Work Text:
The only sounds heard in the dimly lit room were Eichi’s uneven breaths and the pitter-patter of raindrops against the window.
Seated at a polished wooden desk, Eichi’s gaze was fixed on the handwritten letter resting in his hands as his eyes glazed over it repeatedly. The lamplight cast a soft glow on the paper, illuminating his careful strokes in black ink.
His hands were never steady, but they seemed shakier than usual tonight. The white note and black fountain pen took turns in his left hand, the pen twirling and fidgeting around his fingers as he drew in a deep breath.
It had taken him a while to understand what love was, but when the realization hit him there was no room for ambiguity. His emotions were unequivocally exposed on the page. Eichi was undeniably, irrevocably in love with Wataru.
Wataru, who held him at his lowest moment. As Eichi looked up at him in shame, Wataru looked back at him with an unidentifiable emotion swirling in the violet of his eyes. Blood stained his clothes and his cheek, and Eichi wanted to sink six feet under.
Wataru, who visited him in the hospital when he was ready to give up. He should have despised him, but he shattered the anticipated contempt with each flower he brought. The warmth that filled Eichi’s face and quickened his heart with every visit was an unfamiliar yet intoxicating sensation.
Wataru, who joined fine and stood alongside him–not just as a member of fine , but as Hibiki Wataru, his left hand. His Wataru.
His heart was filled with longing–for him, for the courage to hand him his love letter. For his slender hands to cradle his face as a soft smile overtakes his lips. The mental image of their bodies entwined, his fingers tracing his blonde strands of hair, stirred a deep yearning that seemed to radiate through every fibre of his being. He yearned for him so deeply it hurt.
His breath quickened, chest tightening as he fixed his gaze on the black ink sprawled across the paper. The weight of his emotions pressed on him, the words having been read and re-read until they felt like a script engraved deep within his brain. Raindrops continued to hammer against the window.
Eichi folded over the letter, the paper crinkling softly under the pressure of his fingers, and delicately tucked it into his pocket. A small sigh escaped him as he ran a hand through his hair. His thoughts were scattered as he gazed out at the dark clouds veiling the night sky. He was sure he was the only person remaining in school at this hour.
The guilt of being in the hospital consumed him at times, and he felt the need to stay for hours after school only to look over the paperwork. It was unfair for the other student council members to have to take over all the responsibilities–including his–while he was hospitalized, despite Keito telling him repeatedly to take care of himself. It wasn’t as if he was productive today either way, as he had let his mind wander off.
It was hard not to, with the way Wataru consumed every fibre of his being.
He pushed himself up out of the seat, prepared to head back home when the door creaked open.
Eichi froze.
He’d recognize him anywhere. From a strand of his hair, a silhouette, a scent, Eichi felt his breath hitch in his throat as their eyes met. The atmosphere shifted, charged with an undeniable electricity, as if the universe was plotting against him.
An eye peeked through the slight gap between the door and the doorframe with blue hair so light it was almost silver.
Wataru’s eyes lit up almost instantly as the door, which was formerly slightly ajar, flew open. He burst into the room with a brightness that could rival the radiance of the sun.
“Fufu, Eichi, I’ve searched all over for you… ♪ I was beginning to think you were hiding from me!” Wataru’s melodic voice filled the room.
Caught in the whirlwind of Wataru’s entrance, Eichi couldn’t suppress a soft smile. A light pink hue graced his cheeks as he recalled the letter he had been gazing at moments before.
“What reason would I have to hide from you?” He responded sincerely, his head cocking slightly to the side.
The blue-haired boy hummed in agreement, his finger twirling coyly around a long strand of hair.
“Mm, I suppose you’re right! Then perhaps, Eichi, it was not me you were hiding from, but the downpour outside,” he exclaimed. Although worded like a question, he was not expecting an answer.
Eichi wasn't hiding from Wataru, but there was truth in not wanting to see him. Perhaps it was shame or embarrassment. Or perhaps, a part of him still believed he was undeserving of him. Of his presence, of knowing him, of being close to him.
He had not noticed Wataru come up and place his hands on the desk, perch himself up and look directly into Eichi’s eyes.
Eichi’s eyes widened slightly as he drew in a surprised breath, yet, he didn’t move back.
“Eichi,” Wataru enunciated each syllable as he looked at him through his lashes. “Am I boring you? If so, please tell me what I can do to keep your attention!”
They were so close; Eichi could make out every detail on Wataru’s face. His bottom lashes cast a shadow on his upper cheeks, his skin smooth, tempting Eichi to reach out and cup his face in his palm just to run his thumb across his cheek. He’d trace his bottom lip with his finger, memorizing every dip before he would lean in and kiss him. Wataru's hair fell perfectly on his face, and a thick strand sat on the tip of his nose. He was so beautiful, Eichi felt as if he could gaze at him forever and still find something new to talk about.
“Ah, no, my apologies, Wataru. It seems I’m just a bit tired, is all. You’re right, I was avoiding the rain… it seems I’ve been so distracted today I forgot my umbrella.”
Wataru’s lips curved upwards as his eyes softened. He seemed to hesitate for a second before speaking. “It’s not often I am able to see you like this,” he smiled. His voice, quieter than before, was just above a whisper as if he wanted his words to be a shared secret.
Eichi’s gaze lingered on Wataru’s face, contemplative. “Like what?” he questioned. “It’s not as if you don’t see me tired often. I think you see me worn out more often than not.”
“Fufu, yes, of course, but I meant…” his voice drifted off. Instead of continuing his train of thought, Wataru’s voice returned to the same tone as before. “Ah, never mind that! You are lucky, Eichi, for I have an umbrella right here!”
The tonal shift was not odd. Wataru often redirected conversations when they grew too personal. Of course, Eichi wished Wataru could be comfortable enough to share his deepest desires, but that wasn’t possible. Not with him.
Eichi’s eyes lit up as they did every time Wataru performed another one of his tricks. With an almost choreographed fluidity, Wataru's left arm slipped behind his back, and with a sleight of hand, pulled out a black umbrella.
A soft giggle escaped Eichi's lips as he spoke, "you never fail to impress me, Wataru," Eichi confessed with genuine awe. "How do you do that?"
“Fufu, a jester would never reveal his tricks! That would just ruin the fun, would it not?” He spoke with a mischievous glint in his eyes, “now, shall we get going?”
They’d walked home together before, but the thought of it made Eichi’s heart flutter. Heat rose to his cheeks once again; he nodded quickly to divert attention from his face. Wataru, with his eye for detail, would surely notice the pink tint to his cheeks.
“After you ♪” Wataru smiled as he stood next to the open door, his arm extended.
“Thank you, Wataru.”
The two of them made their way through the halls of Yumenosaki as they walked to the entrance of the school. The rain persisted, forming puddles outside as Eichi observed droplets falling into them in rhythmic patterns. Time had flown by when he was in the office, and it was already dark outside.
In the comfortable silence, they stood, gazing out at the rain-soaked landscape.
Wataru unfurled the umbrella, turning to Eichi with a warm smile.
“Shall we go?”
“Yes,” Eichi smiled back at him.
“Ah, stay close to me, Eichi. If you get wet, you’ll get sick.” He looked away for a second, fidgeting with his vest.
It was an unusual display. Was he nervous about something? Wataru was typically precise in every movement and word. Perhaps it was a new role he was stepping into.
“Of course. But you don’t need to worry about me, Wataru. I’m quite used to it; I’ll be fine.” He took a step forward. “Now, shall we get going? It’s getting rather dark, and the weather is getting colder.”
Spring had just begun, and the remnants of winter lingering in the biting cold were only emphasized by the rain.
Wataru promptly met Eichi by his side, and they started walking forward together. Eichi always cherished these walks with Wataru. Although he didn’t have to worry about tiring himself out when being driven, walking with Wataru meant he would always accompany him.
Wataru held the umbrella with his right hand, triggering a vivid image in Eichi's mind.
His left hand intertwined with Wataru’s right, fingers pressing together as they sheltered beneath the umbrella. The mere thought quickened Eichi’s heart rate.
“Eichi, your shoulder. Did I not tell you to stay close to me…? ☆” His voice was playful, a gentle reminder.
Ah. He had been so preoccupied with his thoughts he didn’t notice the raindrops slowly soaking his blazer. How embarrassing.
“Ah… I’m sorry, Wataru,” Eichi admitted, his voice carrying a hint of exhaustion. “I’m not sure what’s wrong with me today… please forgive me. I’ve been so distracted.”
Wataru tilted his head slightly, violet eyes searching Eichi’s face. “Is something on your mind?”
The letter felt like it was burning a hole in his pocket.
“...Not anything in particular.”
They continued walking, the gentle rhythm of raindrops against the umbrella creating a soothing background to their silence. Eichi’s attention fixated on that sound, yet his mind couldn’t stop thinking about how close Wataru was. An urge gnawed at him to close the gap.
With a subtle shift, he pressed against Wataru until their shoulders brushed. The sudden closeness sent a flush through Eichi’s entire body, feeling a warmth that defied the chilly evening air.
Eichi could feel his eyes on him as Wataru’s fingers traced idle patterns on the umbrella’s handle. After a few moments, he stole a glance at Wataru.
The streetlights cast an amber glow on his face, and it was as if the universe itself was illuminating his very presence. It was like a spotlight. Shadows and highlights played on his face, carving out his nose and lips. His long hair resembled a silky waterfall, and it brushed against his hips with every step. Small gusts of wind made his hair flow behind him as Eichi slightly ducked his head each time.
Eichi’s home came into sight with a soft glow of light coming from the windows. The prospect of being alone again, as he often was, tugged at him, but he didn’t want to impose any further. He had already inconvenienced Wataru enough.
Wataru stood under the umbrella as Eichi walked up to his front door. It’s not fair, it’s not fair, it’s not fair. Eichi bit his cheek and turned around to bid farewell.
A sudden gust of wind snapped him out of his thoughts.
Just this once, he could afford to be selfish.
“Wataru,” Eichi’s voice, a gentle melody against the rain, broke the silence.
Wataru’s eyes had never left him. “Yes, Eichi?”
Eichi hesitated, the weight of the letter in his pocket getting heavier by the second. He wanted–so, so badly–to tell him.
“Would you…” he swallowed down the unsaid words and pushed them deep inside, “would you like to come inside for a while? It’s cold, and your hair is wet. I wouldn’t want you getting sick, either.”
He paused, anticipating Wataru's response.
“And I’d appreciate your company too, of course.”
Wataru’s eyes sparkled with a blend of surprise and delight. “If you’re inviting me, who am I to say no?” He exclaimed with a wide smile before quickly positioning himself at Eichi’s side.
Stepping inside, warmth enveloped them, a sharp contrast from a few moments ago. Wataru gracefully stepped through the doorway, taking in his surroundings. He had never been in Eichi’s home before, and although he wasn’t the one who furnished the place, Eichi felt a twinge of nervousness. Wataru carefully set his umbrella aside as they exchanged their shoes for indoor slippers.
It was strange. Eichi had always done as he pleased. The future was uncertain and he couldn’t take even a second for granted–however, the thought of telling Wataru how he truly felt was nauseating.
It wasn’t as if they weren’t close–both emotionally and physically. He was always finding ways to touch Wataru, be it by holding his hand or handing him something just so their fingers would touch. He loved him more than anyone, so much that it felt like his heart was going to explode.
Eichi had always admired Wataru. The admiration began when he first saw him on the TV in his hospital room as a young child, and it persisted through their encounters at Yumenosaki. Each time he caught a glimpse of him, Eichi felt his heart constrict with a mix of emotions.
It made no sense, why it was so difficult now. They had written to each other countless times in their exchange diary. He felt like throwing up, the way his stomach swirled at the thought.
It shouldn’t be this hard.
Perhaps it was because it was written out so clearly. I’m in love with you.
Eichi slipped off his blazer, hanging it on the coat rack; fortunately, his shirt and vest underneath remained dry.
“Ah, Wataru, you should dry your hair. Would you like a towel?”
Although they were under an umbrella for the entire walk, Wataru’s cascading hair was so long that it flowed behind him. The wind only made it worse.
“Fufu, no need! I can dry it just like this,” Wataru declared with nonchalant elegance.
With a snap of his fingers, his hair twirled and water droplets evaporated in thin air. Eichi found himself as astonished as he was every time, his curiosity laced with admiration.
“I’m not sure how you do it, Wataru. Aha, you’re truly magical… I suppose you could say your trick was truly Amazing ☆” Eichi couldn’t resist a playful attempt at imitation, punctuating it with a light giggle, a feeble echo of Wataru’s theatrical flair.
Wataru responded with a twinkle in his eyes. “How cute ♪. But of course, I’m always happy to dazzle you with a bit of magic…!” His words were accompanied by a dramatic bow. Eichi’s heart skipped a beat at the compliment.
Wataru straightened up, his eyes meeting Eichi’s with a certain warmth to them.
“Your home is lovely, Eichi. I never could’ve imagined I’d be invited inside! It feels like stepping into another world,” Wataru mused, his gaze wandering around the space.
“Thank you. You’re always welcome here, you know,” Eichi replied, a sincerity and longing in his voice that went beyond mere courtesy.
Eichi motioned towards a plush couch patterned with rich, intricate fabrics, inviting Wataru to take a seat. The ambient lighting highlighted the elegance of the room–ornate decorations, subtle fragrances, and a sense of luxury.
Wataru gracefully settled into the couch, his eyes absorbing the decoration around him. Eichi took a seat beside him, overly aware of the amount of space between them. I shouldn’t get too close, he thought, but a gnawing desire inside him yearned to have their legs press together as close as humanly possible.
Eichi gestured toward a small table with a delicate porcelain tea set, a family heirloom passed down through generations. “Would you care for some tea, Wataru? It’s a special blend. Hajime-kun has been bringing in a variety of exquisite options, I’d love for you to try some.”
“Tea sounds delightful, Eichi. I must thank you for your hospitality! Ah, you are truly too kind,” he replied, a playful lilt in his voice.
Eichi poured the tea with practiced elegance, the fragrant aroma filling the air. He handed the cup to Wataru, their fingers brushing briefly sending a subtle wave of warmth down Eichi’s spine.
Wataru’s fingers delicately wrapped around the cup as he took a sip of the tea. “Ah, Eichi, you truly know how to make a moment special.”
Eichi couldn’t help but let out a modest smile.
“Thank you for joining me, Wataru… I enjoy your company more than words can say.”
His cheeks flushed at his own words.
Wataru, with his characteristic charm, leaned back into the couch, his eyes never leaving Eichi’s. “The pleasure is mine. A moment spent with you is always a delight.”
Ah…
Eichi couldn’t help but fixate on the emphasis of the word. Always… as in before and now, too. It relieved some of his tension, knowing that probably meant no matter how… different Eichi was today, Wataru still enjoyed it. Or at least, he hopes so.
His thoughts swirled in a tempest of emotions as he observed Wataru, the enigmatic idol who had seamlessly walked into his life even after everything.
The rain outside intensified, yet the warmth within the room seemed impervious to the external world. It was as if they were nestled together in a bubble with only enough room for two–nestled in their own little world. It’s what Eichi loved about Wataru, what he loved about being with him.
“Your home is rather enchanting, Eichi ♪. It feels like stepping into a fairytale,” Wataru chimed.
Eichi’s fingers traced idle patterns on the couch as he briefly averted his eyes from Wataru’s piercing gaze. “It’s merely a reflection of my family’s taste,” he replied, deflecting the compliment.
A hushed silence overtook the room for a fleeting moment before Wataru leaned in, bridging the distance.
“Eichi… there’s something on your mind. I can sense it. Won’t you share it with me?”
Eichi’s breath caught in his throat, feeling the weight of Wataru’s gaze. The symphony of raindrops outside seemed to pause, just as everything else. It felt as if his heart, which previously felt as if it was pulsating so hard it’d fall out of his chest, had stopped.
How does one reveal the depth of their soul with mere words? His fingers, previously tracing patterns on the couch, tightened their grip on thin air as his nails dug into his palm. Wataru's eyes, perceptive as ever, seemed to unravel the layers of Eichi's heart with a single glance. He should have known; it’d be impossible to hide anything from him.
“I…” The admission escaped Eichi's lips in a fragile whisper. His voice, usually poised and assured, now carried the delicate timbre of vulnerability. He sought the right words, a way to express the profound emotions etched onto the paper and eternally etched within him.
The room echoed with the soft murmur of rain.
“There’s something I want to share with you,” Eichi confessed, his gaze anchored to his own hands, unable to meet Wataru's eyes. Something I need to share with you. He could feel the palpitations of his own heart. If I don’t do it now I never will.
His right hand delved into his pocket and retrieved the folded letter, holding it delicately between his trembling fingers.
He had written it for Wataru, intending to have it read, but the thought of actually handing it to him was terrifying.
Eichi’s heart raced as his eyes darted to Wataru’s. “I’ve been meaning to tell you this for a while now,” Eichi confessed as he attempted to keep his voice steady. “I couldn’t find the right moment… or, perhaps, aha, I was afraid of what might happen.”
He placed the letter in Wataru’s lap, feeling his heart thud against his ribcage.
Wataru held the note delicately, his fingers tracing the edges of the paper. “A note, my dear Eichi? How enchanting ♪”
Eichi observed his gentle touch, his heart pounding louder with every passing second.
He could barely bring himself to make a sound.
“It’s more than just a note,” he spoke quietly. Eichi’s gaze never wavered from Wataru’s face, searching for any sign of what he was thinking in his eyes.
Wataru’s expression shifted, a cascade of emotions flickering across his face. The playful sparkle in his eyes remained, but there was a depth—an acknowledgement of the gravity of the moment.
Eichi continued, his voice surprisingly steady despite his inner turmoil. “It’s a confession,” he began, “a piece of my heart written out for you to see.” The desire to escape overwhelmed him.
Wataru’s eyes widened slightly, his fingers momentarily pausing on the paper. Eichi pressed on, “I’ve never been one for half-measures, and I’ve always admired your boldness, Wataru.” He took a breath, “Ah… this is my attempt to match your courage. To tell you what’s been unsaid for too long.”
A pink tint began to dust Wataru’s cheeks, and Eichi wasn’t sure if his eyes were deceiving him or if it was truly there.
Wataru unfolded the letter with care, his eyes carefully going over the penned words. Eichi observed him intently, the pit in his stomach growing deeper with each passing second as he awaited Wataru's response. The room held its breath, the air thick with anticipation. Eichi felt vulnerable, exposed, as each word on the paper unveiled parts of himself he had desperately tried to hide.
As Wataru reached the end of the letter, he looked up from the page, his eyes meeting Eichi’s with a mixture of surprise and something Eichi couldn’t quite place. The silence lingered, neither daring to disturb it.
Finally, Wataru’s lips curled up into a soft, fond smile. “Ah… Eichi, you never cease to amaze me,” he spoke, his voice gentle and quiet.
“...Huh?”
His heart hammered against his chest.
Wataru, all of a sudden, covered his face with his hands, his chest sinking to his legs.
Eichi looked at him unsure of what to do. He hesitated for a moment as the two sat in silence, Wataru’s face completely covered. “Ah… Wataru? Are you alright? I’m sorry, please forget everything you read, I shouldn’t have–”
“Eichi.”
Wataru sat upright, lowering his hands and reaching out to gently place his right hand atop Eichi's left. The touch was a tender reassurance–a motion so simple, yet one that brought an immediate flush to his cheeks.
His violet eyes held a warmth he had never seen before, the softest of smiles adorning Wataru’s face. If he looked at him like that for a second longer, Eichi was sure he’d melt into the couch.
Suddenly self-conscious, Eichi found himself mirroring Wataru's earlier gesture, covering his face with his right hand in a feeble attempt to conceal the telltale blush. It was now apparent why his cheeks were so flushed after a mere touch. How embarrassing.
“Eichi~ ♪” Wataru’s voice was as sweet as honey, “won’t you look at me?”
“...I can’t.”
Wataru let out a small laugh, “Fufu, Eichi, are we playing hide and seek? If so, I must say you haven’t picked a good hiding spot.”
“Wataru… ah, I’m so embarrassed.”
With a gentle reassurance, Wataru wrapped his free hand around Eichi’s right, coaxing it away from his face. He turned it, exposing the palm, and planted a tender kiss directly in the center.
As he pulled away, a teasing glint sparkled in his eyes. “No more hiding, Eichi ♪,” he cooed. “Ah, I’m not good with words like you are… you’re irresistibly cute when you’re like this.”
Eichi’s swelled with an overwhelming surge of affection, the same way it would when he’d yearn for Wataru’s touch–and now he had it.
“Aah, my heart is pounding too, see?” Wataru's hand, holding Eichi's delicately, pressed it against his chest.
Eichi's fingers, now gently pressed against the fabric of Wataru's attire, could feel his heart beating like the rapid flutter of a hummingbird’s wings. Eichi's heartbeat quickened in response, not from nervousness, but from the buzz that coursed through him. It was a fluttering sensation, much like the delicate wings of a butterfly. He let out a small, relieved breath he hadn’t noticed he was holding, and placed Wataru’s hand on his chest.
Wataru's hand, cool and gentle, rested on Eichi's chest like a delicate feather. Eichi could feel the subtle pressure of Wataru's fingers, each touch leaving a trail of soft sparks that seemed to dance along his skin. The only thing separating us is my vest and shirt. Eichi felt warmth spread from his fingertips to his core.
“Fufu, I suppose this is a direct expression of our feelings, don’t you agree? The heart speaks for itself,” Wataru mused, a tender blush rising to his cheeks like the soft hue of a blooming cherry blossom.
Wataru liked him. Wataru liked him.
He felt like his heart was about to burst.
He wanted to kiss him so badly.
They were mere inches apart. They must have gotten closer as their hands were pressed to each other. Eichi's breath hitched, his senses heightened as he absorbed the warmth radiating from Wataru's body. Eichi could feel the gentle brush of Wataru's breath on his skin. The faint scent of Wataru's perfume filled the air, wrapping around Eichi like a delicate silk thread.
“Wataru… ah, I…” Eichi's voice trailed off as he met Wataru's eyes, like pools of amethyst. The unspoken words lingered in the air, creating a magnetic pull that drew them closer.
The tender blush on Wataru’s cheeks deepened, mirroring the delicate hues of a sunset, and his lips curled into a soft, inviting smile as Eichi inched closer. He could feel the warmth of Wataru’s exhale on his skin.
With a final heartbeat of hesitation, Eichi closed the remaining distance, his eyes fluttering shut. His right hand, previously resting on Wataru’s chest, came up to his cheek as he held his face in his hand. His thumb gently traced the smooth skin under his fingers as he tilted his head.
Wataru's hand, once resting on Eichi's chest, found its way to the back of Eichi's neck, pulling him closer.