#beachmikamukai

[lastbraincelliswith-opera]

Escalated Chaos 

Egashira and Mukai are at a place where their comfortable banter has caught the eyes of everyone around them. They are too dumb to realize their old married couple dynamic despite coming to terms with being very attracted to each other. What happens when a bet scheme involving the two devolves into pure chaos?  Context: Mitsumi being Mitsumi agreed to put on a play at her hometown summer festival. The problem is not enough members are available to do so. Kanechika is in film school but quickly agrees for the old gang's sake. Mika was asked for help with a Japanese Canadian character during screenwriting and was eventually roped in for the role. As for Mukai, it was just convenient. Kidding, no seriously when everyone’s involved we are not gonna leave out our best boi- shh let me have this. Let’s just imagine the story is a bit further along in their 3rd year and Shimamistu is a thing. Not like it’s relevant just minor side details.  Sorry, if they seem too ooc the story just kind of got away from me. Also, not proofread sorry in advance.

Mika feels a whoosh in her heart, is that even possible what the heck, she fans herself. Damn, that tall spacey idiot for being so..so.. gorg- stupid. Yes, you heard her right she totally- er did not call a certain someone named Mukai gorgeous. Pull yourself together Mika you idiot. Yet, despite herself, she is pulled into a haze where a low-timbered voice whispers sweet nothings in her ear and strong arms pull her close by the waist. She could just about dissolve why did he have to be so damn hot- irritating. 

“ Egashira… hello earth to Egashira??” Mukai bends down to her level speaking in that casual tone snapping her out of the reverie. She is gonna find the costume designer and makeup artists to make them pay hell for the state she is in. Why is he pulling off the Yukata so well?

"What are you doing daydreaming in the middle of the debrief?” Mika gives him the stink eye for calling her out like that. “Shut up, it’s your fault” Looking utterly confused he starts “How is it-“ 

"Alright love birds let's settle down” Kanechika hollers from the podium. They both are quick to turn around blushing wildly at the older boy’s assumption. “That got their attention” Shima whispers as Kanechika gives him a thumbs up grinning. 

“Alright everyone before we get to it- I wanted to thank you all for making this possible and agreeing to lend a hand. Special thanks to Egashira-chan and Mukai-kun for taking on the extra roles. And Mitsumi-chan..” Argh, leave it to him to make this out to be a big deal and draw attention to us Mukai groans internally. Wait a second what was that weird comment about us before do we look like a couple with our costumes? His lips turned up as he bashfully straightened out his suit front thinking how they probably looked to others. 

“What the hell are you grinning about like a fool?” An elbow nudges him as Egashira looks at him and back to the podium. “Hmm, uh nothing?” she hums noncommittally squinting at him as if she could see right through his bullshit. 

“Oh hey” he looks at her through his peripheral vision frowning a little “Yeah?” she answers looking away definitely not wanting to be caught by everyone again. “You look great!” he whispers. Now Mukai can’t help but blurt that out he has been holding it in since she came out with those blonde streaked braid and hazel-colored contacts. The leather jacket with Kohl in her eyes was so badass. Why is his heart beating so loud his ears are almost ringing- he chances a look at her. 

She is hunched down covering her face- is she perhaps laughing at him? 

What he doesn’t know is that she is in fact smiling so hard it looks like she is laughing. To hell with that pine-tree-sized moron is he doing this on purpose Mika curses in her mind but manages to whisper back “So, I don’t always look great?” That makes him flounder “No… Uh..I mean that’s not..you’re pulling off the costume better than I thought” Shit, he is digging a deeper grave is he still that bad when it comes to talking to girls. This actually makes Mika want to laugh but she pushes ahead trying to sound upset “What are you trying to say?” 

“No..sorry wait..” He frowns deeper pausing and something dawns on him as she shakes beside him “Wait are you pulling my legs?” He nudges her as if asking her to stop. “mean!” That nudge was the last straw and Mika loses it at the absurdity of it all. Oh hell no now she’s done it everyone’s eyes are back on the duo. For once in his life Kanechika looks like he is seriously contemplating something. 

They both want to dissolve into the ground from embarrassment. “This won’t do seems like we need to separate the couple until the play is done.” He nods as if he has come up with a great plan. They both give each other an alarmed look as everyone else seems to understand what he meant perfectly. “Guys, what is going on?” Egashira questions doubtfully. It almost looks like everyone has an evil look- did something happen when they weren’t there? Did they all get possessed?

“Debrief over do your best everyone and remember important task today to keep them away from each other until the end. That’s it chop chop!” 

Did Sousuke just let out a giggle that asshole. 

And then they both were kept off of each other’s sight for the whole ordeal not even a peep. The strange thing is everything was back to normal as if nothing happened at all. Except Mika could swear she saw Shima and Mitsumi arguing a couple of times and Kanechika pitching in. Maybe she should text Mukai and ask what’s up cause this is too peculiar to let go. Then she hung her head in shame remembering their shenanigans honestly being with that idiot always brought a side of her that she never thought was possible. Plus since when did they both get so close that it was becoming unbearable to be apart? What stings her the most is the fact Kanechika of all people deemed them problem children it’s not like that guy can talk he’s a walking disaster of energy. And well, curiosity is killing her. 

Mukai at first was too flustered to think about the bizarreness of Sousuke’s smugness and every else’s strange behavior. As more time went on and they were serious about keeping them apart he started getting anxious. It’s not like they are always attached at the hip so why does this feel so different? Is it because she looked really good? He wants to see her in the costume again- just the thought of it sets his heart racing mile a minute. Woah, hold on Tsukasa calm down. The tail end of a distant conversation breaks him from the daze “Who do you think is going to win the bet?” Mitsumi’s hometown friend Tatchan's voice echoes. “Duh, it’s obvious something is going on between them but they don’t strike me as the bold types you know- so I vote for Shima” someone answers.

Wait what’s going on? “Hmm, I see what you mean but I vote for Kanechika, I can’t wait to see how this all pans out..hehe.” The rest of the conversation is droned out as Mukai gets his gears moving whatever this is it’s definitely about them both. That jerk Sousuke so that’s how it is huh, bring it on. 

Mika connects the dots as she receives info from him- so these morons are playing Cupid with us. Alright, dummies you don’t play with fire if you’re not ready to be burned. Here we come. 

They managed to put on a fantastic play. NOW that they are all back in the vicinity of each other backstage they could feel expecting eyes watching their every move. Just as planned they both don’t interact with each other at all. Mika chats with Mitsumi about the performance reviews and Mukai at Sousuke’s side as the girls swarm him. 

One by one everyone takes their leave to go explore the festival. Suddenly it’s just the two of them in the backroom all alone. They both sigh exaggeratedly coming closer to each other. “Oh my god, that was exhausting! I missed you.” Mika grabs his hands and looks up at him expectantly. Mukai’s breath catches “You did?” He unconsciously squeezes back at their joined hands making Mika shiver. That was oddly comforting but what was he doing she wonders. Pouting at that she asks, “What so you didn’t miss me at all?” He chuckles impulsively dragging her close and locking his hands behind her back “No, I really missed you annoying me.” 

What the hell was that? But the shock of his action is abruptly cut short by his sarcastic quip. “You..asshole,” she says lacking conviction or bite.

Two can play the game. Mika slowly drags her hands over his chest and gently cups his face. That elicits an audible gasp not only from the man himself but some hidden ones as well. Mika smirks as she just hit two mangoes with a single stone. 

Mukai’s breath was stolen a tightness enveloping him as a whole. Lightheadedness threatened his steady stance. Amazed by the sparks. Is this happening for real? Was the only coherent thought he could process. 

Lucky for him, Mika called out the morons that started the whole squib cutting short his frayed neurons' attempt to bask in the warmth. 

After receiving an ear full from her and Mukai’s disapproving gaze the group apologized for scheming behind their backs. Kanechika and Mitsumi at least had the decency to look sheepish. Sousuke seemed deep in thought fleeting his eyes from Egashira and him. 

“Wait does this mean you guys are dating?” A bold Tatchan questioned. Suddenly everyone's eyes are sparkling as if they were waiting for something. 

Mika shot daggers at the poor soul and he apologized immediately. “I don’t see how that’s any of y’all concern.” 

“No like how can you bet on us?” At that everyone looked at each other as if they knew something these two don’t. 

“Sorry, it’s just that the two of you were always in your bubble getting flirty with each other. It was kind of hard to focus on our work at times” Fumi answers. At that they both flush brightly- what in the world that’s not true is it. Those were just friendly banter or so they thought. 

The truth was their banters often devolved into flirting territory but neither of the goofballs knew they started doing it. 

Kanechika giggles and supplies unhelpfully that solving the mystery of their relationship almost became the prime focus of the group for a while. Which is why Shima came up with the bet in the first place. Mukai glares at him as hard as he can but that idiot just gives him a smug look in return. When did he start to get so involved with things going on around him? 

“Mitsumi, I didn’t expect this of you” Egashira pouts angrily at her friend. Flailing at the sudden shift in focus she apologizes for not taming Sousuke and Kanechika when they masterminded the plan. 

“Wait so who won the bet?” Someone asks and all hell breaks loose. 

Argh, I’ll deal with those airheads later Mika thinks grabbing her stuff checking if anyone noticed her, and dragging Mukai the hell out of there. 

Now in the crowd of the festival leaning against the wall for support, they both pant hard. Mukai questions breathily “Why…Why didwerun?” Mika raises a hand asking him to wait. 

“You think they’ll let us be without knowing who won?” She takes a deep breath and tries to compose herself. “Oh yeah that” 

Damn it Mukai can’t help the awkwardness seeping out of him. It’s not like we were getting close to each other with a romantic intention in the first place. It was because we could talk to each other freely that I started liking her. How am I going to explain what I did back there? Crap, what if we stop talking to each other because my crush makes it weird. 

“Hey..hey Mukai!” Sharp pain in his shoulder brings him back. “Ow, did you just punch me?” 

Mika shrugged at him smiling mischievously he wasn’t responding what was she supposed to do? “Well, let’s get going before they catch us.” 

Mika convinces him to go to the beach near Mitsumi’s house citing they won’t be caught there. She wonders if this will be their chance to talk about what happened. She has a pretty good idea of his feelings and it would be a lie if she said that didn’t make her happy. As Mika once put it for someone to see her wretchedness in plain sight and still like her was something of a hopeful delusion. Yet, the past years proved it to be not the case. She was changing in her friend's presence, or rather they have changed her perception of herself and everything radically. That ghastly narrative of what a supposedly bland person she is was shattered to pieces by Mistumi’s beaming support, Yuzuki’s playful jabs, and Makoto’s quiet approval. They have all brought light into her world filled with self-depreciation and made her feel worthy of their love. And Mukai. 

How could she not fall for him when he’s always been there calling out her flaws but also soothing her pain showing her she deserves to be liked for who she is. Everything seemed natural when they were together be it the sloppy awkwardness of their ribbing, or the bubbling irritation of being unable to hide their feelings in front of one another. 

Currently, they were walking down the shoreline letting their feet get drenched by the swaying waves. “Oh, I’d been wanting to tell you that Yukata looks great on you!” Mukai nods in acknowledgment.  

What is it with the sea and the sound of crashing waves it’s like they create a tranquil atmosphere. The earlier awkwardness faded away as comfortable silence replaced it. 

She understands although Mukai generally has a good read on everything- he has his own insecurities to fight against. Which is why-

 “Mukai..” He looks at her side profile the sunset in the background creating a hallow around her. She seems nervous cutely biting her lips “Can I use your first name?” 

It's like the world stops spinning momentarily, and Mukai’s mind camera captures the peachy blush illuminating her cheeks as she looks up at him in anticipation. Realization of the unspoken meaning and the gravity of what she is baring lay in front of him strikes at once. He looks at her stunned with a foolish grin- “Wha….” 

She ducks her head down- blushing hard “I… want to use your first name is that okay?” Not trusting his voice he nods vigorously. To onlookers, he must look crazy with that cheek-hurting grin on his face as the wind carries her voice to him softly.

“Tsukasa?” …looking a bit confused she tries again “Tsukasa..Tsukasa” Huffing a laugh she questions why it sounds so familiar on her tongue. 

That’s it he decides that is it. All previous worries melted away. 

Never in his wildest dreams would he have thought someone who pursued Sousuke would be the type of person he'd fall for. How hilarious that arguments and misunderstandings leading to a broken Valentine's confession brought us closer. He muses forever grateful for saying something that day if not he would’ve never met the endearing girl behind the gossipy facade. It’s almost fresh how observant and considerate she is of others like trying to bring him out of his shell but hiding it underneath friendly insults. Most of all he loves how brave she is for getting vulnerable and trusting him despite past rejections. 

He owes it to himself and her to be honest. 

She doesn’t notice him slowing down but jolts when a hand suddenly snakes around her wrists, sliding to slot their fingers together. 

Mukai meekly looks at her and turns away holding his neck- “So.. that means I get to call you Mika then?” 

She laughs cheerily "Would be stupid if you didn’t!” 

“Yeah!” He looks away again taking in the pink skies and the gentle evening breeze he couldn’t ask for a more romantic setting than this. 

“Mika, I really like you.” His gaze and smile softened at the varying emotions reflected on her face at the confession. 

Finally settling with something in-between relief and cheekiness- “Wah, took you long enough to say that out loud!” She playfully bumps his shoulder as they resume walking. 

“I like you too. Should we date?” She tilts her head coyly waiting for his reply. 

Ahh there she goes again, how is she.. “Nah, I’m good” he sassily moves to separate their hands. And a second later gets smacked with her bag. “Jerk..moron! Not funny” Scowling she continues to assault him. 

Cackling he pulled her into a hug as she continued to wiggle not amused with the joke. “Would love to I was obviously kidding” he rests his face on top of her head swaying them side-to-side. 

Mika buries into his chest twinkling. “You better be!” 

Bonus: Back at the festival Mitsumi was laying into Kanechika and Sousuke- while the latter had a nagging feeling his plan succeeded.  Here is the art that inspired the last part. This is just the first step they both obviously have a lot of insecurities to deal with Mika even more so. We still don’t know why Mukai is scared of girls or if that’s just a throw-away gag. I tried to make it as fluffy as possible and my hc is these two are really comfortable with skinship as they grow closer even as friends. That’s the kind of people I see them as. Also, about the first/last name changes with focus shifts, sorry if it confused anyone. I wanted to try something new.  Thanks for reading. Let me know what you all think!