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On Valentine’s Day, Akai comes into Rei’s office late in the evening, and throws a chocolate bar onto Rei’s desk.
Rei stares at it blankly.
“What’s this?” he asks.
“Chocolate,” Akai says, explaining absolutely nothing. “You should eat,” he adds, also explaining absolutely nothing.
And before Rei can break himself out of his stupor, Akai promptly leaves.
Rei is perfectly aware that Akai is fond of him.
And, naturally, he’s equally aware that Akai has been fond of him since Rei was Bourbon and Akai was Rye. It’s why the FBI never learned of Bourbon’s name, and why Akai chose to keep a secret that was never his to keep.
But Rei has always seen Akai’s fondness as nothing but demeaning. It was the fondness of an older brother for a little sibling, of a wisened worker for his fresh-faced colleague. Akai didn’t see him as an equal- he saw him as someone to be protected, someone too weak to be kept in the loop, and the insult has always burned.
This chocolate bar, however, given to Rei on Valentine’s- it adds a potential new angle to Akai’s fondness. It doesn’t make Rei feel any less slighted, but it’s still a stunning revelation.
Akai Shuuichi’s feelings for Furuya Rei may not be entirely platonic.
Of course, the chocolate itself is insufficient evidence. It’s a dirt-cheap dark chocolate bar, a common brand anyone could buy at a convenience store for a couple hundred yen.
As a matter of principle, Rei has rejected any and all Valentine’s chocolate for as long as he can remember. He’s never had any intention of reciprocating, after all- it would only cause issues if he accidentally led someone on. But something this cheap and innocuous- Rei probably wouldn’t have even bothered rejecting it if it came from anyone else.
It’s Akai though. Not just anyone. And Rei wouldn’t put it past the man to confess in such an insulting way.
“Kazami,” muses Rei, “Good looks aren’t enough to make up for a lack of effort, wouldn’t you say?”
It’s the day after Valentine’s, and Rei hasn’t seen Akai since last evening. Rei is in his office with Kazami, skimming through boxes of classified records for anything related to their current case. There’s not many with the clearance to even touch these files, so it really can’t be helped. But it’s still dull, mindless work- which is why his thoughts flit so easily back to yesterday.
“I’m sorry?” Kazami blinks at him from the other side of the desk.
“Ah, it’s nothing.” Rei waves a hand, dismissive. “Just a stray thought.”
Papers crinkle, and Kazami places another case report back into a box. His brows furrow, contemplative.
“I’ve never seen you use your looks as an excuse to slack,” Kazami says loyally, and Rei can’t help but snort.
“I wasn’t referring to myself.”
Kazami looks a little flustered at that. “Ah, I see. Then, who…?”
“It’s nothing,” Rei says again. “My apologies for the tangent.”
“Very well,” says Kazami, though there’s still curiosity in his gaze. “Though I don’t disagree, Furuya-san. Looks alone are never enough.”
“Yes,” Rei says, then breathes out a sigh. “Certainly not.”
Rei has never loved Akai Shuuichi.
He’s never even particularly cared for the man, even before that accursed night when Rei’s life broke to pieces. Scotch liked Rye fine, and Rye seemed to like Scotch right back, but Bourbon and Rye went at it like cats and dogs more often than not.
Today, well- they get along better than they did before. Rei won’t deny that much. Rei can admit that Akai is a decent conversational partner for someone who likes to talk as much as Rei. So they’re passable colleagues, arguably acquaintances- they even go out drinking together from time to time. But they’re no more and no less than that.
So perhaps he should find it off-putting, the thought that Akai may see him in a romantic light. A man he’s never loved may want Rei to become his. It should feel uncomfortable at the very least.
It doesn’t, though. His only complaint would be if Akai still looks down on him. Rei finds the concept of Akai caring for him to that extent to be rather novel, really.
Throughout his life, Rei has certainly had plenty of people claim to love him. From classmates in high school inviting him out back for confesssions, to office ladies at Poirot asking Amuro Tooru out on a date.
But he wouldn’t need more than one hand to count the number of people who both truly knew him and truly loved him. If he excluded the dead, well- he wouldn’t need to bother counting at all.
Or at least, that’s what he thought. But if Akai does like him, more than Rei always assumed-
That would be one person then, wouldn’t it? One person still alive who knows all of Furuya Rei, all of Amuro Tooru, all of Bourbon, and yet still loves him despite everything.
So it’s novel. Intriguing. Even coming from a man he’s never loved. He can’t quite help the satisfaction that curls in his chest at the thought.
But that’s all assuming Akai really is that fond of him, which is no guarantee.
He needs to remember that.
Five days after Valentine’s, Rei still hasn’t eaten the chocolate bar. It sits in his briefcase instead, taunting him whenever he opens it.
He should really just eat it already. Even if Akai meant it as a Valentine’s gift, it’s a horrible one. Rei shouldn’t encourage Akai by reacting positively to it. And it’s rather pathetic to keep such an insultingly low-effort gift around either way.
But the idea of eating it, accepting it, stings at his pride as much as the patheticness of keeping it around, and so Rei is stuck in a perpetual deadlock.
So when he steps out into the lobby that evening to see Sera Masumi standing by the receptionist’s desk, the chocolate bar is still safely tucked into his briefcase.
As Rei makes his way towards the entranceway, he considers whether or not to greet her- but before he can come to a decision, it’s taken out of his hands. Sera spots him, visibly perks up, and comes his way.
“Amuro-san!” she calls with a smile.
“Sera-san,” Rei greets, just shy of curt. “What brings you here?”
“Grabbing dinner with Shuu-nii,” she says. Her eyes flick down. “He’s late though. And he’s not answering his phone…” She cheers back up, her grin returning wide on her face. “So I’m glad I ran into you!”
“I’m afraid I don’t keep constant surveillance on your brother,” Rei says dryly. Not anymore, at least. But, in this case at least... “Though, I suppose I do know where he is right now. He’s stuck in a sudden meeting, I’m afraid. He likely has his phone turned off.”
“Do you know when he’ll be free?”
“Within a half-hour, I suspect,” says Rei. Akai really should’ve contacted his sister first if he had plans. Honestly. This is why Rei has always hated the man- his complete lack of consideration towards others.
(Rei ignores that he’s little different when he’s not putting on an act.)
“Guess I’ll wait,” grumbles Sera. “Man, I should’ve grabbed a snack or something.”
And inspiration strikes.
“If you’d like,” Rei says with an easy smile, “I have a chocolate bar on hand.”
Sera blinks. “Oh, thanks! You sure?”
“Of course,” says Rei, already opening his briefcase to grab the chocolate bar. He holds it out to Sera. “I’m not particularly fond of sweets.”
“Huh,” says Sera, accepting the chocolate. “But you’re carrying it around?”
“Someone gave it to me,” Rei says blithely, and Sera’s hands pause on the wrapper.
“Amuro-san,” she says, “Is this Valentine’s chocolate?”
Rei’s smile widens, bright and sunny. “It has far too little thought put into it to count as Valentine’s chocolate, wouldn’t you say?”
“So it is… I feel kinda bad for whoever gave it to you,” But Sera laughs a little, and still opens the wrapper in the end. “I get it though. I got a whole pile of chocolates on Valentine’s too. It’s tough to deal with them all sometimes.”
“I think you’ll find Valentine’s is less of an event once you enter the workforce,” says Rei. “I wasn’t offered too many chocolates. Though I suppose I do refuse them either way.”
“But you kept this one?”
“It’s different,” says Rei- then, realizing how that could be misconstrued, quickly adds- “Given that it’s barely more than a snack.”
“Mm, I guess.” Sera’s eyes narrow, her gaze growing far too sharp for Rei’s taste. “Are you sure you’re okay with me having this?”
“Quite sure,” Rei says, perfectly guileless. “I’d rather not have to see that insulting gift any longer, but I thought it’d be a waste to throw it away. You’d be doing me a favour.”
Sera hums, contemplative, but does nothing but smile again in the end. “Alright. Thanks, Amuro-san!”
“Of course,” Rei says easily. “Do enjoy your dinner with Akai. Now, if you’d excuse me…”
With one final polite wave, he frees himself from the conversation and heads back out.
Less than a minute after giving the chocolate away, he’s already half-wishing he hasn’t. But that just goes to show that it was the right decision. He had been wasting far too much time overanalyzing a completely meaningless gift. Out of sight, out of mind. Now that it’s gone, he can finally move on and forget it.
Rei strides out through the doors, and ignores the twinge of regret in his chest.
He’ll be over it within the hour, and if he’s not, he’ll force himself to be. Rei is more than capable of controlling himself to that extent.
Valentine’s this year threw him an unexpected curveball- but now, at last, it’s been dealt with.
And that’s the end of the story.
“You could’ve told me if you were gonna be late,” grumbles Masumi.
Shuuichi hums vaguely apologetically, his hand light on the wheel and his gaze fixed on the road. Masumi huffs next to him.
“Well, I guess it wasn’t all bad,” she says- from the corner of his eye, he sees her grin brightly. “I did run into Amuro-san.”
Mildly surprised, Shuuichi raises an eyebrow.
“He had something interesting to say,” she continues.
“Is that so?” Shuuichi says. He’s somewhat curious- it’s about Furuya, after all, and the man is full of secrets even now.
But Masumi doesn’t elaborate, so Shuuichi doesn’t bother to push. They pass through five intersections and two turns in silence before Masumi finally speaks again.
“It’s never fun to keep secrets from you and Mama,” she complains. “Neither of you react.”
“I see?”
“But,” Masumi continues, “I guess you might know more anyway, Shuu-nii.” Her voice goes a little amused. “About Amuro-san’s unrequited love.”
Shuuichi’s eyes flick to Masumi, incredulous. “What?”
“Yeah,” says Masumi, grin bright on her face. “Have you heard anything?”
“No,” Shuuichi replies. He forces his eyes back onto the road. “You likely misunderstood. Furuya-kun isn’t the type to pine.”
“I don’t think he was pining,” Masumi says with a laugh. “I think he was mad about it.”
“I suppose that’s more believable,” Shuuichi reluctantly admits.
“To be fair, the woman he likes is mocking him about it,” muses Masumi. “I’d be mad too.”
Shuuichi’s hands clench a little tighter on the steering wheel, frustration swirling in his chest despite knowing it’s pointless. If Furuya is going to turn his affections towards someone who isn’t appreciating it for the gift it is, then why not-
But no, he’s friends with Furuya now. He should be grateful for that miracle alone.
“Mocking?” he echoes.
“Well, that part’s a theory,” admits Masumi. “But it makes sense. Amuro-san said he didn’t accept chocolates, but he accepted them from this woman.”
He can almost taste ash in his mouth. “Wouldn’t that imply his feelings are requited?”
“Normally, yeah,” says Masumi. “I got the sense it all went down too casually to be actual Valentine’s chocolates though. Like it was a purposeful slight.”
“I see,” Shuuichi says simply. The light in front of them turns red- he draws them to a slow stop.
“Do you have any idea who it could be?”
“No,” Shuuichi is forced to admit. He knows that one of Jodie’s subordinates had tried to ask Furuya out only to be mercilessly rejected, but he hasn’t heard of anyone else giving it a try.
He casts his mind back to Valentine’s. Shuuichi actually hadn’t seen Furuya much that day- the man had been buried in paperwork until well into the evening.
“I don’t recall seeing any chocolates in his office when I went to visit him,” muses Shuuichi. Though he supposes they could’ve been hidden out of view somewhere.
“Maybe it was after that?” Masumi suggests.
“Doubtful,” says Shuuichi. “It was well into the evening. There weren’t many left in the building.”
“What were you guys even doing that late?”
“Furuya-kun was working,” Shuuichi says. “I was waiting for him. I hoped to invite him to dinner, but in the end-”
He shuts his mouth. The light turns green.
“Shuu-nii, the light’s green.”
It couldn’t be. No one with any sense would consider that a Valentine’s gift. But it was Furuya, and Furuya has always thought the worst of him.
“Shuu-nii!” Masumi exclaims, and Shuuichi jolts.
“Apologies,” he says, distracted, and accelerates the car.
But it’s too late. He’s reacted, and Masumi is more than sharp enough to realize what it must mean. Even from the corner of his eye, he can see that Masumi’s expression is disbelieving.
“Shuu-nii,” says Masumi, “Did you give Amuro-san a chocolate bar on Valentine’s?”
Shuuichi holds back a wince. So the Valentine’s gift that Furuya was so bothered by had been a chocolate bar.
“I did,” admits Shuuichi. “But all of us had chocolate bars on Valentine’s. James brought in an entire basket. All I did was share one with Furuya.” He shakes his head, curt. “At any rate, Furuya-kun doesn’t see me in that way.”
“I thought he was being a little rude,” Masumi muses, ignoring everything Shuuichi just said, “But I guess it makes sense if he was talking about you. He’s always like that with you, right?”
“I’m no woman,” counters Shuuichi, even knowing that it’s a weak defense given that-
“Oh, I just assumed,” says Masumi. “Now that I think about it, he never mentioned a gender.”
Of course.
Masumi laughs. “I can’t believe you accidentally gave someone Valentine’s chocolates. C’mon, Shuu-nii.”
Soundless, Shuuichi breathes out a sigh. “I’ve no doubt that you’re mistaken.”
“Would you date him if I’m not?” Masumi asks, curious.
Shuuichi just hums neutrally.
“Shuu-nii, that’s not an answer,” whines Masumi.
He knows. That was the point. Masumi may find it boring to hide secrets from him, but as for himself, well- he sees no issue with keeping sensitive topics under wraps.
And any unfortunate feelings that could affect the weak, tentative friendship he’s still rekindling with Furuya-
That’s an undeniably sensitive topic.
Shuuichi loves Furuya Rei.
He can’t say that he’s always loved the man, of course. Back when he was Rye and Furuya was Bourbon, he found Bourbon nagging and obnoxious at first. And yes, Shuuichi was never blind- Bourbon was a handsome man. But that was nothing but an objective fact, easily dismissible. Shuuichi truly didn’t have eyes for anyone but Akemi back then.
Of course, that didn’t mean Shuuichi hadn’t still grown rather fond of Bourbon by the end of it all. Bourbon had a sharp tongue, but he had a sharper mind and a kind streak that was terribly out of place in the Organization. It faded, as the years passed by (and as Furuya no doubt grew more comfortable in his cover), but still-
Rye had wanted to protect that, back then. So he cared for Bourbon, but it was more just a vague sense of camaraderie - and after Scotch’s death, of responsibility and his suspicions that the man was a fellow NOC - than anything romantic.
It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment when that changed.
In a department store, spotting a face that mirrored his own, realizing who it must be, and feeling his heart beat with excitement? Digging through old police academy records, and inhaling when he finally spotted a face that was undeniably Bourbon’s? Hearing Furuya’s infuriated voice through the phone, only for fond nostalgia to curl in his stomach?
Shuuichi can’t say when the turning point was, if there even was one. Perhaps it was something more gradual than that. I want to protect him becoming I want him safe by my side becoming I want him? Furuya had certainly made his thoughts on being protected painfully clear when the truth finally came out, and Shuuichi did understand to an extent. Furuya was a skilled man, after all, and more than used to watching his own back in the Organization. The idea of needing Shuuichi’s help must’ve rankled.
But Shuuichi had still wanted Furuya safe within his reach, still wanted Furuya warm in his arms, still wanted Furuya to be his, and that was about when Shuuichi came to the abrupt realization that perhaps his fondness for Furuya couldn’t reasonably be called platonic any longer.
It wasn’t the right time to say anything though, not back then, not when Furuya was still so filled with righteous fury. And even as time passed, even after the Organization fell and the ragged edges of their broken relationship began to properly heal, Shuuichi still couldn’t quite say it was the right time.
That hasn’t changed. Shuuichi doesn’t want to break things between them again, and he’s never entirely sure what the right words are, not with Furuya. It’s always easiest to keep silent and let Furuya fill the air, especially when Furuya so enjoys talking, especially when Shuuichi so enjoys the sound of Furuya’s voice.
If Furuya has misunderstood something about Shuuichi’s intentions, however, Shuuichi may have no choice but to say something. But Furuya has been acting no different than usual since Valentine’s. And in fact-
“Akai,” Furuya calls out, striding up to Akai in the hall. Shuuichi shifts his head to the side, questioning, and Furuya smiles in response. “I’ve finished up early today. Would you like to get dinner tonight?”
-he’s even inviting him out to dinner, just like normal.
Shuuichi inclines his head, of course. There’s no reason to say no to a meal with Furuya.
Furuya says he’s in the mood for something unhealthy, and so they end up in a ramen place within walking distance of headquarters. It’s decently busy in the restaurant, but they’re lucky- there’s still a few spots at the counter.
Shuuichi truly doesn’t notice anything off about Furuya’s behaviour- he rambled on as usual the entire way to the restaurant and after they settled themselves down. Today, Furuya goes on a rant about ramen regulations, that soon segues into a lecture on the best way to use fish cakes. Shuuichi hums at all the right points, though he’s admittedly more focused on Furuya than the discussion itself- especially today, with Masumi’s little theory at the forefront of his mind.
So when their food arrives, it’s no surprise that when Furuya leans into the bowl, Shuuichi notices that Furuya’s hair is about to fall into the broth. And it’s equally unsurprising for Shuuichi to reach a hand out to brush those strands of hair behind an ear.
But it’s a complete surprise when Furuya suddenly jerks back from Shuuichi’s hand, face flushing.
Shuuichi stares.
Furuya coughs once, composing himself, but his cheeks are still a touch heated. Shuuichi can’t quite stop staring.
“My apologies,” Furuya says primly. “You took me off guard.”
This is far from the first time Shuuichi has casually touched Furuya. He’s brushed their shoulders together while standing side by side, slid a hand over Furuya’s back when leaning in to look at a report or two. He’s actually even tucked Furuya’s hair behind an ear before.
But Furuya has never acted like this in front of him before. Not around anyone, and definitely not around him.
And yet, now he is. Now Furuya is blushing because Shuuichi’s hand brushed past Furuya’s cheek, and Shuuichi…
“Furuya-kun,” Shuuichi says, only half-registering the words coming out of his own mouth, “I like you.”
And Furuya chokes on thin air.
“What are you-” he starts, hackles rising and cheeks flushing harder. It’s a beautiful sight. “We’re in public, Akai Shuuichi!”
“No one will notice our conversation,” Shuuichi says, voice mild. He gestures pointedly at the busy restaurant around them- everyone is clearly engrossed in their own conversations. “So long as we don’t draw undue attention.”
“You-” sputters Furuya, but he forces himself to lower his voice to a hiss. “Where is all of this coming from?”
“You reacted,” Shuuichi says simply.
“What exactly is that supposed to mean?”
Shuuichi shrugs. “You’ve never reacted like that just from a brush of my hand. I thought, perhaps, something had changed.”
“That’s- I…” Furuya huffs. “So you really meant that pathetic chocolate bar as a confession?”
“No,” says Shuuichi. “I noticed you hadn’t eaten- I thought it would make for a good snack. If I were to give you chocolates, I assure you, I would put more effort into it than that.” He smiles, slight. “I do like you, after all.”
“You…” Furuya takes a breath, composing himself again. He meets Shuuichi’s eyes, still and sure. “I don’t love you, Akai Shuuichi.”
“Alright,” Shuuichi says simply.
Furuya frowns at that. “You accepted that far too easily. Do you not believe me? I assure you, I’m telling the truth. I don’t…” he grimaces. “I wouldn’t want to mislead you. I don’t reciprocate your feelings.”
“I believe you,” Shuuichi promises. “I just don’t see how it matters.”
“How does it not?” Furuya demands, irritated for some reason.
“You don’t love me yet,” says Shuuichi. “It doesn’t mean that won’t change if we date.”
“You want to date me when I don’t love you?”
Furuya sounds so incredulous that Shuuichi can’t help but laugh, fondness filling his chest.
“I never would’ve taken you for such a romantic, Furuya-kun,” Shuuichi says, amused. “You don’t need to love someone to date them. All you need is to see the possibility.” He hums. “Perhaps this is karma. I never fell first in any of my past relationships.”
“And if I say I don’t see the possibility?” Furuya counters, challenging.
A smile plays at Shuuichi’s lips. “Then I’ll have to seduce you first, I suppose.”
“You-” Furuya chokes on thin air again- then he exhales, annoyed. “Was that always your plan?”
“No,” says Shuuichi, truthful. He was grateful to be friends with Furuya- he hadn’t wanted to risk that by shooting for something more, not when his chance of success seemed so low. Now, however- “Furuya-kun.”
“What?” grumbles Furuya.
“If you’d like to prove your indifference to me-” Shuuichi says mildly, reaching a hand out to brush past Furuya’s cheek, “-blushing isn’t the correct reaction.”
Furuya, face slightly heated, looks rather put off. “You’re misunderstanding, Akai.”
Shuuichi raises a questioning eyebrow, and Furuya huffs in response. His gaze shifts down, down to the barely-touched ramen still steaming in front of him.
“It feels novel,” Furuya says bluntly. “Your feelings. That’s all it is. There’s no one else still living who both knows and loves me, and that’s why I can’t stop thinking about how you do.” His fists clench on the counter. “Choose someone who’s interested in you out of more than egocentrism, Akai Shuuichi.”
“Furuya-kun,” says Shuuichi, amusement slipping into his voice, “If you were truly egocentric, you wouldn’t turn me down for such a reason.”
Furuya opens his mouth- then closes it, looking rather like he swallowed a lemon. Shuuichi can’t help but laugh.
“This is no proposal,” Shuuichi points out.
“So you’re saying I shouldn’t think so hard about it?” Furuya asks, aiming a frigid glare at Shuuichi. “That we should try it to see if it works, and abandon it all if it doesn’t?”
Shuuichi just shrugs, nonchalant, and Furuya huffs again in response.
“You do realize I never even considered you in that way until last week,” he grumbles.
“Then I’m glad that changed.”
Furuya clicks his tongue, irritated. “It’s not that simple,” he says. “You’re a foreign intelligence agent, and a man on top of that. I’d like to make superintendent by thirty-five, but dating you would be a mark against my favour. Enough of my superiors look down on me as it is.”
“I see,” Shuuichi says simply.
“That’s all?” Furuya asks, his brow furrowing.
But Shuuichi can really do nothing but smile wryly. “I couldn’t claim to know you if I wasn’t aware of your dedication to work.”
“I… suppose that makes sense,” Furuya concedes, though he seems rather unsatisfied.
Which means, perhaps, Shuuichi still has a chance.
“But I will say this,” Shuuichi continues, then raises an eyebrow. “Haven’t you already proven yourself enough, Furuya-kun?”
Furuya doesn’t flinch, but he visibly stills- and for someone like Furuya, perhaps it’s no different.
He scoffs, too loud.
“I’m no fool. I know I’ll never prove myself enough to some,” he says, bitter. “Not with my hair, my skin, my family register. No matter my skills.”
“Then would having me make such a difference?”
A twitch, and Furuya’s gaze is piercing, unreadable. “Having you?”
Shuuichi shrugs. “You’re free to phrase it as you’d like.”
Furuya examines him, and for a few brief moments, Furuya is the very picture of a predator cornering its prey. Then he blinks, and his expression is softening, his hand waving dismissively.
“You’re a persistent bastard, Akai Shuuichi.”
“No worse than you, I would say.”
A roll of Furuya’s eyes. “Yes, yes. Well, I suppose you’re not wrong. If you have me, then I would have you.”
“Dating is give and take, yes.”
“Shut up, Akai,” Furuya grumbles. His shoulders shift, almost a shrug. “Very well.”
“Very well?” echoes Shuuichi.
“Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to try, at least,” says Furuya, voice prim.
And Shuuichi finds a broad smile spreading across his face.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Akai,” Furuya insists. His arms cross, his gaze harsh. “I can’t promise I’ll grow to love you. You do realize your flaws?”
“Oh?” Shuuichi laughs with no little amusement.
“You’re completely inconsiderate,” Furuya declares. “You keep secrets you shouldn’t, and don’t seem to understand the point of even the faintest bit of communication at times.”
“I could say the same for you,” Shuuichi says mildly.
“We’re not talking about me.”
Shuuichi snorts. “If you dislike me so,” he says, “There’s no need to force yourself to date me.”
“Don’t put words in my mouth,” complains Furuya. “That’s not what I’m trying to say.”
Shuuichi raises an eyebrow.
“I just-” Furuya huffs, meeting Shuuichi’s eyes with a firm look. “I’m saying that despite all that, I still enjoy spending time with you. Enough to not mind spending a little more.”
“Ah.” Shuuichi feels his gaze soften. “I’m glad to hear that, Furuya-kun.”
“Good,” mumbles Furuya, looking rather self-conscious. He coughs once, composing himself, then casts his gaze back down to his food with a grimace. “This couldn’t have waited until after we ate, Akai? Our ramen’s gotten soggy.”
“I’m afraid it wasn’t planned.”
“Yes, I suppose so,” Furuya grumbles. He picks up his chopsticks. “Well, we can’t waste food either way.”
“I’m actually quite fond of soggy ramen,” muses Shuuichi. “I enjoy the way the noodles soak up the taste of the broth.”
The look Furuya gives him is so horrified, Shuuichi can’t help but laugh.
“Do I sense regrets?”
“Hmph. I wouldn’t have agreed to this if I’d regret it so easily,” says Furuya. His lips quirk up into a self-assured smile. “Don’t forget, Akai. Give and take, no? I know you as well.” He lifts some noodles with his chopsticks. “Terrible taste and all.”
Shuuichi laughs again, and picks his own chopsticks back up.
“I’d expect no less.”
A week and a half after Valentine’s Day, Akai comes into Rei’s office late in the evening, holding a box of chocolates wrapped in a pretty turquoise ribbon.
Rei gives Akai a rather unimpressed look.
“It’s too late for that, Akai,” he says.
“Your country has a holiday called White Day, correct?” Akai says, blithely slipping around the desk to plop the chocolates right in front of Rei. “I heard that the expectation is to give thrice as much as you receive on Valentine’s. I’d be rather disappointed to receive three chocolate bars.”
“It’s been over a week since Valentine’s,” Rei says mercilessly. “I’ve no doubt you bought these chocolates on sale anyway.”
“Ah, you’ve caught me.”
“Honestly,” grumbles Rei. “I planned to one-up you on White Day either way, I assure you. And I don’t even like sweets.”
“I’ll keep that in mind for next year,” Akai promises. It’s a ridiculous level of confidence. Rei huffs, but doesn’t bother calling it out in the end.
(It wouldn’t be so bad, after all, to have a proper Valentine’s with Akai next year.)
“But I presumed-” Akai continues, hand brushing light and affectionate over Rei’s cheek, “-you might still appreciate a gift with some thought put into it.”
Rei casts his eyes over the box of chocolates sitting on his desk. He recognizes the brand- it’s from a shop that specializes more in Japanese sweets than Western, and it certainly shows. It looks to be green tea-flavoured, half roasted, half regular. The ribbon it’s tied with, meanwhile, blatantly clashes with the aesthetics of the box, and its bow is amateurly tied. It’s obvious that Akai tied it himself.
The turquoise of the ribbon is almost the exact same shade as Rei’s favourite tie.
Some thought, Akai said. What an infuriating understatement. But still-
“I do appreciate it,” Rei admits. He can’t quite help the smile spreading across his face, even as he has to mentally scrap his tentative White Day ideas. “Thank you.”
He’ll need to do much better to pay Akai back for this gift.
“I’m glad,” says Akai with a smile that’s far too enthralling, and Rei has to compose himself with a quick cough.
“But I’m afraid I still have work to get done tonight,” Rei says. He moves the box of chocolates to the side. “So if you’d excuse me…”
“Alright,” Akai says, and leans in to peck a kiss against Rei’s lips, hand shifting to trail through Rei’s hair- Rei heroically succeeds in swallowing down a flush. Akai leans back, smiling again. “Don’t stay too late, Furuya-kun.”
“I can make no promises,” Rei says truthfully.
“I suppose not,” muses Akai, “But I can still hope that my lover will take care of his health.”
Rei gaze goes unimpressed. “Don’t think I can’t see through you, Akai Shuuichi. You just wanted an excuse to call me your lover.”
“I can want to call you my lover, and also want you to rest well.”
Rei huffs again. “I don’t plan to work overnight. Happy?”
“Very,” Akai says, still smiling, and leans in to peck another kiss, this time on Rei’s cheek. Honestly, this man. You would think this was his first relationship, he was so clingy.
…not that Rei dislikes it.
Before Akai can lean back, Rei raises his arms to squeeze Akai tight, face pressing into Akai’s shoulder. It doesn’t feel half-bad, and Rei could even say that becoming Akai’s lover was worth it for this alone.
“Good night, Akai,” Rei murmurs.
“Yes,” Akai says, soft but audibly happy. He relaxes into Rei’s hold, and Rei can’t help the satisfaction that wells in his chest at that. “Good night.”