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Inui knew this day would come, and had known for many years now. It was a given, but how could he think of that when the past 9 years felt so unreal, so… almost peaceful.
When Inui had confessed to Koko on his 19th birthday, he had never expected for the other to accept it. He had prepared to just say “haha april fools, koko, sorry that must’ve been awkward haha”
But instead Koko had taken his hand and taken him to his apartment. The day after, Inui had thought he would disappear again, it should’ve been just a one time thing. But it wasn’t. Again and again and again. At first it was only once a month, then twice, once a week. Time after time Inui would find himself with Koko close to him.
The first time they went on a date, Inui thought he was dreaming. Koko had taken him to a little cafe, where they spent hours together, sitting by a small round table with their hands loosely clasped under the table. Inui didn’t mind Kokos' silence. He enjoyed these little moments where Koko would softly caress his knuckles, silently looking at him.
Their fist kiss (and all the ones after it) was one of the best things to happen to Inui in his own personal opinion.
They were walking home from their date, Koko had taken them to a park in Yokohama, apparently a very popular destination for dates, Koko had softly caressed Inui’s face and softly leaned in.
When their lips touched Inui could’ve sworn he felt tiem stop around them. Kokos lips were softer than he had ever imagined, lightly chapped but soft nonetheless. After that day, Koko would kiss him after every date.
The blonde loved the mornings in Kokos apartment the most. He would wake up to warm sunlight streaming in through the window, a soft breeze ruffling his hair. He felt movement from right next to him, a soft hand caressing his cheek and playing with his hair. When he opened his eyes he would see Koko looking down at him, an almost fond expression on his face. “Your hair has gotten longer again.” He would lean down a little and softly kiss him.
Then without another word Koko leaves the room.
Usually that would be it. They would go about their days, going to their part time jobs or running errands.
Sometimes, on the few days where the two of them had the day off together, they would lie on the couch, with Kokos arm slung around Inuis waist, pulling his back towards his front and holding him there. They don’t speak in those moments, simply enjoying their closeness.
The first time they fought Inui had thought that they would break up.
Ever since they started dating Inui had strictly only called him Hajime, never using his old nickname. Until one day where Koko had kissed him so softly, holding him so tightly as if he was afraid Inui would disappear if he let go.
“What’s wrong, Koko?” Inui had asked.
It was as if a dream had shattered. Koko let go of him and pushed him away, his face contorted into a frown. “Don’t call me that, Inupi.” was all he had said before he left.
Inui hadn’t seen him for two weeks after that. In hindsight it wasn’t even a real fight. They never yelled at each other, they didn’t physically hurt one another. But to Inui it felt like his world was breaking apart.
When Koko picked him up at work, the blonde was at a loss for words. They didn’t speak on their way to the other man's apartment. Inui hasn’t felt as sore as he did after that night.
Over the years of their relationship, many things had changed. Inui let his hair grow out, he started to cover up his scar because he didn’t want people to stare at them more than they already did. He sometimes wore more feminine clothes, exploring his own gender in ways he never had before. He never told Koko the reason for that though.
When they were 24 Inui played with the thought of marriage. They had been dating for 5 years, even basically started to live together. Inui rarely sleeps in his own apartment nowadays. But there was still the issue of same sex marriage not being legal yet.
Koko never brought up the topic of marriage either so Inui assumed it just wasn’t something the other had wanted. Afterall, Koko had always wanted to marry Akane. Maybe someday, should it ever be made legal, he could bring it up with him. Once the wound of Akane's death has healed.
Inui still remembers it as vividly as if it had happened yesterday. The first thing that threw him off was the smell of smoke. The second thing was the sudden heat.
When the roof started to cave in, Inui had run out of the room in search of his sister. What he hadn't expected was for a ceiling beam to fall and trap him. He felt the burning wood sear his leg as he turned around to push it off. After a few minutes of struggling he managed to get it off his leg, curling into himself as the pain continued on. He heard a loud bang from downstairs, a familiar voice hollering from the front door.
"AKANE-SAN"
Inui wanted to call out to his friend, tell him both him and his sister are upstairs. Is Akane even up here? He briefly wondered.
A sudden crack, another ceiling beam falling towards him. Inui rolled out of the way, just barely avoiding getting his skull crushed. The burning piece of wood might've not crushed him, but he could feel the fire licking at the side of his face.
It hurts. It hurts so bad. Inui wants to scream, to cry out, Koko I'm up here, please help me. His throat hurts, the smoke filling his lungs.
Suddenly he sees someone kneeling in front of him, he faintly hears the person talk, not understanding what they're saying. The person lifts him onto their back, covering them with a jacket.
The person starts running back towards the door, leaving behind a hallway covered in burning wood and smoke. Wait, what about Akane, turn back, Akane is still somewhere up here!
Once outside, the person gently puts them on the ground saying words of comfort.
"Akane-san. It's alright now. The ambulance is here!" Koko
Inui coughs weakly, "you've got it wrong, Koko… I'm not Akane"
"I'm Seishu"
Not long after the fire, in the hospital, Koko vowed to earn enough money to save Akane.
Soon after, Akane passed away.
Even though it has been many years since then, neither of the two managed to get over her death. But Inui believes they'll get there soon. At least Koko has managed to get over his love for her.
7 years after they started dating, Koko still has never said "I love you". Inui doesn't mind it, they don't need to say it. He believes Koko knows exactly how much he is loved. Though sometimes he does wish to hear those three words just once.
When they were 28, things started to spiral out of control. It was to be expected. They used to be members of a gang afterall.
Inui had been working in the bike shop as per usual, taking over some of Drakens workload so he could get some proper rest.
He had just finished checking a new order when his phone lit up with a notification.
"Kokonoi has been shot."
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"Inui? Are you okay?"
"Inui, maybe you should return home for the night. You look like you're about to pass out."
"Inui…"
Inui stopped listening to those voices. The rain was beating down on him, making his hair stick to his face. The ground underneath his legs was turning muddy, soiling his pants and making his socks sticky and wet.
There was a soft sigh, some whispers and then the rustling of fabric as multiple sets of footsteps disappeared.
He was left in silence as he continued to kneel there. The Inui family grave had recently gotten a new addition.
Inui drops his head, silent tears running down his face.
"Koko…. Back then,,, it should've been me. I should've been the one to die… maybe then… you would have finally found your happiness…"
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When Inui arrived at the scene, he only found Koko lying in a puddle of blood. The warehouse had been cleared of anything that could be traced back to whoever had been involved.
Inui rushed over, cradling Koko in his arms. "Hajime… you're gonna be fine, I called an ambulance, they'll be here shortly. Please. Please don't die on me."
Tears slowly slid down his cheek, softly landing on Koko's pale face. The other man was looking up at him, a soft smile playing on his lips.
He raised one of his hands shakily, softly caressing Inuis face. He leaned up to press a chaste kiss to his lips. With his last breath he whispered those words that would forever shatter Inuis heart.
"You're so beautiful, I love you..."
"...Akane-san"