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Satoru leaned back against the plush cushions of the hotel room's couch, a smile playing on his lips as he glanced at Utahime.
The two actors had been wrapped up in their own world, indulging in a rare moment of respite from the bustling movie promotion they have been living for the last three weeks. As the evening light filtered through the window, Gojo couldn't help but think that everything felt different with her around.
What, truth be told, it was his worst nightmare.
In the last months they had shared countless scenes together, their chemistry on screen palpable and captivating. The effortless way they breathed life into their characters, each glance and every line delivered with a synchronicity that now mesmerised the critics. Also, there were times when their characters shared tender touches on screen, like a hand on an arm or a brief brush of fingers, and he was afraid to admit that he wanted those touches to go beyond the realm of fantasy. He felt a long-buried yearning come to life as the gentle warmth of her hand against his arm sent electric currents through his veins. Their guards came down during these stolen moments, and their shared vulnerability created a magnetic pull between them.
Honestly, it was just an enormous nightmare.
Never once in his all career - a vast one, since he was a childhood actor - had Satoru felt vulnerable.
It was most impossible to feel like this.
He was a professional.
However, he felt it.
He burned for her.
It was during these stolen moments, away from the prying eyes of the crew, that he truly felt the depth of his feelings for her. It was the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed, a light that danced in them and illuminated the room. He couldn't help but be drawn to the genuine joy she exuded, like a beacon in a sea of superficiality. And when she laughed, her laughter infectious, it was as if the world tilted on its axis, everything aligning in perfect harmony.
The unspoken glances and words spoke volumes, establishing a bond that could not be broken and grew stronger with each passing day. Yet, Gojo really wanted to contemplate whether Utahime felt the same way, on the off chance that she, as well, felt the heaviness of their implicit longings and longed for something else.
However, he respected her boundaries despite his desire. She had been in a serious relationship for a really long time, and he was unable to force himself to disturb the existence she had fabricated.
Yes, you get now why it was a shit show.
Utahime had a boyfriend.
One everyone was certain she loved very damn much.
Thus, he covered his sentiments profound inside, treasuring these taken minutes as recollections to hold close, a mysterious world they shared in the background.
However, the longing persisted, simmering below the surface and refusing to be quenched. Satoru was aware that he would, at some point, perhaps when the opportunity presented itself, muster the bravery to express his true feelings. Up to that point, he cherished these taken minutes, finding comfort in the association they shared, and quietly trusted that destiny would plot to unite them, in a story that rose above the limits of their on-screen jobs.
He was just wondering how he would live without her once the press tour was over.
And Aspen, where they were now, was exactly their last stop.
And her boyfriend was arriving the next day to walk down the red carpet with her.
“Hime…” He whispered, while she took a sip of her white chardonnay. “Can you believe how incredible this has been?”
She was beaming. “I know! The response from the audience, the interviews, the red carpet events... it's all been so surreal!”
He smiled largely. “One of my best promo periods, if I am being honest.”
The best one ever, he wanted to say.
Because of you, he wanted to scream.
“I couldn't have asked for a better partner to share this experience with. You've made it all the more enjoyable.” She answered, pushing her glass to his and making a small toast.
Oh, he adored her so much.
He was wearing one of his signature smirks. “I'm lucky to have you by my side.”
“Well, we make quite the team, don't we? It's amazing how our on-screen chemistry has translated into real-life… friendship.”
There it was.
The hesitation.
He knew it.
He felt it.
“You know, I think that's what makes this whole promotion tour so special. Not only do we get to celebrate the success of the movie, but we also get to cherish the memories we've created together.” He ended up reflecting, moving his gaze a bit from hers. He was always afraid of looking for too long. He could loose his damn mind.
“I'll remember all of this forever.” He noticed that her gaze was also wondering around.
She was beautiful under the night lights.
“I have an idea.” He jumped from the couch and started walking to his desk. “Hold on a moment.”
“What is it, Satoru?”
His name on her lips was the most beautiful melody ever conjured.
“I've got my Polaroid here. Let's capture this moment!” He turned to her and he was the biggest smile ever forming in her lips.
“You and your camera.” She giggled. “Always up to something.”
“Well, you know me. I can't resist capturing beautiful moments. And spending time with you, Utahime, is always beautiful.”
He saw when she swallowed hard and he felt guilty for a few seconds. However, all he had from her was that. And after tomorrow it would crumble to nothing. Therefore, he decided he did not care. He truly did not care. He just wanted to cherish the moment with her.
“Now, come closer. We need to fit into the frame together.”
Satoru’s heart raced as he held the polaroid camera in his hands and sat next to her, his palms slightly sweaty. He was acutely aware of their proximity, the way their shoulders brushed against each other, the gentle rise and fall of her breath so close to his own. It was a dangerous territory, this closeness, as it threatened to unravel the carefully constructed walls he had built around his feelings.
Utahime, ever perceptive, sensed his nervousness. With a mischievous glimmer in her eyes, she closed the gap between them, leaning in closer until her cheek lightly pressed against his. “Like this?”
The warmth of her skin against his own sent a jolt of electricity through his whole body, making his heart skip a beat. He felt the softness of her breath on his cheek as they shared a moment suspended in time. Satoru couldn't help but smile, the joy and relief mingling on his face. It was a small act of intimacy, an innocent touch, but it held a weight of unspoken desires and uncharted territories. In that instant, the worries and doubts faded into the background, overshadowed by the undeniable connection they shared.
“Perfect.” He managed to let out. “Now, hold still and give me your best smile.”
With the polaroid camera still in his hands, Gojo managed to steady himself enough to press the shutter button. The camera whirred and clicked, capturing the unfiltered authenticity of their shared moment.
As the photo was ejected from the camera, their eyes met, their smiles mirroring one another.
“Just us, in a world that sometimes feels so black and white.” He whispered.
“Indeed, but we are screaming colour.” She also whispered.
“Not even my twenty stitches are destroying the photo!” He joked slightly, alluding to the incident of the day before where he had fall on the sky track. Utahime gave him a small slap on his shoulder, looking quite worried while wondering her gaze on his stitches. He had spent the day joking about it and he could tell she was worried.
She had hold his hand while he was receiving the stitches. For that reason, Satoru had proceeded to decide the fall had been completely worth it.
Satoru’s attention was drawn to the small polaroid picture in the dimly lit room. It caught a sincere second among them, their grins certified and their countenances enlightened with happiness.
He couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same way as he did as he looked at the image.
Was everything just an illusion?
With a groan, he turned his eyes back to Utahime, her eyes spilling over with warmth and laughing. It was both a gift and a berate to have her nearby, understanding that they were on the grade of something extraordinary yet disallowed. The walls they had worked around their spirits, the decisions they had made to shield themselves, were starting to break down under the weight of their normal affiliation. At least, for him.
And then he decided to risk it all.
Satoru reached into his pocket, his fingers curling around the delicate necklace he had carefully chosen for his most beloved co-star. With a mixture of nerves and excitement, he presented the small box to her, his voice filled with sincerity.
“Hime, I have something for you. Something to remember me by.”
“Satoru… you didn't have to...” He could sense her hesitation.
“I know I didn't have to, but I wanted.” He gave her a small smile. “Open it, please.”
Curiosity brimming in her eyes, Utahime carefully opened the box. Her gasp of delight echoed in the room as she beheld the necklace—a delicate chain with two paper airplanes, their wings gracefully intertwined in flight.
“It's stunning. But why paper airplanes?” She looked at him with those dear eyes.
He smiled warmly. “Paper airplanes represent the freedom of soaring through the skies, of embarking on new adventures. I want you to remember that there is a world of endless possibilities out there, even after our time together on this film. And you, Utahime, deserve all of them.”
She was breathless.
He could see her lips slightly parted, her cheeks flushed, the beating of her heart close.
“Thank you, Satoru.” He had the impression the words were being difficult for her. “It's such a thoughtful gift.”
Utahime’s voice trailed off as an idea took hold of her, a spark lighting up her eyes.
“I think you should be the one to put it on me.”
His heart skipped a beat at her suggestion, his cheeks flushing with a mix of nerves and anticipation. He carefully took the necklace from its box and stepped closer to her. With gentle fingers, he secured the chain around her neck, his touch lingering longer than necessary, a silent confession of the emotions he couldn't put into words.
“It feels perfect.” She whispered and he felt all his hairs go up.
“It looks perfect on you, Hime.” He spoke softly. Their moment of shared vulnerability dissipated into laughter once his mischievous spirit took over. “You know, this calls for a celebration. Let's dance!”
“Dance? Here?”
“Absolutely! We'll move the furniture, put on some classic tunes, and have ourselves a little dance party. Come on, it'll be fun!”
Utahime couldn't help but be swept up in the blue-eyed actor enthusiasm. With a shared grin, they swiftly moved around the room, clearing the space for their impromptu dance floor. Soon, the room was transformed, and the sound of random melodies filled the air.
As they began to dance, their movements exaggerated and playful, they couldn't suppress their laughter. With each twirl and dip, they let go of the worries that weighed them down, revelling in the joy of the moment. Satoru and Utahime twirled and laughed, their steps light and carefree, exactly like two airplanes paper flying around.
As they continued their dance, a shift in the air brought a newfound tension between them. The playful atmosphere gradually gave way to a more serious and charged energy. The room seemed to shrink, their movements becoming deliberate and deliberate, their gazes locked in an unspoken understanding.
With each step, their proximity intensified, their bodies almost magnetically drawn to one another. The distance that once held them apart now felt unbearable, and their connection transcended the realm of friendship. It was as if the world around them faded into insignificance, leaving only the palpable tension that crackled between them.
“Utahime.”
He whispered.
“I am not sure if we are out of the woods yet.”
She whispered.
Their movements became slower, more deliberate, mirroring the gentle ebb and flow of their intertwined emotions. The music wrapped around them like a cocoon, heightening their awareness of each other's presence. The air hummed with anticipation, as if waiting for the inevitable moment when their facades would crumble.
Satoru’s hand slid from Utahime’s waist to gently hold hers, his touch tender yet electric. Their eyes locked, a silent conversation unfolding as they navigated the uncharted territory of unspoken desires. The weight of his unfulfilled yearnings hung heavy in the air, a shared secret that bound them together.
“Hime, I…”
“I know.”
As they moved in perfect sync, the dance took on a deeper meaning. Each movement spoke volumes, expressing the emotions that words couldn't adequately convey. The distance between them diminished until it felt like there was no space left to bridge. Their bodies moved in harmony, a dance that reflected the unspoken passion that swirled between them.
A myriad of emotions danced across their faces—longing, hesitation, and a shared vulnerability. He knew the consequences of surrendering to their desires, the potential fallout it could have on their lives and relationships. Yet, in that moment, everything else faded away. The intensity of their connection demanded acknowledgment, begging to be explored.
He loved her.
He knew he did.
The room grew quiet, the music providing a steady rhythm to the symphony of their hearts. They held each other, a mix of tenderness and desperation, as if time had slowed down to honour the gravity of thr unspoken feelings.
But as the song reached its final note, reality crashed back upon him. Their gazes lingered, a silent promise forged in the depths of their eyes. He knew they couldn't ignore the complexities that lay before them. With a bittersweet smile, they released each other, stepping back, allowing the tension to dissipate.
(...)
Gojo stood at the threshold of the bustling premiere, his heart pounding in his chest. The anticipation of the evening's events weighed heavily on him, threatening to consume his thoughts. Just as he was about to take that first step onto the red carpet, a familiar voice called out to him.
“Satoru! Wait up!”
He turned to see Suguru, his friend and assistant, making his way through the crowd. His keen eyes immediately noticed the distant look on his best friends’ face, and concern etched his features.
“Hey, are you okay? You seem a bit off tonight.”
“Sug, I... I need to talk to you.” He released, stepping to the side of the entry.
“What's on your mind?” The concerned tone was present on the speech of his also agent that he knew so well.
He took a deep breath, steeling himself to share his innermost thoughts. “I... I finally confessed my love to her, Suguru. I couldn't keep it hidden any longer. I told her how I truly feel. Not directly but I think she understood.”
Geto gave him a gentle smile. “And how did she react?”
“I think...” Satoru swallowed, the words too damn difficult. “I believe she feels something, but now, it's up to her. I've laid my heart bare, and it's in her hands now. Anyways, she should be here in a few seconds… with him.”
“You've done what you needed to do. The rest is up to fate and her own choices. Remember that.”
With newfound determination, he stepped back onto the red carpet entry, ready to face the world, and perhaps, his future, with an open heart.
As he resumed his walk, a soft touch on his hand startled him. He turned to find her.
Utahime.
Beautiful, beautiful Utahime.
Hime.
Alone.
Utahime was alone.
She was standing there, alone, her eyes filled with a mixture of nervousness and affection. Her fingers curled around the necklace he had given her, the delicate paper airplanes glinting in the lights.
“Satoru, I... I wanted to find you before the premiere. I needed to tell you... You know, don't you?”
“Hime…”
Their unspoken connection had finally found its voice, weaving through the whirlwind of emotions. In that moment, the noise of the premiere faded away, and they were the only two people in the world.
Hand in hand, they faced the flashing cameras, the world around them fading into the background. In each other's presence, they found the strength to embrace their love, to challenge the boundaries that had held them apart. Their steps were no longer individual but merged into a synchronised dance, moving forward with newfound hope and the promise of a shared future. The necklace, now adorning Utahime’s neck, symbolising their connection, a bond that could not be broken.
As they continued down the red carpet, their smiles intertwined, their hearts united, Gojo and Iori stepped into a new chapter of their lives, one coloured by the vibrant hues of love, hope, and the undeniable magic of their own love story that was just starting.
They were, finally, out of the woods.
And Satoru was damn sure he would love her forever and ever.