Chapter Text
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A series of long, passionate kisses had just come to an end between Riku Nanase and Iori Izumi. The two were lying on the bed of the group’s pillar, cuddling lovingly for at least half an hour. It had all started with a silly rivalry over who kissed better, and Iori eventually admitted defeat, whether it was real or he was just yielding to his own weakness, his lover.
"Hehe, I won!" the older one rejoiced like a child.
His boyfriend feigned a bit of pride, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Stop bragging about it. If Tenn Kujo is as competitive as you, you must have spent your childhood challenging each other."
The young idol’s caramel-colored eyes lit up at the mention of his beloved brother. "Adorable," Iori thought.
"No, Tenn-nii wasn’t like me at all! In fact, he was already good at everything, kind of like you! It was really reassuring to have him by my side when I was in the hospital. He comforted me every time..."
This last statement, filled with tenderness, reminded Iori of his own older brother.
"I understand... Nii-san was always there when I had problems. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him complain to me."
He kept the soothing image of his big brother making his favorite pancakes in mind, back when he was tired from long days at school. He cherished that memory deeply. He snapped out of his thoughts and found himself facing Riku’s smiling, tender face.
"Yeah, I can imagine that… He’s always been pretty reserved about his feelings with you, hasn’t he?"
Iori nodded calmly, a shy smile on his lips. However, Mitsuki had always been expressive. Even though he tried to keep his brother away from his emotions, Iori had always been good at…
"You must have been really surprised when he started dating Nagi then!"
What? When what?
He raised an eyebrow, and Riku had a confused look on his face.
"You didn’t know...?"
The younger one suddenly grabbed his shoulders, in desperate need of answers.
"Nagi? Rokuya Nagi? That one?"
The singer nodded, perplexed. He looked at his boyfriend with concern.
"They never said it, but it seemed pretty obvious to me... you know, I think everyone knows," he admitted sheepishly.
He felt almost guilty, like he had betrayed a secret (which, in his mind, wasn’t even a secret). He wanted to take it all back and erase the troubled look on Iori’s face. Iori was silent, probably recalling several things at once.
"Iori, I’m exhausted... I want to sleep..." Riku murmured, leaning toward his boyfriend.
Iori wasn’t stupid, and he knew perfectly well that Riku was trying to end the conversation, probably out of embarrassment. His long eyelashes fluttering nervously, his furrowed brows in a pleading expression, his fingers hesitantly fidgeting, his back slightly arched toward him... "The power of cute," as Iori himself had called it…
"Alright, let’s sleep. You need rest."
…And unfortunately for him, he was the main victim of it.
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Not long after Riku had fallen asleep, Iori got out of bed, slipping a simple pillow into Riku’s arms as a substitute. He headed to Sogo’s room, needing to talk to someone, and more importantly, to get some information. It wasn’t like him not to know everything, and he hated surprises.
Learning that his brother was dating a member of the group without him even knowing was almost insulting.
When Sogo opened the door, alerted by the knocks, Iori wasn’t surprised to see Tamaki slouched in Sogo’s bean bag chair, playing on his phone. The younger one often hung out in Sogo’s room when he was composing, to the point where he had even gotten him to hang a small King Pudding poster.
"Is everything okay, Iori?" Sogo asked as he sat back down, offering some pats to Tamaki, who seemed grumpy about Sogo getting up.
Iori stayed silent for a moment, leaning against the wall. Then, he dropped the bomb.
"My brother is dating Rokuya-san."
They didn’t react the way he expected. The two exchanged a moment of confusion before turning back to him.
"Yeah?" "It’s been a while already… Are you alright, Iori-kun?"
He slid down against the door, hiding his face in his hands out of shame.
"I’m a horrible brother..."
Sogo sat next to him, despite Tamaki’s grumbling. He tried to console him.
"But didn’t you get it when we gave Mitsuki-san a cosplay of Kokona for his birthday?"
"I just thought he was the best suited for a Kokona cosplay…"
He sighed in despair.
"Naggichi even said it was a combination of the two things he loves most in the world," Tamaki stated flatly, without an ounce of sympathy. "And he kissed him all over the face."
Sogo, though hesitant, nodded in agreement. Iori sank even deeper into his misery.
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"Maybe it’s just because you’re his brother that you didn’t notice? Because it’s pretty obvious."
So Yamato had noticed it as well. With a beer in hand, he had laughed a lot when Iori awkwardly explained the situation to him. The older man didn’t seem surprised that Iori was unaware of his older brother's relationship.
"Mitsu doesn’t seem like the type to confide his emotions to you. It’s probably his protective side, but that idiot doesn’t like to burden others with his feelings. And to be fair, Nagi doesn’t talk much about his personal life either. That’s probably why we’ve never really seen them kiss or even hold hands."
"I see… but what am I supposed to do now that I know? Should I treat Nagi like a brother-in-law or something?" Iori muttered uncertainly.
He shamefully looked up at Yamato, who was half surprised, half amused. He had never seen his junior so unsettled.
"I suggest you just act naturally. Eventually, it’ll become a habit. And if you find it unsettling, just think that maybe it’s the same for Mitsu when it comes to you and Riku."
The younger one nodded and sighed. So things had changed, and he was only noticing it much too late.
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The next evening, during dinner, Iori was more observant. The two involved had been out all day with Yamato and Tamaki, so he hadn’t had the chance to observe them.
But now he was going to make up for lost time.
"Oh my god, this soup is way too spicy for my poor taste buds!" Nagi cried the moment his tongue touched the spoon.
"Don’t criticize my cooking, you big baby!" Mitsuki replied, half-doubtful, half-worried. "Let me taste."
He leaned in slightly, and Nagi handed him the spoon for him to try... and Mitsuki drank from it after Nagi had brought the utensil to his mouth. His spoon. The one he used. It wasn’t the first time this happened, but it was the first time Iori found it so strange.
He felt frustration building inside him, watching his brother laugh after a few seconds of panic, realizing that the soup was indeed very spicy.
"Mine isn’t spicy at all… Sorry, Nagi, I must have switched our bowls by accident!" Sogo apologized, handing him his own soup.
"Sou-can always eats so spicy…" Tamaki murmured, eyeing the soup with perplexity.
"Maybe it means he’s spicy in bed?" Yamato suggested with an amused tone.
Sogo blushed furiously and reacted immediately, as the good son of a respectable family.
"Yamato-san, that’s indecent!"
As the actor laughed, Tamaki innocently asked what he meant by "spicy in bed," which only made Yamato laugh harder.
"My dear Yamato, I don’t think there’s any connection! I’m the one who eats the least spicy food, and yet, I’m the one who’s most popular with young women," Nagi declared with a smile and a confident wink.
"Not just young women, if you ask me," Yamato teased, winking back at him while gesturing towards Mitsuki with his chin.
Iori felt his face heat up. He didn’t want to be here. He wanted to disappear before the conversation led to sexual innuendos about his brother that would make him regret even being born.
Nagi’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts, as cheerful as ever.
"Oh, but Mitsuki is an exception! He’s little and cute Mitsuki!"
This time, it was his brother who blushed furiously, trying to hide it with a light punch to Nagi’s shoulder.
"Shut up, you idiot…" "But it’s the truth! You’re the cutest!" "Alright, I’m going to get the main course!" Mitsuki suddenly announced, standing up abruptly, trying to escape the embarrassment that was spreading across his cheeks. "I’ll help you, my love!"
The smaller man whirled around suddenly, almost dropping his plates, revealing his bright red face.
"Don’t say that if…" he started.
Mitsuki was interrupted by the sound of Iori’s forehead hitting the table, leaving the others puzzled.
How had he not noticed anything?
He made up an excuse and fled to his room.
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Lying in bed, Iori tortured his mind. What was bothering him? That he hadn’t noticed? That Mitsuki was dating someone, and that someone was one of his colleagues?
Or was it the fact that his brother hadn’t officially told him they were together?
Iori’s heart tightened at the thought. That was it.
He felt so stupid that everyone else had noticed except him. Yamato had told him that both Nagi and Mitsuki had individually confided in him before they started dating, because they couldn’t continue the Pythagoras trio without wanting to jump each other constantly (those were Yamato’s exact words, but Iori was convinced his brother would never have said that).
His older brother had never liked confiding in him, ever... but Iori would have liked to hear about something so important. Maybe Mitsuki had thought he knew? He had always believed himself to be very perceptive.
That made him think about how obvious some moments had been, and now he felt stupid.
He remembered warming up and absentmindedly greeting Mitsuki and Nagi, who had arrived late. At the time, he hadn’t paid attention to the conversations, probably tired... or maybe too busy timidly and hesitantly watching the hip stretches of a certain pillar in front of him.
While he was focused on the most beautiful person in his world, he recalled hearing Yamato laugh about something.
He had glanced over at the rest of the group, who had paused to greet the two newcomers. He had quickly noticed that the two had swapped jackets—Mitsuki’s reached the middle of his thighs, while Nagi’s stopped above his waist.
The two seemed to have woken up on the wrong side of the bed, which amused their three companions a lot, but Iori didn’t question the curious exchange. Maybe his head had been too full of thoughts of a certain singer to even think the swap was suspicious. The blush on his brother’s cheeks as he quickly removed the jacket, revealing red and suspicious marks poorly hidden on his neck, didn’t register either.
He and the blond had laughed nervously, embarrassed in front of their friends, who had clearly understood the situation.
And yet, there was Iori. Iori, who had been too distant that time to ask any questions.
In his bed, he covered his face with his hands, only now realizing what Nagi had done to Mitsuki. Or what his brother had done to Nagi? No, it was impossible that his brother was...
He groaned in embarrassment at the thought and kicked his legs, hitting the wall in front of him. He didn’t want to know how or in what way it had happened—he didn’t even want his brain to remember that scene!
"Iori?"
He heard an angelic voice behind him as the door to his room, behind his back, opened.
He didn’t turn around, ashamed of his internal conflict.
Riku closed the door behind him, and Iori heard his soft footsteps crossing the room until he reached the bed and lay down, causing the sheets to rustle behind him.
The younger one shivered at the touch of Riku’s legs behind his own, as well as the arms that wrapped around his waist in comfort. Riku rested his forehead against Iori’s shoulder, smiling softly at the warmth that spread through him.
"Don’t be sad, Iori... I’m sure Mitsuki-san just didn’t know how to tell you... I haven’t mentioned you and me to Tenn-nii either, you know?"
"Yeah, but Kujo-san was smart enough to figure it out on his own..."
Riku kissed his cheek and moved on top of him so he could look him in the eyes.
Seeing his large, soft brown eyes gazing at him with such a soothing smile, Iori felt overwhelmed.
It’s your fault, you make me feel so stupid and distracted...
"Nanase-san, you’re hypnotizing me..."
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The next evening, as Iori was about to join Riku in his room, he heard his brother’s voice coming from Nagi’s.
He chose to stop and watch the scene through the keyhole.
What he saw made him frown.
His brother looked downcast, clutching a pillow as he curled up around it.
"Is everything alright, my darling?" Nagi asked with his typical accent.
He crouched in front of Mitsuki, trying to catch his gaze, but to no avail.
"Yeah, yeah... I’m just a little tired..."
"Your small body burns through energy faster, it’s true, but that’s no excuse to lie to me..."
Mitsuki lifted his big eyes to him, looking as though he was about to burst into tears like a small child.
"Nagi... Don’t you think my voice is annoying?"
Nagi gave a softer, though concerned, smile and wrapped his arms around him. He slowly stroked his back, from top to bottom.
"Who said that to you again?"
Mitsuki melted completely against him at the touch, comforted by his presence and warmth. He instantly calmed down, soothed by the gentleness.
"No one in particular... I just heard it again..."
The blond placed his hands on Mitsuki’s cheeks, forcing him to look up, gently stroking his temples with his thumbs.
"You have the voice I love the most in the whole world! In all the world!" Nagi exclaimed energetically.
"Really...?"
"Obviously! I’d love to hear it all the time!"
A blush spread across Mitsuki’s cheeks, and he ended up trying to hide his embarrassment with a bright smile. His desire to cry and his insecurities seemed far away, seeing his glowing face.
"You know, it’s the same for me!"
The younger one’s face lit up in turn.
"Really?? Good, because I have tons of theories about Magical Kokona to share with you! You see, in the twentieth episode, we see her go all out on—"
The blond looked up and met the redhead’s exasperated gaze.
"Nagi?"
"Yes?"
"Shut your mouth and just kiss me." he said in English.
As the younger one sported a dramatically shocked expression at the declaration and his boyfriend’s clumsy accent, Mitsuki burst into joyful laughter and then collapsed onto the bed, exhausted.
Nagi’s expression softened at the sight of him so peaceful, and he kissed the top of his head.
Iori, whose stomach had churned throughout the entire scene, decided he had no right to watch the sweet romantic moment that was probably going to follow and shut the door.
He smiled and walked away.
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"Yamato, what should I do, in your opinion?" Mitsuki sighed as he opened his beer.
As usual, the two had gone out for drinks together, since the others were either too young or busy.
Both drank their bottles, and the redhead sighed in relief.
"Ahh, that feels good!"
Yamato nodded, pondering the earlier question.
"So, you think your brother is uncomfortable with your relationship?"
Another sigh escaped the smaller man’s lips.
"I’m sure of it... I know him well; he’s my little brother... but I don’t know how to bring it up... he’s always so... distant... but it’s okay, I love him that way, and I’m sure Riku does too. Not that Riku is one of my criteria, but he’s his boyfriend, so he has to love that pig-headed attitude of his. Oh, I shouldn’t talk like that about my...," Mitsuki began rambling, before meeting the leader’s gaze, who was holding back laughter.
A chuckle escaped despite everything, and Yamato ruffled his friend’s hair.
"You’re silly, Mitsu. He’s just your little brother, don’t forget. Talk to him; he’ll stop worrying."
The other regained his smile and nodded, feeling motivated.
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As they opened the door, they stepped into the dormitory living room where three curious heads (Tamaki, Sogo, and Riku) were watching them. They stayed for a moment, staring back at them.
"What?" Yamato asked. "Did we do something wrong?"
Sogo was the first to move, coming over to greet them with his usual friendly smile, leaving the grumpy Tamaki behind.
"No, nothing at all! How are you guys?"
"Very well? And you?" they replied as they sat on the couch.
"Good too...", Riku said this time with an hesitating toon. "Um, Mitsuki... we’d like you to talk to Iori. I think he’s stressed that you haven’t told him about your relationship with Nagi."
The smallest exchanged a knowing look with Yamato.
"Yes, that’s what I was thinking too... I’ll talk to him. Over his favorite pastries, it should comfort him that his big brother is no longer single!"
"Or a virgin." Yamato blurted out, drawing the ire of both Sogo and Mitsuki.
As Mitsuki put on his apron, Riku joined him in the kitchen.
"Can I help you? I’d also like to learn how to make Iori’s favorite cakes! He always praises your baking skills..."
Mitsuki ruffled his hair, pleasantly surprised. His brother's boyfriend was adorably cute. Iori had really found a shining gem.
"Let’s make them together then, little brother!"
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Mitsuki knocked on his younger brother’s door, gently pushing it open. The plate of bunny-shaped muffins almost fell when he found himself face-to-face with his man, who was probably about to leave.
"Oh, hey... what were you two doing together?" Mitsuki asked, a bit surprised.
"We were just talking a bit about you two", Iori replied, his cheeks turning bright red.
"Good... Little brother, I think we need to talk!" the older one stated as Nagi exited the room after kissing his boyfriend’s head.
He sat down and offered the plate of... somewhat awkward muffins.
"Did you make these? The frosting is... different..."
"It’s Rikkun who took care of it."
He showed a photo of Riku in his cute apron, focused on his task, and Iori felt himself melt.
"They’re really nice" Iori said, blushing even more as he saw his brother raise an eyebrow.
"Don’t lie, Riku himself was embarrassed about his frosting. But his effort was adorable! Come on, eat!"
Iori took a cake into his mouth, and Mitsuki automatically remembered his younger brother from years ago. The one who followed him everywhere, who devoured his cakes with eagerness, and the one who, despite all his wishes, he couldn’t help but be...
"Iori, for many years, I was very jealous of you."
His younger brother looked up, perplexed.
"What?"
The older one felt uncomfortable, but that was how he had to start. He clasped his hands and stared at the floor.
"You were perfect, in every way. Girls confessed to you almost every day, you danced and sang better than I did... I really felt bad, and I couldn’t blame you. It was me who was the failure."
Iori wanted to intervene, but Mitsuki took his hands to interrupt him.
"I hated myself during that time. I wanted to become an idol, and everyone saw you as better than me in that role."
The younger brother felt embarrassed. It was true, and he knew it. But he had always been convinced that his brother could achieve his dream. However, he felt moved when a calm smile appeared on his brother's lips. Deep down, he knew what was coming next because he had probably known it for a long time.
"If things are better today, it’s partly thanks to Nagi, you know?"
Iori saw it in his brother's eyes when their gazes met. He was concerned enough to know the feeling of love.
"He really reassured me... it might be selfish to say this, but I needed someone ready to give me everything I needed without thinking they were a burden."
Mitsuki looked away, blushing slightly, placing a hand over his face.
"Ah, I can’t believe I’m saying this, especially to you... it’s so embarrassing..."
Just as Iori was about to deny that, a loud laugh escaped his brother, and he finally realized how happy he was today. He leaned in and wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close. His older brother let himself be embraced, feeling good against him.
"Why didn’t you talk to me about it openly...?"
Mitsuki pulled back and placed his hands on his younger brother's cheeks, looking into the hurt in his eyes.
"I don’t know... you’re my little brother, I guess I still see you too much as a child, you know? Your big brother is still an idiot, you know?"
His eyes fell on the only photo in the room. It showed Mitsuki in middle school, teaching a choreography of Zero to his younger brother.
Mitsuki laughed. He remembered crying heavily in his bed afterward because Iori had mastered it instantly, while it had taken him a lot of time to barely achieve it. Things had changed a lot today. Whenever he felt cornered, he heard Nagi say he was his biggest fan and regained his energy.
"Iori, I’m sorry... your brother will pay more attention next time."
Iori smiled back, happy to see his brother immersed in happiness. It was a beautiful sight, the one he should have worried about first. They embraced again and remained in silence for a long time.
"Rokuya-san told me about your relationship... I’m... happy for you, I want you to know..."
"That idiot must have told you tons of nonsense about me... anyway..."
The two brothers spent the night laughing together, like in a time that seemed long gone.
Nagi and Riku pulled away from the keyhole, sighing in relief.
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"We can’t get him anything related to Kokona; he already has all the merch!"
"Except if we redo the same gift as last year..."
"But this one ends in a striptease this time. From his boyfriend, he should appreciate it."
"Ossan, shut up!"
'Nikaido-san’s idea isn’t that silly."
"Iori? You know that’s strange coming from my little brother??"
"As your boyfriend, that worries me too."
"N... No, I didn’t mean that (He coughed.)! I... I was talking about a performance, like a little concert. That would be a bit more complete."
"Mmh... he’s going to be terribly boring with that afterward. Plus, he’ll film everything."
"Ah..."
"But... it makes me happy to see you invested for your future brother-in-law’s birthday (He winked, a little shy). Let’s do as you said then."
The night of Mitsuki’s Magical Kokona mini-concert, when everyone easily guessed the much more private striptease that would follow in the blonde's room, Iori smiled, finally finding his answer to his problem from several months ago.
Never knowing anything about their relationship would have surely been much better.
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