Chapter Text
–
The rays of light are a dawning comprehension, basking your skin in its little warmth. The cold has been biting you more lately.
You're having a good day, or so you think.
As warm as the sun was, the breeze was a dust of needles against your skin.
You just got back from college, leaving in the early afternoon. You already had your lunch and are heading back home. The effects of that thunderstorm haven't let up, and it's already been a few days. There were still long forms of puddles everywhere and a damp smell to go with it.
You recall the past few weeks with Tanaka. He used to be all that was on your mind when you were head over heels.
And you still are. There’s no denying it.
But you're getting your priorities straight. You're doing well in college, actually getting your stuff done… just being productive overall. Being head over heels for Tanaka was probably the best thing that has happened to you lately.
What would you be right now if it weren't for your encounter in the cafe? It's been a while since that happened. You smile like an idiot every time you think about it.
The air is getting colder, and snow must be rolling around soon. Even in winter, despite the cold, the sun shines brightly on the horizon. It's the same sun that everyone who ever lived admired. The same sun Tanaka wakes up to as well.
You always loved the snow, but you were never able to admire it for the first time in full. It would usually be light dustings of snow here on Tatsumi Port Island, but that's it. It's just the persistent, biting cold that attacks your skin. Not much to enjoy. You always wished to make snowmen… throw snowballs at people… you know, having free will basically. But no, nature just seems to hate you.
You gaze at the passersby and the storefronts that came with the after-rain scene, something about today felt special. You can't put your finger on it.
You succumb to the neverending whorl of thoughts in your mind. You move on autopilot, same ways, same streets; the scene is always a familiar memory.
–
You arrive home, jamming the keys into the lock and swinging the door open. You go to take off your shoes in no rush.
You close the door, making sure it's locked.
Stalking to your room, you drop your bag to the floor and flop on your bed.
…
…
Is there really nothing to do?
But then...
BZZZZBZZZZZBZZZZZBBBBBZZZZZZ
Your pockets buzzing? Didn't know pockets could do that. Anywho, who is this?
You reach for your pocket, looking at the caller ID.
…
Tanaka?
Weird. He never calls you up.
"Tanaka?”
"Hey.”
“Is something the matter? You called me up.”
You hear shuffling from the other line. “I need to tell you something.”
You furrow your brow, but you go along.
“Okay, well, what is it?”
“You know my company and… and how, uh… companies have to branch out, and stuff?”
Where is he taking this?
"I'm kind of moving. It's a hassle, yeah, but… the things I do for business. Well, I just thought I should tell you.”
What?
This elicits a slight rise in your voice. “You’re moving away? On such short notice?”
You hear a stutter over the line. “L-look! I received this deal and… I could not bear to bring it down! The thought of it makes me shudder.”
Of course it's a business deal. You scowl.
…
“Since I'm moving away… we could… hang out. I love spending my time with you I really do. It's worth… eh, not as much as my business, but it's almost on par.”
So reassuring.
“I was wondering if we could hang out one last time… before I move to Inaba. I-”
He grumbles. "It's an odd feeling. I don't want to leave you, but I need to go forward. Try to, unless I get sued by that alleged future prosecutor. Can I come over? I should be off in an hour… so I should be around 3pm. And don't count every minute. Please.”
You’re unsure how you’re supposed to react, but that's a talk for later. “No promises, but we will talk when you get here. Come over; maybe I can cook something better for you.”
“Please don't.”
“I won't burn the eggs this time.”
“Yeah yeah… seeya.”
He hangs up.
Why did you volunteer to cook again?! Gosh… what an insufferable swine i have for a reader (im sorry kisskiss i love you smooooch please forgive the author for this???? Ik u would)
Do you even have eggs? Stop making empty promises. Such a bad habit of yours! I'm not projecting.
And also, every time someone says they're going to come over, maybe don't put them on a time crunch. You have a problem.
–
After a few minutes of basking in your lazy glory on the bed, you get up.
You walk over to the fridge to peer inside.
…
You do have eggs. You never have to worry about running out of those; you're the only one eating them. It’s like your parents have something against eggs.
This will be the last time you see Tanaka. You shouldn't get distracted. Don't burn them!
At least you are aware of the presence of the egg carton. You acknowledge it with a nod, closing the fridge.
You have food to give Tanaka… yeah. Now what about water? Tap water is a no go.
A/N - Genuine tip from the author.. stop buying bottled water. It's mostly just tap. If you are actually worried about your water being infected or something, boil your kettle... Don't fall for those dumb big brands like Nestlé. EWWww or just any brand that sells bottled water in general just get a water bottle EMBRACE tradition
Well, maybe you should boil the water before Tanaka gets here. Of course you have to accommodate rich people. He shouldn't be in a place to judge though… but you have the decency to give him some nice warm water! Out of love. Duh… warm to an extent if he takes his sweet, sweet time getting here.
You go back to bed. You know, you guys could do something better. You can offer something nice, maybe going out for dinner and actually paying.
But you have to admit, hanging out together at home is sweet. At least he isn't stealing your food unannounced (refer to the noodle chapter…). You will both have your own plates this time!
Instead of being a lazy couch potato (bed potato in this case), you think that you should dress up. Dress up in something comfortable. It's sort of a cold day after all. Just don't overdo it, okay?
I hear the sound of clothes rustling… I'll give you some privacy.
…
YOU LOOK DASHING!!!!!!
Though, it took a while for you to put on an outfit. Eh, who cares. Tanaka definitely wouldn't; he would still call you stunning in that glorious bedhead of yours!
All you have to do now is play the waiting game as you recall all of your memories together.
…
They were all fun. You can't think of a single bad moment, even when he basically stole all your money and called you a brat. But you're a beautiful brat! The fairest of all brats. I mean this as a compliment.
~
The cafe was a start. You think his charm is a way to rope in models like he did with you… well, almost.
Club escapade was surely an experience. You only witnessed drunk Tanaka once. You’d pay to see that again. Seeing him vomit was… surely something.
Whatever happened to the future prosecutor he mentioned? Well, you pray that dude doesn't sue Tanaka's rich butt off…
And also that organisation… your mind drifts back to it every once in a while. Even behind the surface-level selfishness, he sort of is a good man. Well, rich men aren't really good people; hence, why you think sort of.
And also how he's a secret My Little Pony fan. You're not gonna let go of that. Hey… maybe you guys should watch MLP together?
Nevermind, he’s a blushing anime girl every time you ask. Maybe not.
You think about it more and more. He definitely doesn't think about you as much as you do with him, but he still bought you those roses. You basically have every interaction with this guy saved somewhere in your brain. You replay and replay it for obvious reasons… he's your boyfriend, for Pete’s sake!!
…
He's your boyfriend. Huh.
Will it still be the same when he moves away?
He won't be able to steal your food anymore, let alone make fun of it. Aww…
And you won't have someone to dress up for anymore. You won't be able to have someone to put all the effort in for. You wont have someone to ace your exams for…
…
You feel as if you sulk deeper into the mattress. All these thoughts of Tanaka… all these thoughts about him being gone aren't appealing.
…
You hear 3 sharp raps in the distance, snapping you out of your nightmare day-dream.
But at least it's enough to distract you.
You unlock the door, peering at Tanaka through the small gap.
Tanaka tilts his head. “Hello to you too.”
You squint. “Come in.”
You swing the door open. Tanaka kicks off his leather shoes, indirectly showing off his white socks. You close the door as your gaze rakes upon him. And his socks. Why do you care about his ankles so much!?
Tanaka stares. Why are you looking at him like that? It's almost judgemental.
“Something the matter?” Inquires Tanaka.
You frown, looking to the ground. “I can't get over it.”
He sighs. “We spoke over the phone about it. Was that not enough?”
You grit your teeth, pinching the bridge of your nose. “Of course it isn’t! We need to talk about it more– don't just blow me off like that!”
Tanaka stares, sighing. He takes a hesitant step forward, vaguely gesturing to the couch. You nod your head and go to sit down together among the pillows.
You bite your lip, crossing your arms. “It's not fair, though! We were having such a fun time together. I get that it's for business, but… so soon?”
He shakes his head, lips curving into a small frown.
“I couldn't turn it down, I really couldn't. If you were in my place, I'm sure you’d understand…” he scratches his head. “I'm sorry, I really am. I would never apologise, but I do care about what you think… a bit more than others, I guess.”
You say blankly. “Wow. thanks.”
The little fight you had in you was already hollowed out. What else are you supposed to say? Should you be mad at him? Totally. But it's totally reasonable when he is sort of… ditching? No… well, it feels more like being left behind. Close enough.
You shudder and sigh. Tanaka only sits with hands in his lap. His digits are mindlessly scratching at the rich fabric.
What can you do? You can't wallow in misery, not right here, not with the little time you have with Tanaka now.
“What now? I was thinking about cooking for you one last time.”
If you thought Tanaka's face was already rock bottom, it's basically sunk into the void in fear.
You try to reassure him.
“I won't burn it and oversalt it. I promise… do you like your eggs salty?”
“I prefer no eggs at all.”
“Oh C’MON!” you whine. “Why not? I have enough eggs. Or do you want to cook for me?”
He grits his teeth.
“What kind of man do you take me for?”
That line again? Fine… no eggs for anyone.
Okay, maybe try to convince him more? I really want you to make eggs. Besides, you don't want to stay hungry. You don't want Tanaka to be hungry either. And you boiled water out of courtesy! Don't let it go to waste.
“Pretty please? I'm still mad, you know. You can only make it up to me if you let me make eggs. And you can't guarantee they will be awful.”
Tanaka squints, lips pursing. Did your trick work?
He bites his lip.
“Fine. Make the eggs. But don't talk to me.”
Don't talk to YOU?!
“Okay, don't make conversation with me then! Capiche?”
“Capiche… now get to work."
Old geezers.
–
You focus with great intent… You make sure not to burn the eggs and scramble them to a nice, fluffy yellow…
You put a pinch of salt while it cooks and mix it well.
…
You let it cook.
Wait, you’re cooking…
…
Those are perfect! Even you are flabbergasted. If Tanaka says they smell amazing, you know he isn't trying to be nice but genuinely thinks your cooking is better this time!
As you salt the eggs and pour them onto two plates, you call out.
“Foods ready!~”
You can just feel Tanaka grimace, even from a distance.
He doesn't know it, but you gave him the smaller half. You’re still salty about the moving thing. Pun intended.
To the small dinner table that can seat 4 people, you put the plate down in front of Tanaka.
And to his surprise… It actually looks edible!
He stares at his plate.
“Hm. This actually looks good.”
“Sounds like you were doubting me."
….
He definitely was.
He picks up the fork and takes a cautious bite, his eyes never leaving yours.
His eyebrows raise in delight, rather than furrowing into a frown like last time.
“Huh… it's…" He pauses the chewing. "Adequate."
You beam, practically bouncing in your seat. This is the highest form of praise. You take a bite of your own eggs.
He was right. It wasn't just adequate, though… it was beyond that!
You begin to eat, chewing in no rush. You can hear Tanaka chew softly as his gaze darts between you and the food between each bite.
You go to the kitchen, his eyes following. You take out a glass and pick up the kettle, pouring him a glass of now lukewarm water.
You bring it back to him with a small thud against the table, which he acknowledges with a small smile, a silent thank you.
Going back to your food, you eventually find yourself to have wolfed it down. Good job, but now you just see Tanaka eating slowly. Is this from habit, or the thing that is clearly on his mind?
“Something on your mind?”
He stops chewing, eyes trailing up to yours.
“No. I just eat slowly.”
That's interesting.
“Oh, really? Because you didn't seem to eat very slowly when I was trying to eat my noodles not a while ago.” You roll your eyes. “You gulped it down in a few bites."
"That's different… I'm savouring your food.”
You scoff… yeah right.
“We both know you’re thinking about it, Tanaka. Just eat, don't worry about it for a few seconds.”
He shakes his head. You know it's impossible for him not to.
What could you do anyway?
–
After Tanaka finishes his plate, you go to the sinks and put the dishes away. You don't put away the unfinished glass of water, as Tanaka was drinking it.
He continues to stare. You can't help but question further.
“You're looking at me weirdly.”
Tanaka raises an eyebrow. “Am I? Sorry.”
You narrow your eyes.
“You know, you could tell me what's on your mind."
“It's nothing. It's just this will be the last time I'm seeing you for a while…” He pauses, putting the glass down with a definite thud.
“Or ever.”
Your shoulders slump, a tired look on your face.
“We don't have to sulk for the whole time; let's go to my room and see what we could do.”
He nods, standing up to follow your lead.
–
Still, you never found the time to put the stuff away from Tanaka's home shopping show. You have all that time to day-dream, yet you can't spare a second to clean anything else. Tanaka can't help himself but snicker every time.
“Why do you need all of this? My items are mostly bogus… I can't get over how you keep everything.”
You blush.
“I told you, I just really liked what you sell on TV.”
He chuckles. “And I told you, it's just bogus products.”
You blush harder…
“Not if it's your face on it…”
Instead of blushing like an anime girl like Tanaka whenever you ask about MLP, what else could you ask?
“Ugh… do you know what we should do?”
While you were left there thinking, it seems that Tanaka has made himself at home on your bed.
He is sprawled on your bed, revelling in its unmade comfort!
You didn't mind… I mean, you have a very comfy bed. So now you’re just looking down at Tanaka. In your bed. The suit and the colour of your sheets actually go together. Interesting.
“Mhmm… I just want to lie in your bed.”
His hands sway across the sheets and fluffy blankets. This must be heaven for your favourite slob. Can't forget, it's your personal haven too. So why not slip into bed with him?
…
You decide to lay beside him.
He's right, your bed is more comfortable than usual. Well, it would have been nice if he had been able to be in your company during the thunderstorm last time. The phone was enough, but… what can you do now? You thought about MLP… but nah… not in the mood for that right now are you?
…
You know…
You're thinking about the night where you guys were watching the stars together… you're also thinking about how much you wanted Tanaka to be with you in that thunderstorm.
You have him right now, don't you?
You look up to your window, then your eyes land back on Tanaka. There's something about him, he looks… younger. His eye bags, when you look really closely, become less prominent under the light's dreamy haze. His grey eyes glow sweetly, you always feel yourself get lost in them. His hair was just the right kind of messy, not messy, but just dishevelled enough to tell you he had a long day at work.
He turns to you.
“What are you looking at?”
You smile, cheeks full.
“Who else would I be looking at?”
Tanaka rotates his body, arm extended on your pillow and palm pressed against his hair. “I knew that, I just want to hear it from you.”
He sighs.
You both indulge in the silence that comes after. You stare at the window, then at Tanaka, who was looking everywhere else. His arm was over his forehead, admiring the disorganised scenery of your room and the simple scene through the window.
You remain lying in the bed, eyes going back up to the window. You think about the cold weather.
Have you ever seen proper snow?
Of course you have, but it was the only infrequent light dustings in the area. Snow was always scarce here in Tatsumi Port Island. The clouds were subdued to a grey fog, engulfing the sky in its gloom.
You want to get closer to Tanaka. What can you do? Shift closer? Gosh, it would make the whole thing so cheesy, wouldn't it?
But you’re not entirely opposed to that.
You whisper.
“Hey…”
Tanaka's gaze was stuck on the window. "Hm?"
"I'm cold.”
Liar…
His smooth voice starts, but it is flat.
“Good to know.”
Dang…
….
…..
What now!? C’mon, come up with something. You had no problem with telling him off before.
…
With all that you could muster…
“Can you warm me up?”
…
Was that the best you could do?
He looks back at you. “How so?”
“Body warmth, what else? You know, like when we went stargazing. It's nice being close to you.” You look to the side. “You’re also really warm.”
Tanaka thinks for a second, gaze questioning. Yet, his lips curve into a smile.
“It’s like you can read my mind. Wanna come closer?”
“No.”
Aren’t you a picky cookie?
Tanaka tilts his head dramatically. “Eh? Why not?”
“You’re the one who should be snuggling up to me, actually. Like all the other times.” You smile. “It keeps continuity.”
Tanaka really doesn’t get you, but yet he will love you to the fullest, and you know that.
You sit up, back against the bedframe, as Tanaka shuffles a bit closer. His arm drapes over your waist, his head resting on your shoulder.
The closeness is strange, it always was.
But never unwelcoming.
The expensive fabric of the suit caressed your clothes gently, emitting its warmth. Tanaka's hands are warm, you can feel them through your waist. You are both quiet, sitting in stillness.
Your throat urks to ask questions about the move and all. But he looks so peaceful. You don’t want to add back to those worries now. His eyes were fixed on the window. You were either looking down at your hands or at the head full of brownish hair… Tanaka doesn’t look back to you.
What's so interesting about the window? Your mind was wandering everywhere else but that.
You can feel him smile into your shoulder.
He whispers into the crook of your neck, his breath warm against the skin.
“Hey. Look outside.”
You crane your head, eyes adjusting to the site beyond the windows.
You can see the light dust of snow covering the landscape below. It wasn't the seasonal dust of descent… it was… slightly heavier. Heavier than the other times, if you could even count those other times as “snow”. Before it would probably pass as scenery after a mild hailstorm.
But this is snow. Real snow.
The skies were a light grey, doing little to illuminate your room. It only did as little as making yours and Tanaka's faces glow in the dull light.
But it was enough. It always was.
Should you say something? About Inaba and all of that? now?
You start softly.
“What are you going to do when you move to Inaba?”
…
Tanaka's head sinks deeper into your shoulder.
“Expand my business, of course. It's not going to be the same without you. You know I would never say sorry, but… you know, I am. I’m sorry.”
“I know you are.”
You sigh.
“How do you think everything will go?”
“The usual. Boost in sales… make everyone know my name. It's nice, you know. Remember how I told you about the people that used to make fun of me? Pester me for my holey socks?”
You nod, cheek brushing against Tanaka's hair.
“I just want to reinforce the idea that they’ll always be behind, especially with the expansion of my business. It's nice to get back at them. " He ends with a soft chuckle. “It’s a good feeling.”
You always knew Tanaka was petty.
Tanaka’s eyelids droop, whispering into your ear, "Doesn't the snow look lovely?”
It does. Never have you seen snow like this. And never have you thought you would be able to see this snow with the handsome TV star.
Maybe not the handsome TV star; he is just Tanaka with you.
“It looks even more beautiful when you're with me.”
Your hand reaches to hold Tanaka’s, but he pulls it back.
You retract yours in an instant. Instead, you hear the rustling of sheets. Tanaka pulls himself back up.
He leans dangerously close, his lips only centimetres away from you.
He whispers, his breath warm again. “Say that again.”
“I…it looks even more beautif-”
You were never able to finish your sentence.
He seals your lips into a kiss.
You don't know how you got here; you don't know why this is happening, but you accept it. You start with a hesitant peck, but you find yourself leaning in. You both taste the same, slightly eggy, but have a unique taste. A taste that was uniquely Tanaka, and a taste that was uniquely you.
A short-lived kiss, but it's everything.
It always will be everything.
You look at him in the eyes, arms then wrapping around Tanaka into a tight embrace. You breathe in his scent, an expensive cologne and a bit of your fragrance stuck to him.
“I love you, Tanaka.”
You look in his grey eyes; is there anything there? Not in the slightest. You search his eyes for a slither of anything. But no, there was only sheer, unadulterated love for you.
“I love you too.”
~
WHOOPWHOOP AND DATS A WRAP!!!!! Now, I couldn't make a finale without adding some art birthday art and art 4 the finale!
