Archive of Our Own

It’s hot. Incredibly hot. It doesn’t help that Nozaki’s air conditioner broke; he vehemently promised that someone would be by to look at it soon, but that had been hours ago. 

But there was no way they could get work done this way, so they were all lying on the floor, exhausted. Nozaki was kind enough to continuously use a frozen water bottle to cool Chiyo down when he had the energy. Mikoshiba felt a little put out by this.

Finally, the maintenance man came by and fixed whatever he needed to fix, and they were good to go. Mikoshiba shoved down the cold water bottle and offered to go get more for them. They thanked him and with the money he went.

Things were quiet like usual when he returned, but they must not have heard him come in. The door was still slightly ajar and when he took a peak in, he held back a gasp. 

Nozaki and Chiyo were leaning back against the couch, turning toward one another. Nozaki had his hands on the back of Chiyo’s neck and Chiyo’s hands grasped the edge of Nozaki’s shirt lightly.

They were kissing. Heatedly.

Mikoshiba furiously wracked his brain. When had this developed? What had he missed? Wouldn’t have Chiyo told him about this ?

He cleared his throat and announced he was back. He could hear them welcome him in, but Mikoshiba was too busy shoving down any evidence he’d caught them at all. He sat down the drinks and they went back to work, making up for the time they were busy dying of heat exhaustion.

But on the way home, Mikoshiba texted Chiyo.

We need to talk. Tomorrow. Rita’s cafe. 

Mikoshiba set her boba tea down gently. When Chiyo didn’t say anything, he gently slid the tea towards her.

He took the seat in front of her and took a drink of his own before speaking. 

“Okay, spill.” It was meant to be a demand, but he was Mikorin after all, so it came out silly.

Chiyo sighed, before taking a sip of her boba. After collecting herself, she spoke.

“So remember the beach house trip none of you ended up going to?”

Mikoshiba nodded; he remembered Nozaki inviting all of them to his grandfather’s renovated beach house for a week, but Mikoshiba unfortunately had summer school and the others were all busy with other plans. Chiyo had been the only one to go.

That might have explained everything right there.

“It started there. Or rather, it started with a prank.” 

There was a slightly uncomfortable silence as they left the train station. Well, there was an uncomfortable silence on Chiyo’s part; she wasn’t actually sure if Nozaki was feeling anything other than boredom. This should have been a dream come true for Chiyo; to have Nozaki all to herself for an entire week. Her face caught on fire just thinking about it. 

Following Nozaki’s lead, they took the stairs down to the quaint little beach house. He held out his hand and Chiyo just stared at it, confused.

“Your suitcase.” He explained. Chiyo nodded understandingly and handed over her luggage. The door led through a small kitchen into the wide living room. Chiyo gasped, running toward the door and pushing the door open.

“Nozaki-kun! It’s gorgeous. Quickly, grab the camera!” After a thousand shots of the beach, they unpacked and took a trip to the market. While Nozaki prepared their dinner, Chiyo took to the hammock on the back patio, enjoying the breeze with only minimal guilt. When he let her know that the food was done, she gave him an impish smile and followed him in. 

They settled into a comfortable silence as they were doing dishes together. Chiyo had suggested they do a movie night to break in the house. Nozaki popped in Howl’s Moving Castle, a Mayu favorite, and Chiyo found herself unable to focus with her arm pressing against his. Towards the end, she could feel Nozaki’s head land on her shoulder. She forced herself not to squeak.

It was going to be a long week.

The second day was a beach day and a picnic, something that should have been romantic but was primarily used for, if one could believe it, manga reference. Chiyo would take it, if she could continue to enjoy this view. Nozaki spent the latter half of the day before dinner being deep in thought; Chiyo was sure he was probably thinking about the summer issue. 

As they were washing the dishes, Chiyo probed Nozaki, “Something on your mind?” At first he didn’t respond, finishing the last dish in the sink. 

Chiyo wasn’t ready for what happened next.

Nozaki gently placed his hands on her waist, lifting her up and placing her on the counter. Chiyo let out a shocked gasp. Nozaki lowered his head, touching her forehead with his. His eyes bore into hers; Chiyo felt her face turn red. 

“Nozaki-kun-” Chiyo whispered, afraid to move. It’s manga research, manga research, manga research-

He brushed her nose with his, like he was going to kiss her. Chiyo could feel his breath on her lips. Her stomach flipped flopped. All Chiyo could feel is her heart pounding in her ears. 

“Hmm.” He murmured, and Chiyo found herself correct. It was obviously manga research. 

But he was right there. And he might as well pay, just a little, for toying with her.

Chiyo leaned up, pressing her lips to his lightly. Nozaki immediately steps back, surprised and fully awake.

“Sakura-” His face turned a slight shade of pink.

Chiyo, who had already moved on from her embarrassment, just giggled, “That’s what you get for toying with a girl’s emotions, Nozaki-kun! Clue a girl in next time-”

But Nozaki was already moving towards her, crashing his lips onto hers. She made a sound close to a squeak, unsure of what to do for a moment, before melting into his embrace.

It was sloppy, messy, and heated . It was the beginning of something secret, personal, and unexplainable.  

Mikoshiba just sat back, clearly shocked. “So he likes you back!”

Chiyo waved him away, her face one of uncertainty, “That doesn’t mean he likes me back, Mikorin. I don’t know how he actually feels. We never talked about it.”

Mikoshiba drew a breath, “You mean to tell me, you never discussed your feelings for him despite having kissed him?”

Chiyo shrugged, “I don’t know, there just wasn’t a lot talking-”

He gasped, “Chiyo, don’t tell me you and Nozaki-”

Chiyo slammed her fist down on the table, “Mikorin, shut up! ”

Mikoshiba didn’t look convinced, but dropped it.

“I was just saying, there wasn’t a lot of talking about deep stuff like feelings, is all.” Chiyo sat back.

Mikoshiba raised his eyebrows, “So why didn’t you just tell him ? He kissed you back! The guy doesn’t just kiss anyone.”

“He tried kissing you once.” Chiyo deadpanned, pointing at him. Mikoshiba rolled his eyes.

“As reference!”
“How do we know that him kissing me wasn’t just manga reference? Hm?”

Mikoshiba frowned, but was sympathetic, “Okay, I get your point. I just wanna raise that all that happened was in private. Without anyone being there. I feel like you should give your connection a bit more credit.”

Chiyo just sighed, her shoulders sagging. “I want to talk to him about it. But, like usual, I can’t find the words.” Her own words carried vulnerability.

Mikoshiba just propped up his chin, “I just don’t think this band aid will stay on for long. Eventually you’re gonna have to talk to him. Before it blows up in both of your faces.”

Chiyo just turned her gaze out of the window. He was right. 

So why couldn’t she do it?

It was 3 am and Chiyo found she couldn’t sleep. Sighing, she removed herself from the covers and wrapped her nightgown in a wrap. She then found herself walking down to the water to clear her brain.

Chiyo wanted to be happy with the turn of events- she kissed Nozaki! He kissed her back! But all Chiyo was, was confused. How  would this impact their friendship? 

She heard the beach house door open, but didn’t turn towards the sound. Nozaki must have heard her go outside.

She felt him plop down beside her, with little space between them. Which was fine, as his tall, built stature helped block out the cold.

“Can’t sleep?” His voice is laced with tiredness, as if he, too, couldn’t sleep. Chiyo just shook her head.

“I came out here in hopes the sound might help.” She said softly, turning to give him a small smile, “But it’s kind of chilly.”

Nozaki spread his legs apart and patted the spot in front of him. Chiyo turned slightly red, but got up and sat down. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer to his body. He tiredly sets his chin on her shoulder.

“Better?”

Chiyo’s heart would have burst out of her chest had she not been very tired. Instead, there was a steady rhythm, as if they were meant to be doing this.

She just pulled her knees into her chest for extra warmth, watched the waves wade back and forth and found herself at peace.

“Yes, Nozaki-kun. That’s much better.”

He just hummed. 

“Nozaki-kun?” She whispered, craning her neck to look up at him. He looked down at her with his normal “blank” expression, but his eyes held fondness. Her breath caught. The moonlight illuminates his hair and she’s tempted to run her fingers through it. So she did. 

Nozaki just closed his eyes, enjoying the sensation. She then leaned up and captured his lips in a soft kiss. 

They stayed at the beach until the sunrise, and then fell asleep together in the hammock. 

Everything felt right with the world.

Chiyo was the first to arrive for work on the next upcoming issue. She would usually walk with Nozaki home, but since it was a weekend, she had come from home.

She announced her arrival, taking off her shoes. Nozaki turned from what he was working on to watch her walk in. He wore a very tired expression, as this month’s issue was quickly reaching the deadline and he needed to finish it fast.

However, that seemed to lay by the wayside when Chiyo came into the apartment. He beckoned her towards him. When Chiyo reached him, he pulled her into his lap. Chiyo gave a barely concealed squeal, and then they were kissing . The kisses were more intense the more stressed he was, as if kissing her was a stress reliever for him.

Chiyo still hadn’t told Nozaki how she felt, and that was because she didn’t want to break whatever immersion they had. She was liking this too much. It was like a little piece of the beach house had followed them home, a secret only between the two of them.

And Mikorin. Who was becoming increasingly annoying over the course of the month.

She pulled herself back from Nozaki, panting, “I’m glad to see you too, Nozaki-kun.” She gave a breathless giggle, “But Mikorin will come through those doors in a minute.”

That didn’t seem like it bothered Nozaki at all, but Chiyo pulled herself off of his lap and sat down at her usual spot.

If Nozaki was disappointed, he didn’t let it show. She quickly got to work on the beta before the urge to kiss him overwhelmed her again. 

Mikorin announced his arrival not a moment later, like she knew he would. 

When Chiyo went to leave, Nozaki offered to walk her to the train station. Mikoshiba would be staying the night, an option he offered to Chiyo easily, but she declined. Being in the same room with Nozaki and not being able to be physically close to him was excruciating. 

Even if Mikorin knew.

Something had shifted, though, because as they walked to the train station he had decided to hold her hand. Chiyo could have died of happiness. 

And as she went to leave, he pulled her into a quick kiss. 

“Get home safe.” was all he said. 

“Yeah.” was all she could say back.

Hori was starting to catch on too, apparently. He cornered her one day after school and asked what she was doing for the afternoon. Since they finally got the issue out, she had nothing planned. Hori then offered to treat her for pie as a thank you for her help with the drama club.

She accepted.

As they were seated, Hori had asked about her classes, before asking the million dollar question.

“So how are you and Nozaki?”

Chiyo almost choked.

“As good as we can be.” She tried to answer honestly.

“Any..recent developments?” He asked carefully. Chiyo sighed. Hori wasn’t her best friend like Mikoshiba was, but he was grounded and stable. He was comfortable to be around.

So she told him everything. This would be the second person she told.

“You’re right-he’s kind of unreadable. He could be doing it for manga reference. However,” He eyed her gently but pointedly, “What you’re doing is doing you no favors in the long run. You’d think he’d know just by you kissing him, but we all know he’s an idiot by now. You’re gonna have to pull the band aid off at some point.”

Chiyo groaned, head in her hands. He was right, they were all right. 

Chiyo arrived at the urgence of Nozaki, who needed her opinion of the new issue. Although she didn’t know why it was urgent, more time with Nozaki was always a plus. 

He gestured for her to sit down and slid the issue toward her. However when Chiyo started reading it, something felt off, and then she felt slightly ill.

It was bit by bit everything she and Nozaki went through at the beach house, but it was placed at a ski lodge, being that it was now going into winter. Something in Chiyo snapped. Words from Hori and Mikoshiba flooded her brain. This was her fault. She should have expected this.

She couldn’t get through the rest of it. 

She sat it down slowly, asking, “What is this?”

“What,” Nozaki blinked at her in confusion, “do you mean?” 

“So, all that time was just manga reference after all.” Chiyo looked up at him, trying to make her face nonchalant. “I should have seen that coming.”

“Wait, Chiyo-”

“Should have known my feelings weren’t returned.” She chuckled but it sounds off.

The atmosphere was tense. She couldn’t look him in the eyes. 

“Your feelings?” Nozaki’s voice sounded breathless.

Chiyo just sighed, “I love you, you big dumb idiot.” Her voice broke a little, “And when I kissed you, when I kiss you, it means something. ” 

Was she crying? Did it matter?

“I’ll admit,” She pulls at the manuscript gently, “It’s a very pretty story so far. Let me guess, Mamiko and Suzuki confess their feelings right?”

Nozaki was silent, and looked as if his brain had gone in overdrive.

“I’m gonna go home for tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

But she didn’t return after that.

Mikorin groaned, “I told her this would backfire on you both!”

Nozaki just grunted, bending over his manuscript, not bothering to look at Mikoshiba.

“Nozaki. Look at me.” When Nozaki did what he asked, he whistled.

“You look rough. Just what the hell was going through your mind when you entered this type of thing.”

Nozaki just laid back in his chair, “To be frank, I wasn’t thinking of anything. I just enjoyed kissing her, and kept following her lead. I have no experience in this, Mikoshiba. I assumed she didn’t want anything more because she never mentioned it.” He pinched his nose, “And then when I tried to confess with that manuscript, she didn’t even finish reading it. I couldn’t even say anything. When she told me she loved me, my brain short circuited.”

“Maybe,” It sounded like Mikoshiba was summoning every last ounce of his patience, “You should just use your words.” 

“She doesn’t want anything to do with me now.” Nozaki sounded so pained that Mikoshiba legitimately felt sorry for the guy.

Mikoshiba sighed, “Just leave it to me.”

“A Christmas party?” Chiyo sounded skeptical. Mikoshiba just rolled his eyes, “Just be there, idiot.”

Chiyo frowned, but nodded.

Mikoshiba made it a point to tell their friends about the party in front of Chiyo, but texted them to let them know it was a front. Their friends understood immediately, with the exception of Seo, who Wakamatsu had to patiently explain the whole thing to. Mikoshiba could only hope and pray Seo would keep it secret.

She surprisingly did. 

Chiyo arrived on Christmas Eve at Nozaki’s doorstep. It would be the first time they had talked in two weeks. She wasn’t sure she was ready to be in his presence. 

She let herself in, softly announcing her arrival. Nozaki immediately jumped up from his spot to greet her.

She softened almost instantly. God, she still loved him with everything in her. She greeted him again, taking her place at the table before looking around.

“Wait, why is no one here?”

Nozaki looked at her, slightly confused, “What do you mean?”

“Mikoshiba said we were having a Christmas Eve party? Oh, don’t tell me he lied.”

“He must have,” Nozaki said bluntly, “Because I have not heard any mention of this party.”

“Ah.”

“Are you hungry?” He asked her, having missed cooking for her. She brightened up.

“Yes!”

He chuckled, “Of course you are. Stay here. I’ll be right back.”

An hour later, he returned with a full course meal. They both dug in, mostly to avoid the tension. God, how she had missed his food.

“Chiyo.” Nozaki said quietly, catching her attention. Chiyo looked at him, waiting.

He cleared his throat, obviously having practiced this for a while. “That manuscript you read wasn’t actually going to be sent for an issue. It was my way of confessing that I liked you. I just didn’t realize that it seemed like I was turning it into a story.”

Chiyo paled, looking slightly ashamed.

Nozaki continued, “I originally started the whole thing as a manga reference, I’ll admit that. That week with you awoke something in me, and I couldn’t put my finger on it. I just kept following you, following your lead. And after a while, I couldn’t get enough of you. But I didn’t think you felt the same.”

“I should have told you that instead of writing it. But forgive me, this is new to me. I love you too. I don’t think there’s a day when I don’t.” Nozaki finished. 

Chiyo was shell shocked. He… loved her too.

He loved her too, he loved her too, he loved her too–

Chiyo moved quickly, placing herself on Nozaki’s lap and pulling him into a ferocious kiss. Nozaki immediately wrapped her up in his embrace, fiercely returning her kiss.

Hours later, as she’s home, she sent a text to Mikoshiba.

I know you lied.

But thank you.

Chiyo laid back on her bed, sending one last text message.

I love you, Nozaki-kun.

He responded seconds later, making her giggle.

I love you too.

All was right with the world.