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The summer sun is beaming down, brightening up the streets of Tokyo as soft clouds laze in the sky. It would have been a peaceful start to the weekend, filled with relaxation and serenity... if Tachibana Makoto had not been thrown out of bed in a frenzy when he glanced at the clock and noticed the time. He was running late, hastily throwing his coffee-stained apron into his bag and lacing up his shoes in a rush as he bolted out the door.It’s the beginning of his semester break, so who can blame Makoto when he falls victim to the clutches of sleep. He worked hard this semester; he had been spending endless nights in the library, studying text after text until his vision became blurry behind his glasses and the words seemed to melt together. He had endless quiz sessions with Sousuke and Rin, which always resulted in the soulmates wanting to compete for anything and everything to see who would get the most right.Makoto knew that sports education was going to be tough, but university can really isolate you from all you hold dear. Glad to have this second year out of the way, Makoto was looking forward to getting his mind off school and focusing on doing what he loves in his spare time. When he’s not busy working at the local swim club, where he is introducing kids to the joys of swimming and coaching them to be their best, he’s working as a barista at a hole in the wall cafe slash bakery, where he exchanges small talk and delicious delicacies to whoever decides to stop by.Makoto is on his way to the cafe right now, constantly checking his phone as he sprints down the sidewalk. He notices multiple texts from Sousuke, asking what time will he get there and if he was even awake; he didn’t even have time to respond. He’s lucky that the cafe is not that far from his apartment, but he doesn’t want to let Natsuya down. He is too busy glancing at his phone’s screen that he doesn’t notice the pair right in front of him before he accidentally barrels into them. It’s like a game of red rover, as Makoto accidentally breaks the link between the two’s hands and he stumbles to keep himself steady.“Oh my god, I am so so sorry!” Makoto splutters as he rights himself and acknowledges the couple in front of him. To his delight, he instantly recognizes two very familiar faces. “Oh, Asahi, Kisumi. It’s just you guys.”“What do you mean, ‘It’s just you guys’?” Asahi teases, threading his right hand back with Kisumi’s left one once again. Makoto notices the faint silver glow that emanates from their clasped hands. The glow was subdued, barely noticeable if you weren’t looking. As if it was a secret between the two soulmates that shared it. “You should be grateful to have run into such understanding and amazing people. If we weren’t friends, I would have gotten ready to throw hands and defend my boyfriend’s honor after being so unceremoniously attacked.”Always used to Asahi’s antics, Makoto shakes his head fondly. “You’re right. I should forever be in your debt, oh merciful one.” He laments sarcastically, as he shares a knowing look with Kisumi.Kisumi giggles into his free hand as Asahi looks at his soulmate in disbelief, his eyes wide and mouth agape. “What, peach? You don’t think I can take him?”Kisumi places a reassuring hand on Asahi’s cheek as he holds his face gently. “No, of course you can, sweetie.” He’s places a quick peck on Asahi’s nose before continuing. “Besides, Makoto is too much of a gentle giant to even fight back anyways. Guaranteed victory.”“Why you little...” Asahi is now trapping Kisumi in a back hug, their hands still intertwined as best they can as they playfully wrestle each other. Asahi is smothering Kisumi with reprimanding kisses while Kisumi laughs until his eyes transform into small crescents upon his face.This causes Makoto to giggle as well, his eyes falling to their wrists and recalling the time when Asahi told him about Kisumi in the first place.Asahi had come barging into the cafe, door rattling as it makes contact with the wall. “I’VE FOUND HIM! Somebody catch me – oh wait, too late. I have already fallen.” Asahi all but zoomed to the counter Makoto was standing behind where he was cleaning the blender he had just finished using.“What are you talking about?” Ikuya had droned from his perch on the bar stool in front of the counter and stared at Asahi blankly. Makoto, Ikuya and Asahi had all met in Sano Middle School when they were in the same class and have been friends ever since. Along with Sousuke and Rin in the mix, their group continued to grow. Ikuya had been putting up with Asahi since they were babies though, since the Kirishimas and Shiinas had always been close. Ikuya may seem apathetic on the outside, but both Makoto and Asahi knew that his emotions ran deep. “Shut up and let me enjoy my moment, Ikuya!” Asahi retorted, gently punching Ikuya on his upper arm. “I found him. My soulmate. He’s so gorgeous, his hair is a wonderful shade of peachy pink and his laugh just warms up my entire soul. He was on his way to basketball practice. It’s official, basketball is going to become my favorite sport. I have to join the team...” There was a lovestruck look in his eyes – eyes that were still different colors. Asahi’s left iris was still a deep purple, akin to the color of geraniums in the rain. On the other side, his right iris was a lighter shade of purple, similar to the color of newly bloomed violets in the spring.“Then why haven’t your eyes changed?” Makoto questioned, as he leaned forward on the counter after setting the cleaning rag aside. “How did you know?”Ikuya had glanced Makoto’s way, showcasing his left iris which was a reddish-brown, resembling the color of a polished violin and his right was a lighter brown, mirroring the color of olives. Makoto always wondered how difficult it must be for soulmates whose eyes were similar in hue. Although there was a slight variation, the contrast can still be seen; two different pieces on one being.“Our Phrases matched and turned silver for a bit, that’s why! It faded back to black, but it was the most magical shit I’ve ever seen! My Phrase felt all warm and tingly and I have goosebumps just thinking about it.” Asahi proclaimed as he lifted his right hand. Stamped upon his wrist was the Phrase Eternally. Makoto always thought that Asahi kind of had it hard with the cards he had been dealt in this soulmate game. Ikuya’s Phrase was more elaborate, decorating his left wrist instead: You’re my saviour. It seemed like it was already complete, but of course there was always something more. Phrases were like that sometimes. Some were short, vague – confusing; others were long but were still part of something grander overall. Phrases hardly ever made sense until they found their second half.Their world was a complex one; one where you have to go searching for the one that makes you stronger, better, than you ever were on your own. The one that understands you like no one else can. The one that can bring you comfort in the toughest times. Your other half – your soulmate. Ever since the beginning of time, soulmates had been separated from one another with the endgame of reuniting. Each partner will carry half of their Phrase upon their wrist and will switch out their right iris color for their soulmate’s. With this, soulmates were bound to aimlessly wander, hoping to find their missing piece whenever fate will allow them.“I felt it, Makoto. That’s how I knew.” Asahi continued, as he clutched his chest. “As soon as I saw him on campus, we locked eyes and I just felt something pull in my chest. It was like gravity was guiding me towards him and I didn’t want it to stop. Kisumi – that’s his name by the way – lifted his left hand and I saw that his Phrase said yours. And when we looked at each other, our eyes met and it was like looking in a mirror. It was so crazy. I only just met him, but I know I’m already a goner.”Eternally yours. Makoto had pondered this Phrase. It was short and sweet, but held everything in its meaning. Makoto didn’t have a doubt that Asahi would be fully devoted to his new found love. It seemed that this Kisumi had passed all the tests. He had the eyes, the Phrase and the unconditional pull that drew Asahi to him. Smiling gently, he gives Asahi an encouraging pat on the head. “I’m happy for you, Asahi. You deserve it.”Asahi had preened and glanced at his wrist adoringly. “Thanks, Mako. I’ll wait ‘til he’s ready for the Affirmation. For now, I just want to be with him.”Everyone knows of the Affirmation. It can happen when they first meet or further into the soulmates’ relationship together. The Affirmation is the spiritual bonding that only true soulmates go through when they want to be fully devoted to each other. For an Affirmation to take place, the two partners will face each other and interlock their Phrase-marked hands and look into each other’s eyes. With three simple words, I found you, their irises will switch back to their original place. Then their Phrases will gloss over in permanent silver, like it initially had when the soulmates first met, as opposed to the ink black that Phrases usually are when someone is not Affirmed. Whenever Affirmed soulmates are near each other, that silver glow will always brighten, pulsing gently in sync with their hearts.They’ve been together since freshman year. Asahi was no longer as moonstruck as he was back then, but he still looks at Kisumi with all the admiration in the world. Making his way around the dueling couple in front of him, Makoto shouts to be heard over the noise. “I’m running late now guys, but I’ll see you later?”Asahi stills as he looks back at Makoto, Kisumi still being held in his (loving) headlock. Both sets of eyes, now in their original place after their Affirmation, stare at him widely. “Yeah, for sure. It’s not that busy. Everyone was there when we left anyways.”“Okay, thanks guys. Try not to injure Kisumi!” Makoto calls over his shoulder as he continues his trek towards Marron’s front doors.“He would never! He loves me too much!”“You’re lucky that I do.” “I’m sorry I’m late!” Makoto cries out as he runs to the counter and swiftly slides in through the little counter door. He is now in the cafe’s back room, setting his bag down and tying on his apron as Sousuke comes in and leans against the door frame, crossing his arms.“You know, when I texted you and didn’t get a response, I assumed that you would be coming in like an hour late, maybe two... not five minutes.” A tiny smirk graces Sousuke’s features.Makoto looks up from where he’s taking in deep breaths from his impromptu jog. “Late is late.” He defends sheepishly.“Mako, you didn’t have to sweat over something like this. Natsuya loves you.” Sousuke starts towards Makoto, ruffling a teasing hand through Makoto’s hair. “You really are too pure sometimes.”Makoto bats his hand away, trying to fix his flyaway strands. He playfully shoves Sousuke as he makes his way past him. “I know, Sou, I know.”They both make their way to the front now, eyeing the occupants of the cafe at the moment. In Makoto’s rush to get into uniform, he didn’t notice that the cafe was still remotely empty, except for its usual customers. Since Marron was owned by Ikuya’s older brother, Natsuya, and Asahi’s older sister, Akane, this place has become a regular hangout spot for Makoto and his group. It has a warm feeling to it, the area surrounded in muted browns, with tables lining up the perimeter and center space. It has a multitude of windows taking up the walls, letting in natural light. There’s a faint smell of fresh bread and sweet sugar in the air, the display case near the counter filled with all kinds of treats, from croissants to cupcakes and everything in between. It’s a sanctuary away from the bustle of city life. He takes a look around at his friends, all sitting together at their usual window table, deep in conversation. There are two pairings at the table right now, both sets of Affirmed soulmates sitting beside each other.Makoto gets an enthusiastic wave and Mako-chan! from Nagisa, in which he returns, before Nagisa goes back to speaking with Rei. While his Sano group of friends all continued on to different high schools, Makoto had moved to Iwatobi for his high school life. That’s where he met Nagisa and Rei. Makoto had noticed the two when he was at Iwatobi Swim Club Returns the summer before his second year when he wanted to check out his new local pool.He found it amusing when he saw them off to the corner of the pool by themselves. This small sunshine-haired boy holding hands with a midnight blue-haired boy much taller than him as he tried to move his long limbs in an attempt to swim. Makoto recognized the perfect form of backstroke (his own specialty) and the practiced form of breaststroke, but all ended up pulling the boy underwater. When the taller boy screamed out in frustration after his third time sinking to the bottom of the pool from struggling with freestyle, Makoto had made his way over.“Maybe you don’t have to think about it too much,” Makoto had offered, sitting cross-legged poolside as the pair stared at him from the water. “Swimming is more about feeling, anyways. How about one more go?” He smiled gently. “Have you tried the butterfly stroke? I am friends with some of the best butterfly swimmers in the world if you wanted to give it a shot.”Miraculously, the taller boy’s flailing limbs turned into graceful sweeps of his arms as he cut through the water. For a beginner, Makoto was thoroughly impressed. When he made it back to Makoto and the other boy, the smaller boy had jumped up and wrapped his tiny form around the other, planting proud kisses all over his face. “Rei-chan you did it! You were so beautiful!” Every word was punctuated by another small peck. Rei was supporting his boyfriend’s (Makoto could easily tell by then) weight underneath his legs as the small boy outstretched one hand to Makoto. “Welcome to Iwatobi’s Swim Club. I’m Hazuki Nagisa, but you can call me Nagisa.”Makoto had shook Nagisa’s hand and smiled warmly in return. “Tachibana Makoto.”When Nagisa was set down by Rei back into the water, he looked at Makoto curiously. “Have you ever been here before?”Makoto scratched his cheek as he shook his head. “No, I actually just moved to Iwatobi.”Nagisa studied him even harder, looking lost in thought. “Huh, I thought maybe I recognized you from somewhere. You remind me of someone.” He tilted his head in confusion. “Someone I remember meeting in this very club a long time ago. Your eyes look familiar...”Rei looked horrified at Nagisa’s forwardness with someone that they just met, but Makoto didn’t mind. And that’s how Nagisa and Rei had come into his life. The swim club became their regular place to swim together since their school didn’t have enough members to make an official team. Makoto was surprised to see that the couple had silver Phrases already adorning their wrists. It turned out that they had done the Affirmation prior to their first year of high school, having met while literally running into each other. Makoto remembers the story well. Nagisa had told him that he was sitting on a bench while munching on his favorite Iwatobi Cream Bread, when he suddenly stood up and was knocked down to his knees by some unknown force.When Nagisa had looked up to see the cause of his fall, he looked up and saw eyes that were similar to his own – one that was magenta as cranberry jam and one purple as a plum. Makoto couldn’t help but laugh at Nagisa’s constant thoughts of food. It was when the stranger reached out to Nagisa, that they both noticed the foreign shimmering glow coming from their wrists. Nagisa’s had looked down at the Phrase that was imprinted on his right wrist, but also into his mind: You’re always, and glanced to the stranger’s wrist with the Phrase beautiful to me. You’re always beautiful to me.It was as he was pulled to his feet and the stranger with the adorable red glasses murmured “So beautiful”, that Nagisa knew this was it, if the fluttering in his stomach and warmth in his chest had something to say about it. It became the Phrase that Rei would say to Nagisa whenever he had doubts about anything – his academic abilities, his eating habits, all the things that Nagisa felt insecure about. And Nagisa always told Rei the same as if it was the simplest thing in the world. It was their Phrase and it never ceased to bring a smile to both their faces.Sitting across from them was Ikuya and Hiyori. Ikuya gives a curt nod to Makoto, acknowledging his presence, before he leans into Hiyori who tucks a strand of hair away before whispering something into his ear. When Asahi had met Kisumi, it wasn’t long before Ikuya met Hiyori. While Asahi and Kisumi currently study at Hidaka University, the rest of the group studies at Shimogami University. Ikuya, Rin and Sousuke are all on the professional swimming track and Shimogami’s renowned athletic program offered it to them.Ikuya had been known to push himself too far when it comes to his swimming career and almost drowned during one of their very first swim practices. Ikuya remembered how it felt to have his lungs feel like they were about to give out, fighting to not let the water in. It wasn’t until Hiyori dived in and rescued Ikuya that he had awoken to the sight of very concerned – and familiar- eyes staring down at him. You’re my saviour. Ikuya had interlinked his hand with Hiyori’s by then, glancing down at the other boy’s Phrase: You’re my prince. You’re my prince. You’re my saviour. Later that day that Hiyori admitted to noticing Ikuya at Marron through the window and feeling the pull when he was walking by. He thought he had missed his chance, but was elated to see that the gorgeous boy from the cafe was on the swimming team with him and knew that he had to meet him. Although the circumstances weren’t the best, it brought them together in the end.“Why would I be your prince?” Ikuya had wondered when they were with with their group of friends, him sitting on his boyfriend’s lap, Hiyori now fully integrated into their daily lives.Hiyori squinted his eyes bashfully, and raked a hand through his hair. “Have I mentioned that I love The Little Mermaid?”Ikuya had nuzzled close to Hiyori then, resting their foreheads together. “I wouldn’t let you turn into sea foam, though.”Hiyori turned his head and placed a sweet kiss on Ikuya’s cheek. “I would hope not.”Makoto is brought out of his reverie when a warm hand clasps his shoulder. “Five whole minutes, huh? Very tardy, Mr. Tachibana.”“I promise to come in fifteen minutes earlier tomorrow!” Makoto protests, turning to find Natsuya’s warm eyes, the identical shade to Ikuya’s, looking at him with a small smile on his face.Natsuya shakes his head.“Makoto, how many times do I have to tell you that you don’t have to panic over something as small as this?” He squeezes Makoto’s shoulder gently. “You worked hard, kid. You need the sleep. You can afford to stay in bed a little while longer.”“You would know everything about being in love with sleep, wouldn’t you?” A voice chimes in. Makoto turns his head and notices that Nao is currently seated at one of the stools, tapping away at his laptop.Natsuya saunters over to Nao, crosses his arms and leans over the counter to get in his boyfriend’s view. “I am way more in love with you, darling.” Natsuya leans even further, puckering his lips for a kiss, only for Nao’s right hand to stop him midway. The moon, gleaming in silver, is staring back at him.“Sure you are, you idiot.” There’s no malice in his voice – there never is. There’s only the wicked glint to his piercing peridot colored eyes. Natsuya is relentless though, pressing his lips to Nao’s palm anyways. He then takes Nao’s outstretched hand into his, like the gentleman he is, and leaves a kiss on the knuckles, too. to my sun is what is inked upon his left wrist, perfectly complementing his soulmate’s. The moon to my sun.As opposed to his brother, Makoto can only imagine how drastically different Natsuya looked having a bright green iris in place of the mahogany one he has now. Makoto met Natsuya and Nao along with Ikuya in middle school, when they were the captain and manager duo of the swim team they joined. Ikuya had told him that Natsuya and Nao had long before Affirmed their soulbond and were too mushy for him to handle. Makoto can’t think of two other opposites that go so well together. Nao, with his calm aura to coincide with Natsuya’s unpredictable energy. They are the unofficial parents of this family they built here in Tokyo and no one can tell them otherwise. No one messes with their kids – not a single soul will leave unscathed.“Wow, he really is a smooth talker, isn’t he?” Sousuke concedes, stepping up beside Makoto. They really must be a sight. Three tall, broad shouldered guys standing behind the counter all while waiting to make the daintiest of drinks. Whereas Makoto was still the gentle giant that Kisumi claimed him to be, with his droopy eyes and everlasting smile, Sousuke was on the other end of the spectrum. There are times when people would wonder if his intimidating frown and intense gaze were permanently etched on his face. But deep down, it seems that Makoto and Sousuke were cut from the same cloth. They have got the most selfless, crystal hearts and would do anything for those that they loved. Always the valiant heroes. Maybe that’s why they got along so well from the start. Despite the hard lines of his face, Sousuke has this soft look in his eyes as he looks at Natsuya and Nao. No doubt that he’s thinking about his own soulmate at the moment, Makoto thinks. There’s only one person who can match Sousuke’s ambition in life, if not more.“Hey babe! Guess who just beat their personal best in the pool today?” Speak of the sharp-toothed devil. The front door swings open and in strides Rin, alerting everyone to his entrance. His voice is overflowing with confidence, but then again, when is it not?Sousuke immediately perks up at the sight of his other half, as he always does whenever they are together. His gaze never leaves Rin as he makes his way over and hops up onto one of the empty stools opposite Sousuke. “I’m pretty sure that was me yesterday and will probably be me again tomorrow.”“Shut up and pay up, you ass.” Rin’s raises his hands and winds his arms around Sousuke’s neck, pulling him closer. “You thought that I wasn’t gonna be able to do it today and I proved you wrong!”“Hmm... It’s a shame though, that I wasn’t there to witness such a feat.” Sousuke’s left hand is now cradling Rin’s cheek, their noses brushing. for you to come back.“I thought I told you to shut u– .” The last words are cut off as Sousuke’s lips meets Rin’s, thoroughly doing the job. Rin threads his hands into Sousuke’s hair, doing his best to eliminate the space between them despite the counter in the way. “Hey, keep it safe for work over there! You are at work Sousuke!” Natsuya shouts. “There are kids around!” “Tsukushi isn’t even here, Aniki!”“Wasn’t talking about Tsukushi!”Makoto could indirectly feel the light thwap that Nao assumedly landed on the back of Natsuya’s head, if the loud Hey! was any indication. Always the peacekeeper between the two.Whereas Ikuya had to deal with Natsuya and Nao, Makoto had to endure Sousuke and Rin. Sousuke was the first person Makoto ever saw when he went to Sano Elementary School. It was so shocking for Makoto to see mismatched eyes on someone that wasn’t his family. His left iris was a frigid turquoise, while his right was a scorching garnet. Sousuke was the first one to approach Makoto when he noticed him playing by himself in the sandbox. For that small act of kindness, Makoto was forever grateful. It wasn’t until they crossed paths with a certain maroon-haired boy that Sousuke stopped dead in his tracks.They both just stood there, completely stunned. The pull was evident, drawing the two boys slowly towards each other, until they could truly look each other in the eyes. Fire meeting ice. Rin was the first to move though, as he extended his right hand, fist clenched, knuckles on display as the silver glow gently pulsed: I’ll be waiting. “Guess we’re soulmates, huh?”Makoto will always remember the way Sousuke’s mouth turned up at the corners slightly as he extended his Phrase-marked hand as well, gently tapping the boy’s knuckles. “I guess we are.”Granted at that age, there was no such thing as romance when it came to two young boys just starting out in school. But that didn’t mean that they were immune to the effects of their soulbond. As they grew older, their relationship grew with them. The Sano Swim Club became a second home to the three of them growing up, which always brought them such joy. Their competition as butterfly swimmers was always essential to whom they were, but they also had the underlying competition of who can love each other the most. It was ridiculous, but they would always try to one up each other.Gone were the days when their friendly bets ended with victory cries and instead end in victory kisses. There were times when Sousuke would spend the whole day with Rin, just lounging together in Rin’s room because he was too sick to leave the house. Sousuke has always been Rin’s shoulder to cry on, which is a big job considering the amount of crying Rin tends to do. Sousuke admitted that it was one of his favorite things about Rin. It was his passion, the way that he felt so much that made Sousuke fall even more in love with him.On the other side, Makoto knows how much of an effect Sousuke has on Rin. Rin would never admit it to anyone else out loud, but he will never tire of the way Sousuke is the only one that can make him feel like he’s the strongest person in the world, even when he’s at his weakest. Makoto can see that Rin loves that he can bring out the playful side of Sousuke, whether it be with his cheesy attempts at being a jokester (Sousuke actually does wear his pink rocket koala shirt souvenir from Australia that Rin gifted him), or when he convinces him to take the silliest couple pictures with him.Makoto had laughed when he caught sight of Sousuke’s lock screen as it showed a picture of Rin squishing Sousuke’s face as he scrunches his nose while Rin is pressing a sweet kiss to his cheek. They both looked so happy; Makoto could feel the affection even through the screen. Sousuke had claimed that Rin would kill him if he didn’t set his wallpaper as so, but Makoto secretly knows Sousuke is lying and is just as big a sap as Rin. When Sousuke and Rin ventured off to Samezuka Academy and Makoto to Iwatobi, it was when their Phrase truly rang true.Sousuke started to feel a slight pain in his right shoulder when he was halfway through their first year. He had been fine in elementary and middle school when he was practicing; always making sure that he would have his dream of swimming and being together with Rin in sight. But at Samezuka, every time he was in the water, the pain became more noticeable when he would reach the end of the lane and clutch his shoulder in slight anguish. It caused Rin to swim over in concern, as he helped his boyfriend to the locker room with his right arm slung over his shoulders. He had never seen Sousuke like this and it was like his own shoulder was in pain. How could he not feel that way, when they were connected in every aspect of their lives?When Rin advised Sousuke to get checked, he came back with the news that he should put swimming on hold for a bit and regain his strength before it got any worse. The thought of Sousuke losing some time in the water was unbearable at the time. They were both aiming for the global stage and wanted to be with each other every step of the way.“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Rin had sobbed into Sousuke’s chest when they were in the privacy of their dorm, clutching onto his team jacket as he hid his tears, his hair creating a curtain around his face. “Why?”Rin felt his face being tilted up when warm, strong hands cupped his cheeks. When he looked up, Sousuke was oddly calm, despite the anger Rin felt boiling under his skin. His voice was gentle as he rubbed soothing circles upon Rin’s cheekbones. “Because I knew you would cry.”It was when they were lying together on Rin’s bottom bunk, with Rin lying half on top of Sousuke, their Phrase-marked hands linked that he turned his head and placed a reassuring kiss on the underside of Sousuke’s jaw. “I know it will be hard to stay away, baby, but I don’t want to see you get hurt.”Sousuke shifted so that he can gaze into Rin’s eyes. Even though they knew that they were each other’s one and only, they haven’t completed the Affirmation yet. Their red and teal gazes locked, Rin’s shiny with new unshed tears. Sousuke would never get over the fact that Rin had a literal part of him and wanted to keep it that way for a little while longer. Sousuke’s hand moved from where it was carded in Rin’s hair to hold his face instead. “I know, but I can’t help that you’re gonna be so far out of my reach by the time this break is over.”Rin will always be the only one Sousuke’s shows his vulnerable side to and Rin never fails to be there for him every time. Rin had sat up then, swinging his leg over so that he was straddling Sousuke’s waist. He had framed Sousuke’s face with both hands, looking intently into his eyes. “I’ll never be out of your reach. You have me – all of me. It doesn’t matter how long it takes. I’ll be waiting.”He then took Sousuke’s left hand into his right one. “I didn’t know what this particular Phrase would exactly mean to us when we met the first time, but I understand it now.” He brings Sousuke’s hand to his face as he presses a kiss to the center of his palm, and then holds it to his cheek. The tears were fully flowing again, because they always did when it concerned the love he has for the boy underneath him. “I’ll be waiting for you to come back. I always will.”Sousuke felt like he was floating as his heart soared in his chest. He followed Rin’s lead as he sat up too, bringing their foreheads together. “I would wait forever and a day for you.” He’s grabbed Rin’s other hand and held it between their chests, between their hearts. “If you left and stayed somewhere across the world for years and never came back, I would still be waiting for you.” He leaned forward to close the distance between them. “I love you so, so much." I'll be waiting for you to come back.So Sousuke took the time off swimming during his second year. He still went to every practice though, every competition. He wanted to continue to study everyone’s technique and gave pointers to his teammates along the way. But most of all, he wanted to support Rin in any way that he could. Needless to say that Sousuke did not give one flying fuck when he screamed the loudest for Rin during his swim heat and was the first out of his seat when Rin touched the wall. Rin would always climb out of the pool and seek out Sousuke the moment he was on solid ground, kissing his right fist and extending it in his soulmate’s direction. A year seemed like ages, but all was made up for with the regular rehabilitation exercises he’s been doing and the daily shoulder massages from Rin. Sousuke was becoming stronger, better – he could feel it at his core. Rin had a lot to do with that. When their third year was approaching and Sousuke was given the green light to ease back into swimming again, the first thing Rin did was drag him into the school’s pool for a race. Sousuke still didn’t want to push himself too hard, but he gave into Rin’s whims because he had missed feeling the water on his skin, the rush of a competition. Every time he broke the surface, it was like a new pinpoint of light that was reigniting that fighting fire inside of him that he had continued to extinguish when ice was taking place instead. When he made it to the end, Rin was waiting for him, breath leaving him in short pants. Sousuke didn’t hesitate when he pulled Rin towards him and crashed their lips together after he whispered the words that they both needed to hear. “I’m back.”It was like the whole world caught fire then. And that fire continued to burn when everyone reunited and all came to Tokyo together. Sousuke and Rin were an unstoppable team and there was nothing in their way now. They did the Affirmation right before they left, ready to show off how powerful they were together.Makoto, who’s used to their displays of affection, leans forward on the counter and rests his head on his left palm as he gazes out the window, the sunlight gently hitting his face. He watches as the cars pass by and people continue to stroll, looking completely at ease. It really must be exciting. Waking up to a new day, never knowing if it is the day the one you’re meant to be with will come and sweep you off your feet. Soulmates are destined to find each other. It is written in the stars, Makoto believes. He is happy for his friends; he’s happy to see that they all have found their life partners and that he is lucky enough to be surrounded with such love.There’s a glint to his left as he catches a glimpse of his reflection in the mirror that is positioned by the window. He straightens up and his hands fall in front of him, subconsciously entwining with each other. The familiar feeling of heartache makes itself known when he stares at eyes that he thought he would be used to by now. It’s easier some days, but it never truly goes away. It’s only when it’s Makoto and himself that he lets the facade crack, even if it’s just a little. He can’t help the inevitable sigh that escapes his lips when he’s reminded of who he is. His gaze then falls to his hands, as he hangs his head slightly. What he is.Tachibana Makoto – a Partial.Instead of having his left iris be the complete color of his own and the right his soulmates’, Makoto’s eyes are a blend of colors bleeding into each other. Both of his eyes have a rippling effect, with an emerald green circling his dark pupil and then flowering out into an equal ring of sapphire blue. Instead of having words upon one of his wrists with blanks that need to be filled by someone else, Makoto’s wrists were just... blank. He absentmindedly runs his hand along his left wrist, staring at the pure expanse of his tan skin.Partials. They weren’t breaking news. Some people knew of them, some people don't. But they always did eventually. They were unique, a rarity – a once in a generation type of occurrence. Makoto has heard of them before, but he never expected to be one. Partials usually don’t show signs of the normal combination of soulmate-defining features. It has been seen in the past that only one Partial was born at a certain time. Because of this anomaly, the Partials from before had never found a partner. When they are the only one, they had no match – no missing piece. They just aimlessly wandered until their time had come. No one knows why a Partial is destined to be alone for the same reason that no one knows why soulmates exist – only the cosmic force of the universe knows. Rei had a theory that it was to maintain this sort of balance within the world, where everything comes with a price. But why were Makoto and all those before him the one paying it?It was a cruel thing the universe had thrown at him. It was harsh growing up and standing out, no matter how much he wanted to hide away. Makoto knew when his parents told him that he was different – that he was one of a kind – that they felt guilty for something that wasn’t in their control. He didn’t blame them; he would never blame them. Makoto was no stranger to the looks of sympathy that he received when someone met him for the first time. He would see their eyes widen in shock before they put a pleasant smile on their face and treated him just like anyone else. This type of thing... it was just something that wasn’t talked about. No one would ever understand the feeling of being a Partial, of being that type of alone, unless they were one themselves. Makoto already knew that his fate was laid out for him and he didn’t need someone and their ignorance to destroy the slow acceptance that he has created for himself. Makoto knows love, though. He was never denied that; he gets it constantly from his family even miles away from home. He gets it here in Tokyo, too, with his other family, who never treat him as a charity case, but as a person instead. Even though all his friends are Affirmed, Makoto would never prevent them from showing their affection in front of him just because that is something he won’t have. They deserve to show their love for one another whenever they want and whose Makoto to deny that. He’s grateful; he’s glad to at least have this. But being this – being a Partial doesn’t stop Makoto from wondering: why?Why was he chosen for this life?Why was he not worthy enough to be with someone else?Why was the universe against him?Having unpaired eyes and incomplete Phrases were the true keys to unlocking the enigma that is one’s soulmate. But for him, this condition keeps him in a cage. He can reach through the bars and grasp at what he can, but he can’t escape. Makoto was never alone, but he will always treat loneliness as his closest friend. He can’t change what he is and he is too tired to try and hide it. The day is something that will never happen for Makoto and he’s learned to be fine with that.At least, he tries his hardest to be.“Oh! By the way, Mako,” Makoto is quick to paint his smile back on as he looks over to Natsuya, who now has his arms wrapped around Nao’s shoulders from behind as he rests his chin on Nao’s lilac hair. Nao doesn’t seem to mind as he continues to focus on the work on his screen. Natsuya’s normal clinginess is nothing compared to his drunken clinginess, though. “I hired a new guy who’s gonna be starting today. He should be coming in soon.”“It will be nice for customers to see a new face, huh?” Rin says, his fingers now loosely tangled with Sousuke’s as he traces random patterns on the back of Rin’s hand. He points his free hand’s thumb in Sousuke’s direction. “They must be tired of seeing this guy’s scary-looking mug every time they walk in.” He gives his boyfriend a playful wink, as Sousuke leans over to nip Rin’s ear as punishment. “Don’t worry, I like your face.”“I hope my face is not the only thing you like.”“Wouldn’t you know...”“Anyways...” Makoto interjects, already knowing that they the two will be back to their previous endeavors before they briefly detached from each other. Makoto still has that lingering sense of fear of meeting new people in the back of his mind; always scared of making his initial impression. It’s a work in progress, but he’s trying his best. “I’m excited to meet him.”“It’s funny actually, this guy reminded a bit of Sou when I interviewed him for the position,” Natsuya muses, nuzzling Nao even more. “But there was something about him that makes me think he’s going to fit in nicely here.”As if on cue, the front door’s bell chimes, alerting the presence of a newcomer. Makoto lifts his gaze and is about to call out his customary Welcome, when he feels something foreign in his chest. His heartbeat speeds up and it’s like a tether has looped around it and is pulling him towards the front of the cafe. The sensation doesn’t last long though, as his heart suddenly slows and it’s as if the cord was suddenly cut off and he was just left to float. As if nothing had happened. What?There’s a young man making his way to where Makoto stands, his head dipped as he looks down at his phone. All Makoto can see is the ebony strands on top of the guy’s head and his gaze travels down the guy’s smaller figure. He almost looks a good head shorter than Makoto as he approaches and one word comes to Makoto’s mind: delicate. Like something that needs to be cherished. What?“Haru! Welcome!” Natsuya greets, going up to Haru as Makoto watches the interaction between the two.Haru lifts his head and it’s like Makoto’s heart stops all together. Haru hasn’t even acknowledged him yet, but Makoto is struck by how beautiful he is, even from a distance. He’s like a doll, a striking living contrast with his dark hair and porcelain skin. Delicate. What he would give to be closer right in that moment.“Kirishima-san, I look forward to working with you.” Makoto never expected a voice so rich and soothing to come from the boy and he has the desire to hear him speak more.“Just Natsuya is fine.” Natsuya places a gentle hand on Haru’s shoulder as he sweeps his other arm in the direction of everyone else near the counter. “Okay, so this is Nao.” Nao pauses his typing and spins on his stool to give Haru a small wave, in which he returns. “And these two here are Sousuke and Rin.” More waves are exchanged and the anticipation Makoto has of Haru officially meeting him is an odd mixture.Again, there’s his usual nervousness. A new person means a new pitying look he’ll have to endure. But there’s something else this time, something he has never felt before... excitement. He can deal with Haru’s first impression in whatever way he wants to show it. But Makoto has an indescribable urge to see his eyes. To see what colors they are and if Haru has already found his soulmate. Because maybe then...
Oh, wait.
Makoto’s heart shatters all over again, but it feels even worse when hope was the one who tore it to bits instead of fate. He has accepted being a Partial; he has accepted that kind of love is something he will never have and it’s not meant to be. But... he has never felt this way before. Instinctively, Makoto shuts his eyes and runs a frustrated hand through his hair. As if closing his eyes would make all the horrible things go away. Out of sight, out of mind. For some reason he wants to run; go back to isolation where he belongs. Go back to being the pawn the universe needs him to be. He’s not ready to face Haru; he needs some time to get himself back together. He starts to make a beeline for the back room when Natsuya’s voice cuts through the void that Makoto has lost himself to, bringing him back to his reality. “And this is Makoto.”In his haste to get away, Makoto immediately crashes into the stack of extra chairs that they keep behind the counter, sending him sprawling to the floor. He lands on his side as he hears a chorus of anxious Makotos! float through the air. From his spot on the floor, he shakes his head to clear it and he slowly opens his eyes to see many people hovering over him. Sousuke is in a crouch to his left and Natsuya is on his right. Rin is leaning over the counter, resting his weight on his palms as concern fills his eyes. There’s someone in front of him and he looks up, a worried looking Haru coming into view.Makoto is ready for the shock to be written all over Haru’s face as soon as he notices his eyes, but he’s confused at what he sees instead. Looking at Haru, he’s met with mesmerizing eyes staring back at him. They are eyes that can make up the world; Haru’s left one a true embodiment of water and his right the land. The pieces of his heart still beat at the realization.Blue and green. So similar, yet so different.Although a curse for him, Makoto was always fond of the combination. What he also sees is something that no one else has ever looked at him with. A slight gasp leaves Haru’s lips and Makoto knows that he has seen his eyes by now, piecing together what he is. There is shock upon Haru’s face, but instead of it being accompanied with sympathy, it is accompanied with a look of... wonderment. With that one look, Makoto felt as if he knew all the secrets to the universe and would do anything to tell them to the other boy. He doesn’t know what to do with this, but he wants to grab onto this feeling and never let it go.While the others are supporting Makoto’s back as he starts sitting up, Haru stretches his right hand towards Makoto. “Are you okay?”Makoto can only stare awkwardly Haru’s hand, as if he already didn’t look like a complete fool. He notices that Haru’s long sleeve shirt covers his arms completely, all the way to his wrists. He can’t see Haru’s Phrase, but maybe that’s better. His heart can’t take any more reminders of all the chances it will never have. He smiles gently and takes Haru’s hand into his, letting himself be pulled up. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks.”When he’s finally back on his two feet again, another quiet gasp leaves Haru’s lips and he looks down at their hands. They are still clasped, probably longer than necessary. Not that Makoto is complaining. Makoto leans down a bit, trying to meet Haru’s gaze. “And are you okay?”That seems to break Haru out of his trance and he quickly lets go of Makoto’s hand. Makoto would be lying if he said that he wasn’t disappointed. “Yeah, yeah. I’m good.” Haru’s mismatched eyes are on him again, a shy smile on his face. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”Makoto looks over at Rin, a sad yet knowing look in his eyes. Makoto knows that Rin tries his hardest to be there for him when someone new comes into their lives. They never know what kind of people they’ll encounter. But Rin has never seen Makoto react like this – on a high one second only to come suddenly crashing down (literally and figuratively). He gives a grin that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m glad you’re okay, Mako.” There’s something else that goes unsaid. We’re here for you. You’re going to be just fine.He really hopes so. Makoto takes the chance to look at Haru again, his eyes slightly downcast. Haru looks back at him, the small smile still dancing across his lips.Haru hasn’t met his soulmate yet. And Makoto doesn’t have one at all. Blue meets green and green meets blue. But that's all there is to it. The end. The universe really is a cruel thing.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Things have become more difficult for Makoto ever since Haru arrived two weeks ago. Every time he was even in the vicinity of the other boy, he would try to make his self as small as possible, trying to avoid all attention. He didn’t straight up ignore Haru. He always said his usual Hello when he arrived at the cafe, maybe a timid How are you? if he was feeling forward, but conversation never passed that. It wasn’t Haru’s fault though. How could it be? He can’t help but feel like it’s for the better.“Makoto, you can’t avoid him forever.” Sousuke had reasoned as he plopped himself into a chair at Makoto’s small kitchen table. His apartment’s a decent space for a single person living by themselves, only containing the bare necessities. “He’s a pretty chill guy. You should still hang out with us, even when he's there.”Avoiding the topic at hand, he peered over from his spot at the fridge, “Hmm, what’s that? You’re okay with green curry for dinner?”“Mako, come on.” Sousuke got up and leaned beside the stove as he gripped the counter behind him. “Just think about it.” He nudged Makoto’s shin with his foot. “Everyone else misses seeing you around outside the cafe. If you got a problem, I will gladly have a talk with him.”Sousuke's definition of talking can be quite scary if you're on the opposite end of it, but Makoto knew he meant well. He and Rin just had to rein him in sometimes. "Sousuke...""I said what I said." He squared his shoulders defiantly. "We're always gonna look out for you."Makoto sighed. He missed seeing his other friends, too. The only people that he saw outside of work at the moment were Sousuke and Rin when they came over to his apartment. He was still working things out, though, trying to organize his mess of a mind. He closed the fridge and leaned against it. “No, no, that's not necessary. We’ll all hang out together soon. I promise.” He started walking towards his front door. “Come on, I’ll treat you to tonkatsu.”Sousuke beamed. “Thank god. I don’t think I could’ve handled your cooking today. I have a headache.”He was given an unamused glare. “I was going to microwave some leftover curry, Sou. No cooking required.”“A microwave is still an appliance that I don’t quite trust you with. I was thinking, were you in need of a new fire extinguisher? I mean your birthday’s coming up –”Sousuke still got his tonkatsu that night, but not before Makoto chased him out of the apartment and wrestled with him all the way to the restaurant. If only Sousuke knew; if only anyone knew. They probably just assumed that he was uncomfortable around Haru because being wary around new people is understandable for a Partial. Makoto hasn’t told anybody about these new feelings that have taken over him. It’s something that he needs to hide. He needs to protect himself; he can’t get personal.Every day since, Makoto has tried to forget that feeling when he first saw Haru, although all he wants is keep it safely locked away in his heart. Makoto can’t help but feel that it wasn’t right to feel this. Haru wasn’t his soulmate; he’s meant for someone else. But that still didn’t stop this indescribable hurt from haunting him. He doesn’t even know where it comes from. Makoto just has to work on keeping himself within the bounds the universe has set for him; this will pass. He just needs some more time before he can call Haru a friend.Its early morning, the rising sun painting clouds of orange and pink on top of the purple canvas. He enjoys this time of the day; just him wandering by himself under the expansive sky. It’s normal for him to head to Marron first thing in the morning whenever he feels like it. He opens the front doors using the spare key that Natsuya gave him when he first started working there, wanting to spend a couple hours in the cafe before his shift.He plans to just lie on the couch in the back room for a bit, mess around on his phone and listen to music while waiting for everyone else to arrive. He hasn’t been able to hang out here by himself since school kept him busy, but now he’s caught up on sleep and he’s free to do as he wants. After he sets his things down, he decides to check the kitchen to see if Gou was back there making the day’s desserts and pastries.Rin’s sister was a baking prodigy. Makoto had never met someone as talented as her when it comes to crafting in the kitchen. Akane hired her as soon as she came to Tokyo, having complete faith in her abilities. She was overjoyed to practice in a real kitchen with Akane while she is doing her studying in the pastry arts. She does the standard recipes that were passed down over the years during Marron’s humble beginnings, but she has been coming up with her own creations along the way.Gou usually has the morning shift when her schedule allows it and the kitchen is her post for the rest of the day while the boys handle the front end of the cafe. Just as he is about to greet her, she hears a joyful giggle emanate from the open door, along with the delicious aroma of baked goods, “Wow! That looks amazing!”Makoto’s surprised. Since the cafe is not that big of a shop, Gou is usually alone first thing in the morning until her girlfriend comes in later in the day to help with the rest of the baking. Because As much as I love you, cutie, five AM just doesn’t look good on me. He wonders how Gou managed to get her to come in at any time before the cafe opens at nine. He steps into the kitchen and his heart drops when he sees that Isuzu is not the one with Gou.Haru stands beside Gou behind the stainless steel table, finishing the icing on a delicious looking cupcake. Gou is clapping her hands as she gently encourages Haru’s technique, the frosting made to look like a realistic, red rose on top. They both look up when they notice that he’s standing there.“Hey Mako!” Gou says, coming over to greet him as she goes on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around his neck. He wraps his arms around her shoulders to hug her back, looking over at Haru as he sets the piping bag down. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you here this early. Oh! Did you know that Haru here can bake?”“I... Um...” Makoto stutters as he releases Gou, looking into her wide eyes. He remembers the time when one was red and the other gold. “I did not.”“Well now you do.” She giggles, ponytail swinging as she goes back to Haru’s side. Makoto can’t help but follow along. “We got to talking about my program and he wanted to see the master at work.”“And you did not disappoint.” Haru says, picking up another cupcake to frost.“It also worked out perfectly because Isuzu asked if she could have the day off to spend some time with Momo since he’s in Tokyo for a while. Akane wasn’t available today either, so we’re lucky that Haru was here to help me out.”“I hope he comes to visit soon.” Makoto always had a soft spot for that kid. Rin and Sousuke had taken Momo and his soulmate, Ai, under their wings when they all were at Samezuka together. Who would have thought that Momo would be the link that led both girls to finding each other at one of the swim meets in support of their respective brothers; the universe works in mysterious ways.“Yeah, I heard lots of stories about him from Isuzu. It would be nice to put a face to the name.” Haru says, pausing his icing for a bit. He then fixes his gaze on him, a kind look in his eyes. “Good morning, Makoto.”“Uhhh, good morning.” Makoto rubs the back of his neck, once again transfixed by Haru’s eyes. Will they ever stop having this power over him? He really could get lost in them and never want to be found. He can’t help but feel a bit jealous. Everyone seemed to warm up to Haru easily, as if he’s been with them forever. So far, all the facts that he got about Haru without asking the boy himself was through the gossip guru that was Kisumi.Turns out when he was gathering information as he calls it, Kisumi found out that Haru also goes to Hidaka University. Kisumi had seen Haru around when he was walking around campus and even shares a couple of classes with him.Asahi also provided a tidbit of information that got Makoto melting even more. Through Asahi, he learned that Haru is an out of this world swimmer. It was the day after Haru’s first when Asahi came face to face with him. Haru was headed out as Asahi was coming in, but that didn’t stop Asahi from pointing in the other’s direction in shock, as if he had seen an apparition. “Hey! You’re that kickass swimmer!”Haru was surprised to say the least, but he indulged in Asahi’s friendly arm bump before he left, saying that he’ll see him around. “You should see him, Mako!” Asahi had said in awe as Makoto continued to wipe the counter. “It was like nothing I had ever seen before!” He leaned forward to rest his chin on his crossed arms. “He’s always there when I head to the pool. He usually has these dark goggles on when he’s leaving, but no doubt that was him. I always catch a glimpse of him swimming before practice starts and he’s a monster at freestyle. But he also reminds me of a dolphin? Like all fast and graceful and shit. So he’s like a monster dolphin! Dolphin monster?“It’s weird though. He only swims right before the team comes in when the pool has its public hours. Hell, he’s good enough to be on the team. Maybe I can try to convince him to join, now that he works here.” That made Makoto think about his time at Iwatobi and how perfect it would have been if Haru had been there to make the dream team that him, Nagisa and Rei desired. If only they had met back then.He watches as Gou and Haru laugh quietly together over something he can’t hear as he stands awkwardly on the sidelines. Natsuya was right; Haru is fitting in nicely here. And all Makoto is doing is pushing him away.The vibration of a phone interrupts the gentle atmosphere, Gou reaching into her back pocket and unlocking the screen. “Hey, sweet.” She is balancing the phone between her ear and shoulder as she continues working on the cupcake in front of her. Something shifts, though, as she sets the bag down and holds the phone with her hand. Makoto catches a glimpse of the silver strength across her left wrist. “Are you okay?”She pauses again as she starts to clear up her stuff. “No, no, don’t worry. I’ll be right there.”Gou sets the phone down as Makoto and Haru look at her with concern. “What’s wrong?”“Momo's in the hospital right now. He hurt his ankle. They're not sure how much damage there is yet.” She heads towards her bag and pulls out a hoodie from it, shrugging it on. “Apparently he fell from a branch when he was climbing a tree. Zu said he thought he saw a stag beetle. Wanted a friend for Pyunsuke.” She shakes her head. “Sei wasn’t available right now, so she called me and asked if I could bring some stuff for Momo. They don’t know how long they’re gonna be there.”Makoto gasps. “Do you want me to go with you?”“No, no it’s fine. Momo’s tough. He’s just not used to this place yet and Isuzu is more shocked than he is. I just want to be there for her since Sei can’t.” She slings her bag over her shoulder. “I know I shouldn’t bail right now. But I am literally almost done for the morning prep before we open in an hour, all that’s left is to finish icing the last batch of cupcakes for the day...”“Gou,” Makoto says, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay. You don’t need to explain yourself. Knowing you, you have prepped enough for the rest of the week.” Makoto looks at Haru shyly, silently asking for support. “I can help Haru with the rest, right?”Haru looks at him hopefully, while Gou looks at him doubtfully. “Uhh, Makoto, I love you and all, but remember the last time I let you try to handle some of the baking in this kitchen?”Makoto looks appalled. “Hey, dealing with a hot oven is very different from dealing with a piping bag!”Gou’s serious demeanor breaks as she giggles again. She reaches up to place a peck on Makoto’s cheek. “I know, I’m just kidding. I trust you.” She starts heading for the door, calling back over her shoulder. “Thank you so much! You’re a lifesaver. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Please tell Nat if he asks later.” You’re my strength.Makoto waves her off before the realization hits him. This is the first time that he and Haru were going to be alone together. There was no one around to distract Haru to allow Makoto to slip away into the background. Right now, he’s front and center.He slowly turns to face Haru, who’s resting his palms on the table, cupcake forgotten. He gives him a small smile. “Guess it’s just you and me.”Makoto makes his way around the table, picking up Gou’s forgotten apron and putting it on. “So... What would you like me to do?” He eyes the last dozen chocolate cupcakes that are cooling, waiting to be covered in the rose icing pattern.“From what I’ve heard, I should be nervous about you being in the kitchen, right?” Now that Makoto is up close, he can see that lighthearted manner in the other boy’s eyes.“It was one time! The oven here is much more complex than the one I have in my apartment.”“So you’re saying that there were no kitchen mishaps at home then?” The silence speaks for itself. “Well, like you said, dealing with icing is much tamer than dealing with the oven. So...” Haru picks up the other piping bag, stretching it out to him. “Just follow my lead.”Makoto reaches out, about to take the bag from him, when he notices the black scrawl along Haru’s right wrist. It’s meaningless. Makoto has never related to a Phrase more. Seeing it up close sends another familiar pain to his heart; he hopes it doesn’t show on his face. His hand slightly brushes Haru’s as he takes the piping bag, subtle tingles spreading from his fingers. “Thank you.”“Okay,” Haru picks up the cupcake with his left hand, the bag being held in his right. “You first add a small base of icing in the middle.” He squeezes a little mound of red icing through the angled tip in the center until it forms a little point. He looks at Makoto patiently, waiting for him to catch up. Makoto follows suit until his own cupcake looks alike. “And to form the rest of the rose, you just keep adding these little arches of icing starting from the bottom and connecting it to the bottom on a different side. These become the petals.”Makoto watches as Haru daintily continues the decoration, an icing rose building as he turns the cupcake, adds a new frosting petal and does the same on the next turn. It’s a soothing and relaxing process to watch. He’s too entranced by the movement of Haru’s hands that he doesn’t hear Haru calling out to him. He doesn’t even notice his own hands. “Umm, Makoto... Makoto!”“What?!” Makoto looks down at his hands, where a half empty piping bag is clutched. They are now covered in the creamy red icing, the sugary mound drowning the cupcake as well. A small whine escapes him. “Aww, damn it.”He hears a small laugh and looks over at Haru. He crosses his arms and gives him an amused look. “Well, at least there was no smoke this time.” Makoto’s eyes widen as Haru shrugs. “Gou and Sousuke like to talk.”Makoto laughs exaggeratedly, sarcasm coloring the tone. “You’re right, maybe cupcake decorating isn’t for me.” He sets the ruined cupcake down, holding his hands out in front of him. “Maybe I should decorate something else...”Haru catches on fast, slowly backing up. “You wouldn’t.”There is no hesitation when Makoto runs over to Haru’s side, his long strides easily overpowering Haru’s attempt to get away. His arms wrap around the smaller boy, Haru’s back to his chest as he gently smears some of the icing over both of Haru’s cheeks playfully, their laughter filling up the empty air. “Now that is what I call a masterpiece. A literal definition of rosy cheeks.”They continue to laugh together, lost in a different space. Makoto really likes this: the feeling of having Haru in his arms, smiles upon both their faces. This feeling of euphoria that crashes over him. But unfortunately, reality is a sadist. It’s like the bubble pops as Makoto suddenly comes back to himself. Noticing their proximity, with Haru looking directly into his eyes, he hastily backs away. He has no idea what came over him; Makoto apparently just has this Making Things Awkward agenda when it comes to Haru. “Oh my god, I don’t know what that was – I’m sorry. That was out of line; I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m just gonna go now...”He turns to walk way when he feels a hand grab his wrist. “No! Wait!” Haru is holding him gently, but nothing would make Makoto want to truly leave. His voice is small as he looks at the floor. “It’s okay. I didn’t mind.” He gives a gentle squeeze, insistent. “Just please don’t avoid me again.”Makoto’s heart breaks as he carefully closes the distance between them. “Haru.”Haru looks up at him, sadness in his eyes instead of the joy that was there just moments ago. “I’m sorry if I have made you uncomfortable in any way, or if you just don’t like me, but I can try to fix it. Just tell me how. I’ve gotten to know everyone here by now. But its hard being around your friends and then you’re just never there.”“Haru...” Makoto wants nothing more than to comfort him, to make up for all the doubt that he apparently caused. “You did nothing wrong. I’m the one who should be apologizing. It was never you.” Mindful of his icing covered hands, he tries to convey his apology as best he can while looking into his eyes. “I was just... Going through some things. But,” Another pleading look. “It’s getting better now. So, I’m sorry if I made you feel horrible about yourself.”Makoto gives him a gentle smile, sighing softly. “Why don’t we start over?” He looks at his hands, which are not in the best condition for a handshake right now. He notices that his left pinky is mainly clean, so he holds it up in offering. “I’m Tachibana Makoto. It’s nice to meet you.”It’s like a sliver of light made itself a home in Haru’s unpaired eyes, brightening up his entire face. He links his pinky with Makoto’s. It’s a beginning – a promise. “I’m Nanase Haruka. It’s nice to meet you, too.”Makoto can’t help but smile fondly. They stand there for a bit, happy to progress in their newfound start. Makoto can do this; he has to do this. As long as he gets to be around Haru, that’s more than he can ask for.For Haru, he can pretend.Haru lets their hands fall, resting them on his hips instead. “And I could have gotten to meet you officially much earlier if someone hadn’t been spending their time hiding behind the tall plant in the cafe dining room as soon as I walked in.”“Hey! Again, that was one time! And Sousuke said he couldn’t see me!”“Was that the same day he told me you called yourself the ‘Camouflage King’?”“I’m gonna kill him.”After the Icing Incident, things seemed to go more smoothly that Makoto could have ever imagined. It was just so easy with Haru; he couldn’t quite understand. As if they were best friends in another life. They have started to become closer as the days continued on. The stool at the end of the bar became their shared spot when they are on their breaks, not quite wanting to leave while the other was still working. He had taken it upon himself to wait for Haru after his shift, too, wanting to spend as much time with the other boy as possible. On the days that Makoto had his job at the pool after Marron, Haru would walk him to the front door of the building, but he never went inside.“Why don’t you come in for a bit?” Makoto had asked as he hiked his backpack up on his shoulder. “I’m sure the kids would love to see your swimming. I’m sure it would inspire them.” Of course, he also had never seen Haru’s swimming, but Asahi was very convincing. He also had a feeling that Haru’s just magically good at everything he does.But Haru always did the same thing. A forlorn look would pass over his features, a sad smile pulling up the corners of his mouth. He shook his head. “Sorry, not today.” But before he left, he would hold out his left pinky in parting. “See you later?”And Makoto would always reach out, hold on tight. He sighed softly. “See you later.”They don’t know exactly when they picked up this habit after that day they made their first promise. Makoto had blushed the first time that Haru started it, as he held out his hand and looked at him expectantly. But maybe they both needed it – to remind themselves. To remind Haru that Makoto was there, that he wasn’t going anywhere. To remind Makoto that Haru was different; to remind him to keep up this front. Although, Makoto always had a harder time keeping up his end.“Here, Haru.” Makoto’s holding out the other half of the blue ice pop. He smiles as Haru takes it in his hand.“Haru-chan!” Nagisa protests from his spot on Rei’s back. Piggybacks are a must-have when it comes to dating Nagisa. “I thought you said you didn’t want anything. I feel bad now.” Nagisa was feeling generous today, offering to buy everyone some ice cream from the convenience store on their way to the park. It was a beautiful day and no one wanted so spend their day off hiding inside.Before Haru can respond, Makoto cuts in. “It’s okay, Nagisa. I think Haru didn’t want to finish one by himself, so I thought that I would share mine.”“Always so thoughtful, Makoto.” Rei takes another lick from the ice cream that Nagisa is feeding him as they continue down the sidewalk.Nagisa coos. “Aww, Mako-chan is so sweet!”Makoto is still looking ahead, watches as Nagisa challenges Rei to run faster. But he can feel Haru’s eyes on him, the warmth in his voice. “The sweetest.” They’re trailing behind Sousuke and Rin as the two are deciding where they should all go for dinner. Sousuke’s arm is around Rin’s shoulder, Rin’s hand stretched up to lace their fingers together.“What is that?” Haru’s coughing as he hands back the cup to Makoto, the straw having just left his lips.Makoto frowns as he takes a sip. “A double hazelnut iced coffee?”“That’s the last time I’m drinking one of your drinks.” Apparently for Haru ice pops are one thing, sugar in a cup is another. Makoto enjoys this, though; getting to know these things. Getting to know what makes up Haru one piece at a time.“You just got to find the right one for you, Haru-chan.”“Water is just fine, thanks.”Makoto laughs. “The longer you hang out with me, you’ll come around.” He nods ahead. “Sousuke was just like you. Next thing you know, he’s asking me to buy him triple chocolate Frappuccinos.” Sousuke glares as he looks over at them, stopping him and Rin. “Hey! It was back when I was allowed to slack off on my eating habits. I couldn’t help it!”“No one was forcing you to get one every other day!” Makoto playfully shoves Sousuke’s back, getting them to continue walking. “No need to be ashamed. It’s all in moderation.”Rin chuckles as they continue walking before he’s the one that brings the group to a halt. “Mako! Look!” There’s an unamused look in his eyes as they slowly narrow. “It’s him.”Makoto comes to stand on Sousuke’s other side and immediately melts on the spot when he sees the snow white cat that is staring up at them. “Hi again.” He crouches down as he stretches out his hand, the cat automatically coming forward and nuzzling against his palm. Everyone has called him their honorary cat lady, but who can resist such wonderful creatures made of fluff and joy?Makoto can hear Sousuke shuffle behind him, before Rin’s voice stops him. “Wait! What happens if he scratches you? This is the same cat I got the last scratch from!”He turns his head just as Sousuke kisses Rin’s cheek. “Baby, just because you and Steve... And every other cat we’ve encountered are not on the best terms, doesn’t mean that all cats are against humans. Same goes for this one.”“Yeah, ‘cause apparently we’re not all cat whisperers like you and Makoto.” Rin glowers, still holding onto Sousuke’s forearm. Sousuke looks somewhat pleased with that statement.Makoto continues to pet the cat’s soft fur on its back, admiring the way it feels against his fingers. Another gentle hand comes into view though, rubbing the cat’s head between its ears, causing the cat to softly purr. It’s too small to be Sousuke’s and its most definitely not Rin’s. Makoto looks over and sees that Haru is hunched beside him, a loving look in his eyes as he moves his hand back and forth.Rin’s shrill voice pierces the air, exasperated. “Seriously? Even Haru? That’s it.” Rin takes a confident step forward. ”Come on... There’s nothing to be afraid of...” He goes to reach out his hand, but the cat instantly hisses, teeth bared.Rin instinctively pulls back, repeatedly hitting Sousuke on the chest as he laughs out loud. Makoto looks over at Haru, who continues to pet the cat as if nothing happened. He looks up at him, a smile on his face. Haru and cats are a deadly combination; he can’t handle all the adorableness in this moment. He can’t help but grin in return. “Looks like you’re one of us now.”“Haru! Over here!” Makoto shouts as he passes the ball Haru’s way. Haru is quick to react, getting open and catching the ball before he continues to dribble down the court. He swiftly dodges Asahi as he tries to knock the ball from his grasp, faking an attempt right and instead going left. He’s near the basket when Kisumi comes up in front of him, waving his arms up high as he tries to block Haru’s shot.It’s too late, though, as Haru aims and the ball is soaring through the air, bypassing Kisumi’s hands and sinking right into the basket. It was a close game, them being tied up until this point, but the last basket was the winning shot. There are cheers from Makoto and groans from the soulmates as they come together for a defeated hug. Makoto is beaming as he runs up to Haru’s side. “That was amazing!”Haru is breathing heavily as he takes a drink from the water bottle that he left on the side. He looks tired, but he looks happy nonetheless.“Yeah, you’re great Haru.” Kisumi says, while Asahi is clinging to his back with his arms wrapped around his boyfriend’s shoulders. Kisumi is holding onto Asahi’s forearms, despite the intense and sweaty game they just had. Nothing could keep them apart.Haru shakes his head. “Makoto was just as great.”“Yeah, he was. But,” Kisumi starts rolling the basketball with his feet. “He unfortunately doesn’t go to our school. But hey! I’m on the basketball team and since you are so fantastic, I was thinking you should come joi –” “Oh, give it a rest, peach.” Asahi laughs, cuddling closer. “If you couldn’t get me to join back then, what makes you think Haru would now?”“Hey, a boy’s gotta try!” Kisumi tries to playfully elbow his boyfriend, wanting to get out of his grasp, but Asahi just holds on tighter.They continue to bicker as Makoto takes a drink from the water bottle Haru just handed him. He’s still drinking when Haru interrupts. “Yeah, sorry Kisumi. It’s gotta be me and Makoto or no one at all.” Haru gives Makoto an unexpected wink. “We’re pretty great together.”
What the...?
Makoto suddenly chokes on the water he was chugging; the front of his shirt getting soaked. He knows that Haru was just teasing, that it truly didn’t mean anything, but the impact was too effective. He continues to cough as Haru pats his back, voicing concern. Makoto has never been more thankful for his clumsiness.“Is this yours?” Makoto looks over at Haru, the acoustic guitar held in both hands. This has become a regular occurrence. If they weren’t with the others, then they were at Haru’s apartment together. But a majority of the time they come to Makoto’s. He can’t say that he’ll ever tire of seeing Haru in his place.He sets down the pile of laundry he finished folding. “No, it’s actually Asahi’s. He brought it last time he came over, but he left it here for me to practice with.”“Practice?”Makoto feels embarrassed, refolding the shirt on top of the pile to distract himself. “I thought it would be something fun to learn. He’s been teaching me bits of songs here and there for a while now. I wanted to get a feel of having one before I actually got one.”He’s rummaging through his drawers, putting the last of the clothes away when he feels a light tap on his shoulder. He looks over and sees Haru holding the guitar in his direction, expression cheerful. One look into those captivating eyes and Makoto knows he has no choice. He sighs as he goes over to sit on the edge of the bed, propping the guitar up on his knees as Haru sits beside him.“I’m still learning, so don’t laugh.”Haru crosses his heart, making Makoto roll his eyes as he starts to strum the memorized chords. When Makoto first heard Asahi play it, he was instantly drawn to its melody. Asahi was still learning the lyrics to it, so Makoto didn’t fully understand the meaning of the song. Asahi promised to teach him the full thing, words and all, when he practiced enough and Makoto was happy to wait. But the music spoke for itself. He wordlessly starts to hum along, making his voice flow with the movement of his fingers.When the song is over, Makoto shyly looks over at Haru. He has his eyes closed, as if he was trying to fully immerse himself. Wanting to make his hearing his most heightened sense in that moment. He slowly opens his eyes, meeting Makoto’s own.“I think someone should start believing in themselves more.” Haru scoots closer, placing his hand on the one Makoto still has resting on the strings. “You’re so good!”Makoto laughs nervously, scratching his cheek. “Asahi is way better at it. He’s the teacher.”“Believe me.” Haru squeezes his hand reassuringly. “You’re perfect.”Makoto has to remind himself that Haru is talking about his guitar playing skills. “Thanks.”“Are there any lyrics to it?”“Asahi didn’t say which song it was, so I don’t even know where to search it up.” Makoto sets the guitar down, laying it back in its case.“Well, when you do learn the lyrics,” Haru looks at him encouragingly. “I would like an encore, please.”Makoto smiles, a slight twinkle in his eyes. “You’ll have a front row seat.”“Haru! You fucker!” Rin is standing up from where he was sitting between Sousuke’s legs, controller still clutched in his hand. Haru’s character is taking first place on the podium, with Rin coming in second and Makoto third. “That was a cheap shot! Hey! Don’t think I didn’t see what you did either Kisumi, stop laughing!”They are all in Makoto’s apartment, trying out the new Mario Kart game he recently bought for his Switch. If there was one thing that Makoto had brought with him to Tokyo, it was his treasured gaming console. Rin and Sousuke immediately took up a space on the floor beside Makoto’s bed since it served as a pseudo-couch in the small living area, sitting parallel across from the television stand. Asahi sat beside them, closest to the balcony doors, while Kisumi clambers on top of the bed right behind him so he can rest his head on Asahi’s and wraps his arms around his shoulders. That left the rest of the bed on Kisumi’s right, where Haru and Makoto sit shoulder to shoulder, legs crossed in front of them.They made unofficial teams, with Asahi and Kisumi on one, Makoto and Sousuke on another, and Haru and Rin going on their own. Makoto didn’t question where this competitive streak came from with Haru when it came to Rin ever since their get-togethers became regular, but he and Sousuke weren’t gonna step in. Rin had managed to secure his spot in first after the third race and Haru back in second. They had been back and forth up until this point, always switching between the two places. He and Sousuke had been doing a pretty good job securing third, but as soon as Sousuke handed Makoto the controller for the final race, he knew that Rin better watch out. He saw the determination in Haru’s eyes.It was on the final lap with the finish line in sight, that Makoto saw Haru’s character tailgate Rin’s until the last moment and lets his last red shell fly. That’s all it took for Rin’s cart to spin out of control and for Haru and Makoto to finish the race in first and second. It didn’t help that Kisumi was trailing way behind and let the blue shell of death go a little while earlier, messing with Rin even more before Haru caught up and executed his final attack.Rin is still growling at Haru until Sousuke tugs him into his lap before he can destroy any of Makoto’s things, bringing his back to his chest, nosing at his cheek. Rin immediately stops whatever rant he was about to embark on. Asahi and Kisumi were never really out to win in the first place, so Asahi just leans back, his head resting on Kisumi’s lap as he leans forward for an upside down kiss.Makoto turns to Haru, raising his hand up for a high-five. “Looks like fate was on your side.”Haru looks a tad smug, but he smiles as he brings his hand up to Makoto’s. What Makoto expects is his high-five to be returned. What he doesn’t expect is Haru lacing his hand with Makoto’s right afterwards, keeping them in mid-air as he looks sincerely into his eyes. His heart grows on the spot. “I’ll have to thank it one day.”It was past the halfway point of their break when Makoto was shocked to hear that Haru’s birthday had already passed and he didn’t bother to celebrate it.“What? You didn’t celebrate your birthday?” They’re sitting together at a booth in the arcade they’re at, a half finished pizza on the table, empty drink cups all forgotten. Everyone else was up and playing on the flashing machines that surround them, obnoxious music loudly playing and alarms wailing. Rin is having another round of Dance Dance Revolution with Kisumi, both of their soulmates keeping watch on anyone who might stare too long. Sousuke already had an embarrassing turn earlier (after Rin’s constant pleading) when they first got here, making Rin laugh as he tried to dance, if one can even call it that. Rin truly has him wrapped around his finger as Sousuke stepped off in shame.“Your dancing skills are the reason I’m with you, you know?” Rin teases from his spot as Kisumi replaces Sousuke. “Such a sexy beast.” He leans over to smack a kiss against his cheek. Sousuke grumbles, but quickly turns his head to place two more quick kisses on Rin’s lips before the next game starts. Makoto feels sorry for whoever wants to take a glance Rin’s way. They’re lucky enough to keep their fingers if they’re caught by Sousuke.Asahi’s filled with pride at the moment having beat Kisumi at the basketball game, while Kisumi had argued petulantly. “It’s rigged! This game does not define my skills on the court.” The pout is inevitable as he crosses his arms in defeat. Asahi reassures him by wrapping his arms around the other boy’s waist and presses a kiss to his temple. “Whatever you say.”Nagisa is clinging to Rei’s back as he is caught up in a serious looking game of Whack-A-Mole. Only Rei would calculate the reflex time and perfect position to hold the hammer in order to achieve the highest score. Nagisa is happy to just cheer him on, goading the moles and telling them to Not mess with his Rei-chan! Ikuya and Hiyori are attempting to play the racing game, but Ikuya has snatched the glasses off Hiyori’s face and is holding them behind his head and out of Hiyori’s reach. Hiyori leans over from his seat and settles on tickling Ikuya’s sides until he lowers his arms in surrender, giggling happily. He perches the glasses upon Hiyori’s nose and then loops his arms around the other boy’s neck to nuzzle their noses together, oblivious to all around them.Natsuya and Nao have already left, but not before Makoto caught sight of them leaving the photobooth together. No doubt they wanted the privacy from the overcrowded space, but Makoto also knows that they wanted to have another strip of photos to add to their collection. Their fridge is a massive collage of everyone and their memories collected from their time together here in Tokyo. Makoto loves looking at it whenever he stops by. He wonders if Haru will have a place on the fridge eventually. He really hopes so. “It’s not really a big deal.” Haru looks bored as he takes another bite of his pizza. “It was back in June. My grandmother even said that when you turn twenty, you become an ordinary person anyways.”“But still!” Makoto turns a bit more in the booth, trying to look Haru head on. “Birthdays are special. They were the day that you were born!”“Thank you for clarifying what a birthday is.”He shoves Haru slightly. “Hush, you know what I mean.” Despite his tall frame, he does his best to fit in the small side of the booth taking Haru’s right hand into both of his. “If anything, I think you’re pretty extraordinary. That’s definitely something to celebrate.”He unknowingly runs his thumb gently over Haru’s wrist, along his Phrase, the words hanging in the air between them. He’s been doing better at not slipping up whenever he’s alone with Haru, but he has his moments. And this would be one of them. Before Makoto can pull away and mentally dig a hole for himself, Haru places his other hand on top of their other entwined ones. Makoto slowly meets Haru’s gaze, the fondness evident. He’s given a smile that does everything to his heart. “Thanks.”It’s oddly intimate given the noise that they are surrounded in. But he wouldn’t have it any other way.“Ready to head out?” They immediately let go of each other’s hands, Makoto snatching up the menu in an attempt to look casual. If anyone noticed that it was upside down, they don’t bring it up. Rin and Sousuke appear at the side of the table, hand in hand. “I think grandpa here is getting grumpy.”“I’m not grumpy!”“Anyways!” Rin looks over at Makoto. “You good?”Every time he’s asked that question, there’s always so much more to it. He looks at Haru from the corner of his eye, his breath seizing in his chest. He does his best to ignore it. So he replies the only way he knows how. “I’m fine.” “I’m glad Momo is doing alright.” Makoto sighs as he leans on his balcony’s railing, the night sky looming overhead. He and Haru have just come back from Gou and Isuzu’s place where Momo had been staying. He’s been camping out in their guest room, but his ankle injury did nothing to disable his energy. It was nice seeing a friend from home. It reminded him of being in Iwatobi.“Yeah,” Haru is sliding the door closed behind him, a blanket folded over his arm. He comes to stand beside him, casually draping the blanket over Makoto’s shoulders. Makoto clutches the blanket tighter as he feels warm from the inside out. This is what he has noticed about Haru over the time they spent together. He pays attention when no one thinks he is. It’s sometimes the smallest of actions that he does that truly speak more than his words. Like saving a special treat for Makoto at the cafe because of his uncontrollable sweet tooth or helping clean up his apartment when Makoto gets too lazy to do it by himself. And now things like this. The thought makes him smile to himself. “But his obsession with those stag beetles is really something else.”“I hope he likes the books I got him.”“And where exactly did you find such rare stag beetle books that he was looking everywhere for?”“Don’t ask.”Makoto’s used to coming out here, looking at the blanket of stars that surround him. Seeing the stars from here is a lot different than when he would look at them from Iwatobi. He misses the salt air that would rise with the wind, bringing calmness with its dance. It was a special place for him; another thing he used to do on his own. As much as he loved the rising sun, he loved the moon and stars just as much. He would spend the evenings looking at the water and then up at the dotted midnight sky.He stills likes to believe that everything is written in the stars; that they all have a story to tell and a fate to follow. They have a whole galaxy of these tales. There are stories of gods that have been passed down and there are stories of mortals that have yet to been told. He knows his own stars by now, but he misses all of their company when they are drowned out by the city lights.Makoto looks over to his left to see Haru standing there, the moonlight illuminating him softly. He’s shocked at how comforting it feels to have Haru here, enjoying what the cover of night has to offer. It’s serene, soothing. He’s been going to that railing above the sea ever since the start of high school, but he’s always felt like something was missing the entire time.“This is nice.” Haru rubs his hands up and down his arms. “I can see why you like coming out here so much.”“It’s nothing compared to what it looks like in Iwatobi.” Makoto says, coming closer to the other boy and draping the other side of the blanket over him. “Too many lights here.”“Iwatobi?”“Yeah,” Makoto grips the rail in front of him. “That’s where I came from before coming to Tokyo. I was only there for high school, though.” He glances over at Haru. “How about you? Where are you from?”Haru looks downwards at the streets below. “Nowhere important.” He can feel Haru tense slightly. “We usually moved around a lot because of my dad’s job. All the places seemed to blur together. We never settled down long enough to get attached.” A shake of his head. “High school was one of those blurry places.”Makoto can hear the unspoken words that somehow cut through the silence. It’s not his place to pry. If Haru wants to talk about it, then Makoto will gladly listen. But he’s knows it’s not the time. Instead, he points up at the sky, wanting to get Haru’s mind on something else. “Hey, I think that’s Ursa Major over there.”Haru looks up, the mood altering back to the way it was before. He grins gently. “Have you ever heard of any other constellations? Other than all the common ones?” Makoto shakes his head. “Not really, no.”“I remember taking an intro astronomy class freshman year, just for fun,” Haru explains as he looks up at Makoto. “Got me interested in what other constellations there were. What stories they represent.” Makoto feels as if his words were being echoed back to him. “Turns out there’s a whole ocean in the sky.” Haru laughs. “I love the real one, but a celestial one is just as amazing.”Makoto huddles closer, intrigued. “Seriously?”Haru nods. “Yeah, I’m not sure if we can pick them out right now, but apparently there’s a whole bunch of water creature constellations that stay close together.” Makoto follows Haru’s gaze, looking up anyway. “I remember that there was Cetus, also known as the Whale, and Delphinus, who’s also known as the Dolphin.” He looks lost in thought. “I think the well-known ones come between them though, like Pisces and Aquarius.”A dolphin. That’s what Asahi had called Haru back then. He knows that Asahi was talking about Haru’s swimming, but he can see aspects of it outside of the water, too. The way that Haru’s clever like one, the fluidity of his movements, the playfulness in his demeanor when he’s feeling up for it – it’s all there.Makoto grins, casually draping his arm around Haru’s shoulders. “That doesn’t seem right, though. That would make them both alone.” He shrugs. “I personally think that Cetus and Delphinus should be closer together. Inseparable, even.”“Is that so?” Haru laughs, looking to the side and into Makoto’s eyes.Makoto hums. “Yup. I think we should fix that someday.”Being here with Haru really makes Makoto want to bring him to his beloved star-gazing spot. He wants Haru to see their natural light at its finest, with no distractions around. Something tells him that the empty spot beside him was meant to be filled anyways. In response, Haru just leans over and rests his head on Makoto’s shoulder. He naturally holds Haru tighter. “Yeah, someday.”“Makoto, where are we going?” Haru is holding Makoto’s wrists from where his hands are currently covering the other boy’s eyes.He’s awkwardly waddling behind Haru as he does his best to steer him in the right direction. “Don’t you trust me?”“Depends.”“So rude, Haru-chan.” He knows the –chan will rile Haru up more, but he can’t help himself. “Just a few more steps... and... Now!” Makoto gently removes his hands, Haru still clinging to his wrists as he adjusts to the light again. He watches as Haru takes in the structure before them, understanding blossoming on his face.He turns to face Makoto fully, a surprised look in his blue and green eyes. “We’re at the aquarium?”“Ta-da! Welcome to the ocean in the city! It’s not the one of the stars, but we could make it work.” Makoto moves forward a bit, raising his arms in a grand flourish as he walks backwards towards the entrance. “I thought we could celebrate your birthday today.”“Makoto...”“Nope, we’re celebrating!” Shortening the distance between them, he takes Haru’s wrist, guiding him forward. “I thought we could enjoy the new exhibits together.”Once their tickets are bought and they are standing in the front hall, Makoto looks at Haru eagerly. “Where to first?”Haru looks confused. “I wouldn't even know where to start.”“Umm...” Makoto stares, internally panicking. He just wanted to do something that he thought Haru would enjoy. “Damn, do you even want to be here? I should have asked if you even liked aquariums in the first place. But that would have ruined the surprise – Okay, I’m the worst planner. We could do something else if you want...”By now, Haru has mastered the art of stopping Makoto’s ramblings. “Makoto, stop.” In a blur, Haru is reaching up and wrapping his arms around Makoto’s neck. Makoto is a statue, mind blanking for a bit before he slowly relaxes and puts his arms around Haru’s waist. Today’s gonna be full of firsts he guesses. He leans back slightly, making Haru’s feet lift off the ground. He can feel Haru’s smile against the side of his neck. Once he sets Haru down, he keeps his hands on Makoto’s shoulders. “Thank you.”“Don’t thank me just yet. We haven’t even seen the fish! They have a dogfish here that I really want to see.”“You think there are any mackerel displays?”Makoto reaches out to boop Haru’s nose. “We are not having another incident like at the sushi restaurant.”From their spot, Makoto notices a little girl walking past them towards the exit, holding hands with her mother. She has an eye of red and the other purple, both filled with pure curiosity. Kids have always been his weak spot as he gives her a small wave and bright smile. She beams as she tugs on her mother’s shirt. “Mommy! Mommy! That man with the weird eyes just waved at me!” She gives an enthusiastic wave in return as she leaves through the doors.He’s reminded of the time he introduced himself to his class at the pool. They were also interested in his eyes, but it’s different than when someone older meets him for the first time. Children didn’t know any better. They are just excited to learn more about the world they live in and Makoto is more than happy to teach them.“Okay, time to find that dogfish...” Makoto’s voice dies down as notices Haru, a sudden shift in the air. There’s a frown upon his face and Makoto feels the despair as if it was his own. “Hey, what’s wrong?”It’s like Haru’s looking straight through him, his shoulders drooping, voice frail. “I’m just sorry, Makoto.”An apology was the last thing Makoto expected to hear. “Hey, hey, what’s this?” He wants nothing more than to take Haru’s face into his hands, to comfort him – protect him. “What are you sorry for?”Haru gestures haphazardly towards the doors the little girl just passed through. There’s a tinge of frustration now. “You don’t deserve that.”This precious boy.“Oh, Haru...” He reaches out with his left hand, not caring that he might be crossing the line he set for himself; it’s pretty fuzzy at this point. It has been for a while now. He brings his hand under Haru’s chin and tilts his head up to look at him, bringing Haru back, grounding him. “It’s okay. It’s not your fault.” His thumb traces idle circles upon the boy’s cheek. “It’s really nothing. I’m used to it.”Haru shakes his head, as if trying to rid himself of the memory. “I don’t want you to be used to it. I just – don’t like hearing talk like that, especially about you.” He speaks with so much conviction; Makoto has no choice but to listen. “They’re not weird. They’re a part of you.” He doesn’t know where this fire is coming from, but as soon as their eyes lock, neither want to break away. “They’re beautiful.”This wonderful, precious boy.Makoto doesn’t hesitate to bring Haru into his chest, wanting to shelter him from the world. One hand cards through Haru’s hair, while the other gently holds his waist. Makoto has heard countless comments about his eyes before, some filled with praise for their uniqueness, others condolence for their symbolism. But all of those are washed away, only leaving room for the words that were spoken by the boy in his arms.It was the first time the words truly meant something. It was the first time he didn’t feel like a spectacle. All he felt was something he never thought he would be allowed to experience – worth. He leans down, whispering so only Haru can hear. “Thank you.”Makoto feels Haru wrap his arms around his waist, finally relaxing, caught up in their embrace. They stay there for a while, before Makoto reluctantly pulls away. Remember – pretend. He doesn’t miss the pout on Haru’s face as he stuffs his hands in his hoodie pocket. “So, dogfish?”“I thought we agreed on finding the mackerel.”“We'll come back to this conversation for dinner.”It is an otherworldly feeling, walking through the dark exhibits, with the tanks’ light as the only illumination. The blues from the water cast glowing, ethereal patterns across their faces as they go from one glass window to the next. Some colorful fish dart by in a flash, their motions too fast to detect. Others are leisurely swimming, the graceful sweep of their fins propelling them forward.There’s a gigantic exhibit up ahead, the tank itself making up the arched ceiling with a tunnel passing through. Makoto can’t hold his excitement as he races forward, stopping at the mouth of the tunnel with wonder in his eyes. He waits for Haru to catch up with him before he steps forward and looks overhead in awe. They get about halfway through the tunnel when a miniature shark starts gliding above their heads. “Wow!” Makoto’s mouth is agape as he continues to look up, as if he’s standing at the bottom of the ocean with the vast coral reef surrounding him.“Didn’t know Rin would be joining us today.”“Haru!” Makoto laughs as he shakes his head. Haru stands beside him as he watches all the other creatures that continue to float by. “This is just amazing.”“Yeah. Undeniably amazing.”Makoto turns to look at Haru, but his heart swells in his chest when they come face to face. He wanted to catch a glance at Haru looking at the fish and water that surround them, knowing that the sight would be even more breathtaking than the exhibit they are in. What he finds is Haru looking at him instead, adoration shining through. As if they are the only ones here. Haru reaches out and links his pinky with Makoto’s, the gesture so natural at this point. “Come on,” He gives his hand a gentle tug. “I’m pretty sure the dogfish is this way.”Makoto lets himself be pulled along to the end of the tunnel, knowing that he would willingly follow Haru anywhere. Like a sailor lost at sea that finally sees the saving beacon from a lighthouse, he follows. Time seems to slow as they continue the rest of their visit, never letting go of each other once. As they continued on, it gradually turned from the linking of pinkies to Haru fully threading his right hand with Makoto’s left. Makoto didn’t care who stared; all he cared about was the feeling of Haru’s hand in his, how small and warm it was. How perfect it felt. Today was about Haru and if this is what he wanted to do, Makoto would happily oblige. They are linked together when they finally find Makoto’s precious dogfish, both crouching to become eye level, his free hand pressing against the glass. They stay close together, their thighs pressed against each other when they sit beside each other to eat lunch. Even when they arrive at the gift shop, their arms brush comfortingly with every step they take, their hands instinctively gravitating towards each other.Makoto nudges Haru’s shoulder. “Choose whatever you like.”They are making their way down the aisles full of knick knacks, shirts, and magnets galore, but they start heading towards the shelf of stuffed animals. Makoto has always been fonder of the aquatic animal plushies. He eyes an adorable dolphin one, secretly wanting to get it for himself. It reminds him of the night on the balcony, of Delphinus and Cetus – of Haru. He watches as Haru looks at the variety in front of him until he reaches out and surprisingly takes an orca from the display, a tiny smile lighting up his face. He didn’t even know they had these as an option, considering that none of these animals were kept here. Maybe just to keep up the ocean aesthetic. “I like this one.”Nodding approvingly, Makoto takes it from Haru as they make their way to the cashier. “Aww, it’s so cute!”“Yeah, it reminds me of you.”Makoto can feel the heat rising to his cheeks. He swings their hands as they wait in line. “And why’s that?”Haru smirks. “You know, gentle – peaceful. Not sure about the graceful part, though.” He gets a pout for that. The look in Haru’s eyes soften. “But you’re also strong, powerful when you need to be.” An idea hits him then. “We should go on a trip to see them in the ocean one day. Maybe see some dolphins, too.” Makoto turns shyly, but the grin is inevitable until they finally get to the front of the line. He has to let go of Haru’s hand sadly to get his wallet out, but Haru instantly reclaims it when the orca is paid for. He’s about to hand Haru his gift as they leave the store, when he comes to a halt, letting their hands drop. Makoto tries to smother the smidge of disappointment. “Wait, I need to go to the bathroom.”Makoto sits on a bench as he waits for Haru to come back. He proceeds to send some of the photos he took to the twins, knowing that they would want to see the fish too, when a voice calls out to him. “Alright, I’m back.”When Makoto looks up, he is shocked to see an identical gift shop bag being held in front of him. He peeks over to see Haru’s face. “What’s this?”“You didn’t think I was gonna let you walk out of here empty handed, did you?” He swings the bag impatiently. “Come on.”“But Haru...” Makoto whines as he stands up. “Today was supposed to be about you.”Haru proceeds to push the bag out even further until it makes contact with Makoto’s chest. “Makoto. Come. On.” He waits until Makoto has a hold of it before taking the other bag in exchange.Finally giving in, Makoto opens the bag, instantly recognizing what’s inside. “Haru...” He pulls out the same blue dolphin that he noticed in the store and clutches it tightly to his chest. He hopes it will muffle the sound of his beating heart. “Thank you so much.”Haru doesn’t say anything, just smiles and takes Makoto’s hand back into his and leads the way out.Haru is sitting on Makoto’s bed, scrolling through the numerous movie titles that are available when Makoto gets in his view, hands behind his back. They just returned from the promised mackerel dinner and wanted to relax for the rest of the night.Haru sits up straighter from where he was leaning against the wall as he sets the controller down. “More surprises today?”Makoto hums affirmatively as he pulls out the contents from behind him. One hand brandishes a lighter while the other is holding out a cupcake balanced on a small plate, a single green candle in the middle. Makoto beams when he sees Haru take note of the decoration. It’s a blue rose this time, some petals slightly messy, but if anything it makes it even more special.“I can see that someone has been practicing.” Haru moves to sit on his knees, coming closer to the edge of the bed.“Gou truly is a saint.” Carefully, he lights the candle, setting the lighter down so he can hold the plate with both hands. “Come on, make a wish.”“You know I don’t like dessert that much. And my real birthday is over already.”Makoto does know this, but that won’t stop him. “But it’s tradition!” He sways the plate back and forth. “Come on. Humor me. It’s not that hard to make a wish.”When Haru still doesn’t budge, Makoto starts to sing Happy Birthday in the most flamboyant, over-the-top way possible. He’s halfway through the song when Haru places one of his hands over his mouth to stop him. “Alright! Alright!”Makoto makes an appreciative noise in triumph as soon as Haru removes his hand and closes his eyes. That doesn’t stop Makoto from singing the last part of the song, changing his approach and taking it more seriously, making it as soft and sweet as he can. “Happy birthday to you.”With a gentle huff, Haru blows the candle out as he slowly opens his eyes. Makoto is staring curiously back at him as the small cloud of smoke swirls in the air. “So... What did you wish for?”“Uh-uh. You know birthday wish rules.” Haru reaches out and pats Makoto’s cheek. “I’m not telling.”“It was worth a shot.” Makoto goes back to the kitchen to set the cupcake aside. He picks up an extra blanket from the floor as he climbs back up on the bed and makes himself comfortable at Haru’s side. “What did you want to watch?”Haru taps the controller against his chin thoughtfully. “How do you feel about Train to Busan?”Makoto audibly gulps, trying to hide his nervousness as he fiddles with the blanket he is currently cocooned in. “Uhhh... Isn’t that the one with the zombies?”Haru turns away from the screen. “Yeah, have you not seen it before?”“Well...” Makoto is looking everywhere he can, anywhere except at Haru. “Zombies.”“Oh. I get it. Well, that’s fine then.” Haru shrugs as he goes back to flipping through the titles. “How about A Rat’s Life 2? Sousuke said that it made Rin cry the other day, so it’s probably good? Who knows if Rin’s tears are a determining factor on whether a movie is good or not though – ““No! No!” Makoto wants to make sure that they do everything that Haru wants because that’s all he aims to do. Make Haru happy. “Train to Busan has been on my watch list for a while now. I just never found someone to watch it with.”Haru looks unimpressed, his voice flat. “Makoto, you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. It’s just me.”Makoto is persistent though. He unwraps himself from his blanket burrito and offers the open end in Haru’s direction. “No, it’s what you want. It’s your birthday celebration.” His mouth is set in a determined line. “We’re watching this.” He waits until Haru crawls over and takes the spot under his arm, Makoto securing the blanket around them both. His sudden bout of bravery diminishes, though, as he holds Haru closer to his side. “Just... Protect me.”Haru laughs tenderly, pressing the play button as he snuggles in closer. “Always.”With his new dolphin plush in one arm and Haru in the other, maybe watching this movie wasn’t such a bad idea.Watching this movie was such a bad idea.Makoto has his eyes squeezed shut as he continues to hide under the blanket, his only shield from the horror that is blasting through the speakers. All he can hear is the assumingly gory action that is happening at the moment, trying hard not to picture it in his head. He’s been here for a while now, has been ever since the first zombie outbreak. He watched as much blood gush as he could before he burrowed deeper into the blanket, shrieking on the spot. He thinks he would have passed out by now, but the warmth of the body beside him makes everything bearable. The only comfort he has is the steady beating of Haru’s heart that is pressed against his ear, the hand that is combing through his hair.Scratch that. Watching this movie was such a genius idea.He can hear a song playing now, the screaming having died down quite a bit. He feels Haru pat his side encouragingly; can hear the laugh in his voice. “You can come out now.”Reluctantly, Makoto releases his death grip on Haru, shifting the blanket so that the top of his head is sticking out. He takes in the comfortable ambiance of the room, the sun having set while he was hiding, the only light coming from the credits rolling on the screen. He feels the bed dip as he looks over at Haru leaning over to the foot of the bed, flicking on the lamp that he keeps on the table there. The room is draped in a warm glow.Haru arches a brow. “Pretty great movie, huh?”Makoto stretches his arms as he sits up and leans against the wall. “Yeah, yeah. For sure.” He links his hands together as he reaches towards the ceiling. “Would definitely watch again.”“I mean, there is a pretty great storyline.” Haru nudges his shoulder as he picks up the dolphin and taps Makoto’s nose with its soft snout. “Maybe you can really appreciate it the next time we ‘watch’ it.”Makoto feels all fuzzy at the idea. Of being close to Haru in that way again. “Definitely next time.”Haru smiles as he starts moving towards the side of the bed. Makoto hurriedly rushes forward, grabbing onto Haru’s wrist. “W – W – Where do you think you’re going?”“I think I should get going now.” He looks at the floor. “Where did I leave my bag again?”“But – but,” Makoto really hates seeing Haru go any other given time, but he really doesn’t want to be alone right now. “Zombies. You said you would protect me.”He might look pathetic right now, but he doesn’t care. Haru stands up as he walks closer to Makoto who looks up at him. He expects to see annoyance written all over Haru’s face, but instead his expression is a confusing mixture of things. He looks exhausted; maybe from the events of the day. There seems to be a tinge of sadness, maybe even nervousness all wrapped in one. He also can’t help but notice the subtle yearning that faintly lingers there. But that might just be his mind playing tricks on him. Makoto feels guilty for asking Haru to stay now. He’s about to tell him otherwise, when Haru speaks. “Let’s get ready for bed then.”A day of firsts.Makoto was about to get the air mattress that he keeps handy for him to sleep on while Haru takes the bed, but Haru insisted that Makoto sleeps on his own bed for the night.“We could... Both sleep on the bed?” This might be one of the boldest things Makoto has ever done when it comes to Haru. But he feels like throwing everything to the wind today. “I mean, I’ll make myself as tiny as possible to give you the most space.”It seemed like both boys were surprised when Haru agrees.Makoto gives Haru one of his spare toothbrushes and lets him borrow an old pair of shorts, along with one of his shirts. It’s this old thing that he brought from Iwatobi, with orange making up the top quarter and yellow making up the rest. Makoto can’t help but internally squeal when Haru comes out of the bathroom. He’s practically drowning in the fabric, the shirt slightly hanging off his shoulder, a hint of his collarbone peeking out. He never knew how much he needed to see Haru in his clothes until now.The room is dark as Makoto waits for Haru, who has gone back to the bathroom after grabbing something from his backpack. He’s facing the wall, replying to a few messages from Rin and Sousuke when he feels the bed shift behind him. He’s about to turn around to lie down on his back, when he’s stopped by Haru throwing his arm around Makoto’s waist, keeping him in place. “Don’t.”Makoto’s about to ask if something is wrong, but Haru just holds him tighter. He feels Haru nuzzle closer, resting his face in between Makoto’s shoulder blades. His voice is muffled, but Makoto hears him loud and clear. “Let’s just stay like this for tonight.”The line is completely gone now, as if it was never there. Makoto doubts he ever drew it in the first place. He silently locks his phone, placing it on his pillow. He slowly shuts his eyes, but not before laying his own arm on top of the one Haru has wrapped around him, as he murmurs into the darkness. “Okay. Make sure no zombies get me, yeah?” He lets their hands brush before he starts to drift off. “Goodnight, Haru.”He’s not sure if he remembers exactly what Haru said back. All he can vaguely recall is whispered words in his drowsy state and the faint press of something warm and soft against his temple before he fully succumbs to sleep.The sunlight is slowly filtering through his balcony doors as Makoto opens his eyes. He’s about to start getting ready for work when the memories from yesterday gradually come back to him, happiness tugging up the corners of his lips. He remembers the soft smiles they shared, the way their hands never seemed to want to be apart. How closely he was held during the night. He stretches languidly as his arm delicately reaches behind him, not wanting to disturb Haru.But he’s met with nothingness.Makoto sits up, the blankets pooling around his waist as he looks around. He glances at the bathroom, wondering if Haru would be stepping out of there soon. He gets up and peers into the kitchen, wondering if Haru was getting a head start on breakfast. He checks the balcony, wondering if Haru was enjoying the quiet hours of the morning as the sun said goodbye to the moon. But they all turn up bare.Makoto doesn’t know what is taking over him right now as he sits on the bed. It’s like his heart has turned to stone and is dragging him down, making him want to be swallowed by the earth. When just yesterday if felt like it was made out of soft clouds, making him feel light as air. It was as if he could touch every star in the sky. The heart is such a fickle thing.He picks up his discarded phone and unlocks the screen, unconsciously bringing the dolphin into his lap. There’s only one message notification, sent earlier in the morning before he was even awake. It makes the weight of his heart lessen slightly.
sorry i had to go early. i didn’t want to wake you up. you looked so peaceful
Makoto wants to argue this. He would stay up the whole night if it meant he didn’t have to wake up to an empty apartment ever again.
thank you so much for yesterday. you’re wonderful
i’ll see you soon x
Makoto locks his phone as he flops backwards onto his sheets. He’s used to waking up alone – accepted it. He always knew that he would never share his bed with someone else. But that didn’t mean the prospect of waking up and feeling someone close to him during the dawn of a new day didn’t excite him. Of feeling Haru next to him when the world was most still.He missed his only chance – because Haru wasn’t his. But Makoto was unconditionally Haru’s.Nothing could ever change that.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Haru’s not scheduled to work for the next couple days, much to Makoto’s relief and disappointment. But he’s glad he could have the time to breathe. He did his best to hide the events of the morning, putting on a smile as he enters the cafe. Sousuke and Rin are already there, with Sousuke making Rin’s usual drink. Sousuke gives him a nod as he continues to mix, but Makoto meets Rin’s gaze as he passes by. There are questions hiding there, but Makoto doesn’t have the energy to answer them.The day passes by in increments, the seconds feeling like hours. Makoto can’t help but look over at the end of the bar, wanting nothing more than to see a certain beautiful eyed boy staring back at him. But the empty space just reminds him of his empty apartment. Of his empty chest where his heart used to be.It’s finally the end of his shift as he locks up the shop for the day, before he heads into the back room. He is taken aback when he sees that Rin is sitting there on the couch, one leg crossed over the other.“Hey. Umm... Is everything okay?” Makoto hesitantly asks, hiding the tremor in his voice, hiding behind his facade. He unties his apron as he looks over at Rin. Makoto knows that Sousuke left earlier than him, is probably on his way to the university pool for some leisurely swimming, maybe some extra practice before the next semester starts up again. He’s surprised that Rin was still here. “You know how Sousuke can be when one of us is not with him. I am not in the mood for another Code Sousuke this month.”“More like this week.” Rin shakes his head fondly and uncrosses his legs. “Don’t worry. I made sure that he repeated the directions to the pool at least three times before I let him out of my sight. I’m still debating if I should go for a bell system, signal flares or splurge on a tracking device.”“Definitely a tracking device. Sometimes you just got to invest.”Rin laughs as he stands up, tying his hair back with the elastic tie around his wrist. He makes his way to the door where Makoto stands. “Anyways, I was about to ask you the same thing.”Makoto pauses his rummaging through his bag that rests on the table that sits near the door. “Hmm. Ask me what?”“Makoto,” Rin’s in front of Makoto now, his eyes piercing but there’s something else behind there. Sadness - concern. It’s familiar; it’s the same look he gave him this morning. But it’s also the same look he gave him when Makoto tumbled to the floor all those weeks ago. When Haru tumbled into their lives. “Is everything okay?”If Makoto had known that he would be walking into an interrogation of all things today, he would have avoided the back room at all costs. He does his best to give his signature smile. “I’m fine.”“Makoto.” Rin is nothing if not relentless. Makoto has been on the other end of these conversations enough times before to know that Rin will not back down until he hears the truth.“... I’m trying to be.” The smile falls as Makoto looks at the floor. “I want to be.”“You want to tell me what’s up?” Rin stills, approaching the next question carefully. His voice is hesitant as his gaze softens. “Is it about Haru?”Makoto freezes, as if time had finally caught up with him, bringing him back from the haze of the day. His instinct is to quickly deny everything, tell Rin some made up problem that he doesn’t give one damn about. But he’s just so tired. He admits that pretending for Haru was one of hardest things he’s ever done. It didn’t help that he wasn’t the most discrete. But Haru didn’t seem to mind. And that’s what made him think it was okay.But he’s not okay. He can’t even pretend for himself anymore.Makoto does nothing to stop the tears that stream down his face. Rin quickly rushes forward, holding Makoto in his arms as he leads him to the couch. They sit side by side, with Makoto leaning against Rin as he cries into Rin’s shoulder, the fabric of his shirt getting stained with tears as Rin soothingly rubs his back.It’s feels like an eternity before Makoto gathers his thoughts and his breathing evens, only slight hiccups leaving him as he turns to face the other boy. “I really don’t understand what’s happening. I thought that I would be okay with being just his friend. I really did.” He sinks even further into the couch. “I’m a Partial. I know that already. But it has never hurt like this before.” He knew he was laying his heart to slaughter the moment he linked pinkies with Haru that day. The day he made that promise. But he could never deny Haru anything.Rin says nothing, just continues to rub patterns up and down Makoto’s back, letting him bare all that he has been bottling up inside. Eventually, Rin treads slowly, having already figured it out. He probably did a long time ago. “You love him, don’t you?”It comes out in a harsh whisper, as if Makoto’s afraid to speak the truth. “I really do.”Now that he said it out loud, it only makes the reality more horrible – more painful. The tears start to flow again, and Rin rushes forward to bring Makoto into a steadying embrace. “Makoto, I’m so fucking sorry.” Makoto can hear the tears as Rin speaks, his voice choking up. “I know that doesn’t mean shit, but you deserve everything. You have one of the biggest hearts. You have so much love to give. You’re one of the best people I know.”They both take some time, Makoto clinging onto Rin like he’s the only anchor that he has in this moment. His Partial side hates him, scolds him for overstepping the limits. He almost wishes he couldn’t feel at all.But his heart, wherever it is, praises him, congratulates him for this love that he found. Because in their world, things moved fast; emotions were powerful. There was no such thing as Too soon, more like Why wait? Falling in love was second nature and Makoto was no exception. He fell hard and he kept falling, even when Haru helped him back up. When the tears die down again, he warily asks, “How do I make it stop?” Rin looks at him, waiting for him to elaborate. “How do I stop feeling this way?”This wasn’t right, not by the universe's standards. But Haru has made Makoto feel things he never has before. Things he thought he would never get to experience in this lifetime. He doesn’t know if that’s a privilege or a curse.Makoto thinks about a lot in that moment. He thinks of stunning eyes that could see past his shell and deeply into his soul. He thinks of a soothing voice praising him, comforting him, when he felt the most vulnerable. He thinks of a delicate hand in his, almost fragile in comparison, and how it gave him strength to be who he is. To be unashamed of it.He thinks of arms holding him tightly, securely and what he would give to do the same whenever he wanted. To be a shield, a protector. He thinks of a faint beauty mark upon the other’s cupid’s bow and how he wants nothing more than to press his lips against it. To worship it and every other inch of the other boy because it’s what he deserves. He thinks about how he wants to leave a mark on Haru, just as Haru had done to him. No, it’s definitely a blessing in disguise. He smiles sadly.“Makoto, listen.” Rin is commanding when he wants to be, but there’s a soft undertone to his voice as Makoto looks at him. “I don’t know how the world came to be this way. The universe really is a bitch to prevent people from having a chance at love. Most people want it and we all fucking deserve it. So don’t think I wouldn’t get Sousuke to beat the living shit out of fate if we ever met.” That receives a small laugh from Makoto, the first bit of happiness he felt all day. “But right now, and it may sound like bullshit, just give it time.”Makoto looks at him with glassy eyes as Rin’s voice wavers. “Time is what allows us to heal until we’re ready to move on.” He pauses, taking a deep breath as he steadies himself. “I remember how I felt when my dad died.”Makoto wants to interrupt. He doesn’t want Rin to get into something he doesn’t want to. “Rin...”“No, it’s okay.” He’s given a small smile before Rin rushes on. “It hurt like hell in the beginning. To hear the news that one of the most important people in my life was taken away from me.” Makoto remembers the day when Rin called him and Sousuke over, how quiet yet distraught he was. When they got there, they both just took Rin and Gou into their arms as they huddled around them closely, with no words needing to be said. Even when Makoto had to leave for the night and Gou went to bed with her mother, Sousuke stayed with Rin, not once leaving his side, as he cried silently in the dark. Makoto remembers how distant Rin became for a while during that time in elementary school. How he didn’t want to leave the house unless necessary. How he took a break from swimming. He’s usually not this vocal about his father since his passing all those years ago, wasn’t even back then. Rin’s eyes glisten before he hastily rubs at them. “It hurt knowing that my hero wasn’t with me anymore. I loved him so much. I will always love him.”“It took a while, but time passed and then I slowly became okay. I decided to swim again, to live again, for myself and for him.” Rin looks thoughtful. “You and Sousuke helped me through it, you know?” A small laugh. “And I’m so grateful for that. You were there for me, but I think time is the other thing that pushed me through. It helped me until it didn’t hurt as much as the day before.”Makoto can’t help but bring Rin into his arms. It’s moments like this that remind him that people will speak themselves when they’re ready; when they have the strength to do so. And all others should do is listen. He gives an encouraging, watery smile. “Thank you for telling me.”Rin pulls back as he places his hands on Makoto’s shoulders. “For now, just feel.” Makoto was so distracted by Rin’s story that he forgot about his own troubles for a moment, before they come crashing back down. His chest seizes at the prospect. “There are so many kinds of hurt. It gets you for a while, especially when you least expect it. It’s unavoidable.” Rin looks sincerely into his eyes, giving Makoto all the support he can. “But for now, be hurt. Even if it’s tearing you apart.”Makoto wants to believe him; that time will really help him get over Haru. But Rin has been wrong before. “But, Makoto, listen to this first. I see the way you look at him.” Rin hands Makoto a tissue. “Saw the way you looked at him as soon as he walked in that day. I saw your whole face light up. I’ve never seen you that way before.” Rin lets out a frustrated breath. “I was worried for you. I didn’t want you to get attached. I didn’t want you to get left behind.”Makoto gives a half-hearted laugh. “A little too late for that.”“But I’ve also seen how he looks at you.” Rin still looks exasperated, Makoto instantly recognizing the stubbornness there as he continues on. “I can see the fondness. I probably look at Sousuke the same way. But there’s something else there. Something like longing, as if he’s holding himself back.” Rin takes Makoto’s wrists into his hands, holding them gently. “He looks at you like a fool that fell in love with the moon and stars.”A glimmer of hope flickers in the rawness of his chest, but Makoto doesn’t want to cave in. “I would think you’re talking about me.”Rin shakes his head. “It’s obviously different, the way you treat each other. How you are around each other.” He looks optimistic. “I think he’s good for you. Just as you are good for him.”“Rin...” This doesn’t settle well with Makoto. The thought of making knots and cuts in the string that is fate. It would upset the balance even more. It’s not fair for anybody. Haru’s soulmate deserves their chance at love, too. He likes to believe that all soulmates will eventually meet, as the stars have told. “He’s not meant for me. There’s some lucky person out there he deserves.”Makoto sighs. “And they’re gonna give him the world. I’m not gonna burden him.” He shakes his head insistently. “I can’t ruin this. I’d rather be in his life like this than not at all.”Rin doesn’t look convinced. “Maybe you should let Haru decide that for himself.” Makoto is about to protest, but Rin holds up a hand. “Makoto, just talk to him. I think it will help the both of you.”When it came to Haru, he’s felt a lot of things. But scared was never one of them. “Are you sure I can’t go for another round of pretending?”“Because that worked so well the first time?”Makoto slumps. He wants that closure, that next step. But not yet. He nods reluctantly. “Okay. I’ll think about it.”Satisfied with his answer, Rin pats his back. He suddenly reaches up and removes the hair tie, shaking his hair out and running his hands through it. “I’m sorry, this is so messed up. Have I mentioned how shitty this is?” Makoto holds himself back from saying Yes, you have.“The concept of soulmates should automatically mean fairytale endings and all that romantic, sappy crap for everyone, goddamn it. As if they have the right to call themselves ‘a higher power’ and then they do things like this. It’s not that hard to understand. A soulmate for every single person. It’s as simple as that, almighty universe youmotherfu – ”Makoto stops him before a suspected rampage erupts. “Rin, calm down. It’s okay. It’s not your fault; it’s mine. It can’t be helped that I love Haru so much.”“Hey, hey. No, it’s not. We agreed that it was the bitchass universe’s fault, didn’t we?”Already sensing a losing fight, Makoto agrees, giving into Rin’s ways. He still doesn’t feel convinced. “Okay, okay. We did.” He stands up, turning back to face Rin. “Thanks.”Rin smiles as he stretches his legs, his rage simmering down a bit. “Anytime.”Glad to have avoided dealing with an angry Rin, Makoto wipes the remaining tears from his eyes.“You know, I think you should just scream to get even more off your back.” Rin suggests as he picks up his discarded bag.Or maybe not. Makoto tilts his head. “What do you mean?”“You got to let the rest of your frustration out. And you gotta do it for you. I’m always the one that does the understandable raging on your behalf.” Rin snaps his fingers, as if a genius idea struck. “Come on, just yell: ‘Fuck you universe!’”Makoto slings his backpack over his shoulders before crossing his arms. “Uhhh, maybe you’re okay with that because the universe has been nice to you, but personally, I don’t want to make it angry.”“Okay, don’t curse the universe. Even just a swear feels invigorating.” He pats Makoto’s chest. “Just yell, ‘Fuck’.”“Fu–dge.”Rin stares. “Makoto, come on. ‘Shit’.”“Shiht–zu.”“What are you, seven? Fine, guess I’ll do it for you. Again.” Rin raises his arms and arches his back as he bellows, “FUCK YOU, UNIVERSE!”There’s a sudden crash that comes from outside the hallway; it sounded like it distantly came from the kitchen. Makoto knows the lights are already off in there and that it was clearly person-free the last time he checked. He squeals as he jumps behind Rin, the other’s gaze serious. “Who’s there?”“See you made it mad!” Makoto is shaking from his spot behind Rin, clutching onto the back of his shirt. “Or even worse, it could be the ghosts! Why would you call out like that?”“To see who’s there?”“I don’t want the ghosts to answer back!”“You know Sousuke was just fucking with you.” Rin rolls his eyes, placing a hand on his hip as he shakes Makoto off. He heads towards the door, making his way to the kitchen.Makoto waits with bated breath as he slowly follows Rin, not wanting to be far away. From the view at the door, the kitchen is dark and empty, as expected, but there’s a large mixing bowl lying abandoned on the floor. “See, it probably just fell from the table.”“That’s what they want you to think.” Makoto rubs his arms nervously, glancing over his shoulder and then looking up at the ceiling, looking for any signs of supernatural matter.Rin reaches over to pick it up, flipping it this way and that, checking the bowl as if he was looking for something. Makoto frowns. “What are you doing?”“Oh, nothing.” Rin sets the bowl down as he leans against the table. “I was just looking for your courage.”An unamused glare. “Fudge off.”“See, now we’re getting somewhere.”The abrupt ringing of Rin’s phone only spooks Makoto more. Rin doesn’t even look at the screen before he’s bringing the phone up to his ear. They are already heading for the front doors as Rin sighs, defeated. “What do you see around you, babe?”It’s been a week since Makoto had properly seen Haru. With a bit of a pleading to Natsuya, he somehow managed to get his schedule at the cafe lifted. He told Natsuya that they need some extra help at the pool and he gave him the hours off. He was being a coward, but he didn’t know what else to do.During that time, he would always tell Haru that he wouldn’t be able to hang out anytime soon. It pained him to say so. To fall back to where he was before. The hurt was back, the same mysterious hurt from the beginning. But this time around was harsher – more excruciating. That imaginary tether that had managed to mend itself during their summer together had broken apart again. But that was all on Makoto.Haru didn’t question it; he just let Makoto be on his own. But Haru would constantly check up on him through text, though. He never failed to tell him Good morning x and Goodnight x every day since, no matter how mundane it seemed. There was a random cat picture sent here and a sunset panorama there all because he knew how much Makoto loved those. He would even send song links to him, telling Makoto: This made me think of you. It was the little things that were still able to bring a smile to Makoto’s face, but a stab to his chest.On top of the guilt that comes with the avoidance, Makoto just doesn’t feel like himself. He’s just so used to being around Haru at this point that it feels like he doesn’t know how to function anymore. He feels hollow. It reminds him of how he used to be before Haru; how he was fine with going through the motions. But being just fine wasn’t enough anymore. It’s all different now. Soon, I’ll see him soon. Despite his somewhat found resolve, he still needed to see Haru. He had to; he can only take so much before he truly falls apart.Makoto is looking over his regimen that he wants to go through with the class as he walks into the pool area. It’s mainly empty, with only a few people swimming some laps in the farther lanes before the classes begin.“Hey, Makoto.”Makoto looks up to see Nao standing there, already dressed in his coaching wet suit, his fingers tangled in his hair as he brings the strands together. He’s been letting it grow out for a while now, the length at his shoulders.Makoto’s smile is already on display, but it’s too forced, not him. But he’s used to faking it on his worst days. “Hey, Nao. How’ve you been?”“I’m great.” Nao finishes his ponytail, securing it with a hair tie. “And how are you?”The response is automatic, robotic. “I’m fine.”Behind his glasses, Nao eyes him critically. Nao is just as good a lie detector as Rin, but he hopes he lets it slide for now. After one final onceover, he gives up, sighing. “If you say so.”Makoto breathes, looking down at his clipboard. “But,” At Nao’s voice, he peers up again. “You have some time before your class starts, and I think,” Nao looks over Makoto’s shoulder, a warm smile on his face. “Someone’s here to see you.”“Hi, Nao.” A voice from behind him speaks up. A voice that he missed hearing for the last week, its low timbre sending shivers through his body. He slowly turns around and is met with eyes he longed to see; eyes that always see right through him. Haru has his hands in his front hoodie pocket as he tilts his head, a shy grin dancing across his lips. “Hey, Makoto.”“Uhhh...” Makoto can’t believe that Haru is here of all places. He knows how much Haru has avoided the pool for most of the summer. It’s the last place he expected to see him and he almost drops his clipboard in the process.“I’ll leave you guys alone.” Nao says as he starts walking away.With nowhere to run, Makoto lifts his head. “Hey, Haru.” His voice sounds nervous even though he tries to sound excited. “What are you doing here?”Haru takes a step forward and Makoto does everything he can to not take a step back. He’s not ready for this. He thought he would see Haru soon, but soon meaning on his own terms. The universe really does want him to suffer. “I’m here to see you.”Haru grins. “Aww, look at you. Never realized how adorable you are in your coaching uniform.” His tone is light, but Makoto can still feel the slight tension. He can feel how the distance affected both of them. He can tell that Haru knows that Makoto had been trying to be nonexistent to him. Haru removes his right hand from his pocket, reaching out to hold Makoto’s. It’s meaningless. “I missed you.”Makoto has to stop this. He can’t let himself fall into this again, no matter how much he wants to hold on tighter. But having Haru here in front of him, it’s no use. Maybe he can play the fool for a little while longer. How can one person make him feel so powerful and weak at the same time. “Sorry I was gone this week. But,” He sighs, letting the words fall from his lips so easily. “I missed you, too.”Haru beams as he steps even closer, but his voice is still timid. “Actually, I came here ‘cause I needed to talk to you.”What’s left of Makoto’s heart picks up, scared of what Haru has to say. No... Haru must have seen the fear in his eyes because he’s right in front of Makoto now, his other hand reaching out to hold Makoto’s cheek. “No, no. It’s nothing bad. It’s just,” His thumb is gently caressing his cheekbone now. “I didn’t want to wait anymore. It’s something I needed to tell you in person.”Makoto can sense the subtle urgency that lingers between them, drawing him in. “Alright,” He says gently as he looks down at Haru. “What did you want to tell me?”“Wait. Not now,” Haru reaches up to brush Makoto’s hair back. “Later, I was thinking we could swim together first.”“You want to s–swim? H–here? T–together?” Hearing Haru say those words sound foreign to his own ears, as if Haru was speaking a different language. “But... You never wanted to do that before.”They are so close now, Makoto having no choice but to look into Haru’s eyes. His mismatched eyes. Remember – pretend. “But I want to now.”Haru reaches down to take Makoto’s other hand into his, letting them fall between them. “So, can we? I know that you’re closing today, so do you think we can have the pool to ourselves for a while?” Despite it being his idea, there’s a strange color to his voice, something on the verge of nervousness. Haru seems to power through before he can change his own mind. “Just the two of us.”And oh. Makoto could never deny Haru anything. He nods before his Partial side catches up with him. “Yeah, sure. I’ll see what I can do.”What Makoto would do to keep that smile on the Haru’s face. There’s sudden chatter from behind Haru as they both take a look at the interruption. It’s coming from the hallway that leads to the pool area; Makoto’s class was about to start. “Okay,” Haru says as he looks back at Makoto. “I’ll just wait for you ‘til then.”Before Makoto can register what’s happening, Haru is standing up on the tips of his toes, their hands still clasped together as he places a quick and gentle kiss on Makoto’s cheek. It seemed like it was impulsive, sending a shock to his core. He has no time to respond before Haru darts away from him, probably heading off to sit on one of the benches that are set up around the pool. He feels heat spread out from the spot as he reaches up to hold the phantom kiss to his cheek, to keep it imprinted there. What in the...“Good afternoon, Coach Tachibana!” Makoto has no time to reminisce in this little slice of paradise as Misaki is looking up at him with his red and blue eyes. He sees so much of Rin and Sousuke in Misaki that it’s too hard to believe; he’s even got their determination. Maybe that’s why he’s got the softest spot for the kid. Misaki is grinning as he asks, “Who was that?”Makoto feels out of his body. “Who was who?”Misaki looks behind Makoto as if the answer was blatantly obvious. “That guy you were with.”Makoto follows Misaki’s gaze until he sees Haru sitting there, scrolling through his phone as he leans against the wall. Waiting for him. “He’s a friend.” As if Haru can feel their eyes on him, he looks up and notices the two before he gives a small wave. Misaki happily returns it. Makoto’s hand is still on his cheek, holding onto the warmth that lingers there. “A really good friend.” “Okay, that’s all for today.” Makoto starts tucking the kickboards under his arm as he faces the class. “Good work, everyone!”Despite Haru being there for the whole lesson, Makoto did his best to focus on his students. And that was a challenge within itself. The other students are saying goodbye to him as they shuffle towards the change rooms, happily chatting away. He starts to put the kickboards away when he notices that Misaki was not with the others.Makoto instantly worries, wondering if Misaki was still in the pool, doing more than he was ready for. If he was pushing himself too hard again. He checks the pool, but notices that it’s empty, the water becoming still. He’s starting to panic again when a curious voice reaches his ears. “Hi! I’m Kuramoto Misaki. Do you swim?”Over by the wall sit Haru and Misaki. There’s a towel slung over Misaki’s shoulders as he speaks to Haru. Letting out a sigh of relief, Makoto starts making his way over to them as Haru answers, “Nice to meet you. I’m Nanase Haruka. And yes, I do.”“Really? What do you swim?”“I mostly only swim free.”Misaki lights up at the answer. “Me too!” He looks up when Makoto is standing directly beside him. “Coach Tachibana, your friend is cool because he swims free like me!”“You’re right,” Makoto crouches down as he ruffles Misaki’s hair. “Only the coolest people swim freestyle.”Haru laughs as Misaki looks at him again. “Are you gonna come to the next practice, too? Can we see your swimming then?”Haru gives Misaki an encouraging look before catching Makoto’s eye. “I really hope so.” Despite himself, Makoto smiles, excited at the idea of Haru coming back. But first, the end of today’s practice means something else. Just the two of us.Misaki’s grin grows even more. “Yeah! Okay, well I gotta go now, but I hope to see you swim soon! Bye!” Misaki turns to Makoto. “Bye, Coach Tachibana!”They watch as Misaki rushes away, until they are the only two left in the pool area. Makoto already told Nao about his and Haru’s plans after the last class. All Nao did was smile knowingly; he didn’t know what to do with that information. Makoto is still crouched down when he feels a soft hand run through his damp hair. “You okay?”Makoto closes his eyes as Haru’s hand travels down from the top of his head to cup the side of his neck. He reaches up to hold Haru’s wrist. He will always be a fool. “Yeah, I’m good.”Haru reaches behind him to grab the towel that was resting there and affectionately starts drying Makoto’s hair. He can’t help but melt at the attention, the intimateness of the gesture. When Haru’s done, he gently drapes it across Makoto’s shoulders. He takes Makoto’s chin into his hand, tilting his head upwards to look him in the eyes before he says, “I’m gonna go change now.”Makoto can’t look away, even as Haru stands up and starts walking towards the change rooms. He waits until Haru disappears with one last glance over his shoulder. Shaking himself out of his daze, Makoto sets the towel back on the bench before making one final check of the pool. When he finds that everything is in its place, he doesn’t hesitate to jump into the water.He admits that he misses swimming competitively, of being on a team. It was the best part of high school and it brings him such joy whenever he gets to see the others swim for their schools. But he also likes the comforting part of swimming. Of just letting yourself float and look up at the sky. Being able to see the clouds above him as he swam was always a perk of being a backstroke swimmer.He’s just mindlessly drifting in the deep end of the pool until he collides with a lane divider, the last one that separates the lane closest to the wall. He holds onto it before he swim’s over to the end of the pool. He wasn’t in the mood to do a regulatory dive before he starts swimming, so he just holds onto the wall before he imagines the sound of the signal gun going off and pushes off.He puts all he’s got as he raises his arms high and propels himself backwards, letting the force course through. There’s no sense of competition in the slightest, but he keeps going until he knows he’s getting closer to the other side. If he was in a real race, he would be turning back around to make a complete lap, waiting for the cheers of his teammates and friends in the stands. But when he makes it to the shallow end, he just stops and stands in the pool, breathing heavily as he brushes the hair back from his forehead.“See, powerful!”Makoto looks over to the other end of the pool, his breath hitching. Haru’s hands are dropping from where they were cupped around his mouth to get his message to Makoto. Even from a distance, Makoto can always see the hint of that smile, no matter how small it might be.With Haru standing there, he can see the hard planes of his body. His torso is toned, although he’s lither than Makoto’s broader frame. Delicate. His eyes run down the smooth skin, following the trail where the dimples of his hipbones disappear under a pair of black legskins with curved purple and white stripes decorating the sides. They reach only mid-thigh before showing the shape of this calves, the dainty arches of his feet.Other would see the swimmer’s body, built from cutting through the water. He expects to see a swim cap and the tell-tale black goggles that Asahi had mentioned perched up on his head, but there’s no such gear to be found. Because he’s not the mysterious, miraculous swimmer from Hidaka University right now. He’s just Haru. All Makoto can see is Haru.Makoto is about to call back to him, but he sees the rise of Haru’s shoulders as he takes in a slow breath. Makoto knows that feeling, the anticipation of not knowing what’s going to happen when you reach the other side of the pool. With one final look in Makoto’s direction, Haru dives in.Makoto’s entranced, everything around him fading until there was only them, like their own oasis in the desert. He finally understands what Asahi was raving about. It’s like nothing he’s ever seen before. It looks so graceful, so effortless, as if he’s part of the water. It’s like it accepts him, they way that they flow together.He can feel the remains of his heart soar, feeling lighter than it did a week ago. He watches Haru make his way across the length of the pool, making his way towards him. As if Haru was bringing the stolen pieces of his heart back to him with every movement of his arms, getting closer and closer. He almost feels whole again. Almost. The time apart really took a toll on him.He’s beautiful. As if there was any other way to describe him.Makoto’s in one end lane, with Haru on the other end. He takes one final dive before he finally emerges, shaking the water droplets from his hair. He slowly swims to the ladder, climbing up the steps before he sits down beside it, letting his feet dangle in the water. Makoto sees Haru close his eyes before he leans back on his hands, head tipped up towards the ceiling.Silently, Makoto walks over, the waterline hitting his waist, until he’s right in front of Haru. Haru hasn’t opened his eyes yet, but he’s slightly taller than Makoto while sitting on the pool’s edge. Makoto smiles as he lifts his head up.“I can finally see what Asahi was saying.” Makoto praises, one hand coming up to rest on the floor beside Haru. “Your swimming is amazing! You’re amazi–“ The words die in his throat as Haru’s eyes slowly open. It’s like someone waking up from a long sleep, disoriented, before Haru finally looks at him. Makoto expects to see the green and blue eyes that he has fallen captive for the first moment he saw them before his heart stops all together.The green and blue are still there, but they are different now. Yet they are the same. He knows this pattern, sees it every time he looks in the mirror. Haru’s eyes are no longer solid, but fractured into pieces. Now, both his dark pupils are surrounded by the ocean rings, with the circular land surrounding them. The exact opposite of his own eyes looking right back at him. Blue meets green and green meets blue. They are still eyes that make up the world, like the moment they first met. But now they are eyes that make up his world.There is so much emotion in those eyes right now. There’s the slightest bit of happiness, of relief. Hesitance is next, worry is even more prominent. Makoto still hasn’t said anything, his whole being glazed over in confusion. Haru’s the first to move, slowly reaching out to hold Makoto’s cheek. Makoto’s still frozen, even when Haru brings up his other hand to completely frame his face. He leans in close, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of Makoto’s mouth. When he pulls away, he rests his forehead against Makoto’s, his voice hushed to a whisper. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”Those words are all it takes for Makoto to break. In the next moment, he’s wrapping his arms around Haru’s waist, pulling him close until there is no space between them. Haru’s legs are bracketing his body as his face is pressed to Haru’s warm chest. He can feel Haru’s hands running through his hair, calming him, holding him tightly as he cries.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
They didn’t do much swimming. They just stayed there at the edge of the pool for eons, holding each other until Haru pressed a final kiss to Makoto’s forehead and helped him out of the water. He remembers the first time Haru helped him up. He never realized how important that moment was at the time; how important this boy would be to him. Everything had changed back then, just like how it changed now. The cover of moonlight made the streets empty as they walk back with no one around to stare. The secret was still theirs for a while.Haru leans his head on Makoto’s shoulder, his right hand clasped with Makoto’s left. His other hand is wrapped around Makoto’s bicep as Makoto has both of their bags slung over his shoulder on his free side. They don’t utter a single word to each other the whole trip back. It wasn’t the place for it yet.They finally make it back to Makoto’s apartment. But the last couple months have proved that this place has undoubtedly evolved from his to theirs. The only light is coming from the slight opening in the curtains that cover the balcony doors. It’s enough for them to see each other as Makoto sets their bags down, toeing off his shoes. Haru does the same, until he turns and wordlessly nods his head towards Makoto’s bed.Makoto lets Haru take the lead, turning on the lamp before he gets on the bed first. He sits so that his legs are up and bent at the knee. Makoto follows, going to the space across from Haru, copying his position so that their toes are touching until he faces him fully. That’s apparently too far for Haru before he’s scooting forward until his knees are tucked beneath the triangle created by Makoto’s, comfortably resting his feet on both sides of him. Makoto is reminded of yin and yang, the way two opposites fit together perfectly and balance each other out.In the honey glow of the lamplight, they look at each other. Really look at each other. There was no denying that Makoto’s emotions got the better of him in the pool. It prevented him from truly seeing Haru in this new light. But nothing’s gonna stop him now.He’s the one that’s reaching out now. He’s holding Haru like he’s the most precious treasure; because to Makoto he is. He’s openly admiring him, wanting to see every inch of his beautiful face. It’s as if he’s mapping it all over again, this undiscovered terrain like it’s the eighth wonder of the world. He looks at the ocean water that spills into the green of the land in both of his eyes. To reassure himself that Haru’s real when the universe had supposedly let him believe that he wasn’t even supposed to exist. That another Partial wasn’t supposed to be within the same lifetime as him.Haru places one hand over the one Makoto has on his face. His other hand comes up in the space between them, his pinky already extended. Always waiting. Makoto watches as Haru’s eyes start to glisten, until a single tear falls, leaving a crystal trail behind. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”Makoto lets out a shaky laugh, knowing that his own eyes are shining. He links his pinky with Haru’s, just like the first time and every time after. “Yeah,” He breathes. “It’s nice to meet you, too.”More tears start to fall from Haru’s eyes, but they are different from before. There’s a shift as his lip quivers, his eyes downcast. Trying to avoid Makoto’s gaze. “Are you mad?”Concern paints Makoto’s features. He gently lifts Haru’s face back up. “What? What are you talking about?” He wipes another tear that’s falling from Haru’s eye. It pains him to see Haru cry. “How could I ever be mad?”Haru chances another glance back up. “Because I made you go through this alone the whole time I’ve known you.”Makoto can’t help but shake his head, as if to shake away the thought. He’s quick to pull Haru into his chest, Haru’s legs fully wrapping around his waist. His head is nestled into the column of Makoto’s neck, his arms looping around Makoto securely. He’s practically in Makoto’s lap by now, but it’s still not close enough. “No, no.” Makoto stresses, stroking the back of Haru’s hair. His lips are near the shell of Haru’s ear now, making sure that the words reach him. “You have never made me feel alone.”He can still feel Haru’s tears against the side of his neck. “But... I should have said something earlier. I should have told you soon– ““Haru,” Makoto pulls back to frame Haru’s face, his thumbs sweeping underneath his eyes. “You didn’t owe me anything. It was your life to keep. No one can force you to reveal personal things about yourself if you’re not ready for it. You could have kept the secret forever and I still would always be by your side. Okay?”Haru looks at him and Makoto is still shocked to see his eyes on someone else. On his Haru. They are still glassy before Haru closes them and leans forward to press their foreheads together, his hands playing with the hair on the back of Makoto’s neck. “I’m still so sorry. I swear, I trust you. I do. I knew you would have kept it secret if I wanted you to. But I was still so scared back then. The longer I hid it, I became more afraid of losing them.” He pulls back slightly. “Of losing you.” “Hey, no more apologizing.” Makoto can’t help but nuzzle their noses together, just because he can. At least he hopes he can, if only for a little while longer. “You could never lose me.”They are lying down now, facing each other, surrounded in the lamp’s subtle glow. Haru is hugging Makoto’s dolphin to his chest, resting his chin on its soft head. They are both tucked underneath the blanket, with their hands and legs tangled together in the space between them. It’s comforting for them, makes them feel whole. It’s what makes up them.“How did you hide them?”Haru fiddles with a loose thread on the dolphin’s head. “It’s probably really stupid, but they’re colored contacts. Prescription ones, too. I got a different color for each eye.”“Hey, no, it’s not. It’s pretty genius, actually.” Makoto is impressed, surprised that the idea never crossed his mind. It was simple, yet effective, with no questions asked. He wonders if past Partials ever did the same. Colored contacts, though, were mostly only used by mated people. They were meant for style, not tricks. Unmated people usually just let their natural unmatched eyes show, wanting their eyes to say, Look I’m here! Were you trying to find me? But they also conveyed messages of, Hey, look, I’m normal. Give me a chance. Makoto’s eyes always told a different story. Or rather, Makoto’s and Haru’s always did. He gives a little laugh. “You didn’t want to try any other combination, though?”Haru smiles shyly, shaking his head. “No, I’m pretty fond of the blue and green.”Makoto can’t help but agree. The mood changes then, like a dark cloud looming overhead with an oncoming downpour, the underlying questions coming to surface. “So... The reason you never wanted to swim with me until now...”“Can’t swim with them in.”More pieces click together. “And the time you stayed over and went back to the bathroom...”“Had to take them out before I slept.” Haru looks ashamed.The most hurtful piece lodges in his chest. “And why you left before I woke up...”Haru reaches up to cup Makoto’s face, making sure he can see the apology in his eyes. “I’m sorry for leaving. I wasn’t ready for you to see me like this yet.” Makoto can feel all the comfort Haru is trying to give him, feel it blanketing him all over. Haru sighs. “All I wanted to do was stay.”Makoto doesn’t want to make Haru feel guilty, was never angry at Haru in the first place, so he just nods. “It’s okay.” He whispers, reassuring. “I’m just happy you came back.”Haru just beams, as if the answer shouldn’t have been a surprise. “I’ll always come back to you.”Just hearing that makes Makoto feel lighter than he has the whole week. There’s another burning question that Makoto needs to ask, but he knows it’s not his place to intrude. He shifts slightly, trying to adjust his arm from where it’s draped over Haru’s side. He’s trying to think of something else to say. But Haru doesn’t let him, already knowing what was going on in Makoto’s mind. Like he always does. “You want to know why I hid them.”Makoto’s lost for words, his mouth clamping shut. Haru comes even closer, the dolphin squished between their chests. He brings their intertwined hands up to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of Makoto’s. “It’s okay. I want to talk about it. You, of all people, deserve to know.”Makoto just nods his head, waiting for Haru to continue. “How long have you known Sousuke and Rin again?”The question was not what Makoto was expecting. Haru already knows the answer, but he indulges him anyway. “Since elementary school.”“And then everyone else came along?” Haru’s stroking random patterns on Makoto’s chest with his free hand. Makoto just hums in response. “And they never left you behind?”“Never.”Haru smiles, but his eyes look sad. “I’m glad you had that growing up. Had them looking out for you.” He lets go of Makoto’s hand to hold his cheek instead. “’Cause I never did.”Makoto instantly tightens his hold around Haru’s waist, running his hand up and down his back. Haru laughs harshly. “If the universe really wanted Partials to live the lonely life, they definitely did a good job at making sure that’s what happened to me.”“I didn’t have friends growing up. There was no one that I really wanted to get to know. Most people were polite, but they never went out of their way for me. But maybe that was just me. Not the Partial part, just me.” Haru runs his hand through Makoto’s hair, brushing it back, distracting himself. “I was hardly outgoing. I liked to keep to myself and I guess people thought that meant that they should stay away.”“Moving around because of my dad’s job didn’t help either. So I accepted it. Embraced it for a while all through elementary and junior high. I just let my eyes do the talking for me.” He presses closer. “They acted as a shield for me; it kept people away and I was okay with that. I didn’t care if people stared. I just didn’t care about anything. Swimming, though, that was the only thing I had.”“It was all I needed. I never bothered joining any teams when I was younger because I always knew that we wouldn’t stick around. But then I got to high school. It was the one time my dad promised that we would be there for a while.”Haru’s eyes start to shine again, his voice sounding more strained. “Adjusting to new places had become natural to me. I was prepared for people to see the Partial and then leave me alone. It was maybe halfway through my first week at the school, when some asshole pushes me aside and looks me in the eyes and asks, ‘So, what exactly’s wrong with you?’”“I didn’t get what he was asking at the time.” The tears start to well up even more now, but there’s more anger than defeat in his voice. “I don’t even know why the hell he kept going on when I wasn’t even responding. He said: ‘I mean, there must be a reason that you’re an unmated waste of space, right? ‘Cause I never thought that I would actually get to meet a thing like you. It’s like you’re a fuckin’ unicorn or some shit.”“I was seconds away from punching him.” His gaze hardens. “But I didn’t say a thing, just stared him down. That guy had the nerve to laugh and shove me against the lockers anyways, telling me that he would see me around. Turns out he was captain of the swim team, too, so there was no way I was going to swim with such filth.”“But he was enough. Enough to really hurt me. All through high school he would find a way to take a shot at me. And I did nothing. Back then he made me believe that he had a point. He made me feel worthless. That maybe there was something wrong with me and that’s why I was meant to be alone. He said that my entire existence was meaningless.” Another stray tear. “The one time that we stayed in a place for a while and I couldn’t even call it a home. You wouldn’t believe how happy I was to finally graduate and move to Tokyo. To finally get away from him.”Makoto cannot even process all of his feelings in this moment, but the rage is overwhelming. He wishes that he could have been there for Haru. He would have never left his side. He places his hand on the side of Haru’s neck, thumbing the underside of his jaw. His voice is dark, something close to a low growl. He even surprises himself. “I would’ve punched him for you.”Despite the tears, that makes Haru grin, a quiet laugh escaping him. “I never pegged you for a violent kind of guy.”“Well, if it’s for you,” Makoto looks down at their hands. “I would do anything. Be anything.”Haru leans forward, his forehead brushing Makoto’s chin. He can hear his smile. “My hero.” He snuggles into Makoto’s chest. “But it happened. It’s over. He’s gone now.”That calms him a little. Settling down, Makoto nods, understanding. Because that was from before. That piece of scum isn’t worth any of their time or words. He controls himself, knowing that anger can only do so much. All he can do is be here – be here with Haru right now.He tucks his head over Haru’s, holding him as tight as he can. Haru pulls out the dolphin from between them, placing it behind Makoto so that nothing separates them. “People like that are just sick. They’re scared of things that are different. Things they don’t understand.” He combs through Haru’s hair. “I think I’m the one that should be apologizing. I wish I could have been there for you. You should have never got to experience that and I’m so sorry you did.”Haru slightly hits Makoto’s chest. “Stop that, you did nothing wrong. Don’t blame yourself.” “Alright, then I’ll blame the universe.” Makoto had his reservations when he said these things when it was about himself. But for Haru, he has absolutely none. “I should have been this generations’ Partial. Not you. Wasn’t that the way it’s always been? It should have only been me.”Haru shakes his head, brushing his lips between Makoto’s collarbone. “I was born before you Mr. November, so I think the Partial title was mine first.”“Honestly, I don’t know what happened. But it doesn’t matter.” Makoto insists. He pulls back to look Haru in the eyes. “You’re not meant for this. You were destined to find your soulmate, I know it.” He brings up Haru’s right hand, running his thumb over the Phrase in the way he’s used to doing. Before he can stop himself, he presses his lips to the words. “This Phrase says otherwise, while I have nothing on my wrist. You’re one step ahead already.”Haru doesn’t looked convinced. “I didn’t always have this. Pretty sure it’s not even a Phrase.” Makoto just stills, confused. “Not since birth. My wrist was just as blank as yours. It only showed a little while after I settled in Tokyo, before school started up. It burned so much; you wouldn’t even imagine. It hurt even more having it tattooed into my skin when I was least expecting it. When I saw that it said It’s meaningless, I thought that it was just another harsh reminder from the universe to permanently brand me as a Partial.”“Maybe the universe was trying to fix their mistake when they realized that I was a Partial, too.”Makoto’s desperate for answers he doesn’t think he’ll ever have. He’s just piecing together his own conclusions blindly. “Maybe they are giving you that chance now. You can be like everyone else.”“Makoto, breathe. It’s okay.” Haru’s hand is rubbing soothing patterns up and down Makoto’s arm. “I tried that already, being like everyone else. I remember being so scared of having my high school experience all over again when I started living here. I was still broken at the time.”Haru sits up and reaches behind him, pulling something out of his bag. Makoto sits up, too, leaning his head on Haru’s shoulder looking at the item in his hands. It’s a contact container. He slowly reaches out, Haru allowing him to take it. He gently unscrews the lids of both compartments, until the solid rings of blue in one and green in the other are staring blankly back at him. “So when I got the mark, I didn’t see it as a Phrase. Not even sure it is one. All I saw was the opportunity to hide. So I got rid of my glasses and switched to colored contacts and have been wearing them ever since.”“I still needed to swim; there was no way I was going to stop. I didn’t think it would be that hard to disguise my eyes in the pool since I always swam alone anyways. I found the darkest pair of prescription goggles I could. As soon as I went to any pool, they never left my face. That’s why it was harder swimming at the school pool. After I got to know Asahi better, he always tried to talk to me before his practice. But I couldn’t stop and talk, just waved and quickly told him that I would talk to him later.”“It was so hard. Having these contacts – it kept me from swimming without worry. Made it feel like I wasn’t swimming freely anymore. And I hated it the whole time. Hated that I couldn’t be who I was in the place I loved most. The goggles were supposed to shield me, but I still felt vulnerable. Exposed.”Haru takes the container back, screwing the lids closed and setting it aside. He readjusts the blanket before turning to face Makoto again. “I didn’t know what I would be walking into when I started at Marron that day. I thought it would just be a job where I can come and go. I didn’t expect them,” He reaches out, pulling one of Makoto’s hands into both of his. “I didn’t expect you.”“I didn’t think I could have ever been accepted into a group where everyone was so genuine.” Haru smiles. “I didn’t think I was going to like you guys as much as I do.”Makoto rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, we’re kind of a clingy bunch. Sorry you got trapped in our chaos.”“I’m not.” Haru looks up from where he was looking down at his lap. “I’m grateful for you guys. The guy from high school may have left his scars, but you all made it better. Thank you.”Makoto leans in closer to press his forehead to Haru’s temple. “I think I’m the one that should be thanking you.”“So, now that I have you guys, I’m done. I’m better now. You guys reminded me of the goodness that is out there.” Haru turns, moving his legs so that they drape over Makoto’s underneath the blanket, his arms looping around his neck. “Especially, you.”Makoto places his hands on Haru’s waist, one of their favorite places to be. Despite the fabric, he bunches it up slightly so that he can trace idle circles on Haru’s hipbones. It just seemed to instinctual, as if Haru’s skin was his own. “How so?”“You are the kindest person, even when the universe treated you unfairly. You showed your heart to the world when you had no reason to. I admire that, admire you.” Haru cups the sides of his neck. “How could the universe think that someone like you – no wait – not someone like you. Just you, Tachibana Makoto, should not have a soulmate?”Makoto huffs a sigh. “You sound like Rin.”“’Cause, for once, he’s damn right.” Makoto laughs at that. “Why don’t you believe him when he says you don’t deserve this life?”“I guess it’s just the way I am. I think more about the Partials from before who didn’t deserve this instead of myself. And now I think of you, who most definitely doesn’t deserve it, either.” Makoto shrugs as he holds Haru closer, the words tumbling out. “I like dealing with what I was given with no complaints. I always believed that everything was fated in a certain way. And just… I was okay being happy for others and celebrating with them instead. At least most of the time I was.” Hearing his thoughts out loud surprise him; he’s used to keeping it locked in. But Haru apparently has all the right keys. “But you, mister, have had me thinking otherwise ever since I met you.”Haru kisses his cheek. Makoto is shocked that he hasn’t passed out from knowing how affectionate Haru can be when he wants to. Maybe he’s just happy that he doesn’t have to hide anymore. That he doesn’t have to shy away in front of Makoto. “I’m glad. I don’t want you to pretend anymore. Don’t put on a fake smile just because you think you have to. Our friends and I will understand if you’re having a bad day; you’re allowed to. It’s okay to not always be happy, Makoto.”Maybe it’s because he’s been suppressing it for this whole time or it’s because Haru who’s telling him, but it finally makes Makoto want to believe. “Okay. You’re right.” He clenches his teeth and furrows his brows. “I am angry that the universe ever thought that Partials should’ve been created.”Haru squints his eyes. “Umm… What’re you doing with your face?”“This is my angry face. Can’t you tell?” He emphasizes his pout, the hopefully enraged look in his eyes.Haru laughs. “Wow. I can see why you don’t show your angry face often.”Makoto drops his expression, dancing his fingers up Haru’s sides. “Shut. Up.” This just makes Haru laugh harder. “But seriously,” Haru’s gaze softens, focusing all his attention on Makoto. “I admit. Of course it’s been hard. It bothered me my whole life, thinking that there was no one out there for me. I was the one who always put myself down, even when I had the others supporting me. That it probably was my fault in some way.""I always felt like the universe was against me,” Makoto takes Haru’s face into his hand, wanting him to see all the love that he holds with this one look. He’s finally felt like he can breathe after being lost in space the time they spent apart. His voice is soft, meant only for the boy in front of him. “But how could it be, when it still led me to you?”Haru just nods, already understanding. He turns his head to kiss Makoto’s palm. “I was just thinking the same thing.”Makoto smiles, bringing their foreheads together. “Do you think this is it?” He can’t help the hopeful lilt to his voice. “That we’re the exception and that it’s over? That there will be no more Partials after us?”Haru looks hesitant, reaching up to hold Makoto’s wrist. “Maybe. I don’t know.”They could never be certain. It hurts not knowing what’s yet to come. He doesn’t want anyone to ever experience that. Knowing that Haru had to go through it himself makes it hurt even more.“But hey,” Haru’s thumb rubs Makoto’s wrist, the one that is still cupping his cheek. “Let’s just focus on what we can control.” Makoto can only agree.“So,” Haru starts. “We’re gonna stop pretending, right?”Makoto smiles, finally convincing himself. “Yeah, no more masks.”“No more hiding anything else, right?” The glint in Haru’s eyes makes Makoto groan.“Haru,” He whines, hiding his face in the other boy’s neck, hugging him close. “Please don’t embarrass me anymore than I have been doing for the last few months.”“Makoto,” Haru says. He can feel Haru’s breath ghosting along the outside of his ear. “I think– ” A kiss to his neck. “–I was more– ” Another to his cheek. “–Obvious than–“ He lifts Makoto’s head from his shoulder, placing another on his forehead. His eyes roam Makoto’s face before he decides on a final sweet peck to Makoto’s nose, an even sweeter smile on his face. “–You.”Makoto wants to hide his face in his hands, but they are way too comfortable with their place on Haru’s waist. “I–I –I thought you just were being nice and comforting! You, know, ‘cause you’re nice to everyone else?”Haru fondly rolls his eyes. “’Cause I always hold hands with Sousuke, too?” He gives a physical shudder. “Or want to voluntarily cuddle with Rin? I mean they’ve become close to me, but no, Makoto. I don’t do that with just anyone. Just you.” His hold around Makoto’s neck tightens, reassuring him. “Only you.”“Haru,” Makoto needs to know something first, an urge striking him then, his curiosity peaked. “Did you happen to feel anything the first time you saw me?” He knows he’s being vague, but he doesn’t know how else to describe that mysterious pull from the very beginning.Haru thinks for a moment. “If you were wondering if I thought you were cute the first moment I saw you, then the answer is yes.” It’s not what Makoto was looking for, slightly deflating that Haru didn’t feel as he did. Haru seems to sense this, trying again. “I also thought you were absolutely gorgeous. It was unreal. I couldn’t even process that another Partial was around me when I thought I was the only one. I didn’t know what to do. I even checked your wrist to see if you had the same mark as mine.” Makoto has never hated his blank wrists as much as now. “But hey, it doesn’t matter. What I feel for you now is what counts. Cause, you’re it for me.”“But why me?” Makoto knows that his self-doubt can’t help but rear its ugly head, always whispering insecurities into his ear, but he needs to be sure. “What if your mark is a real Phrase? I can’t do that to you, or… Or…” Your potential soulmate. “I know that I am the only unmated person around, but I don’t want you to settle. What if you just need to keep looking?”“Makoto, angel, no. Please don’t do that.” Haru can sense Makoto’s despair, hear his rising panic. “This mark means nothing to me, but you do. I don’t need to keep looking; I wouldn’t even want to. I’m here with you, mistake or whatever, we’re here together now.” He reaches out to frame Makoto’s face. “I would not be settling. You being you is more than enough for me. I get to decide and so do you. Doesn’t matter what the universe says. It screwed us both over enough times.”Makoto still sees himself in that cage, still always reaching through the bars. But he’s not alone anymore. Haru is standing there with him, his hand outstretched, a key lying in his palm. All Makoto has to do is take it, finally let himself out. It feels forbidden with the universe watching. But Makoto knows his decision has been made. A decision that he finally gets to make for himself, with the stars in his own palms and Haru guiding him through the galaxy.He takes Haru’s hand into his, as if he was taking the key with it, lacing their fingers together as he holds their hands to his chest. He doesn’t even care if Haru can feel how fast his heart is beating. He wants Haru to know the effect he has on him. But he needs to hear it, that final confirmation before he steps out and leaves the cage forever. “Are you sure you want to be with me?”Haru’s smile lights up his whole face. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a Phrase. It doesn’t matter if the universe thinks that we’re not meant to be soulmates. I want to be with you.” He leans forward, their foreheads pressed together, noses brushing. “Do you want to be with me?”Makoto’s free hand instinctually holds Haru’s chin, his thumb running over Haru’s lower lip. He breathes, the space between their lips getting noticeably smaller. “Of course I do.” He sees the small beauty mark again, so faint unless you were close enough to notice it. Makoto can feel the pull, bringing him undeniably closer to the center of his world. It’s moments like this where he thinks he doesn’t need to play by the universe’s rules anymore. With Haru, they are in a universe all their own. He doesn’t know who closes the distance first, but all else fades away when he feels Haru’s lips finally, finally, press against his.Like the waves coming up to gently caress the land, unable to deny the gravity of the moon, Makoto’s hands both come up to hold Haru’s face as their lips move in perfect harmony with each other. It’s as if their bodies already know this dance, their lips knowing when to lead and follow. As if they were meant for this. But it seems that everything came naturally to them at this point.Haru’s hands are threaded in Makoto’s hair, arms caging him in, but he doesn’t feel trapped like before. Knowing that he’s in Haru’s arms makes him safe, secure, but most of all free. Freedom and Haru taste so sweet on his tongue. It’s just them here in this space they created together, Makoto and Haru. Nothing had ever been more fated.Reluctantly, Makoto is the first to pull away. But not before he gets a few more quick kisses in. He breathes, “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.”Haru nuzzles closer, breathless. “I think I have an idea.” He presses another kiss to Makoto’s lips, the addiction starting to begin. Makoto can get used to this feeling.The most genuine smile he’s had in weeks graces his face. Everything seems more genuine now, more real. Makoto can’t help but press a kiss to Haru’s forehead before he leans down, looking him head on. “I love you so much.”Haru’s smile is the only thing that can rival the brightness of Makoto’s right now. “I love you so much, too.”Makoto’s arms find their way around Haru’s chest as he holds him close. Nothing can ruin this moment. Haru’s head is propped up on Makoto’s shoulder, Makoto doing the same as him, as they face away from each other. The silence is enticing, letting the new stage of their relationship bask in its glow.“You know,” Haru says casually, fingers fiddling with the collar at the back of Makoto’s neck. “I really, really liked hearing you say it a second time.”Confusion takes space on their peaceful cloud as Makoto pulls back. “Second time?”Haru places his hands on Makoto’s shoulders, always needing to be touching some part of him. “Well, I may have accidentally overheard the last bit of the conversation you were having with Rin that day at Marron.”
Wait, what?
“Wait, what?”“I’m sorry, please don’t be mad. I really shouldn’t have been there, but I was looking forward to seeing you as soon as I could.” Makoto is still processing the information. “I didn’t hear much though, I swear! Since I wasn’t working that day, I thought I could surprise you. But then I heard Rin’s voice. I don’t know exactly what you were talking about before I got there, but you sounded sad. You had no idea how much I wanted to go in there and be with you. Rin was about to go off like he always does before you stopped him, I think. And then when you said you loved me, I kind of just froze. It wasn’t until Rin’s loud ass scream that I snapped out of it and ran through the kitchen.”A lot had just been thrown at him unexpectedly. Sure, he should be concerned that Haru was so close to hearing his breakdown. But all he can say is, “So you were the ghost?!”Haru looks puzzled. “What are you talking about?”Composing himself, Makoto waves his hand, as if clearing away the thought. “Oh, oh, it’s nothing. We just heard some noises.” He puffs his chest out. “No freaking out on my end whatsoever.”Haru shakes his head, already seeing right through it. “Well, I’m still sorry for scaring you guys.” He massages Makoto’s scalp. “So you’re not mad?”“No, no, it’s fine. You didn’t mean to be there and you only caught the end of it.” He slumps a little. “Damn, I wanted to see your face the first time I told you.” Regardless that had been a fantasy. He didn’t think that he would be reciprocated at the time, but he knew it was something he still wanted to cherish. It would have been a moment that he knew would lift the weight off his back, no matter what the outcome.“You did.” Haru smiles as he kisses his cheek. “I think my reaction will be the same every time you say it.”Makoto’s eyes soften, so filled with affection. “So I guess I just got to keep saying it. Just to be sure.” He says, one hand going to Haru’s thighs, smoothing over his shorts to skim the soft skin, but hard muscle, the other wrapping around Haru’s waist. “I love you.”Haru beams, the same loving look in his eyes as before. Makoto thinks that look never left in the first place. He’s most definitely the same way. He will always be moonstruck for this boy.“I love you.” He leans in closer, pretending to look for a change in Haru’s face. But he’s still the same, still as a statue with that beautiful shine in his eyes. He’s maybe glowing even more.“I love you. I love you.” His hand slides up to cup Haru’s face instead, but Haru is too good at this. “I love you so so so much.” He punctuates every ‘so’ with three pecks, one for each cheek and then his nose. Makoto laughs. “Alright, I believe you.”Haru finally moves, looping his arms around Makoto’s neck once more. “Good.” He nuzzles their noses together. “And I love you. Never doubt that.” Makoto knows he’ll never tire of hearing it.He can’t help but lean in for a proper kiss, his lips finding Haru’s again. They’re so lost in each other that Makoto doesn’t even register when his back hits the mattress, Haru half lying on top of him. It just feels so good, so right. Being able to have Haru here with him seemed like a far off dream, one that he could never reach. But now the dream is here, safe in his arms, breathing life into him and taking his breath away all at the same time.They find themselves back underneath the covers, facing each other, neither wanting to look away. Kissing is starting to become one of Makoto’s favorite pastimes. He can’t even imagine how he would have survived never knowing what it would be like to becomes so accustomed to the feel of Haru’s petal soft lips beneath his, the taste of his skin. Makoto knows that Haru is probably sweeter than any icing rose. They keep stealing random kisses here and there, both of them too happy, too overjoyed to fall asleep just yet.“Hey,” Makoto says, placing a kiss on Haru’s forehead. “Have I ever mentioned that you’re beautiful? Eyes and all, inside and out, you are.”“Always such a sweet talker, huh?” Haru’s arms snuggle closer around his waist. “Thank you. You make me feel beautiful.”Makoto nuzzles Haru’s nose. “Only for you.”“Do you miss Iwatobi?” Haru suddenly asks, the random question throwing Makoto off.“Hmm, well, of course, I miss my family and looking at the sea.” Makoto murmurs, but he leans down to meet Haru’s eyes. “But I’ve been doing better in this city for a while now. I have my friends, my other family.” He smiles, brightening up the darkness. “And now I have you.”Haru kisses his collarbone. “Always.” Before Makoto can respond, Haru sighs. “Because I miss it.”Makoto’s confused as Haru plays with the front of his shirt. “That’s why I got nervous before on the balcony. I’m sorry I didn’t mention it earlier when you brought up Iwatobi. I lived there for my most of childhood before our constant moving. There was a swim club there that I would always go to when I was younger. It was probably my favorite place to live for a while.”“You were part of a swim club in Iwatobi?” Makoto hand pauses at the top of Haru’s spine.“Yeah, why?” Nagisa’s voice rings in Makoto’s head. Your eyes look familiar...Makoto shakes his head. “Never mind. It’s nothing important.” His hand continues the path up and down the back of Haru’s shirt. Makoto’s shirt to be more specific because Haru insisted on wearing the same one to bed as last time. He never thought that Haru would be here with him again and his heart does a little flip. “I just wished we could have been in Iwatobi at the same time. Wish we could have gotten to meet sooner.”Haru’s gives him a tender look as he leans forward, giving what is now becoming a customary nose nuzzle. “I wish we met earlier, too.”Makoto laughs softly. “If only birthday wishes could grant time travelling powers. I could’ve protected you when that motherfudger was being horrible to you.””Such language, angel. Did Rin teach you that?” Haru’s tone is something on the edge of teasing. “Anyways, I used my birthday wish on something way better.”Makoto rolls his eyes, feigning annoyance. “Don’t talk about the wish if you’re not even gonna tell me.”“Well,” Haru hums. “Maybe this time around I will. If you ask nicely.”“And I didn’t ask nicely enough last time?”“I don’t remembering you saying ‘please’ last time.”“You’re such a funny guy, Haru-chan.” Makoto gives Haru’s side a gentle, but punishing tickle before he pretends to shift, wanting to make it look like he wants to roll over and face away.Haru’s quick to tug on his arm. “Hey! Stay here!” He pleads, laughing all the while. Makoto rolls back, throwing his arm over Haru’s waist again, cuddling him impossibly closer, their laughter dancing in the air. “Alright, I’ll tell you.”“I’ve been plenty nice, see?” Makoto leans forward to place a scattering of kisses all over Haru’s face, making sure that he doesn’t miss one single spot. When he finally places one on Haru’s lips, he practically melts, forgetting he was supposedly annoyed. They both forget.When Haru pulls back, Makoto can still feel the warmth that his lips left upon his. The whisper is so quiet, so intimate with their foreheads resting together. “I wished I could be yours.”The quiet confession makes Makoto’s heart want to beat right out of his chest. His hand slides from Haru’s back, over his shoulder to hold the side of his face. He wants to see his eyes in this moment. Haru slowly opens them until they are looking at each other, the shyness lingering there. “As long as I get to be yours, too.” Makoto laughs, embarrassed. “That’s probably been my lifetime wish. One that I never thought could come true.”Haru reaches out to place his hand on Makoto’s cheek, mirroring him. “I guess we both got pretty lucky for once.”It’s getting late now, but Makoto’s still doesn’t want to close his eyes. He’s still afraid, not knowing what tomorrow might bring. This could all be a dream and Makoto doesn’t want to let it out of his sight. Haru leans forward to peck his nose. “Sleep. You must be tired.”"Alright, goodnight, love." The term of endearment slips out naturally, but Makoto doesn't care. He just holds Haru close, still scared. He lets himself be pulled into Haru’s chest, his face resting in the column of Haru’s neck. But all he can do is trust. All he can do is believe in his wishes. “You still gonna be here tomorrow?”Before Makoto lets his eyes close and lets himself fall under, he feels the familiar press of Haru’s lips against his temple. He feels like he’s been in this position before, but he wants to be conscious to hear the rest of what Haru has to say this time around. His comforting voice goes straight to Makoto’s heart. “I’ll be here forever if you want me to.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Makoto has always been used to routine. When he would wake up before, he would stretch his arms to the sides and feel all the empty space next to him and grasp at cold sheets. But sometimes, there is always one thing that can start a reaction. It can be a ripple that can cause the view to become something different than what it was before.Over the last few months, which then turned into the last few days, he slowly became accustomed to reaching for his phone instead and seeing the familiar message notification from a certain someone, all while he would hug the plush dolphin to his chest. But right now, the sheets are no longer cold and the dolphin isn’t what is currently in his arms right now. Or more accurately who.Makoto slowly looks down, sleep clouding his vision before it is filled with soft raven hair. There’s the faint scent of chlorine, which he is used to by now, but it’s mixed with something undeniably Haru. Something like the ocean, something like the coast by Iwatobi.It’s something like home.Somehow throughout the night, their positions have switched, with Haru pillowed on Makoto’s chest instead of the other way around. Haru’s arms are around Makoto’s waist, his delicate breaths teasing Makoto’s throat as he continues to sleep.His lips feel like they are pulled up in a permanent smile; he doesn’t think he’ll ever stop. Not with Haru here, wrapped up in his arms. The curtains are drawn, hiding the outside world from view, draping the room in comfort. Who knows how long they’ve been here.He could stay here for eternity. It was one of the best sleeps he’s had in a while. There’s just the two of them in his small bed, but they’re two beings that feel a lot like one. He leans down to press his lips to the crown of Haru’s head before snuggling closer, wanting to cherish this moment for a little while longer.Makoto is so at peace, his heart full of love as he closes his eyes, wanting to fall back asleep. He is so content that he doesn’t register the sound of his front door opening, with the following of gentle footsteps.“You sure this is okay?” Whispers one voice, the tone sounding lower than usual.“It’s almost eleven, babe. He’s usually at the cafe around ten on our days off to meet with us. He would have told us if something was wrong.” The hushed voices are getting closer, sounding like they are heading towards the head of the bed. “He’s been down the last few days. I just want to make sure he’s oka– HOLY FUCKING SHIT!”Makoto’s eyes fly open, a high-pitched squeal escaping him. Despite everything, his instinct is to hold Haru closer to his chest, wanting to shield him from whatever is happening at the moment. He can feel Haru start to stir awake, a sleepy disgruntled murmur falling from his lips. He looks over Haru’s shoulder and is met with the startled faces of his two best friends. It really is laughable as Makoto takes in the pair.Sousuke has one arm wrapped around Rin’s shoulders from behind as if he’s trying to hold him back, while his other hand is clasped over his boyfriend’s mouth. Makoto knows that Rin can be a biter if he wants to; he has a certain admiration for Sousuke’s bravery.Rin’s eyes are wide as he looks back at Makoto, as if he’s trying to hold his breath. Makoto sighs; Rin trying not to make any noise is pretty useless at this point. Giving up, Rin starts to protest, his voice muffled as he claws at Sousuke’s forearm to get him to let go.Sousuke is relentless though, still holding on until Makoto gives him the okay. Stilling his racing heart, Makoto nods at Sousuke, eyes telling him to release his grip. His hand continues to absentmindedly comb through Haru’s hair, trying to calm down. When Rin is free, his hand shoots forward, pointing at Haru’s back. He sounds shocked, but somehow elated at the same time. “Is that...?!”Makoto nods shyly. “Yeah.”Rin’s eyes widen excitedly, before he rushes to cover them in horror, wailing. “Oh crap! Did we walk in on– Please tell me you’re at least decent–“Confusion settles into Makoto’s thoughts. “What are you talking about...?” He wonders aloud until it finally clicks. “NO! No!” He suddenly sounds scandalized, reaching over Haru to pull the blanket higher up over both of them. “We were just sleeping!”“Obviously.” Sousuke deadpans, gaze bored. “They’re clearly still dressed. Look, Haru’s wearing a shirt.”“Besides the point! And look, isn’t that Makoto’s shirt?” A sly grin makes its way onto Rin’s face as he raises his brows. “Why is he wearing your shirt, Mako?”Makoto’s still too disoriented to come up with an answer for that, but Rin keeps going. “Fine, whatever. I’m just so fucking happy for you!” He tugs on Sousuke’s arm, shaking it wildly. “Sousuke, do you see this?!”Sousuke gently pries Rin’s hands from his arms to hold one of them instead. He reaches out to flick Rin's forehead. “Baby, you’re gonna make Mako regret giving us a spare key.”Rin scoffs, tugging on Sousuke’s hand more insistently. “How are you not more excited about this? Have I not been telling you that there was something between them?”“I’m excited.” His monotone sounds exactly the same, but Makoto can see the slight happiness lingering in his eyes. He grins; Sousuke’s always been a secret softy.“Makoto, you have to tell me everything! How long has this been going on? Is this why you’ve been avoiding us all week?” Rin is firing questions left and right, Makoto barely getting a word in. The fact that these two are so invested in his well-being makes him feel so lucky to have these guys in his life. Makoto’s smile is filled with gratitude.Before Makoto has a chance to try and answer, Haru is abruptly sitting up, the shirt slipping down his shoulder as he turns to fully face the two unexpected guests.“Rin, I swear that Makoto will talk to you after we have officially woken up.” He’s rubbing his eyes adorably, a little forcefully, but the hidden threat in his voice tells a different story. Makoto can only hope that Rin catches on before chaos ensues.But as usual, Rin doesn’t care as to what Haru’s saying, still focused on asking his questions. “I personally think right now is a great time to talk.” He taunts. “You guys can’t be lazy asses all day!”Rin is laughing as Haru finally opens his eyes completely, staring him down. Rin’s looks back at him, the teasing smile still upon his lips until his eyes widen in bewilderment. Makoto wonders how they haven’t popped out of Rin’s head by now. Rin breathes hesitantly, the words coming out in stutters. “H-H-Haru, you’re... I mean– What...–? What in the...? What the actual shit?!”It’s then that Makoto realizes that this is the first time that anyone is gonna see Haru. Really see him for who he truly is. In encouragement, Makoto presses his front to Haru’s back, wrapping a gentle hand around his middle and holding him close. He rests his chin over Haru’s exposed shoulder while placing a gentle kiss to the side of his neck. “You okay with them seeing you right now?”Makoto can feel Haru’s smile as he presses his lips against Makoto’s forehead. “Yeah, I’m okay with it.”His tone is soft with Makoto, but it morphs into exasperation when he focuses back on Rin. “What I’m not okay with is my first morning with my boyfriend being sadly interrupted.” Now that Haru has two icy blue irises encased in green as opposed to a single solid one, Makoto wonders if Haru’s glare is even more piercing.Rin raises his hands in surrender. “Well– uhh. Sorry for ruining your morning, Haru. I didn’t expect you to be here! I’ll admit to that!” He says complacently, eyes still wide. “But, umm, can someone seriously explain... WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE?”“And that’s our cue to leave.” Sousuke sighs, bending down to wrap his arms around Rin’s legs. He's easily draping Rin over his shoulder as if he was a bag of feathers as opposed to a mass of muscle. He ignores the fists that are pounding at his back and the cries of: “Put me down, you walking tree! I’m still talking to them! I need answers!”“You’ll get your answers later.” Sousuke swats at Rin’s ass, getting him to shut up. With Rin facing away from them, Sousuke takes the time to look down at the two on the bed. He has a small smile on his face, one that he saves for the people that he loves. Makoto’s heart warms when he sees that it’s directed at Haru, too.“I’m really happy for you guys.” Sousuke reaches out to ruffle Makoto’s hair, chuckling. “Sorry for this. I’ll take his dramatic ass out of here.” He starts heading towards the front door all while carrying Rin as if he wasn’t even there. “We’ll see you guys later!”Using his core strength, Rin leans up so that he isn’t completely flopped like a ragdoll over his boyfriend’s shoulder. He cradles his chin in one hand, a petulant look on his face.“Okay, you win! This guy isn’t gonna let me down anytime soon.” He huffs, but then he smiles once more. “But seriously,” Even from a distance, Makoto can see the slight sheen to Rin’s eyes. He even sounds choked up as he brings a hand up to cover his mouth.The look they share has changed from than the last time they met, when they talked at Marron. Rin’s eyes are now filled with happiness instead of concern. We’re here for you. There’s a quick glance at Haru now, talking to them both. And Haru’s here now, too. “You deserve this.” The door finally shuts behind the two, leaving Makoto and Haru alone. Makoto wants to laugh. Seeing Rin go through this range of emotions within the span of five minutes really was an entertaining way to wake up. But he has to agree with Haru – it was their first morning together. He turns his face so that it’s completely hidden in Haru’s neck.“Good morning.” His lips graze over the warm skin as he snuggles even closer.Makoto feels his face being lifted up with a hand under his chin until they are eye to eye. Haru’s gaze is gentle, any prior annoyance washed away. Makoto’s never been used to someone looking at him in this way. He wants to imprint it into his mind, keep it right at the forefront forever.“Good morning, angel.” Haru turns so that he can gently push Makoto down, bringing his leg over Makoto’s torso to settle his legs on both sides of him. He leans down to place a petal soft kiss upon his cheekbone. “Did you sleep well?”Makoto hums as he automatically runs his hands up Haru’s thighs before looping them around his waist as Haru looks down at him. Makoto feels like the prince that was washed upon the shore, waking up to see his mermaid savior right in front of him. He now knows why that particular story has such a special place in Hiyori and Ikuya’s hearts. Haru has saved him in more ways than one.Haru reaches out to hold Makoto’s face in concern. “You okay?”Makoto laughs, reaching up to place a hand over Haru’s. He answers truthfully; it feels invigorating. “More than okay.”Haru smiles down at him, rubbing his thumb over Makoto’s cheek. Makoto suddenly closes his eyes, shutting them tight. “Are you sure this isn’t a dream?”He doesn’t want to open his eyes yet, but he can hear Haru laugh, can feel him shift from atop him. There’s a comforting weight being laid across his chest. Lips are at the shell of his ear now, sending a pleasant tingle through his body. “No, it’s not.”Makoto happily knows it’s not, but he’s feeling playful this morning. “I’m not sure if I believe you.”He can feel the softness of lips again, but they’re closer now. He can feel the kiss at the corner of his mouth.“Does this prove it?” Haru asks breathily; he always knew when to play along.Makoto shakes his head. He still refuses to open his eyes, wanting to keep up the game he started. “Hmm... still not convincing enough. Gotta try harder, Haru-chan.”He feels the tip of Haru’s nose brush over his. There are hands smoothing through his hair, bringing him closer. He feels the tease of lips hovering over his own. “How about this.”Every kiss feels like their first, that same honey feeling seeping into his skin, going straight to his bones, until it makes a home in his heart. Makoto is falling all over again, his lips turning up in a smile as he starts to deepen the kiss. Wanting to make it last.When Haru reluctantly pulls away, Makoto allows his eyes to slowly open. It’s like Haru’s glowing, the way he lights up Makoto’s day – his own personal sun. It’s a sight he always wants to wake up to. He laughs, reaching up to brush Haru’s hair back. “I guess you are real.”Haru hits his arm lightly, giggling. “I am real. Yes.”Makoto sits up so that their chests are pressed together. He holds Haru’s legs as they wrap around his waist. It seems that space is always gonna be non-existent for them. “And you’re here. With me.”“I think you should stop saying the obvious.” Haru grins as he leans in even closer, his arms coming up to drape over Makoto’s shoulders. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”“It’s funny ‘cause this still feels like a dream.” Makoto gives Haru’s nose a peck. “Maybe you’re just a dream, love.” He brings their foreheads together, his gaze adoring. “You’re my dream person.”Haru shakes his head as he smushes Makoto’s face, but he looks fond as he scrunches his nose. “Let’s not bring Asahi’s pickup lines into this.”“Damn,” Makoto huffs. “I really thought that one would get you to fall for me.”Haru rolls his eyes. “You’re really cheeky today.”“I guess being your boyfriend has that affect.” Makoto feels giddy. The sound of being Haru’s boyfriend is like music to his ears, soon to become his favorite song. Pure bliss tugs at the corners of his mouth as he nuzzles Haru’s cheek before placing a kiss there. His voice softens, all games aside. “I’m sorry Rin ruined your morning.”Haru’s distracted with his ministrations on Makoto’s shoulders as he shrugs. “It’s fine. It’s not like it’s our only morning together.”Makoto’s heart grows even more, the implication behind Haru’s words filling the spaces in his chest.“Yeah,” he agrees, shifting so that he can hold Haru tighter. “I think I’ll always look forward to the next morning.” Haru legs frame Makoto’s waist as he lifts up on his knees so that he can hug Makoto to his chest. He listens to Haru’s heartbeat, before he murmurs the words against the wings of Haru’s collarbones. “Waking up next to you is all I want. Every single day.”Makoto feels Haru’s breathy sigh as he replies, “I want to spend all my mornings with you.”They are so wrapped up in one another, tracing soothing designs over the others’ skin. Haru gently tilts his head back. He fakes a glare, but his tone is light. “But only you. Rin is not invited to anymore of them.” Makoto laughs as he lifts his hand, bringing it to his forehead in a mock salute. “Duly noted, sir.”Haru taps his chin thoughtfully. “I think you’ll just have to make it up to me.” He leans forward again, urging Makoto to fall back until his head hits the pillows. Haru just looks down at him, an amused brow raised. “Any ideas how?”Without any warning, Makoto takes hold of Haru’s waist, swiftly flipping them over until Haru is the one beneath him. It’s one of Makoto’s favorite sounds, as he listens to Haru laugh as he gazes down at him. Effectively trapping him, Makoto leans down until their noses touch. “I can think of a few.”“Hey,” Haru’s beaming so beautifully, the space between them still minimal. “Did I mention that I love you?”Makoto’s heart stops and restarts all over again. He has always believed that I love you is not a luxury that should be used rarely. It is something that should be said to get people through even the most ordinary of days. The spaces between the letters are filled with so much affection that they hold you close, always reminding you of the person who said them.Now he gets to say it this way – have it mean something completely different from the times before Haru. Those I love you’s have been kept away ever since their first meeting, never being said out loud.His body is overflowing with them and they are ready to be brought to light. He traces his fingers down the side of Haru’s face, making a trail over his jaw, making a stop in the middle of Haru’s chest where he draws a simple heart, as if trying to reach its inspiration from within. “I love you, too.”Haru is looking at him with the world in his eyes as he guides Makoto’s head downwards. “Now, about making it up to me...”Makoto creates another path with his lips this time, skimming them down Haru’s cheek and feathering them across his nose before they finally reach the place they belong. Rin will just have to wait; it’s just the two of them for a little longer.“I better get started then.” Makoto says, before finally closing the distance between them.Makoto is nervous as he stands in the center of the cafe dining room. Its past closing hours now, but he has called everyone here, claiming that he had a big announcement. He wrings his hands together as he looks at those who surround him, creating a sort of semi-circle in different areas of the room.Part of the group sits at one table, the pairs of soulmates taking up three of the four sides. Nagisa and Rei are on one, their chairs pushed closely together with their clasped hands resting on the table in front of them. Hiyori is sitting on the tabletop nearest Makoto, his arms wrapped around Ikuya’s middle as he leans against his chest, with Ikuya’s hands grasping onto his boyfriend’s forearms.Asahi and Kisumi are opposite Nagisa and Rei, but they decided that two chairs were unnecessary. They pulled out one of them and turned it so that they can fully face Makoto with Kisumi perched on Asahi’s lap, both of his legs draped over to one side.The other part of the group occupies the further part of the cafe. Nao and Natsuya stand side by side in front of the barstools, Natsuya’s arm wrapped around Nao’s shoulders, while Nao’s holding onto his waist. Gou and Isuzu sit on a few stools, with Gou’s ankles being held in the lap of her girlfriend.Sousuke sits in the stool over, Rin fully seated on the counter right behind him so that his legs are hanging off the edge. Sousuke comfortably leans back into Rin’s chest, one arm holding Rin’s leg to brush against his calf.Everyone’s wrists, though, are all subtly pulsing silver – all silently beautiful. All of them Affirmed; all of them complete.Makoto knows that his friends have always been inseparable with their respective soulmates. He didn’t mind it as much before, seeing them be affectionate with one another. He knew that he couldn’t miss something that he never had.But now he knows what it’s like to have that pull towards someone else. Now he knows that need to be in contact with them in order to feel like yourself. It’s not a full dependency on the other, hindering you from standing on your own two feet. But it’s the comfort that comes with it, that constant support that will catch you when you fall.He’s not missing out on any of that anymore. He’s found that someone now; he never wants to be without them again.“So, Mako!” Rin says exaggeratedly, practically bouncing in his seat. “For whatever reason have you called this group meeting for?” Sousuke pinches his ankle, hushing him up. Rin playfully swipes at the back of Sousuke’s head before planting a quick peck there.“Yeah, Mako-chan,” Nagisa pipes up. “Is something wrong?”“Are you okay? We can see that you’re nervous.” Rei notes observantly. “You seem to be fidgeting a lot...”Makoto’s hands automatically drop to his side, his back going rigid.“Yeah, it’s okay. Did something happen to you? Just say the word and tell us who we have to ‘talk to’.” Asahi declares, using one hand for air quotes while Kisumi rolls his eyes, giggling quietly. Asahi groans. “Peach, if someone messed with Makoto, you know I have to step up.”“I know, sweetie.” Kisumi runs a hand through his boyfriend’s hair. “You’re just adorable when you’re trying to be threatening. You’re always all bark and no bite.”Asahi stutters while he considers this. “Well, yeah... I wouldn’t actually punch someone in the face, unless you know they swung first. And maybe if Sousuke was there with me...” He scratches the back of his head. “It’s the thought that counts?”“More than anything.” Kisumi laughs again as he pats Asahi’s cheek, gaze fond. “I love your cute, protective puppy ways.”Asahi just holds Kisumi tighter, secretly smiling as he hides his face in his boyfriend’s shirt.“You can tell us if you want, Makoto.” Nao’s eyes are patient behind his glasses. “Don’t feel like you need to hide anything.”Makoto can’t help that Nao is telling him that he already knows.“Wait, where’s Haru?” Gou looks around. “You guys are always together. Wouldn’t you want to tell him, too?”Makoto instantly brightens from the inside out. Even just mentioning Haru makes him happy, brings a smile to his face. No one was ever blind to how they acted around each other before. There’s no denying it now.“Mako-chan without Haru-chan? Now I’m concerned. Where is he? What’s wrong with Haru-chan?” Worry fills Nagisa’s tone as it starts rising, everyone else’s voice chiming in, all sounding alarmed.“No, no, there’s nothing wrong.” Makoto says gently, seeing everyone visibly relax. “He’s alright. He’s perfect.” Makoto can feel the heat rush to his cheeks at his lovey comment but they’re starting to become a reflex at this point.Makoto steadies himself, reaching behind him to hold onto the door handle, needing to ground him to something. His eyes then land on Rin and Sousuke. Those two have been there for him since the beginning, have been with him through every milestone. He can’t help but look to them for this one, too. With a supportive nod from Sousuke and a smile from Rin, he looks to everyone else.“Well, I asked you all to come here because this is something that we both wanted to tell you.” Makoto starts. “Something really important, actually. And we think now's the time.” Before anyone can interrupt, Makoto holds out one hand in front of him, while his other pushes on the door. “But I’m gonna go get Haru. Please just wait.”Makoto is out of the cafe without another word, letting the door fall shut behind him. Sitting on the small steps is Haru, his back to Makoto as he stands behind him. Makoto makes his way around until he can kneel down in front of him so that they are face to face.Haru’s elbows are perched on his knees, his chin resting in his hand. His eyes are hidden by sunglasses this time, an accessory that he has never chosen to wear in his everyday style. Granted they were a forgotten pair that Rin left behind at Makoto’s apartment, but they thought he wouldn’t mind. Haru claimed that they looked horribly stupid on him, while Makoto assured him that he looked Cool, as he looked at his feet. That brought a smile to Haru’s face and a kiss to Makoto’s cheek before they headed out.Haru’s wearing his normal contacts now, with no other pigment in sight. Their transparency allowing his true eye colors to finally come through. Its one final mask they have yet to be rid of; their friends deserved to know the truth before anyone else.Haru hasn’t acknowledged his presence yet, Makoto assuming that his eyes are shut behind the dark plastic lenses. Because he just looks so adorable and Makoto is weak, he leans forward to place a gentle kiss to Haru’s nose, then another quick one on his lips.Makoto can feel Haru’s lips tip up from the surprise, enjoying it, before Makoto leans back, pulling the sunglasses from Haru's face and stowing them away in his pocket. Tenderly, Haru opens his eyes, instantly leaning into the hand Makoto has cradling his cheek. Looking for that comfort Makoto will happily give.Makoto’s feels determined as he rubs his thumb back and forth. There’s resolution in eyes, trying to give his courage through touch. “You ready?”Haru nods without hesitation. There seems to be the smallest sliver of fear in his eyes, but it is eclipsed with long-awaited relief. He gently presses his forehead to Makoto’s. “Let’s go.”Makoto stands up, pulling Haru with him while their hands link together as he takes the lead. Everyone seems to be caught up in their own hushed conversations with one another, all coming to a halt when they hear the chime of the bell.When all eyes are focused back on him, Makoto stands so that Haru is still hidden behind him. He clears his throat, gently squeezing Haru’s hand. “So, I wanted to introduce you to Haru.”All Makoto receives are blank stares; someone even coughs. He wasn’t always the best at phrasing things.“Umm, I’m pretty sure we already met Haru?” Ikuya scratches his head, wondering if he’s the only one not getting the joke.But they actually haven’t, not completely. Haru reintroduced himself to Makoto, so he plans to do the same with everyone else. It’s the anticipating shine that Haru deserves after being in the dark for so long; to finally receive the recognition he never had.“Well, yes.” Makoto is still treading lightly, before they finally take the jump. “But also no. I think it’s time you meet him again.” He gently guides Haru around so that he’s standing beside him, their clasped hands nestled between them.Haru has been keeping his face down the whole time they stepped into the cafe. When he first lifts his head, he doesn’t look at everyone first, not yet. He stares directly at Makoto, all of his attention on him.“I’m Haruka,” he starts, beaming up at Makoto as he continues on. “Makoto’s boyfriend.”Haru says it with such pride, such happiness that Makoto pulls him even closer. There’s a distant cheer from Rin as Makoto reluctantly averts his gaze to see everyone else’s reactions. A wave of smiles has washed over the group, excitement gleaming in their eyes.He looks back to Haru as he takes a deep breath and directs his eyes to the rest of the room. It’s evident when the light hits them, everyone else’s eyes widening, jaws going slack. The smiles that were previously on their faces have simmered down a bit, becoming neutral.The words are slow, but they never stop. “And I’m also Haruka.” Makoto notices Haru steel his gaze. “A Partial.”Makoto watches as Haru looks around, bracing himself. No one says a word; the shock of Haru’s news filling the space instead. It worries Makoto for a moment, not knowing if he should step in front of Haru again and run.It’s not until Asahi is pumping his fist in the air that Makoto’s feels his whole being swoop. “FINALLY!”Haru blinks. He had shrunk in on himself, making himself smaller while curled into Makoto’s side. Neither of them knew what to expect. “I’m... sorry?”Asahi laughs. “We’ve been watching you guys tiptoe around each other for-ever. It’s nice to see that it’s now exclusive.”“Wait,” Haru steps forward, but he doesn’t let go of Makoto’s hand. Makoto wouldn’t want him to. “Are you guys missing the whole Partial part?”The whole room seems to tilt as everyone stands, making their way towards the front. They’re surrounding the two now, but they are not intimidating in the slightest. Makoto moves so that his front is pressed to Haru’s back, wrapping his arms around his waist securely.Haru is still shocked, not expecting this reaction at all. “So, you’re not mad?”“Why would we be mad that two of our friends are together?” Kisumi tilts his head.“Because I lied?” Haru questions, still not understanding. “For months?”“Hey, that’s nothing. It’s doesn’t matter. They’re just eye colors. It’s what I told Makoto, too, the first time I met him.” Nao says, a wise look on his face, a cool tone to his voice. “Being a Partial doesn’t make up all that you are. It’s only a small part. You’re still the same Haru that we met from the beginning.”“Yeah,” Natsuya pulls Nao in closer. “Now, you’re also Makoto’s boyfriend. Which is something I totally called for when I first hired Haru in the first place.”“You did not.” Nao sighs as he pinches the bridge of his nose and shakes his head.Natsuya’s looks baffled. “There was a feeling, darling! I’m telling you! Who can resist our lovable Mako?”“Wait,” Something is starting to nag at Makoto’s thoughts, Natsuya’s comment striking something within him. “You guys are all okay with non-soulmates dating?”Being a Partial, no one even gave him a second glance usually, already writing him off. Not that he would ever expect anyone to in the first place. And he was fine with that; always had been.But it doesn’t mean he hasn’t heard of these other special cases. It was a rare practice amongst normal unmated people, a minority within their world. Mostly the older generation look down on it; the idea of being with someone who was not determined by the universe itself. Because why would someone ever want to be with someone who was not meant to be theirs? Why have someone else when their perfect someone is somewhere out there?Sometimes it happens between people who have lost their soulmates to the hands of death. Sometimes it happens with casual flings, when people want to have some fun before they actually did find their real soulmate and were ready to settle down. Or sometimes it happens when people felt like they were running out of time. It might have not been a soul-deep kind of love by the universe’s standards, but love nonetheless. Makoto wasn't going to judge others on how they lived; he thinks of everyone deserves their own version of happiness.His own Partial story aside, Makoto likes to think that universe is pretty spot-on most of the time, judging by his own group of friends and their fairy tale endings. He always thought that it wouldn’t take long for your soulmate to find you eventually; you just have to be patient and believe.“Look, we care for both of you. Very much.” Rei’s looking at them, pushing up his glasses. “And I do believe that the universe miscalculated the situation here.”“Yeah, it fucked up big time!” Rin calls out, snapping at the hand that Sousuke almost clamps over his mouth.“But,” Rei smiles. “The universe’s decisions hardly had any logic in this particular equation. This whole Partial anomaly that has been going on for centuries surely has been a mystery and we thought we already knew the conclusion. So I’m glad to say that you guys are the variables; the unknowns – the exception. You always have been.”“Yeah, Mako-chan and Haru-chan forever!” Nagisa jumps up and down on the spot.Makoto and Haru just stand there in hesitance, carefully understanding all that is happening right now. Before either of them could respond, Rin speaks up.“Well, Mako, you of all people should know how I feel about the universe when it comes to how it’s treated you.” It’s the first time that Rin is actually getting to talk to the two of them ever since his break-in at Makoto’s apartment that morning. He’s finally getting the answers he needs. “I kinda bitch about it a lot, huh?” Yeah, Makoto had been there for every outcry.“Because it killed me to see you get beat down like that. All over something that was out of your hands. Even though it has some wrongs, the universe can still get some things right. Cause, like, I know this big bear's my soulmate.”Sousuke just crosses his arms in answer, whether in pride or annoyance, Makoto’s not sure. All he knows that the undertone is nothing but adoration. “But I still like to think that it was my choice that he is.”“I feel like the universe may take us in a certain direction, may take us to certain people. We have our eye colors, our Phrases, sure. But those are just physical things.” He glances down, eyeing Makoto’s blank wrist. “But the experiences we have... those emotions, those feelings that those experiences bring us – well, that’s something that even the universe can’t control.”“You think the universe is in charge of when I cry? Cause y’all know I do it enough times, but can I help it? Nope.” Rin points his thumb in Sousuke’s direction. “You think the universe controls my frustration at this asshole because he laughs at me every time it happens?”Sousuke looks like he’s going to protest before Rin is wrapping both of his arms around his boyfriend’s waist, his voice reserved. “But, do you think the universe tells this big lug to comfort me as soon as he’s done his teasing? To just be there for me and love me for who I am?” Rin leans up to quickly kiss Sousuke’s cheek, gaze tender for only Sousuke to catch.Rin focuses on them again “No. That’s all up to us. We chose to do those things. We still chose to love each other.” His eyes are glistening, tears about to fall. “And you guys did, too. I’m so fucking proud.”Sousuke chuckles, shaking his head. “Always such a passionate romantic.” Rin fixes a glare at his boyfriend before Sousuke’s leaning down, pecking his lips. “And that’s why I fucking love you.”People would think that being a Partial is a hole, a bottomless pit with no love to fill up the depth. But as Makoto looks around at the people that surround him, feels the strength of the boy wrapped up in his arms, he can feel himself rising to the sky. He feels like he’s finally free.He glances down just as Haru glances up, their gazes locking before they meet each other halfway in a quick kiss. He moves so that he can tighten his hold around Haru’s shoulders, Haru’s hands reaching up to clasp at his forearms. He feels speechless, but needs to get the words out. “Thank you.”Haru is nodding along. “Yeah, guys... I just... Thanks for accepting me.” He squeezes Makoto’s arms once more. “Thanks for accepting us.”All this time, they never knew that there was a missing piece. The semi-circle has become complete now, Makoto finally having someone to be connected to. He’s no longer alone on the sidelines. It’s unprecedented and it’s utterly amazing. It feels perfect; it feels right.“And Rin?” Haru suddenly says, waiting until Rin is looking at him. “I gotta say, you’re smarter than you look.” Rin's eyes turn into slits. Haru just smirks, kicking at Rin’s shin. “So that would make you right at least... twice? ”“Haru, you little sh–!““How about a group hug for such a momentous occasion?!” Natsuya cries out, reaching out his arms and grabbing whoever’s nearest. Everyone crowds together, Makoto and Haru being squished into the center. Makoto peers over the heads of everyone, a smile slowly making its way onto his face. He looks down to see Haru looking up at him, any hint of fear and shame long gone. It’s been replaced with pure joy and love.Yeah, he thinks. We’re gonna be just fine.“Do you ever think about whether a whale shark is a whale or a shark?”“Uhhh... Isn’t it obviously a shark, Sou? Or else it would have been called a ‘shark whale’?”“But why does it even have ‘whale’ in its name? What about a whale shark makes it whale enough to even call it that, huh?”“It’s gotta be their size, I think. They’re as big as some whales.” Makoto bumps their shoulders together. “At least whales and sharks are similar. They’re both marine animals. Don’t get me started on the name ‘catfish’.”“Mako, it’s got the whiskers. It makes sense.”“So why doesn’t a dogfish have a waggy tongue and flappy ears, hmm?”Sousuke laughs. “They still got wet noses, gotta give’em that.”“Oh my god, do fish even have noses?”They’re coming back from Makoto’s shift at the pool, where Sousuke met him for a late lunch. Sousuke is about to retort before something catches his eye. “Let’s continue this conversation later.”“What!? You can’t just leave such an important question in the air like that. Also, I thought you wanted stay here before meeting with Rin.”“Well, I think there’s something better you could do with your time.” Sousuke points his chin, Makoto following his gaze.Sitting in front of his apartment door is Haru. He’s glancing down at his phone with his legs crossed, not having noticed the pair yet. Makoto’s mouth quirks up in a smile, his body’s now attuned response to the feel of Haru’s presence.After the reveal to everyone else, it wasn’t long before they were noticed everywhere they went. Their relationship was still new – to them and the people around them. Everyone who passed them probably didn’t believe what they were seeing; the sight of two Partials walking hand in hand. Some were even bold enough to stop them and ask How?And they could never answer back.But Makoto and Haru were immune to the stares, didn’t listen to the commentary. They both have learned to walk with their held high. Makoto has never felt more proud showing Haru off to the world. That they were together and could never be apart.Makoto watches affectionately as Haru cutely pushes up his glasses from where they were sliding down his nose. Nowadays, he’s taken to wearing his glasses as opposed to his clear contacts. Makoto never knew that Haru In Glasses could do even more to his heart.“As if you don’t know what you in your glasses does to me?” Haru had told him once, making Makoto flush.To make Makoto suffer even more, Haru pulls his overshirt tighter over his shoulder, fixing it from where it fell. It’s Makoto’s flannel, one of his favorite ones with contrasting shades of red. Haru has been borrowing his clothes more often than not and Makoto’s not gonna stop him anytime soon.Makoto jogs up to his boyfriend, Sousuke taking his sweet time. “Haru! Love!”At Makoto’s voice, Haru turns, grinning as he stands up. Makoto races right into Haru’s open arms, lifting him up and twirling him around. He tilts his head up so Haru can peck his lips from his perch in Makoto’s arms.“What were you sitting outside for?” Makoto asks as he sets him down. “I thought you weren’t coming over until later tonight.”“Because I like seeing your face every time I surprise you.” Haru shrugs. As if it was no big deal, when every little thing he does makes Makoto love him even more. “I also didn’t want to intrude on your lunch.”Makoto strokes his cheek. “You could never intrude.”Sousuke’s standing beside them now, patting Haru’s back in greeting. “Hey, Haru.”Haru’s nod is friendly. “Sousuke.”“Well, looks like I should get going then.” Sousuke concedes, heading back the way they came. “See you guys later.”“Wait,” Makoto reaches out, feeling guilty. “You can still come in and hang out.”Sousuke shakes his head. “It’s fine. Have fun with your boyfriend. I’ll just go and bug mine. He’s probably missing me too much right now.”Haru waves, smiling slightly. “You guys really are perfect for each other.”Makoto has known that since he witnessed the two meeting all those years ago. He enjoys the look that crosses Sousuke’s face when anyone regards them as Sousuke and Rin. Sousuke lifts his shoulders in a casual shrug before he’s heading for the stairs.Before he disappears down them, though, he calls out a final time. “You too.”To think that he is now regarded in terms of Makoto and Haru, it makes Makoto’s stomach flutter in turn. He shakes his head before looking back at Haru. “Hi.” He greets.One of Haru’s hands warms over Makoto’s ribcage, grasping at his jacket to hold onto his waist. “Hi.”“So,” Makoto reaches down to link their pinkies first until he’s fully holding his other hand. “Wanna go out?”Haru lips pull up at the corners. “I thought we already were.”Makoto gently pinches Haru’s cheek, before replacing his fingers with his lips. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”Makoto gestures to the stairs. “Let’s go take a walk or something before dinner. Your choice of take-out or... you’re own cooking?”A thought hits him as his eyes widen. Haru is his boyfriend now, not just his friend. The first few days it felt like he was in a heavenly haze, but what about now? Does that mean everything else has to be different? He doesn’t know what romantic relationships entail, panic suddenly growing. So he does the one thing he knows he’s good at: rambling.“I was about to say my cooking. I mean, obviously I should cook for the guests in my home. Like, I should be able to cook for my own boyfriend, right? But you always did the cooking at my place even before we were dating, but I should have a turn, I think? Soon, but not now? Cause I’m still working on my cooking skills and don’t want to have another incident if I don’t practice with the stove first–“There are lips on his before he can even finish. Not that he thinks he would have ever finished the train of words anyways. He likes this method of getting him to be quiet. He forgets everything else, all the worries disappearing, as his hands come up to hold Haru’s waist. Haru pulls back so that their foreheads could press together, looking Makoto in the eyes. “Angel, you don’t have to be nervous.”“Nervous?” Coming back to himself, Makoto looks from side to side, trying to avoid Haru’s stare. “Who said I was nervous?”“Look at me.” Haru’s voice is soft. “Please.”Makoto doesn’t hesitate to focus back on the boy in front of him because of course he couldn’t resist. “Nothing’s changed, okay?” Haru’s hands have found their way to Makoto’s neck, keeping him in place. “It’s just the same you and me. It’s still us. The only thing is now I get to say you’re my boyfriend. And I get to do things like this.”Haru kisses at Makoto’s face until he relaxes, his laughter surrounding them. The last kiss is placed upon his lips before he touches their noses together. “Okay?”Just like that, Makoto’s heart settles – his world no longer on its side. Even the smallest things can upset the balance for him, but Haru makes it center. How Haru always knows the right things to say to bring him back, Makoto will never know. He nods before leaning up to kiss Haru’s forehead. “Okay.”They end up walking to lots of random places, buying snacks along the way. They are at one of the nearby malls, just window-shopping while roaming casually around the area. It’s not until Makoto spots a very intriguing machine that he starts to run. “Hey look!”He tugs Haru along until he can pull back the curtain on a photobooth. It’s an older looking one, with no extra filters or digitized stickers; Makoto loves it. He makes a grand flourish, extending his arm and directing it at the bench. “After you.”Haru looks skeptical as he peers inside. “I don’t think we’re gonna fit.”“Well, then...” Makoto gives no warning before he’s scooping Haru into his arms and plopping himself first onto the photobooth bench, Haru draped in his lap. “Now we do.”“You’re ridiculous.” Haru shakes his head fondly, running his hand through Makoto’s hair. “And I’m also not the most photogenic.”“Well, we don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Makoto assures, making no move to start the session. “I know it sounds weird, but I was wondering if you would like to take some photos with me?” He scratches the back of his neck.Makoto always see those kinds of photos from his friends, them being no strangers to public displays of affection. He always wondered how they captured the love between a couple in a single snapshot. He was always happy at the sight, seeing the affectionate gazes. How he gets to see the frozen intimate moment as if the couple were the only two in the whole world. It’s another one of those things he never knew he wanted until he met Haru. He wants to catch up on all of them.Before Makoto makes the decision to stand up and scrap the photo idea altogether, Haru is leaning forward to choose the settings for the photos, choosing a basic, yet classic layout. He looks over his shoulder, taking in Makoto’s shocked expression. “I’d do anything to make you happy.”The photo session goes by quickly, the two of them getting used to the timing. When the final shot is taken, Haru holds onto Makoto’s neck as he stands, giggling as they exit the booth. There is no preview of the photos, adding more to the surprise as they stand together, where Makoto ends up accidentally pressing the option to print three copies instead of two.When the photostrips finally drop, Makoto gently grasps them in his hand with Haru leaning against him as they look at every panel. The first one has the two of them with their cheeks pressed together, but they both look caught off guard, not knowing the shutter would be so quick. The second has the two of them with their heads slightly thrown back, both of their eyes closed, noses scrunched. Makoto can practically hear the stifled laughter.The third shows them more composed now, but they are looking directly at each other, smiles all around. Makoto’s hand is in the frame now, naturally holding Haru’s cheek. Makoto knows that this is what Rin teases him about – his Haru eyes. It’s different seeing it from an outsider’s perspective. And the last... is one of Makoto’s favorites. Haru’s hand is covering Makoto’s, as it shows him bent forward, aiming to capture Makoto’s lips, but ending up kissing his smile instead. He couldn’t be more pleased.“You’re a natural.” Makoto praises, pecking the top of Haru’s head. “It helps that I had a gorgeous partner to help me.” Haru holds the photostrips out to Makoto. “You wanna keep two?”“I was thinking maybe,” Makoto says, tucking them into his jacket pocket. “We could give one to Nao?”Haru clearly wasn't expecting that suggestion, eyes curious. “Why?”“Well,” Makoto looks down at his hands. “He keeps photos of our little Tokyo family on the fridge. You should be on there, too.”“You’re precious, you know that?” He feels familiar arms wrap around the back of his neck, guiding him down so that his face is pressed into the slope of Haru’s neck. He gets a glimpse of Haru’s feet, where he sees that he’s on tiptoe in order for them to be on equal grounds. “I love you so much.”“I love you more.” He whispers, kissing the skin beneath his lips.Their embrace becomes warmer, stronger. “We’ll see about that.”“And here’s your change.” Makoto extends his hand, dropping the bills into the awaiting palm.“That outfit looks really good on you.” He looks up as the customer rolls his sleeves up higher, revealing his forearms. Makoto can see the customer’s black Phrase clearly now, already knowing that the guy was unmated with his red and yellow eyes.Makoto glances down at his usual brown apron, which he decided to wear over a black short sleeve shirt. Nothing extravagant.Makoto blinks, hesitantly laughing. “Well, that’s very kind of you to say.” He gestures to the other end of the counter, knowing that Natsuya is probably halfway done with the order by now. “You can wait for it over there. It should be ready soon.”“Hmm, do you mind if I stay here?” The guy leans in closer. “I don’t mind some company.”Makoto looks around because, yes, it is particularly slow in the cafe today. The guy seems nice enough and Makoto’s nothing if not friendly; it’s just small talk with another customer. He reaches up to adjust his glasses that he decided to wear today, a rare thing for him when he’s not in class or playing video games. “If you really want to.”The guy just smiles, is bold enough to wink. “I really do.”Makoto stills. The guy probably had something in his eye. “... Alright.”“Besides,” the guy continues, gaze still on him. “I can have a better look at the... snacks from here.”“Well, that is true. They're so delicious. Were you going to buy one?” Makoto points towards the display case where all the pastries are currently sitting.The guy looks like he’s about to say something else before someone interrupts them. "Makoto."Makoto turns his gaze to the barstools, where Haru is sitting in his usual spot at the counter. He’s in the middle of his break and was having lunch; Makoto didn’t want to bother him. But his food is completely forgotten now, chopsticks clenched in his hands as the rice falls from them. “Do you mind coming over here for a sec?”“Uhh, excuse me.” Makoto looks apologetically at the guy. All he gets is a small nod before Makoto rushes over to his boyfriend. “What’s wrong?”Makoto couldn’t see it from where he stood by the cashier, but being in front of Haru now is a whole different view. There’s a full on glower on his lips, his eyes sharp. “Haru?”The response is curt, tone cold. “He’s flirting with you.”Makoto’s eyebrows scrunch together, as he looks over his shoulder back at the guy. What?“My love...” Makoto sighs, reaching across to take one of Haru’s hands into his. “What are you talking about?”Haru doesn’t look at him just yet, still side-eyeing the guy. He has his drink by now, is almost at the door. Makoto chances a glance up and the customer notices, giving him a final wave and bright smile. Out of instinct, Makoto tries to wave back but Haru’s grip on his hand tightens.When the door shuts behind him, Makoto takes Haru’s other hand, making him focus on him instead. “Come on, I doubt he was interested in me.” He thumbs at Haru’s knuckles before bringing them up to his lips.The tension from Haru’s shoulders seem to dissipate, causing him to slump forward. “I’m not jealous.”It’s like watching a cat with its hackles raised whenever approached by Rin. Ever so endeared, Makoto laughs. “I never said you were.”Haru just glares at him, releasing one of his hands so he can hold Makoto’s face instead. He sounds slightly exasperated. “Why do you not realize how many admirers you probably have? How could I not be?”Makoto just rests his forehead against Haru’s, as if the answer wasn’t already obvious enough. “Because I only have eyes for you.”Haru shakes his head, maybe trying to get rid of the bout of minor not jealousy. But Makoto doesn’t mind; he’d probably feel the same way. But he'd be better at hiding it though.“Sorry,” Haru presses even closer, his gaze turning into something more teasing. “I really don’t want to share you.”“You don’t have to.” Makoto whispers, finally kissing Haru like he wants, hoping Natsuya isn’t around to scold them despite being in a semi-enclosed corner. He is really thankful for the nearly empty cafe, the kiss turning into something deeper than intended; it’s irresistible. Maybe Makoto just wants to prove something – that he’s only Haru’s and that no one could ever deny that.They seem to miss the sound of the bell, too caught up with one another. They miss the far off conversation and the sound of the bell chiming again. But they do break apart when a deep voice cuts through. “Yo.”Makoto startles, pulling back slightly to see Sousuke standing beside Haru’s chair, propping his elbow up on the broom handle. He holds a piece of ripped paper up between his index and middle finger, something scribbled on the other side. Makoto squints at it. “What’s that?”Sousuke just scratches his head. “Well, that last customer decided to come back.” He waves the paper around. “Ran into me first when I was sweeping by the door and said he wanted me to give this to you.” Sousuke looks at the two of them, a dry laugh escaping him.“But I think, maybe – just maybe – he might have noticed you two playing seven minutes over here before he ran out muttering ‘Sorry, I didn’t know’.” He laughs even harder, rubbing at his eyes. “Way to tell him you had a boyfriend, Mako.”Sousuke’s doesn’t sound angry, just amused at the whole situation. Makoto raises his hands in protest. “How would that have even come up?! Why would he need to know?”“Because he was flirting.” Haru spins on his chair, plucking the paper out of Sousuke’s hand and holding it out like a mini banner, where a phone number is proudly displayed. Haru doesn’t sound angry this time either, only victorious. Because now he knows he was right.Makoto tries to save himself. “It was not flirting!”“Mako, it wasn’t that hard. I could hear all he was saying. Better than Haru could. Definitely flirting.” Sousuke now looks smug. “Or at least it was attempts at it. You weren’t giving him much to work with. Granted, knowing what other people know about Partials, he must have already assumed you were single and wanted to try his luck.”"Doesn't mean I like seeing it, though."He can’t believe that his best friend and boyfriend would just gang up on him like that. He can’t help his oblivious ways, okay? Stomping forward, he takes the paper from Haru, ripping it in two, four, until he can’t rip it anymore. He throws the shredded bits into a nearby trash bin before making his way around the counter and placing his hands on Haru’s ribcage.He tries to look intimidating, his tone low. “Okay, fine, you were right. I love you. Let’s move on. Now stop being buttheads about it.”Makoto starts to tickle mercilessly, giving Haru no room to escape. Sousuke has fled the scene by now, so Haru’s the only one left to take the blunt of it all. Might as well; Makoto and Sousuke might have got into a wrestling match instead.“Okay, okay, I tap out!” Haru laughs out as he tugs on the hands Makoto has on his sides. When Makoto finally lets up, Haru looks sincerely into his eyes. “People can try to flirt with you as much as they want. It’s okay if you don’t always recognize it. I won’t let it bother me anymore.”“So you say.” Makoto doesn’t quite believe him.“... Okay, no promises yet.” Haru just circles his hands around Makoto’s neck, linking them together. “But I’ll work on it.”Makoto just kisses his nose. That’s all he can ever ask for. “Thank you.”Makoto can feel the back of his neck heat up, feeling nervous as he looks down at Haru. “Are you sure, love?”“It’s okay. I’m ready.” Haru smiles encouragingly as he grasps at Makoto's wrists.Makoto still looks hesitant, his hands securely onto holding Haru’s waist as he mentally prepares himself. “I don’t want to hurt you.”This is something that they’ve never done before – it’s usually the other way around. Makoto was... bigger than Haru, as if that wasn't obvious enough. It’s all so nerve-wracking. But he’s willing to try if Haru is.“It’ll be fine. I trust you. You won’t hurt me.” He reaches up to place a gentle hand on Makoto’s face. “Come on, I can take it.”Makoto sighs, finally giving in. “Okay, tell me if you need to slow down or stop at anytime.” Makoto kisses him tenderly before he starts to get into position as Haru turns around. He lets his chest expand with a steadying breath, bracing himself, ready to lean forward... before someone clears their throat, annoyed. “Can you guys hurry the fuck up?” Makoto looks over at Rin, who’s standing a short distance from them. Sousuke has his hands on Rin’s shoulders, whereas Rin’s hands are positioned at the back of Sousuke’s thighs, getting ready to haul him up. “We’ve been waiting this whole time when I could have won by now.”Makoto, who’s mirroring Sousuke’s position now, gently massages Haru’s shoulders. He still doesn’t think that this is a good idea. “What is it with you two and being competitive about literally everything?”His lips are against the curve of Haru’s ear before Haru turns his head to nuzzle his cheek. “Maybe it’s just second nature.”Makoto didn’t think that their walk home from the cafe would turn into this. They had just been strolling along when Haru stated that he felt kind of tired after the swimming he had done earlier. Out of instinct, Makoto offered to give him a piggyback ride the rest of the way back. They got a bit farther before Rin started whining.“Babe, why don’t you carry me on your back?”“Oh, my poor baby,” Sousuke had laughed as he kissed Rin’s forehead. “Because then I would want you to do the same for me.”That caused Rin to stop on the sidewalk. As they all looked back at him, they could see Rin’s daring eyes. “Alright, deal.”Sousuke crossed his arms with a defiant look of his own. “Excuse me?”“If I can beat Haru at a piggyback race with Makoto on his back and you on mine, you have to give me them whenever I want.” The gaze was sharper, harder to deny. “For the rest of the month.”“I hardly see how this is fair and what I get out of it.” Sousuke reasoned, but Makoto had seen the ignition start up between the two of them.Rin moved closer, walking his fingers up Sousuke’s chest. “Well, first of all, it would give you a chance to finally ride m– ““Uhhh, wait a second,” Makoto did not want to hear the end of that sentence. He felt Haru hide his giggle in the back of his neck. “Why do you have drag Haru into this? He just said that he was tired.” He subconsciously reached up to caress the hands Haru had draped around his neck. “Is this really necessary?”Before Rin could answer back, Makoto felt Haru shift, his breath no longer hitting Makoto’s nape. “Okay, let’s go.”“What?” Makoto had properly set Haru down, holding him by the shoulders. What was Haru talking about? He couldn’t be serious. “Why?”The intensity on Haru’s face said it all, his eyes fiery. Makoto knew there was no turning back now. “There’s no way Rin is gonna challenge me and I’m gonna say no.”So now, they’re here. The sun is starting to set as they decided to take a detour towards a park, wanting to find a soft place to land, with grass being their best bet. They had to have some safety precautions.It was a constant loop in Makoto’s head the whole time they’d been here, trying to predict the final outcome. He knew two things: one being both Haru and Rin were smaller than him and Sousuke. And two was that Haru was even smaller than Rin. He did not like the way these odds were looking.They’re not gonna do this.He could just walk away (is really about to) before Haru is pulling his arms around his shoulders, getting into a slight crouch. “Clasp your hands together.”They’re really gonna do this.Rin laughs loudly, bending his knees slightly with Sousuke laying over his back, feet still on the ground. He adjusts his ball cap, spinning the brim to the front. He points ahead. “Okay, first one to get to that tree, wins.”Makoto wants to make one final attempt at stopping this, but Sousuke is already counting down. “In three... two... one... go!”He sees Sousuke make a quick jump, giving Rin some help before he starts to run towards the tree. Not wanting to let Haru down, he does the same, hoping he can give Haru the same momentum. Being on Haru’s back... doesn’t give him much of a height difference if comparing it to when he’s standing normally.When he initially pictured this, he thought they would fall over the first instant. But Makoto knows Haru’s strength; he does have faith in him. He can see Rin up ahead, still jogging as fast as he can. He takes breaks to hoist Sousuke up higher when he starts to slip. They are almost to the tree.But Haru... was not even halfway there.
Huh.
It seems that water and land were two very different areas when it comes to Haru’s expertise. Makoto thinks it has nothing to do with his added weight (at least he hopes so) because Haru doesn’t feel like he’s struggling; his legs are going strong. They just weren’t going fast.Makoto already knows that it’s over when he hears Rin’s outrageous cry. He looks up to see that Rin has already put Sousuke down, his fist pumping as he jumps eagerly. They bump their knuckles together as Sousuke leans in for a quick kiss. Well, it was a fun attempt at a race at least.“Haru?” Makoto still feels that they are moving, their surroundings not quite a blur but more like rolling in slow motion. It’s honestly adorable but he doesn’t want to push Haru any further. “I think we can stop now.”Haru turns his head to look back at him, gaze set and focused. “Come on, I can finish this.”Makoto smiles because his boyfriend really is just too determined sometimes. “Love, it’s fine. You can let me dow– WHOA!”Makoto leans his weight to the right, but Haru was clearly not expecting the sudden change of balance. Before they know it, Makoto’s falling to the ground as Haru topples with him. Doing his best, Makoto tries to cushion the blow, turning so his back hits the grass first and circling his arms to cradle Haru’s back into his chest.Haru quickly scrambles as he readjusts his glasses, fumbling as he turns around so that he can face Makoto with their chests pressed together. His eyes now hold worry, his voice concerned. “Oh my god, oh my god.” His hands are tracing every part of Makoto’s face, cupping the back of his head. “I’m so so sorry. Angel, are you okay?”Shaking a few pieces of grass from his head, Makoto reaches up to hold Haru’s cheeks. He is just too fond. Giggles suddenly erupt from him. “As long as you are.”Seeing that he is okay, Haru seems to calm down, laughing along with him. He muffles his voice into Makoto’s collarbone, his hair tickling the underside of Makoto’s jaw. “So, I’m not a track runner.”“No, you are not.”Haru leans back, balancing his hands on Makoto’s chest. “Or any kind of a runner. Doesn’t matter if you were on my back or not. I’m a swimmer.”“One of the best.” Makoto states this factually, lovingly, as he rubs circles into Haru’s spine.“I can keep up with Rin so easily in water. Usually beat him most of the time. ”“I’ve witnessed that, yes.” That seems to appease Haru, making them fall into more easy laughter.“But, hey, at least I know what Atlas felt like.” Haru scoots up closer, so that his face is over Makoto’s now. It’s like he’s bringing Makoto’s heart up with him, he can feel it rising in his chest.“I don’t know what you mean?” Makoto just lets himself go pliant under the small touches, Haru’s fingers tangling in his hair.“In Greek mythology,” Haru’s lips are ghosting over Makoto’s, the feeling wonderful. There’s a twinkle in his eyes. “He was someone who had to carry the whole world on his shoulders. And now,” That small twinkle is brighter now, capturing him as if he was in a trance. Haru gives him a small smile. “I got to carry mine.”Makoto’s heart just expands now, threatening to burst. He wants to cover his face in embarrassment, but they end up smoothing over Haru’s shoulder blades instead. He pouts instead, leaning up so that their noses briefly touch. “Not fair. You can’t just ambush me like that.”“Thought I’d try it out. Only for you.” Haru murmurs before fully slotting their lips together.Makoto would have been content to just lie in the park grass until the moon rose above their heads, but he feels something gently prodding his side.With Haru still sprawled on top of him, he looks up to see Sousuke staring down at them, Rin now seated on his back. Guess the wager starts now. At this point, Sousuke has caught them in too many compromising positions, but he looks unfazed. “You guys gonna stay here?”Haru presses a final kiss to Makoto’s cheek before dusting himself off and helping Makoto up. Rin looks boastful, like a king on his throne. “Looks like I’m the only winner here.”Haru keeps his hand locked with Makoto’s as he starts walking away. His voice is indifferent, detached. “Whatever. I let you win.”Rin splutters as Haru keeps putting distance between them, Sousuke still as a statue. “Just admit defeat!”Haru cups a hand around his ear, not stopping at all. “Sorry, can’t quite hear you.”Makoto snickers, bringing Haru close and kissing his temple. He turns to see a still motionless Sousuke with a wild Rin swinging his legs back and forth as they get further away. “Hey! At least wait up! Babe, come on!”If Makoto continues to feel like this, have this rush of emotion even over the smallest of things because of the boy at his side, he can’t help but feel like they still won after all.“WAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”There are many flashing lights in the small room, everyone lounging on the couch and dancing along to the music blasting from the karaoke machine. Rin and Nagisa have the microphones in their hands, Kisumi standing behind them with his arms around their shoulders, helping belt out the last powerful note. Everyone is clapping as the song ends, all the soulmates cheering and laughing. Rin scrolls through the song selection, wanting to have another go. “Any requests?”Makoto and Haru are standing together in one corner of the room, sort of secluded from the rest of their rowdy group. Makoto is leaning against the wall, his arms wrapped around Haru whose leaning against him. They’re happily snuggled together as they watch everyone else, not really ones to take the microphones into their own hands.“Okay, we’ve got a request from my lovely boyfriend-““I didn’t even say anything!” Sousuke cuts in.“Ignoring that. Anyways, my lovely boyfriend thinks I should slow things down now.” Soft music starts to play, a drastic change from the raging on moments before. “Don’t lie, babe. I saw it in your eyes. You love my singing and this one’s for you.”Rin is confident in many things, singing just being one of them. There’s no denying his charm when Rin starts to croon into the microphone, a more mellow voice pouring out of the speakers instead.Feeling the mood move him, Makoto can’t help but push off the wall slightly, holding Haru even tighter in the circle of his arms. He’s not a dancer, is the farthest thing from it. Left and right are the only directions his feet understand when it comes to following a beat. He’s content, though; letting the music take the lead and guiding Haru along with him.The song is familiar, one he recognizes as he starts to sing along under his breath. It’s so quiet that no one would even notice another voice join in with Rin’s amplified one.But Haru notices. He turns his head, one hand reaching up to curl around the back of Makoto’s neck. Bringing Makoto closer, he whispers in his ear. “Sing for me?”Makoto immediately shuts his mouth, hiding his face in Haru’s shoulder. He’s not Rin; there’s no way he can give off the same vibe as him as if he was on an actual stage. “No,” he whines. “You don’t want that. I’m not that good.”“No, not up there.” Haru insists, a sole smile directed only for Makoto to see in the dimly lit space. “You have a beautiful voice, just like the rest of you.” Makoto kisses his cheek for that, Haru scrunching his nose. He thumbs at Makoto’s cheek. “I just like listening to you. So will you please sing? Even just for me?”As if Makoto could ever say no. Not when Haru makes him feel like he can do anything. With a new resolve, he ducks down, hooking his chin over Haru’s shoulder. “Okay.”He turns his head, his lips at the shell of Haru’s ear as he sings along to the slow melody, lowly for only Haru to hear. They start to sway naturally, their eyes falling shut. The song ends with another round of cheering and Haru turning in Makoto’s hold. He brings his arms around Makoto’s waist, looking up at him with his chin planted on Makoto’s chest. “Thank you.” Makoto kisses his nose in reply.“I’m still waiting on that encore.” Haru jokes offhandedly. Makoto remembers the feeling of the guitar, the feeling of Haru’s hand over his. The little moments like flickers of light.Makoto tilts Haru’s head up, tracing his fingers along the side of his throat. He grins. “I’m working on it.”“Coach Tachibana, let’s go! It’s time for class! Oh! Good afternoon, Haru-chan!” Misaki is gently tugging on Makoto’s hand, looking up at him with excited eyes.Haru’s rubbing a towel through his own damp hair, before he’s draping it around his neck. He smiles as he places a gentle hand on Misaki’s shoulder. “Hi Misaki. Ready to show me all the hard work you’ve been doing with your freestyle? Coach Tachibana says that you keep on getting better.”“You’re gonna stay and watch today?”“Of course.” Haru ruffles Misaki’s hair, before turning his eyes on Makoto. “Wouldn’t miss it for anything.”Makoto could sense how much Haru had missed being in touch with the water ever since his Reveal, in places other than at school. When he had the time, he would spend Makoto’s lessons just swimming on the other side of the pool, while the whole class would watch in wonder.“Your boyfriend’s an amazing swimmer, Coach Tachibana!” Misaki had claimed. “I want to swim just like him one day!”Seeing Haru here, in his element, was comforting for Makoto. Haru was just himself in this place now – a new kind of free. He wasn’t hiding anything anymore; Makoto had never been more proud.Makoto takes both of Haru’s hands into his, kissing his forehead and then his cheek. “See you after.”“Have fun.” Their pinkies are still linked before Makoto fully walks away. As he’s gathering the children around, he glances over his shoulder one last time. He watches as Haru sits on the edge of the pool letting his feet hang in the water. There’s a serenity that seems to radiate off him as he raises his head to look at the windowed ceiling, watching the afternoon clouds float overhead. He looked like he belonged; he looked happy.It’s a sight that Makoto always wants to see. The afternoon melted into evening, the sky now dark with the multitude of stars dotting the sky. Makoto has just finished cleaning up the rest of the kickboards when he hears a gentle splash come from behind him. He watches as Haru finishes his last lap of the night before he's pulling himself out of the water. He shakes the remaining water droplets from his hair, a habit that Makoto had picked up on ever since he had the privilege of seeing him swim. It’s so subtle, yet so captivating – it’s so Haru.Taking advantage of Haru having his attention directed elsewhere, Makoto quietly slips into the water. He makes sure to swim towards the bottom of the pool, making his movements seem as minimal as possible. He’s almost to the wall now, watching the motion of Haru’s feet as they gently kick through the waves.With a final push, he rushes upwards, breaking the surface. His plan was to grab onto Haru’s knees (gently, of course) and surprise him. What he gets instead is a sudden splash of water in his face, laughs echoing in the air soon after.Shaking his head, he rubs the droplets from his eyes, raking his hands through his hair and pushing it back. When he can see again, he is greeted with the vision that is his boyfriend. He’s wearing a look that says Nice try.Makoto swims forward again, his hands finding Haru’s calves before he kisses his the skin above his knee. “How’d you know?”Haru pats his cheek, his tone knowing. “Water is clear.”Well, he got him there. Makoto makes the distance smaller, crossing his arms and resting them atop of Haru’s thighs as he looks up at him. There’s a pout in his voice. “Come on, I wasn’t even close to the surface. You weren’t just a little surprised? You didn’t even notice where I went.”“Hmm, gotta try harder maybe. But I guess it doesn’t matter.” Haru dips forward, his lips brushing Makoto’s forehead. The smile is evident, Makoto knowing the feeling all too well by now. “Maybe I’d just find you anywhere.”Those words wrap around his heart; he’s so in love. Makoto is pushing up on his toes, cupping Haru’s face in his palms and kissing his mouth. Haru responds eagerly, his arms looping around Makoto’s neck.The water feels cool on Makoto’s skin, a welcome contrast to the warmth that is stirring within him. Despite not wanting to leave the circle of Haru’s arms, Makoto pulls back slightly, his whispers dancing across Haru’s lips. “Help me out?”Haru pecks him one more time before he leans back and extends his hand. Makoto goes to take it, noticing Haru’s guard down, an idea forming. Perfect.There’s a flash of confusion in Haru’s eyes followed by realization, but it’s a second too late before Makoto pulls Haru into the water after him. He holds a hand over his mouth, trying to muffle his laughter as he watches Haru emerge from the settling waves, his bangs covering his eyes. Makoto takes it upon himself to sweep Haru’s hair from his face. He touches Haru’s nose with his own, staring into those mesmerizing blue-green eyes. “Gotcha.”Haru splashes Makoto, but it’s a small form of punishment before he’s clutching at Makoto’s shoulders, holding himself up. “If you wanted to swim together angel, all you had to do was ask.”“Sorry, love.” Haru kisses him in response, Makoto already knowing he’s been forgiven.“Wait,” Makoto starts heading for the ladder again, hauling himself up and padding over the cold floor. Haru’s watching him amusedly before Makoto’s grinning and turning out all the lights.They are not shadowed in complete darkness, the moonlight shining through the glass and illuminating the water below. Makoto appreciates the surroundings more like this, seeing the beams light up a few areas here and there. Acting like a spotlight, highlighting the things that were the most precious to him.Haru is caught up in one of those beams, skimming his hand along the moon reflected in the water, letting it slip through his fingers. Makoto is making his way back to him until he’s close enough to hear Haru mutter under his breath, “Water moon.”Makoto’s standing in front of him how, taking Haru’s fingers into his own, intertwining them effortlessly. “What was that?”Haru makes a noncommittal noise. “It’s nothing, just an old saying.”Makoto wants to ask more about it, but Haru’s already distracting him, his free hand toying with the strands of hair at his nape. “So you turned out the lights because...?”Makoto feels sheepish, stuttering. “Uhh, you know – it’s like a midnight swim? Or it’s just more romantic that way? I mean, I hope it feels romantic to you, of course –“Haru grasps Makoto’s chin gently, tilting his head down so he can press his lips to his. “You’re such an adorable sap.”Makoto places his hands on Haru’s waist, effortlessly lifting him up with Haru looking down at him from his newfound height. The moonlight is lighting Haru from behind, bringing all the focus on him. As if Makoto’s attention would be anywhere else. “Your adorable sap.”Haru just leans down, his fingers skimming Makoto’s jawline as he smiles, brighter than the moon itself. The gravity between them is just too strong, neither wanting to resist it. Makoto loves being part of Haru’s happy place, his sanctuary. Makoto loves kissing Haru’s smile. Makoto just really loves him.“Yeah,” Haru breathes as Makoto looks at the starlight in his eyes. He is radiant; he is Makoto’s. “Mine.”Makoto is lying on his bed, head on the pillows as he scrolls through his past messages; each one making him smile wider which each tap of his thumb.
happy bday mako-chan ily
Some are short and sweet from the others, Nagisa’s being the last before he opens a new one.
Happy Birthday Makoto. I don’t know what else to say... Uhh, just know I’m glad I met you and you mean a lot to me. Have a good day
Makoto can already hear the love in Sousuke’s message, no other words required.
HBD MAKO!!! im finally not the oldest out of the 3 of us now. u finally caught up to all of us lol
our babys all grown up
i hope u have a fucking amazing day
i luv u, im here for u, never forget that
Rin’s stream of messages make him laugh, but the affection of the last words make him soft.They have been coming in randomly throughout the morning, each a new surprise. He appreciates all the messages that he gets, can’t believe that his birthday has already come around. Balancing a new semester with work was challenging, but he gets through it. One day at a time. It helps that he has Haru around to be with him even during his most stressful times.He’s waiting for him to arrive now, which is pretty unusual as they have taken to spending all their nights together. Whether at Haru’s or Makoto’s, it didn’t matter as long as it was the two of them at the end of the day. It’s a first in a long time that Haru was so occupied with school work that he had to stay late at his own place and couldn’t make it to Makoto’s to see him.Makoto didn’t know why that one night apart had been so hard for him. One of the hardest than ever before.He had woken up in an empty room, disoriented until it hit him that it was his birthday today. He hazily looked around as he brought his phone up to his face. There was already a message there, the first one of the day. He didn’t even have to read the name to know who they were from.
good morning angel
i’m sorry that i wasn’t able to come home to you last night
Makoto tries not to acknowledge the lack of the word his home; nothing alluding to the word your.
i’ll make it up to you i swear
happy birthday
i can’t believe i was able to meet you in this lifetime. i don’t know how i got so lucky
i love you so much
i’ll be there soon ♡ ♡ ♡ xxxEvery time he reads over the words, the same fuzzy feeling erupts in his chest, threatening to break through. He wants to make this birthday one of his best. It’s just then that his front door is opening, a voice calling out. “Hello?”Makoto all but shoots from his bed, rushing over to Haru before he can even take his shoes off. His lips are on Haru’s before he can take another breath. “Hey you.”“Hi. You’re being cuter than usual.” Haru grins as he holds his face tenderly, stroking the skin under his eyes. “Happy birthday.”Makoto can’t help but kiss him again. They stand in the doorway, just lost in each other until he feels hands push at his shoulders. It feels like Haru doesn’t put much effort behind it, so Makoto just moves his lips to Haru’s cheek instead, keeping him caged in his arms.“You know,” Haru teases lightly. “I actually do have things planned for you today.”That catches Makoto’s interest. He didn’t have time to organize something for his own birthday; had no time to invite his other friends. He’s been so busy. “Oh?”Haru just goes up on his tip toes, kissing his chin and smiling. “I did say I would make it up to you.”They make it a distance away from the apartment, Makoto not quite sure where they were going. All of his surroundings are unfamiliar. It’s not until they stop at a street corner that Haru tells him to turn around.He does as he’s told, feeling Haru press his fingers to his back. Getting ready to guide him. “Close your eyes. Cover them with your hands, too.”“As if I would peek...” Makoto laughs, but covers his eyes anyways.There’s a voice at his ear now, all honey smooth. “Just trust me.”They continue forward, Makoto literally in the dark. It feels like ages before Haru is pulling away from him, Makoto already missing the press of his body. He still covers his eyes, even as he turns his head from side to side, listening for any indication of where Haru could be.Suddenly there’s a familiar feel of lips against his that he chooses to bring his hands down to wrap around Haru’s waist instead. His eyes are still closed when Haru moves slightly away, whispering. “Surprise.”The midday light is disorienting as Makoto finally opens his eyes, the anticipation starting to grow. He gazes around until his eyes finally land on the building in front of them, reading the words branding the shop. He turns rapidly in Haru’s direction, not being able to contain his excitement.“We’re at a cat cafe?”Haru nods. “Just opened last week. Thought you might like it.”Makoto has been to many before, has loved them all, but this a brand new one. With new menu items, new decor, new cats. Having Haru by his side makes it much better. He brings his arms around Haru’s shoulders, hugging him close, nuzzling his hair. “Thank you. It’s perfect.”Haru just takes his hand, Makoto following him anywhere. “Let’s go.”The room is surrounded in forest tones, the flooring and furniture different shades of brown, the walls a matcha green. It’s an average sized space, a few tables and lounging couches placed along the walls. But most importantly there are cats everywhere. From sleek to fluffy, black to white and orange to grey. Some are napping, while others idly paw at the floor, others lazily walking around. There are a few scratching noises from the ones climbing their play structures. This is one of Makoto’s happiest places, can already feel the calmness flow over his body. Call him cat crazy, but he wouldn’t deny it.“I knew you wanted to see more than just that one white stray.” Haru’s hand is cupping the back of Makoto’s neck comfortingly, watching as Makoto takes in all around him.Makoto’s feet are moving before his words can even tumble out. “Come on, love! The cats are awaiting!”They order drinks first, some hot chocolate for Makoto and green tea for Haru. Their feet are tangled together under the table as they sit across from each other, drinking in a comfortable silence. Makoto is confused when a waitress comes by and puts a single slice of chocolate cake in front of him. The single strawberry sitting on a small mound of whipped cream looks delicious, but he makes no move to touch it.“I think they brought this to the wrong table.” Makoto looks around, trying to see if any other customers were looking for their order.He tries to raise his hand to call the waitress back over before Haru is taking it into his, kissing his knuckles before holding it on the tabletop. “It’s for you.”“But I didn’t order this.”Haru rolls his eyes fondly. “Birthdays usually have cake, ya’know?”Makoto practically melts on the spot. He reaches across the table to tap Haru’s nose.“Hush. And thank you.” Makoto smiles as he picks up a fork with his free hand. The chocolate is decadent, practically melting in his mouth. He breaks off another piece, offering it in Haru’s direction.He just stares at it, causing Makoto’s bottom lip to jut out. “Pretty, please?”“You’re a menace.” But without putting too much of a fight, Haru takes the cake into his mouth, Makoto making a noise of approval.Makoto huffs, feeling accomplished. “Most people enjoy sweet things.” There's an adoring look on Haru's face as he thumbs over the back of Makoto's hand. “Well, I do enjoy you.”Be still, his poor heart. Makoto is standing in the next moment, cake completely forgotten. He walks over until he stands beside Haru, lovingly tilting his head back. He rubs his thumbs along his cheekbones, savoring his favorite smile.“You’re unreal.” He murmurs between soft kisses.Haru brings his hands up to cover Makoto’s, rubbing their noses together. “Finish your cake.”So Makoto finishes his cake. Once the table is clear, they go out onto the floor. They look up at the cats perched on higher balconies, their tails swishing back and forth. Makoto picks up a toy mouse, waving the stick it was attached to as the cat below him bats at it playfully.Having a turn with the more active cats, they decide to find a more peaceful section of the cafe. They settle down on a piece of carpet, a few cats roaming by. Makoto crosses his legs in front of him, tucking his hands under his thighs.That’s the one thing that he has trouble with when it comes to these cafes. The fact that they weren’t allowed to pick them up was a challenge. Understandable, as they were living creatures not toys. He feels like a restless child; he’s fine.Haru seems to sense Makoto’s inner turmoil, effortlessly sliding into his lap. He brings out Makoto’s hands from under his legs, holding them in his own lap instead. Haru leans back, his head resting on Makoto’s shoulder so he could whisper in his ear. “So you don’t get tempted.”Makoto kisses Haru’s cheek. Of course Haru understands. Of course he does. “I’ll behave.”Haru does release one of his hands though, while their other hands tangle together, still in Haru’s lap. He lets his free hand brush against the soft fur along the backs of whichever cats decide to venture close.There are many intense eyes that he catches glimpses of, admires, not unpaired like humans. Cats were pretty independent creatures anyways. All their colors are striking, contrasting beautifully with their fur, adding some sort of mystery to their still gazes.There’s a glint of white in Makoto’s periphery, focusing his attention on the feline brushing against his knee. It reminds him of the other cat from their walks; he can already picture the green eyes that would peer back at him. He’s running his hand over its back, but when it lifts his head, Makoto’s heart stills at the sight.Because this cat doesn’t have one eye color, but two. He’s mesmerized when he sees the shine of blue in one iris, green in the other. Its staring back at Makoto curiously, head tilted as if confused. This cat was the odd one out among its kind, a rarity that’s hardly ever seen.They remind him of Haru’s eyes, of the very first time he saw them. His heart heavies a little, starting to feel envy creep in. Because what if those were Haru’s eyes even now – his actual eyes? Instead of the ringed ones Haru was cursed with, that they both were.How different things could have been; how easier. He’ll still never know if the universe will ever stop messing with him.There are delicate hands smoothing over his jaw, turning his head so he can lock eyes with another pair. The mirror of his own. “Hey, stop that.”Makoto tries to break out his other smile, the masked one. One he hasn’t used in a while. “Stop what?”Haru kisses his forehead, both temples. “Stop thinking about my other eyes. They were never mine to begin with. It was never my fate.” His hands slide up into Makoto’s hair, messing with the strands. “And I’m still doing okay. Because you made me start to feel okay.”Regret washes over him, feeling guilty for ruining what was supposed to be a joy filled day. He clutches Haru closer, his head finding a home in Haru’s chest. “I’m sorry.”“You don’t have to be sorry.” Even softer, he murmurs. “I have my moments, too.”Makoto knows Haru is okay with them, with who they are; whether they are together or apart. He is, too; wouldn’t want to trade their story for anything in the world. But that doesn’t completely erase everything he’s ever felt before. The side effects of a Partial life. It ebbs and flows like waves, coming and going depending on the mood – it’s unpredictable.There are times where there are small moments like this, tiny things that bring him back to their harsh reality. He doesn’t know how long it’ll take until he’s used to it, knowing that they can never be truly normal. But he’ll work on it, for Haru. For himself.He feels Haru’s lips at his hairline. “I love you.”Those words are enough. They’ll get him through, just like always. Makoto places a line of kisses up Haru’s throat, until he finally reaches his lips. “I love you, too.”Makoto’s now more focused on Haru than anything else, no matter how many cats brush against his legs. His hands are stroking down Haru’s arms, toying with his hands. Haru kisses his cheek, starting to stand. “Wanna get out of here?”Makoto takes Haru’s outstretched hand, waving at the workers as they walk out. Once they are outside in the November air, Haru pauses. “Damn, I just remembered. I was studying last night and I think I forgot some notes at the cafe the other day. Do you mind if we head over there quickly?”It was nice of Natsuya to give both of them the day off for Makoto’s birthday. It would really mean a lot to even see some of their other friends, even though they are working. A quick visit is all he needs.When they get to the front, Haru lets go of Makoto’s hand, heading for the back door instead. When Makoto moves to follow him, Haru gestures for him to stay put. “It’s okay, you head through the front.” Makoto tries to move from his spot again, but Haru looks reassuring. “I’ll quickly grab my things and then meet you inside, ‘kay?”Odd. Regardless, Makoto laughs, confused but going with it. He takes Haru’s hand and kisses his fingers before he can dart away. Their pinkies lock together. “Okay. Just come back to me.”Haru’s smile is glowing. “Always.”He’s quickly jogging through the alley, taking the turn to the cafe’s staff entrance before he disappears from sight. Makoto reaches out for the handle, pulling on the door but is met with some sort of resistance. He gives one more pull, but the door still doesn’t give. As if it’s being held back. Really odd.Wiggling the door back and forth with all his might is his next approach, but the door is just as stubborn as Rin. It seems that thinking of Rin has somewhat summoned him because Makoto swears he could hear his voice.It sounds much closer to the door; it sounds like he’s struggling. “Ow, fuck! – Can you help– You know how strong he is!–“ Not wanting to lose a fight he didn’t think he would have today, he places his other hand on the doorframe, hoping to give himself more leverage as he gives one more tug. “Whoa!”This time the door swings wide open, a flailing Rin and Sousuke tumbling out. They both catch themselves before they can face plant at Makoto’s feet. Shocked, they look up before hastily straightening out, their arms open wide. It’s as if they are in sync, both greeting him nervously. “Uhh, happy birthday!”Makoto breathes out a shaky laugh, still so happy to see them. “Umm... thanks?”He graciously accepts their group hug before pulling back, holding them by their shoulders. “So, what exactly were you guys doing? Did you guys not want me inside?”Sousuke is silent, while Rin’s eyes look at any other spot but at him. “Of course not! That’s crazy! Are you sure you were pulling on it? And not pushing? It’s okay, I’ve done the same. I told Natsuya that a ‘pull’ sign over the handle would be really helpful.”Makoto just points to the very present “Pull” sign already screwed to the door. Rin’s laugh sounds forced. “Well, would you look at that. He does listen to my suggestions.”“But that sign has been there since this place ope–““Anyways!” Rin interrupts, throwing his arm around Makoto’s shoulder. “Why don’t we head inside.”Rin is ushering Makoto forward, nudging him to go ahead. He gives his head a single shake, before he’s pulling on the door again, making sure that Rin and Sousuke are watching. He’s expecting to see customers here and there, waiting in line or sitting by the windows. He’s expecting to hear the lo-fi playlist that Nao has created for this place ever since the first day it opened. He’s expecting to see some of their friends, behind the counter or lounging nearby.He’s expecting to see Haru, maybe waiting for him with a small smile on his face, sitting on one of the stools.But there’s none of that. Instead, the place is encased in darkness. The natural light that is usually flooding in is blocked by the heavy curtains that were pulled closed. The only illumination is coming for the doorway in which they stand.Makoto takes one hesitant step forward, a spike of fear rising in his chest. What the...? Before he decides to hightail it out of there because maybe he’s been right this whole time and there are ghosts in this establishment (thank you very much), the lights suddenly flicker on; momentarily blinding him.When his eyes finally adjust, the room has transformed. There are bundles of balloons floating everywhere, all different shades of green. Streamers race along the wall, twisting around one another. To the very back, behind the coffee counter, an elegantly decorated banner with silver swirls reads: “Happy Birthday Makoto!”“Surprise!” Standing in front of the counter is all the people he holds dear. Everyone is here, all the couples standing by each other, naturally, with wide smiles on their faces. It’s like the power of those smiles are lifting him up, making him overwhelmed with joy. Makoto looks at all of them gratefully before his eyes finally fall on his person. As they always do.Haru stands at the center of the room, a plate of cupcakes in his hands. Rose shaped icing is the decoration, a memory tugging at his heart. They are colored with hues of green as opposed to the blue ones he tried to recreate all those months ago. His eyes lock with Makoto’s as Asahi comes around him to light the lone candle in the center dessert.Everyone starts to sing, their voices filling up the room. Makoto can’t look away, his feet moving him forward. It’s as if they gravitate towards each other, meeting in the middle. When the others are finished the song, Haru holds the plate up higher, love lacing his tone. “Make a wish.”Makoto hands automatically find their place on Haru’s waist, before he’s pulling him close and blowing out the flame. Haru sets the plate down on the nearest table, freeing his hands so he can guide Makoto into a sweet kiss.There are cheers around them before Makoto pulls back, securing an arm around Haru’s middle before he faces everyone else. “You guys are the best.”“Closed the cafe just for you.” Natsuya winks, shooting Makoto a thumbs up.“It was Haru’s idea.” Rin says, coming up from behind them. “But Sousuke and I were heavily involved in the rest of planning.”Haru just rolls his eyes. “Thanks for all the help.” It’s said begrudgingly, but Makoto knows that Haru’s secretly sincere. His arms cross as he looks pointedly at their friend. “I’m assuming that’s what you wanted to hear from me, Rin?”Rin’s just smug. “Yup. ”“By the way,” Haru jerks a thumb in the direction of the door. “You know the door has this thing called a lock? Pretty good at keeping the door shut.”Rin’s eyes turn into slits, a comeback at the tip of his tongue as Sousuke steps in. “You know Rin. He always gotta prove his strength in one way or another.”“Well, he wasn’t able to open the door now was he? Are you saying I didn’t do my job?”“Guys,” Makoto’s laughing, realizing that this is his life now. These are the moments that make him realize that sometimes luck may be in his favor. “You all did a great job. Thank you. I really appreciate it.”That seems to satisfy Rin, his demeanor changing as he waves his hand. “No worries, Mako. Anytime.”Makoto claps Sousuke’s shoulder when he feels his phone start to buzz in his pocket. He pulls it out, noticing the contact name on the video-chatting app, his smile growing. As if his heart could take anymore.“Happy birthday, Onii-chan!” There are crowded faces onscreen, one half of Ran and Ren as they try to be as close to the camera as possible. His siblings had texted him this morning from their parent’s phone, filled with smileys and heart emojis. They video chat a majority of the time, but it’s not the same as being in Iwatobi with them. He didn’t even have the time to go back this summer. It’s something he really regrets. Having them call at the exact time makes this party more than perfect.Makoto still has his arm around Haru as he extends his other one, trying to get everyone into view as Sousuke and Rin have crowded behind them now. There’s a chorus of Hellos from the other three, before Makoto is making kissy faces at the camera. “Thank you, guys. I miss you so so much.”“We miss you, too!” Ran cries, blowing kisses back.“We wanted to be there for you surprise party even though we can’t really be there,” Ren says. “Haru-chan told us to call you at this time.”“Did he now?” Haru looks sheepish as Makoto peers down at him. The twins know of Haru, of course they do; his whole family knows about him. They didn’t even blink an eye when he told them that Haru was a Partial, too. It was if everything was absolutely normal. His whole family, blood-related or not, truly were the greatest people.But his family in Iwatobi never got to meet him in person yet. Ran and Ren didn’t seem to care. When the twins heard that their big brother had a boyfriend despite Makoto’s condition, they were over the moon. Ever since, it seems as if they were after the spot of Haru’s best friend.“Yeah, Haru-chan is so thoughtful! I want to have a soulmate like him someday!” Ran gushes.“Me, too! Me, too!”There’s a slight pang in Makoto’s heart. Cause they weren’t – not technically, not by the universe’s standards. It feels as if his left wrist is burning from where it’s pressed against Haru’s waist. As if he can sense it, Haru’s hand reaches up to lock their fingers together, securing their hands to his side. It doesn’t matter, Makoto thinks. He doesn’t have the strength to correct them anyways. A flash of Haru's mark comes to mind: It's meaningless. “I’m sure you’ll both find your soulmates one day, too.”The twin’s end of the call seems to move as two more faces come into view. His parents are looking at him softly, his mom’s hand on his father’s chest, wedding band glistening. He’s missed them all so much.“Happy birthday, Makoto.” His father greets, adjusting his glasses. “I wish you good health and I love you so much. Please visit us soon.”His mother’s smile is just as comforting as his father’s.”We miss you, Mako. I love you. We hope you and your Haru can make it over whenever you get the chance.”Makoto can sense Haru looking up at him, a question in his eyes. There’s no hesitation when Makoto answers, “We’ll do our best.”“And you, too. Rin. Sousuke.” His mother continues, addressing the two who are still behind them. “You’re always welcome back, too.”“Can’t wait to go back.” Rin says happily, popping up briefly before the screen, momentarily blocking the view. Makoto playfully shoves his head away, making Rin grumble as he takes his original spot behind him. He’s laughing, he’s happy. He hopes that a trip with all of them can happen as soon as they can manage. To bring all his closest people together is all he can ask for.“Well, we won’t keep you from your surprise party.” His father is saying, tilting the phone so the twin’s goodbye waves can be seen. “We’ll talk again soon.”“Yeah,” Makoto nods, his heart becoming full again. “Talk to you later.”“Bye Onii-chan, Rin-chan, Sou-chan, Haru-chan!”Everyone is saying Goodbye on both sides, his mother blowing a final kiss before the call ends. He pockets his phone, gesturing for Rin and Sousuke to go ahead of them to join the rest of their friends. When they are out of ear-shot, Makoto presses his lips to Haru’s forehead.He says it again, because it can never be said enough. “Thank you.”Haru just holds him tighter, kissing Makoto’s chest, right above his heart.Makoto flops onto his bed, a tired sigh escaping him. They just came back from a birthday dinner filled with so much laughter it took the rest of his energy. But there’s something about spending time with the people you hold close that makes it all worth it.Haru gently climbs on the bed, lying across Makoto’s chest and resting his chin on top of his hands. “You tired?”Makoto wants to deny the claim, but his yawn says it all.Haru reaches over to the bedside table, something in his grasp as it hovers above Makoto’s face. “Want anymore?”It’s one of the leftover cupcakes that they brought home after everyone parted ways. The icing is a little messed from the trip back, but he doesn’t care. Makoto never knew that cupcakes would be such a staple in their relationship, yet here they are. He hums as he sits up, bringing Haru with him. He nudges it in his direction. “You can have it.”There’s a quick, mischievous glint in Haru’s eyes before Makoto can process what’s happening. Haru is scooping a mound of the icing before Makoto can stop him. The next thing he knows is that it’s being smeared into Makoto’s cheek, the sticky sugary substance reaching the corner of his mouth.Makoto’s still in shock, while Haru’s laughing affectionately, “Hmm, now that’s what I call ‘sweet revenge’.”“Ha ha. Cute.” Makoto tries to rub his icing-covered cheek against Haru’s, but he’s leaning out of his space despite being locked in Makoto’s arms. “Didn’t take you as someone to hold a grudge.”“Well, good icing shouldn’t go to waste.” Haru says lowly into his ear, before he’s kissing the icing off Makoto’s face. It’s more ticklish than Makoto anticipated, his cheeks rounded as he smiles, eyes scrunched. Makoto doubts he got all of it, but once those soft lips follow the trail to his again, all thoughts are completely gone.“Very effective, love.” Makoto giggles as Haru wipes away the excess with a tissue now.After throwing away the tissue in a nearby trash bin, Haru warms his hand over the side of Makoto’s neck. “I’m just... how did you put it earlier?” He pecks his nose, smirking. “Trying to enjoy sweet things.”Makoto kisses his lips, a fluttering in his chest. He doesn’t think it will ever go away.“So,” Haru asks. “What did you wish for?”“I thought you were always one for following birthday wish protocol.”“Well,” Haru cuddles closer, as if he’s telling a secret. “I think that telling someone your wish is actually what makes it come true.”
He wasn’t wrong.
Makoto slides his palms over Haru’s back, one of them gently finding its way under the material of his shirt. “Actually, I didn’t wish for anything.”“Doesn’t seem like you.” Haru looks slightly confused, but it’s more curious than anything else. “Why didn’t you?”Makoto leans forward, kisses Haru’s shoulder. Hoping the words can be imprinted into Haru’s skin. “I have everything I ever wanted right here.”Haru shyly smiles, hiding his face in the column of Makoto’s throat. Makoto really missed having him around last night. Having him back in his arms feels better – feels right.“Wanna watch another movie?” Makoto suggests. “Keep up tradition?”“Actually,” Haru leans over the side of the bed, pulling out a small silver wrapped box. He takes Makoto’s hand into his before placing it gently in his palm. “I wanted to give you your gift.”“You’ve done enough already.” Makoto slides his fingers underneath the bow, smoothing out the edges of the tape. How could there be more?Haru shrugs, unfazed. “I feel like this is nothing at all.”Makoto cups his hand around the back of Haru’s neck, pressing their foreheads together. “Thank you.”Haru places his hand over the one Makoto has on the gift, encouraging him to open it. Makoto takes his time, breaking the seals of tape first before ripping the paper. A flat, square box is what he finds, before he looks up to see Haru watching him. Haru just nods, urging him to continue.Carefully, Makoto tugs on the top cover, everything around him seeming to still. There’s a silver corded bracelet, with a crescent moon being held securely at its center. A star is nestled in one corner of the moon, as if being held in its embrace.“What–?”Wordlessly, Haru just takes the bracelet from the box. He unclasps the hook, waiting for Makoto to hold out his arm. It’s his left one he chooses, watching as Haru slides the bracelet around with the charm on the outside of his wrist. Once Haru’s secured it, he holds Makoto’s hand with both his own, leaning down to kiss his knuckles.“When I think about when I first knew I loved you, I thought of the night on the balcony. I thought of the sky – the stars, the moon.” Haru’s drawing swirls on the back of his hand with his thumb, not looking up at him yet.“It made me think about whenever I saw a shooting star and I thought that you were a wish that would never come true. I thought you were something that was so beautiful, but so out of my reach. Something I could never truly hold. That you were like a reflection, a mirage. My water moon.”Makoto can’t help the tears that he can feel starting to form. His free hand darts out, holding the side of Haru’s face, tilting it up. “Haru, love...”“But I know better now. I know that I can believe in getting what I desired. That I can believe in us.” Haru’s looking into his eyes now, Makoto wanting to capture it to memory. “I see you look at your wrist at times. You look so sad sometimes and it makes me helpless, knowing that there’s nothing I can do. I don’t want you to think it’s incomplete – that you’re incomplete.”“So,” Haru rubs at the bracelet now, turning Makoto’s wrist to press his lips beneath the cord. To press his love into the blank skin. “I hope this can make up for it, a least a little bit. Because despite everything, I know I would have seen silver there the moment we first met.”
He looks at you like a fool that fell in love with the moon and stars.
Makoto’s feels as if he’s out of his body, as if he’s in a whole different world. A world where it’s just them, Makoto and Haru, together. Haru’s watching him, a patient smile on his face. Waiting for his next move as he always does.Haru, who wants to give him a piece of the sky, while Makoto believes the galaxy already shines in his eyes. He swears he can always see it when Haru looks at him, feel that wonder hold him tight. It’s as if those eyes were meant to forever hold the beauty of the stars.There’s no finesse when Makoto holds Haru’s face, kissing his lips as they perfectly slot with his own. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I love you so much.”“I love you, too.” Haru wraps his legs around Makoto’s waist, ankles locking at the small of his back. “So, do you like it?”Makoto holds Haru’s chin, the bracelet sliding down his wrist slightly, his lips brushing his cheek. Despite the tears that are forming, he can’t help but mess around. “Well, there was this orange watch I was thinking about buying...”Haru narrows his eyes, lips pursed with retaliation on the tip of his tongue.“But this is better,” Makoto looks at him with all the love and sincerity he can muster. “So much better. Thank you. I love it. I love you.”Haru’s kissing Makoto again making them fall backwards with Haru lying on top of him. Since the time he got here, this apartment has always felt empty, the space around him seeming too grand, even for a single person living on their own. But then Haru has found his way in here, his presence filling the place down to the smallest crevice. Makoto doesn’t want to feel that emptiness anymore.“Hey,” Makoto’s says, teeth gently tugging on Haru’s bottom lip. “I change my mind. I think I’d like to use my wish now.”“Making your own rules, huh?”There’s no more hesitation on Makoto’s part, hasn’t been for a while. “I thought that’s what we always do?”Haru pushes up slightly, balancing his weight. His gaze looks admiring as he stares down at him. “Yeah, we do.”Stroking his cheek, Makoto murmurs, “I wish I could fall asleep with you every night. And wake up with you every day.”Haru’s eyes widen, his fingers fiddling with the collar of Makoto’s shirt. “We already do that.”Makoto shake his head. “But I want to be sure of it. I want to share this space with you more than I already do. It’s not home without you here.”He moves to sit up fully now, moving Haru with him. He looks down at their clasped hands, the unfamiliar flash of silver on his wrist catching his eye. The bracelet is so delicate looking – just like the person who gave it to him. A piece of Haru he will always carry with him.Call him greedy, but he wants all of Haru with him. He doesn’t want to waste anymore time; he’s waited long enough. “I wish for you. In all the ways that I can. I always have and always will. And right now, I wish this place was ours. Officially.”A quiet gasp escapes Haru, but that doesn’t stop Makoto’s next words. “Haru, will you please move in with me?”The air around them is calm, letting the question settle between them. Haru’s eyes are glistening before he’s tackling Makoto again, his breath hitting the side of his neck. “It’s your birthday, dummy. I’m the one that’s supposed to surprise you.”Makoto kisses the top of his head. “We can surprise each other.”They lay there, holding each other with Makoto stroking over Haru’s back. “So, is that a yes?”Haru hits his chest lightly, kissing over the spot right after. “It wasn’t even a question.”Yeah. One of the best birthdays by far. Makoto wakes up to an empty bed. But he no longer lies there with a heavy heart – not anymore. He snuggles into the sheets, still holding onto the feel of the person who was just lying there with him. When he feels awake enough, he makes the bed, rearranging the plush dolphin and orca, making sure that they’re together as they rest on the pillows. Slowly, he pads into the kitchen, the aroma of breakfast signaling the start of the day.Makoto rubs his eyes, lifting up his shirt and scratching at his stomach before he curls around the person at the stove, hooking his chin over his shoulder. His arms wound around Haru’s waist securely as he kisses over Haru’s pulse. The slide of his bracelet over his skin is a comfort he has grown to adore. “Good morning.”One of Haru’s hands thread through Makoto’s hair, playing with his ear as the other keeps hold of the spatula occupied with cooking the eggs. He turns his head to kiss Makoto’s nose. “Good morning.”The setting is no different that it was before. It’s the same apartment; the same apartment Makoto has been in since he arrived in Tokyo. But neither saw a reason to find somewhere else to stay. There was no rush to find a bigger place, at least not right now. When right now all they wanted was to be closer than ever. This place was perfect; this place had finally become theirs.Despite Haru being right in front him, with the early morning light waking up the Earth, Makoto can’t help but utter one of his new favorite phrases. The syllables just feel so right, caressing the side of Haru’s neck. “Welcome home.”Turning off the burner and setting the pan aside, Haru faces Makoto so that he can see him fully. He stretches up on his toes, fitting himself against his chest. Like the star held by the moon adorning Makoto’s wrist; intricately entwined. “I’m home.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
ONE YEAR LATER
Makoto takes one final look over the shop, satisfied with the end of the day. The summer sun is starting to set, casting hues of honey and tangerines over the floor. He’s just finished sweeping the floors before he removes his apron and sets it aside.It’s just him behind the counter as he catches a glimpse of his eyes in the small mirror. He remembers being here, the ever present hollowness of his chest. His eyes would always hold that secret pain and the weight of a heart that never got the chance to be given out to another soul. It was a heart that never had the chance to be cherished or broken in another’s hand.Suddenly, familiar arms wrap around his waist as he feels a kiss being pressed to the back of his neck. “Boo.”Haru reaches up as best he can, resting his chin on Makoto’s shoulder as he comes into the reflection’s view. It took them a long time to get here; a year of withering away doubts, building up acceptance. A year of learning how to truly love himself, learning how to grow together. He can confidently say that they’re better, stronger than before.That they’re truly okay.Makoto sighs happily as he turns around, changing their position and easily taking Haru into his arms and lifting him up. He gives a single spin, Haru laughing in the process as he sets him down on the counter, being mindful of the various blenders and syrups that are spread all over the surface.Haru pecks Makoto’s nose as he drapes his arms over Makoto’s shoulders. Makoto comfortably steps into the space between Haru’s legs. One hand automatically hooks one of Haru’s legs around his waist while the other cups his face. Makoto leans in for a gentle kiss. “Hey you.”“Hi,” Haru’s runs his hands over Makoto’s shoulders before they graze his sides, holding onto his shirt. “How are you?”“Better now that you’re here.” Makoto will always love the rosy color that tints Haru’s cheeks. But Makoto’s senses something else, notices the way Haru’s eyes shift ever so slightly. He peers closer, his thumb rubbing back and forth. “Are you okay?”As if being brought back, Haru blinks. “Yeah, yeah. Just thinking.”“About what?”Haru takes a breath, his demeanor changing, a small smile on his face. His next words surprise Makoto. “You know they say that we all had angel wings. That they were taken off before we were put on the earth. They extended from here.” His hands coming up to soothe the space between Makoto’s shoulder blades; a habit he’s picked up on during the time they’ve been together.Makoto grins, ever so intrigued by the stories Haru tends to tell. He leans forward, his nose brushing Haru’s. “Checking to see if mine are still there or something?”Haru laughs. “Or something.”Makoto feels that there’s something else going on in his boyfriend’s mind, but he won’t push him if he’s not ready. So Makoto just kisses him in response, holding onto his waist as Haru’s legs wrap around him.“Let’s go home.” Makoto murmurs against Haru’s lips, supporting underneath Haru’s thighs as he lifts him up and setting him down gently. “Let me just grab my stuff.”Makoto hurries into the back room, slinging his bag over his shoulder and moving towards the front door without a glance back. Haru would usually be there, leaning against the door as he waits for him. But the front of the cafe is empty, Haru nowhere in sight.“Haru?” He looks around, the room seemingly empty. “Love?”“Over here.” Makoto can hear Haru’s voice; it seems to be coming from behind the vacant counter. Making his way back, Makoto peers around the corner, gaze searching until he looks down. Haru is adorably sitting on the floor, his knees bent, looking down at his hands. Tracing his mark.“What are you doing?” Makoto moves in closer, teasing him. “More thinking?”Haru squints up at him, reaching out to pinch Makoto’s calf. “Yes, actually. I’m remembering.”Makoto starts to extend his hand, ready to help Haru up. “Remembering what?”Haru smiles, the light catching his eyes. The blue-green rings dazzling in the setting sunlight. “The first time I saw you.”Makoto notices their positions now, reminiscent of that fateful moment. No matter how much time has passed, Makoto will never get over that embarrassing first encounter. He sinks down, placing his hands on Haru’s knees as he ducks his head. “Can we pretend that never happened?”A hand strokes under Makoto’s chin, cupping his jaw. He can hear the amusement in Haru’s tone. “Never.”Makoto looks up at him begrudgingly, Haru just pulling him closer and kissing the pout away. “Because look where we are now.”Yeah, Makoto thinks. He fell in more ways than one. He kisses Haru’s cheek. “I love you.”Haru hums as Makoto moves to stand up again, but Haru is holding onto his arm, sitting him back down. He fiddles with the bracelet on Makoto’s wrist, tracing over the charm. “Do you realize how happy you make me?”Haru moves so he’s holding Makoto’s face with both hands, gazing into his eyes. He can see all the affection they hold with this one look. Nothing has ever looked more beautiful. “You make me so happy I can’t even describe it. It was right here that you came into my life.” Makoto curls his hand around Haru’s wrist, kissing his palm.“Now that I know what it’s like to be with you, I never want to be apart from you.” Haru brings their foreheads together, their noses brushing, secrets being whispered in the space between their lips. “I like to think they let you keep your wings. I see them every time you look for the good in the world around you. I see them every time you look at me with so much love I’ll never understand how I got so lucky. You’re truly an angel, Makoto. My angel.” Haru gives him a loving smile, saved only for him. “You’re just my person. My home.”Makoto is still sitting in front of Haru, while Haru looks behind him to grab something from his bag. Makoto’s chest feels like it’s filled with air, as if his heart was outside his body. And maybe because it is, as his heart stares back at him, kneeling on one knee with a small box in his hand.“A universe where we’re not together doesn’t exist. I would rewrite the stars for you.” Delphinus and Cetus come to his mind, the stars shifting, overcoming all the barriers to become close, almost as if they were meant to reunite. Makoto reaches up to cover his mouth, feeling wetness on his cheeks. “Even if Partials are meant to be alone, I still found you despite everything I’ve been through.”Haru slowly opens the small velvet box, revealing a simple silver band. Makoto knows his eyes are glistening even more, the realization finally settling in. There is the most intricate looking row of gems in the middle of the surface, all of them a circular green jewel surrounded in blue. A crystallized reflection of his eyes, preserved in Haru’s hand.“I would search everywhere for you. And I would choose you every single time, soulmates or not. I love you so much and will do all I can to give you all the happiness you deserve.” He takes Makoto’s left hand into his. Makoto knows every inch of Haru’s smile, but it feels like he’s seeing it for the first time. “So, Tachibana Makoto, will you please marry me?”The tears are fully flowing now, the moment surreal. Makoto’s rendered speechless, his hands looping around Haru’s neck and bringing him into a kiss. He kisses him once, twice, an infinite amount of times before finally whispering, “Yes.”Haru is beaming, pulling back slightly to take the ring from its cushion. Makoto is shaking, overwhelmed with so much happiness that it’s radiating out of him. He holds out his left hand expectantly, feeling the cool metal fit perfectly over his knuckle, finding its home on his finger. Haru’s arm wrap around his shoulders then, stroking over Makoto’s hair.“Thank you.” Makoto can hear the relief in Haru’s tone. It’s so quiet that Makoto might have missed it, but he’s attuned to everything that is Haru. As if he was an extension of himself.“No,” Makoto cups Haru’s cheeks once more. “Thank you. I love you.”Haru’s eyes are glistening, too. “I love you more.”They must look ridiculous; the two of them huddled on the floor together, clinging onto one another with no desire to let go. Words echo back to him, so small at the time. Nothing stops him from uttering them back. “We’ll see about that.”He has a whole lifetime to prove it.It wasn’t long before Rin found out about the engagement, a few expected tears even falling onto Makoto’s hand as he looks at the ring on his finger.Rin trys to feign nonchalance before he gently punches Makoto on the arm. “What the fuck?”Makoto laughs in disbelief. “What do you mean?”“You’re engaged. ENGAGED!”Makoto nods at Rin’s own hand. “Well, so are you.”Rin turns shy at that, a blush rising to his cheeks. He’s grumbling before another voice joins in. “Damn right he is.”Sousuke comes strolling into the living room, wrapping his arms around Rin’s shoulders as Rin reaches up to hold onto them, his own silver band glistening. It was on Rin’s birthday earlier in the year when Sousuke was in the process of kneeling, pulling out the box from his pocket before Rin jumped on him, no further questions needed.It was usually the next step soulmates like to take, despite Affirmations already turning their Phrases silver. To Makoto, an Affirmation always said We’re together now, while an engagement said I always want to be together with you. It was a different type of affirmation; another promise that soulmates want to make to each other.To see that silver on someone’s finger held more meaning in a way. It wasn’t a silver crafted by the cosmic hands of the universe, but a silver that was put there by the hands of their soulmate themselves.Makoto’s eyes fall to the bracelet on his left wrist, a comfort he can never go without. He then glances to his newest comfort, the weight around his left ring finger starting to leave butterflies in its wake.Sousuke kisses Rin’s cheek, as he looks back at Makoto. “Congrats, Mako. Tell Haru I think he did a great job at choosing. Glad it fits.”Makoto is still admiring his ring before Sousuke’s words catch up to him. “Wait what?”Rin has confused eyes on Sousuke too, as he shrugs. “He asked me to help him out.” Rin looks betrayed, smacking him gently on the chest and pushing back. “And you didn’t tell me about Haru’s idea to propose?”“Baby, you know how you are when it comes to this romantic stuff.” Sousuke pulls Rin back into the circle of his arms. “You would have told Mako immediately if Haru decided to tell you earlier.”Rin still has a stubborn look on his face as he begins poking at Sousuke’s chest with both index fingers. “No fair! I wanted to be part of the plan. Our whole lives we never thought this would happen for him and you left me out of it, you ass.”“Well, uhh, I’m sure Makoto will need lots of help wedding planning, right?” Sousuke looks to Makoto for help, still under fire from Rin’s insistent prodding.Makoto’s heart is full as he rushes forward, gathering the two into his arms. “I love you guys so much. You’re the best, you know that right?”Rin halts his attack before tugging Makoto and Sousuke closer, anger suddenly forgotten, sappy once again. “We love you, too.”Breaking apart from the hug, Rin looks pleased with himself as he arches his back and shouts. “UNFUCK YOU UNIVERSE. YOU DID GOOD THIS TIME!”Makoto is shaking his head as Sousuke drapes an arm around his shoulder. “Huh, never thought there would be a day where Rin would tell the universe not to screw themselves, especially when it comes to you. It’s kinda nice to see.”Yeah, it really was.Haru is sitting on their bed, back against the wall as he flips through his book. He doesn’t notice as Makoto approaches him, standing at the edge of the bed. He waits until Haru looks up at him, setting his book aside. He’s smiling as he instinctually reaches out, taking Makoto’s hand and kissing his knuckles, his ring. Another habit he’s picked up on ever since it was placed on Makoto’s finger. “What is it?”It’s then that Haru finally sees the guitar Makoto has grasped in his other hand. It’s Makoto’s own personal guitar this time around. He’s taken it upon himself to finally commit to practicing it daily, has been building up his skills for the past year. Needless to say Haru was very pleased with all the random serenades he would get no matter what time of the day. And Makoto was also pleased with the Thank you kisses he got in return.Makoto pulls Haru so that his legs are hanging off the edge of the bed, making sure he’s sitting comfortably before Makoto takes a spot beside him. He presses his lips to the top of Haru’s head, nuzzling his hair before pulling away and settling the guitar in his lap. “I think I promised you an encore. Front row seat, if I remember correctly.”Haru scoots closer, close enough that he can rest his chin over Makoto’s shoulder. “I do remember you saying that.”“Yup.” Makoto nods. “This is the real one now. All those other ones were just for practice.”Haru noses at Makoto's cheek. “Come on, I think the other times were pretty amazing too. I loved every single one of them.”Makoto stills his racing heart, before he leans over and pecks the space between Haru's eyes. He starts to check the tuning, playing a few warm-up chords. “Well, I hope you love this one the best.”Haru is patient as he waits for Makoto to start, the music starting to fill the air. It’s a familiar tune, one that Makoto has finally mastered after all this time. A wordless melody that he never learned the lyrics to when he first played it. He made sure to practice this particular song in secret, wanting to save it for this particular time. Makoto watches as Haru’s eyes light up in recognition, closing his eyes just like he did before. Gathering all his courage, Makoto starts singing. “All of this is no coincidence. Just by my feeling, the world is different from yesterday. Just with your joy.”Haru slowly opens his eyes after those first lines, peering up at Makoto with his wide eyes full of wonder. “Maybe it’s just the providence of the universe. It just had to be that. You are me, I am you.”Makoto sings intimately, softly, meant only for Haru to hear. He tries his best to emphasize some parts, making sure Haru can catch the meaning behind it. “The destiny is jealous of us. Just like you, I’m so scared.”As the song finally comes to an end, Makoto gradually stops strumming until his voice is the only thing left. “The universe has moved for us, without missing a single thing. Our happiness was meant to be. Cause you love me and I love you. Just let me love you.”It’s Haru that pulls the guitar from Makoto’s lap, putting it on the floor and taking its place instead. His arms circle Makoto’s neck as he tucks his face into the side of Makoto’s throat. “You were right.”Makoto’s combs through Haru’s hair, mumbling against the crown of his head. “You liked it? Do you remember?”“Of course I remember. I loved it. It was beautiful.” Haru is holding the sides of Makoto’s neck now, looking him in the eyes. “I love you.”Makoto captures lips with his own, Haru falling into it so easily. He smiles. “It’s like even when I didn’t know what this song was saying back then, I still somehow knew. As if it was telling me something.”Haru links his fingers behind Makoto’s neck. “What do you mean?”“Have you ever heard of the ‘Red String of Fate’?” Makoto watches as Haru just shakes his head.It’s an old tale, one that his parents told him as a child and that is rarely mentioned. In their world, people like to look at the tangible – searching for certain eye colors and inked words. But Makoto resorted to other ways to see the world, looking at the stars and the wishes they offer instead. It’s something he hasn’t thought about in a long time. He's never talked about it with anyone before. Until now.Makoto takes Haru’s right hand into both of his. He gently plays with Haru’s fingers, paying extra attention to Haru’s pinky before briefly linking them together. Remembering their promises.“I know our world is different, but they say that soulmates are connected by it. It’s usually tied around here.” He uses his right hand to draw circles around that finger, mimicking the motion of wrapping a string around it. He runs his hand slowly up Haru’s arm, skimming over his bicep to finally place it over Haru’s chest.“They say it connects their hearts. That the string is what helps them find the person they were meant to be with.” Haru’s hand reaches up to squeeze the one Makoto has on his chest, keeping it there. Not wanting to let go.Makoto takes Haru’s other hand into his own, placing a kiss to the knuckles, and then Haru’s mark. Gently, he brings his hand up so that he can hold it to his face. “My whole life, I’ve felt like I’ve just been floating. I always let things push me around, pull me where ever they wanted me to be.”“That maybe,” His thumb rubs the back of Haru’s hand. “Somewhere in another life, somewhere in another universe, I did have a soulmate. That maybe they just weren’t in my galaxy, but were somewhere far beyond my reach. That maybe instead of a Phrase, I was given a tied string that stretched light years away. That’s all I had to give me any sort of comfort.” Haru looks like he wants to interrupt, but he keeps his lips sealed.“And when I saw you,” Makoto smiles, not letting himself hold back. “I swear, it was like that string was being pulled tight. I tried to bury it down, but it makes sense now. I believed in it again.” He laughs, lips brushing Haru’s palm. “And I finally followed it, hoping I would find the end. It felt like I was finally brought back after being lost for so long. I was brought back home. I was brought back to you.”Makoto’s hands shift, so now that they are cradling the sides of Haru’s neck. He leans his forehead against Haru’s, finding the courage to continue on. “You make me want to be better, to be the best version of me. And you have loved all the versions of me, no matter what. I still have to remind myself that you’re real. Because you’re everything to me.”His hands move again, upwards so that they are now holding Haru’s face, Haru’s eyes widening in response.“You’re my mind and dreams.” He leans forward to gently kiss Haru’s forehead.“You’re my eyes and sight.” He goes lower, kissing over Haru’s eyelids.“You’re my heart and soul.” He continues further down, pressing his lips to the center of Haru’s chest, hands now holding onto Haru’s. He peers up, notices how Haru watches his every movement. “You’re my best friend. You’re more than my world. You’re my universe. You’re just... everything.”He breathes as he gently brushes his lips over Haru’s in an almost kiss. He looks into Haru’s eyes, as if he can see himself in them. “You made me accept all that I am. You made me realize that I have meaning – worth. You should know that I am yours, Nanase Haruka. I’ve been yours ever since I saw you.”He thumbs over Haru’s mark, like he usually does. The words imprinted in his mind. “It is meaningless. It’s meaningless without you.” Haru is kissing him before he can even before finish his thoughts.Makoto’s heart starts to pick up again, his breath getting caught in his throat. But he doesn’t wanna stop. Haru’s touch grounds him, reminds him of what he’s set out to do.“I first told you ‘I love you’ here. I asked you to move in with me here.” The small box feels heavy in his pocket, the weight of its significance making it heavier than it is. “So, I think it only makes sense if I ask you to marry me here, too.”Haru looks up from where he idly toying with the silver band that he put on Makoto’s hand himself. He looks frozen on the spot. His breath sounds halted. “What?”Makoto can feel the tears starting to well up in his eyes as he lets out a small laugh. “I asked if you would like to marry me, love.”Haru sits up straighter, reaching forward to hold Makoto’s face. His words seem rushed. “Makoto, angel. You already know what my answer is.”Makoto takes one of Haru’s hands, his right one, kissing Haru’s mark before he skims his lips up to Haru’s fingers – his empty ring finger. “Doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be asked, too.”Haru’s face lights up, a beautiful smile forming on his beautiful face. Makoto will never get believe he gets to call this boy his. Beautiful and Haruka will always mean the same thing to him.Haru rests his forehead against Makoto’s, words breathless, eyes shining. “You’re perfect. I love you. What’d I do to deserve you?”Makoto laughs, some of his own tears starting to fall. “I think it’s just you. You being Nanase Haruka is what makes you deserve everything. I just hope I can be the person that can you give it to you.”Makoto wants to close the small distance between their lips, feel the warmth of Haru’s against his. Before he can, Haru touches their noses together, whispering. “Please ask me again.”Makoto pulls back slightly, seeing where the blue melts into green. So seamless, as if they are one. His smile is inevitable, as he breathes, “Nanase Haruka, will you please marry me?”Before Makoto’s heart breaks free from his ribcage, Haru is wrapping his arms around him, making them fall backwards onto the bed. Haru kisses him how he loves him – sweetly, gently, but with a fierceness beneath every press of lips. “Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.”Makoto is laughing, heart completely soaring now. His hands are shaky as he takes the ring from the box. Haru gasps, noticing the details. “But... how?”“Asked Sousuke where you got mine.” The gems are now a mirror of Haru’s eyes; blue surrounded in green. “Figured we should match.”Just like Makoto did before, Haru holds out his hand expectantly. He chose his marked arm, Makoto gently kissing the words before he gently slides the ring into place, admiring the way that their hands look next to each other. Two halves side by side.Their fingers effortlessly entwine together, their rings nestled in the spaces between. Haru’s own eyes are glistening with tears looking radiant as ever. The words escape him before he has a chance to think about it. “I found you.”Haru is already leaning in, their hands still clasped as he echoes his response. “I found you.”But before their lips can even press together, suddenly all Makoto can feel is fire. He pulls away harshly, clutching at his left wrist as an indescribable pain claws at his skin. He groans in anguish, his eyes snapping closed. He’s scrambling blindly, feeling for the bracelet. As if he was trying to protect it, keep it from harm’s way. There’s the distant sound of Haru’s voice, calling his name and Makoto tries his best to anchor himself. Tries to find his way back.There are hands holding the sides of his face, fingers running through his hair, reassurances being spoken into his ear. Makoto doesn’t think he can handle it much longer, until it gradually starts to fade; the flame finally extinguished. As soon as the pain is gone, it’s suddenly replaced with a different kind of warmth.It emanates from his chest, like the time it pulled his attention the front of the cafe. But what was foreign then has become familiar now. It’s stronger than before – no longer restricted. His breathing is heavy before he slowly opens his eyes, gaze still hazy.He can still vaguely make out Haru’s face, sense the relief there and watch until it suddenly melts into awe. Makoto’s confused, wanting to reach out and comfort Haru before he whispers, “Makoto... angel, your eyes.”Makoto’s still holding onto his wrist as he makes his way across the room to the mirror they have hanging in their front foyer area. He rubs at his eyes one last time before they finally focus, the vision before him rendering his mind blank.He no longer sees his eyes anymore. No longer recognizes the eyes in the mirror, no longer sees the eyes he has had all his life. All he can see is green. There’s an endless forest encompassing his irises. Perfect and whole.A quiet gasp leaves his chest as he reaches out to touch the mirror, making sure that it’s really him. That the reflection is telling the truth.“Makoto? Are you okay?”He turns then, eyes searching until they fall on Haru, his heart leaping once more. Their gazes lock and all he can see is an infinite ocean of blue, reaching out to the very edge. Uninterrupted and serene.Holding out his hand, Makoto guides Haru to the mirror, wanting him to see for himself. “Love, look.”Makoto can only watch as Haru goes through what he did, the turn of emotions going through his head. He whips around, reaching out to cradle Makoto’s face in his hands. Makoto could stare into those ocean eyes for eternity. It’s a sight he’s never seen before, but he cherishes it all the same.Their foreheads are nestled together, Haru’s voice laced with a mix of confusion, but it’s overpowered with joy. “What’s happening right now?”Makoto just shakes his head, reaching up with his left hand to hold Haru’s right one. He catches the glint of silver of the newly placed ring on his finger. There’s a brief moment where Makoto thinks that the reason the rings from their eyes have magically shifted is because they made an appearance on their hands instead.But he startlingly notices another gleam now, streaking across Haru’s wrist. He gingerly removes Haru’s hand from his face, glancing at the mark. The It’s meaningless is still there, but it’s changed. The words now a shimmering silver. “What–?“As if he already knew, Haru’s pulling out of his grasp and he finally sees it. The pain seems distant now as Makoto reaches out to brush his fingers against the skin of his own wrist. The silver of his bracelet is still there, but it’s not alone anymore.What was a blank canvas of his left wrist has now been embellished with another silver, partially hidden by the bracelet. But he can still see the without you staring back at him. Shimmering quietly, but making its presence known. Haru’s brings their hands next to each other like two long lost stars finally finding their place in the sky.
It’s meaningless without you.
“Angel,” Haru whispers. “I feel it now.”Makoto gazes up at Haru, at the smile painted on his face. He takes Makoto’s newly marked hand into his, pressing it against the center of his chest. Makoto can feel the steady heartbeat, can’t help but know that it’s in sync with his own.Makoto’s pulling Haru into his arms, holding him as close as he can. “Haru... you’re actually my... my...” He doesn’t want to say it out loud yet, in fear of everything crumbling around him.“Soulmate.” Haru stands on his tip toes, rubbing their noses together. “I’m your soulmate. As you are mine.”Being Haru’s friend was a gift, being his boyfriend was a dream and being his husband was all he ever wanted. But being his actual fated soulmate was something beyond his imagination. The tears are unstoppable now; one might mistake him for Rin.“Yeah,” Makoto says as their foreheads rest together. This time he does say it out loud because he does believe it. There’s nothing he believes in more. “You’re my soulmate. And I am yours.”They’re standing on the balcony now, wrapped around each other with Makoto’s chin resting on Haru’s shoulder. There’s a blanket draped over both of them as they enjoy the company of the stars, the warmth they are the surrounded in, the home they have found in one another.Makoto turns his head as Haru does the same, both of them smiling as their lips naturally find each others. Their kisses are no different than before, but with the bond singing between them, Makoto can’t help but think that it’s an experience like no other.While it may seem that they are the only two in the world, there’s the sudden sound of their doorbell bringing them back. Makoto laughs at Haru’s groan. “Let’s pretend we’re not home.”But Makoto’s already tugging Haru back inside by the hand, walking backwards until he can slide the door shut behind them. “Rin already knows we’re here, love.”“I say we still try.”“Be nice.” Makoto barely has the door open before Rin is shoving himself inside excitedly, not bothering to greet the two at the front.He makes it to the center of their living room before he spins on his heel, laughing. ”I couldn’t wait any longer! Ever since Mako told me his plan to have another proposal, I knew I couldn’t miss it this time around. Because I had to prove to Sousuke that I could keep a secret, thank you very much–““Hi to you too Rin.” Haru crosses his arms, no longer annoyed but amused. Makoto goes to stand beside Haru, clutching onto his soulmate’s waist.Rin is striding over to them, hands reaching out to squeeze Makoto’s cheeks in pride. He’s smiling so hard, eyes partially closed. “You little romantic, you. Tell me everything! No wait!”Rin still has Makoto’s face in his hands before he turns to look at Haru. “Let me see the ring! I went with him to make sure we got the exact one as his and I want to see what I perfect job I did.”Haru shakes his head, lifting up his right hand, ring on full display. Makoto watches as Rin’s smile grows at the sight of it, the hands on Makoto’s cheeks unknowingly squeezing him tighter from the giddiness. Makoto would have thought that he was the one who proposed first as opposed to Haru.Haru catches Makoto’s eye, sending him a quick wink before he casually turns his arm around, with his wrist showing instead. Makoto grins, sees the mark turned Phrase glowing steadily due to having one’s soulmate close by.Makoto feels more than sees Rin’s reaction when the pressure on his cheeks borders the line of painful. There’s a brief silence, before a shattering: “WHAT THE FUCK? HOW IN THE HELL? ARE YOU ACTUALLY FUCKING WITH ME?”Makoto reaches up with his left hand to tap Rin on his bicep, mumbling out, “Umm, oww?”Rin is quick to release Makoto’s face. “Sorry! Sorry!” But he doesn’t let Makoto get too far before the pieces fall into place. He’s suddenly reaching out and grabbing Makoto’s forearm, seeing the new silver Phrase tattooed onto his skin.His eyes widen as he takes Haru’s arm into his other hand, putting the words all together. “'IT’S MEANINGLESS WITHOUT YOU?’ ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS? THIS BETTER NOT BE A JOKE OR IM'MA–”It’s then that Rin finally notices the pair’s eyes, a startled gasp leaving him. His hands find their place on Makoto’s cheeks again, staring intently at him. “They’re green! Shit, like they’re just green and that’s it!”His eyes then turn accusing, voice threatening. “Makoto, if these are contacts like the ones Haru wore a bitchass long time ago, I swear!”There’s a long sigh from the doorway. “Baby, why are you squishing Makoto?”“Babe! What took you so long?” Rin’s head turns at the new voice. Sousuke comes further into the room, eyes squinted. “Umm, well I got lost, because someone left me alone to park the car and couldn’t wait even a few more minutes to walk up together like fiancées do–““Makoto and Haru are soulmates! Like actual soulmates! Look! Fucking look!” Rin cuts Sousuke off, holding Makoto and Haru’s wrists in Sousuke’s face.Sousuke takes a moment to take in all the information that Rin has thrown at him. He chuckles slightly, pushing the wrists out of his face to take Rin into his arms instead. He holds him close, burying his face against Rin’s hair. When he faces Makoto and Haru again, his smile is soft. He doesn’t look surprised, just smug. “Called it.”Rin turns in Sousuke’s hold, trying to break free. “As if you could ‘call it’. You know this has never happened before you dick!”“Dunno. Just thought it was obvious. No surprise really.” Sousuke leans in to kiss Rin’s lips. “Now behave. Don’t make me carry you out of here again.”Rin huffs, turning again with his back pressed to Sousuke’s chest. Makoto is laughing, his heart warm at Rin’s enthusiasm. His surprise counter proposal is panning out in ways he never thought possible. He takes Sousuke’s lead, moving until he’s standing behind Haru and can wrap his arms securely around him.Makoto’s so in love. He’s the happiest he’s ever been.“Can someone please tell me what’s going on? I’m sick of you two messing with my head all the time.” Rin whines while rubbing his temples as Sousuke holds him through it.“Sorry, Rin.” Makoto can only shrug as Haru rubs his forearms. “But we don’t even know what’s going on. And I’m not going to question it.”“Again, so fucking happy for you!” Rin squeals. He earns a glare from Sousuke, reminding him to lower his voice as not to be told off from the neighbors. Again.He settles down, but his eyes are curious. “But aren’t you a little pissed about the mind games the universe decided to play with you?”Makoto considers this. Thinks about all that he has went through as a Partial. The memories of feeling that he would always be different; that he would always be alone. But having Haru in his arms, reminding him of all that he has gained along the way, those thoughts seem bleak in comparison to vibrant colors of where he is now. “No, I’m not actually. It doesn’t even matter to me.” Makoto says with love coating his words. Because it didn’t matter, not in the slightest. He looks down as Haru looks up, somehow knowing he was meant to end up here. “As long as I still found him.”Haru hides his face in Makoto’s neck as Makoto kisses his temple. It’s faint, loud enough only for Makoto to hear. “I love you.”“Hey,” Makoto turns to face Sousuke and Rin. Sousuke’s is rubbing Rin’s side comfortingly as he tips his chin. “How’s it feel? Think it’ll be a while before you get used to the eyes?”“I mean, he’s stunning all the time regardless of whatever eye color he has.” That causes Haru to elbow Makoto gently. Makoto’s ever so endeared. “But the blue really suits him, huh?”Haru just smiles at him, presses a kiss to his jaw before turning and taking his face into his hands. He leans in closer, lips as the shell of Makoto’s ear. It’s a confession, one that wraps around his heart and makes a home there. “I always thought yours would be green. Ever since I first saw you.”It’s meaningless without you. It’s no longer blue meets green or green meets blue. It’s not the end.It’s green and blue – separate now, but still together. Complementing each other in perfect harmony between two souls that were always meant to be one. It’s just the beginning of forever.Maybe the universe wasn’t a cruel thing after all.