Work Text:
The first time Rei Furuya saw Miyano Shiho, she was sitting in the corner of the Yale library, surrounded by towering stacks of books. Her auburn hair caught the sunlight streaming through the windows, and her expression was one of intense focus as she scribbled notes in the margins of a thick biochemistry textbook.
Rei, who had been searching for a quiet spot to study, found himself momentarily distracted.
There was something about her—her sharp features, the way she seemed completely absorbed in her work—that intrigued him. He shook his head, chastising himself for the momentary lapse in focus.
She’s just another student, he thought. Nothing special.
But as the weeks went by, Rei couldn’t help but notice her more and more. She was always in the library, always working, always alone. He told himself it was curiosity, nothing more.
Why does someone so young look so serious all the time? he wondered.
What’s her story?
He didn’t realize he was staring until she looked up and caught his eye. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and Rei quickly looked away, pretending to be engrossed in his law textbook.
Great. Now she probably thinks I’m some kind of creep.
Shiho, for her part, had noticed Rei too. He was hard to miss—tall, with piercing blue eyes and an air of quiet confidence. But what really caught her attention was the way he carried himself. He was always so composed, so disciplined, so… perfect. It annoyed her.
Who does he think he is, walking around like he owns the place? she thought.
Still, she couldn’t deny that there was something intriguing about him. The few times their eyes met, she felt a strange flutter in her chest, which she quickly dismissed as irritation.
He’s probably just another arrogant overachiever, she told herself.
Their first real interaction came during a cross-disciplinary seminar. Rei, representing the law school, was paired with Shiho, who was presenting on the ethical implications of genetic engineering. They were assigned to work together on a joint project, much to their mutual dismay.
“Great,” Shiho muttered under her breath as the professor announced the pairings. “I get stuck with the guy who looks like he’s never smiled a day in his life.”
Rei, overhearing her, raised an eyebrow. “And I get stuck with the girl who looks like she’d rather be dissecting frogs than talking to people.”
Shiho shot him a glare. “At least frogs are useful.”
Rei smirked. “Touché.”
Despite their initial friction, they quickly discovered that they worked well together. Rei was impressed by Shiho’s sharp intellect and no-nonsense attitude, while Shiho found herself reluctantly admiring Rei’s dedication and attention to detail. They spent long hours in the library, debating ethics, science, and the law. Slowly, their conversations began to stray from academics.
One evening, as they walked across campus after a late study session, Rei glanced at Shiho. “You know, for someone who claims to hate people, you’re not terrible to talk to.”
Shiho rolled her eyes. “And for someone who looks like a robot, you’re surprisingly human.”
Rei chuckled, a rare sound that made Shiho’s heart skip a beat. “High praise coming from you.”
They stopped by a bench under a tree, its branches heavy with autumn leaves. Shiho sat down, and Rei joined her, their shoulders brushing slightly. The air was crisp, and the golden light of the setting sun bathed the campus in a warm glow.
“Why do you work so hard?” Rei asked suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence.
Shiho hesitated, then shrugged. “I have to. The world doesn’t wait for anyone. What about you?”
Rei looked out at the horizon, his expression thoughtful. “I have goals. Things I need to accomplish. I can’t afford to waste time.”
Shiho studied him for a moment, noticing the faint shadows under his eyes. “You know, it’s okay to take a break once in a while. Even robots need to recharge.”
Rei turned to her, a small smile playing on his lips. “Is that your way of saying you care?”
Shiho looked away, her cheeks tinged with pink. “Don’t flatter yourself. I just don’t want my project partner passing out from exhaustion.”
Rei laughed softly. “Noted.”
As the weeks turned into months, Rei and Shiho found themselves spending more and more time together. Their conversations grew deeper, more personal. One night, as they sat on the steps of the library, Shiho confided in Rei about her struggles with perfectionism and the pressure she felt to live up to her family’s expectations.
“Sometimes I feel like I’m not enough. Like no matter how hard I work, it’s never going to be enough,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “My parents are well-known names in their field, and my sister is a successful newscaster for a major broadcaster. She even won an award during her days as a reporter.”
Rei listened quietly, then reached out and gently squeezed her hand. “You’re more than enough, Shiho. You’re brilliant, and you’re kind, even if you try to hide it. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.”
Shiho looked at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. “You’re not so bad yourself, Furuya. For a robot.”
Rei smiled, his eyes softening. “Thanks. I think.”
They sat there in silence for a while, the weight of their shared vulnerability hanging in the air. For the first time in a long time, Shiho felt seen, understood. And Rei, who had always kept people at arm’s length, found himself wanting to let someone in.
One crisp winter morning, Rei found Shiho sitting on a bench in the courtyard, wrapped in a thick scarf and holding a steaming cup of coffee. He approached her, holding out a paper bag. “I brought you something.”
Shiho raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”
Rei sat down beside her and opened the bag, revealing a freshly baked croissant. “I noticed you skipped breakfast again.”
Shiho blinked, surprised. “How did you—?”
“You always get cranky when you’re hungry,” Rei said matter-of-factly. “And I didn’t feel like dealing with that today.”
Shiho huffed, but there was no real annoyance in it. “You’re insufferable.”
“And yet, you keep hanging out with me,” Rei replied, his tone teasing.
Shiho took the croissant and bit into it, savoring the buttery flavor. “Don’t let it go to your head.”
They sat there together, the cold air around them contrasting with the warmth they felt in each other’s presence. For Rei, it was a moment of quiet contentment. For Shiho, it was a realization that maybe, just maybe, she had found someone who truly understood her.
And as the first snowflakes began to fall, Rei reached over and brushed a strand of hair from Shiho’s face. “You’ve got something…” he murmured, his fingers lingering for just a moment longer than necessary.
Shiho’s breath hitched, but she quickly recovered, swatting his hand away. “Focus on your own face, Furuya.”
Rei chuckled, leaning back against the bench. “You’re impossible.”
“And yet, you keep hanging out with me,” Shiho shot back, echoing his earlier words.
Rei smiled, his gaze warm. “Yeah. I do.”
And in that moment, they both knew that something had shifted between them—something neither of them could ignore. They danced around their feelings for another three weeks before giving up and confessing to each other at the same time during one of their study sessions, causing them to laugh out loud and be kicked out of the library.
The Miyano family home was a cozy, sprawling house nestled in the suburbs of Connecticut, adorned with twinkling Christmas lights and a wreath on the front door. Shiho had insisted on bringing Rei home for the holidays, even though they’d only been dating for a few weeks.
“You’re not spending Christmas alone,” she had said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. Rei, who had no family to celebrate with, reluctantly agreed. Now, standing on the doorstep with a gift bag in hand, he felt uncharacteristically nervous.
“Relax,” Shiho said, noticing the tension in his posture. “They’re going to love you.”
“Easy for you to say,” Rei muttered, adjusting the collar of his sweater. “You’re not the one meeting your girlfriend’s parents for the first time.”
Shiho smirked. “You’re overthinking this. Just be yourself.”
“That’s what I’m worried about,” Rei replied dryly, earning an eye roll from Shiho.
The door swung open before they could knock, revealing Elena Miyano. Her blonde hair was tied back in a loose bun, and her sharp yet warm eyes—so much like Shiho’s—lit up with warmth as she saw her daughter. “Shiho! You’re here!” She pulled Shiho into a tight hug, then turned to Rei. “And you must be Rei. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
Rei froze for a split second, his sharp eyes widening in recognition. Elena’s smile faltered as she studied his face, her own expression shifting from polite curiosity to stunned realization. “Rei… Furuya?” she whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Shiho glanced between them, her brow furrowing. “Wait… you two know each other?”
Rei cleared his throat, his usual composure slipping. “It’s… been a long time, Dr. Miyano.”
Elena’s eyes softened, and she stepped forward, placing a hand on his arm. “Look at you. All grown up.” Her voice was warm, almost maternal, and Rei felt a strange lump form in his throat.
He hadn’t seen Elena since he was a child, back when she and her husband, Atsushi, had lived in Japan. She had been the one to patch him up after a particularly bad fall, her gentle hands and kind words leaving a lasting impression on him. To say he’d had a bit of a childhood crush on her would be an understatement.
Shiho crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. “Care to explain?”
Elena laughed softly, her eyes twinkling. “Rei and I knew each other years ago, back when we lived in Japan. He was such a serious little boy, always getting into scrapes but never crying. I used to patch him up whenever he got hurt.”
Rei’s cheeks flushed slightly, and he avoided Shiho’s gaze. “It was a long time ago,” he said quickly, hoping to move past the topic.
Shiho raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. “So you’re telling me you’ve been crushing on my mom since you were a kid?”
Rei’s face turned red, and he shot her a glare. “That’s not—I wasn’t—”
Elena laughed, clearly enjoying the exchange. “Oh, don’t tease him, Shiho.” She turned to Rei, her expression softening. “I’m so glad you’re here. It’s wonderful to see you again after all these years.”
Rei nodded, his usual stoicism returning. “Thank you for having me, Dr. Miyano.”
“Please, call me Elena,” she said, ushering them inside. “And don’t be so formal. You’re family now.”
Rei blinked, caught off guard by her words. Family. It was a word he hadn’t associated with himself in a long time. Shiho, noticing his reaction, gently nudged him with her elbow. “Told you they’d love you.”
Atsushi, Shiho’s father, greeted Rei next with a hearty handshake and a wide grin. “So you’re the guy who finally caught Shiho’s attention,” he said, his tone teasing. “I was starting to think she’d never bring anyone home.”
“Dad,” Shiho groaned, her cheeks turning pink.
Rei, to his credit, handled the teasing with grace. “It’s an honor to meet you, Dr. Miyano.”
“Atsushi, please,” he said, clapping Rei on the back. “And don’t let Shiho intimidate you. She may act tough, but she’s a softie at heart.”
“I am not,” Shiho protested, though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her.
As they stepped into the living room, Akemi Miyano appeared at the top of the stairs, walking down to hug her baby sister. Her presence was commanding, and she was every bit as poised and confident as Shiho had described, her sharp eyes assessing Rei with a mix of curiosity and protectiveness.
“So you’re Rei,” she said, her tone light but with an underlying edge. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Rei met her gaze, his expression calm but his mind racing. He had known Akemi was Elena’s oldest daughter—they were the same age—but, just like with Elena, he hadn’t expected to see her here. Akemi studied him intently, a flicker of recognition in her eyes. Then, her eyes widened slightly. “Wait a minute… Rei Furuya? From Tokyo?”
Rei nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Akemi Miyano. It’s been a while.”
Shiho looked between them, her brow furrowed. “Okay, what is going on? Does everyone in this family know Rei except me?”
Akemi laughed, her demeanor softening. “Rei and I grew up in the same neighborhood in Tokyo. We went to the same school for a while before our family moved to London. He was always the quiet, serious kid who hung out at the library.”
Rei’s cheeks flushed slightly, but he managed a small smile. “And you were the popular girl who somehow always had time to help me with my homework.”
Akemi smirked. “Well, you were kind of adorable back then. Who would’ve thought you’d grow up to be dating my little sister?”
Shiho groaned, burying her face in her hands. “This is so embarrassing.”
Rei, recovering his composure, turned to Shiho. “For what it’s worth, I had no idea you were her sister until now.”
Shiho glared at him, though there was no real heat in it. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”
As the evening progressed, the family gathered in the living room, the Christmas tree casting a warm glow over the room. Akemi sat down beside Rei, her expression apologetic. “By the way, my boyfriend, Subaru, won’t be able to make it until later. He’s swamped with work—grading papers and preparing for next semester’s lectures. He’s a professor at Harvard, so his schedule’s always packed.”
Rei nodded, understanding. “It’s fine. I know how demanding academia can be.”
Akemi smiled, her tone teasing. “You and Subaru would probably get along. You both have that ‘serious academic’ vibe going on.”
Shiho, who was sitting on Rei’s other side, rolled her eyes. “Great. Just what Rei needs—another nerd to bond with.”
Rei shot her a look. “Says the girl who spends more time in the lab than anywhere else.”
Shiho stuck her tongue out at him, earning a laugh from Akemi and Elena. Atsushi, who had been quietly observing the exchange, chimed in. “I like this guy. He can handle Shiho’s sass.”
Shiho groaned. “Why is everyone ganging up on me?”
Rei smirked, leaning closer to her. “Because it’s fun.”
That earned him a light slap on the arm.
The evening went on, Rei found himself gradually relaxing. The Miyano family was loud, loving, and just a little chaotic—everything he wasn’t used to, but everything he found himself drawn to. Elena, in particular, seemed determined to make him feel at home, fussing over him and making sure he had enough to eat.
At one point, Rei found himself alone with Elena in the kitchen as she prepared tea. “You’ve grown into such a fine young man,” she said, her voice warm. “I’m so proud of you.”
Rei looked down, his usual confidence replaced by a rare vulnerability. “Thank you. That… means a lot.”
Elena smiled, placing a hand on his arm. “Take care of her, Rei.”
Rei nodded, his expression serious. “I will. I promise.”
Later that night, as Rei stood on the porch, gazing up at the starry sky, Shiho joined him. “You okay?” she asked, her voice soft.
Rei nodded. “Yeah. Just… thinking.”
Shiho leaned against the railing, studying his profile. “About my mom? Or my sister?”
Rei chuckled softly. “Maybe a little. It’s strange, seeing them again after all these years. They haven’t changed much, especially your mom.”
Shiho smirked. “Still have a crush on her?”
Rei shot her a look, but there was no real annoyance in it. “You’re never going to let that go, are you?”
“Not a chance,” Shiho said, her tone teasing. But then her expression softened. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad you’re here. I know it’s not easy for you, being around so many people.”
Rei turned to her, his gaze warm. “It’s easier when you’re here.”
Shiho’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away. “You’re such a sap.”
Rei smiled, reaching out to take her hand. “Only for you.”
And as they stood there together, the snow falling gently around them, Rei realized that for the first time in a long time, he felt like he belonged.
The first light of dawn had barely begun to creep over the horizon when the sound of a car pulling into the driveway broke the quiet of the Miyano household. Rei, who had been sitting by the window with a cup of coffee, glanced outside to see a tall, light-haired, bespectacled man stepping out of a sleek black sedan.
He recognized him immediately from Akemi’s descriptions—Subaru Okiya, Akemi’s boyfriend and a professor at Harvard.
Subaru stepped into the house, the warmth of the Miyano home immediately enveloping him. Akemi was the first to greet him, throwing her arms around him with a bright smile. “You made it!” she exclaimed.
“Of course,” Subaru replied, kissing her forehead. “I wouldn’t miss Christmas with you for the world.”
Rei watched the exchange from the corner of the room, his expression unreadable. His lips pressed into a thin line as he observed Subaru. He had heard plenty about the man from Akemi—his intellect, his dedication, his seemingly endless patience.
While Rei respected those qualities, he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that no one was truly good enough for Akemi. She deserves someone who’ll put her first, he thought, his protective instincts flaring.
But then again, he knew he wasn’t completely unbiased. Akemi had been his childhood friend, and even though they hadn’t seen each other in years, he still felt a sense of responsibility toward her. She had always been the one person who saw through his quiet exterior and treated him with genuine kindness. The idea of someone else stepping into that role didn’t sit well with him.
Subaru, on the other hand, had his own reservations about Rei. As he glanced toward the corner of the room where Rei stood side-by-side with Shiho, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy. He had known Shiho since she was a teenager, and to him, she was like a little sister.
He had watched her grow into the brilliant, fiercely independent woman she was today, and the idea of her dating someone like Rei—stoic, intense, and with a past he didn’t fully understand—made him uneasy.
Everything he knew about Rei had come secondhand, from Akemi and Shiho’s stories. While Shiho spoke highly of him, Subaru couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the man than met the eye.
She deserves someone softer, he thought, someone who’ll make her laugh more, someone who’ll balance her sharp edges.
Subaru couldn’t help but wonder if Rei was that person.
Shiho, noticing the tension in the room, nudged Rei gently. “Don’t be so stiff. He’s not that bad.”
Rei raised an eyebrow. “I’m not stiff.”
Shiho smirked. “Sure you’re not.”
The living room was soon filled with the sound of laughter and rustling wrapping paper as the Miyano family gathered around the Christmas tree to open presents. Subaru, now comfortably seated beside Akemi, handed out gifts with a practiced ease that spoke of years of being part of the family. Rei, sitting next to Shiho, observed the scene quietly, a small smile playing on his lips.
Atsushi and Elena exchanged thoughtful gifts—a new set of gardening tools for him, a delicate silver necklace for her. Akemi squealed with delight when she opened a box from Subaru to find the first edition of her favorite novel in mint condition. “How did you even find this?” she asked, her eyes shining.
Subaru shrugged, a hint of a smile on his lips. “I have my ways.”
Shiho, meanwhile, unwrapped a sleek new lab notebook from her parents, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “This is perfect,” she said, flipping through the pages. “I’ve been needing a new one.”
Rei watched as Shiho’s family showered her with love and attention, his chest tightening with an unfamiliar warmth. He couldn’t help but wonder if he would ever truly be a part of this.
Will I ever fit in here? he thought, his gaze lingering on Shiho’s smiling face. Or will I always be on the outside looking in?
His thoughts were interrupted when Shiho handed him a small, neatly wrapped box. “This is for you,” she said, her voice soft.
Rei blinked, surprised. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”
Shiho rolled her eyes. “Just open it.”
Inside the box was a silver keychain shaped like a fox—a symbol of cleverness and loyalty. Rei’s breath caught in his throat as he turned it over in his hands. “Shiho…”
“So you’ll always remember where you belong,” she said, her cheeks tinged with pink.
Rei’s heart swelled, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words. “Thank you,” he finally managed, his voice thick with emotion.
The rest of the day was filled with festive activities. They drank eggnog (Atsushi spiking his with a little too much bourbon), played board games (Rei and Shiho teaming up to dominate at Scrabble), and even attempted to build a gingerbread house (which ended in a hilarious disaster when Akemi accidentally knocked it over). Through it all, Rei found himself slowly relaxing, the warmth of the Miyano family melting away his usual reserve.
At one point, Subaru handed Rei a mug of eggnog, his expression unreadable. “So,” he said, his tone casual, “you and Shiho, huh?”
Rei met his gaze evenly. “Yeah.”
Subaru studied him for a moment, then nodded. “Just don’t hurt her. You’ll answer to me in addition to the Miyanos.”
Rei’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “I won’t.”
The two men shared a silent understanding, their mutual protectiveness over the Miyano girls creating an unspoken truce.
Later that evening, as they sat by the fireplace, Shiho turned to Rei, her expression soft. “Will you come back next year?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Rei looked at her, his heart skipping a beat. “Do you want me to?”
Shiho rolled her eyes, but there was no mistaking the affection in her gaze. “Of course I do. I want you here. With me.”
Rei reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Then I’ll be here,” he said, his voice firm. “Every year. For as long as you’ll have me.”
Shiho smiled, leaning into his touch. “Good. Because I’m not letting you go.”
Three Years Later
The sound of laughter filled the Miyano family home once again, but this time, it was even louder. Akemi, now married to Subaru, was heavily pregnant, her hands resting on her rounded belly as she leaned against her husband. Shiho, sitting beside Rei, watched her sister with a fond smile.
Rei, for his part, felt a sense of contentment he hadn’t known was possible. Over the past three years, he had become an integral part of the Miyano family. Atsushi treated him like a son, Elena fussed over him like he was her own, and even Akemi had warmed up to him, teasing him mercilessly at every opportunity.
As he watched the family interact, Rei’s hand drifted to his pocket, where a small velvet box rested. He had been carrying it around for weeks, waiting for the right moment. Now, as he looked at Shiho—his Shiho—he knew that moment was coming soon.
Shiho noticed his distraction and raised an eyebrow. “What are you thinking about?” she asked, her voice soft.
Rei smiled, his gaze warm. “Just how lucky I am,” he said, his fingers brushing against the box in his pocket. “And how much I’m looking forward to next year.”
Shiho’s eyes softened, and she leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder. “Me too.”
And as the fire crackled in the hearth and the snow fell gently outside, Rei knew that he had found his place—not just in the Miyano family, but in Shiho’s heart. And he wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.