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“Yuujirou! Hey- slow down or you’ll slip!” Aizou’s voice shouted through the rain, panting lightly as he tried to catch up to his blue head friend, careful not to get his shaded umbrella blown away.
Yuujirou laughed and turned back to him and he, too, had his own umbrella though it’s transparent. “Aizou, come on!”
Apparently, their parents allowed them to play in the rain after school, and Yuujirou seemed just as excited…meanwhile Aizou was slightly concerned, though still excited. And so, here they were, standing in the rain, both wearing raincoats and boots. Yuujirou was wearing grey ones, while Aizou wore a green one.
“Aizou! Look!” Yuujirou beamed, jumping on a water puddle. “Come here already!”
“Yuujirou-”
Before he could finish, his hands were grabbed by his friend, dragging the blonde with him. Aizou let out a yelp, and Yuujirou laughed. “Let’s play!”
Aizou stared at the blue head for a moment...he then cracked a smile before it turned into bubbly laughter. “Okay, but don’t blame me if we both get sick.”
Yuujirou grinned. “I won’t.”
They laughed and stepped on each puddle there is, the rain drops falling softly.
They were six and were best of friends.
___________________
“Brought your umbrella?” Aizou asked while fixing his bag.
Class was already over, and the two had just finished their cleaning duties. Most of the students went home, as clouds were filling up the sky outside, meaning it was going to rain just as the weather forecast had said and club activities were suspended.
“Yeah,” Yuujirou took his compact umbrella out of the bag and showed Aizou.
“Okay, let’s go then,” Aizou grabbed his bag and turned to the door. “Want to stop by the sweets shop nearby my place?”
Yuujirou grabbed his own bag and caught up with the taller blonde, they both left the classroom. “Actually, I have better plans.”
“Oh?” Aizou shot him a curious glance.
Yuujirou smirked, and Aizou’s eyes widened in realization. “Oh no, you don’t-!”
But too late, Yuujirou dragged him downstairs, ignoring the blonde’s protests. Just as they went down, the rain had started to fall. The two stood just outside the lockers, both their bags dropped to the ground.
Aizou groaned. “Yuujirou, we are not going to do this.”
“Yes we are,” Yuujirou stuck his tongue out at him teasingly. “Now come on! It’s only light rain, we won’t really get wet…”
“Yuu-!” Aizou was cut off by Yuujirou grabbing his hand, dragging him to the rain, the blonde felt shivers when the water drops soaked his uniform.
Still, he laughed.
“We’re going to get sick after this, you know?”
Yuujirou grinned. “Doesn’t matter, we’ll take care of each other that happens.”
Aizou rolled his eyes, “You’re absolutely impossible...” but he found himself smiling anyway. “I think I might end up taking care of us both.”
“That, you will.”
They laughed.
“Hey, Aizou,” Yuujirou looked at him with a curious gaze, “What do you plan on becoming in the future?”
Aizou paused to think. “I really don’t know… maybe a teacher?”
“Really?” the shorter male seemed surprise.
“What? Is something wrong with it?” Aizou raised a brow.
Yuujirou laughed, “No, just...I was thinking the same.” he looked down. “Maybe you’d like to be co-workers?”
“It’s too soon to say...but okay, I’ll hold you to that,” Aizou smiled.
Yuujirou smiled back.
Not too long after, a teacher had shouted at them from the second floor to not play further in the rain. They both laughed breathlessly while heading home, sharing an umbrella.
___________________
Aizou sighed as he closed his locker, checking his bag one more time if he had his umbrella. The sky didn’t look that well today.
And today was his birthday...or more likely, their birthday. But, Yuujirou wasn’t with him the whole day. Well, Aizou really can’t blame him. They were both popular, and were surrounded by many people today. Aizou didn’t even get to eat lunch with him. They both got to high school, and now both in their third year but...what changed? They’ve been spending less and less time with each other. He and Yuujirou weren’t together or anything though, so really, what’s there to be upset about?
He didn’t even know if Yuujirou went home already or not.
With another resigned sigh, he opened his umbrella and walked out of the school building, smiling at the goodbye’s and birthday greetings the students gave him from each floor.
I should stop by the cake shop Takamizawa-san works at… Aizou reminded himself. His brother’s girlfriend mentioned that they had a special offer this month.
“Where could he be?” Aizou muttered to himself.
Then, he heard footsteps, and it seemed like the person was running in the rain, towards him.
Eh? Aizou was about to turn around, but only to let out a gasp when someone tackled him into a hug. He almost dropped his umbrella, though thankfully he didn’t.
“Hey, wha-” Aizou paused, his eyes widening. “Yuujirou...?”
“...you didn’t wait for me, so I chased after you.” Yuujirou muttered bitterly, he didn’t let go of Aizou.
“Sorry, I thought you went home.” Aizou smiled sheepishly.
Yuujirou pulled away with a pout, “To think, that I even went out of my way to get you a present.”
“Eh?” Aizou blinked.
Yuujirou opened his bag and searched something inside...he lit up once he found what he was looking for. He handed it to Aizou.
“This is…” Aizou stared at the gift. It was a yellow colored Omamori.
“It’s a love charm, I also have one,” Yuujirou smirked. “I figured you’d have more luck in love if you have that, you know, like find the one?”
Aizou burst out laughing, “Seriously? Why a love charm? Are they the only ones left?”
“No, I chose it on purpose,” Yuujirou huffed, crossing his arms. “Keep it. It might even help you if you decide to confess to someone or something.” there was a tint of sadness in his tone, though it didn’t quite show.
Aizou was silent for a moment, and Yuujirou was suddenly nervous.
“If you don’t like it-”
“That’s not it,” Aizou cut him off. “It’s just...I also have something for you.”
Yuujirou gave him a curious glance. “You do?”
Aizou closed the distance between them, and wrapped an arm around Yuujirou. He leaned down, and within moments, their lips met. He shut his eyes. Aizou could feel the shorter male tense for a moment...but then, Yuujirou kissed back.
They pulled away, and Aizou was sure he was grinning like an idiot.
“Aizou...?”
“Yuujirou, I liked you…for the longest time.”
Yuujirou stared at him, wide-eyed, his face turning red. He then smiled- the softest smile Aizou had ever seen on him.
“I like you too.”
Aizou’s heart skipped a beat, he smiled warmly. “Really?”
“Really.” Yuujirou grinned. He wrapped his arms around Aizou’s neck and yanked him down for another kiss, making the blonde drop his umbrella, Aizou wrapped his arms around his waist and smiled around the kiss.
When the two parted, they laughed, the rain pouring gently on them.
“Oh, right, want to go to the cake shop where Takamizawa-san works at?” Aizou asked, picking up his umbrella, “She said they have a special offer.”
“For couples?” Yuujirou asked jokingly, joining Aizou under his umbrella.
“Maybe.” Aizou played along with a smile.
“Let’s hurry then.”
“Let’s.”
They walked to the cake shop, their hands intertwined.
___________________
Yuujirou huffed as he stared up at his room’s window from his study desk. He had college entrance exams tomorrow, and he had to review for it. Though apparently, he constantly checked his phone for any messages. Aside from good morning greetings, there were none...which made Yuujirou worry.
It was their anniversary today, but it was raining hard and so he couldn’t really go out and celebrate it with Aizou. He wished it was snowing instead, though he hated the cold.
Why aren’t you sending any messages? Yuujirou frowned.
Then, a knock came on his door. “Yuujirou? I’m coming in...”
His door opened, and Yuujirou turned towards his mom, who was standing at the doorway. She gave him a smile. “Someone’s looking for you.”
“Err, who...?”
She gestured for him to follow her, and so Yuujirou did.
When they went downstairs, Yuujirou’s eyes widened. He froze in place. His mother went over to the kitchen, leaving them alone.
“Aizou...?”
His boyfriend sat there on their couch, a towel over his head. He seemed as though he had been running in the rain...to which he probably did.
Aizou looked up, glad to see him. “Yuujirou!”
“What are you–?”
Aizou stood up and picked some things up from the table in front of him. He walked towards Yuujirou with a sheepish smile, offering him a small bouquet of blue flowers...and a stuffed penguin. “Happy Anniversary…”
Yuujirou accepted them, admiring the blue flowers. The stuff penguin seemed soft to touch too.
“I really wanted us to celebrate at a restaurant, but,” Aizou scratched the back of his neck, “Well, you know…”
“Dumbass, I don’t need that,” Yuujirou said with a roll of his eyes. “I want to be with you...and did you run all the way here?”
Aizou flushed. “Y-yeah…”
“Really,” Yuujirou snorted, he set the gifts back on the table. “Let’s go?”
“Huh?” Aizou looked at him, confused.
Yuujirou smirked, “Mom! We’re just going out for a little bit!” he called out to his mom before grabbing Aizou’s hand, heading towards the door.
“W-wait!” Aizou stopped them, “It’s raining, where on earth are we going? At least let’s bring some umbrella!”
Yuujirou laughed. “Oh, no need for that.”
“Ah-?”
Before Aizou could say anything, Yuujirou dragged them outside. Both of them got soaked the moment they stepped out.
“Yuujirou!”
Yuujirou laughed. “Come on!”
The blonde couldn’t help but laugh too, “You’re really impossible, you know that?”
“Yeah?” Yuujirou grinned, “Technically, aren’t we impossible together?”
Aizou rolled his eyes, and then took a step back. Yuujirou looked at him curiously.
He bowed a little and held out a hand. “May I have the pleasure?”
Yuujirou’s lips parted in surprise, he accepted Aizou’s hand. Aizou held him close, resting his hands on the shorter male’s waist...meanwhile Yuujirou placed his hands on Aizou’s shoulder. The blonde rested his forehead against his, and they both danced slowly.
“I love you.” Aizou said softly.
Yuujirou smiled.
“I love you too.”
___________________
“Remember to give me the wedding invitation.” Aizou reminded.
Ken smiled brightly, “Count on it!”
Apparently, Aizou got to the university he wanted...which was overseas. Today was his leave, and he was heading to New York.
“Have a safe flight, Aizou-kun.” Arisa said with a smile.
Aizou smiled back.
Then, he turned to his boyfriend. “Well, this is it.”
“Yeah…”
“Come on, don’t look at me like that,” Aizou smiled, albeit sadly. He tucked the side of Yuujirou’s hair behind his ear. “I know you don’t really want me to go, but-“
“It’s not that,” Yuujirou cut Aizou off, looking up at him. “I… I just…” the shorter male frowned. “I just want you to be careful, since you’re such a klutz.”
Aizou spluttered, “T-that’s what you’re worried about...?!”
“Yes.”
The taller of the two sighed dramatically. “Oh no, looks like my boyfriend doesn’t mind if I’m gone.”
Yuujirou stuck his tongue out. “Yeah? Well, there’re many possibilities...like you being robbed in your dorm unarmed, accidentally setting the toaster on fire, having a blackout and not finding the candles, and many more stuff.”
“I’m not that clumsy,” Aizou furrowed his brows at Yuujirou’s words.
“Sure you are.”
“If anything, I think all those things would likely happen to you.”
“Okay, but at least I don’t leave my room messy.”
They sent each other a glare for a moment but it soon turned into laughter.
“I’ll see you soon, yeah?”
Aizou smiled. “Of course. I’ll video chat you once I’m there.”
“You better.”
Aizou leaned down, kissing him on the lips for the last time.
“I’ll miss you.” Yuujirou quietly said.
The blonde fought back his tears. “I’ll miss you too...take care of yourself, okay?” Aizou said, hugging his smaller boyfriend.
Yuujirou hugged back.
Aizou waved them goodbye before leaving.
Unbeknownst to him...Yuujirou started crying, with Arisa and Ken comforting him.
___________________
Yuujirou shuddered as he walked on the sidewalk with an umbrella in hand. Despite putting on several layers of clothing...the snow and freezing temperature made him feel like he was a living snowman.
He had promised to meet up with Hiyori and Mona at the café, as though it was Christmas, and he had nothing to do. Usually, he’d spend his Christmas days with Aizou. But the blonde wasn’t here and he had to get used to it until he comes back.
After a few more walks, Yuujirou had arrived at their meeting place. He sighed in relief and entered the shop.
“Oh, Yuujirou-kun! Welcome!” Sena greeted him with a smile. “It’s rare to see you on a day like this.”
“Narumi-san,” Yuujirou bowed a little before straightening himself. “I’m meeting up with Mona and Suzumi today.”
“Oh, I see! They’re over there.” She pointed.
Yuujirou glanced over to where the girl was pointing at, and caught sight of his friends. “Thanks...I’ll also have some latte.” Yuujirou turned to the counter.
“One cup of latte it is!” Sena beamed, putting his order on the register, “That’ll be two fifty yen.” Yuujirou nodded and got out his wallet, giving her the exact amount of money.
Sena went over to go prepare the drink.
“How are you and Aizou-kun doing, if I might ask?”
“We’re doing fine,” Yuujirou assured. “This is the first time he’s away for Christmas.”
“I see...time flies so fast, doesn’t it?” Sena laughed lightly. “Good friends, good books, and sleepy conscience…” she hummed, “Back then, you were just playing in the rain without a care in the world… and before you know it, you’ve grown up.”
For a moment, he looked taken aback.
That’s right…we used to play in the rain.
“Yuujirou! Hey- slow down or you’ll slip!”
Yuujirou smiled at the memory.
“Alright, here you are!” Sena snapped him out of his thoughts, placing the drink on the counter.
“Thank you, Narumi-san.” Yuujirou took the cup of coffee.
“Yuujirou-kun.”
“Ah, yes...?”
Sena smiled. “Don’t worry...I’m sure he’s thinking about you too.”
Yuujirou’s cheeks turned red. “Oh, um…” was I really that easy to read?
Sena laughed, “Merry Christmas, enjoy your drink!”
“Merry Christmas to you too, Narumi-san…”
Yuujirou walked over to his friends, who brightened upon seeing him.
After a few moments, Yuujirou’s phone pinged. He checked it, and there was a message from Aizou. Yuujirou immediately opened it.
Aizou
Merry Christmas, I love you :D
(Insert picture of baked cake)
Sent at 08:23 A.M.
Yuujirou smiled, and he turned to his friends.
“Hey, let's take a picture.”
“Huh? Oh, sure, what for though?” Mona raised a brow.
“Nothing, just gonna send it to someone.”
Hiyori lit up. “Oh!”
Yuujirou gave Mona his phone, and they smiled for the camera–well, though he only did a peace sign.
“There, go send it to him!” Mona handed his phone back.
Yuujirou rolled his eyes and accepted it.
You
Merry Christmas, I love you too :)
(Insert picture of them three)
Sent at 08:24 A.M.
___________________
Aizou rubbed his eyes, struggling to focus on the book he was reading. He glanced over to his friends. Nakuru was yawning in front of him, and Minami was completely asleep beside him. Aizou frowned. They had exams tomorrow and had to take studying seriously. However...they were going absolutely nowhere.
“Minami, wake up.” Aizou tried, nudging his friend.
“Mhm…few minutes more…”
“We need to study, come on, get off of me,” Aizou tiredly pushed him away. Minami grumbled something as he rubbed his eyes.
“What time is it?” Nakuru asked.
Aizou checked his phone. “A little after one in the morning.”
“I need to sleep.” Nakuru muttered, though she was still reading.
“Can’t be helped,” Aizou smiled sympathetically.
“Why do we need to have exams...?” Minami whined, yawning.
“Don’t ask me, get reading,” Aizou also yawned.
His phone opened, showing a message notification from his boyfriend. Aizou checked it.
Yuujirou
It’s late there, don’t oversleep.
Sent at 00:06 A.M
Aizou smiled and typed back.
You
<3
Sent at 00:07 A.M.
“I think we should sleep.”
“Eh–?!”
___________________
“Someya-sensei! Goodbye!”
“Sensei! Get home safely!”
Yuujirou smiled as he gave the students a wave of goodbye before heading out the school building, holding an umbrella. The sky didn't seem very pleasant, and had decided to throw a rain. It had been a week after Yuujirou had become a trainee teacher at Sakuragaoka and it had been going well. The students were nice, the blue head decided...unlike his classmates back in middle school.
Yuujirou opened his phone as he walked. Aizou's last message was a goodnight one...and he didn't message Yuujirou anything this morning, or the whole day.
Did something happen?
The blue head sighed and placed his phone back inside his bag. He figured Aizou was just busy...the blonde can't always have time for him, after all.
Yuujirou looked up at the sky. “How long has it been...?”
He remembered the times he and Aizou had been in the rain, laughing, dancing without a care in the world sometimes getting sick after. Good old days…
“How long has it been, indeed?”
Yuujirou stopped in his tracks, frozen.
It couldn't be...
Placing a hand to his chest, Yuujirou shut his eyes and turned around.
“Yuujirou.”
The blue head opened his eyes...and there, in the distance, Aizou was. Wearing his usual ponytail, and he was smiling. Yuujirou almost felt his breath hitched.
“Aizou…” Yuujirou's eyes were starting to water.
Aizou opened his arms. Without even having to think, Yuujirou ran to him, joining him under his umbrella and dropping his own. Yuujirou wrapped his arms around Aizou's neck, his eyes tearing up. Aizou wrapped an arm around his waist.
“I'm back,” Aizou whispered in his ear softly.
Yuujirou tightened his hug. “Idiot...where have you been?”
They stayed there for a while, and eventually, Yuujirou pulled back, crying.
“I missed you, you know?” Yuujirou said quietly.
“I missed you too,” Aizou smiled, leaning down to kiss him.
Yuujirou reciprocated, realizing how much he had missed his taste.
They pulled back, and Yuujirou looked up at Aizou. “When did you get back?”
Aizou laughed. “Today.”
Yuujirou blinked, then his brows furrowed. “You could've told me, you know! I spent the whole day staring at my messages like an idiot!”
“Sorry, sorry,” Aizou chuckled, and then his features softened. “More importantly, I have something...to tell you.”
“Ah...huh?”
Aizou took a step back. Yuujirou looked at him curiously.
“Ever since we were young, you've already caught my heart,” Aizou began. “Those times where we would play in the rain, even though it'd make me worry...I can't deny that you looked just as beautiful.” then, he placed his hand inside his pocket, “Yuujirou, you've always made me happy...every day, even when we were apart, you were still there through our ups an downs...and now, I'd like to ask you this, important question…” Aizou pulled out something from his pocket, and he smiled at Yuujirou upon opening it, “Someya Yuujirou, I'd like to ask you to marry me?”
Yuujirou covered his mouth with his hands, his eyes widening. He tackled Aizou into a tight hug–making Aizou drop his umbrella–choking out a “yes” with his voice almost cracking. He was crying again.
When he pulled back, Aizou slowly slid the ring in his left hand ring finger. It was a silver one, and it was beautiful. Aizou looked at him, smiling...his eyes were also tearing up. Yuujirou placed a hand on his cheek and kissed the blonde softly, shutting his eyes.
“I love you.” Aizou said softly when they parted, his forehead resting against Yuujirou's.
“I love you too, so much.”
Then, they heard a sound.
“Hey- Kanata! Quiet!”
“Ah, Kanata-!”
“Ichigoya-kun!”
“Guys, wai–!”
A loud thud was heard, and the couple whipped their heads around the direction of where it was coming from–surprised to see their friends were there, in the corner.
Mona laughed awkwardly. “Uh… Congratulations?”
Asuka helped Kanata and Maeda up, scolding Kanata. Hiyori was looking afraid, but quite happy.
Despite the interruption, the two laughed. Yuujirou turned to Aizou.
“I'm hungry, let's eat?”
Aizou smiled. “Sure.”
“Oi, no fair! I want to join too!” Kanata whined.
“Kanata!” their friends shouted.
Yuujirou laughed. “Yes, yes, you all can join.”
Mona, Hiyori, Maeda and Asuka sighed in relief, while Kanata lit up. They all started walking to a nearby café, chatting.
Aizou and Yuujirou walked hand in hand, their fingers interlaced. The rain had stopped, and a rainbow was appearing. The two glanced at each other with a fond smile.
They were twenty three, and in love.