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The loud sound of the front door being slammed startled Shunsuke. He turned off the music and took off the headphones before heading to the kitchen and taking some snacks as an excuse. He was so quiet that surprised his dad number 1 or “dad”, the way he always referred to him.
“Micchi, you scared me.”
The tall guy close to his forties has the name of Ohkura Tadayoshi. But why does Shunsuke refer to his father with a number? That is because even when he has a biological mother, that woman abandoned him in front of the door of that same apartment many years ago where Tadayoshi and his partner raised him. Since that day in July, the three of them had lived together as a family. They found Shunsuke’s biological family when he was a little kid. His mother seems kind to both guys, but she didn’t seem to care about his son. She agreed with them to register Shunsuke with her surname, but she didn’t want to see them in the future and she was sure she wouldn't come later to pick up the kid she was given birth to. That was a long story that he would rather not have to tell, but everyone realizes something was off since his surname was different from their fathers. Tadayoshi wanted to form a band when Shunsuke appeared in his life. He could tell the kid would be a great musician just by hearing him singing and playing the drums pad he had given him as a gift on one of his birthdays. Nowadays, Tadayoshi works at a cafeteria owned by one of his neighbors and, probably, one of his best friends. A friendship that only leads to fights between dad number 1 and dad number 2. The name of dad number 2 is Nishikido Ryo. Shunsuke refers to him as Ryo because he commanded that since he has memory. He and Tadayoshi just started dating when Shunsuke came home, so as their relationship progressed, they learned how to raise a baby as well. Ryo was also on his way to forming a band and he kept chasing his dream instead of throwing it away because of Shunsuke: he has a band called Nocturne -and he works in an office during the day. He was the vocalist and one of the guitarists of the band. If someone asked Shunsuke what he thought about them, they would answer that they were badass -he couldn't be objective when he talks about the band of one of his dads. But every couple has its issues and in this particular couple, the issue was Ryo’s jealousy. He was way protective of Tadayoshi. He wouldn’t make a scene in public but sure he does in private. The problems started to escalate quickly when one of their neighbors heard from Tadayoshi that he needed a job that let him take breaks to take care of his house and his family. The cheerful guy in question offered a job in his cafeteria: it was settled near home and he would be able to get home to check on Shunsuke whenever he needed to. Tadayoshi agreed with him, and that was the cherry on top. Ryo didn’t like the guy. He always suspected that he would make a move on Tadayoshi when he had a chance and the guy was all touchy and a kind person, qualities that Ryo didn’t show in public. Since that day, they fought almost every day and that made Shunsuke feel frustrated because he didn’t know what to do to make his parents be on good terms again.
“Sorry, I’m here for the food.”
Shunsuke stared at Tadayoshi's puffy cheek, but as soon as the man realized that, he turned to the counter. Shunsuke closed one of his hands in a fist, feeling helpless.
“Oh, I had some food from the cafeteria. Let me go to the bedroom to get it.”
“Okay.”
Shunsuke munched some snacks and saw his dad going to the bedroom before leaning on the counter and sighing.
After being helped by Shunsuke to make dinner, Tadayoshi went to the bedroom and stayed there. The teenager didn't realize it was late until he heard the sound of the apartment door being opened.
“I'm back.”
“Welcome back.”
Shunsuke welcomed Ryo and looked at him opening the fridge to get something to drink.
“Where's Ohkura?”
“Bedroom. He said he had a headache.”
“I see…. Did he return tired from work?”
Shunsuke realized the tone of Ryo's voice and he didn't like it.
“He didn't go to work today.”
“Would he have dinner with us if I call him?”
“No idea.”
“Okay…” Ryo left his drink and went to the bedroom he shared with his partner. He found Tadayoshi curled up inside the bed sheets facing away from the door. Ryo got closer to him and placed one hand on his arm. “Ohkura? Aren't you gonna eat something?”
His voice was low and calm. Tadayoshi rubbed his eyes and faced him.
“Hm? Ryo-chan?”
“Micchi told me you were feeling bad. Come and eat with us.”
“Oh, yeah. I have a headache. What if you two have dinner outside?”
“Do you wanna sleep some more?”
“Yes. I think I will be better when you return.”
“Okay… See ya later, then.” Tadayoshi did not answer and Ryo left the room. He felt a bitter taste in his mouth. He frowned and returned to the living room where Shunsuke was waiting for him. “What about some hamburgers?”
Christmas was around the corner and the usual illumination was everywhere even in the fast food stores. Shunsuke couldn't help but smile when his father sat in front of him with a tray decorated with green and red colors that seemed like food for a couple more than a father and son.
“You have no idea the way people looked at me when I was coming here…”
“It's normal, isn't it?” The teenager took some fries to eat. “It's almost Christmas.”
“Yeah. I know…”
Taking Shunsuke outside for a meal wasn't exactly the usual thing for Ryo to do. He was completely off the character and Shunsuke knew something was happening. He sighed after waiting for the man to take a sip of his soda.
“So… Why did you take me here?”
“Huh? What's with that question?”
Shunsuke took a glance at his dad's nervous smile. That surprised him because he couldn't remember when was the last time he saw the man smiling.
“We never had a meal, only the two of us…”
Ryo squinted his eyes.
“You learned that from Ohkura, didn't you?” Shunsuke smiled -almost choked with her soda, but he smiled. Ryo sighed. “What's happening with him?”
“With dad?”
“Well, I'm not always around so… I wanted to know…”
“You're such a terrible husband, you know that?”
“Huh!?”
Ryo tried to scare Shunsuke, but he knew everything about him, so it didn't work. He kept eating his burger looking him in the eye instead.
“When is your anniversary?”
“Our anniversary?” The teenager nodded and Ryo's eyes looked at the ceiling. “March… 30th?”
“March 13th.”
“Oh… You're right…”
“Dad would answer that question without any second thoughts.”
“I might be a person who forgets things, okay?”
“Well, let me tell you that you aren't. You always remember the tiniest details of things.”
“I don't know where you're going with all of this…”
“Do you love dad?”
“Of course I do.”
“What do you love about him?”
Ryo wouldn't believe the day his kid analyzed him would come, but it did.
“I love everything about him.”
“Give me an example.”
“I love the way he spends half an hour trying to get up from bed, the way his wrinkles pop out when he smiles… Ah. His smile. I love his smile, too. And the way he takes care of us. And… I don't know… Everything.”
“Does he know it? When was the last time you told him?”
Ryo took a napkin and offered it to Shunsuke.
“I can't remember…”
“That's the problem. You two don't have time for each other.”
“We have time at home.”
“Well… I don't wanna know what you do at home.”
“Yeah, maybe you're right…”
“I am! Anyway… I think I have a plan.”
Soccer practice was over so the forward player of the high school was heading home. He was drinking a soda to recover his energy and almost choked on his drink when he saw one of the juniors of the school spying on someone on the other side of the street. He turned and went back to the vending machine to take a sweet drink to give to his junior.
“Hey.”
The guy announced himself by touching the other teenager's back of the neck with the cold drink.
“Meguro senpai…”
“I didn't know you did this kind of thing, Michieda-kun.”
Shunsuke, who sat down on the floor because of the surprise, grabbed the drink Ren was offering him.
“Thank you very much…”
Ren sat down next to him and tried to guess who he was spying on.
“Who are we chasing?” Shunsuke just looked at his superior without saying a word. The thing was- “A guy dressed in a grey suit left the store.” Shunsuke had a crush on Ren. “He seems mad…”
“Huh?” Shunsuke looked at the other side of the street to find Ryo walking back with a bag in one of his hands. “Oh, damn…”
“Who's that guy?”
“He's my dad. He should be having lunch with my other dad.”
“Oh. Is something wrong?”
Shunsuke stood up and looked at Ryo and then at Ren.
“Everything I guess…”
Shunsuke told Ren about the issue their parents were facing and the plan he had thought of.
“I think that usually happens with time. The routine and that kind of thing.”
“Woah… You're so mature, senpai!”
“I'm not…” Ren was smiling and Shunsuke could see his cheeks turning red. “By the way…” Ren looked away and grabbed some tickets from one of the pockets of his sports bag. “I won tickets for the Christmas Festival. I couldn't find anyone to give them to. I think you can give them good use.”
“But there are four tickets…” Shunsuke looked at Ren who picked up the fourth ticket.
“Yeah. This is mine. Would you mind if I go with you?”
“I wouldn't mind. Like, at all.”
“Plan B is settled then.”
Ren smiled and Shunsuke couldn't help but feel he had lost his breath.
Shunsuke came up with the plan to give their parents the tickets without the other one knowing. They would meet by chance at the festival and eventually, Ryo would make Tadayoshi remember how special he was in his life. That was the original plan, but Ren was more mischievous than him and thought about a riskier plan.
“Ryo-chan? What are you doing here?”
Ryo was waiting for Tadayoshi in front of a takoyaki stall. He was dressed in jeans, a leather jacket, and a scarf with yellow and green patterns.
“Oh. What a coincidence!”
Tadayoshi raised an eyebrow at his comment. He had thought that it was weird for Shunsuke to come up with the idea of him 'having fun' alone at some festival. When he recognized Ryo from a distance, he understood the reason behind his child's proposal.
“A coincidence, huh?” Tadayoshi grabbed one takoyaki held by Ryo.
“Micchi gave me a ticket. He told me that if I come I will be calmer next year.”
“Yeah. He told me something like that too.” Tadayoshi looked at Ryo's long lashes. He could feel how nervous his partner was and that made him smile. “Where are you taking me?” Ryo looked at him in awe. “We're not going to stay here until Christmas, right?”
“No. Right. You're right. Where do you wanna-?”
“Ohkura-kun?” Ryo couldn't hide his face of rejection when he saw that neighbor he was worried about. That same guy who happened to be his partner's boss. “Nishikido-kun, as well. It's been a while. How are you doing?”
“Ah, Satou-kun. Good afternoon. What are you doing here?”
“I'm here waiting for a friend but I can't find it anywhere…”
“Would you want us to look for him too?”
Tadayoshi's question made Ryo click his tongue. He was about to leave when Ren appeared from nowhere and grabbed one of his arms.
“I'm sorry, sir. You are the father of Michieda-kun, am I right?”
Ryo was surprised about the kid who was talking with him. He was grabbing his arm way too strongly. The scene made Tadayoshi pay attention to both of them.
“I am. Why do you ask?”
“I can't find him. I can't find Michieda-kun.”
The boy's words clicked something inside Ryo who instinctively looked at Tadayoshi.
“This boy says that Micchi is missing.”
“Go with them.”
“Are you sure, Satou-kun?”
“Yeah. I'll find my friend by myself.”
“Of course he's sure. What kind of parent would you be if you didn't come with me to find our son?”
Tadayoshi followed Ren and Ryo's path to a place less crowded. Ren was about to say something but both he and Ryo were surprised when Tadayoshi slapped his partner.
“Don't you dare say something like that again.” Ryo couldn't say anything even when he could. The anger in Tadayoshi lasted two seconds since he was worried about Shunsuke. “Could you tell me where you saw Micchi the last time?”
“We were heading to the back of the temple by the river.”
Ren chose his words carefully. He didn't want to be beaten up by his junior's dad.
“Okay. Ryo is coming with me to the left and you go to the right. We'll meet at the entrance of the temple. I will try to give him a call.”
“I have no signal.”
“Yeah. It's a mess… We have to try anyway.”
“Okay.”
Ren went to the bridge to cross the river and search for Shunsuke, Tadayoshi started heading to the woods when he realized Ryo was still.
“Hey, Ryo, what are you waiting for?”
Ryo was walking behind Tadayoshi. The sun went down and the wind started to blow.
“How do you do it?”
“What?”
“You're so calm…”
Tadayoshi stopped walking and looked at his partner.
“I'm not calm. I'm worried about our son.”
The sun gave the taller an angelic aura. His expression was sad like he was about to cry at any moment. Ryo sighed and hugged him tightly. He could feel Tadayoshi losing his strength.
“I'm sorry. What I said earlier… I didn't mean that.”
“I know.”
“You're a great dad, and a great husband as well. You're the best boyfriend I could ever ask for.”
“I know.”
“You don't suppose to say that!” Ryo said with a smile on his face. He took a glimpse at Tadayoshi's wrinkles next to his eyes and touched them softly.
“What are you doing?”
“Tacchon… I know I don't say it often, and I'm a mess lately, but I want you to know that you and Micchi are my life. You two are my family and there is nothing I wouldn't do for you two.”
Tadayoshi looked at him, speechless. Then, he hid his face on Ryo's shoulders and giggled.
“I know. You're way jealous, but I know.” Tadayoshi said softly while he traced Ryo's arm to entwine his fingers to his. “Anyway, it's good to hear your feelings once in a while.”
Ryo grabbed his face and kissed him on the lips. It was short, sweet, and everything they would ever ask for. Both men smiled at each other and kept searching for their son. When they reached the entrance of the temple, Ryo left Tadayoshi and ran toward the teenagers who were kissing each other.
“What do you think you're doing?”
Ren and Shunsuke looked away. Neither of them could confront the way Ryo was looking at them.
“Well, Ryo-chan. That's the spirit of Christmas, isn't it?”
“This kid can live the spirit of Christmas with anyone but my son.”
“Dad…”
Shunsuke looked at his father who was startled because of the way his son called him.
“What did you just say?”
“Nothing.”
Ryo sat down between the boys and tried to make his son look at him.
“Come on, Micchi. Tell me!”
“Who wants to eat something?” Tadayoshi asked. “I'm starving…”
“Weren't the takoyaki enough?”
“You're kidding, right? Tell me you're kidding.”
Ryo stood up and hugged him.
“Of course, I'm kidding. Hey, guys, do you wanna eat something homemade?”
“Are you going to make me cook?”
“I'm in the mood to do it myself.” Ryo looked at the teenagers who were giggling. “What are you smiling at?”
“Nothing. Nothing.” Shunsuke stood up and Ren did as well. “I'm happy because you're together again.”
“You're grounded.”
Tadayoshi's statement made the rest of the presents go silent.
“What? Why?”
“Did you think I didn't realize that you were behind all of this?”
“I missed that part of you, Tacchon.”
“You too.”
“Why me?”
“Because you were supporting him.”
“Actually, Ohkura-san…”, the family looked at Ren when he spoke, “I was the one that came up with this plan… Michieda-kun was really sad and I wanted to help him. That's all.”
Tadayoshi's words were left unsaid because his stomach growled.
“We better discuss this with food in front of us, what do you think?” Ryo smiled widely.
“Yeah. We better be…”