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The gentle morning sun shining down on the frost-covered bedroom window, with endless rows of snow-topped houses spiralling up the mountain outside is certainly a magical sight to wake up to.
Mmmmn. Touya sluggishly flipped over his body to grab his phone, attempting to check the time. He made plans with Akito to at Mocha Cafe today, he mustn’t be late!
"Yowch!!”
A rather loud exclamation filled the room, as his phone unfortunately fell on his face - a result of him still being half asleep. The cold air only made it sting more than it usually would.
Great, now I'm definitely awake, he thought whilst rubbing his poor nose that had just been smacked.
8:13 AM. It was New Year's Day. He wasn't doing badly with time at all! He was worried that he had overslept from watching the fireworks late last night. Releasing a sigh of relief, the teenager slowly persuaded his arms and legs to sit him upright.
After hearing a few satisfactory cracks from his back, the blue haired slipped on his warm, woollen bear-shaped slippers and walked out into the living room.
"Morning, father, happy new year!" Touya greeted as he trudged to the fridge in search of any possible signs of breakfast. A grunt came in response.
"If you want breakfast, I think we still have some milk left and there's some of your favourite red bean bread here," he added.
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Full and content, Touya put on a high-neck sweater and thick, waterproof pants to combat the harsh winter conditions outside.
Maybe a jacket would be a good idea, he thought as he read the thermometer on the wall: 5 degrees Celsius. And that was indoors.
As he walked down the street with boots softly crunching on the gravel, he zipped up his navy blue fluffy down jacket and wrapped the burgundy-red scarf that Akito gave him as a present last Christmas around his neck.
He took a deep breath of the piercingly chilly and biting yet fresh air, thoroughly observing the picturesque landscape that was soaked in the earthy scent of snow. The world was so, so quiet, and there was not a person to be seen on the streets. The ground, each tree, each house and each car were blanketed in a thick layer of white fluffiness that one would want to jump into, and perhaps swivel their arms and legs around like a carefree child in bed. Suddenly, a nearby persimmon tree with numerous bright orange-red fruits topped with snow caught his eye. The branches were so remarkably thin, Touya pondered if the weight of the snow on the fruit would cause it to fall sometime. Has time finally stopped moving?
It looks exactly like a scene that would come out of a fairytale, he noted. Good omen for the start of a new year.
Touya stretched his arms out as far as he could, as if reaching for the sun that seemed so close yet so distant. What he didn't notice, being so immersed in this jaw droppingly stunning scenery, was that the carrot head he was on his way to meeting ran up to him from behind and pounced on him like he was a grand prize to be claimed. (Well, to Akito, he sort of is in a way because he could have never, in the 4 billion men on Earth, found a better partner than him.)
"Yo, Touya!" Akito smacked a hand on his back.
“A-Akito...! Don't do that, you know I'm not good with frights!" Touya cried out, pouting. The tone of his voice was innocuous, however.
"Pinch and a punch for the first day of the month!" the orange haired grinned whilst lightly pinching his shoulder. "Happy new year!"
"Mm, you too!" Touya smiled back.
His bright, gentle smile seriously never fails to make Akito melt right on the spot. The sunlight seemed to bring bountiful colour into his beaming, grey eyes, and it also did an amazing job highlighting the beauty mark at the corner of his left eye. He wonders if he had been some kind of saviour in his past life to be able to deserve this absolutely adorable, sweet boy.
“What are you looking at, let’s go!” Touya says with a befuddled expression, looking at Akito who seemed to be staring into nothingness.
“Huh? Oh. My bad,” the reply came with an apologetic smile. The pair strolled towards the cafe with some light banter, which usually involved Akito teasing Touya and the latter somehow always finding a way to victory.
During a moment of silence, Touya noticed that every few steps Akito takes, a neat puff of vapour is released from his mouth.
“The weather’s getting colder recently, isn’t it?” the taller spoke absentmindedly, breaking the silence.
“Yeah. That reminds me, this morning Ena actually snuck an ice pack in my shoe! In this weather! She was literally watching me from behind the door, waiting for my reaction… I can’t believe her, that insolent little…! Ugh-“ Akito always complained about his sister. Touya didn’t mind it a single bit; he actually found it rather entertaining. He couldn't help the smile that formed on his face.
————-
The cafe door jingled quietly as Touya pushed it open, and a familiar kind face greeted them. "Irasshaimase-!" The young lady wore her dusty rose hair in a neat side ponytail and liked to keep a forelock of hair hanging down the other side with a slight curl. The caramelly, sugary sweet scent of all sorts of desserts permeated the warm air as a sort of cosy welcome.
"It's been a while, Aoyagi-kun, Shinonome-kun. Would you like to order the usual?" she asked in her soft, light voice. "Our apple pie is on sale today, 2 for $2.50!"
After a few moments of discussion, they both decided on a medium cappuccino for Touya, a small latte and plate of pancakes for Akito, and 2 apple pies to share.
At the table, Touya's eyes came to rest on the little beads of water on the window. The sun had partially melted the frost from the night before, and he observed that 3 droplets on the side were racing to see who would reach the windowsill first without merging with nearby ones. It's beautiful, how they create their unique patterns on the glass as if they were being painted on a canvas.
☆
The cold could be a positive aspect if you are warm on the inside, in the very same way that we love ice in summer. I will get my way, Akito thought. Let the ice and troubles be shattered underfoot, for it is nothing when compared to my warm heart, the fire burning within. I will surpass RAD WEEKEND along with my friends and sing on the world stage one day.
☆
"Here's your food, enjoy!" The waitress' voice disrupted both their thoughts and immediately brought them back to reality.
Anyone would agree that the food that was served itself was a piece of art. The fluffy stack of pancakes was drizzled with golden syrup and topped with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream; a truly mouthwatering sight for a hungry Akito who came without breakfast.
Ka-click. A photo is always a good idea when eating out! He wanted to preserve it as a memory forever, even though he knew he could just come here and order it as many times as he wanted. Plus, he could show off this scrumptious breakfast to his friends later on SNS!
The cups of coffee, on the other hand, had skillfully illustrated latte art of a snowflake floating on the surface. Even the apple pies had a little red flag on a toothpick inserted on top! Just the tiniest addition of detail could allow one's judgement of something to change from A to B. Imagine the pancake without the berries and syrup, the coffee without the latte art, and the apple pies without the little red flag. How mundane that would be, just like the grey wintry river without a layer of ice that adds a sparkle on top to decorate.
☆
Little did Akito know that the entire time he was taking a picture of the food and relishing the marvelous sight, the boy sitting opposite had been watching him fondly, waiting for him to finish so he could start eating. Touya had been long aware of his feelings for his singing partner, though never quite had the right opportunity or mustered enough courage to verbally express them to his face. He knows deep down that he was never one to be skilled in the complex art of conversation. What if he stuffs it up and the string of their bond snaps in half, never to be repaired?
"Let's eat!" They both chimed, clapping their hands together.
"Holy shit THIS IS SO GOOD! Actually the best pancake I've had in a while..." He hastily sipped some latte, noticing how hungry he was.
Almost immediately, however...
"Geh- so hot! And bitter! My poor tongue..." He sighed in disappointment as he realised he forgot to add the sugar, emptying a packet into the drink and mixing it.
Touya had to stifle his giggles which didn't turn out so successful, the other staring back at him with a deadpan expression.
“It is not funny!”
“Yes it is…” He held back the temptation to add the word “dummy” at the end.
It’s pretty ironic though, Akito himself almost couldn’t stop himself from laughing whilst saying that.
A sign of defeat by food that seemed so enticing a few seconds earlier. How cute, Touya thought. Akito proceeds by stuffing his mouth with all the pancakes he can fit.
As they dug in, pleasant small talk and conversations about their upcoming new song ensued. Touya wished that moments like this lasted forever, being able to just enjoy a simple morning with his best friend in the warmth of the cafe whilst observing the quiet, white town outside.
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"I'm finished!" the boy with a head of orange hair yawned, "that was a good meal!"
"Shall we take a walk around town?" the taller invited.
The two walked on for god knows how long, chattering away about Touya's new progress in Puyo Puyo, about Ena, about the new ramen shop, and about the new pair of sneakers Akito recently bought, legs taking them wherever they wanted to. Eventually sitting down on a park bench next to a semi-frozen river with an endless row of weeping willows on either side, it seems like they've run out of conversation topics.
The once elegant and enthralling silence of snow has turned into a delicate yet deafening one that could be smashed into a million fragments with the rustle of leaves.
The blue haired looked at his partner. The slight rustle of clothes as he turned his body sounded like the thunderous clanging of heavy rain on tin roof.
The other looked back.
Touya’s eyes widened at the sight of his face. There was a streak of caramel cutting across Akito’s left cheek and a spot of dried coffee at the corner of his lips, thanks to him gobbling up the food so quickly.
Touya hadn’t even realised that the hand reaching out towards his face was his own.
It was too late. His cold, slim fingers met the inviting warmth of his body, gently wiping away the sweet substance with his thumb.
“T-Touya…” A light blush formed on the tips of Akito’s ears and brought a tinge of red onto his pale cheeks. It was the first time such a thing had happened to him. He was way too flustered to process what he could possibly say next, mind racing at a thousand kilometers per second and heart pounding wildly, threatening to break free out of his chest.
“Aaaah! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to do that!” Touya flinched at his realisation, ducking away and shrinking into his clothes in embarrassment until only tufts of blue hair could be seen. The normally confident and strong body, under the spell of love, has disappeared into a vulnerable figure resembling one of a baby penguin who just took its first steps and fell over.
Meanwhile, pristine, innocent snowflakes had begun to drift down from the sky, collecting on the wooden armrest of the bench that separated them as what felt like an eternity has passed.
No, this won’t do. Fuck, fuck, fuck, what should I say?! Think, Akito think! Ugh, I should’ve listened to Touya and studied harder. Stupid brain of mine!
Akito was going to listen to his heart.
"Touya, look at me."
No response.
"Please?"
No response.
"I'm not mad. I was just a bit shocked and if anything, my heart was really really happy that you came close to me. I could hear its screams of joy, joy that no one but you could give me."
No response.
"Come here, Touya."
No, Akito was the one that came to him. He enveloped his small, curled-up body in his arms, propping him upright.
Touya's face was still buried under the scarf, unwilling to show himself anytime soon. But the other boy gently tugged at it, revealing a sight he never thought he'd ever see.
Touya gazed up to him, salty tears glistening whilst trickling down his face, more welling up in his slightly bloodshot eyes. There was this indescribable feeling of loneliness that Akito could sense from them. They were as empty and deep as the abyssal ocean, and seemed to wail for help. But his soft, perfectly styled hair lifted some of that feeling and instead crafted him into something resembling a shining sapphire with a hint of ruby emitting powerful crimson waves of lust and desire.
How can someone look this angelic even whilst crying from sadness?
"Don't talk to me. Just for a bit. Please." His voice was so frail, just like a withering flower that has been tormented under the blazing, summer sun.
"Touya, I wanted to-"
He was cut off immediately by a puppy-eyed Touya.
"I said I needed time to myself. I'm sorry."
"Alright. I'm still going to speak but it's up to you if you listen or not." Akito says this because he is almost certain that he'll pay some attention, knowing him.
“Touya, I think I’ve had this feeling, deep down in my heart, caged for a very long time. I have always been ignoring it, storing it away every time it threatens to climb out. Whenever those intelligent, generous eyes of yours lock onto mine, it makes me want to melt into the ground. When you came close to me today, I had to resist giving you a big hug and ruffle your soft fluffy hair because you looked so irresistibly fucking cute. Whenever I hear your gentle yet passionate velvety singing voice during solo, it makes me want to join you up there and sing our hearts out together. Tell the whole world that we are going to surpass RAD WEEKEND and become the legends ourselves.
I think Shiraishi called that feeling... love. What kind of tremendous power does it have, making me want to do those things? I'm not quite sure what it could be, but what I know now is that it feels... magical."
Akito stopped talking for a moment as a suffocating feeling encases him, head feeling like it had been pushed underwater.
"…I want to h-hear... what Touya k-kun feels... and I will respect his decisions..." His steady flow of bottled-up feelings being let out began to break up, stuttering as golden drops spilled from his emerald eyes. The usual speck of arrogance in his voice vanished, leaving behind the most pleasant, affectionate voice. Only the sound of hiccups filled the damp air now.
Touya's stomach flipped at the word "love" and finally looked him straight in the eyes. "Love" was something he had frequently been told that he received lots of, and the definition of "love" in the Aoyagi household had always been his father making him play endless hours of musical instruments in order to achieve "success". That "love" did not feel like it matched Akito's description, and so he concluded that this "love" was surely something different. This "love" must be those feelings he had experienced all along. Not knowing what to do, he instantly jumped forward into a hug, squeezing his partner so tight that it was difficult for Akito to breathe properly.
Akito felt a sudden rush of comforting warmth on his collarbone, followed by a wave of goosebumps as the wind attacked the wet area of his clothes from Touya's tears. Both boys smiled in relief, fingers slowly fumbling towards the other's, eventually intertwining perfectly.
They stayed in that position for a good 5 minutes. 5 minutes of reassuring silence as they enjoy the embrace of each other.
Akito was the first to let go, mind still hazy from Touya's unexpected reactions.
"D-does that mean...?" Without finishing his question, the other boy nodded, breaking into a wide grin and eyes lighting up with charm.
"Oh Touy-"
He was once again cut off, but this time with a kiss. His first kiss. Touya's first kiss.
The kiss was short and sweet; to an outsider, it would've looked like nothing more than a peck on the lips that lasted a bit too long, but to them it seemed like minutes as both sides cherished each fraction of a second in its duration. Touya tasted of the coffee from earlier, but it's because it's coffee that their first kiss felt so homely. They were both reminded of the lingering scent of cocoa that welcomes them in their sekai.
Akito wanted to cry again as he saw the pretty rosy blush adorning his cheeks, long lashes falling closed. He cups his face in his palms as he pulls away, and oh my god why is he just this adorable?!?! And since when did he have such cute chubby cheeks? Akito swore that he thought his brain was going to fucking combust right then and there.
“I love you,” he blurted out. I love you so, so much, I would give the world to you. “Also stop being so cute bro I can't handle this insane amount of cute energy being directed at me in a day..." As he says this, though, a rather embarrassingly loud rumble comes from his stomach down below.
"Look who's the cute one now," Touya broke into a bout of laughter, watching Akito stare menacingly at his own belly. “I love you too… I’ve been in love with you for so long, but I never confessed because I was afraid I’d mess up, and you’d hate me forever.”
“Looks like we’re both dummies, aren’t we? But all that doesn’t matter anymore because you’re here with me right now and we’re both grinning like idiots!” Akito was back to his cheerful, lively self.
"Let's get some food soon, shall we? I kind of miss having karaage, or some udon would be nice too!"
The conversation fades into the background as we observe two boys, hand in hand, saunter across the field of blinding white.
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Touya Aoyagi, the frosty blue willow standing strong to fight the bleak winter.
Akito Shinonome, the warm and radiant sunflower blooming amidst a field of endless, frozen white snow.
~ the end ~