Chapter Text
AKANE AOI
I don't really know what I was thinking when I looked up 'realiti datin show audutioons' at 02:38 on a Wednesday morning, wine glass in hand. I guess it was that I knew most of my friends had landed themselves a boyfriend or girlfriend already, yet I was still stuck with a Facebook label of 'Single'.
Yes, I have Facebook. Don't question it.
A few of them (namely Amane and Lemon) had been bugging me about the topic of dating for the past few years now, saying stupid stuff like, "Akane, do you really want to die knowing I, Yugi Amane, got myself a loving girlfriend?" and, "My bro, you've got to get out of this stupid antisocial phase and go get that dick! Or whatever you feel like getting a taste of, bro."
Both resulted in minor injuries for the two, but that's beside the point.
In the end, after all the years that the two had been constantly reminding me that I was one of the few singles left of our group, I broke down. Tears and everything, as if I had just found out the world was ending (which it was in my eyes).
I knew I was crying for one of the stupidest reasons, but I couldn't help it. The thought of been alone for the rest of my life isn't exactly something I wanted, therefore, leading to this exact moment on Saturday morning, where I open my emails to find one of the dating shows I had drunkenly applied to had responded.
I blinked. Refresh.
It showed the loading sign for a split second before my emails showed up again, and there it was, in all of its glory.
Love is Blind — Audition Confirmation Email.
I wasn't quite sure if this was real or if I had subconsciously downed another wine bottle.
Nevertheless, I carefully opened the email, as if it were about to explode. A few small paragraphs popped up, and I began reading:
Dear Aoi Akane,
We, the directors of Love is Blind, received your audition for the show at 02:44 on 18th March, 2021. After giving your audition a quick skim, we noticed how unpunctuated and messily the paragraphs were written, as well as the random 'keyboard smashes'. We are guessing you were intoxicated at the time?
However, we looked at your audition again and noticed how you specifically wrote under the question 'How will bring in this show benefit you?', "i nEed t2 PRuve ouqbdidihoes bITChe thAt ae myy fri endsss ksjjiwJBBSIEbbb tha i WINT B3N SONGLE ADD I WIL GEt maaried befpre tem!!!!!!????*"
We were put off by your response at first glance, but realised you have a strong motive to be on this show, unlike a few of our other auditioners, who simply wanted to be on the show to be known.
We translated your answer the best we could, "I need to prove those bitches that are my friends that I won't be single and I will get married before them!" and we're wondering if you were still interested in coming onto the show.
If you are, reply to this email before 1st May and we will send a link to retake some of the answers and further information on the show and being payed.
If not, simply delete and ignore this email.
Have a swell day,
Love is Blind Team.
After reading, I only had one thought going through my kind:
Getting myself drunk on Wednesday morning was the biggest mistake of my life.
I sat down for a minute, thinking about how not only did I actually send and receive a response from a reality dating show, but I managed to embarrass myself with my stupid, drunk responses.
I quickly exited the email and clicked on the move to trash icon.
Click.
It was gone. Good riddance.
Exhaling, I plonked back into my bed and laid still for a moment.
Finally, peace and quiet. What a great way to spend my Saturday.
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I had responded to the email before lunch time, and officially sealed my fate to going onto the reality dating show, Love is Blind.
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"I'm proud of you, Akane! You've finally gotten out of that antisocial phase, and it seems you've matured enough to put yourself out there. But might I add, a dating show might've been a bit too bold of a choice..."
"You know I came here for comfort, right?"
Aoi only giggled to herself while lightly smacking my arm, my small glare ineffective. We were seated at a local cafe Aoi worked part time at since I phoned her, practically screaming about my dilemma.
Earlier with Aoi...
"Akane? What do you need? I'm on my shift right now..." I mumbled after serving a young couple their sweet treats.
"AOI, I THINK I MADE THE WORST MISTAKE EVER—"
I immediately pulled the phone away and winced slightly, "Akane, calm down! All my co-workers can hear you without the speakers..."
"HOW CAN I CALM DOWN?! I'VE JUST BEEN ACCEPTED INTO A DATING SHOW—"
What? "H-huh? A dating show..?"
"YES, A DATING SHOW! I can't believe the mess I got myself into! Gah, sorry Aoi, I probably shouldn't have bothered you about—"
"Oh, no no! In fact, my break is in half an hour, so you should come down here so we can chat about it! We haven't caught up in a whole anyway,"
"W-wait, really?! Are you sure?"
"Of course! What kind of a friend do you take me for? Just be here soon and we'll talk on my break." I spoke as gently as I could with a soft smile on my face.
"A-ah, thank you so much, Aoi! I'll be there soon!"
Back to the present...
"So, you're basically telling me that you are going on a reality dating show called Love is Blind, which you didn't even know you auditioned for since you were drunk on wine?"
"I guess you could say that..." I couldn't help but mumble. My brain hadn't really caught up on this news either.
"...Are you sure you're actually Akane Aoi and not some weird outer space alien that's come down to take over humanity and somehow chose the real Akane to impersonate? Because let me tell you, you're doing a pretty bad job at it. I mean, telling me you're gonna be a reality TV star? Big mistake, but they happen."
All she receives is a blank stare from me before she starts to giggle softly, "Okay, I'm sorry! It's just really, really hard to believe you're the Akane I've known since we were little kids! I mean, you've got to understand that much, right?"
I sighed softly, "I guess I get what you mean..."
Sensing my sad tone, Aoi quickly sat up and pat my arm comfortingly, "Hey, are you actually caught up in this? Don't be! It'll a fun experience that not many get to experience themselves."
"True, but like you said, it's something I would never consider!" I exclaimed, waving my hands in the air for dramatics.
She giggled again, "But obviously drunk Akane has some different thoughts on it."
I found myself smiling as I spoke, "You know, you're doing pretty terrible at making me feel better. I thought you'd be better than Lemon and Amane, but maybe I should reconsider..."
Another playful slap, "Come on! I'm only kidding, and you know I'm better at most things than those two idiots,"
"I guess that's true."
We laughed for a few moments before she looked at me, a happy smile playing her lips. She grabbed my hand and squeezed reassuringly, "Akane, everything will be fine! I promise you, really," Another tight squeeze, "Plus, I'll be one of those hardcore fans watching you,"
I immediately pull my hand away with wide eyes, "Oh my god, no! You're actually gonna watch it?!"
"If course! What kind of a friend do you think I am?"
"No! You can't watch it! Gah, this is gonna be so embarrassing!" I exclaimed, feeling blood pool into my cheeks as I buried them into my palms.
"Don't worry, if you don't want me to, I won't say anything,"
"You promise?"
She sat silent for a second, "Will you let Nene be an exception?"
"What?! No! That girl will spread the news everywhere, I don't trust her."
Aoi sighed dramatically as she took a sip of her coffee, "Fine, I'll watch your suffering alone." She caught a glance of my bank face and giggled again, "Jeez Akane, I'm joking! You'll be fine, learn to take a joke sometimes. If you want to be husband-material, you'll need to work on that."
Suddenly, she gasped and grabbed both of my hands as she spoke, "I have the best idea! What if I help you get ready for this thing?!"
I was already ready to object, but she placed a single finger on my lips, silencing me, "That's not a question, it's a statement. Oh, hurry up and finish your cheesecake while I try to get out early."
Before I could say anything, Aoi had risen and taken her empty cup and my half-empty (or half-full, depending on how optimistic you are) cup to the back. I sighed and ate my cheesecake quickly, knowing she wouldn't budge about anything.
I happily finished the cheesecake, although it was a tad too sweet in my opinion, and lazily opened my phone and scrolled through my limited social medias.
Nearly ten minutes later, Aoi emerged from the counter, apron now hanging. She wore a cropped black and white checkered shirt along with plain black jeans. Simple, yet fashionable.
"Firstly, we'll need to work on your fashion sense. I'm sorry, but you look like any old generic male."
"Aoi, they won't even be able to see me. Why focus on fashion?"
"Oh, that's true... But we best prepare for when you do get engaged and hop into that honeymoon!"
I stopped walking and stared at Aoi, "Yeah, you really think I'll get engaged?"
Aoi only smiled, "Of course, Aoi. You'll find someone much better to love, much more than you ever 'loved' me,"
"Hey, that's still a sensitive subject! I truly did love you, Aoi," I said as I feigned sadness, placing my hands in my chest.
We both chuckle as she swats my shoulder and we make our way back to my place so Aoi can help me become perfect 'husband-material' as she says
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"Okay, sixth question: what do you pick out to wear for your wedding with your significant other?"
Aoi stood infront of me holding dozens of palm cards, each with a different question in each card and I sat on my bed, legs swinging slowly as I stared at Aoi, confusion all over my face.
"Aoi, why do I need to know that? It's useless information for me to know,"
"Well, I guess you better start writing down your email and password for your socials—"
"I would wear what any cliche man would: a plain suit with a white shirt underneath and either a necktie or bowtie."
Aoi tutted slowly as she shook her head and passed me a palm card, "That is technically correct, but you need to give a more in-depth description of what you are to wear."
I blinked at her, "Huh? Aoi, I just need a suit and—"
Once again, she pressed a finger to my lips to silence me, "If you were listening to me earlier, you would've said that it depends how fancy your wedding would be. For example, a suit includes a tie and same fabric lapel. However, a tuxedo can be identified as it used satin for its buttons and lapels, and a black bowtie will nicely go with—"
I'd let her go on for too long now, so I quickly shouted out, "Aoi!"
She abruptly stopped talking, only now noticing I had risen up from my seat on my bed, "Look, I get that you're trying to help, but you're only making me feel more overwhelmed with all of this random information your spewing out at me."
"But I was just—"
"I know you mean well, but it seems like you care about this whole thing more than me," I sighed as I sat back down on my bed.
Aoi stood silent for a moment before she joined me on the bed to my right, "Akane, I'm sorry that I'm overwhelming you. I didn't mean to do that, I was just getting excited since... well, to be honest, you haven't had a very interesting life so far. All you've down for the past few months is sulk and try to find a good paying job. You've been miserable, and don't even try to deny it. I've been worried about you, and so has everyone else. We barely see you anymore, Akane."
I could see the tears start to grow bigger, and I was about to tell her to stop, but she kept going, ignoring the tears, "When you called me today, I was honestly surprised. I had barely spoken to you, so imagine my reaction when you suddenly called during my shift, screaming about how you had been accepted into this reality dating show. Actually, you don't need to imagine, you remember how I asked if you were the real Akane, right?"
I did remember when she had asked me if I was actually Akane and not some alien who tried to impersonate me. I laughed a little at the thought.
"I was happy for you that something was finally happening in your dull, boring life, and that's why I was so excited to help you with anything to get you ready for it. I don't want to see you get hurt by someone or anything in that show. Trust me when I say that I really, absolutely did not mean to overwhelm you with anything..."
I sat still for a few seconds, absorbing everything that Aoi had told me. I never did realise how long it was since I did do anything that wasn't either looking for work or trying to keep myself alive.
All you've down for the past few months is sulk and try to find a good paying job. You've been miserable, and don't even try to deny it.
She was right, I had been absolutely miserable.
I decided it was time to actually answer Aoi, "I didn't mean to worry you about me, or any of my friends at that. I just... I always thought I knew what I was going to do once I finished school, but all of the courses I took weren't enjoyable for me, and I wanted to be able to get up every morning and not dread what was going to happen each day. But then I wasn't able to get hired for any jobs since I dropped out if uni, so I guess I became a bit obsessed with trying to find a good paying job to keep myself alive and to have a place to live."
Aoi's tears were still falling as she looked at me in shock, "Akane... why didn't you tell anyone anything about this? We would've all been happy to help you,"
"I wanted to get through it on my own, but I guess I never realised I ended up pushing you guys away. I'm sorry, I'm really sorry."
Aoi only pulled me in for a gentle hug, and we both sat in a comfortable silence, both of us absorbing what the other has said.
After a few minutes, I pulled back and grabbed Aoi's hands, squeezing them affectionately, "You don't understand how sorry I am about shutting you and the others out, really..."
"No, I do Akane. I'm also at fault, since I caused so much stress when I thought I was helping you."
I shook my head quickly, "No, you are helping! I just wasn't appreciating it before. But please, will you still help me to become, what do you call it, perfect 'boyfriend-material'?" I asked, making bunny ears as I spoke.
She giggled softly and nodded, and we both came in for another quick hug, before she stood up and grabbed ahold of her discarded palm cards.
"Alright, time for question seven: tell me the five love languages, and give examples too!"
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For the rest of the month, Aoi had helped me (when she was able to get some time off working at the cafe) learn how to be perfect 'boyfriend-material'. We'd meet up weekly on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons at my house and she'd help me go through all of her handmade palm cards.
She was even kind enough to offer me a spot as their cafe's cashier on some days.
It was nice to hang out with Aoi again, and I realised how much I had actually missed talking to her, and I even got in contact with Lemon and Amane (sparing the details of getting into a dating show).
Finally, after a long month, it was finally time to drive out to where the show took place.
It was far out from the main city, but still close enough for me to drive home. Aoi offered to drive me out for the first time, and I happily agreed. I could tell she was also looking forward to it.
Finally, after a sweet forty-five minutes, we arrived. On the outside, it looked like a massive shed, and I got a little nervous looking at it. However, once we stepped through the sliding doors, the nerves turned into pure amazement.
The inside was very modern, to put it simply. When entering, there was a desk where a lady sat, furiously typing away at her computer.
I approached the lady and she turned to look at us both, a smile appearing, "Ah, are you guys contestants? Would you mind showing me the document you had to fill out?"
I nodded and pulled out a few sheets of paper and placed them on the lady's desk. She stopped typing and picked up my sheets, supposedly scanning though all of my written details. She smiled again and handed me back my papers, then turned to Aoi.
Aoi stood still for a second, but then smiled nervously and shook her head, "Oh, I'm not here as a contender, I'm just here to moral support."
The lady looked surprised for a quick moment, but then smiled again, "Ah, that's fine. However, you are only going to be able to stay here since Mr. Aoi will head straight to his pod."
I turned to her in confusion, "Wait, I thought it said I would be meeting some of the other contenders? That's what it said in the documents."
Her smile suddenly morphed into confusion, "One of the questions you answered was that you would like both girls and boys."
She looked at me for a moment before chuckling, "Ah, you're the one who answered drunk, aren't you? Well, you apparently speak the truth when your drunk, so maybe that's what you secretly want, but don't know. Even if it's not what you'd like, I wouldn't be able to change it, since you've already been set a pod. You could always just decline anyone's proposal if you aren't after their gender."
A light blush made its way to my cheeks and ears, but I shook it away and responded, "Does everyone know about that? And I don't mind having both genders, I just never realised that's what I wanted."
"Yeah, a lot of staff here know about what you wrote. It was a good laugh, and let's leave it at that." She said ominously. Then, she peered behind me at Aoi, then back to me, "Well, you can say your last goodbyes to each other, since you won't be able to talk to each other face to face for a while."
I turned to Aoi and hugged her quickly, muttering a soft, "Thank you." And getting one back.
I gave a quick peck on her cheek and waved, before heading to the left as the lady pointed.
With one final glance at Aoi, I smiled and made my way down the corridor, my mind only thinking about what was to come.