Work Text:
It was their first month together. After finally gathering the courage, Taira confessed to Azuma, and she - by some sort of divine luck - confessed back. And now they were officially dating.
Taira didn't know what to do to celebrate that. He had spent almost the entire month thinking about what to gift her. Or where they should go. Or what he should wear. Or whatever tiny detail that would hunt his mind.
That's why he made a terrible mistake: called Suzuki and Tani to announce that Tairazuma had finally happened. At first, they would not believe him. But then Suzuki started screaming how she always knew it. So when Taira asked for what to buy or do for Azuma, the couple was happy to help him.
The day arrived in the blink of an eye
Taira dressed like an average university student - jeans, sneakers, and, because Azuma had once said she liked it, a dark gray turtleneck. It was the middle of fall, so he also grabbed a jacket on his way out. He arrived early at the usual station, the same one they both used to get home together after school. The sweet thought made him laugh a little. And then he heard a voice.
- Yo, what are you laughing about? Azuma asked.
- Just remembering something good. Let's go?
They started walking down the street, holding hands. Azuma was wearing a grey long skirt, with a dark blue turtle neck. Her blonde hair, which she had cut into a bob after school graduation, was smooth and shining. She seemed really happy. And she actually was.
The calm walk was interrupted by Azuma.
- You're really not going to tell me what that laugh was?
- Hmmm, maybe. Only if you tell me why you're so happy today.
- I don't know. Maybe because it's a special day. Or maybe because we're funnily matching. You decide.
- Hey, it's a big coincidence. I can change my clothes if you wanna. My house is not that far...
Azuma started laughing.
- You silly, do you really hate looking like a matching couple that much? I wonder what Suzuki would think of us matching if she saw us.
- No, not at all. I just didn't wanna make you uncomfortable. And speaking of Suzuki, she was actually the one who recommended me this bakery we're going to. I think she went there with Tani.
- Really? Did you mention me or...?
- I had to. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. I had to call her and Tani to help me. So I kinda told them about us...
- And...?
Azuma was serious. Taira started to freak out. What if she had wanted to tell them first? Or worse, what if she didn't want to tell them at all?
- Hey, Taira. It's okay. I'm glad you told them. It's a relief not have to tell Suzuki first. I can only imagine the screams. - Azuma laughs. Taira took a long breath and laughed too.
- Yeah, she was really that happy. I kind of knew deep down she always rooted for us.
- And Tani? What did he say?
- He congratulated us. And said that he wanna visit us on winter break.
- Ohhh, that would be so nice! I really miss these two cuckoos. And I'm happy they're happy for us.
Taira and Azuma arrived at the bakery and they both ordered their famous strawberry cake. They talked and laughed about little and big things, such as their terrible classes in college, Yamada's new brown hair, their precious memories from school, and much more.
Everything seemed perfect. Until they heard a voice.
- Azuma?
A young man, apparently around their age, spoke while touching Azuma's shoulder, causing her to shrink away from his touch.
- Hey, what are you doing? - Taira got up and gently pushed the young man's shoulder.
- Hey, hey. Sorry. I was just saying hi to someone who used to be my girlfriend. You don't have to be all jealous and stuff.
- Taira, that's okay. It's my fault that I dated someone like him in the first place. Sasaki, you already said hi, so it's time to leave. Everyone's looking at us. - Azuma said, still afraid.
- Okay. But only because you said so. And you, have fun for a while before she gets boring.
Taira moved towards the man, but Azuma grabbed his arm. He was furious. But after Azuma asked for them to sit down and drink some water, they calmed down, and eventually went to a nearby park.
- I'm so sorry you had to see that. Especially on our special day. I'm sorry I ruined everything. - Azuma was the first to speak.
- No, Azuma. I'm the one who's sorry. You didn't deserve that. Any of that. I'm so sorry.
A few tears began to stream down Azuma's face. Taira hugged her immediately.
- Thank you for protecting me. He was one of the toxic exes I mentioned. I really thought I would never see him again.
- It's okay. He's now gone. Let's enjoy our date together and focus on us.
After a few minutes hugging, Taira was the one to break the silence.
- Do you want to know what I was laughing about back at the station?
- Yes, please.
- I was thinking of you. I was thinking about how many times I wanted to confess my feelings after school. How much it hurt to say goodbye and go home. I wanted more time with you. More of you. Every morning, I would find myself searching for you at the station. Every time I bumped into you, my day was instantly happier. And I would never get bored of you.
- Not even a little? - she asked, laughing.
- No. Ever. Because you are the coolest person I've ever met. The sweetest and kindest soul I've ever known. The person who lights up my day with the tiniest things. The one who has always been there for me, and I promise I'll always be there for you, too. I love you, Shino.
- I love you too.
And then, Azuma leaned in to kiss him for the first time. Slowly at first, feeling the soft touch of his lips against hers. Taira kissed back, holding the back of her head with one hand. Then, he placed his other hand on her waist, making her gasp and deepening the kiss.
After a few minutes of catching their breath, they finally pulled apart and started laughing at the same time.
- Well, I think you have another thing to tell me. How do you know how to kiss so well? - Azuma asked.
Taira turned red and looked away before responding.
- I don't know...
- Hmmmm, so I guess I'm just lucky.
Taira then reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small box. Azuma immediately looked at it and asked:
- Wow, what is this?
- It's your present. Happy first month together.
Azuma opened the box and saw a silver earring. It was a modern hoop design, exactly the way she liked it.
- I was afraid to buy it since you're so fashionable, but Suzuki reassured me you'd like it. And I think it matches your ear piercing.
- That's so me. How do you know me so well?
- Sorry, I'm just used to watching you. It's nothing creepy, I swear.
Azuma laughed.
- I know, I know. Thank you. I love this. I love you. Happy one month.
Azuma slipped the earring into her ear and leaned against his shoulder. And, for the first time that month, Taira stopped worrying about whether everything had to go perfectly on the date. It didn't have to. He was with her. And that was more than enough.