#wdbr umemiya

[worldume]

“wait! didn’t you hear..? ume-chan’s in a really bad mood..!”

“haah..?” sakura’s lip curled in an ugly expression— you know, that one he usually makes when he’s annoyed or not pleased by something? suo told him that if he makes it enough, it’ll get stuck and he won’t have to worry about making such expressions anymore. “why. but what does it even matter?”

“it’s just a bit odd to see, right..?” nirei whispered, leaning over with a look of curiosity on his face as he reaches for the little carton of white milk at the table. “i wonder what’s going on..”

“umemiya is typically so outgoing that it’s almost kind of sickening.” suo’s voice is as soothing as ever, offering a closed eyed smile as if he didn’t say something that could be considered mildly insulting— sugishita was asleep a couple desks behind luckily enough. “i’m sure whatever it is might be pretty serious.”

“oh! ume-chan and (name) are fighting.” kiryu chimes in, his white earbud now in hand. “you didn’t see in the group chat? it’s all the talk this morning~ ♪”

“really? figures we didn’t see! sakura overslept this morning and we had to shake him awake.” nirei said in a matter of fact kind of tone— suo nodded with a smile.

“don’t blame me!” sakura barks, looking away with the nastiest little pout on his face. “i’m here, aren’t i?”

“trouble in paradise, hm? ume seems experienced enough to handle a bump or two.. but maybe he did something to really make (name) mad? i can’t imagine what though, they’re both like rays of sunshine.”

“sakura..? why are you blushing?”

“shut the hell up!”

hiragi knew something was off that morning when umemiya walked onto the rooftop later than he usually does. he’s usually there earlier before anyone else. and today his radiant smile nowhere to be found and instead of his typical exuberant, over-the-top greetings, he offered a half-hearted nod before quickly taking a seat at one of the benches under the awning. weird, hiragi thought. very weird, and even more so that he hadn’t checked on his garden before doing anything else. hiragi notices the little things about his friend like how ume’s eyes seemed dim, as if weighed down by a burden— unusually into his phone. ume looked up and asked him for a favor.

when lunchtime came it was tsubakino who knew something was off when umemiya barely touched his lunch. he was normally the life of the party— ushering others to get their fill all while stuff his own face with mini sausages and spoonfuls of omurice. but umemiya’s silence was deafening at the table and it was painfully obvious that others were trying to overcompensate for the silence that’s usually filled in. umemiya’s absentmindedly pushing food around his plate, he’ll take a bite here and there— but again, he’s oddly engrossed in his phone. the rest of the members exchanged worried glances, this wasn’t like ume-chan at all.

poor sugishita. he’s stressed out— no, on the verge of having a complete meltdown by the time bofurin meets for an afternoon assembly. ume-chan has barely even said a hundred words today and he knows because he’s counted! sugi noticed how reserved ume seemed when he asked sugishita to take care of his gardening that day. he would have done that anyway, but the occasion just seemed.. strange. but ume never liked to assume anyone would anyone favors without being asked. hiragi’s making all the announcements at the assembly today, sugi noticed— and ume stood off to the side, arms crossed over his chest with a hardened but distant look on his face.

that evening sakura really got a taste of it for himself when he went looking for ume and couldn’t find at his usual spots. irritation is what sakura felt. not because he couldn’t find him, but because sakura was actually.. feeling.. some sort of.. interest or excitement about talking with ume! his brow twitched in agitation, fists balled up with a furious blush on his nose bridge and cheeks when he asked around. no one’s seen ume but sakura ends up stumbling upon him when entering a quiet little cafe he likes to go to at the end of town.

“ah. i said today, didn’t i.” ume knows, but it just completely slipped his mind. he told sakura he wantedto speak to him today. “i’m sorry, sakura. i’ve been thinking about a lot.”

“..whatever, don’t apologize..” sakura looked away, brows furrowed into a frown as he tried his best to hide the pink tint on his cheeks— a few seconds go by and he gets a glance in. oh yeah, this guy’s really fucked up about something. come to think out it, he looks like he didn’t sleep last night.

“what would you do if someone you loved didn’t want to speak to you?” the question is so sudden and catches the sweet boy beside him completely off guard.

“haaaaaah?!”

“i forgot you’re shy about these things.” a halfhearted chuckle escaped ume’s lips. “(name) and i.. we had a.. disagreement last night— she’s upset with me to say the least.”

“i don’t know much about.. girls or whatever but i do know when girls say they’re ‘fine’ or they ‘don’t want to talk to you’— means the opposite.” sakura mumbles— he’s talking but he’s busying himself with anything to try to avoid ume’s eyes, so he’s taken a sudden interest in the sugar holder. “she probably just wants to spend more time with you.. someone who cares a lot about someone else wouldn’t just say don’t talk to them unless they’re tryin’ to run ‘nd hide from the issue.”

so, that’s exactly what ume did when he found himself at your door step an hour later with all your favorite things: flowers, sweets, and a some hot takeout. when you opened the door you were greeted with his warm smile— an apologetic expression on his pretty features.

and when he asked to come in, you said yes.

© all content belongs to worldume 2024. do not, translate, modify or repost to any other platforms.

[worldume]

its the annual fireworks festival. what’s your fate?

word count: 3.3k

the night sky above the small town of makochi is a canvas of deep indigo, speckled with stars that twinkle like tiny lanterns. the main street is now livelier than ever as the town's annual fireworks festival unfolds.

paper lanterns strung across the street cast a warm and golden glow on the streets below— illuminating the faces of families, friends, and couples as they wander from stall to stall. the soft murmur of conversations and laughter blends with the aroma of yakitori, takoyaki, and taiyaki wafting from the food stalls lining the street. vendors call out their specials, their cheerful shouts drawing in the crowd.

children run about in brightly colored yukatas, their faces lit with excitement as they clutch cotton candy and goldfish scooped from the lively game booths. the delicate sound of wind chimes tinkles gently in the summer breeze, mingling with the rhythmic beat of traditional taiko drums playing in the background. in the center of the street, a stage hosts a series of performances from traditional dance to karaoke all done by local talents.

families spread out blankets on the grass near the riverbank, finding their perfect spots to watch the fireworks throughout the night.

ᶻ﹕→ sakura

you sway slightly on your feet, feeling the pleasant warmth of the alcohol flush through your cheeks. your hand a bit unsteady as it clutches a small ceramic cup of sake, remnants of the drink swirling at the bottom.

sakura stands a few feet away, focused on the task at hand. his brows furrow in concentration, odd colored eyes glinting with determination as he leans over the goldfish scooping booth. the small paper scoop in his hand quivers slightly, delicate as it dips into the water. the goldfish dart away, their shimmering scales catching the lantern light in a fleeting dance of orange and gold.

you giggle— the sound bubbling up unbidden and loud enough to draw a few amused glances from nearby festival-goers. “you can do it, baby!” you cheer, your voice carrying a slight slur. “win me that fish!”

sakura shoots you a look of mild annoyance— its his usual expression, but there's a softness in his eyes that belies his gruff exterior. “i'm trying, you’re probably scarin’ them,” he mutters, turning back to the task with a locked jaw.

the vendor is an older man with kind eyes and a patient smile, he watches the exchange with a knowing nod. "it's all in the wrist," he advises as he demonstrates a gentle and fluid motion. you take another sip of sake, the smooth liquid warming you from the inside out. the sounds around you— the clinking of glasses, the distant music, the murmur of happy conversations— it’s nice.

sakura makes another attempt, his movements more assured this time. the paper scoop glides through the water, and for a moment, it looks like he's got it. a collective gasp escapes from the small crowd gathered around, and you hold your breath, eyes wide with anticipation.

with a swift motion, sakura lifts the scoop, and there it is—a gleaming goldfish, caught and secure. the crowd erupts in applause, and you cheer louder than anyone, nearly spilling your sake in your excitement. “you did it!”

he turns to you, holding up the small plastic bag with the goldfish inside, his face still set in that familiar look of annoyance, but there's a glimmer of pride in his eyes. “here,” he grunts, handing you the bag. “it's yours.”

you take it, your fingers brushing against his, and for a moment, the world narrows down to just the two of you. the lights, the sounds, the people—all fade away, leaving only the warmth of sakura's presence and joy.

you lean into him, the tipsiness making you bolder, and press a kiss to his mouth. “thank you,” you whisper, feeling the softness of his skin against your lips. “you're the best.”

he huffs, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “yeah, yeah.” he replies, his tone gruff but affectionate. “just don't drop the damn thing.”

he wraps an arm around you, pulling you close. you hold up the bag making eye contact with the little golden baby before a thought passes on your head. “he kind of looks like nirei, no..?”

ᶻ﹕→ nirei

the festival is in full swing, with the crowd bustling around you. the sounds of laughter, chatter, and the distant crackle of fireworks fill the air. you and nirei walk through the throng of people, holding hands tightly to avoid getting separated in the sea of faces.

the crowd is dense, pressing in from all sides. you can feel the heat of bodies around you, the mix of voices and loud sounds overwhelm you. you've never been a fan of overly populous places, and the sheer number of people makes your heart race and your chest tight.

nirei’s grip on your hand though is firm and reassuring, his long fingers intertwined with yours as he walks slightly ahead of you, glancing back frequently to ensure you’re okay. his sweet nature is evident in his every action— the soft squeezes, his thumb rubbing the back of your hand, the closeness makes you feel safe and connected, even on the verge of a panic attack.

“stay close,” he says, his voice soft but clear above the noise, a hint of concern lacing voice. his eyes are focused and alert as he looks around, ensuring you both stay together. he’s not not the strongest physically, he’s well aware but things can can excel in, he does phenomenally.

you nod, squeezing his hand in response. “i’m not going anywhere,” you reply, a smile tugging at your lips despite the anxiety building up in your throat.

as you pass various stalls, you catch glimpses of vendors selling traditional festival foods and trinkets— children running around with sparklers, their laughter mingling with the sounds of a nearby performance.

nirei pauses for a moment, glancing back at you with a soft smile. “want to check out that stall?” he nods toward a nearby booth selling colorful paper lanterns. the lanterns’ gentle glow reflects in his eyes, making them sparkle in the dim light.

you shake your head slightly, trying to keep the unease from your voice. “maybe later,” you say, leaning into him slightly. “ ‘m sorry.. let’s just keep moving for now.”

he nods, understanding your discomfort. “we’ll find a quieter spot,” he assures you, his voice warm and soothing. “just hold on for me.”

he continues to guide you through the crowd, his grip on your hand never faltering. as you weave between groups of people, you feel the press of bodies all around and you try your best to not completely freak out.

finally, you reach a slightly less crowded area near the edge of the festival grounds. the noise and chaos of the crowd fade slightly, replaced by the more distant sounds of the festival. nirei leads you to a quiet corner where you can catch your breath.

“better?” he asks, his eyes full of concern and affection as he watches you.

you nod, taking a deep breath and feeling the tension in your shoulders start to ease. “much better,” you reply, giving him a grateful smile. “thank you.”

he smiles back pulling you into a brief but comforting hug. “anything for you,” he says softly, his voice filled with warmth. “let’s take a moment here? then we can explore more at your pace.”

“look at that,” nirei says suddenly, pointing to the sky where a particularly brilliant firework explodes, casting vibrant colors across the night. you follow his gaze, momentarily mesmerized by the spectacle.

while you’re distracted, nirei reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small, delicate box. he opens it to reveal a dainty necklace, the gemstone catching the light beautifully. its sapphire— his birthstone. when you turn back to him just as he gently drapes the necklace around your neck, his fingers deftly fastening the clasp.

“nirei…” you begin.

he smiles warmly, his eyes sparkling with affection. “i wanted to give you something special to remember tonight,” he says softly, brushing a stray lock of hair behind your ear. “do you like it?” as you stand the distant fireworks lighting up the night sky.

“come here..” you say, pulling him into a kiss.

ᶻ﹕→ suo

you and suo found a secluded spot on a soft blanket at the water’s edge. the gentle lapping of the river against the shore provided a soothing background sound as lanterns floated lazily on the water, their soft glow casting dancing reflections on the surface.

suo had draped his jacket over your shoulders, protecting you from the cool breeze that carried the faint scent of summer rain. his arm was wrapped around you, pulling you close as you two gazed upward at the night sky ablaze with colors. each explosion was met with gasps and cheers from the crowd as you leaned against his shoulder, your eyes wide with wonder. the colorful lights reflected in yours eyes, shone from Suo’s gaze as he looked at her.

“these fireworks are amazing, ‘yato..” she whispered.

sounds nodded in agreement, his smile widening. “you’re right— almost as spectacular as you,” he replied, his tone tender and sincere. his fingers gently intertwined with hers and she giggled, quickly pecking his lips with a sweet kiss.

“keep talkin’ sweet to me like that and we may have to leave early~” you tease.

“oh? you know not to threaten me with a good time, my dearest.”

ᶻ﹕→ kiryu

kiryu stands a few steps back, his phone held up and angled just right. his usual carefree smile is replaced with a rare look of concentration, though the glint in his eyes remains mischievous. his sharp jawline and pretty blue eyes catch the occasional flicker of fairy lights put up, making him look effortlessly handsome.. how utterly infuriating.

“okay, now look over here and smile,” he instructs, his voice sweetly pitched with that familiar whiny tone that never fails to make your tummy flutter. you follow his lead, tilting your head slightly and offering a smile. “perfect,” he murmurs, snapping a few pictures. “now try a candid one, like you’re looking at something interesting.”

you glance to the side, pretending to be fascinated by a nearby stall and kiryu captures the moment— his eyes never leaving you. “beautiful,” he says softly, almost to himself.

the scent of freshly popped popcorn and sweet cotton candy wafts through the air, mingling with the subtle fragrance of the night-blooming flowers nearby. the combination of aromas is nostalgic and comforting— but kiryu’s voice breaks you out of your thoughts.

“let’s try one more,” kiryu suggests, moving closer to adjust your hair slightly. his fingers brush against your cheek, and you feel a rush of warmth at the gesture. “hold still,” he adds, giving you a cheeky tap under your chin before stepping back to take the final shot. as the phone clicks, you can’t help but admire the way kiryu looks tonight. his hair is down.. you feel like you might go a little crazy.

“got it,” he says, lowering the phone and walking back to you. he shows you the photos. “so pretty— gonna post them tonight, right?”

“thank you, sweetheart— i’ll post them tonight. everyone’s active.” you say, leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. “you’re the best photo taker.”

he chuckles, slipping his arm around your waist and pulling you close. “only because I have the best model,” he replies. “seriously, you make the job so easy ~ ♡”

you laugh, playfully nudging him. “shut up.. flirt.”

“don’t get shy on me,” he teases, his voice taking on that familiar sweet tone that makes your heart flutter. “let’s get one together.” he sets the phone to selfie mode, holding it out in front of both of you.

you lean in, your head resting against his as he captures the moment with a peace sign held up. “there,” he says, looking at the photo with satisfaction. “i’ll post this one.”

ᶻ﹕→ togame

the night air is cool and crisp as you step out of your apartment, the soft click of your heels on the pavement. the streetlight’s lights reflect off the sleek surface of your phone as you check the time, purse dangling from one arm, swaying slightly with each hurried step. you can hear the festivities from blocks away and the air smells faintly burnt from the fireworks that have already been set off.

“where are my keys?” you mutter, patting down your pockets and rummaging through your purse, a look of mild panic crossing your face. your mind races, trying to recall the last place you had them. “i swear i just had them.. baby? did you see them anywhere..?”

togame stands beside you, leaning against the doorframe, watching you with an amused smile. his eyes twinkle with a mix of affection and amusement, his expression relaxed despite your frazzled state. he’s always calm, even when you’re rushing around like this.

he chuckles, shaking his head slightly. “calm down, crazy. i’ve got them.” you pause looking up at him, your phone still clutched in one hand and your purse in the other. “you have them?” you repeat, relief flooding your voice.

he nods, pulling the keys out of his pocket and jingling them slightly. “yeah.” he steps forward, gently guiding you to the side with a light touch on your hip. “move out of the way so i can lock the door.”

as you step aside to let him lock the door, you can't help but be struck by how handsome he looks tonight.. the soft light from the hallway lamp casts a glow on his face, highlighting the strong lines of his jaw and the subtle curve of his lips. he's cleaned up well tonight, in a tailored dark blazer that fits him perfectly, paired with a crisp white shirt that accentuates his broad shoulders and lean frame.

the scent of his cologne reaches you, a blend of cedarwood, bergamot, and a hint of something slightly spicy. it’s familiar and comforting— yet so, so intoxicating, filling your senses and making your heart skip a beat.

as he locks the door, there’s a slight smirk playing on his lips as he catches your gaze. you notice the way his hair is styled, a few strands falling just so across his forehead. he makes it hard to look away and for a moment, you forget all about the keys and the party— would it be so bad to be a little late for a quickie?

“what?” he asks, turning to you with a teasing glint in his eye.

“nothing,” you reply, a little breathless. “just.. you look really good tonight.”

he chuckles softly, reaching out to take your hand, “so do you,” he says, his voice low and sincere. “now, let's get to this party— I could use a drink.”

ᶻ﹕→ umemiya

you and umemiya wander through the crowds of people, hands linked and laughter bubbling between you. you’ve both had a few drinks, a little tipsy from bar hopping earlier in the evening, and the world feels just a bit brighter, and the night a bit more magical.

you find yourselves near the stage where a lively band is playing traditional festival music mixed with modern beats. the rhythm is infectious, drawing people in to dance and sway along. umemiya turns to you, his eyes sparkling with joy, he’s definitely a teeny bit hammered by the drinks— his cheeks have a natural flush to them, one that’s usually not there.

“let’s dance,” he says, his voice a little louder to be heard over the music. without waiting for your reply, he pulls you into the open space in front of the stage, where others are already moving to the music. umemiya’s hands find yours, and he starts to move, his steps surprisingly graceful and in sync with the beat. you follow his lead, the two of you quickly falling into a rhythm

umemiya pulls you closer, his hands settling firmly on your hips. you can feel the strength in his grip, steady and reassuring. the world around you blurs into a backdrop of colorful lights and swaying crowds, but all you can focus on is him.

his broad, muscular frame feels solid and protective, enveloping you in a sense of security and warmth. he’s wearing the thin white t-shirt you like, the one where you can see the defined outline of his pecs, each movement revealing the hard lines of his muscles. the fabric clings to his chest just a little, tight enough to see his nipples.

umemiya’s scent is like a mix of subtle cologne and something distinctly him— it fills your senses as you move together. his heartbeat is steady, a calming rhythm that you always try to find when you’re close like this. he looks down at you with a playful glint in his eye, you’re ogling him, blatantly.

“you’re really something, you know that?” he murmurs, his voice low and intimate, almost lost in the surrounding noise but clear to your ears.

your hands rest on his chest, feeling the firmness of his pecs beneath your fingers, the warmth of his skin radiating through the thin fabric. “takes one to know one,” you reply with a grin, your voice a bit breathless.

he chuckles, the sound vibrating through his chest. “i don’t think i’ve ever seen you this happy in a long time,” he says, pulling you even closer, his hands sliding around to the small of your back. “i like it.”

you smile up at him, giggling. “ume you said that yesterday— plus, it’s hard not to be happy when i’m with you,” you admit.

he leans in, his forehead resting gently against yours. “then let’s make sure we have more nights like this,” he whispers, his breath warm against your lips.

“mm.” you nod, pecking his lips.

ᶻ﹕→ hiragi

a nameless underclassman wandered through the festival grounds, eyes wide with wonder at the lively scene.

as he meandered through the festival, he spotted a couple standing slightly apart from the busiest areas. the taller figure was instantly recognizable as hiragi— one of the four kings. this particular freshman wasn’t under hiragi’s division but hiragi was easily known around school for his stern demeanor and penchant for scolding others— he was always a hard ass, rarely showing any sign of softness. (name) was known to be the complete opposite however— kind, soft, maybe a little bit naive. it was common knowledge they were together but it was rare that they were actually seen together.

but tonight was different. hiragi stood with (name), his usually harsh expression softened into something almost unrecognizable. the underclassman watched curiously, unable to look away from the sight. he felt slight shame for being so nosey but there was something about the scene that felt like a spectacle.

hiragi’s arms were wrapped around (name) from behind, holding her close as they swayed gently to the distant music. his chin rested lightly on the crown of her heart. there was an unmistakable tenderness in the way he held her. (name) looked utterly content, her eyes closed as she leaned back into hiragi’s embrace.

the underclassman edged closer, pretending to examine a nearby stall selling colorful paper fans, but really he was trying to hear what hiragi was saying. his voice was usually sharp and commanding, but now it was.. soft and? gentle, barely audible over the noise of the festival.

“are you okay?” hiragi asked, his lips close to (name)’s ear. his tone was filled with genuineness that was a far cry from his usual barked orders.

“mhm, don’t worry so much, honey.” the girl replied, her voice carrying a warmth that matched the glow of the lanterns. she turned her head slightly, and hiragi’s lips brushed against her temple in a tender kiss.

the underclassman felt a strange mix of emotions watching them—it was like watching your mom and dad share the love that they had from before when you weren’t around. a glimpse into a private world, a side of hiragi that seemed so distant from the strict disciplinarian he portrayed at school. he couldn’t help but to admire it.

he hopes they’ll spend many more years together. happy just like this.

author’s note: happy 4th of July to those who celebrate! i am not patriotic at all but i like the fireworks and food! 💔 i really hope you guys enjoyed this. its something started this morning. i was gonna add sugi, tsubaki, kaji, choji, endo and chika but i ran out of space for dividers. cries. anyway! if you read this far, thank you! bell signing off. ㅤ ᵕ̈

© all content belongs to worldume 2024. do not, translate, modify or repost to any other platform

[worldume]

positive.

spotlight: hajime umemiya.

content: afab reader, pregnancy, anxiety, nsfw.

a cinnamon apple scented wax melter sits on the counter. its soft amber light steady as it casts shadows on the walls. the aroma is one of umemiya’s favorites— something gourmand and warm, it reminds him of something called home.

(name) is perched on the closed toilet lid, back hunched and shoulders trembling as she clutches a positive pregnancy test— the two pink lines stark and unforgiving against the white plastic as it stares back at her.

her breathing is shallow and rapid, chest rising and falling in erratic jerks. each inhale feels like it might be the last she can manage as the walls of the small bathroom seem to close in— the space becoming suffocatingly tight. her vision blurs with unshed tears, and she squeezes her eyes shut, as if.. she can make the reality disappear if she can't see it. but she knows that’s not the case. no matter how bad she wanted it to be.

her mind races with a whirlwind of thoughts.. fears.. every possible consequence, every worry about the future, every doubt about her own capabilities. it all floods her at once. her hands are clammy, fingers gripping the test so tightly her knuckles feel like the skin could peel away from them, leaving the skin broken and raw. the edges of her vision darken and a wave of dizziness washes over her.

(name) will admit.. umemiya and her have long since stopped using condoms early in their relationship, opting for the pull out method and birth control as their preferred method of contraception. but recently.. they’ve gotten a bit.. sloppy, a little more careless. (name) can’t remember the last.. successful time he’s pulled out of her— it seems like they wait until the last possible second and even then, there’s still a trail of his seed seeping out of her hole. umemiya can’t really bring himself to stop once he’s started. it feels too good. and it’s not like locking her legs around his waist while he’s telling her he’s about to cum helps the situation at all.

she leans forward with elbows on her knees, trying to ground herself— the cool porcelain of the sink to her left offers a small comfort against the rising heat of her skin. (name)’s breaths come in stuttering gasps now, tears spilling freely down her cheeks. the sound of her own heartbeat roars in her ears, loud and oppressive.. she feels like she's drowning, each gasp for air feeling more desperate than the last.

she forces herself to count her breaths, a shaky attempt to regain control. “one, two, three..” she whispers between gasps, voice barely audible over the sound of her own panic. her fingers loosen their grip on the test just a little and she clutches her (his) shirt instead, trying to anchor herself. she inhales the scent— his scent.

the bathroom around her seems both.. painfully real and unreal at the same time. she can feel the cold tiles beneath her feet, the weight of the test in her hand, but everything feels distant, as if she’s not really there. she focuses on the mundane details.. like the way the water droplets from her recent shower cling to the mirror, the pattern of the tiles, anything to distract her mind from her spiraling thoughts..

gradually the counting helps. her breaths slow, becoming a little deeper, a little steadier. the immediate threat of a full-blown panic attack begins to recede, leaving her exhausted.. still terrified, but a little more in control. she opens her eyes, staring at the positive test in her hand, and takes a deep, shuddering breath.

“shit..!” she cries out before shooting up from her spot. she reaches for her phone on the counter, fingers trembling as she types out a text to umemiya.

- hey, bubby.. are you still busy?

she erases it.

- i need you home right now please.

no.. no.

- hajime.. can you come home? its important..

she stares at the words for a long moment, heart pounding even harder. but she hesitates again, her thumb hovering over the send button. she erases the text completely for a third time and opts to call him.

the phone rings, and her heart races with each passing second. when he picks up, she can hear the chatter and laughter in the background, the sounds of him having fun.

“what's up, lovebug?” he asks, his voice warm and cheerful. “was just thinkin’ about you! you should have came tonight, the guys miss that pretty face— oh— sakura’s blushing.”

she swallows hard, tears threatening to spill again as a soft laugh escapes her lips. “oh yeah..? he’s so cute..” she coughs to clear her throat. “nothing.. i just wanted to tell you that i love you.. and miss you.”

there's a brief pause on the other end, the noise fading slightly. one the other end umemiya feels like there’s something off and he excuses himself to get to a quieter corner. “i love and miss you too, bug. always. is everything okay?”

she takes a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. “yeah, everything's fine. i just needed to hear your voice.”

“..i'm glad you called,” he says gently. “i'll be home soon, okay?”

“okay,” she whispers, managing a small smile despite the anxiety inside her. “i'll see you then.”

© all content belongs to worldume 2024. do not, translate, modify or repost to any other platforms.