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Time goes by fast. That is a reality no one can escape from.
Is it because Kaito is getting older? Or is it because the past year was like a dream? He honestly doesn’t know which one is worse for his pride at this point.
Either way, it hadn’t exactly been a year since Yuma and him began dating, but it was the end of January, so it was time to start preparations for a celebration. Even after all this time, Kaito was a bumbling mess at dating (as proven by the fact they were still both complete virgins despite Yuma becoming an adult later this year), but even he knew one year was a big deal.
It was more than he ever thought someone would ever put up with his rear and mountain of emotional issues anyway. Most of them not even dealt with yet. He just slapped Yuma’s hand away last week because he was embarrassed of holding hands in public still. Even if he wanted to do it, because his hands were cold…not to mention the times he blew off Yuma in favour of Haruto, to the point his brother had to be the one to tell him to knock it off and just go with his boyfriend on a date alone, even if it was to an amusement park.
But Kaito only did it because he thought he was killing two birds with one stone, spending time with his two most important people at once!
…yes, Kaito was a piece of work when it came to dating. It was a wonder they lasted so long without issues.
Which might just be because Yuma is relaxed and more than a little naive when it comes to romantic matters himself, despite the ease to which he had confessed to Kaito once he realized he loved the older man. But still, that doesn’t mean the boy doesn’t deserve a reward.
Problem is, Kaito still sucks at this whole ‘showing affection’ thing, clearly. But no matter, he has something a lot of Yuma’s other suitors don’t; an endless amount of cash at his disposal. From his job, so his Father can’t even whine at him. And he’s more than willing to use this economical blessing to his advantage, even if just this once, because Yuma was, again, humble and didn’t often care for the fancier things in life.
But a date at one of the best restaurants in all of Heartland, followed by a romantic flight through the starry sky (after disabling Orbital’s voice chip, of course), and ending it with a ‘shower’ of support cards when they land on top of Heartland tower…ah yes, the big heart is going to be the perfect backdrop for their kiss too!
Yes. For once, Kaito has this in the bag. He can just make reservations, check the weather when the time comes, buy the cards, and it will be a Valentines to remember. Again.
But then…Yuma surprises him. Because of course he does. By way of showing Kaito his own reservations. It’s in another restaurant, of course, but what’s not only shocking isn’t just the fact that it’s the type Kaito likes (reserved, but still allows for casual dressing, has some foreign food on offer), but that it’s way out of Yuma’s price range.
As in, way out. He’s not 100% percent familiar with the Tsukumo finances, but he’s gone over there enough to know that the family struggles. Yuma has an old CRT TV in the attic and no laptop for school, is all that needs to be said. It’s to be expected, with two parents that went missing for years and with not too lucrative careers in the first place, along with Akari’s career not making much either. It was Haru’s widower pension that mostly got them by.
Usually, Kaito isn’t the type to care that much, just like Yuma isn’t one to care about his wealth. But this time, it’s a real issue to him, because Yuma’s reservations messes with his own plans, yet…the puppy dog eyes Yuma gives him, along with the fact that this gesture must have cost him months of allowance, makes Kaito unable to deny him.
He can still be mean sometimes, but not to Yuma any more. So his utterly perfect plans for a Valentine’s date are now completely ruined. He could still go ahead with everything that came after the restaurant…but it just doesn’t feel as good if he wasn’t responsible for the entirety of the night.
So off into the trash they go, hmph. He's too bitter to call to cancel them.
But he’s not that mad, actually, besides the initial rush of frustration. Thing is, he and Yuma technically did not begin to date on Valentine’s day, but a couple of weeks afterwards. They only announced it to Yuma’s family a little while later, so…he can delay his plans to White Day and have it work just as well as a celebration of when they first began dating.
Yes, in fact, it might even be better. This gives them both the opportunity to pamper each other as well. Yuma will feel good about treating Kaito on Valentine’s day, and Kaito will pay the favour back ten times on White day. A great representation of the fact that they are equals in this relationship too. So poetic.
(Or at least, they are equals now. Kaito hasn’t forgotten about that ‘Zexal II is a girl’ matter, but that’s a wedding ring and a couple of years away still. He’s the traditional type, unlike any of their parents.)
With that in mind, he accepts Yuma’s invitation with a smile and a (very light!) kiss. He gets some fancy chocolates as a way to still give Yuma something on that day, and decides to just enjoy whatever happens.
And for once, it was a very pleasant ordeal. The restaurant was just as nice as Kaito had imagined, their secluded spot by the window was perfect, the waiters wisely ignored Yuma’s manners, he convinced Yuma to be adventurous and try some western food, almost burned his own tongue off because he picked a dish far too spicy (which was still a win, because it made Yuma giggle, and Kaito could weakly kick him on the shins for it) and just overall had a good time. After the meal, they walked, hand in hand because no one was around, and Yuma took him to talk by the river.
It wasn’t what he had originally planned, but the sky was starry and romantic nonetheless. It was a perfect way to spend Valentine’s day, much better than alone or being shamed by the others like last year (even if they were right in the end).
And it must have shown on his face, because as they watch the stars, their conversation about nothing is interrupted by Yuma leaning his head against Kaito’s shoulder and asking, “Are you happy?”
For once, Kaito can’t help but be honest; he rubs his forehead against Yuma’s and sighs, “Yes. Very much so.”
Yuma smiles wider than he has in years.
While Kaito didn’t know it back then, that was his biggest mistake.
-- --- -- --- -- --- --
He doesn’t even have the time to fully digest the box of candy Yuma gave him before his boyfriend shows up at his tower, all wide-eyed and holding something in front of him. A ticket.
It was seven in the morning, and Kaito didn’t have enough coffee for any of that. He just nodded and told Yuma to go to school, closing the door on his face. But he still accepted the ticket, and only later did he realize what it was for; an opera.
Kaito had mentioned wanting to see classical forms of entertainment like this one more than once, but never had the time to look into what was showing and book one. He thought it was just one of the many random conversations he had with Yuma…mostly because Yuma ever surprising him like this was out of the boy’s price range.
Apparently not.
Now, the tickets weren’t that expensive, but given how soon after Valentines it was, it raised more than a few of Kaito’s suspicions. All the more when Yuma texted him saying he had a place picked out to eat after the show was done…and if it was not a fast food place…
The night came soon (like two days afterwards, Yuma was lucky to be able to get them in short notice, but as it turns out, the showing wasn’t sold out. Too obsessed with dueling to care about much else, so is Heartland city), and Kaito must have been scowling at first, trying to bait Yuma out…but so used is Yuma to such things, he just ignores it and ushers him inside. Amazing how nice Yuma looks in a red suit, instead of it clashing with his hair…
However, he gets so entranced by the singing and plot, he soon forgets all about paying attention to Yuma. Such well performed craft moves something in him, enough to make him clap once the show regretfully ends. Which of course leads Yuma to ask, “Did you have fun?”
To which Kaito responds, “Yes. Thank you.” and he’s mostly thanking the fact Yuma did not yawn the whole way through the piece, as some would expect him to do.
He’s so into going over what he just saw in his own head, he completely misses the fact Yuma takes him to another restaurant with reservations, until after he’s taken the boy home and kisses him goodbye…at that point it all hits him.
Where the heck did Yuma get the money for all of this?
And how does he ask without Yuma getting mad at him? Because Kaito has some knowledge of social norms, and him getting too much into Yuma’s case ‘out of the blue’ might come off as ungrateful.
Maybe he won some dueling bets with Arclights…not that he dares ask Chris. Mostly because he doesn’t want to ruin the nice dates they had. But on the inside he’s worrying, because White Day is looming ever closer…
And his fears are confirmed when they meet up for coffee and Yuma asks him if he’d like to go to a ballet show in a couple of months.
Kaito isn’t going to let such an opportunity slip away, but he still tries to be subtle, “You like ballet?”
But no luck, “Don’t know, never went to one. But if you do, we should go see it!”
Yes, they should, but…Kaito switches tactics, “I am saving up for something. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to pay for such an expensive date so soon, and after our last two outings, it’s only fair. You know I loathe having to go to Faker for anything.”
To which Yuma just smiles, “What? No issue, I’ll pay for it.” he assures, “I love treating you after all. You smile so cutely without knowing it, when you’re touched like that. I kinda got addicted to it after Valentines, haha.”
Kaito’s suspicions make him unable to hold back any longer, “And how can you afford it? Did you get a part-time job or something? Don’t put strain on your family, when they already have an extra mouth to feed.” ‘in the form of a pesky mutant carrot’ he doesn’t add, still bitter about Yuma’s beloved ‘brother’, “You need that for college, maybe. Don’t worry about me.”
Yuma blinks for a moment, then his eyes go wide, “Ah, you forgot. No wonder, so did I for the longest time.” he shakes his head and leans forward for his explanation, “I won a lifetime pass to Heartland City in the WDC, remember? I’ve mostly used it to get food from restaurants and treat Akari and granny, but when Valentines came up, I remembered that I could use it for you as well.” he finishes with a smile. “Sorry for forgetting for so long, haha. You paid for my share in a lot of our dates for no reason.” he rubs the back of his head awkwardly, clearly feeling guilty.
But Kaito is far too busy paling in horror to decry money that meant nothing to him.
Yuma has a pass…to go anywhere he wants in Heartland. Including restaurants.
Which means…Kaito’s plans for White day are ruined now.
And he has no idea what to replace them with.
He’s doomed.
-- --- -- --- -- --- --
“Right…and this is my issue, how exactly?” Mizael asks as he nervously holds his mug of coffee closer, wishing he had ordered tea instead. Tea would be calming, instead of putting him more on edge.
Kaito doesn’t waste a moment to glare at him (some more), “Because you were oh-so-terribly-wise with what I should do about Yuma’s confession last year. It’s partly your fault I’m dating him, so you share responsibility in helping me out!” he slams his cup on the table for good measure.
Mizael hates how he flinches by reflex, “That is not how things work at all. I didn’t expect that you and Yuma would end up dating, I just wanted you to confront the poor kid properly.” he explains.
It makes Kaito frown, “So you incited me with the purpose of having me further embarrass myself and hurt Yuma? What a good friend you are.” he says through gritted teeth.
The other is so lost, he bites back the remark of ‘and yet, I’m one of the few friends you have’, in favour of just wanting to end this, “Look, I barely know anything about relationships in this timeline. Shouldn’t you ask Chris? He incited you more than I did!”
But his plea is met with a shake of the head, “No, I can’t risk having any of this reaching Mihael. At any cost. And no point in asking for secrecy when it comes to siblings, so Chris is a no-go.”
Which only makes Mizael raise his brow, “Huh, why? Afraid he’s going to take the opportunity to try and steal Yuma from you?” because everyone knows Mihael will always hold a torch for the kattobingu duelist.
“A little, but I’m mostly scared he’ll fatally stab me for daring to ‘steal’ Yuma from him, and then being unable to treat the boy right.” Kaito admits.
Mizael waits for the punchline, but as it turns out, Kaito is completely serious. Which only makes Mizael laugh, “Him, stab you? Are you kidd—”
“Do you not know how he acted during his duel with Yuma? Just because you won, did you not notice how ruthless he can be during your own duel with him?” Kaito interrupts with a challenging look, “That boy hides something deep and scary within him. Just like Thomas inherited his teasing tendencies from Tron, and Chris his ability to detach his love for those close to him when it suits his goals, Mihael inherited something else…I am allowed to live, because Yuma is happy with me so far.”
When Kaito puts it like that, and Mizael thinks deeply on it…he ends up swallowing a knot in his throat, “Yeah, you’re likely right. Chris is out.”
Kaito nods in response, “Exactly. So go ahead and tell me what will make Yuma happier than anything else on this Earth, and quick.” he demands, before sighing and resting his head in his hands, “I’m at my wits end here…how could money fail me like this?” he sobs.
Feeling a bit of pity, but still hopelessly lost on what to do, Mizael is left in a conundrum, “But like I said, I don’t know! I’ll be a kiss virgin until my forties for sure! Besides, aren’t you taking things a bit too seriously here?” he points out, shoving his cold cup of caffeine away, “Yuma is a simple guy. What he wants is likely something just as simple. And anyway, just because he pays for the restaurant, why can’t you still do the whole ‘flying through the night sky and kissing at the top of the Heart Tower’ thing? Isn’t that romantic enough?”
What he says makes sense…if it was for anyone else other than Kaito, “No, I must be in charge of the whole date, or else it’s pointless.” he persists.
Frustrated, Mizael counters, “Why? Aren’t relationships meant to be equal or whatever?”
“Not when you’re dating someone with a harem just salivating for the moment he’s single again.” Kaito points out, “It has to be perfect. It has to be proof I’m ten times better than all of them. And it has to be on our almost anniversary, it has to be!”
Another slam on the table, this time with his fist, and Mizael just wishes he had turned down Kaito’s invitation. He should have known something was fishy about them meeting on a Saturday…“Well, I don’t know, and I no longer have part of the Numeron Code so we can ask the magic power of the Universe about it for you!”
His yell finally makes Kaito flinch, but instead of calming down, he just crosses his arms and pouts like a lost puppy. Which is what he likely feels like in this situation.
It’s enough to make Mizael feel bad, “Look, you can’t ask Chris, but surely there’s other people you can ask? People who know Yuma well.” he offers.
“Most of them are in love with him too.” Kaito rolls his eyes.
Mizael immediately replies, “But not all of them. Nobody on the male side of the Numbers Club loves him…except for Vector, but you weren’t going to ask him in the first place. Even if he’s the closest to Yuma now, ‘brother’ and all.”
“With good reason.” Kaito scoffs, but does spend a few seconds thinking about it, “Tetsuo is also his childhood friend…and I suppose they are easy enough to frighten into silence.” he ponders, “I guess it’s worth a try, but they do have the habit to be utterly useless…”
The other blond is finally able to smile in relief, “What? You want to ask Nasch or Alit instead? Or the rest of the Barians? Maybe Ponta, hah!”
“Those two lost to me, so what do they know?” Kaito rolls his eyes, “Durbe is worse than you when it comes to romance, I can tell. Gilag will tattle to Alit. And I don’t even remember the name of Ryouga’s sister, so heh.” and then he begins to scratch his chin in deep thought, “Though the raccoon is old, isn’t he? Seen a lot of stuff through his lifetime, he might be a good one…but no, there is no guarantee he won’t tell Gilag, so it’s back to square one on that one.” he sighs miserably.
Mizael is so flabbergasted that his friend is at the point to consider Ponta an option, he can barely reply, “Guess you just have the Numbers Club to confront then, lucky you!” through a strained smile.
But Kaito just looks away, feeling no closer to solving his issue.
After all, it’s not like he can ask his own family for help. Haruto is too young, Orbital’s ‘relationship’ consists of Obomi insulting him and ignoring the robot babies Kaito made for them, and Faker...absolutely no way.
Threatening minors it is then.
-- --- -- --- -- --- --
He had considerable hopes for Tetsuo, but as it turns out, the big oaf is useless, “What would make Yuma happy? Dueling of course!”
Kaito gets the urge to steal his soul right then and there. Good thing the photon hand is safely locked away, “And he can get that from even a dog in this city. I meant something he wants that only I can provide him.”
His furious tone makes the other freeze with fear, the only good part of this, “Huh, I really don’t want to think about Yuma’s sex life long enough to think about what he woul—”
“No one said anything about sex, you utterly useless mess of teenage hormones!” Kaito scolds, inwardly thanking the heavens Yuma isn’t like most of his peers in this regard, “I meant something with heart, romantic!” he emphasizes for the dumb one, “You’re his childhood friend, surely you know something.”
Struggling to speak, Tetsuo stammers, “B-but, I-I really don’t?” and at Kaito’s glare, he holds his hands up, “Honest! Until Yuma began dating you, I thought he was one of those types who didn’t care about love at all! He never joined in on the…’conversations’, between us guys. I doubt he looks at stuff online, and he never even noticed Kotori fawning after him for years!” he lists desperately, “I don’t think even Yuma knows what he actually wants…”
That last line makes Kaito’s heart fall.
Because Tetsuo is probably right. And if Yuma doesn’t know himself…how can Kaito possibly hope to provide it? When he’s so bad at feelings ever since he put his wall of ice up?
But someone better than him, someone kinder, more perceptive, might figure it out. And then Yuma is free for the taking, as Kaito loves him too much to keep him from real happiness…
His dreams of marrying Yuma and making use of the Zexal fusion to make their own family seem to slip further and further away.
He still keeps trying. While he has enough time…barely two weeks left. After making sure Tetsuo won’t say a peep to another soul, he tracks down his next victim; the blue haired kid that most just call ‘Class Pres’.
Takashi is a lot more reasonable than Tetsuo. After a brief explanation, he seems to sympathize with Kaito enough to comply, though the glint in his eyes immediately betrays the fact that he’s a gossip, and will need to be threatened afterwards to keep his mouth shut, “What Yuma needs? Let’s see…”
Kaito eagerly waits for a response, “Honestly, I don’t think any of your big gestures will go over well. Yuma likes doing them to you because it makes you happy, but when it comes to himself, Yuma is rather simple, to summarize.” the other shakes his head, “But I have to admit, I have no clue what he wants. Other than his parents being around more often, because…you know.”
Which isn’t something Kaito can’t give, and isn’t something Yuma wants from him. Takashi is right, but his advice is still of no help.
After threatening to dump him on Thomas so the champion can delight in giving him another round of ‘fanservice’, Takashi agrees to stay as silent as a grave over this matter.
He’s so certain he won’t get anything from any of this, he lets a few days pass before he goes to his last target; Tokunosuke. By that point, he had pretty much given up, and is kissing his dream future goodbye.
But as it turns out, the short mischievous boy surprises him, “What Yuma wants the most? To not be alone, ura!” he replies without missing a beat. When Kaito raises a brow at this confidence, the other tilts his glasses, “I know, because I am the same, ura. It’s why we clicked at all. And think about it…why was he so attached to Astral? Because he could literally be with Yuma every single second of the day, no matter where they were.” he points out with a grin, “And after being bullied as a child, his parents still barely giving him any attention…isn’t it logical that’s what he craves the most, ura? Especially from those he loves and respects?”
Kaito is so shocked at how much this kid knows, he’s left blinking for a few minutes. Yes, it all makes so much sense, and it does seem Tokunosuke feels the same with his whole being, making his observation that more likely to be true.
Yet…“But I’m already with him as much as I can. I can’t do more than I already do.”
“You always can, ura.” Tokunosuke rolls his eyes, “Especially since you haven’t given Yuma what he desperately wants yet, hence why he’s so worried about making you happy lately.” he explains with a shrug, “He’s hoping if he makes you fall for him more, he’ll finally get what he wants, ura.”
Again, Kaito’s eyes widen as Yuma’s behaviour the past few weeks suddenly makes a whole lot more sense…
But that just makes things worse, “But what haven’t I given him? Tell me!” he demands as he’s overtaken by emotion and shakes the other by the shoulders.
“Wah, I’m dizzy, ura!” the other complains as his glasses almost fly off, “L-look, I can’t know for sure, but knowing Yuma-kun, it’s gotta be something simple!”
Again with that word…“Nothing is ever simple when you want it to.” he vents, more out of frustration than anything else.
“Nah, I think you’re just the type to blow things out of proportion, ura.” Tokunosuke shakes his head, only to flinch when Kaito sends him a glare, “L-like, have you ever told him that you love him?”
Annoyed, Kaito opens his mouth right away, “Of course, I ha—”
Only to stop when he realizes he cannot recall ever saying so to Yuma. Not even when they began going out. The revelation is enough to root him on the spot.
Tokunosuke begins to grin, “Have not, because you’re too guarded to say such things easily?” he finishes for Kaito, mockingly. “Ah, don’t look at me that way, ura. Poor Yuma is surrounded by tsunderes. Of course I’m familiar with the ways of your people, hehehe.”
Kaito just glares all the harder. Because it’s not as simple as that…Kaito wasn’t like this because he enjoyed it or anything. He used to be quite a warm and honest person in his younger years. He wasn’t like Ryouga at all, if that’s what the kid is implying. (Not that he knows that much about how the other is these days, mess of a fusion between a teenager and all. Doesn’t matter to him.)
But life…life forced him to change or perish. And even now that things have eased up, it’s hard to let go of such habits that were crucial at one point. Which is why, even though he should be happy he now has an answer to his problem (as Tokunosuke is surely right on the theory that Yuma has been showering him with gifts in the hopes of finally hearing such simple words)…he cannot muster up the relief.
Because he knows it’s going to be hard. And because time is a bitch and passes ever faster, he has less than a week to come up with a way to do it.
As thanks for Tokunosuke’s help, he ends up bribing him for his silence. And threatening him as well. Gotta be extra sure, since he gives off the same gossipy feeling as Takashi did. Can’t have them trading notes or anything.
Well, at least he didn’t have to get stabbed to get the help he needed. That’s something to be thankful for…
-- --- -- --- -- --- --
White day comes. Yuma wants to see a theatre play, which is something for Kaito’s benefit, obviously. Kaito actually has no interest in this type of ‘fancier’ entertainment (along with poetry nights and comedy shows), especially since he thinks the play is more aimed at children? Yuma actually ends up enjoying it more than he does, for once.
Which makes things equal, so he accepts it. They agreed beforehand that Kaito would pay for the food this time, and he picks a place with a nice rooftop where they can enjoy the sunset. And he can marvel at how pretty Yuma looks as he opens his return gift, a box of stupidly expensive cake (thank you Chris, for constantly bringing such stuff over for your lunch. May diabetes evade you and your loved ones).
That might have been the perfect moment for Kaito to finally say those words. When Yuma is smiling and laughing, not yet stuffing his face, and the background compliments the mood so well. He opens his mouth to say it when Yuma thanks him for the gift, but…
Try as he might, nothing comes out. He has to close his mouth before Yuma notices and asks why Kaito is imitating a goldfish.
Before he knows it, he’s paying for their tab, and the opportunity is gone. Darn it.
Well, they still have some time left. Even if it’s just walking around holding hands, Yuma trying to lean his head against Kaito’s shoulder, always forgetting that in the year since they began dating, he’s grown to be taller than Kaito. Holding the cake box in the other hand and trying not to swing it so much the cake will be in crumbs by the time he gets home.
For once, Kaito tries not to mind the people looking at them. Tries to find some levity in the fact that, thanks to Yuma’s growth spur and Kaito’s baby face, none of those people can tell they have a small age gap between them. It’s what’s given them the freedom to date around more openly lately.
Yuma babbles about everything and nothing as usual, and they walk around a lot. By the river, underneath the Heart tower, into the park Yuma liked to play in…sometimes Yuma looks at him expectantly, and because Kaito still can’t bring himself to say it, the walk keeps going and going, until they end up on the other side of town.
The more unkempt one, and eventually they arrive at…the same overgrown park Kaito had asked Yuma to meet him almost exactly a year ago. To follow Chris and Mizael’s advice ‘set things straight because Yuma deserved it’, and instead they began to go out.
Gods, how quickly time passes. Has it really been a year already? Mizael and Durbe are in college now…next year Yuma will have to start thinking about what he wants to do after High School too. Haruto is going to enter Junior High pretty soon. And Kaito…Kaito keeps working at the lab with Chris, never wanting to follow his father’s path of getting into international projects.
Because one day, he wants to have a family. With Yuma. Which he absolutely can because of the Zexal II fusion, don’t forget. And he doesn’t want to have his work take over and interfere with his family life, the same way his father did. He wants to be a good husband and father.
And in order to do that, he has to marry Yuma first. And before that, has to…admit that he loves him. Nothing will happen if he can’t get over this obstacle.
Kaito Tenjo may be an idiot when it comes to social matters, but he’s not a quitter! Don’t you dare laugh, Tokunosuke, and put away that knife already, Mihael!
So he grabs Yuma by the shoulders as he’s prattling off about who knows what, and…just looks at him for a long while.
Surprised, Yuma blinks at him, “Huh, something wrong, Kaito? Want to go home already?” he asks, disappointment tainting his voice.
Swallowing a knot in his throat that he feels is the size of the entire world, Kaito decides to stall. Stall until the words eventually come out somehow, “Yuma…we began dating on this very place almost a year ago.”
The way Yuma’s eyes widen betrays the fact he hadn’t realized that yet. Immediately, his face breaks into a smile, “Yeah, you’re right! Looking back on it, I did kinda corner you into going out with me. You were so shocked, haha!”
His smile…it’s as radiant as always. Yuma really is pretty like the sun. And yet, Kaito still can’—
“But you know how I am, just Kattobingu and hope for the best!” the other says, and suddenly, he opens his arms and encircles them around Kaito. Because of their height difference, Kaito ends up lodged in the other’s chest. He can no longer look at Yuma in the eyes, which should make him less nervous…but instead, his nostrils are assaulted by the smell of Yuma, and it’s all his senses can focus on.
Yuma, seemingly oblivious like he usually is, keeps on chatting away, “But hey, thanks for going along with it. I don’t know about you, but I really enjoyed the past year.” he admits, “I wasn’t being impulsive and dumb, I really do love you.” his tone switches to a much vulnerable one, as if he’s expecting that Kaito will shove him away soon.
Usually that would happen. This is too embarrassing for Kaito’s nerves, even if there is no one else around at this hour. Instead, his eyes almost get teary. He’s supposed to be the one pouring out his heart here, and yet, it’s Yuma who confesses to him. Again. Making his heart almost beat out of his ribcage.
Damn you, Yuma. Damn you, and secret heart throb tendencies that you’re not even aware of. No wonder so many people still hold out a torch of hope for your rear.
But Kaito isn’t going to give any of them that. Powered by pure spite, and the realization that there’s something delicate (almost feminine) about Yuma’s scent, he finally manages to gather enough courage to weakly hug the other back. Add the fact his mouth is muffled by Yuma’s chest, and it’s what he needs to say, “Don’t be an idiot. Of course I love you too.”
It’s not as sweet as he’d originally hoped it would be. But well, that’s just natural for him now. Something for him to keep working on. To one day go back to the kinder person he originally was.
But for now, his words are enough to make Yuma gasp loudly. Kaito manages to wrangle his head just enough so he can glance up and confirm his suspicions…Yuma is almost crying, “You finally…”
Yes, no doubt about it, Tokunosuke was right. This was what Yuma had wanted all along. And like others had said, it was so simple, Kaito could almost kick Yuma for being so easily pleased. Demand more, darn it, you deserve it after all the messes you fixed for others! At least ask for a top of the line D-Gazer or something!
“Yeah, love you too, Kaito!” Yuma repeats, laughing and hugging him tighter, as if he hadn’t said the same thing two seconds ago, “I promise we’ll continue to have fun. That ballet next month is going to be awesome!”
Kaito rolls his eyes, “You should let me treat you more once in a while too. Even if you have a pass, I am a well off career man. I’m not a gold digger who expects to be treated all the time for her company.” he admonishes. Yet he also doesn’t tell Yuma to not take him to the ballet because…yes, even the theatre that he didn’t enjoy that much, it was fun to just go out with Yuma like that. Go to places where it’s unlikely to see any of the others, enjoy something that has nothing to do with dueling purely for its own sake, and each other’s happiness.
He just has to reciprocate, that’s all. Take Yuma to places someone his age might like…huh, the aquarium? Didn’t he see that on an anime with Haruto once? Huuh…
(Clearly, another round of threatening minors for information is in his near future.)
“Yeah, the one who can turn into a girl is me, not you.” Yuma jokes as he lets go of Kaito, so they can go back to holding hands. Before that, he leans down and gives Kaito a kiss, no more than a peck so Kaito doesn’t have the time to squeal in shame, “Looking forward to being ‘in your care’, Kaito!”
The tone along with his earlier words clearly signal that he means it as a joke.
But…
Now that his future with Yuma is not in jeopardy for at least another year, Kaito is back to fantasizing about having a family with him. Ah, he really hopes the kids won’t have Zexal’s II golden eyes, though the red hair could be beautiful. But he supposes what matters the most is that both them and Yuma are healthy all throughout, and—
Even a year on, Yuma still has no clue just who exactly he is dealing with. He’s just content to finally get his own love confession after so long.
But time passes quickly, after all, and there will come a day he’ll find out just how intense Kaito is under all his shields.