Chapter Text
Guren began to think that his boss had lost his mind and that he could apply the phrase "love blinds people" to him. He would have liked to say that if he heard one more word, he could get up and leave, but he couldn't, his job was on the line, so the only thing left was to listen to him tell delusions disguised as ideas.
However, he couldn't hold back the sigh he'd been holding in for a while. It came out in such a long way that even his muscles relaxed.
"Ichinose? Any problems?" He asked, looking up at him with a smile that Guren wanted to wipe away with a slap.
"No, sir, on the contrary, I think it's a fantastic idea you're proposing, but just out of curiosity..." he cleared his throat, resting his forearms on the table to lean forward, "if there are people without partners... can't they come in?"
His boss seemed to hesitate for a few seconds before finally giving him the answer Guren himself knew he would say, "oh, of course they can come in, but they won't get through to the parade or the most important conferences, and as the person who organizes them, you must know how important that is, right?" The black-haired man nodded, holding back the urge to spit at him for what an idiot he was.
"Well, that's it, I'm very sorry for the people who don't have a partner, but it's just for this occasion, then we'll go back to our routine."
By this point in the meeting, Guren had already disconnected, cursing himself for never having decided in his twenty-four years of life to take the reins of his heart and lead it where he wanted or where it called his attention. He had had opportunities, he really had had so much, he had been a popular person since high school, but he also stood out for his eagerness to be alone.
"You have until Friday to send me your information and that of your partner. The meeting is adjourned, thank you all for your cooperation, I expect great things from this event," he joined in, clapping his hands with a broad smile.
He was about to leave, but he turned on his heel and called out the name of his best worker, "why do you ask that? Don't you have one? I refuse to believe that all the excuses you give in interviews are true. You're too attractive and popular for your own good, but also too secretive, if that's the problem, rest assured, I'll try to maintain your partner's anonymity at all times."
In the face of so many words, Guren could only smile weakly. His mental state was that of someone who was too tired to think of a cordial answer that would end the conversation in the most casual and comfortable way possible, and now a slight numbness was added to it. But that wasn't a problem, his boss understood that he was right and withdrew, giving him a moment of freedom, though it wouldn't last too long, for the problem was still behind him like a vengeful ghost.
Guren returned to his office, and once inside, he let out all the air he had been holding in to keep from snorting. He plopped down in the chair behind his desk and took a moment to insult him in the back of his mind.
They had been preparing a big fashion show for three months. The models had been chosen, the sketches had been made, the journalists and photographers had been notified, and the publicity had been going on for even longer. All that was missing was a location and a headline that would grab the public's attention even more than it already was.
Then the man wanted to take the event to a radical new level and keep it hidden until the lights came up and the parade officially opened.
After getting engaged to his beloved bride, his boss had the brilliant idea to travel to Lesbos, Greece, where a hotel would house them for two weeks, one to prepare the stage for the event and the other for the event itself. A dream vacation for some, a nightmare for others, including Guren.
It was a meaningless idea, driven by his desire to show off to his new fiancée. He did it to feed his ego, there was no other logical explanation for it, but Guren also had to dedicate an insult or two to himself for having made such a prominent name for himself in this world. He is one of the best designers in the country and his international fame was growing by the day; countless brands wanted to work with him, and the models were grateful every time he had to lead the parade because, in addition to his creative talent, he also excelled at commanding behind the scenes. After what could be described as a debate among the management, it was decided that they could use the company's best partner to stand out more than ever.
Given this information, Guren thought that the fact that her name was being used would be enough to get him through, even if he didn't have anyone else with him, but after hearing him speak, he took it for granted that he couldn't even suggest it to him. His boss was willing for Guren to be the face of the parade, to headline the summer theme where they would create a love story in one of the most beautiful cities.
He had to think of a solution, but before his brain could start working on one, the door to his office opened, interrupting the flow of thoughts and what little peace of mind he had left. He raised his head with a bitter expression, for he knew who it was; no one else dared to disturb him in such a rude manner.
"I liked your designs this season, it's a pity I won't be able to show them off with you by my side as usual..." Clucking her tongue, Mahiru walked around his office until she reached his desk, gave a little hop and sat down.
"I'm going, and I'm damn well going to be there," he murmured confidently, his voice a little lower than usual.
"So what are you going to do, pick someone up and convince them to go with you on Friday? I'm sure whoever you propose to will be happy to accept," the woman let out a soft giggle and began to wiggle her legs as she pretended to think of a solution for him.
But even if she was just talking without any special meaning between the lines, Guren listened attentively, his clear, deep-set eyes fixed on her.
"Don't look at me, honey, we work together every day. If we suddenly show up hand in hand, I have a feeling no one will believe us. Too bad, I think we make a beautiful couple," she sighed dramatically, as if not being by his side was the worst situation that could happen to her.
"I have no intention of going out with you, it hasn't even crossed my mind..." he mumbled through his teeth and sat up, grabbing his jacket from the back of the chair, "but since you're of no use, I'll go to Shinya and the others; I'd rather listen to their annoying comments than yours."
As she watched him walk out the door, saying nothing more, the woman could only sigh, "sometimes you are such a fool..." she commented to the air he had left behind, the only one listening to her, "if only you could see what everyone sees so easily.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"So... I'll rewind and see if I got it right," Goshi cleared his throat and sat down in the bar chair where the group of six was having a drink.
"Your boss asked his girlfriend to marry him, and she said yes."
"Exactly."
"That sparked his desire to create a fashion show with a romantic theme."
"Yes, but the best way to put it is that he wants to show that they have a nice union through our work," Guren corrected, biting his tongue in considerable annoyance.
"Whatever, it's the same thing," Guren half opened his lips to complain, but the blond didn't give him room, "the parade will be in Lesbos, because it's a romantic place to do it..."
"And because that's where he met his beautiful and amazing girl, to whom he's very grateful," he repeated his words in quotes, his tone sharper than usual. "Stupid, since when is it good for feelings to interfere with work?"
"But it's not a bad thing, on the contrary," Mito interjected, causing Guren's purple eyes to bore into her, "I mean... it's a cute idea, regardless of whether he does it for his girlfriend or because you all can get more fame out of it, I don't see it wrong," she shrugged with a small smile.
"That's true," Sayuri nodded with the same smile, "I also want my girlfriend to be inspired by me for her work, sounds like a hardcore crush."
Guren groaned in protest and banged his head against the wall. He needed people to support him, not to agree with his superior.
"But anyway..." Shinya spoke, and Guren's eyes slid to him.
He held out a small hope that he would provide support, even though he knew he was the person who annoyed him the most.
"He told you that people can go without a partner, so what's the problem? Less work for you, if you want to look at it positively. Of course, they've already put you in as a senior leader, and you'd partially disappoint them, but..."
"No, Shinya!" He cut him off abruptly before he could finish his answer, "I have to do it with him," he sighed, coming to the point of his drama, "besides that it's because it's me, I have to, otherwise I'll disappoint a lot of people I don't even want to name... He told us that among the people who will be there, there are three businessmen and two models who, believe me when I say it, are impossible to contact. No matter how hard I try, I can't, or they're in high demand, or they're just out of the country. And I could ask my boss to introduce me to them, but I want to make my own way, I don't want his help, I don't like him."
His last words brought a smile to the table. They knew him well enough to know what he wanted, either to get them to seek him out simply because he was Guren Ichinose or to approach them personally without using third parties.
"So what are you going to do, beg him until he lets you in without a partner?" His blond friend asked, taking a sip of his beer.
"What other choice do I have? It's Tuesday, we have to contact him by Friday, where the hell am I going to get a boyfriend or girlfriend on such short notice?"
The silence took over the atmosphere, a bit tense, almost as if they were waiting for Guren to say something else, to give up or to find an easier and quicker solution.
"So..." Shinya's voice, slurring the words with a playful edge, caught the attention of everyone present, "you need a partner by Friday?" The corners of his mouth curled into a smile that sent a shiver down the black-haired man's spine.
"Yeah? Wasn't that clear?" He replied, frowning in irritation.
"I think the one who doesn't see things clearly... is you, Guren," Goshi interjected, beginning to smile the same as the white-haired man.
The designer was thankful that he wasn't the only one who didn't get it, as the girls looked from one to the other, equally confused.
"I don't understand what you're getting at, if you have any ideas just spit them out because I'm about to collapse," he sighed in annoyance, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Let me ask you something first," Shinya settled back into his seat, his jaw resting on his hand as his pretty eyes never left his friend's, "what's your ideal type?"
"My ideal type?" Guren repeated, taking a few seconds to think about the answer.
Although Shinya waited patiently, the gleam in his eyes suggested that he already knew the answer, even if he had no intention of saying it for himself.
"Physically... I guess I don't care, but if you make me say something I'd like to have... I guess it would be to have a good friendship with that person before we start dating. It doesn't have to be years, just enough time to make sure we understand each other well. We don't have to be equals either, just... be comfortable with each other and give each other the space we need to do our personal things, especially since I have a lot of work and events to attend and not everyone understands that," the last word left his lips and silence surrounded them again.
A few seconds later, Goshi interjected with a soft sigh; if Guren had heard the one Mahiru had dedicated to him earlier, he would surely confirm that there was something similar between the two, but since that was not the case, he just frowned slightly, "what's wrong?"
"Don't you think you already have the solution to your problem?" Shinya replied for the blond.
"What are you talking about? For the second time I ask you... be clear and concise, I have no time for your mind games; I have neither the strength nor the inclination".
Shinya let out a small chuckle and grabbed his arm, "think about it, Guren, one of us can help you, I think we fit the description you gave pretty well," his eyelashes fluttered, Shinya wanted to add why the others can't, but he could, only he was cut off."
"Ah no, no, no, no, no," Guren repeated with a flat tone and quickly shook his head, "I refuse, Mahiru already suggested this idea to me, and I told her I would come to you because I thought you would say something more intelligent... I didn't expect the same ending!"
"Come on, Guren... you work with her every day, it wouldn't be a good choice, and it doesn't feel like there's anything special between you two," Goshi interjected, trying to keep a serious face to help his best friend; if what Guren was looking for sounded coherent, it might convince him that Shinya was the best choice for him.
"So which one of you best fits what I said, huh?" He raised his eyebrows, expecting his question to leave them blank, unable to think of an answer and thus forced to think of another solution, but all eyes turned to Shinya and it was Guren who turned pale, "I'd rather get hit by a truck than show up there with Shinya, have you all lost your minds?"
Shinya's lips parted, a look of indignation on his face, but before he could claim the gratuitous offense he had taken, Goshi took his turn to speak.
"Are you stupid? You always react like that when it's about Shinya. Guren, realize that..." he wanted to continue, but the direct kick to his shin on behalf of the white-haired man made him replace his words with a groan of pain.
"Anyway..." Mito wanted to save the situation, and she could see the hope in Guren's eyes, "it doesn't have to be Shinya, right? I mean..." this time, it was her turn to be silenced.
Still feeling the pain in his leg, Goshi hurried to cover her lips with a hand. The redhead knew how to defend herself, but the sudden closeness didn't trigger her defensive instincts, instead surprise took over.
"It has to be Shinya," the blond emphasized the first word, smiling at the black-haired man, "he will make a better impression. Look at him, he's a beautiful boy, he looks great in your world, and if you're looking for someone who understands you and with whom you can synchronize, who better than Shinya? Please... you talk at the same time, you complete each other's sentences when nobody knows what you're talking about. Do I really have to explain again and again why he's the person you're looking for? Besides! You've already passed the awkward stage between you, what could possibly go wrong?" He said with a smile that Guren didn't like at all.
"So... we're going on a trip?" Shinya's soft voice made Guren look at him again.
"No! I'm not going on that trip with you, all you want is to go to Greece for free!" Hearing this, the white-haired man half-opened his lips, again pretending to be offended.
"Bullshit! I'm a good person, helping my dear friend... how come you have this image of me?" He sighed, denying it as he showed him a dejected expression.
Guren raised his eyebrows, waiting for him to add something else, but he didn't, so he had to give him an answer, "stop talking nonsense, we both know that..."
"Now, now, calm down," Goshi brought his voice up, clapping his hands to get their attention, "Guren, your boss won't accept it, take it for granted, and if you show up with someone after begging him, he'll brand you a liar, and we don't want to tarnish your image," he said the last words with a tired timbre, "Shinya is your best option, you know each other even to write each other's essay, it's impossible for you to get caught in the lie, you just have to act a little and that's it."
"Besides, I'm not asking for anything in return. My reward will be a trip, you know I love to travel," he approached his friend and gave him a broad smile, "do you accept or not? Your career is at stake, great designer Ichinose," he sang the nickname mockingly, copying the headlines.
"Helping with this parade is the boost I need," he thought, losing himself in the sky-blue color of his best friend's eyes. Finally, he let out a long, heavy sigh and moistened his lips before speaking. In response, he noticed that Shinya's smile only widened and his eyes narrowed.
"Okay..." he whispered, more to himself than to the rest of his friends.
"What? I can't hear you," he asked in an amused tone, coming closer than he would have liked.
"I said okay, at least for now! If I change my mind later, you're out of Greece and I'm out of chances, is that clear?" He threatened, pointing his index finger at him.
"Yay! We're going on vacation!"
"No vacation at all! I have to work and you have to behave!" He managed to push him hard enough to get him back to his seat, "for God's sake Shinya, don't draw attention to yourself," he broke the words, trying to get a stronger intonation, "just stay with me and talk to people as little as possible."
"Huh? That sounds like a very controlling boyfriend, Guren, I hate people like that," he complained with a fake pout on his lips.
"It's for the sake of my reputation! You're a gossip, you want to know everyone's private life."
"Ha! As if you don't listen to me when I tell you. You love it when I come to you with people's gossip, don't play the saint," he leaned in again to give him a teasing smile, raising and lowering his eyebrows in a suggestive gesture.
"They'll be a pretty fun couple to watch..." Shigure sighed, settling into the seat.
"It won't be hard for them to pass themselves off as a couple, they already look it," Goshi commented, smiling as he stood up, "I'm going out for a smoke. Shinya, are you coming?" The question made the man frown.
But after noticing the gesture he made with his head, he knew he wanted to talk.
"Sure, I could use some air, it feels very stressful in here," he said the last word pointing at the designer.
Still, Guren couldn't reproach him or hit him... the two boys ran away through the crowd as fast as they could.
"Hey... is it okay for you to lie? Won't you get in trouble?" Mito asked, looking at him with some uncertainty.
"It's just in case I get caught... it pains me to say this, but Shinya is the person I trust the most," he sighed, biting his lower lip nervously, "he'll come up with something if we get into trouble, he's always been good at thinking under pressure."
"But... won't it be awkward? You're friends, not boyfriends, no matter how much Goshi said you were past the awkward stage... I'm not sure," Sayuri spoke up and looked at him worriedly.
"Mmm... maybe if it was with someone else, yes, but with Shinya? We've been together so long that the awkwardness is long gone. I hate to agree with Goshi, but he's right about everything he said," he shrugged, playing it down with a hand gesture, "besides, it's this or nothing, it is what it is.
As Goshi and Shinya left the bar, the blond couldn't help but laugh, "My, my... you're clever, aren't you?" He joked, gently nudging him as he pulled out a carton of cigarettes.
Shinya smiled mischievously and leaned back against the nearest wall, "don't think badly of me, I just want to help him. Whether I benefit from it in any way... that's another matter."
Goshi laughed, expelling the smoke from the cigar, "it's a unique opportunity, you should take advantage of it," he suggested, taking another puff while he thought about what else to say, "no matter how much you insist on denying it, I still maintain that Guren is in love with you too, who knows? Maybe you can make him discover his feelings."
The white-haired man was silent as he considered what would be the right response to this tempting suggestion, "I'm not saying I don't like the idea, because I really don't disgust it, but... I prefer things to happen on their own, if you know what I mean."
"Of course I understand, silly, and you really don't have to do anything special, just... make the most of the role you have to play, you know?" Shinya laughed at the way he spoke and finally nodded in agreement.