Chapter Text
When he swung the library's door open, the crisp autumn breeze ruffled Makoto's locks and sliced at his neck. In the few hours of studying after class, the temperature dropped considerably and he shivered inside his light, olive-coloured jacket.
"Aren't you cold, Haru?" he asked as he pulled up the zipper, eyeing Haruka's bare forearms.
Haruka shrugged. "It's only September. Two weeks ago you were complaining about the heat, wishing the weather would cool down a bit, and now you're complaining about the cold?"
A light chuckle escaped Makoto's lips. "I'm not complaining yet, just asking. My complaints are reserved for December."
Despite his large physique, Makoto had never done well in extreme weather no matter what end of the spectrum. And truthfully, neither had Haruka, he simply wasn't as vocal about it. Whenever the thermostat reached above thirty degrees and there was no body of water nearby for a quick dip, his cheeks would redden and an adorable pout twisted his features. He never voiced his displeasure, but his eyes were filled with unquenchable longing for his next submersion. It was pretty cute, yet the joy radiating off his face when he finally got to swim again - which was usually the next day - was unmatched.
It was a shame Makoto wouldn't be able to see that look on him for at least another nine months or so, but in the meanwhile, there were lots of other things he could look forward to.
"It's crazy how quickly the weather can change, though," he said as they strolled through the city, heading towards the train station. "But I'm kind of excited about this season: the leaves changing into all sorts of pretty colours, eating roasted sweet potatoes at the park, visiting cultural festivals, holidays, cuddling up underneath your grandmother's quilt while watching a movie."
"A scary movie?"
"Absolutely not!"
A soft, almost inaudible snort left Haruka's nose, an expression of amusement, and Makoto couldn't help but smile. Although the wind was rather frigid, being with Haruka always flooded his chest with warmth.
"We won't be able to swim outdoors anymore, but I guess fall isn't the worst," Haruka said, adjusting the strap of his bag on his shoulder. The tips of his fingers were dyed pink and when Makoto traced his gaze up over his arm, he saw the tiniest of goosebumps erupted on Haruka's skin.
"Are you sure you aren't cold?" Makoto asked, and Haruka defensively rubbed at his arms. "Do you want my jacket?"
"If I took your jacket, you'd be freezing and you'd moan about it the entire way. I prefer being a bit chilly. I can handle the cold better than you anyway."
There was no use arguing because Haruka was right. Maybe they could speed up their pace to get to the station faster. "Sorry, Haru. If I knew beforehand the wind would be this strong, I would've brought you a cardigan."
Haruka's cheeks flushed pink, but Makoto was pretty sure it wasn't because of the weather. "Idiot, I should've brought my own jacket."
This look on Haruka was a sweet one, too. His nose tinged red by the sting of autumn, his otherwise tidy hair swept astray until it got officially cold enough to wear a hat, unconsciously huddling a bit closer to Makoto so his wide frame blocked out the icy wind. If this was the sight he'd see for the upcoming six months, then maybe Makoto could learn to love sweater weather, too.
"If you're that cold, you can stay over at my place tonight, if you want," Haruka said, averting his eyes as he kicked at a stray leaf.
It wasn't like a snowstorm was headed their way, putting the trains out of order and preventing him from getting home safely. But Makoto would've been out of his mind if he declined such a lovely offer. "I'd like that."
"When we get home, I can make us some hot chocolate," Haruka said, still not meeting Makoto's gaze.
"Oh, I could really go for a warm drink right now, especially hot chocolate," Makoto sighed marvelling at the thought. "Do you have marshmallows?"
"I don't, but we can stop by the convenience store to get some," Haruka proposed, "As a reward for… starting your essay."
Makoto giggled. "I haven't finished it yet, though."
"Starting is the hardest part, and you were dreading it, so."
It was an excuse for giving in to Makoto's sweet tooth, but the meaning laced through his words didn't get lost on Makoto. I'm proud of you.
"Thanks, Haru," Makoto said, and he gently grasped onto Haruka's hand and entwined their fingers, tugging Haruka to his side so their arms brushed. "In the meanwhile, I'll keep you warm."
Haruka only huffed, but he didn't pull his hand away. On the contrary, he leaned in even further, till their shoulders bumped with every step.
Each season had its charm, but if this weather brought him hot chocolate and a good reason to hold Haruka's hand on the walk to his apartment, then perhaps fall would be his favourite season of all.