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Until now, he still wondering what makes him attracted to Nori. Was it the awe he felt the first time he accidently saw Nori practicing archery in the practice room on a random sunny day in the mid August, alone? Saw how hard he practice even there's no one around? Or when he found out that Nori was so smart, that he became the senpai who would tutor her younger brother for the end of term exams?
Back then, for some reason, until Choso returned home, he was still thinking about that boy. He didn't even know his name. He also thought that maybe it was just short time admiration.
However, the next day, Choso found himself wanting to see the boy practicing arrows again. He walked by himself to the practice room. Sure enough, there he is. Yesterday, the boy put his longer locks in a bun, today there are white silk binded on each locks. Choso can stop staring at how they swing through every movement.
When Choso returned home, his mind was once again occupied by the pretty stranger. The black flowing hair. A slim, well-built body and a focused gaze toward the target. Hands raised straight ahead as he pulled the string on the bow. Bullseye to bullseye. No a single miss hit
It was a sight to behold.
Choso paid another visit to the archery club practice the next day. This time he showed up a little late and the other members had already shown up, including the boy he had been watching. Choso had devised a plan. He told his classmates who were also in the archery club that Choso would be visiting to talk about the future viability of their club and who the next club president would be. As they chatted lightly inside, Choso took the opportunity to ask how many junior members there were, and who they hoped to continue their club.
Not feeling suspicious or confused by Choso's question, the classmate pointed to a boy that Choso already knew was very talented.
Ah… what a coincidence, he thought, smiling inside.
His name was Kamo Noritōshi. Choso repeated the name silently, memorizing it carefully. There was a feeling of excitement in Choso's heart after he managed to get Nori's name.
Initially, Choso had been worried if he had gone to the trouble of stopping by the archery club. He had been willing to risk doing something so out of character for him just to get the name.
Later, the friend explained that Kamo was their hope as the kouhai who would continue the club. Kamo had played very well over the past year. He will also be elected as the club president starting next month.
It seemed like he had admiration for the right person. He deserved to be the club president, replacing the seniors who were about to prepare for the school final exams and university entrance exams.
The pretty stranger also was very smart. That was something Choso had only discovered after six months of secretly watching Nori without even daring to approach him.
Choso's younger brother Itadori Yuji was very weak in basically everything that doesn’t involve muscle. Choso was quite smart, but he was not good at teaching others. Yuji's teacher asks Nori to help Yuji study for a few weeks before the final class exams begin so that Yuji can move up a grade.
Upon hearing Yuji tell Choso about sensei's decision at dinner, Choso repeatedly asks Yuji if by Noritoshi he mentioned is his Nori. Like, how many Noritoshi Kamo in this school? Choso even gave a description of Nori's serene face, pitched black hair with longer locks on front, to make sure that it was the real Nori he knew. Such bold claim from someone who hasn’t even met and talk to Nori in person
Yuji answered with certainty that it was the Nori in question just as Choso nii-chan described. But, does Nii-chan know Nori-senpai? It's quite surprising that a quiet brother has a kouhai acquaintance at school. Choso quickly replied that he only knew Kamo-san as the president of the archery club. Choso's classmate once told him. Yuji thought that made sense.
Immediately after learning that Nori would be visiting their house, Choso practically running to buy ingredients for the cookies. Choso was good at baking, he could show off... wrong... he could maybe make an impression…
Damn, he’s so excited and nervous at the same time that he literally shaking when grabbing the flour package.
The next day, as the time for Nori to visit the house approached, Choso had changed into a regular sweater and was wearing neat pants. He tied his hair like usual but with addition 30 minutes of trying to taming his messy bang. Yuji was confused by Nii-chan's strange behavior since the news that Nori-senpai was coming to their house. Yuji will investigate first to prove the truth. When the doorbell rang, Choso walked fast to answer it. He even passed Yuji who was about to open the door. Yuji’s eyebrow raised at that.
There’s two second of dead silence when he laid his sight on the guest’s face.
He could see Nori's face closely. The face that always expressionless. Until now, Choso himself still wondered if Nori ever smiled. He left his hair unbind this time. He wore button up inside a loose sweater. Sling bag on his left shoulder. Beautiful gray eyes staring back politely from behind glasses.
All this time, Choso could only watch Nori from afar. Suddenly here he is, right in front of him, Choso would not miss this opportunity to introduce himself!
"Hi. Welcome!" Choso said a little loudly in excitement at seeing Nori and succeeded in making the boy a little surprised.
Immediately realizing that Choso was acting so out of character that he only spoke in moderation, Choso cleared his throat. "Welcome."
"..."
"Ah. I'm Yuji's older brother. My name is Choso."
Nori checked the signboard in front of the house. "But, your names are different..."
"Indeed. It’s long story. But he’s really my brother...."
Nori was silent for a moment. Then he bowed as he introduced herself. "Nice to meet you, Choso-san. My name is Kamo Noritōshi. Ah yes... Yuji has mentioned his brother several times..."
Very polite, Choso thought.
"Please come in."
Choso stepped aside to make way for Nori. After Choso closed the door, he picked up the house slippers for Nori to wear. Placing them in front of Nori's feet.
"Thank you."
Nori replaced his shoes with slippers. Then, he began to step inside. Yuji came out from a room.
"Kamo-san! Over here! We're studying in the center room. My room is quite small. We'll be more spacious in this room. Besides, Nii-chan didn't give me permission to study in my room."
"I see. It's fine here too."
Nori entered the center of the room, sitting on the zabuton with spine so straight and stiff. Before long, they started studying. Choso provided cold tea for the two. Sitting at the dining table chair located right next to the living room, Choso pretended to be studying as well while secretly busy stealing glances at Nori. The reason he didn't allow Yuji to study in the room was because he wanted to satisfy himself to watch Nori closely. He could hear the man teaching Yuji in a patient and very friendly voice.
For a moment Choso wondered if he could just have a casual chat with Nori alone. Looking at each other. Choso would definitely be the happiest person in the world.
Not one to miss out on showing off his baking talents to Nori, Choso arrived in the middle of their lesson to serve up a snack. Thanks to Yuji, who added that these delicious cookies was proudly made by Nii-chan himself.
Just in case, Choso made three types of cookies. Each with different level of sweetness. Choso made three types because he didn't know if Nori had a sweet tooth or not.
"Why are there three kinds them?" asked Nori in a voice that was very pleasant to Choso's ears. It felt like Choso would faint every time he heard that smooth tone. He could use those voice as sleep asmr.
"I was experimenting..."
"That's not it! Nii-chan is not sure because..."
Choso hurriedly stuffed a cookie into Yuji's mouth to keep his younger brother from revealing his secret. "Please try it Kamo-san!"
Nori ate all three of them right away. It looked like as if Nori was practicing his profession as a food taster. He chewed slowly, full 33 times. Choso counted. Nori's expressionless face left Choso unable to guess whether Nori liked the cookies or not.
"How was it?" asked Choso nervously.
"Everything was delicious."
Choso held back the smile that wanted to come out. He was very satisfied to hear that the person he admired liked his homemade cookies. He want to scream in happiness. Making Choso forget about the nearby Yuji who was preparing to interrupt again.
"Nii-chan doesn't know which one senpai... hap!"
Choso stuffed another cookie into Yuji's mouth. "Eat more, Kamo-san. Yuji too. There’s still plenty in the kitchen."
Choso returned to the kitchen feeling satisfied. He would make another cookies for Nori tomorrow. Looking at the clock on the wall, it was time for Choso to prepare dinner. Choso thought that if he cooked faster, maybe Nori would be willing to join them for dinner.
However, before dinner time, Nori asked permission to go home.
"Kamo-san. Why are you going home now? You can stay for dinner. Nii-chan is a good cook. Isn't Nii-chan? Can Kamo-san stay for the night?"
"Of course you can..." Choso was silently begging Nori to stay and have dinner with them.
"Maybe next time."
"Next time when?"
If you thought it was a question from Yuji, unfortunately no. It was a direct question from Choso! That came out of his own mouth without him realizing it.
"Hmm... maybe sometime." Nori stood up to take his leave. Choso followed close behind like poodle.
"See you tomorrow, Kamo-san."
"Bye."
Yuji waved goodbye with a big smile. Then, he was immediately confused when he saw his brother escorting Nori out of the house.
Eh?! Why?!
What’s with his brother right now? It's very unusual. Yuji brought Megumi here once. But his brother didn't pay this much attention to Megumi. Perhaps her brother was showing his gratitude for Kamo-san teaching him?
Meanwhile, Choso and Nori had arrived outside the fence.
"I'll be going home then." Nori said as he turned to Choso behind him.
"Ah yes…”
To be honest, Choso did not know why he was calling out. He just wanted... wanted to have some alone time with Nori. Even if it was just for a minutes.
"Kamo-san. What's your favorite cake? I'll make it for you tomorrow."
Nori was silent for a while before answering, "Really? There’s no need for that."
"It’s alright.”
"Isn't senpai busy for the university entrance exam?"
"That... I've been studying. I like baking, so it won't be a bother."
"Then, I'd like to have an apple pie."
"Apple pie yes. Okay. Pie."
"Thank you. I can't wait to taste it tomorrow, senpai."
Then, they fell silent. Nori guessed there was nothing more Choso wanted to ask, so he excused herself to go back home. Choso didn't stop him this time. He was satisfied enough to be able to talk alone.
Choso entered the house while thinking about the pie he was going to make. He could make the pie, but to make sure he didn't fail, he would look at the recipe book once more.
Yuji didn't think anything of it when suddenly at 10pm, Choso opened the door to his room and served him a pie.
However, when the next day Nii-chan served a new pie to Kamo-san, Yuji understood that his premonition from yesterday seemed to be true.
"How was it?" asked Choso with hope.
"It tastes a little different. But it's delicious."
Choso nodded in satisfaction at Nori's answer.
Seeing Choso’s uncharacteristic behavior, Yuji was even more convinced that there’s something going on. Nii-chan has a crush on Kamo-san.
***
The university entrance exam was finally over, Choso only occasionally returned to school for administration paperwork and so on. When he’s there, Choso took the time to slip a cold water bottle in Nori's locker, as a token of his support for Nori in his archery training. It was a pity that he could no longer see Nori practicing arrows because he would be leaving school soon.
Nori had also stopped coming to their house because his part is done. Now time to focus on his own exams. Nori being kind enough to teach Yuji was more than enough. When helping with lessons was over, there was no longer any reason for Choso to bake cookies for Nori. Choso no longer remembered how long it had been since he had seen Nori. However, he realized that he wanted to see Nori. Wanted to talk to him even if there’s nothing to talk to. Wanted to see Nori eat his homemade cakes. He just wanted to be in his presence.
Until now, Choso himself was still confused about what this feeling meant. Did he just admire Nori and think of him as a younger brother like Yuji?
"Nii-chan! Wait for me! Let's go home together!"
Choso stopped when he heard Yuji's voice behind him so that his brother could catch up with him, so they could go home together. Then they walked hand in hand.
"Nii-chan. It looks like this will be the last time we go home together after school. We used to go home together a lot, didn't we?"
"Hmm."
"Nii-chan... You're not excited. Why? You passed the exam."
"Yes. Just... thinking about something..."
"Thinking about Kamo-san?"
Choso fell silent. How did Yuji know? Does Yuji have the power to read minds?
"How can you..."
"It's clearly visible on Nii-chan's face."
"What does that mean?"
"It's obvious that Nii-chan likes Kamo-san."
Choso turned his head away. Embarrassed that his brother would say such a thing. "That's not it..."
"So how is it?"
"I'm... not sure..."
Yuji immediately understood the reason why his brother had yet to confess his feelings to Nori-senpai. It was because his brother himself was still confused.
"Does Nii-chan always think about Kamo-san?"
Choso didn't answer.
"Does Nii-chan want to meet Kamo-san?"
Still no answer.
"If you don't answer, I'll run back to school and bring Kamo-san home!"
"No! Why is that?"
"So that your relationship is clear!"
"What relationship? Kamo-san and I don't have any relationship."
Yuji let out a tired sigh. "Then answer this question. Does Nii-chan want to meet Kamo-san or not?"
"Yes. I want to meet him."
"Isn't that a very clear answer? Nii-chan is missing someone. Nii-chan has feelings for Kamo-san."
Like, maybe he did like Nori.
"If I say yes, what should I do?"
"It's obvious, isn't it? Express your feelings! Let him know!" replied Yuji in a short but concise manner.
"No way..." said Choso as he shook his head.
"Why not?" asked Yuji in astonishment. He really didn't think his brother could be this insecure.
"I might scare him away..."
"Scared or not, it doesn't matter, right? The important thing is to express your feelings. What Kamo-san’s answer will be doesn't matter now."
How could Choso not think about it. If he was rejected, he would probably be very sad.
"Is Nii-chan afraid of rejection?"
"Hmm."
"Nii-chan really likes Kamo-san, huh."
All this time Choso thought it was just admiration, but it wasn't. It was more. He liked Kamo Noritoshi.
Yuji, who noticed that his brother was silent and seemed to be deep in thought, wanted to give another suggestion.
"How about giving Valentine's chocolates? Culturally, it's said that only women give Valentine's chocolates to men. But times have changed! Both men and women can give gifts on Valentine's Day.
Choso thought he was very lucky to have such a passionate younger brother like Yuji. He didn't know how to give up. Yuji's encouragement to Choso made him regain his confidence.
"Thank you Yuji. If I get rejected, please encourage me." Choso ruffled Yuji's hair.
"Take it easy! I'm pretty good at that. Nii-chan, make chocolate for me too!"
"Yes, yes."
***
For Choso, it was not difficult to make honmei choco. It was just that he needed to go to buy ingredients, in the midst of being busy with several activities. When he should have taken time to rest after the grueling with the exam.
Looking up information on the internet, many men bring flowers when they want to confess their feelings. Choso bought a single red rose. He actually wanted to buy large ones, but was embarrassed to have to carry a bouquet in his hands.
Walking to school, Choso carried a paper bag containing chocolates wrapped in a box and a red rose in clear plastic and a red ribbon. In his left hand he held the the same brand of water bottle that he often put in Nori's locker. February is still winter in Japan, but today the sun was shining brightly despite the cold weather. Choso hoped that the chocolate he had brought with him wouldn't melt. Then he stood waiting near the entrance to the archery club. Nervous, Choso became anxious. He tried to remember what he was going to say to Nori.
This was the first time Choso felt his heart beating so fast he’s worried someone will hear it. Louder than when he was participating in a martial arts tournament. It made Choso's head a little dizzy.
Maybe he wasn't getting enough rest since the exam was over. Maybe it was because he was in a hurry and missed his meal. Everything was a mess lately. He admit that he can’t really sleep since Yuji putting the idea that he has to confess his feeling in his head. Never had he ever being in this situation before. What if Nori doesn’t like boys? What if he scare him away instead? The thought of not being able to see him again pained him.
Suddenly Nori appeared from the left side of the training building, already wearing his training uniform. Nori bumped into him and quickly stepped back.
"Choso-senpai?"
"Hi, Nori-kun."
"No... Nori-kun?"
He forgot what to say. It suddenly felt like there was lump in his throat. His vision tunneling. He couldn't think of anything, other than hearing the boy yelped. And Noritoshi’s worried face as the last thing he saw.
***
Choso managed to open his heavy eyelids. His body felt hot. He saw Nori sitting next to him, his back to him and looking at something in the window. The light from outside illuminated Nori's silhoette, making him look like he was surrounded by a very soft aura.
Where are they right now? Oh, it seems Choso knows this place. The medical room. Is it just the two of them? Why would they be here?
Choso got up slowly. It seemed like the boy was currently deep in his thought so he didn't realize that Choso was awake. Seeing Nori's hair loose from behind made Choso want to touch it.
He had wanted to touch Nori's hair for a long time. "His hair looks so soft... just like I've often imagined..." Choso's hand moved slowly to lightly nudge the ends of the strands.
However, Nori suddenly turned around. Choso withdrew his hand. God he hoped Noritoshi didn’t saw that.
"Are you feeling better, senpai?"
"Yes," Choso replied briefly. He’s not.
"Senpai fainted earlier. The nurse said you have fever."
So he got fever just from crushing so hard? Like women in classic novel?
For a moment they were silent. Nori pointed to the paper bag beside Choso's bed. Flowers had been removed from it. "Is that for me?"
Choso glanced to the side. Since Yuji had already unpacked it, Choso could no longer dodge the question.
"Yes. For you."
"Why?"
No answer.
"That drink too... that's been in my locker all this time."
Choso did not answer again.
"Does senpai like me?"
Why was it so hard to say, 'Yes, I like you. Date me. Instead, Choso could only nod slowly.
"I like senpai too."
Choso almost choked.
Yes, he did. Nori had also liked Choso for a long time. He first saw Choso beating the hell out bullies with Aoi. Looking very intimidating with his freshly bloody scar in the bridge of his nose and thick eyebags. Then he saw him practicing in the martial arts club when Nori was a new student.
However, when the senpai showed off his martial arts skills, Choso's figure turned into a very cool one. His face was the complete opposite of his skill. Many times Nori stopped by the martial arts club just to secretly watch Choso. Although he couldn't see him too often due to the club's schedule.
At least Nori knew Choso was on eleventh grade and what class he was in. Nori found out when he accidentally met in the teacher's room after seeing Choso deliver a pile of notebooks to one of the teacher's desks.
Months later, a few days before the school Bunkasai was held, students were busy distributing pamphlet for their class events. Nori got one from Choso’s class who opened a cafe.
Thinking for a long time, Nori finally ventured to visit. But he didn't find the senpai he was looking for.
It wasn't long before Nori's order arrived. There was a slice of apple pie that he didn't order.
"Try it," a girl wearing a maid costume said with big smile.
It was the most delicious pie he had ever eaten. Too bad the pie wasn't for sale. It was a free sweets given from one of their food handlers and was also homemade. There was only one pie that was specially provided.
The senpai who explained it pointed at someone. Nori glanced in the direction it was pointed and it turned out to be from the man Nori had always noticed.
"Choso-kun! One strawberry pie!"
"Hi!"
His name is Choso. He gave a special pie for me, Nori thought.
It was simple but he couldn’t possibly be happier today. He managed to find out the senpai's name and also got his own special pie. Choso didn't know him. However, the indirect gesture of attention made Nori’s heart flutter a little.
Nori decided to practice arrows more. He wanted to become the best in the club, so maybe, just maybe Choso could recognized him. Because, Nori didn't know how to approach Choso. He seemed like a person who very difficult to approach.
A year after that he broke his heart by seeing Choso with another boy. It looks like a kouhai just bellow him. At that time he can’t think any other rational thought who might be the boy with Choso except his significant other, looking at the way how close they are together.
Later, Nori began to live out his days as the president of the archery club. Since then he has become a bit popular. He often found bottles of energy drinks in his locker.
Five months later, Nori was suddenly asked by his teacher to teach math to a kouhai. It would only be for a short time and would not interfere with Nori's other activities. Nori agreed. Then he was shocked to find out that the kouhai he had to tutor was the boy who was often with Choso. He introduced his name as Itadori Yuji.
Nori couldn't figure out what this oddity meant. If he was with Yuji, there was a possibility that he would cross paths with Choso again. He might fail to move on...
Therefore, Nori asked to teach Yuji at home. That way he doesn't have to meet Choso. Yuji agrees and says that his older brother will bake him cookies.
However, who would have guessed, it turns out that Choso is Yuji's older brother! Nori was completely shocked when Choso opened the door.
All this time, Nori could only watch from afar. Now looking closely, he thought that the scar on Choso’s nose making him looks more handsome.
What surprised Nori even more was that Senpai was behaving very strangely. He looked excited in welcoming Nori. Why? Is it because Nori is going to help his brother?
Being at Yuji's house, made Nori realize that Choso was very attentive and soft spoken to his brother. Everything about him was complete opposite than how he carried himself in school. He bake cookies, serves them tea, all while wearing cute apron.
That attitude made Nori a little hopeful again after trying long enough not to think about Choso. Can Nori get close to Choso this time?
A few days at Senpai's house made Nori's feelings even more chaotic. It felt like he wanted to confess his re-growing feelings to Choso. Feelings that suddenly appeared again just because of a little attention from senpai.
However, again Nori hesitated. Choso will soon graduate from their school and undergo many final exams. He didn't want to bother him. Finally, Nori decided to hold back his feelings again.
Now that he knew that Choso liked him too, Nori couldn't explain his feelings. Happy, relieved, confused, all rolled into one.
"Since when did senpai like me?"
"A long time ago." Suddenly Choso answered easily. Probably because he felt more relieved after knowing that his love was not unrequited.
"Me too." The boy confessed. "A long time ago."
"How long?" Choso could hardly believe that Nori had liked him for so long.
This time it was Nori's turn not to answer. He would tell senpai about his story someday. Choso picked up the chocolate box on the table. He had a bad feeling about it. "Looks like... it's melting?"
"Ah...”
Nori accepted the box from Choso's hand to open the valentine gift. It had never occurred to Nori that he would get honmei choco from the senpai he had a crush on.
"Maybe it's because this room is a little warm. Sorry it melted. I'll make some more."
"It's okay, senpai. You should rest first."
Nori picked up the chocolate with two fingers. Putting it in his mouth and licked off the melt. "Anything senpai makes is always delicious."
That the boy was very, very cute when he smiled. It was the first time Choso saw his genuine smile not those polite and timid smile the boy often did. He really likes it! He wanted to see Nori smile more.
"Thanks for the chocolate, senpai."
"Hum."
"But, I don't have a gift for senpai."
"No need to."
"But, I want to."
"Then, I want you to... call me by my name... not senpai anymore."
"That's right. You are now my boyfriend."
My boyfriend. Gosh... how beautiful those words are to hear coming out of Nori's mouth.
"So... Choso..." said Nori slowly.
"N-Nori."
Nori sighed, leaning to bed and kissed Choso's cheek lightly.
Choso shock face is so adorable. He can’t help but making his senpai’s fever even worse by brushing his lips right on the scar on Choso's nose.
There are many things he want to say, want to do. Bu there was no need to rush. They had plenty of that time. Like all this time they were waiting for each other.