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Yesterday was one of the most nerve-wracking experiences Toya has had in a long time.
He finally got the courage to confess his feelings to Akito. However, Toya is still frustrated by his horrible timing. All his feelings seemed to spill out at once. It happened after one of their live house performances.
An, Kohane, Arata, and Tatsuya had already left the venue, leaving just himself, Akito, and Kotaro to finish gathering their remaining equipment. A short while later, Kotaro stepped out too, leaving the two of them alone with only a few staff members in the building. It felt surreal how a place that had been so alive an hour ago was now calm and quiet, as if waiting to reset for the next show.
Toya doesn’t remember exactly what caused him to speak. Maybe it was the way Akito looked at him, or something Akito said. All he knows is that something inside him cracked open, and the words just came out. One of his deepest secrets was spilled out for the person he trusted most.
He remembers Akito’s nervous expression, how his cheeks flushed when he said he felt the same. But before either of them could process what had just changed, Kotaro returned. He had forgotten his backpack, and the door creaked open right as the silence between them started to shift.
By the time Kotaro left again, Toya’s thoughts were spinning. He barely remembers what he said, only that Akito asked if they could start dating, and that he said yes. After that, Toya practically bolted out of the live house. He didn’t even give himself time to think.
"I feel the same."
That simple phrase has been repeating in his head like a broken record.
They never even got the chance to hold hands. If Kotaro hadn’t come back when he did, maybe something else could have happened. Maybe they would have kissed. It definitely could have happened… but deep down he knows neither of them would have been ready.
Toya hasn’t seen Akito in two days, since the Friday live house performance. Usually when they’re apart for this long, they make sure to keep in touch by texting. But the last time Toya sent a message to Akito was right before the show. The shift in tone between them is making him feel uneasy. He wishes he never confessed, because now it feels the bond they have already built is slowly drifting.
Today, he’ll be flying to America with Vivid BAD SQUAD for their first global debut. He’s been before back when Ken and Taiga were performing, but this time is different. Not just because they’ll be the ones on stage—but because this will be the first time he sees Akito as his boyfriend. If it already feels awkward just thinking about it, he can only imagine how much worse it’ll be in person.
Toya checks the time on his phone and sends a text to the group chat.
Cursive Writing Persona
I’ll be at the airport in 30 minutes, my train just arrived.
fluffyhamster
Sounds good 👍im also on the train be there at the same time as Aoyagi-kun
Kohane’s no.1 fan
I’m so excited everyone I brought lots of snacks for the plane
fluffyhamster
Are you at the airport yet An-chan?
Kohane’s no.1 fan
Yup I was waaayyy too excited
Cursive Writing Persona
I think we are all very excited.
PancakeMonster
I see u at the terminal An
Kohane’s no.1 fan
I see u 2… with that stupid look on your face
PancakeMonster
Ha ha very funny loser
It looks like Akito’s same personality is still shining through his texts, he hopes that will remain the same once he finally gets to the airport. It’s quite amusing how Akito and An are never on time for class, yet always miraculously early when it comes to anything related to music.
As the train nears his stop, Toya feels his heart pounding in his chest. His mind cycles through every possible scenario for what might happen when he sees Akito again. He wants things to feel normal — to talk like they always do — but no matter how hard he tries, he can’t shake the worry over how it’ll really feel the moment their eyes meet again.
When the train finally reaches the airport, Toya grabs his suitcase and makes his way toward the international terminal. After a short walk, he catches Kohane’s familiar silhouette on the far side of the station, her hand lifting in a soft wave as she hurries over. She did say her train would arrive around the same time.
Maybe he could tell her about Akito. She and An have been dating for a while now — longer than he and Akito have — so she might understand. But the idea of saying it out loud makes him tense. She’d be the first to know about the sudden change in their relationship, and that makes it all feel real.
Kohane reaches him with her usual warm smile. “Hello, Aoyagi-kun. Did your train just get in?”
Toya returns the smile, polite but a little hesitant. “It did. I guess we should head to the terminal and meet up with Akito and Shiraishi.”
They start walking, the quiet rhythm of rolling suitcases filling the space between them. Toya’s fingers instinctively twitch against the handle of his luggage. The urge to say something itches at him. Kohane is probably the best person he could tell, she is a good listener, kind, and is never quick to judge.
Maybe that’s why it’s so hard.
Kohane notices. Her smile falters just slightly with concern softening her voice. “Is something the matter, Aoyagi-kun?”
Toya gasps. He has to tell her the truth. “There is, Asuzawa. So…” He pauses slightly, trying to gather his words. When he looks up, Kohane is still meeting his gaze intently, offering a silent reminder that she’s listening, that he can take as long as he needs. The small act comforts him.
“Following our live house performance a couple days ago — after you and Shiraishi left — something changed between Akito and me.”
He pauses again. Kohane’s eyes widen, but she waits to let him continue.
“I’ve always known my connection with Akito was something special. But lately... I think my feelings have grown deeper than before. I don’t really know when it happened. But something he did that night made me want to tell him how I felt.”
Toya’s heart quickens as he sees the airport terminal looming ahead. He can feel the muscles in his face tense the closer they get.
“Aoyagi-kun, do you want to stop for a bit?” Kohane asks gently. “We don’t have to meet them right away. I just got an update that our flight’s delayed.”
Toya shakes his head, still walking. “Akito and Shiraishi will be worried if we don’t meet them.”
Kohane checks her phone again, typing a quick reply. Then she looks back at Toya.
“Actually… An-chan just asked if we could grab some drinks for everyone. Since we have time, want to come with me? You can keep talking, if you're still comfortable.”
Toya exhales. The slight detour is a relief. At least now, he doesn’t have to pretend there’s a deadline pressing down on his nerves.
“That sounds like a good idea.”
The pair breaks from their current route and head over to the small café located in the airport train station.
After a couple of beats, Toya’s thoughts settle enough for him to recall the rest of the night. He tells Kohane about the confession, the agreement to start dating, and how Kotaro’s return interrupted everything before it could really sink in.
When he finishes, the pair receive their drinks, and Kohane suggests they sit at an empty table near a window overlooking the busy airport traffic.
Toya takes a sip of his usual black coffee, trying to calm himself after recounting the events. Kohane’s expression settles into something thoughtful, her eyes focused distantly on the movement outside the window as she turns his words over in her mind.
“I can understand why you might be nervous to see him again.”
“What was your confession with Shiraishi like, Asuzawa?” Toya asks. Maybe by hearing her story, he can better understand how she and An transitioned from friends to something more.
Kohane flushes slightly, thinking back to that day. “Well, An-chan was the one who confessed first. She told me her feelings, and I returned them. What I remember most clearly was our first kiss. It was… honestly one of the most nerve-wracking experiences I’ve ever had, but it felt so relieving once it happened.” She smiles softly. “Did you feel the same after your first kiss with Shinonome-kun?”
Toya’s heart sinks. So An and Kohane had already kissed right after they confessed. They’re already a step ahead. Maybe he and Akito aren’t ready for this after all.
“We haven’t kissed yet. Should we have?”
Kohane’s eyes widen and she frantically waves her hands in protest. “No, no, no! I should’ve asked first. Timing just wasn’t on your side. You don’t need to rush. It should happen at a moment that feels right for both of you.”
Toya finishes the last sip of his coffee, drumming his fingers on the table — a habit he slips into whenever he’s nervous.
“It’s just… I don’t think we were ready for that at the time.”
“I get it. You don’t need to move at the same pace as An and I did. Every relationship is different.”
“I’m so nervous to face Akito. What if I made a mistake? What if dating ruins everything we’ve been through?”
Kohane goes quiet, her brow knitting slightly as she watches the people passing beyond the glass.
“Aoyagi-kun,” she says at last, “you didn’t make a mistake by telling Shinonome-kun how you feel. If anything, it would’ve been a mistake to keep it buried. This isn’t breaking your bond — it’s evolving it.”
“Then why do I regret it?”
“Because things are changing between you and Shinonome-kun. And change is scary. I get it. I was scared when An-chan and I first got together too, I had the same worries you do.”
“Really? You were worried too?”
Toya wouldn’t have guessed that. An and Kohane always seemed so confident around each other.
“Of course. These worries are natural, Aoyagi-kun. The best thing you can do is face them and know that it’s okay for things to be awkward at first.”
A weight lifts from Toya’s chest. Kohane’s right. Only by talking to Akito can they move forward and grow the bond that was already there.
“Thank you, Asuzawa. I needed to hear that.”
“Of course, and I know both of you will sort it out. You always do.”
Kohane’s phone buzzes with a new message. She checks it, then smiles.
“Looks like that’s An-chan. Let’s give her and Shinonome-kun their drinks.”
“I agree,” Toya says, standing. “Akito will definitely not be happy if his hot chocolate is cold."
Toya and Kohane arrive at the baggage drop-off area of the airport.
Up ahead, they spot Akito and An standing at a kiosk, tagging their suitcases.
An catches sight of them first. She nudges Akito in the side and flicks her hand subtly in their direction. She mutters something under her breath that Toya can’t quite make out — but whatever it is, it causes Akito’s cheeks to flush bright red.
Toya tries not to overthink it. Akito gets flustered easily… right? Especially when he gets embarrassed. As Toya and Kohane approach the kiosk, An hands them each a tag.
“Heya, I figured I’d print your tags since we’re checking in as a group.”
They take them, carefully looping the tags around the handles of their suitcases.
“Thanks, Shiraishi,” Toya says. “We should get in line for security.”
“I agree, our little delay took longer than I expected,” An replies, checking the time on her phone.
Akito glances in Toya’s direction but quickly looks down, his face still tinged with pink. The nerves are still there.
This — this is what Toya had been afraid of. Maybe they really aren’t ready for this. Maybe it’s already changed too much.
No. Remember what Kohane said — it’s okay for things to be awkward at first.
As they head toward the security line, Toya and Akito don’t exchange a single word. The silence between them feels heavier than it should. The rest of the conversation is carried by An, animatedly gushing about sightseeing plans, with Kohane chiming in from time to time.
Toya can only hope they’ll find the courage to talk again. The thought of losing someone like Akito over a silly crush would break his heart.
When the group finally gets past security, they decide to drop their bags at the gate. Akito and Toya still haven’t talked yet, and it’s starting to worry Kohane. Usually, those two are never quiet around each other. But after everything Toya told her in the cafe earlier, she understands why.
Suddenly, An nudges her shoulder and silently motions for her to check her text messages. Kohane opens her phone to see the following message.
An ♥️
This is ridiculous
They just aren’t budging
Just look at them 😫
Kohane looks over to Akito and Toya to see both sitting next to each other trying their best to avoid eye contact. Kohane gives An an exasperated smile. They did give bets on when Akito and Toya would get together. However, her and An also predicted they would both be incredibly awkward in their initial stages of getting together.
Me
I guess we were right
😫about their awkward couple progression
An ♥️
Tell me about it…
Me
?What did you talk about with Shinonome-kun
An ♥️
He told me about what happened between
them after the live house performance.
He was worried about coming off as not being the
“right” person for Toya.
I told him to do something for him that he normally wouldn’t do
to see what they’re comfortable with
Me
That’s really good advice An
Aoyagi-kun also told me about what happened
But he worried more about their relationship changing
I just hope they can make a shift
Toya told me they didn’t kiss after their confession
😖?Did we move forward too fast
…Should we have not kissed at our confession
An ♥️
No
They’re just incredibly slow 🙄
Me
I guess every relationship moves at a different pace
An ♥️
I guess you’re right
Look at you being so cute and wise at the same time!!!!
Me
🥺Stop you are making me blush
An looks up from her phone to see Kohane’s cheeks tinged pink as she tries to hide her face with her hand.
“You really are cute, Kohane.” An squeezes her into a tight hug and plants a quick kiss on her cheek.
“An-chan!” Kohane scrambles to cover her face again, but An only tightens her hold, nuzzling into her shoulder with a grin.
“Yo lovebirds, we’re in public, you know.” Akito rolls his eyes from his seat nearby.
“First kiss Toya, then we can have a proper argument.” An shoots back playfully, loosening her hug but keeping an arm around Kohane’s shoulders.
Akito’s face flushes bright red at the remark, and he quickly turns away, pretending to focus on the flight gate announcements.
Kohane flicks An on the forehead. “An-chan, stop pressuring Shinonome-kun like that.”
Thankfully, Toya is still listening to music and doesn’t catch An’s snarky remark.
Flight to New York City now boarding.
As the announcement echoes through the terminal, Kohane tightens her grip on her suitcase handle. She can only hope that once they're all in the air, the tension between Toya and Akito will ease a little. Hopefully the advice she and An gave will be enough to help them.
Toya can feel his chest tighten as soon as he steps onto the plane. After all the nervousness he had about Akito, he had completely forgotten about his fear of heights.
Akito knows about that fear. He probably knows exactly how Toya is feeling right now since they’ve traveled by plane together before.
Back then, Akito had offered him a few quiet words of comfort and let Toya settle in at his own pace. This time Toya doesn’t expect the same because they’re still figuring things out and navigating the early stages of becoming a couple. But that’s okay. Toya’s flown alone before. He’s used to handling this.
When they reach their row, Akito takes the window seat and Toya slides into the aisle. At least that way he won’t have to see how high they are.
As the plane starts to move, a jolt sparks through Toya’s chest. Like every flight, he closes his eyes, clasps his hands together, and takes a few steady breaths to calm his nerves. Fourteen hours is a long time to sit with a racing heart. But as long as he keeps breathing, he’ll make it through.
If Akito doesn’t say anything, that’s fine. Toya can handle it. He’s okay with things being awkward for the moment, their relationship will evolve eventually.
Suddenly he feels a tap on his shoulder. Probably the flight attendant. He opens his eyes, preparing himself to face the reality he had been able to ignore while they were closed. But when he looks to the aisle to see no one there.
Weird. Maybe he imagined it.
Then he feels a second tap on his back from the window seat.
He turns to find Akito’s hand resting on the middle armrest, palm up in quiet invitation. For the first time today, their eyes meet.
“I know heights aren’t your thing. You can hold as tight as you want.”
Toya lets out a light gasp that’s inaudible beneath the roar of the plane’s engines.
“Are you sure?” he asks, his voice quiet, but clear enough to reach Akito through the steady hum of the jets.
Akito gives a firm nod, his cheeks tinged with a light pink.
“I wouldn’t be asking if I wasn’t. Besides… something tells me you’ll feel more comfortable if you have someone to hold.”
The corners of Toya’s mouth twitch into a small smile, and he can feel heat rising to his face.
“Thank you, Akito.”
Toya gently rests his hand on top of Akito’s. His heart skips a beat when Akito immediately tightens his hold, their fingers sliding together and lacing easily. Toya squeezes his hand in return, trying to ground himself taking slow, steady breaths as the plane begins its ascent.
As Toya concentrates on breathing, Akito’s thumb brushes slow, deliberate strokes across the back of his hand. The gesture is simple, but it steadies his nerves. Warmth spreads through Toya’s chest. He should never have doubted Akito. Even now—when everything is new and uncertain—he still has his own way of calming him down and making him feel safe.
The hours of the flight pass swiftly as Akito and Toya keep their fingers laced together. For a fleeting moment, Toya forgets how high up they are. Despite the steady hum of the airplane engines, he feels like he’s in his own little bubble—just him and Akito, learning what it means to lean on each other.
Suddenly, Toya feels a weight settle against his shoulder. He glances to his right and sees that Akito has fallen asleep. His orange hair drapes over Toya’s shoulder and his expression is relaxed, peaceful.
Toya doesn’t know how long it’s been since they first laced their fingers—somehow, it feels like no time has passed at all. Then, the cabin lights dim, signaling rest time for the passengers. Toya glances at the small screen on the seat in front of him. They’ve been in the air for nine hours. Funny how time flies.
No matter how much Toya tries, he can’t fall asleep. The nervousness still lingers in his chest regardless of Akito’s warmth. Besides, he doesn’t want to move. One slight shift in his arm, and Akito might wake up. Toya would never forgive himself if he caused that.
Toya glances across the aisle and catches both An and Kohane peeking over at them with sheepish expressions. Just how long had they been watching? As soon as they make eye contact, both girls give him a thumbs up. He lets out a quiet chuckle and looks away, heat rising to his ears. So much for subtlety.
The rest of the flight passes in silence, with Toya listening to music while Akito continues to rest on his shoulder. Every time Akito shifts slightly against his arm, it sends a wave of butterflies through him. Just looking at Akito comfortably nestled by his shoulder is enough to keep him content for the rest of the flight. He would stay like this with Akito forever if he allowed him.
This might be the first time Akito has ever let down his guard like this. Toya only hopes it won’t be the last.
When the plane finally lands, Akito is still asleep, breathing steadily against Toya’s arm. Toya knows he’ll need to wake him, but he almost feels bad pulling him out of such a peaceful state. He gives Akito a gentle nudge—only for Akito to groan and wrap both arms around Toya’s right arm.
“Akito, we’re here.”
“Huh?”
Akito’s eyes flutter open just as Toya threads his fingers through his hair. He looks a little startled, but doesn’t move away.
“How long was I asleep?”
“About five hours. You looked really comfy. I didn’t want to wake you,” Toya says warmly, still running his fingers gently through Akito’s hair.
“That feels nice, don’t stop.” Akito lightly closes his eyes again leaning into Toya’s touch.
“Ahem. We are in public, lovebirds,” An teases from across the aisle, grabbing their carry-ons from the overhead bin.
Akito jerks upright, glaring at An. “You’ve been waiting to say that, haven’t you?”
Getting from the airport to their hotel was uneventful. Despite this, Toya can’t stop thinking about what happened on the plane. He was sure the ride would be awkward between them. It could have been tense, quiet, maybe even uncomfortable. But Akito surprised him. He pushed past the awkwardness and opened a door to explore their bond in a way they usually hadn’t.
Toya feels incredibly grateful for that—for the gesture and for Akito’s quiet courage—because now, he feels comfortable enough to return the favour. He just needs to find the right moment. Thankfully, they’re sharing a hotel room.
The group arrives at the hotel and quickly collects their room keys from reception. They’re all much more comfortable with their English this time around, so the process goes smoothly.
Once they reach their floor, Akito and Toya, and An and Kohane split into their respective rooms. Akito steps into theirs first. Before Toya follows, he glances back toward An and Kohane. Kohane offers him a small, encouraging smile while An mouths, “You got this.”
Toya smiles in return. He knows if they’d done the same to Akito, he would’ve gone red as a tomato. Maybe it’s for the best that he went in first. He’ll definitely owe them a recap tomorrow.
He enters the room to see two single beds separated by a nightstand. Akito has already claimed the one closest to the window knowing Toya would never want look out the window from the 18th floor.
As soon as Toya steps inside, Akito springs up to move his suitcase which had been blocking the way. Toya hesitates. He knows he has to say something.
“Akito,” he pauses a bit, trying to find the right words to say.
Akito moves toward the bed, ready to flop down after the long flight, but pauses mid-step. He turns, quiet and attentive, waiting for what Toya needs to say.
Here it goes. It’s now or never.
“I just want to say thank you. For offering me that comfort on the plane.”
Akito gives a shrug. “It’s nothing.”
“No, it’s not. What you did made me feel the most comfortable I’ve ever been on a plane. You made me forget about my fears because you were there to ground me. I’m glad you let your guard down a little… because now, I feel like I can too.”
Toya steps closer, lifting his hands to gently cup Akito’s cheeks. He leans in and presses a soft kiss to his forehead, then pulls back, giving him space to breathe.
“I’m ready for you and I’ll be waiting here for when you are too.”
He did it.
Saying those words — letting himself be vulnerable— lifted a weight off his chest. For the first time, Akito knows how he truly feels. He was able to convey what he couldn’t back at the live house. Toya is okay with waiting. They're dating, sure—but one label doesn’t determine how they need to act with each other. Not when what they have is built on something steadier: trust, patience, and time.
He turns around to unpack, but there’s a slight tug on his shoulder. Toya looks back to see Akito behind him, gripping his arm—almost like he’s trying to stop him from walking away. He turns fully, waiting for whatever Akito has to say.
Akito’s expression is contemplative, like he’s working through the words in his head. But what Toya doesn’t realize is that he never intended to use them.
Instead, Akito steps forward and leans in, brushing their noses together. He pauses for a moment—just long enough to make Toya’s heart catch—then finally closes the distance between them.
Toya feels Akito’s soft lips press gently to his own. He never would have thought that something this gentle could warm his heart so deeply. Something he had been so nervous about has turned into one of the most soothing moments he’s ever experienced.
He lifts a hand to cup Akito’s cheek, doing his best to return the kiss. In response, Akito reaches up, resting his hand at the back of Toya’s head, drawing them a little closer. Toya then closes his eyes, savoring the sensation as much as he can. He doesn’t know how long it’s been—but in the end, it doesn’t matter. All that matters is that they are sharing their first kiss… and in doing so, it revealed a part of themselves they may have never known before.
Once they finally separate to breathe, they don’t immediately step away from each other. Akito’s thumb lingers against Toya’s cheek, stroking it gently.
“I’m ready too,” Akito says at last. “I thought about just telling you… but I figured this would say it better.”
Toya blinks, and a couple of tears fall down his cheek. “It did. Thank you, Akito.”
He wraps his arms around him, holding him tightly. Akito mirrors the gesture—just like Toya did with the kiss.
When they eventually pull apart, Toya lets out a soft yawn. “I think I might head to bed.”
Akito nods. “Same. But seriously—get some rest this time. You didn’t get any sleep on the plane.”
“I will, I promise.”
Akito chuckles, nudging his arm. “Why so formal?”
“I’m sorry,” Toya says, glancing down.
“No, don’t be sorry. It’s just who you are…” Akito’s cheeks flush. “It’s kind of cute.”
Toya gives a shy smile. “Well… I’m glad you like it.”
Toya gets into his bed expecting sleep to come quickly, but instead, he feels... empty.
Like he’s missing something he didn’t know he needed—until now.
He opens his eyes to see Akito lying on his side with his phone screen glowing faintly.
“Toya? I thought you were going to sleep.”
Toya exhales a heavy sigh. “I can’t.”
Akito raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean you can’t?”
“I don’t know how to explain it,” Toya murmurs, “but… I feel like I’m missing something.”
“Missing something?”
Akito turns off his phone and rests his hand on the bedside table between them. “Would this be okay?”
Toya reaches forward, resting his hand on top of Akito’s.
“This doesn’t feel enough.”
Akito pauses. “Not enough? What else do you want?”
Toya gets out of his bed and gently lifts Akito’s hand from the table and places it on his chest. Then, carefully, he shifts it out of the gap between their beds.
Next, he tries to drag his bed closer—but it doesn’t move. The bed is bolted to the ground. No matter how much he struggles, it won’t budge.
Akito watches for a moment, then shifts toward the far side of his own bed.
“Just get over here.”
Toya stands and without hesitation he climbs in beside him, carefully lowering himself so they’re sharing the same pillow. Akito wraps his arms around Toya holding him just like he did before.
Akito shifts a bit, trying to get into a comfortable position. “This bed feels pretty small with you here.”
Toya buries his head in Akito’s chest with a light chuckle. “Well, a single bed isn’t meant for two people.”
Akito finally settles, placing a soft kiss on Toya’s cheek. “Even if it isn’t meant for two people… this works just fine. I like being close to you.”
Toya’s heart skips a beat. Akito really is amazing. Today, he reminded him exactly why he fell for him in the first place.
“Good night, Akito.”
Toya closes his eyes, letting himself finally drift to sleep.
The last thing he hears that night is something he’ll never forget.
“Don’t go too far, okay?”
The sun spills through the small cracks in the curtains, waking Akito first.
He slowly opens his eyes and looks down—Toya is exactly where he left him the night before. His bangs fall into his eyes, his skin catching the light, and his face is so relaxed. Akito’s chest tightens. He looks so… beautiful.
Oh god. His mind is spitting the kind of lovesick nonsense he’s always cringed at. But that’s what Toya is—a kind of beauty that entered his life without warning. And somehow stayed.
Akito can’t help but feel grateful that the person in his arms wants to be by his side. An’s advice had been good—he hates admitting that. She told him to try something he normally wouldn’t. And because he did, Toya had opened up too.
He said it himself—how that moment made him feel safe, grounded. Akito had never imagined something so small could mean that much. But it did.
Akito can’t help but trace his finger along Toya’s soft skin. His thumb drifts up to rub lightly across Toya’s cheekbone—he’s careful, trying not to wake him. But then Toya stirs, shifting slightly under Akito’s embrace. His eyes flutter open, still hazy with sleep. Akito doesn’t pull away. He lets his hand linger, fingers continuing to trace slow, thoughtful lines along Toya’s cheek, then down to his jaw.
Toya offers a tired, soft smile and nuzzles into the touch. “Good morning, Akito.”
“Good morning… sleep well?”
Toya nods, lifting a hand to Akito’s cheek. He leans in, pressing a tender kiss to his lips. Akito feels his heartbeat spike—just like it had the night before. But this time, the kiss feels different. Not tentative. Not unsure. But grounded.
They’re more comfortable now—despite it only being a day. Maybe the shared closeness of the night broke down another barrier neither of them realized was still there.
Once Akito pulls back from the kiss, he feels Toya’s warm breath ghosting against his cheek.
“Akito,” Toya murmurs, “your heartbeat’s really loud.”
Akito gasps, his face immediately flushing red—so he did notice.
“I can’t help it,” he mutters, barely above a whisper. “You know it’s your fault.”
Toya places Akito’s hand over his own chest. His heart is racing just as fast. Akito exhales softly. At least he wasn’t the only one going crazy this whole time.
Akito looks at the clock. It reads 6:00 AM. They had arrived at the hotel around 7:00 PM EST the night before. But even after a long snooze, he still feels groggy from the jet lag. They should probably get up soon and try to adjust to the time change as best they can. Their performance tomorrow won’t wait.
“We should text An and Kohane,” Akito mumbles. “See if they’re awake.”
Toya rubs his eyes and nods. “Yeah. We need to get used to the time as soon as we can.”
He climbs out of bed to grab his phone, leaving behind a strange emptiness in Akito’s arms.
“They’re already in the lobby,” Toya says, scrolling. “Looks like they didn’t sleep much last night and went out exploring.”
“Seriously? Don’t those two know we’re trying not to be exhausted for tomorrow?”
Toya shrugs, already opening his suitcase in search of something to wear.
“I guess we’ll just have to force them to nap later.”
Akito and Toya reach the hotel lobby hand in hand.
Akito feels safe with Toya’s hand in his own—like a quiet promise of support he never knew he needed. They spot An and Kohane lounging nearby. Both girls wave, their eyes flicking down to their laced fingers.
“It looks like you two finally figured things out,” Kohane says, giving them both a soft, proud smile.
Toya turns to Akito, his expression soft in a way reserved only for him.
“We took it one step at a time.”