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Kunikuzushi isn't particularly fond of physical contact: that's what Kazuha has learned over the time he's known him, especially in the last few months since they started dating. The possible reasons for this are due to his cold and distant relationship with his mother, a prominent political figure who has been established in the Inazuma government for many years. Kunikuzushi has always told her that they have arguments and that their relationship is fraught with tension regarding his future in college. It’s probably due to his distant relationship with his younger sister: his mother’s favorite and also a very popular student among the students at the prestigious Seiraimaru High School.
Or perhaps the reason is simply his introverted nature, because his circle of friends is limited—not to say nonexistent—and he prefers to be alone rather than have any company. Whatever the reason may be, Kazuha doesn't hold it against him or demand that his boyfriend make an effort; on the contrary, he respects him and waits patiently for Kunikuzushi to take the first step.
The memory of the day he confessed his feelings and formally asked him to be his boyfriend remains fresh and vivid in his mind. Kazuha likes to remember that warm autumn afternoon, walking alongside Kunikuzushi on their third date—because by that point, their feelings for each other were already there. They stopped halfway, in front of a beautiful park with large trees and leaves fluttering in the air from the breeze that was blowing at that hour, revealing the bareness of the tree branches.
Kazuha, inspired by the landscape that the sunset was offering as the ideal setting to take the next step, decided to confess and ask Kunikuzushi to start dating. He can still remember his first reaction: the surprised look on his face, followed by a violent blush rising to his cheeks and spreading to his ears; the mumbling to find the right words to say, which ended with him abruptly crossing his arms to pretend indignation.
“Who do you think you are?” he said that afternoon before giving his official answer, his voice betraying his nervousness.
Despite how contradictory his reaction was, Kunikuzushi has acted this way more than once—especially when he’s caught off guard—but that’s one of the many things Kazuha loves about his boyfriend.
From that beautiful autumn afternoon, with the leaves dancing in the breeze, they became official boyfriends.
***
A cold stream suddenly settled on his right cheek for a brief moment, abruptly waking him from an unexpected nap—he didn’t even realize when he’d closed his eyes. Kazuha, sitting at a table in a café in downtown Inazuma, jolts awake, and just as he begins to recover from his sudden sleep, a pair of lips approaches his ear to whisper words as soft and sweet as honey.
“Wake up, sleeping beauty. I’ve brought you what you ordered.”
The skin on his entire body goes goosebump-covered; heat rises to his cheeks until it reaches his ears, dispelling the icy sensation he’d felt on his right cheek just a moment ago. The whisper turns into a mischievous, playful chuckle that throws him into confusion. Kazuha slowly stretches in his seat and yawns discreetly. He rubs his eyes somewhat quickly to focus his sight on the person who has awakened him from his nap.
“I thought I was the one who had trouble falling asleep,” the male voice comments ironically, “it seems the roles have been switched this time.”
Then, Kazuha finally wakes up completely. He feels a little embarrassed for having suddenly fallen asleep while waiting for Kunikuzushi, who had brought him his order: an iced coffee. The truth is, the day before he hadn’t been able to go to sleep early because he’d been reading a book that kept him up late into the night—he’d become so absorbed in the story that he eagerly devoured every chapter. The boy rubs his eyes once more and sits up straight in his seat, as if nothing had happened and ignoring the people around him at other tables, while Kunikuzushi sits down across from him and gives him the iced drink he ordered.
“Don’t tell me you’re studying late into the night,” adds Kunikuzushi, in the same ironic tone as before, smirking. “I know exams are getting closer, but I didn’t think you were the type to stay up late studying.”
Kazuha smiles kindly at him and then laughs at the comment. Before answering, he takes some time: he licks his lips, picks up the drink, and takes a long sip, letting the liquid help him wake up from his sleepiness. The icy sensation running down his throat is gratifying, and the sweet taste of iced coffee lingers on his palate for a few brief seconds. He also feels it quickly helping him wake up, leaving behind all traces of sleep.
“I stayed up late reading,” he replies simply. Kunikuzushi raises his eyebrows, a little surprised. “I was caught up in the story, and I just had to find out what was going to happen next.”
His boyfriend doesn’t say anything.
“I don’t think it’s the kind of story that would interest you,” Kazuha adds, taking another sip of his drink.
“Doesn’t it bother you?” asks Kunikuzushi, abruptly changing the subject. Kazuha looks confused and blinks several times.
“What?”
The boy points his index finger at the iced coffee with a hint of dismissal, which confuses Kazuha even more. Kunikuzushi shifts his gaze subtly, resting his chin on his other hand. The silence between them lingers despite the bustle of the café where they’re having an improvised date.
“I wanted to see what it tasted like,” he finally explains, in a tone that appears indifferent.
Kazuha finally puts two and two together, and his surprise grows. The blush returns as well. Kunikuzushi isn’t a fan of sweet things. The boy doesn’t know what to say, so while he tries to come up with a response, he slowly licks his lips, trying not to get carried away by the thoughts crossing his mind. His eyes lower for a moment, but for a split second he looks up to notice that Kunikuzushi’s face is also slightly flushed, though he’s trying to hide it with the navy blue hat he’s wearing on his head.
“How did it taste?” Kazuha ventures to ask, with a small, polite smile.
“Too sweet for my taste. I don’t even understand how they can make that horrible mixture with coffee. It felt like drinking kilos of sugar in that tiny sip.”
Kazuha finds the comment amusing, letting out a little chuckle. Though he also laughs as he imagines some other reason behind why Kunikuzushi dared to give his order a taste.
“Whatever foolish ideas you have in your head, you’re wrong,” he hears him say. “I’m not that disgusting.”
“All right, I won’t say anything.”
Suddenly, a vibration catches Kunikuzushi’s attention, and he searches his pockets for the source. He pulls out his cell phone and quickly taps the screen within seconds. Kazuha, meanwhile, takes another long sip of his cold drink as he scans the café and its lively atmosphere. When his eyes fall on Kunikuzushi, he notices that his expression darkens and his face twists into a grimace of disgust and resignation, followed by his fingers moving quickly as he replies to an important message. He gets the feeling that something has come up at the last minute. A deep sigh of resignation mixed with unease escapes Kunikuzushi’s lips, and Kazuha can’t help but worry.
“Did something happen?”
“I need to go home,” Kunikuzushi replies, clicking his tongue without much enthusiasm. “It looks like my mom is hosting an important dinner, and I have to help her prepare some dishes.”
“Oh, I see… Do you want me to walk you home?”
The question seems to surprise Kunikuzushi, who raises his eyebrows. He remains thoughtful for a few moments when suddenly his face lights up unexpectedly. He stands up abruptly from his seat, taking Kazuha by surprise.
“Yeah, but I don’t want you to leave me.”
“What? What do you mean?”
Then a determined smile spreads across his boyfriend’s face.
“You could come home with me.”
The suggestion made Kazuha drop the glass of iced coffee he was almost finished with. In the early months of their relationship, Kunikuzushi had told him that he didn't want his family to find out about their relationship, partly out of fear of his mother's reaction and partly because he didn't want to be the subject of malicious rumors that might spread. Kazuha understood his reasons and never intended to pressure him, knowing full well that his status as the son of a politician would make him the center of attention for a long time, including during high school. He suddenly turns a little pale, but quickly regains his usual skin color. He doesn’t know exactly what to say and simply swallows with difficulty.
“What about your mom and sister? Didn’t you want to keep this between us?” Kazuha finally asks.
Kunikuzushi crosses his arms, pretending to be offended by his boyfriend’s question. The cold stare of his indigo eyes contrasts with Kazuha’s kind, though surprised, crimson gaze.
“It doesn’t matter anymore. I don’t care what Ei says,” he replies sharply. “I’ll keep you in my room, so no one will bother us.”
Kazuha is hesitant to agree: the mere thought of finally meeting Ei and, perhaps, exchanging a few words with her, weighs heavily on him—especially given the prejudices he has about her, based on everything Kunikuzushi has told him. In addition to this is the inescapable tension he feels towards Mei, his boyfriend’s younger sister and his classmate: her way of thinking and acting, combined with their differing views, has made Kazuha want nothing to do with her. However, he is curious about the house where he and his family live, and he also doesn’t want Kunikuzushi to feel lonely and uncomfortable with his mother. He also senses that part of his discomfort is due to the interruption of their date; after all, Kunikuzushi had promised him that afternoon that he would be completely available for him.
So, after a few long seconds of careful thought, Kazuha decides to walk Kunikuzushi home and keep him company.
“All right,” Kazuha finally replies. Kunikuzushi smiles at him, pleased. “Do you want to go now, or should I finish my iced coffee first?”
***
His crimson eyes widened in surprise at the sight before him. Until that moment, he hadn’t imagined that Kunikuzushi’s family might be living in such a large house, but upon arriving at the residence, his surprise grew when he saw that the house occupied a large portion of the block. The white-painted concrete walls, topped with small roofs, rise several meters high, revealing a few tree tops swaying slowly in the afternoon breeze. The second floor of the house is visible—a large white building with big windows and wood trim, a blend of modern and traditional styles. The roof’s design vaguely reminds him of the government palace in downtown Inazuma. The two boys wait at the entrance: two large carved wooden doors bearing the Raiden family emblem separate the street from the interior. Suddenly, the doors begin to open, allowing them both to enter.
Kazuha is quiet as he enters the main garden, walking along the small stone path that leads to the house. Suddenly, he feels as if he’s in another world, completely different from the one he’s known all his life. He notices a wide variety of beautiful plants and flowers decorating the interior alongside the towering trees; not far from where they stand is a small artificial pond with water flowing from a bamboo stalk. His interactive tour is interrupted when he hears someone clear their throat: Kunikuzushi is waiting for him, seated on the front steps, as he begins to take off his shoes. Quickly, Kazuha copies the action.
“What’s so surprising? It’s no big deal,” Kunikuzushi complains, dismissing Kazuha’s surprise.
“Your house is absolutely beautiful,” Kazuha says breathlessly, admiring the gorgeous view of the garden once again. “I think I understand now why I could never go any further than where I was going to leave you.”
“It’s not just that. I didn’t want anyone who works here—or my sister—to say anything to Ei,” the boy pauses to stand up and smooth out his hair and hat. “Come on, my room is this way.
Once he leaves his shoes next to Kunikuzushi’s, Kazuha quickly gets up and walks behind his boyfriend, following him at a safe distance down a long hallway they’ve entered by turning left. Along the way, he can't take his eyes off the garden, mentally commenting on how beautiful it is and feeling a sudden surge of inspiration come over him; new ideas take root in his mind, ready to be put down on paper later. They both run into some workers who help maintain the house; some seem to be whispering comments to each other, but neither of them pays it any mind. The workers, however, give a small nod when they see Kunikuzushi pass by, showing the deep respect they have for him. In the middle of the hallway, they unexpectedly run into Mei, Kunikuzushi’s younger sister.
“Welcome home, brother. I didn’t think you’d be back so early,” she greets him cordially. Kazuha notices the boy tense up a little at her greeting. “Did you bring someone home?”
“Does it matter?” Kunikuzushi says defensively, rolling his eyes. “I came back because our mother asked me to help her with the food for her foolish important dinner. That’s all.”
The girl looks at Kazuha; her cold, piercing stare drills into the guest’s nervous face as if trying to figure out who he is, because without his school uniform, she has a hard time recognizing him, and her expression shows a hint of surprise after a few moments of studying him.
“Kaedehara?”
Kazuha quickly bows to greet her.
"Sorry for intruding; Kuni invited me.”
“Can you let me pass? I’m going to my room with him,” Kunikuzushi says, pointing at Kazuha with disgust.
“Isn’t that the friend you’re always talking about?” Mei asks suddenly.
“Friend…?”
“No, Kaedehara is my boyfriend. Don’t get involved in my business,” Kunikuzushi interrupts, grabbing the sleeve of Kazuha’s white shirt.
Kazuha lets his boyfriend drag him away, leaving a stunned Mei standing in the middle of the hallway. His face is burning from the intense blush that has spread across it after Kunikuzushi's unexpected explanation. The sudden grab on his shirt is the closest thing he's ever had to physical contact from him. His heart is pounding in his chest, and his mind is a mess, with thoughts clashing with each other, pushing aside the ideas that had initially inspired him to write. They both reach the end of the hallway, where Kunikuzushi’s room is located; he slides the door open with a single motion, and the two step inside.
Despite the house’s opulent exterior, Kunikuzushi’s room, on the other hand, is quite simple and modest: in one corner stands a perfectly made bed, a large, tall bookshelf filled with books, and a desk where you can see a few notebooks lying on top and a school bag hanging on a chair. There isn’t much decoration on the walls, aside from a few small family photos and two worn-out rock band posters. There are also a couple of small, low-maintenance plants on the windowsill, soaking up some sun. Kazuha notices, as he looks down, that there is a rug covering most of the room, covering the smooth wooden floor. Even though the room doesn’t look like a teenager’s, Kazuha finds it warm thanks to the sunlight entering it, which adds a homey touch that makes the place feel familiar to him.
“You won’t find anything interesting to make fun of me,” Kunikuzushi remarks sarcastically, pulling him out of his thoughts.
“So I’m the ‘friend’ you’re always talking about,” Kazuha teases, a friendly smile on his face. He watches as Kunikuzushi’s expression changes abruptly and a violent blush spreads across his face.
He watches him nervously, unable to say a word; only muttered sounds escape his lips. Kazuha closes the distance between them a little, eagerly awaiting some sharp, insulting reply from his boyfriend, without letting that kind yet mocking smile fade from his face.
“Wipe that stupid smile off your pretty face.”
“That’s how you like me,” and Kazuha widens her smile.
Kunikuzushi sighs in resignation, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes once more.
“Whatever you say,” he finally replies.
Suddenly, a noise of unknown origin takes them by surprise. From under the bed emerges a small, short-haired gray cat, which yawns, stretches, and then sits up to observe the two young people in front of it. Kazuha melts at the cat's presence, so he can't resist the little one's charm and soon kneels down to let the animal sniff him and pet its head.
“I didn’t know you had a cat,” Kazuha comments, fascinated by the little animal.
“You never asked,” Kunikuzushi replies, without much enthusiasm.
“What’s his name?”
“Kabu. I found him on the street one rainy day and decided to adopt him. Ei didn’t object, but she warned me to keep him inside my room or, at most, out in the garden.”
“He’s adorable,” says Kazuha. The little cat, delighted by Kazuha’s presence, lets himself be picked up, purring. Kunikuzushi watches the scene with concealed surprise.
“I’ll go get some snacks so you don’t get bored while I cook,” Kunikuzushi says. “I won’t be long—make yourself at home.”
Kazuha nods as he settles down with little Kabu in his arms; he hears the door slide open and his boyfriend’s footsteps fading down the hallway. To get more comfortable, he decides to sit on the edge of the bed with the cat in his arms. He strokes him and enjoys the cat’s soft purring as silence fills the room. The warmth of the room, combined with the heat radiating from Kabu, soon makes his eyelids grow heavy: the few hours of sleep are beginning to take their effect on Kazuha, and the atmosphere only intensifies the sleepiness he has been feeling since the morning. He also thinks that the iced coffee he’d ordered a few hours ago no longer has the effect of keeping him awake. He hesitates for a moment, wondering if he should allow himself to rest on the bed, but his body seems to respond more quickly to the sudden urge: after a few seconds, he lies down, with the little cat curled up beside him.
It isn’t long before Kazuha, in a state somewhere between sleep and slumber, feels a weight on his chest. He assumes it’s the cat that has climbed on top of him, but a soft sigh and the absence of purring make him wonder who it might be. Although he wants to open his eyes to find out who it is, he tries to stay calm and composed, pretending to remain deep in sleep. Things get a little more complicated when a soft finger begins to press lightly against his lips.
“You’re making me wait too long, don’t you?” Kunikuzushi asks, sounding frustrated. “Idiot.”
Kazuha has mixed feelings at that moment: on the one hand, he’s completely nervous—feeling Kunikuzushi’s soft skin sends shivers down his spine that he finds hard to hide—but on the other hand, he can’t help but feel a little confused. It’s a fact that Kunikuzushi isn’t the touchy-feely type; Kazuha has seen him keep his distance on several occasions. Therefore, Kazuha has always remained respectful of the idea that Kunikuzushi isn’t a physical person until he feels comfortable with the idea of a more intimate touch; he has been patient for many months even though the desire has always been there on more than one occasion. But those words, uttered in a frustrated and annoyed tone, break that belief and make him reconsider whether it’s time to make the next move.
He feels time slowing down, making it harder to pretend he’s still asleep, but unexpectedly, the weight on his chest lifts. Kazuha hears some meows and another sigh filled with resignation.
“Are you hungry, little friend?” Kunikuzushi asks the little cat in a soft voice. “Come on, I’ll feed you. Let’s let Kazuha sleep a little bit longer.”
Once Kazuha is sure he’s completely alone, he finally opens his eyes. A blush spreads quickly across his face, and his heart pounds hard and fast in his chest. His mind is a complete mess, and he has a lot to think about. He sits up on the bed with a strange sense of guilt. He admits he never intended to make him wait too long, yet his boyfriend’s words keep echoing in his mind. Maybe he’s been misreading the situation lately.
***
Mount Yougou is one of the main attractions for visitors and is visible from various points throughout the great city of Inazuma. Its enormous size and height make it the ideal destination for adventurous souls who have the courage to venture along its various wooded paths, welcoming a large number of people each year who seek to reach its top. The mountain also houses the Great Narukami Shrine, an extremely important site for the people of Inazuma. On special occasions, it receives a huge number of visitors, especially after New Year’s, when people come to make their New Year’s wishes. In addition to the adventurers seeking to reach the top, the mountain hides hidden places that offer beautiful views from its heights; many of its paths, aside from the main one leading to the Shrine and the top, are frequented by those who wish to explore its flora and fauna, as well as take a break from city life and enjoy a breath of fresh air.
Kazuha and Kunikuzushi have agreed to meet at the foot of Mount Yougou to enjoy one of its most popular hiking trails. Exam season has come to an end, and after several intense weeks of studying, the long-awaited week off finally arrived once grades were handed out. The idea for the trip to the mountain came about after Kazuha suggested they enjoy a day off and watch the sunrise and the city from above, a proposal that Kunikuzushi, sharing his enthusiasm and love for nature and exploration, accepted without objection.
It’s a Friday before the weekend. The two young boys meet at the place they agreed upon. The sun is still hidden, though there are hints in the sky that it will soon rise; despite this, the moon remains high in the sky alongside a few timid stars that are still visible; the rest have already vanished from the sky. A gentle dawn breeze blows, though the scent of spring is already in the air.
“Are you ready? We have a long way to go before we see the sunrise,” says Kazuha, his voice full of excitement.
“Yeah, let’s go,” Kunikuzushi replies.
The two young boys set off, with Kazuha leading the way. It isn’t the first time he’s ventured along the mountain trails, but it is his first time taking Kunikuzushi to one of his favorite spots. He has always been a lover of nature and exploration; he lets himself be guided by the wind, which usually leads him to beautiful spots where he can rest after several minutes or hours of walking. It’s a pastime he indulges in from time to time to satisfy his desire to explore the majestic mountain and connect with nature.
Neither of them says a word along the way, and at that hour, all that can be heard are their footsteps on the trail and the occasional heavy sigh from the effort. Although most of the trail is flat, it soon begins to climb, and the boys find themselves having to take more careful steps. As if it were his first time exploring the area, Kazuha gazes around in delight, listening to the sound of a stream flowing nearby, the chirping of birds beginning to wake up, and the rustling of the treetops swaying in the breeze, which grows slightly stronger as they climb.
The path, just a few meters from their destination, becomes slightly slippery due to the morning dew and a thin layer of frost. Their steps become shorter, afraid of falling. Kazuha glances back to check if Kunikuzushi is keeping up. He stops for a moment when he sees that his boyfriend is having trouble continuing along the path; his steps are more uncertain, and he seems to be thinking more about where it might be safe to step because of how slippery the ground is. Kazuha wipes the sweat from his forehead and lets out a deep sigh of exhaustion.
“Do you need help?” he asks, noticing that his boyfriend is still having trouble climbing up.
“No need,” Kunikuzushi replies. “Go ahead, I’ll catch up.”
The answer doesn’t satisfy him, especially after seeing that Kunikuzushi is still having a hard time climbing. He finally decides to step back a little, taking Kunikuzushi by surprise. Kunikuzushi loses his balance slightly but doesn’t fall, thanks to grabbing hold of a nearby tree trunk. Kazuha offers his hand so they can climb the last stretch of the trail together and reach the spot where they can rest a bit.
“Take my hand. Let’s climb up together.”
Kunikuzushi seems hesitant, as he can’t keep his hand still in the face of the offer. After a few seconds, he sighs resignedly and immediately takes Kazuha’s hand. Kazuha offers him a kind smile in response, continuing the arduous climb up the trail. Kazuha’s heart pounds heavily in his chest as he feels this contact with Kunikuzushi: the firm hold, the slippery sensation of their skin from the sweat built up during their time on the trail. It isn’t the most romantic moment they’ve shared in their relationship, yet this touch is enough to make his heart rejoice with joy.
After walking a few more minutes, they finally reach their destination. Kazuha is the first to breathe a sigh of relief and admire the beauty of the landscape; despite the slight delay on the climb, they still have time to settle in and watch the sunrise. He gently tugs on Kunikuzushi’s hand, inviting him to move forward so they can sit somewhere and wait for the sunrise. The area is filled with tall trees and bushes bearing small fruit buds; scattered across the grass are flowers whose petals have not yet opened. Near one of the trees, the largest one, there is a thick fallen log that serves as a seat overlooking the city of Inazuma. Part of the city is just beginning to wake up and start a new day. They both leave their stuff under the large tree’s branches and sit comfortably on the log.
“It’s really beautiful around here,” murmurs Kunikuzushi, somewhat lost in the scenery before his eyes.
“I like coming here often,” says Kazuha enthusiastically. “It’s never lost its charm since the first time I came here.”
The chilly breeze helps cool them down after the heat of walking along the trail, and although it feels good at first, it soon makes them feel a little cold. Luckily, Kunikuzushi has brought a couple of hot drinks with him, so he offers one to Kazuha to warm him up.
“Look, sunrise is coming.”
The first rays of sunlight are beginning to appear. Slowly, the darkness of the sky fades away along with the last stars remaining in the heavens, leaving the moon alone. As the seconds pass and the sun slowly rises, a few warm rays gently touch the faces of the two young boys, causing them to close their eyes for a moment against the brightness.
At that moment, something rests on Kazuha’s hand, taking him by surprise. As he glances away briefly, he is surprised to see Kunikuzushi shyly reaching for his hand. Nerves wash over him, and a flood of thoughts rush through his mind. The touch is gentle, intimate, yet warm. It takes him a second to process the moment, to feel that timid search for another’s hand as they watch the sunrise. Kazuha takes courage and, with the same shyness and intimacy as the one seeking contact, finally takes Kunikuzushi’s hand and gives it a gentle squeeze to offer some comfort in the hold.
The brief moment comes to an end when the two boys look away from the sky and at each other. Both of their faces are flushed, one more so than the other. They look nervous, yet their hands remain connected, their hold growing tighter. Kazuha opens his mouth to say something, but his nerves stop him from uttering a single word, so he quickly presses his lips together. He, too, is captivated by his boyfriend’s beauty: the rays of light striking his face accentuate his delicate facial features, also highlighting his beautiful indigo eyes against the light.
“I didn’t think you’d take this long,” Kunikuzushi finally says, sounding slightly annoyed and furrowing his brow a little.
“I didn’t know how to take the plunge,” Kazuha confesses, a bit self-conscious. “You’re not the type of person who likes physical contact.”
“Even so, I tried to prepare myself just in case. I don’t like physical contact from other people—not even from my family,” Kunikuzushi pauses briefly, his blush deepening as he licks his lips, “but I want you to be the only exception.”
Kazuha can barely react. His lips part slightly as he tries to say something again, but Kunikuzushi closes the distance first, pressing his lips against Kazuha’s. Kazuha is stunned; he notices how his boyfriend’s lips tremble with nervousness. The kiss is brief and awkward. It’s clumsy, but filled with the typical emotion of a first kiss that’s both unexpected and longed for at the same time. When it ends, Kazuha meets a look on Kunikuzushi’s face that speaks to him and surprises him even more. In that gaze from those beautiful indigo eyes, he finds an expression of genuine affection, which tells him and reaffirms that he is just as in love with Kazuha as Kazuha is with him. He is already used to seeing his cold, suspicious glances, to feeling an impenetrable wall in those eyes blocking off Kunikuzushi’s fragile inner world. However, this is the first time he has allowed a glimpse through that wall, letting something out that he has always wanted to keep to himself.
A mixture of emotions overwhelms Kazuha, who is no longer in control of his actions; he ventures to pull Kunikuzushi into his arms and kisses him again. This time, Kazuha lets his feelings take over and allows himself to explore those lips he has longed for so long; he does so slowly, gently, and tenderly. His face is flushed, and at the same time, he feels the warmth radiating from Kunikuzushi’s face. He prolongs the kiss until they’re both completely out of breath. When they pull apart, Kazuha finds his boyfriend looking surprised and flustered.
“Sorry if that was too much,” Kazuha murmurs, somewhat embarrassed. He doesn’t realize he’s still holding him in his arms.
Kunikuzushi lets out a snort.
“Don’t be an idiot,” he replies, somewhat annoyed. “If that were the case, I would have stopped you.”
He’s taken aback for a moment, not knowing exactly how to respond. Suddenly, Kazuha lets out a soft chuckle, followed by a few more. He hugs his boyfriend again, closing the small distance between them and completely ignoring his protests and attempts to push him away. Joy and happiness completely overwhelm him, leaving him unable to control his actions; his heart pounds with a joy he can’t describe in words, and a sense of relief also grows as the whole misunderstanding has finally vanished. Once he’s calmed down, Kazuha suggests to his companion that they grab a bite to satisfy their current hunger. They both enjoy the scenery and watching the city gradually come to life; the birds’ chirping grows louder as they discover a bird flock circling nearby. In the distance, the faint honking of the first vehicles beginning to drive through the streets can also be heard.
They both enjoy a simple breakfast. Kazuha showers Kunikuzushi with compliments and praise for his skills and, above all, for the delicious food he’s brought to share. They speak openly about the issue of physical contact, coming to the conclusion that it was just a misunderstanding and a lack of communication on both sides. Although the conversation was a bit embarrassing, they both end up laughing about the situation.
“On a more serious point, though,” says Kazuha, taking his boyfriend's hand with greater confidence and assurance, “I know it’s hard for you to confide in me about more private matters concerning you and your life, but don’t doubt that I’m here to listen to you no matter what happens.”
“The same goes for you. Don’t think I don’t notice when you keep things to yourself.”
Kazuha laughs nervously, feeling that they’ve struck a sensitive nerve.
“Yeah, you’re right.”
They fall silent again. Kazuha likes these kinds of silences because they’re comfortable and intimate—moments to enjoy Kunikuzushi’s company and the pleasant warmth he feels from holding his hand. The soft rays of spring sunlight warm her face and body, dispelling the chilly early-morning breeze. He takes a deep breath to fill his lungs with the fresh mountain air. Suddenly, a vibration breaks the delicate balance of serenity and silence in the air.
“Damn it, I forgot to turn off the morning alarm,” Kunikuzushi says, searching through his things. Kazuha can’t help but chuckle softly at the little slip-up.
“Don’t worry—anyway, I think it’s time to head back.”
“Really?” A hint of disappointment is evident in his voice, followed by a sigh. “It wouldn’t be so bad to stay a little longer.”
“Don’t you want to get back before your mom realizes you’re not in your room?”
“...Forget what I said. We have to go back.”
Kazuha gets up from his seat and starts packing up his things. As they pack and make sure none of their belongings are left behind, they also take care not to leave any trash or debris behind—they’ll throw it away in the first trash can they find along the way. Once they’re done, Kunikuzushi stands still for a few more seconds to take in the view of the city he loved so much. Kazuha waits for him a short distance away.
“I’m glad you enjoyed coming here,” he says enthusiastically.
“We should come around here more often,” says Kunikuzushi, turning around and walking toward the trail.
“I can show you other beautiful spots this mountain has to offer another time, when we have more time.”
“I’ll be waiting, then.”
At that moment, Kunikuzushi offered his hand to Kazuha so they could walk down the path together. Surprised, he stared intently at the outstretched hand: Kazuha had often thought he was looking at delicate porcelain because of the pallor and softness he could see at first view in Kunikuzushi’s hands. But that was just a notion born of a fanciful metaphor—a way of putting into words the overwhelming urge he felt every time he wanted to touch those hands that looked so beautiful, well-cared-for, and delicate.
Kazuha pushes his thoughts aside and takes his boyfriend’s hand, slowly intertwining their fingers; without giving it much thought, he pulls it closer and plants a chaste kiss on it. The gesture seems to make Kunikuzushi shiver, and a slight grimace crosses his face as a flush of heat spreads across his pale cheeks.
“You’re weird,” says Kunikuzushi.
“I’m weird because of you,” Kazuha assures him, in her polite voice, letting out a short chuckle.