono, her eyes bright.

"Sakura," she said, and hugged him. "Happy birthday."

Sakura was still for a moment. Then, slowly, he returned the hug.

"Thank you, Grandma," he said.

"I worked hard on the cake," she said, pulling back. "I hope you like it."

"I'm sure I will."

Suo's parents also wished him a happy birthday. Mrs. Suo kissed him on the cheek, Mr. Suo patted him on the shoulder. And then, a package in his hands.

"They're sweets," Mrs. Suo said. "Several. For you to enjoy."

Sakura looked at the package. Then at them.

"Thank you," he said, and his voice trembled a little.

Dinner was light. Mrs. Suo explained that she wanted Sakura to be able to enjoy the cake properly, without being too full.

"I knew Hayato would take you out today," she said."

Sakura nodded, still holding the sweets package in his hands.

When they finally brought out the cake, Sakura felt his breath catch.

It was large. Covered in white cream, with strawberries scattered on top. And on the edges, decorations in the shape of cherry blossoms. Beautiful.

"It's beautiful," he murmured.

"You cut it," the grandmother said, handing him a knife.

Sakura took the knife with trembling hands. He approached the cake. He hesitated.

"Go on, Haruka," Suo said, and he felt a hand on his lower back. A gentle, warm pressure.

Sakura cut the first slice.

The Suo family applauded. The grandmother smiled. Mr. Suo nodded with pride. Mrs. Suo's eyes were bright.

Sakura took the slice and, without thinking, offered it to Suo.

"Thank you, Haruka," Suo said, taking the plate with a smile.

Sakura cut another slice. He offered it to the grandmother.

"Because you made it," he said.

"How kind," she replied, accepting it.

Another slice for Mrs. Suo. Another for Mr. Suo. And finally, one for himself.

They sat at the table. The grandmother raised her tea cup.

"You know, Sakura-kun," she said. "In Brazil, the first slice of cake is given to the person you appreciate the most.

Sakura turned to Suo. His boyfriend was eating his slice with an expression of satisfaction, his ears slightly pink.

"Betraying me again, Grandma," Suo said, not looking at her.

Suo's parents laughed. Sakura felt his cheeks warm.

"I didn't know that tradition," he said, quietly. "But if I had known what it meant, I would have given it to him too."

The silence was brief.

Suo was quiet. His ears turned red. Completely red.

"Hayato," the grandmother said, with a smile. "You're red."

"I'm not red," Suo said, but his voice sounded strange.

"You're red," Mr. Suo confirmed.

"Very red," Mrs. Suo added.

Sakura felt a laugh escape his lips. A small, happy laugh.

Suo looked at him. Their eyes met.

"Haruka."

"What."

"Nothing."

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Because you're cute."

"I'm not cute."

"Yes, you are."

"Shut up."

"Never."

The grandmother laughed. The parents too. Sakura wanted to hide, but it was too late.

The cake was delicious. The cream smooth, the strawberries fresh, the sponge fluffy.

"Grandma," Sakura said, mouth full. "It's very good.

"I'm glad you like it."

"It's the best I've ever had."

"It's not that good."

"Yes, it is."

The grandmother smiled. Suo, beside him, cut another slice and put it on Sakura's plate.

"What are you doing?" Sakura asked, looking at the plate.

"My first slice would be for you too," Suo said, and his voice was soft, with no trace of mockery.

Sakura felt his cheeks warm. His boyfriend had gotten back at him, but he ended up enjoying it even more than the first.