Chapter Text
The drag of a pencil, a shushing noise on the paper. It drowned out all potential background noise. Including the loud chirping of the birds outside. The ones always revisiting your house. You always saw them through the open doors of your house during the warmer seasons. They seemed overly fond of your family’s courtyard, especially the garden that had its own small pond. Their chubby bellies poked out as they jumped on the surrounding rocks. Ecstatic to find huge fish in the pond. One that they fully knew they couldn’t eat. Perhaps they weren’t here to eat. They must’ve learned that this garden was a safe place, lacking threat in the atmosphere. But, that was not on the mind of a certain architect. Too engrossed in their design to join the lovely outdoor atmosphere. No, you had a project due soon. And, a certain someone was coming to visit soon. Working while they were here was not appealing. Especially when he only came by once or twice a year. And even then, he would never stay as long as you’d like.
A sloppy doodle laid flat beside you. You were consistently examining it and making sure you were getting the right details down. The ones you were asked to idealize and creatively bring to life for your customers. Various other sketches were laid out on the ground beside you. Ones you had created as rough sketches of all the possible layouts for this house.
A elderly couple who commissioned a house for their expensive and wealthy son. Their kid was too busy to even come by and agree or disagree with certain ideas. So, he left the task to his parents. Not that you were complaining though, the elder couple was kind and gentle. You were grateful to have gotten such kind customers so far in your career. It’s only natural to encounter rude and ignorant people in the workplace. But, that has yet to reach you.
The pencil continued to hush you as it danced beside the ruler you were pressing down. The tips of your fingers turn paler due to the strong force. You must keep the ruler from moving after all. Lines appearing in the trail of the pencil. You were almost finished with the final sketch. Removing the ruler and taking a step back, you admire your work. A soft but proud smile appears on your lips. The lines were as perfect as they could get, clean and sharp. Certain sections are colored or lined with precision. It was a sight to behold for your eyes. You're sure your professor would be proud.
After taking that step back and admiring your work. You were finally broken out of your trance as movement was heard from inside the house. A knock coming from the front door. You stood unsure of the visitor, but shook your head after reconnecting your thoughts. Had working really made you forget that a neighbor was bringing eggs over? You weren’t quite used to the countryside yet. Formally living in Kamakura City had conditioned you not to expect this amount of kindness, especially from your neighbors. But, they all seemed to be angels around here, welcoming and warm.
You set down your pencil, walking past all your papers and being careful. One misstep and you would lose some of your progress. Sliding closed the door as you stepped out of the room, you walked down the engawa of your house. Eventually making into the main part of the house that contained the living room, kitchen, and a dining room. You made your way across your living room and into the genkan room. Opening the door to see a familiar face. A neighbor of yours with a basket of eggs. A cotton and embroidered cloth on top of the eggs. Taking the eggs and gently holding the basket. You offer to let your neighbor in, but they insist they must be on their way. You looked past their shoulder to notice the rest of her family in an old 2000s car. Her grandkids waving their hands inside the car. I’m sure they would’ve been yelling if the windows had been open. She claimed, “Oh, I’d love to come in. And, my kids are always eager to come see you again. They love your cat, and you of course. But, we’re heading out of town all of this June.” Her wrinkled and lovingly smile as she gave your hand a slight squeeze. It must’ve been a habit of older people. You had noticed how much the elders around you loved squeezing when they talked to you. Whether it be your cheeks, bicep, or shoulders.
You thanked her and gave a quick nod and smile. Holding the basket of eggs closer to your chest as you raise a hand. Finally waving back at the kids in the car. They seemed to admire you. As once you had waved back, their faces lit up with excitement. You shrugged it off as kids finding anyone older but not too old as cool in their eyes. You watched as your neighbor walked back to the car that held her husband and grandkids. Making sure to stay until they had driven off.
Once they were gone, your foot started heading back inside. Closing your front door behind you and making way to the kitchen. A right hand reaching out to open the fridge. There you place down the eggs in an empty spot. Lifting up the cotton cloth and folding it, closing the fridge door with your elbow. You placed the folded fabric on the kitchen counter. Staring up at the clock, you took notice of the time. Sae would’ve been arriving in a couple hours. He had asked you to come pick him up from the airport. Something about how he wanted to be away from his manager, Girolan Dabadie. You only thumbed up his message. You weren’t a bland texter per say. But, conversations over the phone with Sae were almost impossible. He was the bland one. And, you were now too busy to actually have constant conversation with him. When you had gotten that message a couple days ago, you were about to head into a meeting. So, you merely thumbed him up. He questioned you on it, it looked a little something like:
Sae: “?”
You: “Ok, I’ll be there.”
Sae: “Ok.”
He didn’t question it further, per usual. But, as you reread his messages later on that day, you cracked a small smile and the fact that he noticed that usually and extremely simple response. It was kinda cute to see that he cared enough to notice and analyze such a small interaction.
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The ride to the airport was again, quiet during the beginning. The expressways that went from the countryside to the city were often in use. Especially from your neighborhood kids, they went to school on this thing everyday. But, since it was mid-day, it was only you and a few others on it. Once you reached the city, the blabbering noise of commotion began. You sighed slowly, standing up from your chair. Thanking the conductor on your way out and began walking your way towards the airport. It was a mere 4 minute walk. You were supposed to wait for Sae for about 2 hours at the airport if everything was on schedule. And, then you could make your way back to your place.
Wandering into the airport, it gave you a sense of Deja Vu. Last winter, he visited you for New Years. He only stayed a week, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. You had pressed him on why he didn’t bother visiting his parents during his last visit. But, he grew irritated and wouldn’t speak to you for the rest of the day after that. You’ve learned to just quit questioning his ways, especially if they weren’t really bothering you all that much.
The wait was honestly a bit unbearable. So, you have decided to catch up on old messages between friends and coworkers. You had made a bad habit of ghosting for days or weeks at a time when it wasn’t work related. It was something you think you had picked up from Sae. You obviously weren’t as extreme. And, unlike him, you always apologized for the inconveniences and would reschedule things as soon as possible to make up for it.
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Leaning against the railing that separated the people waiting and the airport guest, you were calling a friend about rescheduling a hangout for next month. Eventually, you lost track of the time as you caught up with your friend. Soft taps on your shoulder took you out of your phone call. You turned your head, seeing a Magenta-Red haired guy with pushed up bangs. His black cap covering his head and his black mask covering half of his lower face. There was no mistaking it though. His eyes gave him away after one glance. Teal eyes with gorgeous under-lashes. You apologized to your friend and said your goodbyes. Turning your head to the left, Sae’s manager was anxious beside him. Ready to protest that he came along. You smiled at his manager’s consideration, something Sae would call “clingy and annoying”. But, you knew it was merely the man’s job to make sure Sae was alright.
Girolan started, “It would be better if I just came along for the ride. Just to make sure you're safe. You have thousands of fans here, Sae! It could be extremely dangerous.” Sae, typical of him, didn’t spare him a glance. It was obvious the magenta-red haired guy in front of you was jet-lagged. And, an “annoyance” like Girolan would drive him crazy if he was around any longer.
“There’s no reason to be so cautious, Girolan.” You hope your smile was reassuring. It was on the softer side. You were on the softer side these days. “He’ll be fine. If any trouble does arise, you’ll be the first to know.” You leave him with reassuring words.
He clutches up for a moment before exhaling a long blow of pent up worry. He stared at you a bit unsure. Of course, you had been dating Sae for a couple years now. He didn’t even know much about you. Sae wasn’t much of a talker when it didn’t involve football or business. Sure, you and Sae didn’t see each other often. That only made you more of a stranger to Girolan. And, in early spring you even moved to the countryside. Sae would be farther from the city, where Girolan would be staying. Yet, he knew he had to let this go. It was no use to argue, and you seemed like a responsible and reasonable person as far as he could tell.
“Alright,” His words came out hushed, as if it was only meant for him. “But, please do contact me days before we leave this time.” His words and eyes were directed towards Sae. Girolan’s words caused me to raise an eyebrow.
“You don’t know when you’ll be leaving?” You peered. Sae’s eyes over towards you. Sighing, annoyed at all the pestering and still being in this airport with his luggage. His hand gripped his suitcase’s handle and he shook his head.
“No,” Simple answer, as normal as it gets. You nodded and took a step back from the railing. He obviously didn’t see why it was such a big deal. You managed to learn how to read him over the phone and during his short visits.
“It’s just unlike you to not be back in Spain as soon as possible.” You smiled, watching as he made his way past the separating railing and to your side. He shrugged at your words, stretching the moment he was beside you. Hoodie rising up as his arms reached toward the top of the airport’s giant sphere-shaped glass ceiling. Your hand grabbing his suitcase and waiting for him to finish stretching before you both made your way out of the airport. The glass doors sliding with its motion sensor.
Girolan calls over a cab, reminding Sae of what to do if he was in trouble. It was a bit humorous, the way people treated Sae like a kid. But, he grew so tired of it. He was a grown adult after all.
“We’ll need a cab as well. Otherwise we’ll be waiting for the express train for a couple hours.” You hummed, pulling Sae’s suitcase behind you. Trying to take any extra stress away from him. He appreciated the gesture, but classically said nothing.