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Isagi Yoichi is a veterinarian and he’s well-known for his kindness for the animals that he takes care of. Most of his clients are amazed how Isagi can tame even the naughtiest or wild pets they have.
Dr. Isagi is truly a magical tamer.
But no, there's something much more magical than Isagi himself. It was his lovely Koi Fish.
Isagi named him Ranze which means Orchid since he loves Orchids so much.
Isagi had a lot of them decorated beautifully around his clinic and the reason why he chose that certain flower is because of its meaning.
Love and beauty .
Naming his beloved pet made Ranze special to him. Ever since Isagi took Ranze in, he often received a lot of blessings and some of his wishes, big or small came true. Isagi noticed that Ranze is special because every time he talked to his pet about his troubles it would be resolved in an hour or the next day.
Isagi thought that Ranze was truly a gift from the divine to bless his life.
"Thank you doctor." The lady and her daughter bowed politely as they left the clinic with their big fluffy golden retriever.
Isagi smiled, assisting the lovely family.
He took off his gloves and headed to his pets playgrounds. As usual he tends to them.
"Rensuke, you've grown so much don't you?" The big fluffy dog barked happily while Isagi poured snacks for him then closed it after.
Isagi turns to the aquarium, majestically decorated with a mini jungle with a camaleon resting inside."Reo, still hiding behind the rock. I can see you, you know.”
Lastly…
Isagi walked towards the huge aquarium and smiled at the Koi Fish inside.
"Hello Ranze." Isagi greeted with glee.
The Koi fish recognized Isagi's voice and swam gracefully to meet him.
"I always rant to you about my problems. I'm surprised you're never bored of me." Isagi laughed, the Koi Fish had his eyes fixated on him as if it was telling him that he will listen to Isagi no matter what.
"So, I lost my phone—Technically, It was broken but I didn't expect that someone wouldn't bring it back to me." Isagi sighed."I had to borrow my friend's phone, remember Shouhei Barou-san? He was kind of pissed that I was reckless."
Isagi scratched his cheek awkwardly. The Koi Fish remained the same, eagerly listening.
"So yeah… I'm kind of bummed and I told Shouhei that I'll return his extra phone once I save enough money to buy a cheaper one of my own."
Isagi then stood up and smiled.
"Anyways, thank you so much for listening to Ranze. I appreciate it so much. I better get going now." He checked his watch."I have an appointment to catch. See you later okay?"
When Isagi left, Ranze swam around his aquarium. His scales glowed brightly.
It always does that when he uses his gift. It was something that was granted to him by the divine because of a curse that was inflicted on him by a witch centuries ago.
The only way to break the curse is to grant wishes of the humans he meets, only with the purest heart can break the curse.
For years, Ranze met thousands of humans who took advantage of his gift. The experience wasn’t really pleasant but by some miracle, he stumbled into a canal where young Isagi rescued him.
Surprisingly, Isagi was a kind soul raised by warm hearted parents. Ranze knew that he was in good hands.
Ranze became young Isagi’s inspiration to be a veterinarian. To help animals like him in need, he now uses his gift to help Isagi with his small wishes.
Ranze was sure Isagi noticed it already yet he never took advantage of him or if Isagi received a blessing from him he would give it to others since Isagi believes that it will help them more than it would help him.
It reminded Ranze of his past human self.
Kind,
Generous,
Noble.
Ranze wished that he could thank Isagi for all he had done for him and everyone.
❀•°❀°•❀
Isagi visited his clinic that night, walking towards Ranze’s aquarium, pulling a chair to sit on and waiting for his little fish to wake from his slumber.
Ranze did wake up after hearing someone enter the room. He swam happily greeting Isagi. He saw Isagii pull out a new phone and shake it lightly, showing it to Ranze.
“You use your gift again to get me this new phone, right?” Isagi asked. “I dropped by the grocery earlier and won from this spin the wheel game, I didn’t expect it would be a phone.”
Ranze observed Isagi and the latter didn’t seem pleased with what Ranze did.
“Thank you Ranze but you don’t have to keep granting all my wishes even if I need or want it as long as I can manage or buy it on my own I’ll be fine. Although, I am very thankful for everything. I’m very happy you’re using it for my benefit but…”
Isagi leaned closer and smiled at Ranze.
“Use it to grant your wish too. If you have one dream, what would It be? Perhaps, someone up there can grant it for you.” Isagi placed his palm on the aquarium. “I want to set you free.”
Ranze’s eyes twinkle from what Isagi had said, he felt this huge weight was lifted from what he had said to him
Freedom.
If there’s anything he wants in this world. It would be that.
Freedom to feel
Freedom to speak
Freedom to live again.
And most importantly Freedom to Love.
Almighty Divine Being I had been a good servant of yours for centuries. Would you be able to grant my heart's desire?
I want to be free from this curse.
Isagi watched Ranze until he finally rested and got up from his seat.
It's time to rest as well.
❀•°❀°•❀
The next day.
When Isagi went back to his clinic, Ranze was nowhere to be found. Panic courses through his veins, frantically searching his clinic thinking if it was robbed. It doesn’t look like it is since Rensuke and Reo are still inside their cages, they looked fine but his beloved Koi Fish is gone.
Isagi’s heart sank, thinking if Ranze disappeared after their small chat last night. It just proves that Ranze really wasn’t an ordinary fish, he must be a divine being that was sent to keep him company for a short time.
If Ranze is finally free he will probably go back home. As sad as it seemed, Isagi should accept and be happy for his friend.
After contemplating for days. Isagi went back to his usual routine, opened his clinic, waited for his patients and worked eight hours a day.
During Isagi’s day off. He would exercise, take Rensuke for a walk and tend to Reo.
There will be days that IIsagi thought Ranze was still in his aquarium – It was his daily routine to check up on him but he wasn’t there anymore so what’s the point in keeping an empty aquarium?
Isagi took the aquarium and emptied everything inside, he might as well sell it or let it be stocked at his basement for safe keeping.
Although, Isagi’s attachment to the aquarium was too strong. Memories flood like a hurricane inside Isagi’s heart. Nonetheless he won’t be able to ease the pain if he chooses not to let go.
I want to set myself free too.
Isagi decided to lock the aquarium and hid it in the basement where he wont be able to see it anymore.
❀•°❀°•❀
Two years had passed. Isagi worked abroad after two of his loyal clients Chigiri Hyouma and Seishirou Nagi took custody of his two lovely pets. They were Isagi’s pets for the longest time since they are rescue animals that he took care of and now they have a lovely home from two lovely people. They deserve that much love after all.
Isagi took a licensure exam in Germany and passed as a licensed veterinarian there. Working in one of the prestigious hospitals in Germany, for now, he’s under one of the veterans there, Doctor Michael Kaiser and his assistant Alexis Ness.
They were a bit strict and harsh in teaching him.
Isagi didn’t mind since he really wants to learn and he’s aiming to help more of his clients and their pets.
Dr. Kaiser’s talent was something he looked up to and wanted to be just like him but every time Isagi was taught it was full of insults and Dr. Kaiser rarely gets satisfied with his work and will end up getting Isagi physically and emotionally exhausted.
One day, Isagi stumbled to a nearby shore where he could relax and get his mind off of things.
He definitely misses home.
Isagi dipped his feet in the water and stared at his reflection. He was suddenly reminded of his beloved pet that disappeared years ago, he smiled sadly.
“Ranze.” Isagi mumbled, he still hoped he would see Ranze again.
After taking some time off, Isagi went home and called it a day.
❀•°❀°•❀
Muchen General Hospital.
Isagi woke up late and had to run to the hospital in a haste. Dr. Kaiser will definitely scold him, Isagi mentally prepared for his morning sermon. He made a swift turn to the left to take a shortcut to Dr. Kaiser’s office when he suddenly bumped into someone's chest.
“I’m so sorry!” Isagi bowed apologetically.
“It’s fine. Are you hurt?” A man with a soft voice asked, taking Isagi’s arms.
“I’m fine.” Isagi slowly looked up to the person in front of him, dazzled by that sweet smile of his. He had rose colored hair with striking pink eyes, he had this sweet and musky fragrance similar to how Orchis smells like.
For some reason, that stare reminded Isagi of someone dear to him.
“Kurona, hurry up. I have an appointment with Dr. Kaiser!” Another guy popped to the side, a tall guy with white hair and green streak, his eyes were rather sharp carrying a big husky dog with him.
“Coming Eita.” Kurona responded. “I have to get going, we’re kind of in a rush.”
“Oh, wait!” Isagi stopped the two from leaving.“I’m actually going to meet Dr. Kaiser. If you don’t mind, I could assist you two perhaps?”
Kurona smiled sweetly.
Isagi’s heart skipped a beat – He wondered what it was about. He ignored it when the two agreed and guided them.
Upon entering, Dr. Kaiser spots Isagi, his face grimaced. He was ready to snap and scold him but stopped when he saw the two clients behind.
Isagi noticed Dr. Kaiser’s reaction when he saw his presence. Isagi was sure he’s going to be scolded later.
Kurona noticed the tense atmosphere between the two doctors. He honestly didn’t like it at all and with his free hand he held Isagi’s shoulder.
“Are you a vet too?” Kurona asked.
“Yes?” Isagi turns to him innocently.
“Would you mind checking my friend’s dog?”
“Me?” Isagi was stunned and turned to Dr. Kaiser. “Oh, but isn’t Dr. Kaiser the one you have an appointment with?”
“Yeah! Why are you asking this kid to check on Tabito?!” Otoya exclaimed there’s no way he would let his precious Husky, Tabito, be checked by a newbie doctor.
Who knows what could happen if he did.
“Hm? What’s wrong with that? This guy is working at Muchen Hospital. So he must be as good as the doctors here.” Kurona complimented. “Besides, If he’s under the famous animal messiah, Dr. Kaiser, then he must be talented too.”
Isagi wasn’t sure if that was a compliment to Dr. Kaiser or was that sarcasm he heard.
Kurona checked Isagi’s name tag. “Right, Dr. Isagi?”
Isagi was still stunned by that request.
Why is this guy asking him to check his friend's dog?
Dr. Kaiser frowned but he couldn’t exactly decline two well-known clients, he knew these two had a good background. In terms of wealth and status, they couldn’t afford Dr. Kaiser’s services if they don’t have one.
Dr. Kaiser heaved a sigh and swayed his hand, allowing Isagi to work on it.
“I’ll do my best.” Isagi nodded.
Dr. Kaiser rolled his eyes and let Isagi sit on his chair for consultation with the clients. It only took a few minutes of consultation until Isagi easily resolved the issue with Otoya’s pet. Tabito, his husky was just being picky with what Otoya was serving, that's why he was losing appetite. It wasn’t anything dire, just your typical wanting to be spoiled.
The German doctor was honestly impressed by how quick Isagi could pick up with what the clients and animal needs. He showered Isagi with praise during the consultation – well, that was after Isagi was complimented and recommended by the two clients.
On the way out, Isagi assisted the two since. Otoya walks in front of Isagi and Kurona while he talks with Tabito.
“Thank you for putting your faith in me Sir. I appreciate it so much.” Isagi bowed.
“No problem, perhaps we could ask you for consultation sometime again?” Kurona smiled and handed Isagi a piece of paper. “My number. Keep it.”
“I couldn’t take this sir, you can contact the hospitals general hotline and local 4–”
“It’s fine Dr. Isagi Yoichi. I want to see you again.”
“You wanted to see me again?”
Before Kurona could respond to Isagi, Otoya shouted his friend’s name over and over again.
“Kurona Ranze! Let’s go, I need to buy Tabito doggy treats!” Otoya waved his hand.
“Ranze–” Isagi repeated.
“Coming!” Kurona waved back then turned to Isagi. “I need to get going, take care Dr. Isagi.”
“Wait–!” Isagi snatched Kurona’s arm. “Ranze. Are you… Ranze…?”
“Hmm?” Kurona smiled sweetly and gently held Isagi’s hand that was holding his arm. “It’s nice meeting you again, Isagi.”
“What?”
“I’m glad you’ve finally come this far. I’m proud of you.”
Isagi was baffled. Meeting Him again and coming this far. Those words won’t come from a stranger’s mouth but from someone who had known him for a long time.
There’s no way this guy and his beloved friend are the same entity. Is something like that even scientifically possible – No but It’s magically possible.
“Anyways, let’s meet again. How about the nearby shore you saw on your way home?”
“How did you know – wait, if you’re the Ranze that I know back then did you magically help me earlier?”
“Hmm?”
“Ease the Doctor's irritation–?”
“I didn’t do that, he was really impressed by your talents.”
“I don’t believe that for a second, I–”
Another round of calls from Otoya echoed in the area.
“Car is here Kurona Ranze! Hurry up!”
“Oh, our rides here. Let’s meet again – If you’re free maybe this weekend? I’ll explain everything or a little. Depends.” Kurona peeled away from Isagi’s grip and patted his head. “Take care, Isagi.”
“Ranze…!”
Kurona smiled sweetly and bowed politely, leaving Isagi bewildered.
❀•°❀°•❀
The day of Isagi and Kurona’s meeting at the nearby shore.
Isagi contacted Kurona after their last meeting at the hospital that night and received a text immediately.
Ranze Kurona
Let’s meet when the dawn breaks.
11:54 PM.
Isagi arrived there two hours early, to prepare himself. It has been years since he last met Ranze – If it really is him. It was surprising that he was no longer the creature he was before so their interactions will be quite different from now on.
There was this tingling feeling inside of Isagi that he couldn’t get off of his chest.
Excitement and Nervousness all bundled together in a chaotic harmony.
Isagi was busy thinking and not thinking at the same time, watching the sun set.
“Isagi.” A familiar voice from behind called out to him. “You’re here early.”
Isagi’s head shifted to where the voice was coming from and spoke softly. “Ranze.”
“I’m sorry if I made you wait that long but I did say dawn breaks. The sun is still here, you know.” Kurona laughed sitting next to Isagi.
“Is that really you?” Isagi stared hard at Kurona, analyzing every part of his face. The feeling of nostalgia was there. Ranze might look extremely different now but that gentle aura never changed.
“It’s me, Ranze.” Kurona responded in a meek tone. He took Isagi’s hand and placed it on his cheek. “Maybe you could feel me if you hold me like this.”
Isagi’s face flushed while holding Kurona’s face. He had never done this to anyone affectionately before – only to his parents, maybe. It was a new experience. He was sure his expression was giving away how he feels.
“I’m sorry I disappeared and made you wait for so long.” Kurona spoke in a regretful tone.
“Yes, you really do.” Isagi’s pouted. “I missed you so much and when you left I tried my best to move on and be happy for you. I did but there are times that I will be desperately looking everywhere for you but you weren’t there.”
“I’m here now. You don’t have to look very far.”
“I’m glad you are, I’m very happy you came back and look at you now. You’re one of us?” Isagi giggled.
“I have always been one of you – just cursed but I don’t want to dwell on the past. I want to appreciate the present and look forward to the future…” Kurona paused for a bit before continuing. “With you.”
“With me?” Isagi tilted his head.
“Yes, Isagi.” Kurona took Isagi’s hand that was holding his cheek and cupped it between his hands this time. “I want to be with you, forever and this time I don’t want to ever leave your side ever again.”
“That’s–”
“If only you knew how much you mean to me, from the moment you saved my life when you were young. You were my best friend. I have always been your number one fan, listening and cheering for you and when you finally made your dreams come true and became a veterinarian. I was so happy. You even told me that I was the one who inspired you to become one.”
“You did.” Isagi smiled, reminiscing the memory.
“After you passed your licensure exam and had your first clinic, that's when I started to have feelings for you or rather it got stronger and stronger each passing day.”
Isagi was trying to absorb everything that Kurona was telling him.
“Your beautiful smile whenever you helped other people etched in my memory, Your soft voice that healed everyone's soul sings inside my heart and your never ending kindness and care healed my shattered spirit.”
“I didn’t know you think highly of me like that.”
“I don’t just think highly of you.” Kurona leaned closer to Isagi’s face. “I love you, Isagi.”
Isagi’s mouth went agape, that confession made his heart drummed inside his chest loudly. He was looking deep within Kurona’s deep pink eyes. They were both looking at each other, feeling each other’s heart beating in the same rhythm.
It felt like there’s only the two of them in this world and that time had stopped.
Kurona took this opportunity to kiss the back of Isagi’s hand which made the other flinch.
“It’s alright Isagi. You don’t have to answer it right away, you could take your time–”
“I love you too!”
“Hmm?”
“I mean – I’m too shocked that my fish loves me!?”
Kurona made an Ohh sound then burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny!”
“I’m sorry, Are you still thinking I’m the same fish you once had?”
“Y-y-yeah? I mean, I have been taking care of you for years as one so I really couldn’t process everything on the spot– or rather I’m seeing you in a new light plus your confession was so heartfelt that I got butterflies in my stomach.”
“That’s why I told you to take your time. You don’t have to force yourself to like me. Just let it flow. We can start as strangers then be friends or something like that. I just want to tell you that I’ve always loved you.”
“We can start now. Like take it slow. We did say I love you’s to each other and Ranze...” Isagi took Kurona’s hand and kissed the back of it this time. Looking at Kurona a little seductively. “Who could love me better than you?”
“You–” Kurona’s face was painted by red hues, he didn’t expect that kind of gesture for someone as innocent as Isagi. “You got me there.”
“Did I get you good?” Isagi hummed happily.
“Very.” Kurona chuckled. “I didn’t know you have that kind of trick on your sleeves.”
“I learn fast,” Isagi proudly responded. “I can take care of you over and over again. I have been doing that for years, that will never change.”
“I will do that as well.” Kurona held Isagi’s face with his free hand. “Isagi Yoichi, will you be mine?”
Isagi’s lips curl up into a smile, staring at Kurona’s twinkling eyes.“I’ll definitely be yours, Ranze Kurona.”
❀•°❀°•❀
Epilogue
It has been a year since Isagi and Kurona confessed to each other.
Today, Otoya and Kurona were hanging out taking Tabito out for a walk.
“So, it worked out in the end.” Otoya spoke while running laps with Kurona.
“Most definitely. Thank you for granting my wish, Otoya.” Kurona smiled.
“Meh, I think you suffered enough besides isn’t it kind of bad that you were cursed and you’re a good person. It doesn’t make sense if the divine beings will lock you forever because they’re too lazy to break the witch’s curse.”
“Maybe?”
“Anyways, I’m glad that it only took two or three or whatever years for me to break the curse so you can be lovey dovey with your friend.” Otoya made a gagging sound.
Kurona laughed at that. “I’m glad it ended nicely. Isagi and I are doing great as well, Dr. Kaiser isn’t mean to him either.”
“Stop using your gifts to grant his wish, moron. He might notice it and scold you again.” Otoya scolded. “I know that it didn’t disappear since it’s engraved to you but stop spoiling your boyfriend for fuck sakes.”
“Yeah, Yeah. I just find Isagi very cute when he’s happy coming home when he has an amazing day at work.” Kurona grinned.
Otoya deadpanned. Kurona will definitely continue fawning over Isagi once he starts and Damn he was right and now Otoya is cursed to listen to Kurona while jogging, praying that Isagi will call his boyfriend to save him from this tragic third wheel life.