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It was after an extensive band practice when the four members of Given went to their favorite fast food spot for winding down. It became almost tradition for them to gather over shared meals, eat as much as their stomachs could hold while discussing pleasantries for the band. One day when they make it big, it would be their picture and autograph on the wall as the place would become famous for being their chosen spot to meet and discuss their music. But for now, they were tucked away in a booth as they looked over their menus. It was Kaji's treat he exclaimed, excited for how much growth he's shown in his violin playing. He owed that much to Haruki, being in a better space both mentally and financially. After talk about recording ceased, a comfortable air surrounded them. It's been awhile since they were able to all hang out like this outside of their studio sessions, the first time they had gathered since announcing they were a couple. It felt no different than usual. But if you looked close enough, you'd see how closely they were seated together in their booth, shoulders touching despite the roomy cushions, or the stolen glances that would make Haruki fluster.
"This is sort of like a double date.” Mafuyu mused, breaking the silence. He was met with happy smiles of acceptance from the new couple, but a glare from his boyfriend seated beside him. He would rather not have that reminder.
“No, this is band practice!” Uenoyama declared, pounding his fist into the table like it was a newly instated law. For the band, it would be. No double dates.
“Band practice ended ages ago, I think this could count as a date?” Kaji turned to his blushing partner expectantly. They had been on a few now, Haruki was basically being paraded everywhere and he felt both adored and embarrassed. He didn't expect Akihiko to have such a romantic side. Haruki placed a hand on top of Akihiko's, giving a squeeze and a smile. He also didn't expect himself to be such a sap, breaking his own rule about PDA. It didn't go unnoticed by Uenoyama who refused to go easy on the traitors.
“No hand holding in public.” He ordered through gritted teeth. Haruki quickly flushed and removed his hand, already leaving Akihiko feeling cold from his absence. He shot a glare across the table at the scowling raven haired boy. He would normally remind them not to be so affectionate in public, for the sake of the band's image they should keep it on the low, they all knew this. Akihiko respected the rule, he understood why it was in place, but that didn't stop the hard daggers that sent shivers through the younger member when he met his gaze for interrupting a moment with his boyfriend. If looks could kill, Uenoyama would have been murdered twice. Instead, he smirked at Ritsuka and that was more chilling. Mischief held in his green eyes.
“You're right, Uecchi. That was my bad.” Haruki offered an apologetic smile. Mafuyu never minded how openly affectionate they were. In fact, he loved watching it in quiet moments when they would be in the studio together, Akihiko's arm wrapped comfortably around Haruki's slim waist as they took their breaks. The way once they perfected their sound, Akihiko would lay his head against Haruki's back for a moment as if being charged. It wasn't that 'Get a room' type of affection that would make others uncomfortable. Not all the time at least. Mafuyu longed for the day he could express himself physically just as comfortably with Uenoyama, but so far they still were too shy.
“When did you two get together?” Mafuyu asked curiously, tilting his head when he saw the smile on Haruki's handsome face growing. They didn't tell this story to many people so far, but it was quickly becoming one Haruki loved sharing. Akihiko smiled faintly seeing Haruki light up at recalling that night. Uenoyama looked annoyed that Mafuyu would ask, he didn't want to hear about his friend's hooking up. Despite the fact Mafuyu had already suspected them of dating, it didn't take away the shock he felt when they confirmed the accusation.
Drinks were brought to the table as they placed their order. Everyone took a sip simultaneously before Haruki began to recap their love story.
“It was after you brought me to his violin concerto. I had left because I couldn't stand hearing him play, believing it was for another. The train home was a long one but I didn't want to go home just yet. I felt so lonely, I just went on a whim to the park to collect myself. That's when this loud idiot came marching towards me, actually berating me for him not knowing I was there.” Haruki recounted, the adoring look never leaving his face while Akihiko took over the next part but turned his attention to his partner.
“I didn't expect you to be there. I knew I wasn't going to place high since it was my first time in years performing, I wasn't ready for you to see that. I figured maybe when I won first or second, I could ask you out then. It gave me all the motivation needed to reach a goal I had placed. When I saw Mafuyu in the audience, the last person I was expecting next to him was you, but by that time, you were already turning to leave. My playing went downhill immediately. I couldn't focus anymore. I didn't want to play anymore. I wanted to drop my violin and find you. I wasn't planning on confessing that night, but I figured at the very least I could talk to you again. I was avoiding you because I knew the first chance I got you alone, the words were gonna slip out, just like they did. That confession was so rushed. Yet, you didn't reject me.” Uenoyama listened fondly, his gaze softening for the two men as they became the only people in their world across from them. Haruki looked on the verge of tears, smiling wildly, food forgotten. Mafuyu took a messy bite of his burger while he listened intently. Akihiko looked at him with a tender expression neither Mafuyu or Uenoyama saw before as he tucked Haruki's blond hair behind his ear. Almost long enough to stay in place. It wasn't what Uenoyama expected when they announced they were together. He figured it was a drunken night or something equally clumsy. Once their attention was back to the table, Mafuyu spoke again, everyone now enjoying their food.
“I figured when you ran after him that you two finally spoke. I sent so many messages and calls to both of you that night to make sure of it, but when neither of you responded, I knew it was the case. Because you two stayed together that night also, right?” Haruki's look of adoration soon was replaced by embarrassment, how much of that night was he aware of? He felt that Mafuyu was perched in a nearby tree, binoculars in tow observing them with how much he knew. No. It was clear to see that the usually spacey looking Mafuyu could see through people more easily than others. Uenoyama fumed, his face just as red as Haruki's with anger.
"That is where I draw the line, I do NOT want to hear about that!” He had steam erupting from his ears. Mafuyu and Akihiko were the calm ones of the group, neither looking mildly affected. Akihiko took a long sip of his beer.
“We did.” was all he offered and was met with a barrage of slaps to his shoulder by a tomato red Haruki, Akihiko's body trembled with laughter.
“It's not like I said we did anything that night.” Akihiko smirked, his voice riddled with suggestion, sparing a teasing glance to Uenoyama that confirmed they definitely did. Both Haruki and Uenoyama let out a loud squeal, Haruki sliding in his seat wanting to dissolve into the soil and become one with nature while Uenoyama wished for lightning to strike the overly honest man. Haruki collected himself first with a stern look plastered on his face.
"Aki, I'm sure you definitely don't want to tell that story.” Haruki attempted to threaten, but to know Akihiko is to know he isn't acquainted with shame. He held his hands up in mock surrender.
“Could you blame me? I've been wanting to do that with you for a very long time.” That backfired instead and made Haruki melt. Yes his blush had spread across his face to the tips of his ears like a wildfire, but to hear once more how much the person he fantasized about wanted him too? It changed the air around them that definitely let the other two know that if they could, they would knock everything off that table and have their way with one another right then and there. Audience be damned! It would shock no one if Akihiko was into voyeurism, but Haruki? He couldn't imagine. He didn't want to imagine!
“Oh my goodness, please STOP.” Uenoyama groaned while burying his face in his palms. He couldn't handle hearing or seeing anymore, losing taste for the food that's grown cold in front of him as Mafuyu helped him finish off his fries. Haruki broke their intense eye contact, placing a hand under the table on Akihiko's thigh. Kaji smirked deviously when Haruki accidentally brushed against his hardness, not that either of them minded. They knew what they were going to do the moment they opened Haruki's door. Hell, that's only if they could make it that far. Akihiko laughed huskily, taking a sip of his water to calm his raging hormones.
“Fine. That, gentlemen, was the story of how Haruki and I got together.” He announced, Haruki clapped and Mafuyu joined in as Akihiko took a seated bow. Uenoyama did not look happy one bit. Akihiko sighed with a roll of his eyes. He'll lay off the teasing, he noted.
“It couldn't have happened without your blessing though, Ue. I get I didn't tell you straight away, but truthfully I was scared of what you were going to say. I know I had let you down about your sister, and trust me. I was aware I didn't deserve Haruki to begin with, but the band means more to me than I even realized. It wasn't a part of my life, but was my whole life. I owe that all to Haruki as well as the band, so I give the band, as well as Haruki my whole life.” He shrugged and finished his beer. When he looked up from his now empty glass, he was surrounded by starry eyed bandmates.
“Akiii!” Haruki exclaimed happily, throwing caution to the wind and wrapping his arms around Akihiko, embracing him in a side-hug Akihiko gladly accepted. For once it wasn't disgust or annoyance written on Uenoyama's face as he stared at the pair, but admiration and a bit of self depreciation for not noticing sooner that they just may be perfect for one another.
“How many times have you guys been intimate?” That was the straw that broke the camel's back before Uenoyama childishly clasped his hands over his ears, chanting a loud series of ‘Lalalas’ over their answer. Damn Mafuyu and his curiosity. Uenoyama wondered if he did this purely to torment him.