Work Text:
The only way you could enjoy summer festivals to the fullest is to drag your friend along to a deserted place where no one would know or some people hardly know. Makoto brought Jun to the abandoned shrine which is located on the top of the mountains that's facing towards the festival itself.
the fireworks show was about to start, they hurried their steps to the mountain.
"Yuuki-san...! Please slow down a little bit!" Jun protested, running breathlessly while holding the snacks they bought earlier for dear life, trying not to make them fall over across the forest.
"We're almost there, just hold on for a while!"
his grip on Jun’s hand tightened.
since when did he build a lot of muscles? he could've swear his strength was a lot weaker before now.
Jun is struggling to match his rhythm with Makoto even though their hands are entangled together, he's just way too fast. His movements are flexible, leaping through the huge tree roots that were spread-eagled on the ground. Each step they make awoken the birds from their slumber, scattering them to the starry night of a luminous blanket of stars.
really, he's like a cat isn't he?
as they were descending through the deep hoary beech forest, the amount of trees seemed to decrease.
They finally arrived at their destination, revealing a small, still intact, neglected sessha shrine. its silent, the only sounds resonate through their ears are the faint festival commotion underneath and the two of them gasping for air.
"Sazanami-kun, are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere? I'm sorry, if I'm being over excited..." Makoto spoke out his worries and lent him a hand, now just realizing that he was going too fast and at some point could make him hurt somewhere.
"I’m okay..." says Jun, almost out of air. "Really, there's ten minutes left, no need to rush." Jun took Makoto's hand, lifting himself up and balancing his whole body after that lengthy run.
The two of them began to wander to the small shrine and starts to sit down on the stairs.
"Here you go." Jun handed over Makoto's handful of snacks to him.
Earlier, while they're still wandering around the food stalls, Makoto bought food from almost all of the food stalls that were available at the festival. starting from the general ones like takoyaki, yakisoba, yakitori, ikayaki, etc. he didn't just buy one, he bought multiple of them. It surprised Jun, of course. He didn't expect Makoto to be the type who eats a lot.
On the other hand, Jun only bought crepes and kakigori and he's only eaten a half of it. Makoto ate all of his food. remaining only the sweets, a ringo ame and kakigori. He planned to eat them while they're at the shrine later.
"Ah, thank you!"
Now that that's all out of the way, they can finally relax, watching the dim light radiating view while waiting for the fireworks to start.
"But still though, why are you so excited to watch some fireworks? besides, we could still watch it from the crowd down there."
Makoto scratches his head and chuckles, "It's been a long time since I went to a summer festival. Besides, we both got a day off after all that work. We oughta spend it to the fullest, don't we?"
Well, actually Makoto already planned all of this the day before. Both of them coincidentally have the same day off while their other unit members still have some work left to do.
but why in such a deserted place though? he wonders.
It’s like he’s hiding something from Junー he shakes his head.
Nevermind that, Makoto was right. He should’ve spent the day to its fullest.
The both of them spent the whole time eating their snacks, talking about work experiences, idol activities, and a recent game they both started playing a few weeks ago in the dorms. A part of Jun wanted this to be everlasting. He liked talking with Makotoー or really anytime they do activities together.
-
Way back before they even met, Hiyori often liked to joke about Jun having a crush on him, or even, being in love with him, considering how close they were.
This only raised a question in the back of his mind, what does it really feel like to be in love?
Does the love and care his mother gave him back then counted as love? What about looking after Bloody Mary? If so, then he unknowingly already experienced it.
But what about loving other people? Loving a complete stranger to the point we’ve become devoted to them? Or even developing a romantic relationship with them? He thinks he never did.
Despite every love and physical touches that Hiyori had showered him with, there's not a single hint that he's in love with him. Jun just considered him to be a very respectable person, and that he's fully indebted to him. And if he was truly in love with Hiyori, he's just way below his standards.
When Summer Live came around, the day where they both met each other, and the day of the performance, all that rambling they did while in the middle of a performance made Jun become even more interested in him.
After the performance, while walking to the station Jun was left behind by the group because he was struggling with carrying Hiyori’s belongings. Thankfully he was accompanied by Anzu, thanking each other for today's hard work. Following the small talk, Anzu discloses “A few days ago, while Trickstar we’re having a break from practicing for Summer Live, Yuuki-kun came up to me asking an advice on how he wanted to be closer with you since I was also asked to look after Eve too. ”
“But since he said he doesn’t want me to tell you about this, well of course I didn't. But I think it’s alright for me to tell you now, after I saw how the both of you seemed to enjoy each other’s company.”
"Even when you rejected Yuuki-kun's offer to go shopping together, he still never gave up on you and really tried to be closer with you. He wants you to become his friend, Sazanami-kun." Anzu smiles.
“Ah, is that so?” Jun let out a small chuckle, not knowing what to respond.
Jun genuinely never thought that Makoto wanted to be his friend. After all the things Eve did to Trickstar in Summer Live, even Hiyori was bitter about it. Makotoー no, Trickstar never considered them as enemies but rather a friend to heap up Summer Live. They welcomed them with open hands as friendly rivals.
It was as if Trickstar were truly just there to seek out experience, hoping it would be a chance for them to improve and prove themselves; unlike the competition Eve saw it as.
They just like being idols. They didn't wish for professionalism, they simply just do what makes them happy.
And Jun learned all of that from Makoto. It's like, he just magically changed Jun's perspective of seeing things in a snap of a finger and he admired him a lot for that.
Sooner or later, the both of them finally catched up with the group. As Jun and Hiyori were about to leave, Makoto asked Jun about his SNS info so that they could inform each other about SS or some other things they wanted to talk about later. Jun gladly exchanged his own SNS info, and both units bid their goodbyes.
Not long after, they started talking with each other on their SNS. Sure, it was just a short chit-chat text at first but as time went by they started talking about their daily activities. Eventually, they talked about SS, games, and sometimes gave each other advice about their own problems.
They talk almost everyday. At one point, when they're in the middle of a class they're still texting with each other and both get scolded by the teachers after that.
Sometimes, Makoto liked to have their conversations through phone calls. No reason, though. He just liked to have any other form of communication other than texting. He kept apologizing to Jun on how he always annoys him through his texts or even his phone calls; rather than being annoyed Jun enjoyed his company. He never told that to the person himself though.
-
It does make Jun frustrated enough that Eden didn't win in this year's SS, but looking at the faces of the winnersー made him feel so content. Suddenly, Trickstar dragged Eden along to their crowd signaling them to join in the joy and happiness they're currently experiencing. The scenery Jun currently experiencing put him in such an ecstatic state, the stadium filled with excited fans lightsticks movements radiated a striking brilliant illuminations, clashing with the stage's spotlight. The rich melody from the crowd’s cheers sounded like music resonating in his ears. It completely left him astounded.
He stared at Makoto, his face is full of joy. It's like he had never been this tranquil before. Along with his unitmates, waving to the audience and jumping around the stage; Makoto was truly on cloud nine.
The other idol turned his gaze to Jun, Makoto's eyes sparkled with warmth and genuineness. He didn't even realize that Makoto was crying the whole time they were on the stage.
"I'm glad I became an idol." Makoto rubbed his eyes and nose, sniffling loudly. He’s going to be drenched in tears again in a few moments.
"Does this prove your doubts, Sazanami-kun? That my words won't end up as mere excuses? " Makoto smiles sheepishly.
Jun's eyes perks up, remembering that Makoto had said something similar back in Summer Live. He guessed that he really did prove it. He couldn't help but laugh and accept his defeat.
But it's strange.
There’s this tingling sensation every time he lays his gaze down upon Makoto.
He felt like he was on fire, and his heartbeat was beating faster than usual. It sends an electrifying pulse throughout his veins.
Every word he spoke left him captivated and in awe. Surely, this doesn't mean anything. It just meant that his rivalry between Makoto became even more solid, right?
His mind couldn’t stop thinking about Makoto even after SS had ended.
-
What does it really feel like to be in love? he wonders.
Jun thought that he had already abandoned that question a long time ago, but now it just surfaced in his mind.
Jun never realized it until now, but the reason why his days are more bearable and enjoyable recently is because he, by a chance, got to meet with Makoto in between his work and lessons.
Everything feels exciting and brand-new to Jun when he’s with Makotoー
What does he even feel about Makoto himself? What part of him that made Jun became even more intrigued with him?
To tell you the truth, Jun loved everything about Makoto.
Just the thought of Makoto is plaguing his every consciousness.
And he realized that he wanted them to be more than a friend.
He doesn't know how and he wanted to know how.
People say that being in love is like a wonderーor even a miracle that life gave us.
It’s like you’re discovering a part of yourself that is hidden deep inside you.
But, is it really that amazing that even people long for it? Isn’t it just another emotion you felt as you grew up?
So tell me, show me, what’s so great about experiencing this so called love and affection to someone you looked up to?ー
“What’s wrong Sazanami-kun? You’ve been staring into space... Are you not feeling well?” Makoto stares at him, waving his hand throughout his face.
“Huh?” Jun focused his vision back on Makoto's face. “It’s nothing, I just got reminded of something.” Scratching his neck apologetically.
“You know you can talk out your feelings to me, yeah? I’m all ears.” Makoto chuckles, as he nudged his elbow to Jun.
Jun pauses for a moment. But can he, actually?
The subject of love can become a lot more sensitive between two bosom friends who’re by then comfortable being just friends with one another, and by one of them expressing one’s feelings to another is enough to damage their friendshipー
Or so that’s what he heard from people’s experiences while surfing across the internet, just the thought of it is scary.
He didn’t want to ruin their friendship nor end it, rather he wanted to let these stupid feelings out of his system. He doesn’t care if their affection isn't mutual, at least he finally got them out for good.
Even if it hurts a little, he guessed.
“Yuuki-san, Iー” Makoto took notice of the voice. And now that the both of them had their eyes locked to each other, he couldn’t run away now, can he?
Drowning away the nervousness, Jun shifts closer to Makoto, bracing himself.
A hint of a pinkish tint started to show around his cheeks and ears. “I… like spending time with you. I like your voice, I like your face, I like hearing your laugh, I like how your words moved me to such a degreeー I like everything about you, and i looked up so much to you." He continued. Truth to be told, there are still a lot of things he wanted to list there.
“I think I… have feelings for you.” Jun confessed.
Makoto’s eyes were wide open, staring at him blankly.
Judging by his reaction, Jun already envisioned countless worst possible outcomes in his head. Either that Makoto rejected him, or worse he might've don't want to be Jun's friend anymore.
Be more positive Jun Sazanami! it's not like he'll literally leaves and hates you for some stupid love confession!
"I like you too, Sazanami-kun." Makoto smiles.
Makoto might be tripping, but for a second he saw Jun's hair perking up.
"My reasons are the same as yours. You might not realize, but you've been a great impact in my life. Our perspective of things might be different, but somehow we clicked."
"And because of that, I want to know more about you. And even beyond that… Maybe?" teases Makoto.
He hates how Makoto had become more good at teasing him long into their friendship. Not that he really minds that, though.
Both of them could hear their heartbeats racing even faster and become simultaneous as time passed.
Their bodies started to shift closer to each other, with their fingers slowly and carefully interlocking. They think that both of them already knew what they wanted to do next, but didn't have the courage or confidence to do it to initiate such things.
"...Yuuki-san, can I?" Jun finally speaks up.
Makoto nods and Jun closes his eyes and leans into Makoto, closing the gap between them.
He knew that becoming an Idol could potentially limit his freedom on certain things, and It's so stupid. Why would he even think of stopping to become an Idol just for these absurd feelings he's been keeping in for years?
He doesn't care about all of that now. All that matters is that they're together, right here, right now in a secluded place where (hopefully) no one knows. If they did get caught they'll just make a run out of it.
Their kiss didn't last long. As they broke their kiss, a loud bang can be heard from far away. Fireworks rocketed through the sky bursting into a million of miniscule stars, and disappearing into nothingness.
The vast array of shapes, colors, and explosions are enough to make Jun's vision mesmerized with its beauty.
He couldn't take his eyes off of it. Even though it's still the same old repetitive cycle of explosions he's been seeing way before this very moment, he felt warm and nostalgic.
He remembered when he was a child, his mother liked to bring him out to the balcony of their house to watch the fireworks when there's a festival nearby. Knowing his father, he couldn't let Jun anywhere to places unrelated to idols or idol training stuff. Even though they could only watch the fireworks from far away, even so he was happy.
Being able to spend the simplest things with his loved ones is enough for him.
And today's the same too. Watching the fireworks with the person he loved and admired very dearly.
"They're pretty, aren't they?"
Jun turned his gaze to Makoto who's also mesmerized with the fire flowers artistry. He could see his glasses reflected a diverse range of flashy colors from the chaos it made.
"Yeah, they do."
Jun took Makoto's hand, entwining them gently. Makoto returns the favor by resting his head on Jun's shoulders.