Archive of Our Own

Day 3 ~ Height Difference ▪︎ Film AU!

"So you're leaving? Just like that?"

"Kosei…"

"You said you loved me!"

"And I do! I swear on my life that I do!"

"Then why are you leaving?"

Itsuki frowned, biting his lip. In all honesty, he had no reason for breaking up with Kosei. He definitely didn't want to. He sighed. "It would ruin both our reputations-"

"I don't care about reputation!" Kosei's tears felt hot as they ran down his face. He touched Itsuki's cheek, careful of the bruise that had formed. "I only care about you."

"You can't afford to have your reputation ruined by someone like me-"

"I don't care!"

"Well, you should!" Itsuki couldn't remember the last time he'd yelled at Kosei. He didn't think he ever had. "You're supposed to be the straight-A, perfect student of a rich and famous lawyer! You should care and start acting like it!"

He couldn’t take the hurt look on Kosei's face.

"You sound like my dad."

"Well, maybe that's a sign that you should listen to him! It might actually do you-"

He was cut off by a harsh slap. "If you don't wanna be with me then that's fine but you don't have to be a jerk about it!

"Kosei-"

"I hope you're happy, Nakamura. I hope I don't ruin your "bad boy" image more than I already have." He stormed off, slamming the door behind him.

Itsuki was glad that his parents weren't home. He gingerly touched his cheek.

For some reason, it hurt way more than the bruise. He sighed, pulling out his phone. He watched as Kosei tore down the street.

He could still see him crying.

His phone stopped ringing. "Hello?"

"...I broke up with him. Are you happy now?"

"And scene!"

No one in the room said anything for a long time. Yamaguchi walked off set, Tsukishima not far behind him.

Ennoshita sighed, rubbing his face with his hands. "How are the two of you so good at this and you’ve never worked with each other?"

Yamaguchi laughed, wiping his eyes. "Oh my god, I'm actually crying…So it was good?"

"Good? Are you kidding?! That was amazing! How do you two feel?"

"Being sad is emotionally exhausting." He plopped down next to Daichi, his agent.

"Take a five minute break. You look drained. Tsukishima, do you want a break too or are you good to go on?"

"I can keep going. I'm sure there are some scenes left without Yamaguchi in them."

"There are plenty. I wanted to get one big scene out of the way to test the waters, so now we can start from the beginning." Ennoshita turned in his chair. "Ten minutes, Yamaguchi."

"Yes sir!" He graciously accepted the water and granola bar that Daichi had grabbed for him.

"You improved so fast. It's honestly a little scary."

"That's because Suga-san has helped me so much. I'm surprised I even got the role."

"The two of us have known Ennoshita since we were teenagers. We were his first set of actors that he ever used."

"You used to act?"

"Poorly. Nowhere near the level of Suga even if we were just sixteen."

"He's amazing."

"He's in a league of his own. It's crazy how good he is. But I'm proud of him. And I'm proud of you."

"It's our rich boy of the hour. Actually, it's been like three hours but…"

"Don't come over here to bully my actor, Kuroo."

"Who's bullying?" Kuroo wrapped an arm around Daichi. "I just came to say that you're doing good. Between you and me, Tsukki thinks you are too."

“Really?” Yamaguchi asked, taking a bite. He hummed when the chocolate hit his tongue.

"He might not show it, but he looks comfortable around you. It's usually a bit hard for him to get into character but he doesn't seem to have that problem with you. Seems that famous Yamaguchi Charm is real"

"You guys just have natural chemistry," Daichi said as he turned to Tsukishima, who was still filming a scene. "This is going to be a good movie. I can already tell."

"First off, we just want to thank the two of you for joining us today."

Tsukishima wasn’t much of a talk show person, but rumors of the movie were already spreading like wildfire so both Daichi and Kuroo had thought it was a good idea to set up an appearance. He sat uncomfortably stiff next to Yamaguchi, trying his best to look pleasant.

"Thank you for having us." He vaguely wondered why Yamaguchi was so good at this.

"So, there's been a rumor going around that the two of you are doing a movie together. Is that true?"

"It is," Yamaguchi said, looking at the blonde.

"We can't say much though, seeing as we began filming not too long ago."

Yamaguchi quietly chuckled to himself, elbowing Tsukishima. Was he really being that awkward?

"Can you tell us a little bit about your characters? The both of you have acted in the past. So are they anything like your other roles?"

"Mine definitely is," Yamaguchi answered. Tsukishima really needed to thank him once this interview was over. "He's your typical "boy next door" type of character."

"You are very good at those roles."

"That's because they're the most like me," Yamaguchi and the hostess laughed. "Really though. We've been working on this project for about a month now and I've already fallen in love with him."

"And you, Tsukishima? You've played multiple different roles in the past. Are they similar to any of those?"

"Yes and no," the blonde shrugged. "His aloofness is there-"

"That's just you," Yamaguchi interrupted with a smile. Tsukishima was starting to love that smile. Especially when it was directed towards him.

“Shut up, Tadashi.” He couldn’t help but let a small smile slip through.

“Sorry, Tsukki.”

The hostess smiled as well. “Nicknames and first names already?”

He glanced up to see Kuroo’s eyes widened slightly. Tsukishima had done enough interviews to know where this was going. “Lots of people on set call him Tadashi. It’s not just me. But like I was saying…” He saw Kuroo give him a quick thumbs up before he continued. “That aloofness—which may or may not be my personality—is there, but there’s a bit more to him than that. That’s all I’m going to say because I want to avoid spoilers but…when the movie comes out, let’s just say there’s more than meets the eye with him.”

“So what’s the filming process been like? Ennoshita Chikara is the director, right? He’s worked with greats like Oikawa Tōru and Sugawara Kōshi.”

“I’ve worked with him before and he never disappoints,” Tsukishima answers. “He expects the best from his actors and he won’t settle for anything less. I like his no-nonsense personality and I think it shows in his films. This one’s no different.”

“Even from our first table reading, he had the vision,” Yamaguchi continued. “All his films that I’ve seen have been amazing and I think I’m starting to understand why. And with him being so young, it’s amazing. It’s easy to forget he’s only twenty-five. Sorry, Ennoshita.”

The hostess laughed again. “The Yamaguchi Charm is a thing.” That got the man in question to laugh as well. “And speaking of table readings, you two have never worked together, have you?” Both of them shook their heads. “How’s that been?”

“Our characters are so closely intertwined in this story that we sort of had to develop this chemistry really quick,” Tsukishima answered. “With Yamaguchi, it felt…natural. We’ve only filmed one major scene together but that one scene just seemed to flow. We’re not sure how it’ll work with different types of scenes though.”

“You’re really trying to stay vague, aren’t you?”

“I’d like to keep my job so I’m not letting anything loose.”

“And you, Yamaguchi?”

When Tsukishima looked over, he noticed that his co-star’s face was turning red. He smirked. Apparently, compliments made the younger man blush. He cataloged that for future use.

“When I heard that I would be working with Tsukki, the first thing I heard about him was that he had a hard time connecting with other actors. Although we’re the same age, he has more experience than I do and he has a much broader range, so I was super nervous going into this movie. But it’s like he said. I don’t know what it is, but I didn’t have a problem connecting with him. My agent calls it “natural chemistry”, which is a very real thing. But it’s like…when I’m acting with him, it feels real. That’s something that’s really hard to achieve, and I hope it shows in our performance.”

The hostess shared a knowing look between the two of them. “Some chemistry, indeed.” She looked at the cameraman, who was signaling to wrap up the segment. “That’s the last of the questions. So, thank you two again for stopping by and we can’t wait for more information about the film.”

“The two of you are the talk of the entertainment industry,” Kuroo said a few weeks later when they were filming. Both Yamaguchi and Tsukishima were currently sitting in makeup, Yamaguchi getting bruises put on his arms.

“What do you mean?” Daichi asked, going over to Kuroo.

“‘Tsukishima Kei and Yamaguchi Tadashi to Appear in Movie Together’, ‘Yamaguchi Tadashi Breaks Tsukishima Kei’s Cold Exterior: A New Romance in the Making?’”

“Back up,” Tsukishima interrupted. “What cold exterior?”

Kuroo clicked on the article. “‘Twenty-four year old actor Tsukishima Kei is known to have a cold exterior. In an interview done yesterday by talk show host, Watanabe Aiko, he seemed relaxed and pleasant. Was this due to his co-star, up and rising actor Yamaguchi Tadashi? Is there some sort of chemistry between the two?’ Yada, yada, yada, you get the point. It’s just the media being the media. You did seem more relaxed though.”

“I just hate interviews. That’s not my fault.”

“But I rewatched it last night. You do look comfortable. You were tense at first but then you loosened up once the two of you started joking around.”

“He just has a relaxing personality.” Tsukishima was glad that Yamaguchi couldn’t look his way. He was also glad he couldn’t talk because he knew what the other man would compliment him in some way and make him blush even harder.

Luckily for him, Ennoshita walked in a few seconds later. “Alright, you two. Your makeup looks great. Now let’s record some scenes.”

“What do you want, Nakamura?”

Itsuki flinched as Kosei slammed his locker shut, turning to head towards the front door of the school.

“So you’re dating Takao now?”

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

“You called me a jerk but you’re dating the biggest douchebag in the school.”

Kosei stopped, not bothering to turn back towards the blonde. “At least he cares about me.”

“And I don’t? That’s a load of crap and you know it.”

The green-haired boy finally turned, rage blazing in his eyes. “Well, at least he doesn’t push me away!”

“Look, it wasn’t my choice. You don’t have to believe me but…” Itsuki sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I really did love you, you know. I still do.”

“Then why did you leave?”

“You wouldn’t believe me even if I told you.” He knew he was starting to raise his voice but he couldn’t help it.

“Then tell me.”

“It was Takao.”

“Yeah, sure it was.”

“I told you you wouldn’t believe me!”

“Maybe if you didn’t make up such an obvious lie!”

“You think I’m lying?! Why would I lie to you?”

“I don’t know! Same reason you left me! Because you like causing trouble!”

“I have proof!”

“Sure you do.” He started to walk away.

Itsuki acted on instinct. He reached out to grab Kosei’s arm. The teen flinched away, his face twisting in pain. Any ounce of anger the blonde felt disappeared. “Are you okay?”

He saw the panic flash in Kosei’s eyes. “What? Yeah, I’m fine!”

He sighed, chewing on his bottom lip. “Take off your jacket.”

“What?”

“Just do it.”

“Why?”

“I wanna see something.” Little by little, he started to push up Kosei’s jacket sleeve.

“See what? You’re being weird, Nakamura.”

He yanked the sleeve up with one final tug. He stared at Kosei’s arms. Bruises lined his porcelain skin. Some were big and some were small, but they all looked fresh.

Itsuki felt his blood boil.

“Who did this to you?”

Kosei averted his gaze, yanking his arm away. “No one.”

“Bullshit. Who did this?”

“It doesn’t matter-”

“The hell it doesn’t! Kosei, you’re letting someone beat you, and for what?! Does Takao know?” Kosei’s silence was all the answer he needed. “I’ll kill him.”

“Itsuki, don’t-”

“He’s beating you! You’re dating the bastard and he’s beating you!”

“Like you care!”

“Are you serious?! I would care if someone was hitting you!”

“You beat people up all the time!”

“Those people aren’t you!” He grabbed the teen’s shoulders. He didn’t miss how he flinched again. “You of all people don’t deserve this kind of treatment. And you’re just letting it happen?! The hell is wrong with you?!”

“You think I let Keigo beat me because I like it?! I don’t have a choice!”

“What do you mean?” He hated how soft his voice had gotten.

“You said it yourself. I should act more like the son of a famous lawyer. So my father forced me into a relationship,” his voice cracked. “Keigo also comes from a rich family. So…I just have to grin and bear it like a good son.”

“Kosei…god, that’s not what I meant!” Against his best judgment, he hugged the other third year. “If I had known, I would’ve fought harder. I would’ve fought so much harder. I’m sorry.”

“Hey, Inoue! You still at your locker?”

Kosei pushed himself out of Itsuki’s arms. “There’s nothing we can do about it now…We had our chance and we blew it.”

“Kosei-”

“It’d be better if Keigo didn’t see us together.” He turned away, squaring his bag back on his shoulder. “Later, Nakamura. See you around.”

“Cut.” Ennoshita sighed, rubbing his face. “I can’t with you two. It’s like you’re actually dating.” He turned around towards Daichi and Kuroo. He missed both his actors blushing. “How did you find these two?” Both managers shrugged and turned back to the set.

“Alright, get that face bruise on, Yamaguchi. Then let’s film our last scene!”

"You didn’t answer my question. Have you or have you not been hanging out with Nakamura?” Keigo pressed harder on Kosei’s shoulders, pinning him harder against the wall of a dimly lit hallway.

“He’s just concerned about me-”

“Why?”

“Well, when you leave bruises where people can see them, they get concerned-” He was cut off when Keigo slapped him on his other cheek. The boy whimpered.

“You are mine…and I told him not to talk to you anymore.”

Kosei looked at his boyfriend. “So it was you…You did make Itsuki and me break up!”

“It would’ve made your father happy.” He leaned down to whisper in his ear. “I just had to pull a few strings and tell a little white lie, and Nakamura was willing to break up with you. As long as it kept you safe-”

“Well, it didn’t. Because now I’m stuck with you.”

“And you’ll be stuck with me for as long as it pleases your father.” He kissed Kosei’s bruise.

Kosei turned his head when he went for his lips. It was almost five o’clock. So that meant…

“Itsuki! Itsuki, help me!”

“What are you-” He placed a hand over Kosei’s mouth. “What the hell are you doing?!”

“What the hell are you doing?”

Keigo turned with a snarl. “School ended almost two hours ago. Why are you still here?”

“I like to walk around. Watch all the club activities. But you haven’t answered my question.”

“I’m trying to have a conversation with my boyfriend.”

“Funny. ‘Cause it sounded like your boyfriend was just screaming for help and trying to get away from you.”

“We made a deal, Nakamura.” He backed away from Kosei, who all but ran to stand behind Itsuki. “I told you to leave him alone.”

“And I made the mistake of listening to you.”

“He’s my boyfriend now. You got to have your fun and now it's my turn. He's not your problem anymore."

"It became my problem when I found out you were beating him."

"If you wanna point fingers, point them at yourself."

"The hell are you talking about?" He saw Kosei scoot closer behind him in his peripheral. He growled. They were scaring him and he knew that, but he couldn't bring himself to reign in his anger.

Keigo smirked, looking at Kosei. "He was such a sweet, submissive boy before he met you. Now, he's gotten bolder. His father won't like that."

"Have you ever stopped to consider that Kosei's tired of pleasing people?"

"That's the only thing he's good for."

"I can't believe I thought you would make him happy."

The brunette took a step forward. "No matter. C'mon, Inoue. It's time to go home."

"No…"

"Excuse me?"

Both boys turned to Kosei. "I don't wanna go home with you. I hate you, Keigo."

"What was that?"

"I said I hate you! And I never want to see you again! This relationship is over!"

"So you're choosing the delinquent over me?"

"I'm not choosing a delinquent. I'm choosing Itsuki."

Keigo growled. "When your father hears about this, you won't be choosing anyone."

"I think when he hears this recording, he won't be choosing you either."

"What?!"

Itsuki pulled out his phone. "I've been recording the whole conversation." 

"Why you little…" He huffed. "Fine, you win. But just know that I'm not done with you, Inoue." With that, he stormed off.

Itsuki sighed, pocketing his phone. "And good riddance." He turned to face Kosei. "Are you-"

He was cut off as a pair of lips crashed into his. He barely had time to catch Kosei before they both went tumbling to the floor. 

When the two parted, Kosei wrapped his arms around Itsuki's neck, burying his face into the crook of the blonde's neck. "Thank you…"

Itsuki hugged him back. "I'm sorry for leaving. And if you're willing…how about a second chance?"

Kosei giggled, kissing his cheek. "I'd love to."

The trailer had dropped a few days ago and it was already the talk of Japan. The higher ups had also seen the first edit of the movie and had decided that not that many things needed to change.

They had decided that the initial kiss scene felt unnatural so they wanted it again. Problem was, it felt so unnatural because that was when Tsukishima was unsure about his feelings towards his co-star.

Now, there was no question.

"So, are you going to tell him or not?" Kuroo asked, watching as Tsukishima put in his contacts.

The blonde shrugged. "After this movie, we might not even see each other for a while."

"Yamaguchi seems like the type of person who would keep in touch with someone. And if you wanna do another movie with him, I'm sure Daichi and I could find some way to make that happen. I just can't believe the aloof Tsukishima Kei fell victim to the Yamaguchi Charm."

Tsukishima shrugged again, trying to hide his blush. "It's whatever. Let's go"

"So are you going to stare at me the whole time or are you actually going to try and finish that physics assignment?" Itsuki responded by closing his textbook. Kosei shook his head with a smile. "I agreed to be your tutor, Nakamura. Not that you really need one. Why do you act like you're not smart?"

Itsuki shrugged. "I have an image to maintain. People look at you differently if they find stuff out about you."

"Believe me. I know all about maintaining an image." He put his pencil down. "I get it."

"But you're not as stuck up as people say you are."

"And you're a lot nicer than people give you credit for."

"I don't know about that." Itsuki smirked. "You're just…easy to be around. You're kind, caring…there aren't too many people out there like you, you know. That's what makes you so charming."

Kosei turned red. He hadn't even realized that the two had moved so close to each other. "Nakamura, I-" He was quickly cut off when Itsuki kissed him.

Yamaguchi's brain was short circuiting. Tsukishima had gone so far off script. It sounded better though, much more genuine than the original.

He parted (like in the script), looking into Tsukishima's eyes. Something about them looked so…Tsukishima. He almost forgot that the cameras were still rolling.

He looked at the blonde as Tsukishima whispered, "I love you."

"Really? Like actually?"

"Yes, Inoue. Actually."

Although Tsukishima had said his character name, Yamaguchi knew that he was being for real. He could feel it.

He could play that game too.

He wrapped his arms around Tsukishima's neck, closing the gap between them. "Kosei. You can call me Kosei…Itsuki."

And when everyone praised the movie, talking about how the kiss scene seemed so real and genuine, only the two of them would really know how special that scene was.

And if they shared that exact same kiss in the dark during the premiere, that was a secret between the two of them.