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With spring and warmer, nicer weather finally arriving, so did the flowers, and that special kind of cheer and love in the air that brightened as the gloom and cold slowly yet steadily vanished. It was a time of change and new beginnings, of just joy and propositions.
... And Sakuma wasn't exactly a big fan of it.
It wasn't that he hated the idea really- it was just... too cheesy and corny for his own tastes. The shops and stores everywhere just constantly pushing it for the sake of their sales with no real care or thought put into it, didn't exactly help change his mind. At least not for the better.
Well, at least the change in the weather was something he welcomed with open arms.
It was the same every spring.
And then, came the first spring since finally letting all those pent up feelings out. Since having those feelings returned against all odds.
And the first since Genda accepted so whole heartedly to be his boyfriend, smile brighter than ever.
Sakuma... honestly didn't think he should expect much to be different now. It was still the same season with the same boring stores and same cliche motives. There was nothing to be excited about there, really.
Except Genda's presence in his life changed so much more than he could've ever even begin to think of.
Sakuma kept catching himself mindlessly observing store windows, idly wondering if Genda might be interested in some of those little cat themed trinkets, or if he would like to try that seasonal ice cream flavor that was just released, or-
Well, that. That didn't prove anything, did it?
... He was a lost cause already, and it hadn't even been a year of dating yet. He really was head over heels for Genda, wasn't he?
And then, as he tried not think too hard about it, and especially about his trip to a local store the previous day... Genda stepped close to his desk, smile on his face, right as everyone was busy gathering their things to leave school for the day.
"Ready to go?"
That wasn't unusual, even before their newfound relationship. Sakuma just mindlessly nodded as he carefully put the last of his notebooks back into his bag, taking the time to look around just to be completely sure he wasn't leaving behind.
"I am now. What about you? You sure you got everything this time?"
And Genda just pouted, like it wasn't one of the cutest things Sakuma had ever been blessed with.
"I only left that book one time! One!"
"Do you want me to count the times for everything else too, then?"
"Y-you don't have to go that far..."
Lucky them, he did, in fact, pack everything this time.
And just minutes later, they found themselves walking down the street on a pleasant, sunny day, cherry trees in blossom around them, the few falling petals gently dancing in the breeze as they made their way to the ground.
Genda had been the one to insist on the detour to take the long way, pretty much begging him to do it. Not like Sakuma could've told him no when he was making that stupidly cute face.
Admittedly, the scenery was... so much prettier than Sakuma gave it credit for at first. Actually, the more time they spent together there, hand in hand as they walked side by side, the more breathtaking it became, almost like a spell had been cast around them. There were no unwanted noises, the breeze was chill yet refreshing, the sunlight was the right amount of warmth- and yet it all still paled next to the one at his side, not even so much as comparing to him.
"S-so... why did you want to come here, exactly?"
"Oh- I just wanted to take a walk here with you! You know, since it looks so nice during this time of the year!"
"O-oh- that was all...?"
"Yup." Genda didn't even hesitate to agree.
"S-so... this... is this... a d-date?"
"Mmmh... I guess it is if you want to see it that way!"
And he was so nonchalant about it that Sakuma nearly combusted on the spot. Genda just held his hand a bit tighter as he stammered, the smile not leaving his face.
"U-um... w-well, then... i-in that case..."
Oh, he was so not prepared for this. A planned date, with time to think ahead and make sure he wouldn't end up tripping over his own feet? That he could deal wth, no problem. He was a strategist, a thinker, planning and preparing for any eventuality was what he knew how to do.
Things so sudden, spurs of the moment, however? He wasn't sure he could get through without putting both feet in his mouth. Unfortunately for him, his boyfriend loved to be impulsive.
Genda watching him with those eyes so soft and that smile like he was the world to him wasn't helping.
Maybe he could still do something to salvage this. Hopefully.
... Not like Genda didn't know already how much of a mess he was, but still-
"W-well... so..."
"Something wrong?" And Genda was already looking at him with such concerned eyes that Sakuma felt guilty just opening his mouth.
"N-no, no-! N-not at all!" Oh boy, that wasn't really good, was it? "J-just- w-wait a moment-"
And he was frantically digging into his bag, muttering to himself under Genda's increasingly confused stare. Finally, he felt the paper of a bag, felt around some more and allowed himself a breath of relief when he realized nothing was damaged. Carefully, almost hesitantly, he pulled the bag out, grimacing when he realized it wasn't even tidied up and prepared as a gift yet in his rush, paper bag wrinkly after the day spent inside his bag and half peeled store sticker still on it. Regardless, he took a deep breath, presenting it to his boyfriend, his cheeks burning red and his eye adverted.
"U-uh... S-sorry for this... I-I know it's not r-really looking the best, but... w-well, I-I saw it and I thought you'd like it, s-so-"
Genda just bit his lip- even when that wasn't enough to hold back his tiny chuckle.
"Jirou- I don't care if you think it's not perfect. Anything you give me is perfect."
And he accepted the tiny paper bag without hesitation, already opening it and- and out of it came a little figure still in its package, a round, orange cat, half asleep and with such a silly expression, sitting on a cherry blossom like it was a bed. And Genda was just watching it with wide eyes, awe sparkling in them.
"Jirou... this is amazing."
"R-really-?"
"Of course!" Like his grin wasn't enough proof already.
Seeing him so excited already, gushing over the little thing that meant so much to him now, Sakuma allowed himself to be a bit more at ease. Maybe he hadn't truly screwed up like he feared, then.
And once Genda had ensured the little cat was hidden away in the safety of his bag, he took Sakuma's hand in his own once again, grin bright on his face.
The rest of their walk turned improvised date was much more pleasant than Sakuma expected, the cherry petals in the wind and gentle splashes of color around them feeling almost magical now- yet they still paled next to the beauty that held Genda's smile and bright eyes.
Maybe they could make this detour more often.
The much needed break from high school felt almost like heaven after so much time spent between books, homework and essays.
Or at least it should’ve.
Genda groaned, a hand trying to push his hair out of his face and away from his neck as he sat as close to the fan as humanly possible.
His hair was starting to get longer by now, already well past his usual length back in middle school. Which meant it now was long enough to stick to his neck whenever he was sweaty enough. Maybe he should've considered his decision to let it be and not bother too much with how long it'd get before the heat of the summer made its presence known.
"Everything alright there?"
And from his spot on the bed, Sakuma was trying very hard not to laugh at his suffering. Trying and completely failing without any shame or remorse, but trying nonetheless. At least there was an attempt, right?
"I'm dying here- how do you survive like his with hair that long?!"
"Don't be so dramatic- just come here, you ass."
Despite the excruciatingly painful and cruel effort that was getting so far away from the fan, his only source of comfort and relief in this torture of humidity and heat, Genda managed to make the monumental effort of standing up and getting closer to the bed- not without his fair share of groaning. All Sakuma did was roll his eye and pull him closer, gathering all his hair into the highest ponytail he could manage and tying it up, as far away from his neck as possible.
"Better?"
"A lot."
Sakuma just huffed with a roll of his eye.
"Alright then, what do you want to do now? Or are you going to spend the whole day sitting there and trying to confess your love to the fan?"
"Hey! It's not my fault that it's so hot today!"
"Come on, just tell me what you want to do."
Complaints aside, Genda actually took a moment to think of something. Or at least tried to.
"Well... I'm not sure, honestly. It's too hot to really feel like getting up to do something..."
He wasn't really wrong. Even something as simple as going for a walk or training felt like a bigger chore than it was under the scorching sun with sweat and humidity making their clothes stick to their skin.
"Mmmh... what about the pool? Or the beach? Not sure if we could do something in the river, but maybe there..."
At least Genda did think about it for a moment.
"No offense, but I don't think I have the energy to start packing now to prepare for a trip like that."
"Fair enough. Guess we can plan it for another day and invite everyone else, then."
"Sure, that'll work."
It had been a few days since they last saw each other in person, after all, everyone a bit too busy with the time they finally had for themselves to go and hang out together just yet. Catching up would be nice.
With no other ideas just yet, there was a quiet moment between them, with the much welcome wirring of the fan trying to relieve them at least a bit as the only thing breaking the silence.
"What about ice cream instead?"
Sakuma looked back at him, phone resting on his chest.
"That's not a bad idea. But... are you sure you feel up to it? The store isn't exactly around the corner, you know." Sure, it was still way closer than the beach or the pool, but it was still a walk away. Hardly ideal when they were trying to stay as hidden from the scorching sun as possible.
Genda loudly groaned as soon as the realization hit him, nearly running his hands desperately through his hair and only stopping himself to keep the ponytail intact.
"Right, right- I just- I really want an ice cream now-! Ugh, damn weather..."
The idea, however, refused to leave his mind once it had settled in. It was hard to resist it, heat or not, as soon as he thought of that sweet, sugary piece of freezing cold heaven, topped with the perfect amount of syrup and cookies... or even caramel, if the shop had some in stock to bring back home, or...
... He needed that ice cream now. Just as badly as he needed some cold.
Then, he looked back at Sakuma, trying to fan himself as much as he could while pointedly attempting to ignore the fact that he was hot.
"Well, guess it can't be helped..." And with that, Genda stood up from the spot he had nearly glued himself onto, just looking around for his wallet and keys.
"What are you doing?"
Genda half heartedly sighed as he pocketed his things, double and triple checking to make sure he was taking everything he needed. Being locked out of his own home once after forgetting his keys was embarrassing enough, thank you very much.
"I'll go get the ice cream and hope it will be fast enough to keep it from melting as soon as I step out of the store."
Sakuma raised an eyebrow.
"Weren't you the one complaining about how hot it is today and how you felt like you were melting? And just how impossible it was to survive in this weather even just to walk to the store?"
"Yes, yes... but you deserve ice cream too!"
And now Sakuma blinked.
"But... I'm fine without it, really-"
"Aw, come on! You deserve it! Just let me treat you this once, alright?"
They both already knew that there was no arguing when he set out to do something. Especially when that something was for Sakuma.
And finally, Sakuma just sighed, accepting his defeat.
"Fine, I guess... just don't take too long, alright? And don't spend too much- I'm fine with one of the plain flavors."
"Alright, alright, I get it-"
They both also knew that this would hardly be enough to really stop Genda.
And that was how, about half an hour later, Genda showed up back home, a sweaty mess nearly dropping the bags he was carrying, desperate to hide in the freezer for a good while. Sakuma chided him for putting himself so willingly through the struggle and pain of the hot weather and wait at the crowded enough store, just taking the bags from his hands while he went to refresh himself s bit in the bathroom. Then he peeked into the bags.
A few different toppings, waffle cones, two tubes of ice cream in different flavors. More than what Sakuma had asked for.
And Genda knew that damn well, giggling to himself even as his bangs were dripping with the wster he kept splashing on his face in a desperate attempt to cool down a bit. He knew and he didn't care, just glad to bring back something he knew Sakuma would enjoy, even with all his complaints.
It would be worth it just to see Sakuma smile.
Besides, it would make the ice cream taste even sweeter.
The cafe they had picked for the day wasn't an often frequented place, small, warm and cozy, the quiet and almost homely atmosphere inside just perfect for the two of them. The soft browns and oranges that decorated the walls alongside the darker tones of tables and chairs matched perfectly all the shades of yellows, reds and oranges of the season.
Sakuma really wished they had the time to do nothing but sit there for hours, a warm drink in hand and a sweet treat in front of them as they exchanged gentle words and soft kisses.
Unfortunate as it may be, their first semester of college was already hitting hard. They had already worked as hard as they could holed up in their shared dorm room to get assignments and essay ready on time, enough sleepless nights to pass out for a week once it was all over. Lucky them, all that tiring, long work had paid off- for the most part, at least. There was still a lot to be done, however... but a break was in order.
... Even if the break in question consisted of nothing more than a change of scenery and some fresh air as they reluctantly buried themselves into books again. But well- it had to count for something, right? Hopefully it did.
It did seem to help Genda, at least a little bit. As much as he may still be struggling with his own materials to study and learn, he looked a bit more at ease, despite the still very mu h obvious pout on his lipz that Sakuma was oh so tempted to pull closer and kiss for a good few minutes.
Some self-control first, though.
"How is it going? Need any help there?"
Genda just sort of grumbled, still busy filling the edges of the pages with scribbled, tiny and barely decipherable notes, everything sorted in that one big, somehow organized mess that no one but Genda could really read ("Keeps people from asking for my notes and never returning them.").
How Sakuma himself had managed to learn to read them, he still wasn't sure. Might be a mystery forever left unsolved.
"I... I'm not sure, honestly. It's like it makes sense but also doesn't?" He just groaned, putting his pencil down, a hand running through his hair already exasperated. Sakuma just reached over the table to take his free one, giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze.
"It's alright, Koujirou- you'll get it in no time, just be a little more patient with yourself."
It wasn't the first time he needed that reminder, always so harsh on himself at the first failure, thinking he had to be better, do better for everyone else.
Genda just nodded with a sigh, just trying to take a breath and calm himself down at least a little- when finally their names were called with their orders ready.
"Don't worry- I'll pick them up."
And he rushed out of his seat. And while he talked to the cashier and verified everything, Sakuma took the liberty of looking over his notes, in search of whatever might make his boyfriend's next few moments at least a bit easier. They might not be sharing subjects anymore, but they did spend plenty of time talking about their courses with each other, airing frustrations and sharing achievements to celebrate, that by now they could at least grasp the basics of what the other was studying, enough to at least help a bit. It was almost like being back in middle school, one study date after the other.
Maybe they should try to do this more often.
And as Genda returned to the table, balancing drinks and plates, Sakuma hurried out of his seat to catch him before everything could fall to the floor, Genda offering him a sheepish grin as a thanks while he returned to his own seat.
"Alright, alright- where were we, again?"
And of course all thoughts of his current struggle were gone as soon as he had something else to focus on. That was just how it was with Genda, and Sakuma wouldn't have it any other way.
Getting comfortable in his seat once again, Sakuma just pulled the notebook a bit closer with one hand, the other one busy bringing the drink to his lips, a soft smile already on his face.
"Here- I think learning this section might be easier if you start from here instead. I'm not entirely sure, honestly, but it looks like you might need to go over this stuff again before diving into the newer material."
And Genda was right back to pouting, a serious nod as he grabbed the first cookie to take a bite and start reading.
"Oh- you might want to summarize it too, it looks a bit too long as it is. I don't even know how you managed to write all that down at all."
"It's the professor's fault- you know, that one guy I was telling you about?" And he just groaned as he picked up another cookie to stuff his mouth with.
"I know, I know- just hold on a while longer, alright? You can get through this, really."
Genda just tried to once again groan in answer through the mouthful of cookies.
And for a while, they were just sitting there, comfortable as they talked to each other between drinking and studying, taking notes and eating. Even when it was just to keep studying, neither of them really minded too much anymore. They were together, they were comfortable and at ease, that was the only thing that mattered.
And hours later, when it was time to go, sun hiding behind the buildings and tinting the sky streaks of deep orange blending in with the purple of the night, they happily put away books, pencils and notebooks, between whispers and quiet laughter as the shop started to fill with tired customers, making their way out as quickly as they could.
They were soon walking back together, hand in hand, scarf and jacket fixed to shield them from the oncoming breeze of the night. Genda had quickly picked up their idle chatter once again, happy even just filling the silence by himself as he stepped on the little piles of vibrant leaves on the ground, Sakuma gently pulling him closer to avoid bystanders or just to lead him in the right direction.
Even once they were back to their dorm room and their usual routine, there was still a lingering sense of ease around them, even as they returned to their assignments and essay.
They should definitely do this more often.
The snow was falling, slowly and gently, streets and trees already covered by a blanket of pure white. And there was Genda, walking through the street, Sakuma's hand in his own, barely fighting back the need to run at the sight, to kick up snow laughing and even throw a stray snowball with a hardly hidden giggle of mischief. Not like that was really stopping him from trying at least a tiny bit from having h own fun, chuckling to himself as
he kicked it up in the air, just light enough to keep it from turning into a mess.
Even with all the cold and problems that came with it, Genda liked the winter. It felt... almost refreshing, in its own odd way. Like everything was a little calmer, gave him more time to think, to breathe. Even his usual excess of energy felt a little more bearable amidst the cold of the snow and breeze.
Everything felt right.
"Aren't you getting a bit too cold now?"
Sakuma's voice snapped him out of his own thoughts, just enough to make him stand still and pull him closer, an exasperated sigh as he adjusted his scarf. Genda's grin just grew wider, warmer against the harsher cold of the season.
Sakuma just raised an eyebrow at him instead.
“Are you really that happy over risking a cold?”
And Genda just very maturely stuck his tongue out like the man in his twenties that he was.
“You say that like you wouldn’t take care of me anyways.”
“I don’t think you’d want me as your nurse, Koujirou.”
“Come on- you’ve done great the other times!”
“Yeah, and then you got me sick too you ass!”
They both knew he didn’t really mean any of that, always willing to do anything he could or had to for the sake of his boyfriend. And Koujirou would do the same.
Regardless, Sakuma rolled his eye once he was finally satisfied with his work.
“Come on, let’s just hurry up and buy those ingredients- I want to go back and hide for the rest of the week.”
Because unlike Genda, Sakuma very much wasn’t a fan of the season. Which only really meant that Genda would make it his goal to make his boyfriend as comfortable as possible during the season, making him the warmest meals he could in the coziness of their shared apartment. It was just another reason to look forward to the season for him, especially now that they were finally living together, all on their own.
“Alright, alright, I’m moving-” they weren’t too far from the store by now, at least. Even when it was just a bit disappointing to get out of the snow. “Anything else you want to get while we’re there?”
“Mmmh… don’t know… we already need to buy a lot of stuff…” and even after he said that, Sakuma kept pondering, suddenly perking up- and now he had Genda's full attention. “What about some sweet potatoes on the way back? The stalls should be selling them by now! I-if that isn’t a problem, I mean-”
And even when he tried not to sound too excited, Genda already knew exactly what to do. And to reassure him, he leaned in to kiss his temple, Sakuma's face suddenly turning redder.
“Of course it’s alright, you don’t even need to ask.”
Like Genda wouldn’t try his best and hardest just for the sake of spoiling his boyfriend rotten. It was always worth it anyways, Sakuma's smile always making it all better.
“A-alright, let’s just hurry then-”
And he was rushing into the store as soon as it was in sight. If it was because of the cold or to hide his flustered face, Genda honestly wasn’t sure, just following at his own pace, grin still on his face. Maybe he’d help him calm down later with a snowball. He had to debate how much he valued his own life first.
… He would definitely be doing that anyways.
When he caught up to Sakuma and put his own little plans that might or might not include a death wish aside, he found him already pushing a cart and slipping a few things in. and just to be sure, he quickly peeked into the cart, nodding in approval at the sight of the broth package, tofu, noodles, veggies and meat.
“And you haven’t even slipped in some chocolate or any other sweet. Impressive.”
Sakuma just glared. Genda could barely keep himself from cracking and laughing just a bit too loudly in the middle of a convenience store.
“You say that like you’re not the one that got a package of cereal, ice cream and chocolate syrup and then had a stomachache the rest of the afternoon.”
“It was one time!”
“Oh, it absolutely was just one time. Because the other times you were busy mixing other obscene amounts of sugar instead.”
“Like you don’t have that much sweet tooth too-”
Sakuma was suddenly quiet.
Before it could get too awkward, Genda speed-walked through the aisle, looking around for the mushrooms and other things they were still missing. He’d have to get Sakuma an extra sweet potato to make up for that.
At least the rest of their trip to the store didn’t take much longer, the small advantages of actually planning things beforehand instead of just running to the store forgetting even his keys and spending a good hour trying to even remember what they were in need of. Now, if only Genda could remember to make a list more often too.
“Do we have everything you said you needed?”
Just to be sure, Genda looked into the plastic bag again, right as they were busy with packing the last of their items. Sakuma sighed with a tiny smile when Genda looked back at him and nodded.
“Alright, let’s go back now- I’m freezing already and we haven’t even stepped back out yet.”
“Aw, come on, don’t be so dramatic, it’s not that cold yet!”
“… Koujirou, have you seen the snow?!”
Genda had to really, really hold back now. No, he wouldn’t be mean for the sake of joking around, he was stronger than that, he wouldn’t throw snow on impulse at his beloved, dearest boyfriend that he loved so much.
Maybe another day. Maybe. Just maybe.
Genda was just a little disappointed when they were finally stepping back inside their apartment, the itch to go outside and stay there for a few more hours, feeling the snow until his fingers went numb, still too strong and very much present. Least it was still just the first snow of the year, he’d have more occasions to do just that later. Hopefully.
“If you want it, we can go to the park tomorrow.”
Of course Sakuma had noticed his disappointment, it was almost like he could read his mind, knowing him well enough to find out even the feelings he was trying to hide. Genda just smiled, sort of nodding as he started pulling everything out of the bags and getting it sorted.
“That… I’d like that. Are you sure you don’t mind, though? It is getting pretty cold, and I know you don’t like that, but-”
“Koujirou.” Sakuma stopped him, placing a hand on his cheek. Genda didn’t mind how cold his skin felt to the touch. “It’s fine. We can do it, alright? Don’t worry about me.”
Genda's smile was brighter now, his nod more convinced.
“Ok then, just go get warm and comfortable, alright? I’ll start cooking here.”
And that was what they did, both taking a moment to slip back into heavy, warm pajamas, Sakuma getting comfortable under the kotatsu, a content sigh as he turned on the TV and unwrapped his sweet potato, happily munching into it as he leaned into one of his many penguin shaped pillows. Genda just took his time in the kitchen, chopping and setting aside ingredients, just a bit reluctantly taking the time to wash all the dishes that weren’t needed anymore, despite his urgent need to just join his boyfriend and do nothing for the rest of the day. Finally, he was free, taking the small electric stove to the kotatsu, leaning on the floor with a relieved sigh when it was all over, just waiting for the mouth-watering dish to be ready.
And then, Sakuma slowly crawled closer to him, mouth still full and dragging the pillow with him, setting it down to let Genda rest on it- and that was his excuse to lay his head on Genda's chest instead, happily humming as he got comfortable. Genda just stared at him, an eyebrow raised and barely fighting back a smile.
“You comfortable there?”
Sakuma just nodded, nuzzling into his chest. Genda wrapped his arms around him, holding him as close as he could.
“Did you at least save something for me?”
And Sakuma just groaned as he reached for the bag just out of reach on the carpeted floor, pulling it closer and then into his boyfriend’s hand.
“Aw, so you did remember.”
“Shut up before I eat it too.”
Genda just grinned as he started peeling off the wrapper, still refusing to stop keeping Sakuma as close as he could, an arm still around his shoulders.
“I love you, you know?”
“Well, I love you more.”
“Right-”
“It’s true!”