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For more than 60 years that Keiji and Koutarou have been together, there was never a dull moment in their life. It was all full of laughter and love.
The two of them were inseparable to the point that it doesn’t feel right whenever one of them is away from the other. They’d always seek the other’s presence and would just melt right into it, locking each other up in their arms.
With just their actions, everybody saw how deeply in love they are with each other.
Today marks Keiji’s 78th birthday and just like what they’ve been doing from the past, that soon turned into a tradition within their family, they held a gathering bringing foods that they cooked and especially gifts. Gifts that would and will always be kept in their average abode for memories that would last forever.
Once they heard a knock, Koutarou stood up and went to open the door and welcomed their family, especially their grandkids who were energetic as always. How he wishes he could still play with them and teach them volleyball, especially his secret moves and technique just like what he did with Hinata when they were in training camp. It sure does bring back good old memories.
“Ojiisaaaaan!” The kids called on Keiji as they searched for him and soon saw him on the couch in the living room. They greeted him with a happy birthday and a kiss on the cheek.
“Tell us more stories about you and Ojiisan when you’re still young.” One of the kids requested it and Keiji was very delighted to hear that.
“You kids, never really get tired of hearing the same stories every year?” Keiji laughed softly as the kids nodded their heads.
“Okay okay. Settle down now, so we can eat later together after the story.” Keiji replied with a smile on his face as he sat properly and looked at the kids, eyes sparkling as they waited for him to start.
“While the others knew where they’ll be going in high school, I was still quite unsure about my decision. I didn’t know where I should go but after seeing the boy who enjoys playing volleyball, I knew where I should be. His enthusiasm somehow made me want to go to the same school that he goes to.” Keiji started his story while the other family members were preparing the food. Koutarou on the other hand is with the kids, listening to Keiji’s stories which made him reminisce about the old times.
They were inseparable in high school. Akaashi knew how to deal with Bokuto’s sudden change in emotions and he surely knows how to get the latter back on his feet. Everyone was thankful for Akaashi but Akaashi was thankful for Bokuto for letting him get to know and understand him more.
In college, both of them were in a different school, pursuing their own dreams. But, despite being away from each other, they would both arrange meetings, taking advantage of the free time that they have. They would study together for exams, they would have sleepovers and some frequent catching ups.
When Bokuto graduated, he started working and applied for a position in MSBY. He continued working until he got a reply and was accepted into the team.
The first person that Bokuto went to was Akaashi. As he got into Akaashi’s apartment, he waited patiently for his partner to come home and to celebrate it with him.
Despite being tired from uni, Akaashi was happy and celebrated Bokuto’s achievement with him. It was one step closer to his dreams and soon it’ll be his turn.
Bokuto helped Akaashi a lot especially when he’d break down from a lot of work and convince himself that he wouldn’t make it. But seeing Bokuto by his side, he remembered the first time that he saw the former.
Bokuto was the reason why he’s here now. Without Bokuto, it’ll be hard for him. Sure, he has friends but nothing beats how Bokuto comforts him and his assuring words.
The day of Akaashi’s graduation, after the ceremony, Bokuto dragged him to the airport. Two luggages were in the compartment of the car while there were backpacks on the backseat. Akaashi was confused but he didn’t ask Bokuto.
It must be a surprise? But where?
12 hours and 49 minutes. That’s how long their flight was. When Akaashi peeked at the window, he immediately realized where they were.
“We’re in France?!”
“Oh? You didn’t know? I thought you already figured it out when we’re going to the airport.” Bokuto sheepishly smiled at him while scratching the back of his head.
Akaashi could only shake his head. He still went along with Bokuto. When he asked the latter when he started planning the trip because their itinerary is so detailed, Bokuto just shrugged his shoulders and said, “When I started working!”
Upon hearing it, Akaashi tears up. He’s so lucky to have a man like Bokuto. He’s lucky to have a man to have this much dedication to give him the best time of his life. Akaashi couldn’t ask for more.
I’d like to marry him. I want to be with him forever.
Everyday, they go to different places and are able to taste different kinds of delicious food. It was too good to be true but they enjoyed everything to their heart’s content.
On their last day, the two of them went to a field of lavenders. It was such a beautiful sight to see. They stayed there until lunch and before leaving, Bokuto kneeled in front of Akaashi.
A small velvet box on Bokuto’s hand gave everything away. Akaashi cried while Bokuto was laughing at him.
“Stop crying, Akaashi! I haven’t even said anything!”
“But it would lead to what I’m thinking right now, right?”
Bokuto stood up and wiped Akaashi’s tears away before saying, “Look at me with clear eyes, love. I want you to see everything clearly.” Bokuto gave Akaashi a soft smile before kneeling again in front of him.
“Keiji, will you marry me?”
Hearing Akaashi’s name with the voice of the love of his life, he knew he’d love to hear his name everyday being called by his husband. It was such a happy day despite the both of them being shy by calling each other by their first names.
“And I said yes to Koutarou. It was the happiest day of my life.” Keiji said as he wiped his tear-stained cheeks.
“Time to eat!” Everybody got up including Keiji and the kids headed to the dining area with a whine but as Keiji stood up, he looked up at where Koutarou was sitting and said, “Come eat with us. It’ll be great. You’ll love my husband’s specialty. He particularly learned it for me. My favorite. Nanohana no karashiae.”
“Your husband must really love you.” Koutarou smiled at Keiji.
“He really is. He doesn’t really cook well but the effort to learn to cook the food that I like was the reason why I fell harder. He is such a nice man and I’m lucky to be married to him.” Keiji giggled and went to the dining area.
I’m lucky to be married to you, too, Keiji.
It was such an eventful day for them. There were games, the giving of gifts, messages were said and everybody enjoyed Keiji’s birthday. Everything that happened that day was for Keiji to remember again the things that were important to him, including Koutarou.
It was time for everyone to go home and Keiji thanked every one of them for making his birthday more memorable and enjoyable. He felt like being a teenager again after playing with his grandkids and reminiscing the memories from the past. And when everyone had gone home, it’s just the two of them again. Keiji and Koutarou.
“Would you like to go somewhere? It’s still too early to rest.” Koutarou smiled as he offered Keiji his hand.
“Koutarou, my husband, likes to surprise me everytime when it’s my birthday. Did he tell you about that?” Keiji asked as he smiled softly, taking Koutarou’s hand.
“Yeah, he told me everything about you. And he really really loves you. From the bottom of his heart.” Koutarou smiled as they headed to the garage to ride their car. Koutarou may be old but he can still drive. He’ll drive anywhere just to take Keiji to different beautiful places for him to remember.
And while they’re on their way to their destination, Keiji has been asking Koutarou some questions. Questions that are painful to hear for Koutarou but he nevertheless smiles at Keiji.
“How long have you known my husband?” Keiji urged as he can’t remember the man that he’s with right now.
Koutarou and this man must be close since he knows everything about me. Maybe he’s a very close friend of Koutarou for this man to know everything about me. Keiji pondered as he waited for Koutarou to answer.
“I’ve known him since we were kids.”
“Really? How come Koutarou didn’t tell me about you?” Keiji was in disbelief upon learning that the guy that he’s with is Koutarou's childhood friend.
“You know him. He forgets everything once his attention is on someone else. And by that someone, who I mean is you.” Koutarou quickly turned to Keiji and gave him a toothy smile.
What Koutarou said made Keiji laugh. It was a hearty laugh that Koutarou hadn't heard since Keiji had forgotten about who he is.
If only I was observant enough to have understood that you were suffering. This wouldn’t have happened because of me. You couldn’t have forgotten your memories and me if I took care of you more.
Koutarou sadly smiled as he continued to drive. Keiji would keep asking him questions and he’ll answer them truthfully, missing the times where everything was okay.
“Tell me more.” Keiji insisted as he was now interested to know more about his husband’s childhood friend.
“I was part of the MSBY during my 20s.”
“Are you serious? I've been an avid fan of MSBY during my days and I haven’t even heard about you.”
Yes. It was painful for Koutarou but he could only smile.
“You’re too focused on your husband that you’re not aware of some of the members.” Koutarou jokingly said to which Keiji blushed.
Despite the wrinkles, the white hair and everything that just screams ‘old’, Koutarou still can’t help but think that Keiji blushing is still cute for him.
Upon arriving at their destination, Keiji’s eyes immediately widened as he was familiar with the place. It was the place that he’d go to whenever he was lonely or when he wanted to escape from his problems. Being right there immediately calmed him down while telling himself that everything’s gonna be okay.
Keiji had brought Koutarou there for a single time but whenever he went missing, the latter knew where he could find him. Koutarou would always be there right beside him and would help him let out all of his emotions. Keiji was simply well taken care of by Koutarou and he’s happy that the latter is his man.
“How did you know about this place? Did Koutarou tell you to bring me here?” Keiji’s voice was soft but it was evident that it excites him.
“Yup. He wants you to enjoy your everyday life. Now, shall we head to your favorite spot?”
As Koutarou offered his hand, Keiji was quick to accept it with giggles since it’s been so long since he visited the place.
Keiji was in complete awe as he saw a bench with a wooden white arc with solar lights on it which made the place brighter and more magical.
“He really did this for me?” Keiji asked to which Koutarou nod.
“That naughty old man, he could’ve hurt his back doing this.” Keiji teared up as he appreciated what’s in front of him.
Keiji gently sat on the bench with a pillow for his back to make it comfortable and there was even a blanket in case it’s a cold night. Koutarou was quick to unfold the blanket and wrapped it around Keiji’s shoulders. Keiji thanked Koutarou with the most beautiful smile he could give and it made Koutarou fall in love again.
Koutarou sat next to Keiji while admiring the view in front of them. It was not just the city lights that made it look beautiful, the bright stars in the sky accompanied with the calming sound of nature, everything was perfect.
“It would’ve been really great if Koutarou was here.” Keiji said as he rested his head on Koutarou’s shoulders which made him still.
But I'm here.
Koutarou wanted to say those words but he didn’t. Instead he replied with, “He told you that you two will always be together. Side by side.”
Keiji kept quiet the whole time which made Koutarou think that he was asleep already but he wasn’t.
As Koutarou rested his head on the top of Keiji’s head, he whispered. “I wish that before any of us go, I want you to remember who I really am. That’s my only wish and I’d help you remember everything little by little even though our time is short. I’ll make sure that you’ll remember me.”
Koutarou gently kissed the top of Keiji’s head as he wiped his tears away.
“I have been thinking about this everyday but you look really familiar to me. It makes me think that we are really close with each other.” Keiji suddenly said, which startled Koutarou. They were now both looking at each other. The other’s eyes were full of confusion as to why he feels comfortable with a person that he doesn’t clearly know while the other was full of unconditional love and pain.
Koutarou extends his arms and pulls Keiji for a hug as he was now sobbing as he couldn't take it any longer.
“It’s because I am your husband, Keiji. I am the one you love. I am your Koutarou.”
Keiji stares at the older man crying in his arms and says, "You know, my Koutarou had eyes like yours. They were bright and kind too. I hope he knows how much I loved him."
Koutarou pulls back and wipes his eyes. To hear that from Keiji makes everything worth it. He gives Keiji a smile, "I'm sure he does. He was lucky to have you as his husband."
"We both were," Keiji answers, settling back against Koutarou in the evening sunset.