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What a beautiful sight that was unfolding in front of them. To their sides stood tall, majestic trees, their leaves quivering in the warm summer breeze. Sunshine glittered on the lake's reflection, sparkling like stars dropped onto the water. Would they grant wishes? If one wished upon them hard enough, they might perhaps do. Not that Gaku needed to wish for anything. Not when Tenn was by his side, with such a serene environment surrounding them.
It wasn't the first time TRIGGER had come here. When they had been here for Tenn's shoot, it had been Gaku who had insisted on camping nearby in the future. Both he and Ryuunosuke had been up to it from the get-go, unlike Tenn. The thought of camping did not evoke the same feelings of excitement inside him, but he had agreed to give it a try nonetheless.
"It's even more beautiful than last time," Tenn commented and let out a small pleased sigh.
Gaku laid his arm around his waist and pulled him close. His lips brushed against the side of his head. "I'm glad you came along. It would be lonely with just Ryuu and me."
Tenn leaned into the touched and closed his eyes for a few moments. "I have to keep an eye on you two. Who knows what kind of trouble you'll get into without me."
"We're not children," Gaku insisted with a short laugh. "I think we're better off out here than you."
Crossing his arms, Tenn let out a hum. "Well, Ryuu definitely beats us both when it comes to camping, as often as he's outside."
A comfortable silence settled between them standing by the shore and watching the sparkling water. Here and there were ripples, indicating fish feeding on an insect at the water's edge. A bird sang the first tunes of its song before it abruptly went silent, only for more birds to join in immediately. Far above them, a few cloud tufts were moving lazily across the sky. The sun already touched the tree tops in the distance.
Originally, they were supposed to arrive the next morning, heading out early on their first day off. Due to a streak of luck, however, they had been able to leave work earlier than planned. They had wasted no time on getting ready and setting off. Fortunately, driving here didn't take very long which meant they could spend an extra night at the campsite. Ryuunosuke had insisted on driving, so upon their arrival, Gaku and Tenn had set up most of their camp, allowing Ryuunosuke to rest.
Gaku was the one to break the silence. "Feels like so much time has passed since that day."
Tenn agreed. "When we came here, you were captivated by this place." Smiling, he eyed him. "It was quite cute."
With a smirk, Gaku stepped in front of him and, with both arms around him, leaned closer until their noses almost touched. Aside from them, there was no one here right now, and Ryuunosuke had given them some privacy. More people might come sooner or later, but until then, it was best to enjoy their time alone to the fullest. When he looked into Tenn's mesmerizing eyes, how could he resist? If it weren't for Ryuunosuke, Gaku would prove his love to Tenn right this instant, with nothing but nature around them.
However, if he did try that, Tenn wouldn't forgive him, maybe never. The risk of getting caught was still too big, even if the three had the whole place to themselves right now—a streak of luck. As idols, they had to be conscious of their surroundings at all time. Gaku wasn't ashamed of his relationship with Tenn—quite the opposite! If he were allowed to, he'd scream how much Tenn meant to him from every rooftop. And even if Tenn didn't mind, the overwhelming joy would find its end very quickly nonetheless—if Gaku revealed their relationship, his father would for sure rip him a new one. As for their fans, Gaku wanted to believe they wouldn't mind, considering how much people enjoyed Re:vale's lovey-dovey act. Then again, they didn't know it wasn't just a pretense.
What a shame it was, though. Tenn deserved for the whole world to know.
Gaku guided Tenn's hand away from his lips, so he could hold it in his own. It was cold, but in a pleasant way. "On that day, you had that same expression—so full of wonder." He watched Tenn through half-lidded eyes. "How badly I wanted to kiss you."
His face reddening, Tenn averted his gaze. "You're getting embarrassing."
The smirk on Gaku's face grew wider. Oh, he could be even more embarrassing. Not that he ever actually was. "With how breathtaking you were, how could I not? What a shame the staff wouldn't leave us alone."
Tenn pressed his fingers against Gaku's lips. "I'm serious. Besides, you got your fair share anyway."
"One kiss sneaked in-between. That's hardly enough."
"You had your fun during the night, remember? I could barely move when you were done with me." Tenn sighed. "You're lucky you're so handsome."
"Wasn't it you who screamed for more? Because I can remember that very clearly," Gaku reminded him.
Tenn grimaced. His blush had returned, spreading all the way to his ears. "If it's such a big issue, then I suppose you'll be just fine with sleeping in different beds again."
"Come on, don't be like that. You know I love it when you can't get enough of me."
Without replying, Tenn kept his eyes to the ground and fiddled with his sleeve. He looked so horribly embarrassed, Gaku almost felt sorry. He didn't mean to make him feel bad, but it was just too much fun teasing him. Besides, Tenn was far from innocent. Maybe he went too far this time though—Tenn rarely gave up like that.
"I'm the luckiest man in the world." As he kissed his forehead, Gaku noticed the tension in Tenn's shoulders easing. "Many of our fans would do anything to see you like this."
"And even more to swap places with me." Despite the words, Tenn's expression was suddenly full of mischief. Had that sheepishness been just a trick? Gaku knew too well what was lurking behind that angelic smile, and yet, he still fell right into it. "I wonder why?"
"Because I'm sexy and cool, but also very romantic and the dream of every woman? Who could resist me?"
Tenn stared at him with a blank face. "May I remind you of the time you hit on IDOLiSH7's manager and got rejected by her twice within—"
Gaku clicked his tongue. "Shut it! Remind me why I love you again?"
Chuckling, Tenn wrapped his arms around Gaku's neck and kissed him. His lips were so soft and sweet like strawberries. Gaku greedily licked them, savoring every little moment. One of his hands was resting on the small of Tenn's back, while he let his fingers run through Tenn's hair with the other.
"You're such a brat sometimes, you know that?" Gaku whispered into the kiss. "But there's no one I'd rather have by my side. You're my only one. I've never met someone stunning as you. You light the world brighter than the sun, and the stars envy how much you mesmerize our fans and me. Even the moon pales in comparison to your beauty. "
Scowling, Tenn pulled away. He opened his mouth to reply, but nothing came out. He tried again, to no avail.
"What?" Gaku asked innocently.
It took Tenn some time to find the words, and when he did, his voice was full of exasperation. "How embarrassing can you get?" he sputtered. "Do you even hear yourself?"
"There's nothing embarrassing about it! Just admit you love it. You can't deny it any longer," he insisted. As much as Tenn loved to complain, Gaku knew it made Tenn melt inside. No matter how long it took to break down that wall around Tenn's heart, Gaku was intent on never letting him forget how much he loved him—and how much love he deserved.
Tenn shook his head. "You're the most embarrassing man I know. How do you even handle it?" Despite his tone, Gaku could see the affection swimming in those beautiful large eyes.
Gaku grinned. "But I'm your most embarrassing man." He pulled Tenn in with a swift movement of his arms. "Just like you're my brat."
That made Tenn giggle, and he snuggled even closer. "You keep getting worse," he told him. "Sometimes, I wonder how I put up with you."
"Because you love me so much. It doesn't matter what you say, I know you love it deep down."
"I have a sudden urge to reconsider our relationship," Tenn said blankly.
Gaku snorted and peppered his face with kisses. "Yeah, sure. You wouldn't know what to do without me."
Unimpressed, Tenn raised his eyebrows. "I am perfectly independent, thank you very much."
"I know you are," Gaku said and heaved a content sigh. "And that's one of the things I love about you." Although he wouldn't mind if Tenn allowed himself to lean on him more often. Tenn was strong, but he didn't have to carry the burden on his shoulders all by himself. After everything they had gone through together, he should know that by now.
Tenn didn't say anything. They were so close it was hard to tell where one ended and the other began. Moments like these were so painfully rare. Even at home, there was hardly the time for it. Work and chores, meeting the other idols or the management, preparing for a shooting or a role—there was always something to do. At night, when they finally had some time alone, they would usually be too tired for anything other than cuddling, thus making these moments even more precious.
Gaku's heart throbbed in his chest. "Tenn, you are the most important person in my life. When we first met, I would have laughed at anyone telling me I'd ever fall in love with such a snot-nosed brat like you." Their beginning had been far from easy. But the struggle had been worth it—learning more about the other and falling in love during their fight to reach the stars. "Our fans know you as an angel, and I had long disagreed, considering how two-faced you can be."
Frowning, Tenn opened his mouth to object, but Gaku simply went on, "Nanase once told me about it, about the kindness deep inside you, and how much you've always cared for the people around you." His eyes darkened. "And I saw how quick you are to give up everything for those you hold dear."
"Gaku…"
Gaku clenched and unclenched his fists, then grabbed Tenn by the shoulders and looked him in the eye. "I won't allow you to sacrifice yourself anymore."
Changing those harmful beliefs was far easier said than done, but Gaku believed in Tenn. He believed Tenn could overcome the poison fed to him by Kujou over the many years he had groomed him. If only Tenn realized what Kujou was actually doing to him.
Gaku gritted his teeth. One day, he would save Tenn from that man's grasp and set him free, no matter the cost.
"Whenever you feel like you're falling, I'll be there to catch you, no matter what. So tell me when you're hurting. Tell me when you're scared. I'll do everything to make you happy, so you'll never have to shed another tear." He kissed Tenn gently, reached up to cup his face with both hands, and wiped away the stray tear rolling down Tenn's cheek with his thumb. "When it comes to us, there's no need to hide your true self. I love you, every part of you. Ryuu and I will always be there for you, so stop hiding your true feelings from us."
Tenn's frame shook, followed by a shaky sigh. "I'm not hiding anything," he protested weakly and looked up with the sweetest of smiles.
Gaku kissed the tip of his nose. "I will never let anyone lay a finger on you. I'll always protect you."
His lips parting ever so slightly, Tenn dug his fingers into Gaku's shirt and blinked slowly. "Gaku, I…"
Gaku didn't wait for Tenn to continue. "I promised I'll save you from Kujou, and then you'll never have to worry about him again. I don't care what he plans to do—making you overcome Zero or whatever. I don't care! But I won't let him hurt you." He took a deep breath. His lower lips quivered. "I can't bear to lose you, Tenn. A life without you is unbearable and meaningless. Even imagining it feels so utterly wrong."
Never would he forgive himself if something happened to Tenn. Losing him would tear him apart.
A tear rolled down Tenn's cheek, followed by another and another and another. Every now and then, he attempted to tell Gaku something, but it died down just as quickly again. Right now, there was no need for words, and Gaku held him, whispering sweet nothings in his ears. Tenn hid his tear-streaked face against Gaku's shoulders, his arms resting against his chest.
To think Tenn would be so touched he'd cry. A pleasant tingling surged through Gaku's body. He wouldn't mind if Tenn did so more often.
The setting sun cast long shadows across the field. Gaku smiled at their shadows merged into one. Tenn was melting in his arms as if Gaku's sole purpose of existence was to hold Tenn, their bodies fitting together perfectly.
If only the world stopped moving, so that they could embrace each other for all of eternity. It felt like they were the only humans left on the world.
Eventually, Tenn raised his head and sniffed. "What you said…" he began, then stopped once again. He took his time choosing his words carefully.
Gaku didn't rush him. It was cute seeing him so flustered. There were truly no words to describe how much he loved Tenn. To think they would ever become so close.
As he kissed his tears away, Tenn pulled back a little. A small smile tugged at the edges of his lips. "When you said how much you love me… it sounded suspiciously like… like a proposal."
Gaku's heart skipped a beat. A proposal! "And what if it is?" he asked in a sing-song voice. "It's quite the perfect setting, isn't it? I already had dreams about our perfect wedding, and this comes pretty close. Though I wouldn't mind marrying overseas either." With a smirk, he added. "Yaotome Tenn—I like how that sounds."
Tenn stepped back, mouth gaping. "Gaku…!" he barked.
Gaku laughed. "What? You wanted an answer."
Covering his mouth with his hand, Tenn mumbled something under his breath.
It wasn't an actual proposal, but if it really were, that might just turn out to be too much for poor Tenn. The thought was making Gaku feel pleasantly warm inside. One day for sure.
"I love you, Tenn."
After taking a deep breath, Tenn smiled back at him. "I love you too." He paused. "Does that mean we…?"
"If you want."
Tenn's smile quivered, and Gaku thought he had upset him, only to realize that Tenn was holding back his laughter. "You're unbelievable, saying all of this with a straight face."
Gaku fell in with the laughter. "Just wait, I'll give you the best proposal in the world!"