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The distinct sweet scent of candles wafted through the air. With every movement of the two people in the room, the flames would flicker, creating curious shadows on the ceiling and the walls. They were mostly bare save for the simple white cabinets in the kitchen.
It hadn’t been long since Minami and Yoriko had moved there. They didn’t have many personal belongings to begin with, and there had been no opportunity to go shopping or decorate their new home, so it was still mostly empty. At first glance, the only things that indicated someone lived there were the two pairs of shoes by the front door, the two jackets hanged on the coat rack, and the small framed photo of them on the day they had first met - it was on the same day a few years back.
But at that moment, long after the sun had set and the spring breeze had grown colder, two people stood in the kitchen in the midst of preparing a cake. Quiet music played in the background.
“We’ll never finish it if you keep doing that,” Yoriko complained, trying to conceal her smile. Minami had kept on distracting her throughout the evening. She’d catch him smiling at her from across the room, or he’d brush her shoulder while trying to get something from the cupboard. Or, like now, his hands would wrap around her waist from behind and pin her in place as he laid a gentle kiss atop her head.
And while it was true - they’d never be able to finish the cake if his antics continued, Yoriko couldn’t help but feel delight.
“Don’t be mad.” Minami’s hold tightened, his exhales tickling the side of Yoriko’s neck. “I just never thought this could happen… It’s not a dream, right?”
Lips brushed Yoriko’s ear. Minami couldn’t help it; he would have never dared to think it was possible to actually achieve this even in his wildest dreams. He was there, with Yoriko in his arms, in their own kitchen, new rings adorning their ring fingers. Happiness, satisfaction, joy - none of these words could describe what he truly felt.
He had almost died but now he was back, living the life of his dreams. If someone told him he was in heaven, he’d believe it.
Or almost…
“Flour?” Yoriko’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He hastily passed her the flour and watched as she added it to the other ingredients. The deafening sound of the mixer replaced the record player’s gentle melody and Minami used the opportunity to take a sip of his wine. It was the best one they could find at the convenience store down the street. As Minami lifted the mug to his lips he could sense the rich pleasant aroma… They definitely needed to buy a set of wine glasses; Minami made a mental note to add that to their shopping list.
Once the frosting was prepared and the cake batter was put in the oven, Minami grabbed Yoriko’s hand and pulled her into a tight hug.
“Wait! Your shirt!” While he had quickly taken off his own apron moments prior, Yoriko was still wearing hers. She tried to push him away but his hold only grew firmer.
“Doesn’t matter,” Minami whispered into her ear and breathed in the soothing scent of her perfume merged with the saccharinity of the ingredients they had used. His eyes closed on their own under the influence of the wine and the warmth Yoriko’s body radiated. Right now, I’m truly happy , flashed through his mind.
But then, Yoriko’s hand caressed his neck, fingers slowly threading through his hair as she impatiently stood on tiptoes to reach his lips. The wine on her tongue was more intoxicating than the one in Minami’s mug; he felt lightheaded and breathless yet craved more.
“Dance with me!” Yoriko broke the kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck with a wide smile.
As the two of them swayed lazily to the soft tune coming from the record player, Minami let out a sigh of relief. He felt he could do that forever; how wonderful life would be then! Every day and every night spent by Yoriko’s side, far from the institute… It’s better to have as many dreams as possible , right? Yoriko herself had said that. Now Minami understood exactly what she had meant. Having dreams indeed made life better.
Someday… someday they would have nothing to worry about. The institute wouldn’t matter anymore nor would the IPOs.
One day the two of them would finally be able to live together in peace. Minami promised himself that he would make that possible no matter what it would take; that this dream of his would come true; that he would make his Yoriko truly happy as well…