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slerixx · 1 month

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iii. confession (wbk series)

synopsis. as words finally spill from trembling lips, the truth of the heart is laid bare. featuring. sakura haruka, suo hayato, kaji ren, umemiya hajime x f!reader content. fluff, sfw, corny confessions (read at your own risk lol), slight ooc sakura, some are in denial, misunderstanding & jealousy in ume’s notes. this one’s for you @kaiser1ns <33 sending hugs ‘n kisses !! word count. 4.8k+

series masterlist | ii. attraction | iv. first date

𓍢ִ໋ sakura haruka

sakura had never felt so off-kilter.

as the strongest first-year in bofurin, he faced every challenge with an unshakable confidence that had become his trademark. whether it was a physical confrontation or a verbal exchange, he never backed down, meeting every situation head-on with a fierce determination.

but now, an unfamiliar sensation had taken hold of him, leaving him unsettled and vulnerable in a way he had never experienced before.

it had all started after the festival. since that night, he hadn't been able to shake off a strange feeling in his stomach, and sleep had become elusive. the feeling gnawed at him, making him restless and irritable. it wasn't like him to be so distracted, and his unease hadn't gone unnoticed by his friends.

suo and nirei, ever observant, had immediately picked up on his change in demeanor and asked him what was wrong.

to his surprise, he found himself confessing that he felt "weird" and couldn't sleep. that was all suo and nirei needed to start their relentless teasing. they whispered and grinned, exchanging knowing looks that only added to sakura's frustration. even kiryu and tsugeura had gotten involved, thanks to suo's hushed explanations.

sakura’s eye twitched with irritation as he grew more and more agitated. no one would tell him straight up what was happening, and the constant ribbing was driving him up the wall.

as the day dragged on, sakura found himself cornered by suo, who approached him with that infuriatingly calm and knowing smile.

"sakura," suo began, leaning casually against a wall, "have you figured out what's been bothering you?"

sakura crossed his arms defensively, scowling at the ground. "there's nothing bothering me," he muttered, clearly not believing his own words.

suo raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. "really? not even her?"

sakura’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing in confusion. "i don’t like her!" he blurted out, louder than he intended. the words felt heavy on his tongue, and he could feel his cheeks heating up.

suo's smile turned into a smirk. "so, you hate her then?"

that question stopped sakura in his tracks. hate? the word felt wrong, absurd even. but if it wasn’t hate, then what was it?

he stood there, grappling with his emotions, unable to find a fitting response to his own questions. he hated this feeling of uncertainty, this lack of control.

seeing sakura’s confusion, suo chuckled softly, a mischievous glint visible in his eye. "tell you what, why don’t we clear this up? i’ll call her, and we can sort this out."

after hearing that, sakura stiffened, a surge of panic coursing through him. "what? no! i mean, there's nothing to sort out," he insisted, but suo was already dialing your number.

later on, as the afternoon sun dipped lower, you arrived at the meeting spot, expecting to see suo and possibly the rest of the group. instead, you only found sakura, standing awkwardly under a streetlamp.

he looked out of place, more tense than usual, with an air of discomfort that seemed to surround him.

"hey," you greeted, a touch of confusion in your voice. "where's everyone else?"

sakura glanced around, avoiding your eyes. "it's just us," he muttered, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "suo… that bastard. he set this up."

you raised an eyebrow, trying to piece together the situation. "oh, i see."

an awkward silence settled between you, the air heavy with unspoken words. sakura looked anywhere but at you, clearly struggling to find the right words. his usual confident demeanor was absent, replaced with a rare vulnerability.

finally, you decided to speak up, “uh, is there anything —“

"it's all your fault," sakura suddenly blurted out, cutting you off, his tone accusatory and sharp. his eyes were blazing with an emotion you couldn't quite place. "ever since that festival, i can't get you out of my head. you keep popping up in my thoughts even when i'm trying to sleep. it's like you're haunting me or something!"

you stared at him, taken aback by the intensity in his voice. "wha—,” you blinked. “what are you talking about?"

sakura continued, his frustration evident. "and it’s not just that! you’re always making me feel all... weird. my stomach feels funny, and i get all restless. it’s like—like you’re messing with my mind! i can’t focus on anything else because of you."

he began pacing, his movements agitated and erratic. "you show up in my dreams, and then i wake up, and it's even worse because i can't stop thinking about you. it's annoying and distracting, and i hate it! no, i don’t hate it, but it's just... frustrating!"

you listened, trying to follow his tangled words and emotions. as he continued to rant, it became clear that sakura was struggling with his own feelings, trying to push them away and blaming you for the turmoil inside him. he was practically pouring his heart out, seemingly unaware of the true nature of his words.

"wait," you interrupted, holding up a hand to stop his pacing when an invisible lightbulb popped up in your head. you asked slowly, "so, are you saying you like me?"

sakura froze, the words hanging heavily in the air between you.

like you? is that the word? is that the answer to the questions he had been wrestling with?

his eyes widened in realization as he processed your question. his face turned a deep shade of red, and he looked utterly flustered for the first time. "what? no—i mean, yes—i mean..." he stammered, clearly at a loss. his gaze darted around, desperate to find an escape from this sudden confrontation.

you couldn't help but smile at his flustered state. it was endearing to see the usually composed sakura so out of his element. "sakura, it's okay," you said gently, stepping closer to him. "you don't have to fight it. just be true to your feelings. it’s a part of you, remember that."

he swallowed hard, his jaw clenching as he tried to regain his composure. after a moment of tense silence, he let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping in resignation. "fine," he muttered, barely audible as his faces starts to redden. "i like you, okay? happy now?"

a warm feeling spread through your chest at his confession. you looked at him, seeing the vulnerability in his eyes. "yeah, i am," you replied softly, your voice filled with sincerity. "i'm glad you told me."

he finally met your eyes, his expression a mix of confusion and defiance. "i don’t know what to do with these feelings," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "but... i don't want them to go away."

you reached out, gently taking his hand. his fingers were cold, but they warmed quickly in your grasp. "then let's figure it out together," you suggested, offering him a reassuring smile. "we don't have to have all the answers right now."

sakura looked down at your joined hands, the tension in his posture slowly easing despite his whole reddened face and ears. for the first time since the festival, he felt a sense of calm. it was as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. he wasn't alone in this confusing whirlwind of emotions, and that made it a little less terrifying.

as you stood there, hand in hand, the awkwardness between you dissolved, replaced by a new understanding. sakura realized that maybe, just maybe, this wasn't such a bad feeling after all. the confusing mix of emotions that had been plaguing him for weeks suddenly made sense. he liked you—more than he had ever realized. and despite his initial resistance, he found comfort in that realization, in knowing that you were willing to explore this new territory with him.

with a quiet sigh of relief, sakura squeezed your hand gently, his gaze softening. "let's... figure this out," he murmured.

you nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation and warmth in your chest. "yeah, let's do that."

𓍢ִ໋ suo hayato

as you were walking home from school, your phone buzzed with a message from suo.

hey, our tutoring session is canceled today. i have some things to take care of in furin. sorry!

you sighed, a bit disappointed. you'd been looking forward to the session, as it was becoming one of your favorite parts of the day.

you texted back quickly.

no problem. i’ll see you tomorrow then!

then you continued your walk home, trying to shake off the feeling of letdown.

the day was beautiful, with the sun shining brightly and a light breeze making the trees sway gently. you took your time walking, enjoying the scenery.

as you walked, you got lost in thought, thinking about suo and his intriguing ways. his teasing and playful nature always left you smiling, and the way he made learning japanese so much fun had made you look forward to each meeting with growing excitement.

as you neared your apartment building, you noticed some unusual sign boards along your route. they had words written in your native language, phrases you were very familiar with. you were confused, even flabbergasted, that such phrases were posted on random signboards on a random afternoon.

you looked around to see if anyone else had noticed the signboards, but it seemed like no one cared.

why would they? they couldn't even understand the language written on it.

curious, you decided to read what was written.

one sign said, "you're so cute when you're concentrating," and underneath it, "i love how passionate you are about learning."

your brow furrowed in confusion, but you kept walking, feeling a strange sense of anticipation mixed with familiarity.

further along, another sign read, "your laughter makes my day better," and you started to get a funny feeling in your stomach. these couldn't be random, could they? only one person besides you knew and could speak your language.

but when did he get so good at it? the first time you met, suo told you he only knew the basics of your language and never once mentioned he was trying to learn more.

to be honest, the thought of suo learning more about your language made you blush.

just as you were about to dismiss the thought, you spotted another sign: "i look forward to our sessions more than you'll ever know."

by this point, you were almost certain these messages were meant for you, from suo. but you still weren't sure what to make of it.

as you neared your apartment building, a particular phrase caught your eye: "you’re attractive every time i teach you."

this was too much. you could feel your heart racing as you approached your front door.

once there, you noticed a piece of paper stuck on it, written once again in your language.

"would you rather be my girlfriend or have me as your boyfriend?"

your lips parted slightly, and before you could fully process what was happening, you heard a familiar voice behind you. "you can choose whichever," suo said, his tone playful and teasing. "i don’t mind."

you turned around, and there he was, in all his glory, his usual smile playing on his lips, and his eye seemed to glow with affection and adoration.

"suo, what is all this?" you asked, your voice a mix of confusion and excitement as you held up the piece of paper.

he shrugged, taking a step closer. "just a little scavenger hunt. did you enjoy it?"

��yes,” you nodded slowly, still trying to wrap your head around the situation. "but when did you...?"

"i've wanted to learn more ever since i met you," he replied, his smile widening. "i also thought it was time to make things clear. i've been dropping hints, you know. but i guess a grand gesture was needed, so i made use of the skill i've been learning for the past few weeks."

you looked at him. you couldn’t believe this. the first person to help you in this town, who had been patient with you and even gave you lessons despite not needing to, the one you adored and constantly teased, had finally made his move.

when suo noticed your silence, he furrowed his eyebrows slightly. “what’s wrong? did you not like it?”

“no, no, i just,” you took a deep breath and, after a while, feeling a bit mischievous, you asked, “how do you say 'i like you' in japanese again?”

suo chuckled softly, immediately knowing what you were getting at and decided to humor you. “you forgot it already? it’s ‘i like you’.”

“i like you too,” you cheekily replied in fluent japanese, and you both laughed.

suo stared at you with a warm, soft eye. "you’re getting cheekier every day.”

“taught only by the best.” you smiled, feeling your heart swell with happiness.

suo's eyes sparkled with mischief as he grabbed one of your hands to pull you closer. "will you have me then?"

you tenderly cupped his cheek, your thumb gently tracing his defined cheekbone. with a soft voice, you replied, “yes.”

suo's smile widened, and he leaned in, his forehead resting gently against yours. "you're incredible, you know that? i can't wait to see where this goes."

you laughed softly, warmth spreading through your chest. "neither can i."

suo stepped back slightly, still holding your hand. "come on, let's go inside. we have so much to talk about. especially our date tomorrow."

as you walked inside together, the feeling of suo's hand in yours sent butterflies fluttering in your stomach. you felt like you were stepping into a new chapter of your life—one filled with excitement, curiosity, and a deepening connection with suo. his grand gesture had indeed made everything clear, and you were more than ready to see where this beautiful journey would lead.

suo gently squeezed your hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "you know," he said, his voice tender, "i think this is just the beginning of something really special."

you smiled, your heart racing with happiness. "i think so too, suo."

as the door closed behind you, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you in a moment that felt perfect and right. the future felt bright, and with suo by your side, you knew it would be filled with endless possibilities and cherished memories.

𓍢ִ໋ kaji ren

kaji had invited you to furin's rooftop to share some new music he’d discovered, claiming it matched both your tastes. excited by the opportunity to see him once again while also discussing new music, you eagerly accepted his invitation.

upon arriving at the school entrance, you immediately spotted his platinum blond hair by the gates. he wore his school uniform, headphones around his neck, and a sucker in his mouth. you noticed that his eyes were fixed on his phone as he tapped furiously on the screen.

as you approached, he suddenly looked up in your direction, as if he immediately sensed your presence. when your eyes met, he quickly put away his phone and removed his headphones.

before you could greet him with a smile on your face, he mumbled, “let’s go to the rooftop.” before turning away from you.

his abruptness caught you off guard, but you shrugged it off, thinking he was just having a rough day again. you followed after him as he started walking. as you trailed behind, you noticed his ears were slightly red. but little did you know, kaji’s mind was preoccupied with how attractive you looked, especially today. he is so happy that he got to see you today. unaware of his plans, he had actually arranged for the rooftop to be empty, ensuring no one would interrupt your time together.

the walk to the rooftop was silent but comfortable. kaji’s school was pretty dark inside, with wide hallways and various tables, chairs, and graffiti paint all over the walls. he led you through a series of staircases and finally up to a door that opened to the rooftop.

when you stepped out onto the rooftop, the bright light momentarily blinded you. once your eyes adjusted, you quickly took in your surroundings. the area was filled with benches, chairs, and an unexpected garden. various plants and vegetables were everywhere, creating a serene, almost peaceful-like atmosphere.

“those are umemiya-san’s plants,” kaji mentioned, noticing your curiosity.

“the leader you mentioned before?” you asked.

“yup,” he confirmed, his tone a bit more relaxed.

you nodded and sat on a bench near the metallic fence. “so,” you started, glancing at kaji, who stood a few inches away, his eyes intently on you. “what are we doing here, kaji?”

“i wanted to listen to some music,” he replied, walking toward you. “i thought it would be better to listen to it here with you.”

“let’s listen then,” you smiled up at him. he looked away before nodding slowly. you patted the seat beside you. “come sit here.”

kaji complied, sitting down beside you. you watch as he pulls out earphones from his hoodie’s pocket and hands you one side. before you could take it, he gently placed it in your left ear. your eyes widened at the unexpected gesture. blinking as you then watched as he fixed the other earphone in his ear and pressed play on his phone.

the music began, and it made you close your eyes, immersing yourself in the song, feeling and understanding each lyric.

as you hummed and swayed to the melody, kaji’s eyes remained fixed on you, his body slightly turned toward you.

he couldn’t help but admire how you looked right now— your hair swaying in the wind, the beautiful song playing in both your ears, your serene face focused on the music.

nothing else mattered to kaji at that moment other than you.

as the song ended and another began to play, you continued what you were doing. kaji closed his eyes, enjoying the music alongside you.

two hearts sat side by side, beating in harmony with the melody.

when the playlist ended, the both of you sat still in silence. no words were spoken. kaji hesitated for a moment and after gathering a lot of courage, he finally spoke up, “i made this playlist just for you.”

your eyes snapped open at his words, and you met his sincere gaze. his face was slightly flushed, but his eyes held a determined sparkle. the confession took you by surprise, and your heart skipped a beat inside your chest.

“kaji…” you began, feeling a warmth spread through you. “thank you. i love it.”

he let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, a small, relieved smile forming on his lips. “i’m glad you do.”

he looked down, fumbling with his hands before continuing. “you know, when i listen to these songs, i think of you. each one reminds me of a moment we've shared, a smile you've given me, or just... you. i wanted you to hear them because i wanted you to know what you mean to me, even if i can't always find the, um, right words to say.”

your heart swelled at his words, understanding the depth of his feelings without him needing to spell them out explicitly.

“kaji, that’s... beautiful,” you whispered, touched by his heartfelt confession.

“so,” he took a deep breath, his eyes meeting yours with a mixture of vulnerability and determination. “what do you say? do you want to create more moments like these with me? maybe... on a date?”

your heart is now loudly beating and you feel yourself getting all shy as kaji waits for your answer. but before you could even respond, two figures appeared behind kaji, slinging their arms over his shoulders. it was umemiya and hiragi, both grinning widely.

“well, well, well, what do we have here?” umemiya teased, his voice full of amusement. “kaji, confessing to someone? this is new.”

hiragi chuckled, ruffling kaji’s hair. “didn’t know you had it in you, kaji.”

kaji froze, his face turning beet red. he stammered, unable to form a coherent sentence. the embarrassment was too much for him, and before you could say anything, he stood up and bolted. leaving you, umemiya, and hiragi on the rooftop.

the two older boys laughed, watching kaji’s retreating figure. “guess he’s still not used to showing his softer side,” umemiya said, shaking his head with a smile.

“good thing he didn’t punch you on the face just like last time.” hiragi chuckled.

you couldn’t help but laugh, feeling a mixture of endearment and amusement at kaji’s reaction. turning to umemiya and hiragi, you said, “you guys have the worst timing, you know that?”

umemiya chuckled, “yeah, we get that a lot. but seriously, don’t hold it against him. he’s a great guy, even if he’s a bit of a dork sometimes.”

hiragi nodded, a teasing grin on his face. “he just got caught off guard. give him a chance to make it up to you.”

you smiled, feeling a flutter of excitement in your chest. “i will. thank you very much.”

as you all stood there, the sun setting in the background, you couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation and warmth. the future with kaji seemed bright, full of new moments and memories waiting to be made.

𓍢ִ໋ umemiya hajime

umemiya sat slumped on a high chair in front of the counter, his forehead resting on his arms, hiding his face in the small gap between them. he had been sulking for the past 30 minutes since he entered the café, and luckily for him, the place was empty except for kotoha, making it easier to vent his frustrations.

kotoha had reluctantly listened to his muttering and whining—something he’d been doing for the last 25 minutes—but her attention sharpened when he mentioned you were on a date. a date with someone else. and not with him.

she rolled her eyes as umemiya sighed for what felt like the hundredth time. he was really starting to get on her nerves, and she was half-tempted to dump the eggs on his head just to snap him out of it. she’d been urging him to chase after you and confess his feelings before it was too late, but instead, here he was, sulking.

“kotoha,” umemiya’s voice was small. “what should i do?”

kotoha paused mid-vegetable chop, turning to look at him with a deadpan expression.

“what if that guy is confessing right now?” umemiya mumbled, shrinking even further despite his broad frame. “what if y/n accepts his love, and he offers his hand, and, and—”

suddenly, umemiya bolted upright, startling kotoha. his eyes were wide with fear. “w-what if they’re already kissing?”

“you’re spouting nonsense,” kotoha said, shaking her head as she poured oil into the pan, spreading it evenly. she had known umemiya for years, ever since they grew up together in the same orphanage, and this was the first time she realized just how stupidly in love he was.

she sighed deeply, her patience wearing thin. “ume, you’re making this harder on yourself. why are you just sitting here, imagining the worst? you know y/n better than anyone. do you really think she’d fall for someone else that quickly?”

umemiya, still hunched over, didn’t reply right away. his mind raced with worst-case scenarios, each one more painful than the last. he had never been good at dealing with his feelings, especially when it came to you. all his confidence crumbled in the face of his own emotions.

“but what if she does?” he finally whispered, fear evident in his voice. “what if i’m too late, kotoha? i… i can’t lose her.”

kotoha set down the spatula and turned to him, her expression softening. she had never seen umemiya like this—so vulnerable and uncertain. it was strange, but it made her even more determined to push him in the right direction.

“then stop wasting time and go find out,” she said firmly. “if you don’t go now, you’ll regret it forever. even if she’s with someone else, at least you’ll know. but if you don’t do anything… you’ll never forgive yourself, and neither will i.”

umemiya looked up at his sister, her words cutting through the fog of doubt clouding his mind. kotoha wasn’t one to sugarcoat things, and deep down, he knew she was right. he had to stop running from his feelings and face them, no matter how scared he was of the outcome.

taking a deep breath, umemiya slowly stood up, his resolve solidifying. “you’re right,” he muttered, more to himself than to kotoha. “i have to go.”

kotoha smiled faintly, relieved to see him finally taking action. “good. now go, before i really do dump these eggs on your head.”

with a determined nod, umemiya turned and headed for the door, his heart pounding in his chest. he had no idea what he was going to say, but he knew one thing for sure—he couldn’t let you slip away without trying.

he had to do this—he had to tell you how he felt, before it was too late.

when he finally reached the park, he spotted you sitting on a bench, laughing with someone. the two of you looked so comfortable together, and for a moment, umemiya almost turned back. but he forced himself to stay.

he had come this far, and he wasn’t going to back down now.

taking a deep breath, he approached the bench, trying to keep his voice steady as he called out your name. “y/n!”

you looked up, surprised to see him, but your smile was as bright as ever. “ume! what are you doing here?”

the guy next to you glanced at umemiya with mild curiosity, but didn’t say anything. umemiya felt his stomach twist as he tried to keep his composure. he had rehearsed what he was going to say a hundred times, but now that the moment was here, the words felt tangled and heavy in his throat.

“i… i need to talk to you,” umemiya said, his voice wavering slightly. he glanced at the guy beside you, then back at you. “alone, if that’s okay.”

your expression shifted to one of concern, and you nodded, standing up. “of course. let’s go for a walk.”

as you led umemiya away from the bench, the other guy watched the two of you go with a smirk, clearly amused but unaware of the gravity of the situation. once you were out of earshot, you turned to umemiya, sensing something was seriously bothering him.

“what’s wrong, ume? you look really upset.”

umemiya stopped walking and faced you, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. he took a deep breath, trying to steady himself before speaking. “y/n… i can’t keep this to myself anymore. i— i’ve been so scared of losing you, and today, when i thought that guy might—might—”

he struggled to find the right words, his chest tight with emotion. finally, he just blurted it out. “i’m in love with you, y/n. i have been for a long time, and i’ve been too much of a coward to tell you. but i can’t just stand by and watch you with someone else. i had to tell you how i feel, even if it means losing you as a friend.”

the silence that followed felt like it lasted an eternity. umemiya braced himself for rejection, for the worst possible outcome. but instead, you stared at him with wide eyes, and then… you started to laugh.

umemiya’s heart sank even further, thinking he had just made a fool of himself. but then you shook your head, wiping tears of laughter from your eyes. “oh, ume, you big dummy.”

he blinked, completely thrown off by your reaction. “huh?”

you took a step closer, your smile softening as you placed a hand on his arm. “that guy you were so worried about? he’s my cousin. he’s just visiting town for a few days. we were catching up, that’s all.”

umemiya stared at you, his mind struggling to process what you’d just said. “c-cousin…?”

“yeah,” you said, your tone gentle. “and honestly, if you had just come over earlier, you would’ve known that. i didn’t even realize you were thinking something like that.”

his face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and relief. “so… you’re not… interested in him?”

“not even a little,” you replied with a chuckle. then your expression grew more serious as you looked into his eyes. “but i am interested in you, ume. i’ve been waiting for you to say something for so long, but i didn’t want to push you.”

umemiya’s breath caught in his throat. “y-you… you feel the same way?”

you nodded, your smile widening. “yeah, i do. and i’m really glad you finally told me.”

relief washed over him like a tidal wave, and before he knew it, he was pulling you into a tight embrace. he buried his face in your shoulder, letting out a shaky laugh. “i can’t believe i was such an idiot…”

you hugged him back, your voice full of warmth as you whispered, “you’re not an idiot, ume. you just needed a little push.”

as the two of you stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, umemiya realized that kotoha was right—if he hadn’t taken that leap of faith, he would have missed out on something incredible. and now, he wasn’t going to let you slip away. not ever.

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slerixx · 28 days

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iv. first date (wbk series)

synopsis. every moment spent with your significant other opens a new chapter of exploration and connection. featuring. sakura haruka, suo hayato, kaji ren, umemiya hajime x f!reader content. fluff, sfw, slight ooc (all) notes. this took so long, I'm so sorry T T got really busy with school stuff, but please enjoy this new part! word count. 4.8k+

series masterlist | iii. confession | v. first kiss

𓍢ִ໋ sakura haruka

the glowing neon lights of the arcade reflected off the windows, creating a vibrant, almost surreal atmosphere. you stood at the entrance, nervously fidgeting with the strap of your bag as you waited for your boyfriend, sakura.

the steady hum of arcade machines filled the air with a nostalgic kind of excitement, a mix of beeping sounds and the chatter of excited players. it had been ages since you'd been in a place like this, and now here you were, on your first date with sakura, no less.

you spotted him approaching, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jacket. his expression, as usual, was slightly flustered, his lips drawn into a thin line as if he were trying to downplay the significance of the moment. his hair fell slightly over his eyes, which were darting around, avoiding making direct contact with yours.

“hey,” he muttered, almost too casually. "you're early."

you smiled warmly, trying to put him at ease. "i was excited," you admitted honestly. "i’ve been looking forward to this."

sakura coughed awkwardly and glanced away, his cheeks lightly flushed. "it’s just an arcade," he grumbled, trying to sound indifferent. "don’t make it a big deal."

but the small smile tugging at the corner of his lips betrayed him. you could tell he was as nervous as you were, maybe even more so. you smiled as the thought.

the two of you entered the arcade together, the atmosphere inside instantly swallowing you in its vibrant, buzzing energy. rows of game machines blinked and beeped in an almost hypnotic rhythm, and the excited shouts of players filled the air. the scent of popcorn and cotton candy wafted from a nearby concession stand, mingling with the smell of metal tokens and electronics.

you both wandered around for a bit, taking in the sights, before stopping at a claw machine filled with a variety of plush toys. you nudged sakura playfully. "wanna give it a shot? win me something cute?"

he glanced at the machine, feigning disinterest, but you could see the determination flash in his eyes. "tch, easy," he said, cracking his knuckles for effect. "i’ve got this."

sakura stepped up to the machine, inserting a coin with a flourish, his fingers hovering over the controls. his gaze was sharp, his focus intense as he maneuvered the claw toward a particularly adorable plush cat nestled among the other prizes. you watched, holding your breath, as the claw descended slowly.

for a brief moment, it caught the toy’s head perfectly, lifting it up into the air. but then, just as quickly, it slipped free, tumbling back down into the pile of stuffed animals.

sakura's face turned a shade darker, his eyes narrowing. "huh?! this machine is rigged," he declared, his voice laced with annoyance.

you couldn't help but giggle at his reaction, and he shot you a quick, indignant look before his expression softened slightly. "okay, fine," he muttered, pulling out another coin. "i’ll get it this time."

he tried again, and after a few tense seconds, the claw finally caught hold of the plush cat securely, pulling it toward the chute. when the toy dropped with a satisfying thud, sakura quickly retrieved it, handing it to you with a huff. his gaze remained on the side as he mumbled, "here. it’s yours."

you took the plush cat, your heart fluttering at the gesture. "thank you, sakura," you said, blushing as you smile warmly at him. "it's really cute."

he shrugged, his cheeks slightly pink again. "it's nothing," he replied, trying to brush off the moment. "let’s just keep going."

the two of you wandered deeper into the arcade, trying out different games together. you challenged each other at rhythm games, laughing as you both fumbled to keep up with the rapid beats of the music. sakura, though normally so composed, was clearly struggling with the rhythm and precision of the game, making you laugh so hard that you almost missed half the notes yourself.

next, you found yourselves at a shooting game, where sakura's competitive side truly shone. his sharp reflexes and precise aim helped him rack up points effortlessly. he glanced over at you with a smirk, teasing, "try to keep up."

you playfully stuck your tongue out at him but secretly admired how serious he got during the game. there was something fascinating about seeing this new side of him—the quiet intensity, the focus, all masked behind that usual facade of indifference. by the end of the game, he had clearly beaten you, but not without sneaking a glance at you every now and then to make sure you were still having fun.

after a few more rounds of different games, you both found yourselves at a racing simulator. the large, side-by-side cabinets beckoned you, and you eagerly took your place in the driver's seat, ready to challenge sakura again.

"think you can beat me?" you teased, your hands gripping the steering wheel.

sakura shot you a sideways glance, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "i’ll go easy on you," he said, though the glint in his eyes suggested otherwise.

the race began, and you were instantly absorbed in the game. you focused on the track, your hands moving instinctively as you drifted around corners and dodged obstacles. but sakura was fast—his car speeding past yours with seemingly effortless precision.

determined not to let him win so easily, you pushed your skills to the limit. on the final lap, with the finish line in sight, you managed to slip past him in a well-timed maneuver, crossing the line just moments before he did.

"yes!" you cheered, throwing your hands up in triumph. "i actually won!"

sakura stared at the screen in disbelief, then turned to you with an expression of mock indignation. but before he could say anything, a small, rare laugh escaped him—a sound so genuine and unexpected that it caught you off guard.

"not bad," he admitted, his smile lingering for a moment longer than usual. "guess you’re better at this than i thought."

you grinned back, feeling a warmth spread through your chest at the sight of his genuine smile. "and you're not as tough as you pretend to be," you teased lightly.

sakura quickly averted his gaze, the flush on his cheeks deepening. "whatever," he muttered, trying to regain his composure. "let’s grab some food or something."

as you both left the arcade, the neon lights of the arcade glowed behind you, fading into the background as you walked down the street side by side. the plush cat was tucked securely under your arm, a sweet reminder of the night. despite sakura’s usual standoffish demeanor, the small moments of warmth and laughter between you had made the evening feel like something special.

you glanced at him out of the corner of your eye. sakura walked close beside you, hands once again in his pockets, but there was a quiet contentment in his posture that hadn’t been there before. and though he might never admit it, you knew he had enjoyed himself just as much as you had.

"thanks for tonight," you said softly, feeling the need to express your gratitude. "it was fun."

sakura’s shoulders tensed slightly, and for a moment, you thought he might brush it off. but then he glanced at you, his face softer than you’d ever seen it.

"yeah," he said quietly, the pink in his cheeks returning. "it was."

and as you walked side by side into the evening, you couldn't help but feel that this date had brought you closer to the real sakura—past the tsundere exterior and into something deeper, something more meaningful. this was just the beginning of a connection you both could feel growing, one step at a time.

𓍢ִ໋ suo hayato

the sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills of the park. the gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers. as you walked along the path, basket in hand, your heart beat with a mix of excitement and nerves. you glanced at suo, who walked beside you with his usual calm and easy smile, his single visible eye gleaming with quiet amusement.

"are you nervous?" suo asked softly, his tone teasing but gentle as always. his voice was like a soft melody, so relaxed that it instantly put you at ease.

you chuckled, brushing a loose strand of hair behind your ear. "maybe a little," you admitted, feeling a slight warmth in your cheeks. "but in a good way."

suo's smile widened just a fraction as he looked at you, his gaze filled with a warmth that made your heart skip a beat. "good," he said lightly. "i was worried i might be the only one."

you raised an eyebrow, playfully narrowing your eyes at him. "you? nervous? i find that hard to believe."

suo laughed quietly, a soft chuckle that seemed to resonate in the air around you. "i have my moments," he said, his tone almost conspiratorial, as if sharing a secret. "but i hide it well, don’t i?"

you rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the smile that tugged at your lips. he always had this way of making everything feel light and effortless, as if he carried the whole world on his shoulders but never let it weigh him down.

finally, the two of you found the perfect spot—a small clearing under a large oak tree, with dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. suo spread out the picnic blanket, smoothing out the edges while you set down the basket. you began to unpack the food with meticulous care, laying out sandwiches, fruit, and some homemade sweets you’d prepared the night before.

"wow," suo said with a hint of admiration in his voice, eyeing the spread before him. "you really outdid yourself. are you trying to impress me?"

you smiled, feeling a little bashful. "maybe," you teased, glancing at him. "is it working?"

suo chuckled again, his eye gleaming with amusement. "i’m already impressed," he said smoothly, reaching for one of the sandwiches and taking a bite out of it. "this is really good."

you both settled down on the blanket, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow around you. the park was quiet, with only the occasional chirping of birds or the distant laughter of children playing nearby. it was a peaceful setting, perfect for a first date that felt intimate and relaxed.

as you nibbled on your food, you found yourself drawn into easy conversation with suo. he had a way of making you feel comfortable, as if every word you said was worth listening to. you talked about everything and nothing—how beautiful the day was, your favorite books and movies, and even a few funny anecdotes from your time in makochi. suo would occasionally offer a witty comment or a gentle tease, making you laugh more than you had expected to.

at one point, suo leaned back against the tree, his gaze drifting to the sky above. the late afternoon sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled shadows across his face. you admired the way the light softened his features, his usual calm expression now relaxed and peaceful.

"this is nice," he said quietly, his voice almost a murmur. "i could get used to this."

you smiled, leaning back beside him, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin. "i’m glad," you said softly. "i wanted today to be something we’d both remember."

suo glanced at you, his expression softening. "you’ve already made it memorable," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "just by being here."

your heart fluttered at his words, the warmth in his gaze making you feel like the luckiest person in the world. suo wasn’t one to be overly expressive with his emotions, but when he did let his guard down, it was always in a way that made your heart swell.

as the two of you finished eating, you packed away the remains of the picnic, leaving the blanket spread out so you could relax for a while longer. suo lay back on the blanket, his hand reaching for yours as you lay beside him, your head on his chest. his fingers intertwined with yours, the simple gesture bringing a sense of comfort and closeness.

the sky above had begun to shift, the soft hues of blue fading into shades of pink and orange as the sun began to set. the air was cooler now, but the warmth of suo’s hand in yours kept you grounded.

"i can’t believe you made all of this," suo said after a few moments of quiet, his tone filled with admiration. "you didn’t have to go to all that trouble."

you turned your head to look at him, smiling softly. "it wasn’t trouble," you said gently. "i wanted to do something special for you. for us."

suo’s gaze softened even more as he looked at you, his thumb brushing lightly over your knuckles. "you’re something else," he murmured, his voice full of affection. "always thinking about others."

you blushed slightly, feeling the sincerity in his words. "i just wanted today to be perfect," you said softly.

"it is," suo replied, his voice low but certain. "because i’m here with you."

the simplicity of his words made your heart swell with emotion. there was something so natural, so effortless about being with suo—like everything just fell into place when you were together. you felt safe with him, like you could be yourself without any pretenses.

as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the park, you found yourself feeling content in a way you hadn’t expected. this moment—just you and suo, lying together under the trees, your hands still entwined—felt like the beginning of something truly special. something that would only grow stronger with time.

suo shifted slightly, pulling the back of your hands closer to his lips to put a light kiss on it. "thank you for today," he whispered, his lips brushing against your skin. "for everything."

you smiled, feeling a warmth spread through you. "anytime," you whispered back, your heart full of love and gratitude for the person beside you.

and as the evening light faded into twilight, you knew that this picnic wasn’t just a first date—it was a moment that would stay with you forever, a reminder of the love and connection you shared with suo.

𓍢ִ໋ kaji ren

the quiet, almost reverent atmosphere of the museum wrapped around you like a soft blanket as you walked alongside kaji.

it was your first official date as a couple, and kaji had chosen a museum—something thoughtful, calming, and intimate. you had always known he wasn’t one for grand gestures or flashy outings, and this felt perfect. the two of you could enjoy each other’s company without the distractions of the outside world.

kaji had been unusually quiet since you arrived, his gaze focused on the various paintings that adorned the walls of the exhibition. though you were used to his reserved nature, you could sense an underlying nervousness in him today. it was subtle—barely noticeable in the way his hands fidgeted slightly in his pockets, or how he seemed to be paying extra attention to the art, almost as if he was trying to distract himself.

you glanced at him, a small smile playing at your lips as you admired his serious expression. "you’re really taking this all in, aren’t you?" you teased lightly.

kaji blinked, momentarily startled out of his concentration. his eyes flicked to you, and a faint blush colored his cheeks. "ah… yeah," he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. "just… trying to appreciate it, i guess."

you couldn’t help but chuckle softly at how adorably flustered he looked. "you don’t have to try so hard, you know," you said gently. "i’m just happy being here with you."

kaji’s blush deepened at your words, and he looked away, clearly embarrassed. "i know," he muttered. "i just… wanted to make this special for you."

your heart warmed at his sincerity. you knew how much he cared, even if he wasn’t the best at expressing it. reaching out, you gently took his hand in yours, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "it is special," you said softly. "because i’m with you."

kaji’s gaze flicked back to you, and for a moment, his usual guarded expression softened. his grip tightened around your hand, "you always know what to say," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

after that, the two of you continued your tour of the museum, strolling through the various galleries and admiring the art on display. as you paused in front of a large painting—a serene landscape of a distant countryside—kaji stood beside you, his arm brushing against yours. there was a comfortable silence between you, the kind that didn’t need to be filled with words. just being together was enough.

after a few moments, kaji shifted slightly, and you noticed him pulling out his phone from his pocket. you raised an eyebrow, curious as to what he was doing.

"what are you up to?" you asked playfully.

kaji froze for a moment, his expression caught somewhere between embarrassed and sheepish. "nothing," he said quickly, shoving the phone back into his pocket. but the slight redness in his ears betrayed him.

you narrowed your eyes, a grin tugging at the corners of your lips. "were you… taking a picture of me?"

kaji’s blush deepened, and he avoided your gaze. "no," he muttered, clearly flustered.

you couldn’t help but laugh softly at his reaction. "it’s okay, kaji," you teased, leaning a little closer to him. "you don’t have to be embarrassed. i think it’s sweet."

he groaned, clearly uncomfortable with being caught. "i just… you looked nice," he mumbled, finally glancing at you out of the corner of his eye. "didn’t want to forget it."

your heart melted at his words, and you couldn’t help but smile warmly at him. "you’re really something, you know that?"

kaji looked away again, trying to hide his embarrassment, but you could see the small pleased smile tugging at his lips. he was always so tough and stoic on the outside, but moments like this reminded you of the softer, more vulnerable side of him. the side that wasn’t always easy to see, but was all the more precious because of it.

as the two of you continued to walk through the museum, kaji’s nerves seemed to ease a little. he began to point out certain paintings that caught his attention, sharing his thoughts with you in that quiet, straightforward way of his. you could tell he was more relaxed now, more at ease in your presence, and it made your heart swell with affection.

at one point, you found yourselves in front of a particularly striking painting—a vivid portrait of a stormy sea, with crashing waves and dark clouds swirling overhead. kaji stared at it for a long moment, his brow furrowed in thought.

"this one’s… intense," he said quietly.

you nodded in agreement, taking in the painting’s raw energy. "yeah, it really captures that feeling of chaos," you said. "but there’s something beautiful about it too, don’t you think?"

kaji glanced at you, his expression thoughtful. "i guess," he murmured. "even in the middle of all that chaos, there’s still… something there. something that pulls you in."

you smiled softly at his words, finding them unexpectedly poetic. "that’s a good way of putting it," you said gently. "it’s like life, in a way. even when things get messy or overwhelming, there’s always something worth holding onto."

kaji looked at you then, his gaze intense yet tender. for a moment, the two of you stood there, locked in each other’s eyes, and the weight of your words seemed to hang in the air between you.

"you’re really good at seeing the beauty in things," he said quietly, his voice full of admiration. "even when it’s hard to see."

your heart warmed at his words, the sincerity of his tone making you feel deeply appreciated. "maybe it’s because you help me see it," you whispered back, a small, tender smile on your lips.

kaji’s gaze lingered on yours, and though he didn’t say anything more, the connection between you spoke volumes. he reached out, his hand reaching out to pull you closer to him—a simple, grounding gesture that was full of unspoken emotion. you smiled at him in return, feeling the depth of his care and the quiet reassurance of his hand in yours.

as the museum visit came to a close, the two of you made your way outside, the cool evening air wrapping around you. kaji still held your hand, his grip steady and comforting. you felt a sense of peace settle over you as you walked together, side by side. this date had been everything you could have hoped for—thoughtful, meaningful, and filled with small, significant moments that made you feel even closer to him.

"you know," kaji said softly as you walked, his voice carrying a hint of warmth, "i’m really glad we did this. it feels right."

you looked up at him, your heart swelling with affection. "me too," you said with a smile. "i wouldn’t have wanted to spend today with anyone else."

kaji’s lips curved into a small but genuine smile—a rare sight that made your heart flutter. he squeezed your hand gently, his touch full of reassurance, and the two of you continued walking into the evening, the bond between you growing stronger with every step you took together.

𓍢ִ໋ umemiya hajime

the crisp evening air carried a hint of anticipation as you prepared for a special night in your cozy new apartment, nestled near your grandparents' house. the space, although modest, had become a warm sanctuary for you, and tonight, it was set to host a momentous occasion.

this evening was different from the friendly hangouts you and umemiya had shared over the years. this time, it was your first date as a couple, and you wanted everything to be just right. you had spent the afternoon carefully arranging the living room to create the perfect movie date atmosphere.

soft, fluffy pillows were scattered around the floor, creating a comfortable lounging area, while a pile of cozy blankets was draped over the couch to ensure maximum comfort. the coffee table was cleared and transformed into a delightful display of snacks: freshly popped popcorn, a colorful assortment of candies, and a couple of chilled sodas. you had even selected a movie that you thought would be the ideal blend of romance and comedy, aiming to make the evening both enjoyable and memorable.

as you made final adjustments to the setup, you found yourself repeatedly checking the time. the anticipation of the evening was almost palpable. the doorbell rang, and your heart skipped a beat. you took a deep breath to calm your nerves before opening the door, revealing umemiya standing there, dressed casually with his hair down, holding a bouquet of flowers and a bag of snacks.

his warm smile and the glint in his eyes made your heart flutter. “hello, my love,” he greeted, his voice carrying a note of excitement. “i brought a little something for our first date!”

he handed the bouquet to you, and you marveled at the soft petals of the vibrant tulips and roses. “these are beautiful, ume. thank you so much!” you said, feeling a rush of gratitude.

he gave a modest shrug, his smile widening. “i thought they’d add a special touch to our evening. and i wasn’t sure what you had planned, so i brought a few snacks as well.”

you led him inside, and he set the bag of snacks down on the coffee table. the aroma of the freshly popped popcorn filled the room, mingling with the subtle fragrance of the flowers.

“you didn’t have to bring so much, but i appreciate it,” you voiced, arranging the flowers in a vase and placing them in the center of the table. the vibrant colors of the bouquet added a touch of elegance to the cozy setup.

with everything in place, you both settled onto the couch, the atmosphere filled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. as you opened the bag of snacks, umemiya glanced around, taking in the cozy setup with a look of genuine admiration.

“this looks amazing!” he exclaimed, reaching for a handful of popcorn. “you really went all out for our first date.”

“i wanted it to be special,” you replied, smiling at his enthusiasm while opening a bottle of soda. “it’s our first time as a couple, after all. i thought it deserved a little extra effort.”

he chuckled and playfully pinched you on the cheek. you giggled at his affectionate gesture before grabbing the remote and pressing play. as the movie began, the room was soon bathed in the soft glow of the tv screen, accompanied by the gentle sound of laughter from the film.

umemiya was attentive, making comments about the scenes and sharing his thoughts, which made the experience even more enjoyable. his insights and witty remarks kept you entertained and laughing. it was clear how much he cherished these moments with you, as his eyes sparkled with genuine interest.

as the night progressed, you found yourselves leaning closer, the comfort of the shared space drawing you nearer. umemiya’s arm brushed against yours, and a gentle warmth spread through you. this simple touch was a new kind of intimacy, signaling a deeper connection between you.

after a brief hesitation, umemiya decided to drape his arm over your shoulder, pulling you closer to his side. the warmth of his body against yours was comforting, and you felt a soft smile spread across your face while umemiya bit his lip, trying to contain his emotions.

“did you ever think we’d end up here?” umemiya asked softly during a quieter moment in the movie as you rested your head on his shoulder.

you looked up at him, a smile playing on your lips. “honestly, i didn’t know. but i’m really happy we did. it feels right.”

he smiled back, his eyes reflecting a mix of affection and relief. “me too. it’s nice to finally be here, together like this.”

the movie continued, but your focus was equally divided between him and the screen. you found yourself noticing the small details—how his eyes crinkled when he laughed, how comfortable he looked nestled among the pillows with you in his arms, and how his presence filled the room with warmth. the sound of his steady breathing and the occasional rustle of the blankets created a sense of serene intimacy.

after the movie ended, you realized that you had both ended up tangled in each other’s arms. the snacks were nearly finished, and the gentle hum of the city outside provided a soothing backdrop to your relaxed conversation. the lights were dimmed, adding to the ambiance of the evening.

“thanks for making this evening so special,” umemiya said, his voice carrying a note of sincerity. “i’ve really enjoyed it.”

“i’m glad you did,” you replied, feeling a flutter of happiness. “i’ve had a great time too. it’s been perfect.”

as you both tidied up, umemiya offered to help with the cleanup. the shared task felt natural and easy, and his interactions with you showed just how much he valued the time spent together. you worked together efficiently, exchanging playful comments and enjoying each other’s company.

standing by the door as he prepared to leave, umemiya turned to you with a tender smile. “i’m looking forward to more evenings like this with you, my love.”

“me too,” you said, feeling a sense of contentment. “i can’t wait to see you again, ume.”

he pulled you into a gentle hug, his warmth enveloping you in a comforting embrace. “goodnight, my love. i’ll see you soon,” he whispered in your ear, his breath warm against your skin.

you nodded, feeling a twinge of sadness at the thought of him leaving. however, you had made a promise to your grandparents, so reluctantly, you both parted from the hug. umemiya walked backward while waving at you as he left, his smile lingering. you waved back, closing the door once he was out of sight.

you looked around your apartment, now quiet and still, and felt a deep sense of satisfaction. the night had marked a significant step in your relationship with umemiya, and you were excited about the future. you knew that moments like these would be the foundation of something beautiful and enduring, and you couldn’t wait to see where this new path would lead.

as you tidied up the remaining snacks and turned off the lights, you reflected on the evening's special moments. the soft glow of the city lights through the window and the lingering scent of the bouquet filled the room with a sense of tranquility. you felt a profound sense of happiness, knowing that this night had set the stage for many more cherished memories to come.

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