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“So you’re finally leaving us, eh?” Sojiro chuckled to himself.
The café was calm, yet bustling with the usual noises. The murmur of the television, the ticking of the clock, the rushing water from the sink, and the clinking of Futaba’s fork against the ceramic plates. The background noises all meshed together, creating a blanket that comforted Akira’s ears as he sipped the coffee set in front of him. Akira hummed, but said nothing.
Wakaba’s laughter rose from the booth behind him. “I mean with all your nagging, who could blame him? I’m more surprised that he managed to last two years here. I could never.”
“Mmh– Vehy tue!”
“Futaba sweetie, please don’t talk with food in your mouth.”
“Sohhy.”
“Oh come on. I know all three of you love it here. Why else do you spend every morning eating here when we have perfectly good food at home?”
“For the curry!” chimed both the ladies in unison.
Sojiro shook his head in bemusement. “Bah. Thank god I’ll never get rid of you two.” He turned back to Akira and gestured to his now empty cup. “You want another?”
“No thanks, I need to be heading out soon.”
“–Oh! Oh! You’re going to be checking out the new apartment again right? Can I come see what it looks like?”
“Futaba. What did I tell you?” Chided the boss.
Futaba groaned and flopped her head against the back of the seat. “Oh come on, Dad! I just wanna see their new pad! Even if I am intruding, they'll have the rest of their lives to be all lovey dovey without me there.”
Wakaba laughed into her cup. “Darling, I’m sure you’ll be able to see it once they actually get the place set up and officially move in. Plus, didn’t you want to go get that new figurine? I heard they pushed the release to today. You leave those two alone and I’ll take you out to Akihabara.”
Futaba gasped then squealed with approval. She proceeded to shovel the remainder of her curry into her mouth, now determined to head out as soon as possible. Once again with a light shake of his head, Sojiro smiled softly at the mother-daughter pair. His gaze shifted back to Akira and he sighed.
“Seriously though, It’s hard to believe you’re actually moving out. I can’t believe you’ve already graduated! Seems like it was just yesterday you showed up here and settled down.”
Akira nodded. “Time flies.”
“Sure does. You’ll visit us often though, yeah?”
“I’ll think about it.”
Sojiro scoffed, seemingly offended but still smiling. He glanced down at the cup still in front of Akira and looked toward the sink. “If you’re not having any more, wash that for me, will ya? Oh, and Futaba’s plate too. This might as well be your last day since you're moving soon, but you aren’t free from work yet.”
“You said the same thing to me last week.”
“And he’ll probably say it again tomorrow. Really running your part-timer ragged, huh boss? Akira, you can just head on up and get ready, I’ll get the dishes.” Wakaba moved over to grab plates and headed to the sink.
Futaba whined, now stuck waiting for her mother to finish the task she had left herself. Akira nodded at Wakaba in thanks and pushed himself up out of his chair. He walked up to his room, but instead of doing anything, he just stood and absorbed it all. He closed his eyes, breathed deep, and let himself take it all in.
In just a week he would no longer be living at Leblanc. Originally the thought might’ve saddened him, but now with everything, it just felt perfect. In just a week he would be moving in with his soulmate, where they would be able to spend the rest of their lives together. They had been extremely lucky to find a nice place that was also affordable. Plus it was in the perfect location, close to the café but also having a fast commute for the times when they would have to head to the university. The quaint two bedroom apartment seemed to welcome Akira from the moment he stepped foot in it. It was as if the place were made specifically for him. It was, in all aspects, his dream home. Their dream home. Akira couldn’t help but smile to himself at the thought.
Ah, but what was he doing day dreaming right now? He needed to finish getting ready. There would be plenty of time to fantasize about the future once all the legwork got finished. Akira headed over to his box of clothes and threw off his shabby sleep shirt. He pulled on a crisp white v-neck and shuffled on his signature black blazer. He was already in his jeans and his shoes, so no change was needed there. He did however run his hand through his hair a couple hundred times for good measure. Once satisfied with the mess on his head, Akira adjusted his glasses and looked himself up and down in the mirror.
Suddenly his phone dinged, showing him a single message reading “I’m almost there.” Akira shot back a thumbs up and went back to staring at himself. He let out a small sigh and gave himself a small nod of affirmation. Perfect timing, as he then registered the jingle of the door downstairs being opened and heard Sojiro greet the special someone. Akira turned away from his reflection and headed back down, scooping up his bag with more care than necessary.
He emerged from the staircase to find exactly who he was expecting to be sitting at the bar. Goro Akechi sat, coincidentally where Akira had just been sitting before, chatting easily with Futaba, Sojiro, and Wakaba. He must’ve caught sight of Akira out of the corner of his eye because Akechi immediately turned his head and waved to him. The soft smile that accompanied it made Akira’s heart all but melt. Now he really couldn’t keep a straight face. Akira tried and failed to suppress a sappy grin as he made his way over to where Akechi sat.
“Hey. It’s good to see you again. I missed you.”
“You missed me,” said Akechi, “We saw each other just the other day, you know.”
Akira looked jokingly offended and pulled his hands out of his pockets as if he were about to start explaining himself. He was cut off by Akechi turning away from him and muttering a simple, “I missed you too.”
All Akira wanted to do right now was scoop the boy up in his arms, spin him around, and never let him go. But he would probably get a good kick for it, so he opted to not do so. Instead he reached out and adjusted a stray strand of hair that had fallen out of Akechi’s ponytail. He looked really good today, thought Akira. But truthfully, he thought he looked good every day. God, when did Akira Kurusu become such a disgusting sap?
No matter. Akira was pulled out of his trance by Wakaba’s voice. She and Futaba were now standing by the door and about to head out. Wakaba said something offhand to Sojiro before she started to get nudged along by her daughter.
“C’mon, let’s make like some hay and bail! We’ve got a featherman figurine to catch! ‘Kira! Don’t have too much fun without me! And promise me you’ll invite me over soon– okay byyyeeeee!”
And then with the jingling of the bell they had gone, leaving just the three gentlemen in the shop. Sojiro turned to them and said, “You two be sure to enjoy yourselves. I’ve heard the weather’s going to be nice today so you best make the most of it.”
Both just bobbed their heads in polite acknowledgement.
“Also Akira, any estimate for when you’ll be back tonight?”
Akira thought for a moment, glanced down at Akechi, then shook his head. “Not really. I might end up staying the night elsewhere.”
“I see,” muttered Sojiro with his brow slightly raised. He then looked to Akechi. “Feel free to send him back here if he gets too much.”
“Thank you, but I think it would be a bit pointless for us to leave and then have me return him five minutes later.”
“Ha, well I would understand. I wish you luck, son. Either way, you take care of him, alright?”
Akechi smiled at the man. “Oh don’t worry, I promise I will.”
“I don’t doubt it, but you better keep that promise. And you too, Akira!”
“Of course,” said Akira bluntly. He walked over to the door and turned back. “Akechi, you coming?”
“…–hm?” The other had seemed to be lost in thought for a moment. “Oh yes.” He got up from his chair and waved a polite goodbye to Sojiro. “If only I had gotten here a bit earlier, maybe I would’ve had time for a drink.”
“You’re always welcome to come by again. I’d love to talk more, but soon this place will be bustling with my morning usuals, so you boys ought to get moving.”
With a third and final jingle, Akira and Akechi stepped outside and made their way over to the station.
The train was crowded as usual, but somehow they both managed to procure two seats beside one another. As he often did when he rode the train, Akira felt like a part of him was missing without the weight of a cat in a bag on his lap. Those days were so long ago, but Akira still found himself thinking about them often. Morgana was a person now, and Akira was definitely happy for him, but he almost missed Morgana’s cat form. Admittedly, it was nice waking up to a cat curled up on his chest, even if that cat was a bit troublesome. He glanced to his left to look back at Akechi. Those days of having a cat sleeping next to him were gone, but soon would come the days of having a lover sleep there instead. He smiled at the thought.
“What are you grinning about?”
“You.”
“Hm. Gross. Tell me more”
“I just…I’m so happy we’re moving in together,” Akira sighed. “I feel like a little kid the night before his birthday, you know?”
The brunette stared at him softly. “Yeah.”
“…So, I’ve been thinking. Originally I thought we’d just go check up on the apartment but that seems wasteful. Maybe we should take the time to head to that Café in Kichijoji?”
Akechi looked bemused. “You know, you can just ask me out on a date like a normal person. You don’t have to trick me into hanging out with you anymore.”
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes.”
“Cool.” Akira bumped their knees together before smoothly sliding his hand to rest on Akechi’s thigh.
Akechi quickly swatted his hand back, “Geez, have some decency will you?” he whispered, “We’re in public you fiend. I can still change my mind, you know.”
Akira pouted at the boy sadly and was compensated with the feeling of their fingers sliding together. He tried to give the other a teasing look, but Akechi had already turned away in shame. His ears became pinker by the second. Akira snickered and went back to staring out the window. Their hands rested together comfortably for the rest of the ride.
As expected, the surveying of the apartment went quick. Just a quick check of the building and some time spent debating the layout. It was an open floor plan with tall windows that flooded the space with soft light. Tied in with their usual bickering, they bounced ideas off of each other for what and where furniture would go. Their biggest disagreement being the usage of the two bedrooms.
“There is literally no point in having two bedrooms.”
Akechi rolled his eyes. “It’s a two-bed, two-bath. It’s in the description”
“So what? That means we need to have separate beds? What, you don’t want to sleep with me?”
“Oh my god. Shut up. Akira, you are a horrid little man. What I mean is that if we wanted to keep up appearances, having only one bed would give us away.”
Akira laughed warmly. “What–What?? ‘Keep up appearances,’ why does that matter?”
In response Akechi turned red. He stuttered, “W-Well, like what if you’re little gang of friends come over–”
“– Our little gang of friends,” Akira corrected. “And it’s not like they’ll care. Even if we haven’t outright told them, by now they should know we’re dating.”
The other was silent. He pondered for a brief moment before throwing his head back in defeat. “Fine,” he said, “If we’re sharing a bedroom then let’s just make this one an office.”
“That’s the spirit.”
And that was that. Now they were off to the café they had dined at when they were first getting acquainted. Sitting outside out by the entrance, the two take their usual spots across from one another. The midday sun was off putting. By now both boys were used to dining here once the sun had already set. Akechi scanned the menu earnestly while Akira sat and waited. The brunette paused briefly and took a peek at Akira before kicking him from under the table.
“You should order something different for once.”
“…Hm. No.”
“Kurusu. How can one possibly make a positive change in the world if they are not willing to make the necessary leap of faith?”
“That’s a good point,” Akira nods. “Counterpoint: Cat Parfait is both cute and yummy. Plus you always let me have some of your food too.”
“More like you steal food from me when I’m not looking…Whatever. I’m getting the cat pancake.”
“Ah. Pancakes?”
“Do not.”
“Hehe, sorry. You know I love you, even if you are a bit weird about pancakes.”
“You’re the one who’s weird about it.”
Akira sighed at Akechi lovingly, admiring the tinge of pink that stained his cheeks. “Yeah.”
Perfect timing as the waitress came over to take their orders. They didn’t have to wait long for their food. Despite the bustling establishment, the staff were dishing out orders at a remarkable pace. Soon enough their food was plated beautifully in front of the two.
They chatted and ate. Inevitably Akira ended up thieving some of Akechi’s food. He tsked and rolled his eyes, but they both knew that he didn't really mind. Long after finishing their meal, they find excuses to linger. It’s barely afternoon, so why part now?
The two wander far and find themselves in Shibuya’s underground mall. After all this time they have mastered the art of standing close enough for comfort, but far enough that it isn’t odd to the outside eye. Akechi would groan and try to feign annoyance as Akira dragged him around to look at every store.
Eventually they are left standing in 37 Degrees Celsius, simply known to them as the jewelry store. Realistically, most of the items are out of their price range.
After browsing quietly, Akira breaks the silence and declares “I wish they had more earrings.”
“Thinking of getting yours pierced?”
“No. My ears are already pierced.”
“…Wait what?” Akechi throws up his head to stare at Akira. “Stop messing with me.”
“I’m not. My ears are in fact pierced.”
The brunette glares at him incredulously. “Since when?”
“Since forever? I’m surprised you didn’t know,” he teases.
“In my defense, that hair of yours does make me forget you have ears sometimes. But seriously, I’m sure I would’ve noticed if you had earrings.”
“Well there you go. I haven’t actually worn anything in a while. Earrings make me stick out. Maybe the hole has healed by now.”
Akechi pondered this thought as he went back to looking at the jewelry. “That would be a shame. There are some good one’s here.”
Instantly Akira is right by his side, looking over his shoulder. “Which?”
“I thought you wanted to avoid standing out?”
“Sure, but I would wear anything if it was a gift from you.”
“Good to know,” mused Akechi. He lifted his hand and put his fingers to the glass. Underneath were a pair of black opalescent studs. At first glance they looked glossy and dark, but when the light hit just right, they shined a bright scarlet. “These ones are nice. A bit flashy too for you maybe.”
“I’ll get them. They look nice enough to me.”
“Just like that? You really put no thought into your appearance at all. I guess I should’ve known since your go-to outfit is simply a white v-neck and a blazer.”
Akira shook his head solemnly. “Those are cruel words. I think the way I dress is perfectly fine. At least I don’t dress like a librarian.”
“Okay.”
With earrings now acquired, they move out and up back on the streets. Having turned to late afternoon, the sky is a bright orange mottled with soft pink clouds. The pair finds a place to sit down and rest.
“I assume you’re ready to be done now?” asks Akira.
Akechi nods. “I do enjoy your company, but I’m not built for shopping sprees. I’m more tired than I should be.”
“Yeah? Anything I can do?”
“No, no. It’s just…my classes have been messing with me. It’s difficult for me to put down the work.”
The black haired man studied him quietly. “ Are you not enjoying them? The classes, I mean.”
Akechi creases his brow, it feels as if there’s some hidden meaning in Akira’s voice, but he can’t quite place it.. “I do enjoy them. I enjoy the down to earth atmosphere–well, it’s less… stressful, like my previous…” He clears his throat uncomfortably, “The assignments are fine, just tedious. That’s all. Nothing I can’t handle.”
Akira hums thoughtfully. “Well tedious work is something I can understand. You’ll get through it. That reminds me…when you’re free, Futaba wants to know if you want to see the new Featherman movie with us.”
“She wants me to come? I’m…not opposed to the idea, but why me of all people?”
Akira shrugs. “She’s been evolving. Plus, she knows you like Featherman. She also knows that I'm always happy to have you along. You two have gotten along in the past too, so that’s another reason.”
“We…have?” Akechi racks his brain, unsure of what the other is referencing. “Well, I’ll see if it fits in my schedule. If I’m up to it by the time it rolls around, sure. I’ll go with you two.”
With that Akira smiles in confirmation and pulls out his phone, presumably passing along the message. Once done, he stands up. “We should probably head back now.”
Akechi stands too. “Certainly. Now that I think about it, I've got a research assignment that I have to finish up.” It seems that Akechi had let himself forget about that assignment, how unlike him. No, perhaps he had just been putting it off.
Suddenly Akechi finds Akira a few steps closer to him. “Should I send you home then?”
“That’s not what I meant,” the brunette says, “You’re welcome to stay over.”
Mischief twinkles in Akira’s eyes, hidden behind his glasses. “Any particular reason you’re offering?”
“You know why,” the brunette says, “Between you and work, you’re always the more compelling option. And…I missed you.”
Akira closes the distance between them, wrapping his arms around the other man. He embraces him closely and rests his cheek on Akechi’s shoulder. A hand swipes his back, and Akira pulls away only to look back up at him. A kiss is placed delicately on Akira’s lips, and he laughs quietly when their noses bump together in an awkward motion.
In a second the two are separate once more, as if the moment of intimacy hadn’t happened in the first place. They make their way to the station and ride all the way back with their fingers intertwined. Instead of waiting for the Yongen-Jaya platform, they end up getting off at Akechi’s station.
Fully finished with the day, Akechi leads Akira to his apartment, and the two step inside together. The day was good enough as is, but Akira was happy enough to be invited in.