Chapter Text
Aoi thought about it.
She thought much harder than she should, coming to the conclusion it would be a bad idea. The worst one imaginable.
Seeing Akane again was already reckless. Once they set a date for their coffee meet up, marking it on the kitchen's calendar, her stomach had turned into a jar of glass, threatening to break anytime her eyes lingering on the circled date without her consent, which happened whenever she stepped inside her kitchen.
Teru caught her staring before dinner with a knowing look. After eating, he picked up a highlighter and added two neon yellow stars to the date.
“What are you doing?” Aoi asked, hoping her panic wasn’t audible.
“We haven’t had a proper date in years,” It’s not a date, it’s not a date- “Can’t I be excited for it?”
Aoi glared.
Teru kept smiling.
"You want something.” Aoi narrowed her eyes..
“Do I?”
“Spit it out.” Aoi crossed her arms, not intimidated by the way Teru eyed her, letting the silence drag on.
“If you insist.” Teru seemed pleased. “We should tell Akane the truth.”
Tell him…?
He wants Akane to figure them out? He wants to ruin their life??
Does Teru not know how hard it would be to play her role if Akane realized their marriage is mostly for show? How hard it would be for Akane after all the years he's been beating himself to accept their union?
(He would try to get close again, but how close would he be allowed to get? Aoi is married, she won’t magically be allowed to kiss Akane under the sunset once he knows.
Nothing will change. Nothing can change.)
“We can’t.” Aoi said firmly, clenching her fists when they started shaking. “We can’t, Teru. There is too much at risk.”
“Not here. Our home is safe.” Teru held her hand, his hold loose, Aoi resisted the urge to glance anxiously at the open windows “This is the best place to let him know.” He guided her closer. “but since someone sabotaged my original plan-”
“Stupid plan.” Aoi snapped, trying hard not to think of Akane as their maid again.
(If Akane knew their marriage was fake, would he feel comfortable helping Teru get ready for work and cooking by Aoi’s side?)
“The new plan,” Teru raised his voice, ignoring her annoyance. She hates him. “Is to hang out a few times, see how we work now that our parents aren’t breathing down our neck, then invite him home. We can share the news after lunch.” Teru gave her a knowing look, slowly swaying their hands “What’s the point of having our own house if we can’t use it?”
Indeed.
But that rubbed her the wrong way.
“...What if our parents visit?” Aoi whispered. It's not usual, mom likes it when she visits home more and the Minamotos are very busy, they make plans days in advance before visiting, but surprise visits are possible.
“We’ll say our best friend was visiting.” Teru tilted her head “We’ve told them far more outlandish lies before. I don’t see what’s so unbelievable about asking Akane to dine with the family.”
Aoi bit her lip. When they are on the same page they can fool anyone. Even Akane and his sharp eye has grown wary of their touches and ‘married couple’ arguments.
(But is it worth it?)
It's already a battle to not let her gaze linger on Akane, if he becomes part of her life again, someone she can touch and talk to without a mask, she fears her lack of attraction towards her own husband will become obvious.
“...So what, we’ll only be allowed to drop the mask in this house?” Aoi mumbled instead, frowned at their linked hands, which were both bare of their wedding rings.
“We’ve been using the house for this since we moved, Aoi-chan.” Teru's eyes softened, glancing at the pictures on the wall, which consisted mostly of them together. The obligatory photo of their wedding day stared down on them, but they got to choose the other pictures: There is her 9th birthday where Teru taught her to dance and the one where they angrily shared a single heart shaped desert, trying to eat more than the other.
So many dates.
So many memories worth remembering instead of a wall of staged smiles.
“It’s nice,” Teru said, "Don't you agree?”
Yes, it’s nice …
(She thinks of mom’s happy tears when she married Teru, her own heart aching.
She cannot add pictures of her and Akane on the wall. She simply can’t. Akane can never be a proud part of her life, and it isn’t fair to weaponize his devotion, to steal his chance of finding real love to make him a dirty secret.)
“If he comes in everyday.” Aoi whispered, needing to talk herself down. To not be tempted by such an awful and selfish idea “Don’t you think there will be rumors in the neighborhood?”
They are a beautiful couple, after all. When they go out, people look.
“We will keep our current game going, it’s never a chore to go on a date with your beautiful husband~” Teru bragged, and she rolled her eyes, her shoulders losing some of their tension. She supposes their dates are familiar territory, without a giant audience some of their hang outs are nice. “And Akane is a smart man, he won’t do anything that would paint us in a bad light in public.” Teru gave her a side look “Including visiting every day. Since when were you that clingy?”
“It’s an expression.” She tried to huff but it sounded too troubled, hating how confident Teru sounds. How he kept looking at her, seeing behind the mask. “...Isn’t it cruel to Akane-kun?”
“Probably,” Teru didn’t deny, “That’s why he’ll have the final say.”
Aoi was sweating, hating the infuriating spark in Teru’s eyes, as if he already knew the answer.
“...I’ll think about it.” She felt small. “...Let’s have a few hang outs first.”
.
Teru didn’t struggle with his chores nearly as much when work didn’t beat him down. She came back home from her hairdressing shift to him brooming the floor and humming to himself “Welcome home, Aoi-chan.”
“I’m home.” She chirped, her smile falling once she detected the smell of something burning. “Teru-kun” Dread filled her stomach “Did you cook?”
“Nope!” He gave her a closed eyed smile “Don’t check the trash.”
“I’ll make us something," Aoi shook her head, needing to see what ingredient he burned. She hopes it isn't the minced meat "Thank you for cleaning up.”
"You're welcome, my lucky wife."
If only she was this lucky.
Unfortunately most days Teru is very tired from work, so he reverts into the bratty 8 year-old she knows.
“This place is too big.” Teru huffed as he threw warm water on their wooden floors “Are you sure you don’t want a maid-”
“Yes.” Aoi narrowed her eyes, voice cold as she handed him the mob "You picked a big house, you deal with it, rich kid.”
“I thought I was married.” Teru gave her a dry look, mobbing the floor with palpable annoyance. “Come be a helpful wife.”
“I need to cook!”
“I asked for delivery.” Teru denied, giving her another mop. Bastard already planned this hum.
Aoi narrowed her eyes “Delivery from where?”
“The ramen shop you love.” Teru said, giving her a charming smile that never worked on her and never will, trying to shake the extra mob in an enticing manner and failing miserably “Come on, dear. Please. I asked for the avocado treat you like too.”
Aoi made sure to sigh but accepted.
Surprisingly the one thing he never complained about was the one he was the worst at. Teru always paid rapt attention when she felt good enough to try to give him cooking lessons. Dicing vegetables was something Teru was good at but the oven was off limits, so was making dough or recipes with more than four steps.
.
The clock feels too fast, ticking nonstop, and the calendar does not lie: today is the day.
Aoi looked away from the lipstick she had foolishly separated for today. Despite Teru’s words, this isn’t a date, she shouldn’t dress up that hard for it. The knee length dress she chose is already perfect, the yellow string bow on her chest cute in a more mature way than the big ribbons she used to wear as a young teen. Being happy with her outfit was supposed to kill her anxiety, but she still found her fingers anxiously rubbing her wedding ring,
What if an entire evening chatting makes their distance more apparent? What if he still feels the exact same?
“Ready?~” Teru knocked on her door with a happy blush.
“Yes.” Aoi smiled, offering her arm. “Shall we go, dear?”
Teru tilted his head at her silent offer. Usually they didn’t start the lovey dovey stick until there was some form of audience, but Teru must realize she is anxious, for he smiled, hooking their arms together. “After you.”
.
“Hey.” Akane smile was tired, dressed in a black tshirt with a breast pocket and dark blue pants that feel tighter than the ones he used to wear when they went to school together. He looks good.
Aoi made sure to keep her focus on his face.
“Hi~” Teru waved, eyes crinkled “How have you been, Akane-san?”
“Tired. My manager keeps making me work overtime.” He cracked a tight smile, it still felt off, but he was getting better at hiding his anger “How about you two?”
“Good.” Aoi smiled, “My gardening is flourishing.”
“Great.” Teru hummed “I learned how to make a salad.”
“A miracle.” Akane mocked, switching his attention.
“It’s pure skill~” Teru smirked. Unfortunately, Aoi could not tell if he was joking.
“It’s surprisingly edible.” She teased, raising her hand to pat Teru’s arm, only to remember in the nick of time who their current audience is. Quickly, she redirected her hand to her cheek instead, smiling cutely.
“I'll believe it when I see it.” Akane snorted, the sound a little weak.
Teru lit up, looking at her with a sharp glint in his eyes.
…Does he want Akane to come home now? Wasn’t the plan to have a few hang outs first?
Aoi gave them a closed eyes smile “We have a picture of it <3”
Teru seemed disappointed but not surprised, his smile firmly in place “We do,” He got way too close to Akane to show off his phone “Look at this beauty! I cut the tomatoes and washed the cauliflower myself.”
“I’ll be damned,” Akane frowned. “It does look edible.”
Teru slid to another picture. “These are the sliced tomatoes.”
“How did you turned that into such a mess?” Akane frowned. “Please tell me you didn’t make Ao-chan clean it up.”
"Course not."
“We should take a seat.” Aoi said “I am a tad hungry.”
Akane snapped his attention to her. Aoi’s body tingled, wanting to keep his eyes on her.
(Chill. You’re not a kid anymore)
“Let’s sit by the window <3” Aoi suggested “We are in the way of the people.”
.
Sunlight made Akane’s hair look more orange than brown, bright like fire. Aoi tried not to stare, feeling betrayed by how openly Teru eyed Akane, his voice odd. “Your hair is the same.”
“Yours barely changed” Akane hit back “Did it grow what? two inches in the past decade?”
Teru chuckled, “Three actually.”
“Wow.” Akane deadpanned, raising his hand when a waiter passed by.
When the waitress took a good look at them she blushed, eyes lingering on Teru. Aoi noticed could see the gears behind Teru’s head, so she wasn’t surprised to feel Teru’s hand on top of hers: It’s tradition. Aoi didn’t react, letting Teru mindlessly play with her finger, pretending not to notice the waiter's disappointment, until she was out of sight.
“This place is nice,” Akane said, fists clenched. “Do you two come here a lot?”
“It’s a good date spot” Teru admitted, which Aoi agrees with but now was not the time!
“And an even better hang out spot <3” She added “We are happy to have you here.”
“Very.” Teru agreed, very genuine “Life is good but not as lively without you.”
Aoi nodded, which made Akane blush a little. Cute.
“Was I ever a big part of your live?” Akane sweated, focusing more on Teru “We mostly talked at the student council. I can count on one hand when we hung out.”
Teru glanced at her as if waiting for something but after two seconds he took it upon himself to reply “Our time together was short but unforgettable~” Teru hummed with a charming smile, satisfied with himself “You’re a good friend, Akane.”
Akane was visibly caught off guard, and Aoi can’t say she wasn’t too. She isn’t even sure why: Teru is a closed off person, but he needs to value Akane to propose his reckless plan.
Akane scratched the back of his head and opened his mouth, then closed it. He slumped in his seat with a sigh and admitted “...You were not that good of a friend.”
Aoi nearly snorted. It is a slowburn, to appreciate Teru’s friendship, isn’t it?
Teru pouted, but was quick to recover “Always rude, aren’t you?”
Akane rolled his eyes.
.
“You two seem happy.” Akane’s smile was small, but achingly genuine, reaching his downcast eyes. “I’m glad it all worked out.”
“Me too~” Teru hummed, obnoxiously patting her hand, acting as one would when patting a puppy “I can imagine a better wife.”
Aoi smiled sweetly as she looked at her insufferable best friend.
“I suppose we are.” Her smile softened, their life is good. Teru is a good partner in acting. “I have a lovely husband” She turned back to Akane, voice turning into something quieter “And a great childhood friend <3”
Akane softened, taking a sip of his tea. His hold was no longer tight, but he couldn’t mask the sadness in his big eyes. “I missed hanging out with you two.” He said “I'm sorry I have been… “ in love with you “so distant recently.”
“It’s quite alright.” Teru dodged the elephant in the room. “Life. Not much we can do.”
“Life.” Akane agreed, looking truly exhausted. “Strange how it has changed since high school.”
“I thought you would adjust well.” Aoi admitted.
“House chores and budget weren’t hard to adapt to.” Akane said and Aoi resisted the urge to break her cheerful smile to send Teru a ‘see? you’re just a big baby’ look, for she is sure that wouldn’t change anything. “It’s arguing with insurance and people at work that sucks.”
“Makes you nostalgic for the student council days?”
“Unfortunately.” Akane's eyes crinkled with malicious amusement, which made his eyebags look smaller, “At least I could tell people how stupid they are for forgetting to buy tables for their restaurant project. I need to pretend I’m not dealing with a dumbass at work half of the time.”
“They put you in customer service?” Teru sounded delighted.
Aoi was a little worried. “I thought you would take care of organizing information.”
“Information should be shared.” Akane deadpaned, scratching his head with a sigh “I have a feeling my manager wants me to help with the budget too. I better get a fucking raise by the end of the month.”
“You need to stop helping everyone” Aoi frowned, certain he wasn’t going to get a raise proportional to his hard work.
“When they learn to do their job I will.” Akane glared as if seeing someone be incompetent physically pained him.
Heh.
That hasn't changed.
“Are you still living with your parents?” Teru asked.
“No, I am renting a small space.” Akane said, and why hasn't he told them that before? “It’s more of a place to sleep than a home.”
Teru gave her a ‘great for our plan’ side look that she hated to agree with before dropping a bomb “That’s a shame. Have you been seeing anyone?”
Aoi’s smile froze on her face, body becoming extra cold. She haven’t even thought about that-
“No.” Akane’s words put her heart at ease.
(Bad Aoi. What friend roots for him to be alone and miserable??)
“I see.” Teru's smile didn’t reach his sharp eyes. “Do you plan on being single forever, Akane?”
Aoi kicked Teru’s shin. A warning to change the topic.
Akane sweated, glancing at Aoi’s small smile, and frowning at his cup of tea “If I can.”
“Oh?” Aoi’s heart dropped, she would not be able to pull off a playful smile, so she went to her normal one, the one she can wear in her sleep “Has someone been pursuing you?~”
“Nothing a firm “No” hasn’t fixed.” Akane mumbled, taking a sip of his coffee before revealing “but Nene’s been trying to be my matchmaker.”
“Matchmaker?” Aoi’s stomach dropped down to hell, voice unconsciously growing colder.
Maybe once Akane gives other people a try he’ll realize there are many people out there that can love him, people that don’t need convoluted plans to date him.
How can she go on with this stupid plan when Nene is trying so hard to give him real happiness?
“We have a deal.” Akane admitted, visibly uncomfortable yet refusing to avoid her piercing gaze “If I’m still single by thirty five I'll accept her as my fairy godmother of love and start….” Akane clenched his coffee cup. “Trying to get back in the game.”
Aoi hummed, waiting for his usual complaints, for a snort and a declaration he’ll never go along with such a stupid plan, maybe even an unnecessary mean comment on Nene, and becoming unnerved by the way Akane sipped calmly on his coffee.
“Is that so bad?” Teru asked, because he is evil and wants her dead.
Akane tensed up, looking down “It’s better than her ‘if we are both still single at 30, let's marry each other’ plan so I’ll take it.” Akane joked, his smile tense.
Aoi pictured Nene and Akane at an altar, her fake smile growing even more tense. Aoi took a sip of her coffee, wishing it was whiskey before offering them a closed eyed smile. “That's our Nene-chan, always trying to turn her life into a romcom <3”
Akane tensed up at her voice, taking another sip of his coffee.
Maybe her own wedding wasn’t the worst wedding she’ll ever attend.
“That’s a romcom troupe?” Teru asked.
“...Yeah.”
“Interesting.” Teru's eyes lit up “I should watch more romcoms,” He smiled at Aoi “Wanna watch with me?”
“Sure <3”
“I'll pass. I watched more than enough this month.” Akane snorted, which means he is having movie nights with Nene, because Akane never liked romcoms. But Nene loves them.
They are good friends now.
While she has drifted away, Akane began to form a new life.
A better life.
(Hasn't he been stuck on her for long enough already? She shouldn’t make everything about herself.)
“But It would be nice to watch a horror movie with you.” Akane blushed a little, his smile beautiful. “I missed that.”
Aoi hummed, unable to say "Let's not" Despite it being the right answer, so she simply refused to answer.
.
While in line to pay, Akane scooted a tad closer, not enough to break her personal space, but still noticeable when he whispered “I’m sorry.”
What is he apologizing for?
“You're not okay with my deal with Nene, are you?”
She doesn’t know if it was her growing frustration with their distance, the genuine anguish in Akane’s soft whisper, or how Akane seeing through her made Teru’s plan bounce in her head that much harder, but the frustrated “I'm not.” was out of her mouth before she could stop herself.
Aoi froze, her limbs feeling like a rusty robot as she slowly, stiltedly, glanced back.
Whatever she expected wasn’t the (beautiful) fond smile on Akane’s face. “Then, consider it cancelled, Ao-chan.”
Fuck
Even Akane’s voice sounded happier.
Aoi put a hand on her chest as discretely as possible, needing her heart to stay quiet. Her mental fortitude struggling the longer she stared into Akane’s warm brown and blue eyes-
“What’s cancelled?” Teru simply appeared from behind them, startling the hell out of both Aois. She nearly slapped her husband in the face on instinct, pretending not to notice the way Akane’s instinct was to take a step closer, almost putting himself between her and Teru.
After her spite fueled training with the Minamotos, Aoi’s reflexes must be just as good, if not better, than Akane’s, so a part of her was offended he almost treated her as a damsel in danger.
(A smaller part of her, which she will blame entirely on nostalgia, was a tiny bit…happy… by it.)
“None of your business,” The tension left Akane’s body as he huffed, but he still seemed off put, unaware Teru is too nosy not to have eavesdropped on their little exchange.
“Nothing, dear.” Aoi faked obliviousness, unable to cool down her blush “Have you finished paying?”
“Yup! I paid everyone's order." He hummed “We can go~”
Everyone’s order…?
Aoi resisted the urge to stare at him, sure that would be rude but she can't erase her dread: Teru doesn’t pay for anything when his parents aren’t near. Never.
“You didn’t have to.” Akane sweated, knowing Teru well enough to understand this is out of character for him. “Give me your account, I’ll transfer-”
“Nope. It’s a treat for our special friend~” Teru hummed, his smile suspiciously gentle “You can pay mine next time. Make it even. What do you say we make this a habit?” Teru's eyes crinkled, glancing at Aoi. “Weekend meetings.”
Aoi nods very casually, very normal. “That would be nice.”
Akane sweated, smiling weakly “Sure.”
“I'll keep in touch.” Teru said, shaking his phone.
Akane nodded.
.
As they went their separate ways, only strangers on the street, Aoi let her smile dim, “5 points. You were barely passable today.” her eyes narrowed, voice colder “You better not try” try because Aoi won’t let him “to pick an expensive dinner for our next hang out or you'll cross the line.”
“Of course not.” Teru said, offering his arm when the streets got crowded. “This date-”
“Stop calling it that.” Aoi mumbled, holding on tight to his arm.
“-was a test.” His eyes crinkled at her stern glare.
“A test.” She knows Akane isn’t easily scared, but she really doesn’t want to make him regret their hang outs.
“Are you upset about Yashiro-san’s plan?”
No need to get upset over something that won’t happen. Aoi blushed, trying not to think of his smile.
“I'm upset you brought the topic up.” She admitted, not aware she had to make it a rule for Teru to not ask about Akane’s love life in front of her. The idiot.
“But it gave you that smile~” Teru teased.
“That was Akane’s doing.” Aoi insisted “You only brought awkwardness to the table.”
“Oh please, you made it awkward by being so tense” Teru had the gall to roll his eyes “Even without his confession it was obvious” Teru mocked her “The deal doesn’t sound like the fairy tale kind Nene would want. They must have fought until he managed to make Yashiro-san only try to hook him up, not date them. That’s why he accepted.” Teru said more seriously.
“You don’t know that.”
“I do.” Teru smirked with full confidence, “Akane doesn’t do casual dating. He doesn't hook up.”
That used to be true, but it’s been many years since high school. The old Akane wouldn’t give people any of his time, regardless of how stubborn Nene got.
He is still the same in so many ways but…
She isn’t stupid enough to believe their marriage didn’t change Akane.
“...How can you be sure?”
“I know everything~” His eyes sparkled in that way that said he was holding back from bragging as he bragged . “And I can stay logical in his presence. I know what I'm doing. Today was fun, wasn't it?”
It was.
Aoi said nothing.
“I saw an outdoor for a teashop where the cookies have edible flowers on them for our next date.” Teru closed his eyes, sounding excited “Looks fun, doesn’t it?”
Aoi nodded slowly, mentally upgrading his score to 6.
Still barely passable.
(She realized mid nodding that he called it a date again and docked his score to 5 again. Why is he so obedient about some things and incorrigible about others??)
.
After their hang out, Teru forced her to watch a romcom: She asked Nene for recommendations and despite never watching this movie, she could tell early on that the depressed woman they’ve been following would abandon her life to be with the mysterious man that saved her life when she was younger.
Teru was more invested than her, not familiar enough with the genre to see it was mediocre at best. It was cute to watch him be enraptured by the plot but still joke about ridiculous places the plot could go.
Halfway through the movie Teru had to leave for patrol. Aoi helped him get ready, handing him a light snack in case he got hungry.
Teru kissed her on the cheek and walked off, leaving her alone in their dark living room, where she contemplated if she wanted to watch two people fall in love.
Despite her common sense, Aoi pressed play.
Aoi hated the protagonist, she doesn’t know why it her eyes stung when the selfish woman left everything behind, cheating on her loving husband to embrace her soulmate she only started talking to a week ago, sealing their happy ending with a passionate kiss-
Aoi turned the movie off mid love confessions and rubbed her eyes.
This movie is trash.
(She remembers now, why she stopped watching these with Nene...)
Teru can finish it by himself tomorrow.
.
“How does it feel, to long to kiss someone?”
Aoi narrowed her eyes, slightly suspicious of the seemingly innocent question.
Is he going to tease her again?
Well, she won’t take the bait, dipping her store bought sushi on the soy sauce and taking her time as she chewed. “Hummm” Aoi put one finger by her chin, faking puzzlement. “I wonder~”
“Don’t be mean.” Teru mimicked her chiding tone, taking a bite out of his temaki and blushing with satisfaction. “Every person I ask answers differently.” Who is he asking…? Does he even have friends?? He better not be asking Akane! “So I’m curious what the most down bad person I know has to say about it.”
Aoi’s face got warm despite her annoyance.
“Does it really feel like craving a treat?” Teru added, taking a bigger bite of his temaki.
Aoi gave him a skeptical look, letting her chopsticks fall open like a duck’s bill. Is Tiara his kiss expert? Isn’t she like 10??
Aoi's judgement soon turned into anxiety.
For as much as she looks down on Teru’s sources she doesn’t have a better answer. It’s closer to grieving someone than wanting sweets but there is a temptation to it all, the understanding that what you want is bad for you like a midnight snack.
“...Yes, something like that,” Aoi smiled sadly, sometimes still mixing the sunny smile she fell in love with to the painfully small, but no less gentle, smile Akane gave her at their cafe date. “It’s like wanting a sweet you don’t know the flavor of.”
“I see.” Teru narrowed his eyes, hand in his chin as he processed her answer.
“Do you feel the same?” Aoi asked.
Teru tensed up, eyes narrowing as if adapting for a surprise supernatural attack.
“Your dear wife doesn’t have much gossip to work with.” Aoi sighed dramatically, cupping her cheek with her free hand “You can talk to me about the person you like. I won’t make fun of you.”
“If you insist,” He scratched his chin. It was unfair how composed he looked. Not a blush to be seen. “A treat I don’t know the taste of sounds about right.”
“Is it an old crush?” Aoi asked slowly, heart clenching as she wondered if the reason Teru never paid any girl any attention is because he had his eyes set on someone else for a long whil-
Teru shrugged.
…As if improving.
Aoi's sympathy immediately turned into suspicion.
“Teru,” She spoke very seriously, setting her chopsticks down “Do you even have a crush?”
Teru blinked at her sudden death glare, his eyes crinkled with delight “Who knows?~”
He does not!
She is going to kill him.
.
A painfully familiar voice was coming from inside her house. Aoi almost had a heart attack, slamming the front door open and finding Teru on the phone.
Her body froze, swallowing the stupid betrayal in her veins. Teru told her he would call Akane, he can call his friend in his own house.
(he didn’t need to put him on speaker mode though…!!)
“... Like it matters.” Akane’s voice huffed. “You haven’t grown one bit.”
Teru smiled at her, saying to Akane “What’s wrong with visiting your library? Isn’t it nice to see a friend on the job?”
Aoi snapped out of it, clenching her fist and walking away to give them privacy.
(just because she feels like she’s been losing him doesn’t mean everyone has to-)
“Aoi-chan is here.” Teru hummed
Wait, what??
Aoi slowly shook her head.
“She wants to talk to you.” Teru added.
Her head shaking increased dramatically, sweating in muted distress, but Teru threw her the phone anyways. Aoi nearly let the thing fall, heart skipping a beat at Akane’s pleasantly surprised. “Ao-chan?”
“H-hello Akane-kun.” She blushed at the sound of his voice so close to her ear, unconsciously wearing her tense smile and forcing herself to Get A Grip. “Are you at work? <3”
“I’m home.”
“I see <3” Aoi said, having no idea what to say but wanting to keep hearing his voice. “Making dinner?”
“Studying law.” Akane corrected.
“You want to be a lawyer?” Aoi does remember Akane have a ton of boring books in his house since they were little kids: biology, history, law, engeenering.
“I do.” Akane said firmly.
Aoi smiled, able to tell from his tone that he is serious, and if he truly wants this, he’ll work for it until he achieves it.
“Why the change of heart?”
“The library was always a temporary job for me.” Akane explained, “And it turns out that making me work overtime without extra pay nearly every day is against the law.” He huffed, Aoi could picture his glare perfectly. “It was more fulfilling to learn all our rights than it was to categorize books by name.”
‘but you love organizing your books’ Aoi thought, the sense of distance they refuse to address stopping her from teasing her childhood friend.
(how can she miss him while talking to him? Get. A. Grip)
“Good luck, Akane-kun.” Aoi whispered, feeling her cheeks grow hot at how soft she sounded. In a panic, she got into chirpy wife mode “I know you can do it <3”
Akane made a sound, as if breathless, and it traveled down her body like a warm shiver.
“After I get-” Akane stopped himself before he could even start. There was one long, agonizing, second of silence, both holding their breath before his voice was calm again “I’ll do my best.”
No it isn’t.
A part of her wants to stop pretending it’s nothing.
(Isn’t this what her plan with Teru is? To tell the truth? To let them have something?)
“I’ll do my best, Ao-chan.” Akane was already speaking again. She lost her chance “Thank you for the encouragement.” There was this palpable fondness in his voice that made her ear tingle “How have you been? Did you open your fashion shop?”
Aoi blushed, happy he remembers. “No, I haven’t made much progress on it yet. But I plan on doing a job interview for clothes design. They need an assistant.”
“Is it the Yellow House?” He asked.
‘Is it the one you’ve always loved?’ went unsaid.
“No.” Aoi wondered how he knew. Did Nene tell him about their shopping trips? Does he ask a lot about her? Or did he piece it together himself, from their brief meetings throughout the year. She didn’t ask “the Yellow House is too far away from our new home,” Aoi raised her finger despite knowing Akane can’t see her “It’s a new shop that opened last month, it is very small, so they are hiring for everything.”
“What’s the name? I’ll check it when you debut.”
Not if. When.
Aoi smiled, so enthralled in their call that she didn’t notice Teru sneaking upstairs, letting them have some privacy.
.
Aoi smiled at her golden tea, thinking of the next time they hang out and wondering what tea Akane would pick.
Teru used to dislike black tea, but now he enjoys it. Mom has grown fond of Miss Minamoto’s special tea, considering it her favorite.
Did Akane also change his taste? Did Nene get him to have a sweeter palate, or does he still favour green tea?
“You look distracted today.” Mom smiled when she blushed, taking a sip of her tea “Young love…” Now she became the distracted one, her smile growing bitter “I guess it is inescapable.”
“I’m 21.” Aoi chided playfully, not wanting to talk about love with mom. “I’m no longer a child.”
“You’ll always be my little girl, Aoi.”
Aoi didn’t like the sound of that, but she kept smiling, preferring it over the teasing way mom called her ‘minamoto-chan’, still high on the marriage.
“When will you two have your own little kids?” Mom hummed .“I am getting old, I need some grandchildren.”
Her stomach twisted further into itself. She shoved the thought aside before she made herself sick.
Aoi cupped her chin, hoping she didn’t look pale. “We don’t want to have children <3” Aoi smiled, “It’s too much responsibility, Teru is married with work already.”
“Oh.” Her mom frowned “Are you sure? You’re both so good, I’m sure your children would be little angels-”
“Yes.” Aoi cut her off, “Very <3”
Mom eyed her with an endeared smile, treating her decision with the same calm she had treated her tears when her engagement with Teru was announced “That’s alright dear, you’re still young.” Her eyes wrinkled with joy “Yet so smart. I’m sure you’ll change your mind in a few years, when life is more stable."
“A lot can happen in a decade <3” Aoi cupped her cheek, her teasing smile rigid. Her words tasted like ashes in her tongue, even mom's smile not numbing the taste. “But I doubt it~”
“With a husband like Teru-kun?” Mom's eyes crinked with amusement, like she knows something Aoi doesn’t despite knowing less and less about Aoi every year. “Don’t be surprised if it doesn’t take that long.”
She truly sees her as a little girl.
A kid that can’t be trusted to make big decisions.
“He is quite dreamy~” Aoi clenched her fists, finding it hard to feel happy like mom. The realization was a slap in the face. Why is she angry that mom is happy? She is an awful daughter. “I’ve started gardening again, Teru helped me buy the seeds” Aoi gushed, eager to change the subject. “It looks so beautiful, you need to visit it.”
.
Her interview went well, she liked that her dress was complimented before her face, and that the old lady, Miss Midori, wasn’t put off by her lack of degree in fashion, encouraging Aoi to ask questions.
She also liked the three little mokkes hopping around the place, unlike Near Shore animals, mokkes always seem to like her, stopping when she chided them for stealing her things and enjoying when she petted them.
She hopes she gets the position.
.
Aoi put lip gloss on and tied her hair into a high ponytail, wearing a baggy t-shirt with the english writing for “Space” in the center and black short shorts. To not come off as too casual she picked her only healed shoes. The heel was short, but she could already feel the small boost in weight.
It did, admittedly, feel a little odd to have heels on, but it looked good. She wanted to wear them. This relationship is for her, not mom, and she likes the woman in the mirror.
Aoi set her shoulders, feeling brave. Today she will be beautiful, and she will compliment Akane if she likes what she sees.
(If he truly hasn't changed, he will compliment her back. It’s been so long since he looked at her and told her what he saw.
She wants to know)
“I’ve never seen you wear that shirt in public.” Teru commented with a small smile, giving her a brush. “It fits you.”
“Thank you~” She smiled, accepting his brush. “Sit down.”
Teru did as told and Aoi brushed his hair, gently as she thought about their hang out.
“Let’s not wear our wedding rings,” Teru said and her balance was immediately shaken.
That was too much. That was plain wrong.
“We need to wear them outside, Teru.” She reminded him, pressing her nails on his skull in slight reprimand.
“Just today. To send a message.” Teru hummed, leaning into her touch. “He might get a heart attack without a few hints.”
She thought about Akane’s genuine smile.
She thought about mom's smile.
“It's too soon.” Aoi doubled down, scared of how hard it was to stick with her decision.
(There is no way she would be able to hold Akane’s hand while wearing her wedding ring and it needs to stay that way until she is absolutely sure this will work and there are no witnesses to her crime.)
“Fair enough.” Teru said as she brushed his bangs to the side, tucking it behind his ear. “Slow and steady we go, dear.” He walked out on her, messing up the bangs she just finished. Jerk. “Just don’t take another decade.”
She will not survive another decade.
“We’ll tell him the truth before the end of the month.” Aoi promised, not as confident as she sounded, but no longer trying to deny she wanted to enable Teru’s reckless plan. She wanted badly.
“Good.” Teru’s eyes crinkled.
“We’ll take our rings off on the day we invite him home to tell him everything.” Aoi declared, “When we have our first date.” She gave Teru a pointed look, refusing to call today, or last week’s hang out, a date.
(She wants them both to know it's a date. For as childish as it sounds, she wants it to be bigger than her first ‘date’ with Teru if she can.)
“Tell me that when you aren’t pining hard enough for the waitress to notice.”
‘She was too busy ogling you.’ Aoi thought, sure he noticed. They held hands after all.
"That wasn't pining." Aoi refused to fed his ego right now.
"Of course dear~"
.
The tea shop was a relaxing space. Soft ambient music, many tea and treats options. Akane didn’t quite fit in it, wearing a button up shirt and a tight tie, his eyes sharper, not as tired with the thick rimmed glasses partially hiding his eyebag.
Must be reading glasses, for he had a book at hand. The intensity of his reading made her soften.
He must be catching up with his studies. She didn’t want to interrupt him.
“Studying hard, I see.” Teru said softly, not getting his attention. Which Aoi knew bothered Teru, for despite not changing his polite smile, he slid into the chair opposite to Akane and used a more bratty tone “What are you reading, Aka ne?~”
“Teru-san.” Akane fully switched his attention to Teru, showing him the cover “It’s an ethics study.”
Teru's eyes crinkled “Did you get into a law class?”
“No. I’m prepping.” Akane denied, changing subjects “How long have you been here?”
“We just got here <3” Aoi sat beside her husband, diagonal to Akane. Her heart softening at the instant way Akane 's eyes sparkled with life, saving his book to give her his full attention.
“I’m glad no one was left waiting” He nodded, eyes lingering on her lip for a beat longer than usual when she smiled, likely noticing her lipstick.
“You look good.” Aoi admitted, “Ties always fit you <3"
“Thank you.” Akane smiled, one of his cheeks gaining a bit of color as he adjusted his tie.
“Trustworthy,” Teru added, with a pleased smile. “Mister lawyer.”
"Ha." Akane's seemed skeptical, if a tad amused “You’d hire me?”
“Won’t need it~” Teru bragged, which didn't surprise Akane “Don’t I look great too?”
“Very.” Akane wasn’t able to deny, but his eyes lingering on Aoi “You look stunning too Aoi. I love your shirt, purple really fits you.”
Hehe~
Teru didn’t like the difference in treatment, but he didn’t look surprised, keeping any whining to himself. Aoi patted his arm in silent praise.
“Speaking of work.” Akane said “How did your interview go?”
“I got the job,” Aoi smiled, “I’ll start next week!”
“That’s amazing” Akane's eyes sparkled. “You’ve always been a fast learner so I’m sure you’ll get promoted soon.”
“For sure.” Teru hummed.
Aoi sweated, her smile a tad amused “I haven’t even had my first day in it…”
“You did get a raise in your second week as a hairdresser,” Teru reminded.
Well… She can’t deny that. Even if she has a feeling that was more because of how many people she attracted to the shop than her skills.
.
The cookies with flower petals were good but she couldn’t really taste the flowers. It felt like normal cookies. Teru seemed genuinely disappointed by that, but thankfully there was a big variety of tea flavors available and Teru was satisfied by the icy basilur cream fantasy tea.
Aoi tried out a hot black tea with a raspberry touch and Akane picked matcha with a pinch of cinnamon
Hehe~
There is a small change but he does still like green tea.
.
She caught Akane’s eyes straying to the lip gloss mark in her cup.
Her heart skipped a beat, getting an idea.
Later she’ll be embarrassed, later she’ll blame it on Teru’s bad influence, but right now she is comfortable. Her stomach is warm, and Akane is giving her his full attention.
Now she has no audience.
Aoi's eyes crinkled as she offered Akane her stained glass, not faking her smile, or the way her voice threatened to be flirty “You can have a taste, Akane-kun~ <3”
Akane froze, his cheeks getting red as he read her smile. He glanced at Teru, who only spared his intense look a curious one, before fully focusing on Aoi again, holding her cup and making their fingers brush.
She let go, having hoped but still buzzing when Akane put his lips directly on top of her lipstick mark. Keeping eye contact as he took a long sip and gave it back to her.
Aoi's heart felt like it was exploding.
Akane gave the cup back, blushing when their fingers touched “It’s the best tea I've had.”
Her heart beat faster than a hummingbird, quickly taking her cup back.
She felt like she was a young girl experiencing puberty for the first time: Finally allowing herself to feel, to see this as an opportunity, as something at least partially attainable, and it gave her an unbelievable rush.
“You two really have the same taste.” Teru took a peaceful sip of his own icy tea, and Aoi had a feeling Teru might be genuinely unaware of their indirect kiss cause his teasing wasn’t related to it “Didn’t expect this one to surpass Aoi-chan’s tea though~”
Akane sweated, staring at Teru with a certain level of guilt despite his narrowed eyes, not needing their wedding rings gone to figure out something seems off, yet not quite knowing what exactly he is sensing. “...I'm sure if Ao-chan tried her hands at it, it would taste even better. You are spoiled, Teru.”
“Huuum.” Teru blushed “She is quite a good cook. Have you been cooking for yourself, Akane?”
“...I can make the basics” Akane tapped his finger on the table “Haven’t really experienced much with it.”
“You should try deep frying an onigiri” Teru smiled sweetly “Tell me the results~”
Oh my god.
“I told you that’s not a thing, it won’t work.”
“Try before judging it.” Teru hummed “Aren’t you curious, Akane?”
“No.” Akane narrowed his eyes “Don’t try doing that, if you get food poisoning Ao-chan will be the one stuck taking care of you.”
“Stuck is such a strong word.”
Before she knew it, any tension from her reckless move was gone.
(She may get why Teru does it so much.)
.
Aoi caught Teru staring at Akane with an insane level of attention as he vented about a frequent customer that should go to hell and rot, something aoi noticed happens more in Teru's presence.
She tilted her head, pretty sure Teru probably had no crush at all, he was just messing with her, but if he did Akane would be her first guess.
Not that he does so she shouldn’t think about it. Teru is odd that’s all, he doesn’t have many friends so it makes sense for him to enjoy the very few he does have.
Aoi understands the feeling. She would die for Teru, Akane, Nene…
.
Akane was truly more relaxed near them, the moments of awkwardness between them sparing, his smile still not the one she used to know but just as beautiful. When his eyes crinkled, it fully hid his eyebags.
That painful longing clawed at her ribcage, it hurt to keep this distance.
“Want to have lunch with us next week?” Aoi blurted out, forcing her guilt down. This is for her, she can want a real kiss. Teru wants her to have a real kiss too. “We have enough food for guests at home.”
“I’ll make you that salad. I have improved since our last meeting.” Teru's eyes sparkled, either proud of her for finally inviting Akane, or of himself for learning how to make a salad, it was hard to tell.
Akane hesitated, briefly, before breaking into a smile “That sounds great.”
Akane agreed.
Excuse her strong language, but fuck this is actually happening.
“Next Saturday?” Teru asked.
“That works.” Akane blushed and Aoi's heart skipped a beat.
Teru closed his eyes, letting out a satisfied humm before calling a waitress. “Excuse me. I would like to try the herbs and peach tea please~”
“On it, sir.”
.
Aoi caught the way Teru eyed Akane’s hand when it rested near his, staring at it intensely, truly out of character and suddenly her certainty that Teru's crush is a joke cracking.
The idea stayed in the back of her mind for the rest of their dat- hang out. Paying close attention to how happy Teru got that Akane complained the entire time while pay for Teru's teas.
.
Only after closing her house’ door did she blurt out “Do you have a crush on Akane-kun?” at the exact same time Teru hummed. “Moving quick aren’t we? I’m so proud.”
“I may have gotten tired of waiting,” Aoi admitted, “Now you tell me.”
Teru stared at her blankly.
Aoi grabbed his collar, forcing him down to face her head on and feeling like she was going crazy at his sheepish smile, his cheek slightly rosy.
She isn’t paranoid. He does like Akane.
No wonder Teru has always been good at ignoring his fan girls.
“Told you you wouldn’t approve.” He teased, the feeling turning the toxic acid in her veins into a familiar sadness. “Not that I think this is a crush anymore.” He admitted, still having a small blush on his cheeks “...I just want him.”
Want him?
Aoi’s body got stiff, sweating hard beneath her neutral face “As in?”
“Do you remember when we moved into this house?”
Of course she does.
“...And Akane stayed up late to help us clean up?”
Aoi nodded, waiting for more.
“We barely talked, me and him, but…” Teru scratched his cheek, “The house felt less big with him here, didn’t it?”
It did.
It really did.
“Is that why you tried to hire him as our maid?” Aoi resisted the urge to sigh at his shameless shrug.
“That was mostly a ploy to share the truth with him, but I do enjoy it when he works for me. It’s been comforting in our student council era.” Teru admitted, closing his eyes “Perhaps I miss it. He always helped me feel free, you know? His presence is calming in a way our engagement didn’t allow yours to be. Is... Different.”
No, Aoi did not know his presence is calming, because Teru never shares anything more than the bare minimum with her.
(Though he is sharing it now… Which she appreciates.)
“So you want him as your coworker again?” Aoi guessed, avoiding the word partner.
“I want him by my side.” Teru corrected, watching her tense up. “But I doubt I would feel anything if we kissed.”
Kissed.
Teru didn’t seem bothered by the idea, but Aoi insides twisted, not wanting to think of them kissing.
“Do you think about…That, often?”
“Not as much as I used to think about kissing you,” Teru admitted, voice too monotone to be teasing “No need to get jealous, dear.”
“...Do you get jealous?”
“No.” Teru spoke matter of factly “I’m mature, you know.”
She has her doubts.
(He also didn’t answer her question.)
“If…” Aoi blushed, but her expression was somber, “I kissed Akane.” Oh this conversation is mortifying, but she kept her voice calm “Would it bother you?”
Teru tapped his chin, putting on a pensive face.
(What an actor, she knows he already thought about this before.)
“It depends.” Teru admitted. “You two should kiss, your pining is getting out of hand.”
Aoi gave him an unimpressed look, hoping she wasn’t blushing.
“But I forbid you from making out and waxing poetry about each other's eyes unless you include me.”
“Oh, please. We would not do that.” Aoi defended. “It would be a quick kiss,” She blushed, crossing her arms “And why would you want to be included?”
“I like when you acknowledge I’m pretty.” Teru batted his eyelashes, way too honest. “You two can wax poetry about me too. I’ll allow it~”
Aoi sighed.
“The point is.” Teru wagged his finger “As long as you two don’t neglect me, I will help with your forbidden romance. Let you have some private time.”
“Thanks.” Aoi reluctantly said.
“You’re welcome~” Teru smiled sweetly, resting his chin on his knuckles “What about me? <3”
“What about you?” Aoi tensed up, his smirk putting her on the defensive.
“Can I kiss Akane?”
Absolutely not!
“No.”
“But you can?”
(Yes! She liked him first!!)
…When he puts it like that it does feel unfair to not let him.
She… supposes… out of everyone she knows Teru is probably the least bad option, but it still makes her want to fall to her knees, or slap him.
“...If he asks. You can.” She said, tense.
“That’s just a fancy way to say no.” Teru's eyes crinkled with amusement, holding her hand and gently patting it. “It’s okay, dear. I forgive you.”
Ugh…
Aoi snatched her hand out of his hold, narrowing her eyes “ Do you actually want to kiss him?”
Teru shrugged again.
She wanted to punch him.
“Teru” She grabbed his hand and held on tight “Give me a proper answer right now or I’m putting you on toilet cleaning duty.”
“You’re no fun.” Teru admitted, crossing his arms and being serious “I am neutral about it. The more I watch you two act like idiots, the more I suspect kissing Akane will be a repeat of our wedding kiss.” Teru admitted, blushing a tiny bit with wonder in his eyes “But I do want to hold hands, see if it feels different since it isn’t born out of obligation.” His smile got sharp “Can I try that, Wife Of Mine?”
Holding hands.
Aoi took a deep breath “... Okay” she held on tight to her own hand, confident Teru doesn’t feel anything anyways. If he craves physical comfort from Akane, he should get it “I’ll allow it.”
“Yay~”
.
Teru got home with an unreadable expression, dropping his bag by the door and carefully putting a few pictures on the table.
“Something the matter?” Aoi is used to happy humming and satisfied smiles after Teru hung out with his siblings.
“Kou asked me for money.”
“Money?”
That’s odd. Kou stopped asking for Teru’s help after they got older. It’s even odder that Teru seems frustrated by his request. When he got to spend time with his siblings, he was always eager to dote on them, buying Tiara a million plushies and Kou anything he dared to ask.
“He plans to run away from home.” Teru added. “Live in another country.”
That’s drastic.
“Why would he do that?”
“To run away with his boyfriend.” Teru sat on the couch, staring at the ceiling. “That’s the most I was able to glimpse. Kou didn’t give many details”
(Aoi had thought about running away when she was a naive kid, much younger than Kou is now, but it all felt like a fantasy. She could never abandon mom. Never.)
Aoi sat by Teru’s side and patted his head, not sure what to say. She knows Teru and Kou haven’t spent much time together outside of patrol, which Aoi is never updated on, so she doesn’t get details on their relationship, but she does know Teru has a soft spot for Kou. For a long time Kou was his best friend.
(Aoi took some time to see Teru as a friend at all, and she is sure it was the same for him. All he did was complain about her.)
He’ll miss his little brother.
“I never imagined he would leave us.” Teru said, slowly dropping his head on her shoulder “It was so sudden, Aoi,” He hid his face on her collar, breath warm “He said he’ll leave tomorrow. He already has the plane tickets.”
“...Did your parents put him in an arranged marriage too?” Aoi asked, brushing his hair still. It’s one of the things Teru has always liked, even before they moved to this house.
(Sometimes he reminds her of a dog. A big unruly dog that is full of love but needs to be kept on a tight leash or else he’ll drag her down the pavement.)
Teru shook his head “That wasn’t his responsibility.”
‘It was mine’ went unsaid.
“He hasn't told our parents yet. I am supposed to keep it a secret.”
Telling his parents and increasing the chances of keeping Kou close must be tempting, but Aoi knows he won’t. Teru isn’t a little brat anymore. He is the kind of man that can lie forever for his loved ones.
Aoi hummed, sympathetic as she patted his back.
They were silent for a moment, appreciating each other’s company.
“He said nothing about visiting before Tiara demanded it.” Teru blurted out, voice neutral “I don’t think he noticed how much the news hurt us.” Teru covered his face on her shoulder.“It really felt like we didn’t matter now that he is in love.” Teru chuckled “...I don’t get it.”
Aoi dragged him into a proper hug.
Teru leaned closer, snuggling her stomach and mumbling “Don’t leave me when you get with Akane.” Which he probably intended to be lighthearted but sounded so small, there must be some truth to his fear.
“Of course. Till death do us part.”
Teru did get the light in his eyes back. “Supernaturals won’t get you out of this one.”
Aoi rolled her eyes, continuing to pat his head.
Teru blushed, slowly relaxing as she spoiled him. He seemed normal on the surface but Aoi could tell he was mellowed out for the rest of the day. She caught him staring at the pictures he put on the table a few times.
The most professionally taken pictures were of Kou. Every other image had a noticeable dip in quality: Tiara, the Minamoto parents, their old pet cat, and so on, they weren't that bad but they had signs of a beginner’s shoot despite the perfect way each picture was developed.
“I want to frame the ones of Kou and Tiara.” Teru said.
“Do you know how to frame pictures?”
Teru smiled, “I have no idea.”
So Aoi taught him how to, having learned after helping mom redecorate the entire house how to set up
.
Aoi caught Teru staring at Kou's picture after patrol, his face neutral. She wonders what he is thinking.
‘Do you want me to take it down?’ Was on the tip of her tongue, but Teru isn’t like mom. He won’t try to pretend there was never love just because he is hurt, he will hold on to everything he can.
Aoi decided to make sweet potatoes for dinner today, passing by the calendar and relaxing a little at the added stars beside her heart.
Soon Akane will visit.
She is sure when the house feels less empty, Teru will feel better.
.
Today is the day.
Today Akane will visit their house.
Today they’ll tell him the truth. They'll offer him the worst deal anyone can get and maybe, just maybe, have an actual first date.
“Let’s not wear our wedding rings today.” Aoi declared.
Teru hummed, watching her fidget with the ring but hesitate to actually take it off.
There was no reason for her hesitation, she dressed up, she flirted, she’ll ask Akane to be hers behind closed doors, and she plans on finally hugging her best friend regardless of his answer today.
Taking off a ring is easy compared to all of her big plans.
And yet…
Her ring makes her think of mom, of her decade old secret with teru. taking it off where others can see feels (like betrayal) odd. This has been her life for so long, her hang outs with akane feel almost like a dream.
And yet she is dragging that dream to this house.
“Agreed.” Teru hummed, gently holding her hand and sliding it off her fingers.
Aoi nodded slowly.
It’s time for a new beginning.
(How scary, how exciting.)
“Thank you.”
Teru offered his hand to her next, and Aoi doesn’t know if this is an attempt to comfort her, or if he too, needs a bit of strength, but regardless, she smiled, taking off his ring.