Work Text:
Cobra would be mad if he finds Murayama drops by a shop, wandering from aisle to aisle to find matching sets of lunch boxes. Murayama knows exactly that Cobra would tell him to keep his salary for his tuition only and saying that he can cover all their expenses. What a good man he is, and Murayama didn’t want to be a coward. Looking at the lunch boxes in his hands, Murayama smiled, “I hope he likes it.”
It was a few days ago when Murayama thought that Cobra was getting so much thinner than before. Murayama asked him about it, kind of forcing him to answer, and finally Cobra said, “I sometimes skip my lunch because we’re so packed. Also, it’s kinda troublesome to go out buying something to eat.” He said it while smiling awkwardly.
That’s why Murayama thought to bring Cobra lunch boxes, it’ll be easier for him, and hopefully he’ll never skip his meals again. It’s not something pricey and Murayama also has been thinking about something to give to Cobra since he got that leather wallet. He bought it and smiled widely, walking home.
Murayama has been checking on lots of recipes and he might try some of it. So, he drops by a supermarket, takes some other time to buy some ingredients. Finally, he got all he wanted, so he headed home. Walking with light steps and a flowery heart.
The following morning, Cobra woke up with empty arms. He sighed and reluctantly got off the bed. He made his way to the kitchen and the room filled with such a good aroma. But, oh, he wished to sleep more with Murayama within his arms. He found his way to Murayama’s waist, pulled him tight into a hug from behind, and planted a kiss on his neck.
“Morning, Jun-chan,” Murayama said with a chuckle. He was still busy filling the lunch boxes while Cobra was still half-asleep with his chin on Murayama’s shoulder.
Cobra tightened his arms around Murayama’s waist, buried his face on his neck, and inhaled his boyfriend’s musk. “Why did you get up so early? I know your schedule and you don’t have morning classes today,” he said in a drowsy voice, still refusing to fully wake up since it was comfortable to hug his beloved one.
A laugh slipped out of Murayama’s lips, he turned around to cup Cobra’s face in his hands. “Come on, wake up,” he said as he pulled their faces together and rubbed their noses. He gave Cobra a soft peck on his lips and his lips curved into a smile. “You’re being a baby here,” he added.
“Because I’m comfortable with you,” he replied before he kissed Murayama’s lips gently. “Okay, I’m awake now. Is that breakfast?” He peeked from Murayama’s shoulder, and he smiled. “Lunch boxes, huh? What a considerate boyfriend I have.”
“Are you proud of me?”
“Of course.”
“Praise me?” Murayama’s eyes lit up, he was being proud right now. He wasn’t the type that can cook unless it was a simple meal, yet now he could cook anything and follow the recipe just right. It was all because he started their cohabitation.
Cobra chuckled and ruffled his hair, “Good boy.” He took another glance at the lunch boxes and plates filled with food for their breakfast. “Do you wanna explain something to me?” he asked in a soft tone.
“Well,” Murayama was hesitant, he didn’t want to tell Cobra the full story as he was aware that Cobra might not like it. He splurged his paycheck to something that’s not his tuition and he was afraid Cobra would go livid. But he couldn’t lie either, “You look so thin lately and you said that buying yourself food is troublesome. I just wanted to make sure you eat properly and not get sick from malnourishment.”
“Is that all?”
Murayama nodded, “I’m sorry…. It’s not like I don’t wanna listen to you. No. I know you said to me that I have to save my paycheck for my tuition. But, you see, you’re the provider here and I don’t wanna feel like a coward and take your kindness for granted. I don’t—”
“Stop,” he sighed and he understood what Murayama tried to say. He pulled Murayama into his hug and caressed his hair gently. “Listen, Baby, I’m very grateful for all you did for me. You’re being too good to be true for me. You’re definitely not a coward and I understand your circumstances.” He smiled at Murayama as he cupped Murayama’s face. “You’re not taking me for granted. Thank you for the lunch box, I’ll eat it.”
The feelings were too good to be true. Murayama got fuzzy and warm just by Cobra’s words. He nodded again in understanding. Nothing could beat these feelings of contentment and fulfillment that he wanted to embrace it forever. “You’re literally the best thing that happened in my life,” he replied with a hushed tone as he held up his tears.
“No.” Cobra shook his head and he took Murayama’s hands in his. He pressed kisses on both hands before saying, “I could never ask for a better boyfriend than you. Sure, my life is already great but it’s getting better since you’re here with me. I have never been happier before I found you. I’m not good with words, but, you know I love you so much.”
“Jun-chan….” Murayama never felt this great, it was warm to be embraced by love. He wrapped his arms around Cobra, buried his face on Cobra’s neck as his body started to tremble and cry. He never felt so much love and words couldn’t describe just how much love he got for this man and how grateful he was to be loved by him.
Cobra put his hand on Murayama’s hair, stroking his hair gently, and pressed another kiss on Murayama’s temple. “I love you,” he whispered. “I’ll proudly brag to my colleagues that from today on, I'll always have a lunch box made by the most precious person in my life.”
That was how Cobra did, he bragged about it and he was the proudest man alive at the time. He couldn’t stop smiling the whole day and work was just fantastic. Perhaps the happiest work day he ever passed. It continued for days, weeks, months, and he just loved it so much. Oh how grateful he was to have Murayama on his side.
He was working overtime for the past few days. It was a long time since he got home on time, and he decided to stop at a flower shop. He wasn’t a romantic type and he was aware of it. But now he was inside the flower shop, talking to a clerk to get a sunflower bouquet for Murayama. He couldn’t care less about the meaning behind it, he just knew it fits Murayama perfectly.
It was respect, passionate love, and radiance, he knew it from the clerk. He walked with light steps. He knew from the beginning, Murayama and sunflowers fit perfectly together. It was a tiny simple gift out of his gratitude towards his boyfriend and he hoped that Murayama would love it. He smiled brightly and couldn’t wait to get home.
Slowly, he opened the door. He knew Murayama’s schedule and he should be home by now. He tiptoed inside with the bouquet behind his back. He should be the one who gave Murayama a surprise and not the other way around. But all he saw now was his boyfriend crouched down in front of the oven with a serious face.
“What are you making?” he asked softly as he joined Murayama crouched down in front of the oven. His eyes turned to the oven and it was cupcakes in the oven and enough to make him blush.
Murayama was taken aback by the sudden presence. “Jun-chan?” he bit his lips, he thought Cobra would work overtime again. “I … actually … ugh….” He had a hard time explaining what he was doing even though it was clear in Cobra’s eyes: Murayama was baking cupcakes.
“You don’t need to explain,” he said as he put his hand on top of Murayama’s head. He gave Murayama reassurance because no matter what the reason was, he would understand. “But for what occasion?” he asked. He was still hiding the bouquet.
“So,” Murayama chuckled nervously as he rubbed the back of his head. “Well, I met your friend, Asahina-san, at my workplace. He asked me if I knew about your birthday and I don’t know about it. To be honest, we never talked about such things, so I was clueless. Then, he told me that today is your birthday. Since I don’t know what present I should give you, I decided to bake cupcakes. I know you love cupcakes, that’s why….”
Cobra was silent as he listened to Murayama. He smiled gently, the things he heard were nice and gave him a nice fuzzy and warm feeling inside his chest. Love wasn’t enough to describe his feelings towards Murayama. He leaned over Murayama, their faces were close together that eventually his lips brushed upon Murayama’s. It was a delicate kiss with all the love he got for the younger one.
“Jun-chan….”
“I love you,” he blurted out. “You’re the best gift ever,” he added, just enough to make Murayama blushed profusely. “Also, I have this.” He pulled out the sunflower bouquet.
Murayama froze in his place. He should be the one who pulled a surprise and not the other way around, yet he took the bouquet in his hand. “Thank you,” he said and leaned to give Cobra a soft peck on his cheek. “I love you,” he added with a smile.
It was the best birthday for Cobra, he couldn’t ask for more than this. He was content with his life with Murayama within his arms and a cupcake in his hand. This is not the most delicious cupcake he had, but this was definitely the best. Nothing sweeter than a cupcake made by his beloved one and Cobra took every bite with a wide smile on his face.
Murayama couldn’t ask for more either, he didn’t let go of the bouquet. His old self would think that flower was a girls’ thing, but now he got the flower in his hand, he loved it so much. He was grateful for Cobra, he could never ask for a better boyfriend. “Jun-chan, I think you forgot one thing,” he whispered with a little giggle.
“Huh?” Cobra raised his eyebrows. What did he forget? He looked up at the ceiling with a little pout. “What did I forget?” he paused a little and he chuckled. “I’m sorry, Baby. I’m home….”
That was what Murayama was waiting for, he smiled. He moved closer to Cobra to the point their bodies were tight together. He brushed Cobra’s lips with his thumb and licked it, “There’s frosting. Anyway, welcome home, Jun-chan.”
Cobra laughed, “Well I might be a messy eater when it comes to cupcakes. I can’t help it. It’s the best cupcake I ever had.” He pinched Murayama’s nose and said, “Because you made it.”
“Then, you can marry me.” Murayama chuckled, he was half joking.
But Cobra wasn’t joking when he replied, “Maybe after your graduation.”
Now, Murayama froze. He didn’t think Cobra would be serious about it. He nodded with a broad smile, “Fine, I’ll graduate first.”
“And I’ll be waiting.” Cobra ruffled Murayama’s hair and they were chuckled together. He pressed another kiss on Murayama’s temple and their foreheads pressed together. Nothing was more beautiful than to have each other for them.