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The knot of Hirano's tie had been redone so many times the fabric was starting to wrinkle.
He stood in front of the mirror, head tilted one way, then the other, comparing two nearly identical navy ties draped over his hands. Every few seconds he frowned, swapped them, took a step back, then leaned in again as if the answer might suddenly appear under better lighting.
This had already been going on for fifteen minutes.
Before that, he'd spent half an hour taming every stubborn strand of hair until not one dared stick out. Before that, he'd lost an entire afternoon deciding which blazer looked the most appropriate. And before that...
Well, he'd spent the entire week worrying about today.
What was so important about today, you ask?
Today was Kagiura's high school graduation.
More importantly, today was the day Hirano would officially meet Kagiura's parents as their son's boyfriend.
Technically, it wasn't their first meeting. Last summer, Hirano stayed at Kagi's family home for a week. But back then, he and Kagi had only just started dating and their relationship had remained their little secret.
That changed a few months ago. After Hirano invited Kagi to move in with him after graduation, Kagi decided it was time to tell his parents the truth. He'd shrugged it off, insisting their approval didn't matter, saying that he'd be an adult by graduation, free to make his own choices, but Hirano knew better.
Kagi loved his family. He always called home, always made time to visit, always talked about them with a smile that brightened his entire face. No matter what he said, their acceptance mattered.
Thankfully, they had welcomed the news with remarkable ease, with open arms and an open mind.
But then again, what else could you expect from the people who had raised Kagiura Akira? The kindest, most accepting, most impossibly wonderful person Hirano had ever met.
Even so, Hirano couldn't stop worrying. He wanted to make a good second first impression. He wanted Kagi's parents to see that he wasn't just serious about dating their son. He was serious about the future they were building together. About finishing their studies, about splitting rent and living expenses once they moved in together, and about supporting Kagi as he chased his dream of playing professional basketball.
And somehow, Hirano had convinced himself that the deciding factor in all of that might be choosing the right tie.
"Shit," Hirano muttered, glancing at the clock.
He needed to leave now if he didn't want to be late.
Any remaining debate over ties was abandoned. He grabbed his bag, hurried to the genkan, and shoved his feet into his shoes with far less care than he'd spent putting his outfit together.
His hand closed around the doorknob, but he couldn't bring himself to turn it.
He stood there for a moment, the apartment suddenly silent except for the faint hum of the refrigerator and the quick, uneven rhythm of his own breathing. His grip tightened as another wave of what ifs threatened to spiral through his mind.
What if they didn't like him?
What if he said something embarrassing?
What if they changed their minds?
What if…
He squeezed his eyes shut and took a slow, steady breath.
"Everything will be fine," he whispered to himself.
Kagi had said those exact words over the phone the night before.
"No matter what happens… everything will be fine."
Kagi had sounded so certain that, for a moment, Hirano found himself believing him.
He let out one last breath and opened the door.
Somehow, despite all his worrying, Hirano arrived at the school earlier than expected. With nothing to do until the ceremony began, Hirano stood beneath a tree near the entrance, absently scrolling through his phone.
"Yo."
He looked up to see Sasaki making his way across the courtyard, one hand raised in greeting.
Oh, right. If Kagi was graduating today, then so was Miyano.
"Hey, Sasaki. Long time no see," Hirano said, slipping his phone into his pocket. "How've you been?"
Sasaki shrugged. "Same as always. Been apartment hunting."
Hirano blinked. "Oh? Gonne live on your own?"
"Nah." Sasaki snorted. "Miyano and I got into the same college, so we're looking for a place closer to campus."
A smile tugged at Hirano's lips.
Considering how painfully long it had taken those two to finally get together, hearing Sasaki casually talk about apartment hunting felt strangely satisfying.
"That's great," Hirano said. "Hope you find something soon."
"Thanks." Sasaki nodded toward him. "What about you? Still liking your place?"
"It's been good." Hirano rubbed the back of his neck. "Actually... Kagi's moving in tomorrow."
Sasaki raised his eyebrows, then a faint smile crossed his face.
"For real? That's awesome, Hirano. Glad to hear you and Roommate-kun are still going strong."
Hirano swatted the back of Sasaki's arm.
"Seriously? You know his name by now."
"I do." Sasaki laughed without an ounce of remorse. "It's just way more fun watching you get annoyed."
Before Hirano would give a snark reply, they were interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Hirano-san, there you are!"
Kagi came jogging across the courtyard, his smile bright enough for Hirano to spot him long before he reached them.
For a moment, Hirano simply watched him. The well pressed blue blazer, the slightly crooked tie Kagi had undoubtedly rushed to put on that morning, the way the spring breeze caught his hair as he ran.
This was probably the last time Hirano would ever see him in his high school uniform, and he quietly committed the image to memory.
"Oh, and Sasaki-san. Hello."
Kagi slowed to a stop beside Hirano, giving Sasaki a polite bow.
"Hey, Roommate—" Sasaki caught himself with an exaggerated cough. "I mean, Kagiura-kun. Congratulations on graduating."
"Thank you!" Kagi beamed. Without thinking, his hand found Hirano's, hooking a single finger around his. "What are you doing here, Sasaki-san?"
Sasaki stared at their linked fingers for a second before looking at Hirano.
"...You never told him?"
Hirano sighed.
"I have much more interesting things to talk to Kagi about than you."
Sasaki rolled his eyes, and Kagi looked between them.
"Told me what?"
"My boyfriend's graduating today too."
"Oh." Kagi blinked. "Your boyfr—"
"Sasaki-senpai!"
A small figure with messy black hair came weaving through the crowd toward them.
"Oh, Miya-chan!" Sasaki called, waving him over.
The moment Miyano reached him, Sasaki threw both arms around him in a hug before planting an unapologetic kiss on his cheek. Miyano's face immediately turned bright red.
Kagi couldn't help smiling at the sight. He also couldn't help feeling a tiny stab of envy. Not because Sasaki had kissed Miyano in public, but because, for just a moment, he wished he could wrap his arms around Hirano like that without thinking twice.
His fingers unconsciously tightened around the one finger he was already holding.
Once Sasaki and Miyano reluctantly let go of each other, Miyano finally noticed the other two standing nearby.
"Hirano-senpai!" His eyebrows shot up. "I wasn't expecting to see you here today."
"Oh... right." Hirano rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess you two have never actually met."
He gestured toward Kagi.
"Miyano, this is Kagiura Akira. He's my..."
His voice caught.
...Crap.
In hindsight, this was something he probably should've prepared for.
Miyano had always been far too invested in Hirano's love life, even back when there hadn't been a love life to speak of. It was honestly a miracle he'd managed to keep Kagi away from him for this long. If Hirano wasn't careful, he'd end up trapped under an avalanche of questions, dramatic reactions, and knowing Miyano, at least a dozen photos.
Then again, Sasaki had known for over a year now. It’s not like he expected Sasaki to keep his secret for this long, so this probably wouldn’t be news for Miyano.
He straightened his shoulders.
"...He's my boyfriend."
The words came out quieter than he'd intended and heat immediately crept into Hirano's cheeks. Beside him, Kagi positively glowed, like being introduced as Hirano's boyfriend was enough to make his entire day.
Miyano froze, his wide eyes darting from Hirano to Kagiura, carefully taking in his face before dropping to their loosely linked fingers.
"Oh."
His expression shifted from confusion to excitement.
"...Oh."
Sasaki laughed.
"You two are in the same year," Sasaki explained. "Hirano's here for Kagiura-kun's graduation."
Miyano blinked.
"Oh! That's right!" He looked back at Kagi, eyes sparkling. "I've seen you before! You're on the basketball team!"
Kagi scratched his cheek, looking a little bashful.
"I am."
"You're really good!" Miyano continued enthusiastically. "I don't know much about basketball, but I've watched a few of your games, and you were amazing."
Now it was Kagi's turn to blush. No matter how many compliments Kagi received, he still accepted every one like it was the first he'd ever heard. Hirano couldn't help smiling.
"Thank you," Kagi said with a shy laugh. "That's really nice of you."
"Are you going to keep playing in college?"
"Yeah!" Kagi's smile returned in full force. "I got a basketball scholarship."
Miyano's eyes widened all over again.
"Seriously? That's incredible! Congratulations!"
Before Kagi could respond, the school's PA system crackled to life.
"Attention, graduating students. The ceremony will begin shortly. Please make your way to the gymnasium."
Almost immediately, the courtyard burst into motion as students hurried toward the building, families following close behind with cameras and bouquets in hand.
"Oh, right." Kagi glanced toward the entrance. "We should get going."
He turned back to Hirano, his smile softening.
"My parents are over there. They wanted to say hi before the ceremony."
Then he looked at Miyano and gave him a small bow.
"It was really nice meeting you."
"You too!" Miyano replied with an enthusiastic wave.
Kagi gently tugged on Hirano's hand and the two excused themselves, disappearing into the growing crowd.
Huh.
That had gone much better than Hirano expected.
Just before they drifted out of earshot, Miyano's voice cut through the chatter behind them.
"YOU KNEW?! AND YOU NEVER TOLD ME?!"
Hirano didn't even have to turn around to know Miyano was glaring at Sasaki.
A second later came Sasaki's amused reply.
"I was sworn to secrecy!"
Hirano laughed under his breath.
...Sasaki really was a good friend.
"Mom! Dad! I found Hirano-san!" Kagi called as they approached.
The closer they got, the more Hirano could feel his heart pounding against his chest. His palms had started to sweat, and every greeting he'd rehearsed over the past week suddenly disappeared from his mind.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Kagiura," Hirano said, bowing a little deeper than usual. "It's nice to see you again."
"Oh, Hirano dear, it's so good to see you!" Kagi's mother replied.
There was something about her gentle voice that immediately eased some of the tension in his shoulders.
Then, before Hirano had time to react, she stepped forward and wrapped him in a hug.
His body tensed instinctively, his eyes widening at the unexpected contact. The embrace only lasted a second before Kagi was already pulling her back.
"Mom," he sighed, "I told you to behave. Give him some space, geez."
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" she laughed, not sounding particularly apologetic. "I just couldn't help myself. Akira talks about you so much that I already feel like we're that close."
Heat rushed to Hirano's cheeks.
He wasn't used to this kind of affection. As an only child, he'd grown up in a quiet household where conversations were brief, meals were peaceful, and everyone expressed their care in quieter ways. It wasn't a bad home by any means and he had always been happy there, but hugs and open displays of affection simply weren't part of everyday life.
Even so, after the initial surprise wore off, he found himself relaxing.
The hug had caught him completely off guard, but once he'd shaken off the instinctive panic, it felt... comforting. Like being welcomed and accepted without hesitation. It was different from what he was used to, but that wasn't a bad thing. After all, this was exactly how Kagi was like.
"Hirano, how have you been?" Kagi's father asked, extending a hand toward him.
"Good, sir!" Hirano replied, quickly shaking it.
The confidence he'd managed to gather after meeting Kagi's mother immediately unraveled, and he could feel himself tensing up all over again.
"Glad to hear it." He smiled warmly. "How's your first year of college been? Settling in all right?"
"Yes. It took a little getting used to at first, but I'm doing well now. Thank you for asking."
The conversation was brief, little more than a few questions and polite answers, but Hirano was surprised by how easy it felt. He still chose his words carefully, yet somehow he didn't feel nearly as tense as he'd expected.
As the crowd began filing into the gymnasium, Kagi walked beside him, their hands brushing until the last possible moment. Just before they reached the entrance, he gave Hirano's fingers one final squeeze before letting go and joining the other graduating students.
"I'll see you after!" he called with a bright smile.
Hirano watched him disappear into the sea of navy uniforms before turning back toward Kagi's parents.
...Now what?
The ceremony was for the graduates and their families. He didn't want to impose by hovering around them the entire time. Maybe it would be better if he found a seat somewhere else and gave them some space.
"There are a few seats over there," Kagi's father said, effortlessly spotting an opening over the crowd thanks to his height.
They started walking, but Hirano didn't. He lingered where he was, unsure whether he was actually supposed to follow.
His hesitation lasted only a moment.
Kagi's mother reached back, gently taking his hand.
"Come with us, Hirano," she said with an affectionate smile. "We'd love to watch the ceremony together."
The last of Hirano's uncertainty quietly melted away.
"...Thank you."
He let her guide him toward the seats.
They were sitting at a family restaurant after the ceremony. Kagi's parents had insisted that Hirano join them for lunch, and this time, he accepted without much hesitation.
Once everyone had their drinks, Kagi's father raised his glass with a proud smile.
"Akki, congratulations on your graduation and on earning your scholarship. I'm really proud of you, son."
Kagi's face lit up.
"Thanks, Dad!"
His father turned his attention to Hirano.
"And we owe you our thanks as well. We were worried when Akki first moved into the dorms. Basketball has always been his biggest priority, so we were afraid he'd neglect his studies." He chuckled. "Every time we talked to him, though, he'd tell us how much you were helping him. So... thank you."
Heat crept onto Hirano's face.
"...It was nothing," he mumbled, lowering his gaze. Receiving so much praise felt strangely embarrassing and satisfying all at the same time.
Beneath the table, Kagi reached over and gently squeezed his hand. The familiar touch eased some of the tension in his shoulders, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
"So," Kagi's father continued, "is everything ready for tomorrow's move? Do you need any help moving your things?"
"Everything's ready!" Kagi answered. "Hirano-san and I have been moving boxes over all week, so I only have a couple bags of clothes left."
His mother looked unconvinced.
"Are you absolutely sure you've packed everything?" she asked. Then she turned to Hirano with a gentle smile. "Hirano dear, would you mind checking his dorm room one last time? Just to make sure he hasn't forgotten anything."
"Mom!" Kagi groaned, his ears turning pink. "I'm not a little kid anymore."
Hirano couldn't help laughing at the exchange. Seeing Kagi being treated like this by his parents was strangely endearing. Despite how capable he was and how many people looked up to him on the basketball court, to them he was still just their son who needed someone to remind him to pack everything properly.
"Yes, ma'am," he said with an amused smile. "I'll make sure nothing gets left behind."
"There, you see?" she said, looking back at her son. "You're very lucky to have someone like Hirano by your side. I'd be worrying myself sick if you were living here all by yourself, but knowing he'll be with you..." She smiled warmly at Hirano. "...lets me rest easy."
"I know that!" Kagi blurted out before immediately shrinking into his seat. "...I mean... I know. I'm lucky, okay?"
The words caught Hirano off guard.
His thoughts started to wander through all the little moments that had led them here. The times Kagi noticed he had skipped dinner because he was too focused on studying, forcing him to take a break. The times he stayed beside Hirano through stressful exams, never asking for anything in return. The way he celebrated Hirano's achievements as if they were his own, always making sure he knew how proud he was.
Kagi had always been the one who reminded Hirano that he didn't have to handle everything alone. He was the one that made things better, easier, funnier.
"I'm the lucky one," Hirano said.
The words slipped out before he realized he had spoken them aloud.
The table went quiet, and only then did Hirano notice that everyone was looking at him. Kagi's expression had softened, and the hand holding his under the table squeezed a little tighter.
Well... he had already started.
There was no point stopping now.
"Kagi-kun is always really kind to me," Hirano said, his voice quiet but sincere. "And as much as I take care of him, he does the same for me. He always notices when I need help, even when I don't say anything. He's always been there for me."
Kagi stared at him, his eyes softening as he listened. There was a small, almost disbelieving smile on his face.
Hirano took a breath before continuing.
"So... thank you very much for trusting me and allowing him to move in with me." He looked directly at Kagi's parents, wanting them to understand that he meant every word. "I promise you won't regret it."
For a moment, Kagi's parents simply looked at him.
Then they exchanged a glance and smiled, the kind of smile that made Hirano feel like they understood more than he had actually said.
"I'm sure we won't," Kagi's father replied.