Chapter Text
The stars shone brightly above the rooftop of a building next to a Chinese restaurant. Yuuta and Shinobu were standing side by side, looking at the sky.
After a long day filming the 2x2 program, they ended up camping there.
They had been talking about the kind of idols they wanted to become. Since Ryuseitai was a five-member unit, its fans naturally spread among the individual members. So it wasn't something Shinobu worried about too much. But as 2wink was a unit of only two members, the gap felt more meaningful. The overwhelming popularity of "the older brother" had become painful for Yuuta.
“It's painfully apparent to me that you're struggling desperately,” Shinobu said, his voice steady. “I'm sure you're going through a really difficult time right now, so I'll let you take it out on me to relieve stress, okay?”
Shinobu turned toward him, his expression softening.
“We're friends.”
Yuuta chuckled before dropping to one knee and taking Shinobu's hand.
“Shall we get married, Shinobu-kun?” he asked.
“I don't know how to respond to a bit like that, de gozaru!?” Shinobu answered, blushing.
Yuuta laughed and got up, still holding his hand.
“Shinobu…”
The teasing tone had disappeared from Yuuta's voice before Shinobu realized it.
Hearing his name without honorifics sent a strange warmth through his chest.
"I mean it."
Yuuta stepped closer.
"You're... my one and only."
He moved even closer until their foreheads touched. Yuuta's expression had gone unusually quiet.
“So…would you?”
Shinobu could feel his face heating up.
He squeezed Yuuta's hand and grabbed the other.
“A-aren't we skipping a l-lot of steps?!”
“Is that a yes?”
"I-I…guess" Shinobu whispered.
"You don't have to answer seriously, you know."
Shinobu blinked.
"Eh?"
Yuuta lowered his eyes.
"...You're only saying that because you feel bad for me" he said, letting go of his hands.
Shinobu's grip tightened around empty air as Yuuta stepped away.
“Well, anyway, coming back to the program, the whole premise of Living on—”
Yuuta couldn't finish his phrase because Shinobu tugged sharply on his sleeve.
Soft lips brushed against his own, so brief he couldn't process it in time before Shinobu pulled away again.
“I-I still think we should start with the beginning” Shinobu said.
Yuuta moved his hand to Shinobu's cheek, caressing softly.
“Then…Shinobu, can I…be your boyfriend?” he asked.
“Only if you want me to be yours,” Shinobu said.
They kissed again, and even though they had spent an entire week sleeping side by side inside a tent, that night felt different.
Warmer.
A month later, Shinobu was training when Yuuta arrived, smiling more than usual.
“Shinobu~ Shinobu~ do you know what day it is today?”
He grabbed Shinobu's hand and pulled him behind a nearby tree before pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.
“Y-Yuuta, stop doing that, someone could see us, de gozaru!” Shinobu said, looking around.
“Boo~ you're not answering.”
Shinobu frowned, moving his hand to point to his right. Yuuta moved his gaze and saw Ritsu and Mao walking a few feet away.
“Okay, my bad. But we have lessons later, so...”
He sat on the grass, and Shinobu did the same. Yuuta opened his bag and grabbed a delicate blue box.
Inside, there was a pair of silver rings.
“W-what is this?” Shinobu asked, his eyes fixed on the rings.
Yuuta took his left hand and slipped one of the rings onto his ring finger.
"You said we'd get married."
Shinobu looked around, after confirming no one was nearby, he lifted his hand to examine the ring more closely.
The sunlight made it gleam against his skin. For a moment, he stared at it.
Then reality caught up with him.
“Y-You brought rings? But... aren't these expensive de gozaru??”
Yuuta laughed, moving his hand so he could see he was wearing his ring too.
"Don't worry, they aren't real jewelry."
He closed the box and slipped it back into his bag.
"We'll buy proper ones someday."
They stayed there for a while, discussing ways to carry them daily without anyone noticing. In the end, both arrived late to their lessons.
Shinobu opened his eyes and instinctively reached toward the other side of the bed.
But it was empty.
For a few seconds, he remained still.
What time is it?
Shinobu pushed the blanket aside and sat up. Morning light filtered through the curtains, illuminating the room in pale white light.
He let out a quiet breath and reached for his phone.
It was 08:48 am.
Hadn't he heard the alarm?
He slipped out of bed and opened the bedroom door.
The hallway was empty. Yuki and Tama were nowhere to be seen, just like their owner.
After washing his face, Shinobu lingered in front of the sink.
Fragments of the previous night drifted through his mind.
Shinobu stood in front of the mirror before splashing cold water onto his face.
When he stepped back into the hallway, a sweet smell drifted from the living room. As he approached the kitchen, he could hear someone humming.
Shinobu recognized the melody immediately.
"Nekketsu Ryusei Ninpouchou."
"Good morning~ I was about to wake you," Yuuta said as soon as he entered.
Yuuta turned off the stove before walking over and pressing a kiss against his cheek.
Shinobu’s mind went completely blank.
Then he rubbed his eyes. Maybe he was still half asleep.
“Did you sleep well? I tried waking you up earlier, but you looked way too comfortable.”
Shinobu could hear the words, but they struggled to settle in his mind.
"What are you doing?" he finally asked.
"Pancakes~" Yuuta answered in a teasing tone.
Shinobu hesitated.
"Yuuta, are y—"
"We have syrup and chocolate," Yuuta interrupted. "Is that okay for you?"
Shinobu nodded.
"Great, breakfast's ready. Let's go to the table."
Shinobu did as he was told.
The breakfast looked delicious. Cute, even.
Yuuta chatted about random things while setting the table, and Shinobu answered whenever there was a pause long enough to require a response.
Yuki and Tama were asleep on the couch. Outside, dark clouds had begun gathering overhead.
Shinobu traced the rim of the cup with his thumb.
The moment they finished eating, Yuuta gathered the dishes.
"I'll wash these~"
"Yuuta"
Yuuta turned around and hummed as he carried everything toward the kitchen.
The sound of running water filled the apartment as he followed after him.
Shinobu hesitated.
"Are you—"
"Do you think Yuki prefers the tuna snacks or the chicken ones?" Yuuta asked, without looking at him.
Shinobu watched him for a moment before answering.
"...I don't know."
"Hmm. Maybe we should buy both once we get to the store."
Shinobu lowered his gaze.
"...I'll go get changed."
"Okay~" Yuuta replied. "I'll be there in a minute."
Shinobu left the kitchen in silence.
He glanced outside once more. The sky had turned completely gray.
As he approached Yuuta's room, Yuki and Tama followed after him.
The orange cat stopped in front of Hinata's bedroom door and sat down expectantly.
He glanced back toward the kitchen. Yuuta was still washing the dishes. Humming.
"I'm sorry, Tama. This ninja has no jurisdiction over Hinata-kun's room, de gozaru."
Shinobu opened the door to Yuuta's room, and both cats slipped inside.
He flinched slightly as they passed between his legs, both jumping onto the bed.
He stepped inside, trying to lure them down when his gaze drifted toward the nightstand.
He moved forward and picked up his turquoise ribbon.
His thumb traced the ring automatically as a quiet sigh escaped him.
Then his attention shifted to the shelves lining the room.
Pieces of countless performances and events from different units had accumulated there over the years. Among all of it, Ryuseitai stood out immediately.
Shinobu stepped closer.
His fingertips brushed against a familiar poster.
It was from a live performance.
His own signature stretched across the glossy surface.
He remembered how embarrassed he had been while signing it.
Yuuta's eyes had sparkled so brightly that Shinobu had almost laughed. Back then, they had only recently become friends.
So when Shinobu noticed Yuuta standing among the fans waiting for the meet-and-greet, he had genuinely thought he was mistaken.
His attention drifted across the shelves again.
Alkaloid, fine, Knights, even Special for Princess.
There were many people who had become part of Yuuta's life.
Yet somehow, Yuuta always managed to make him feel like the only one.
Shinobu slowly folded the ribbon into his palm.
As he walked toward his suitcase, the bedroom door opened again.
Yuuta stepped inside and immediately stopped.
"Seriously?"
Shinobu glanced back.
Yuki had somehow claimed the center of the bed. Tama was sprawled beside her, stretched across the blankets without a hint of shame.
"I work hard as an idol for you to have the very best, and this is how you repay me?" Yuuta said, pressing his hand to his chest.
A quiet laugh escaped Shinobu.
"Ah~ that's what I get for loving you, huh?"
As he folded the clothes he had changed out of, Yuuta glanced toward the growing pile at the foot of the bed.
"Hmm… guess we should do laundry today.”
"Can we?" Shinobu asked, looking at him.
"Of course~ We got a dryer, so it'll be okay even if it starts raining."
Shinobu opened his mouth, then closed it again.
"Actually..."
Yuuta's grin made Shinobu immediately suspicious.
"...What?"
"Washing our clothes together, doesn't it feel like we're a married couple?"
Shinobu gave him a flat look.
"Technically, all our clothes are washed on the same machine at the laundry on Starmony, de gozaru."
"Boo~" Yuuta said, pouting and folding his arms.
Shinobu laughed again.
"We should go shopping before the rain starts, de gozaru."
"Good point." Yuuta replied.
He walked toward the bed and pointed dramatically at the two cats.
Yuki lifted her head and stared at him.
“C'mon, you know you can't be here”
He scooped Tama into his arms while Yuki jumped down on her own.
Shinobu watched the scene in silence before his gaze drifted toward the nightstand. The aqua hairpins caught his attention.
"Yuuta."
"Hm?”
Shinobu grabbed the hairpins and gestured for Yuuta to sit on the bed.
For a second, neither moved.
Then Yuuta let out a quiet laugh.
"Actually, I was planning to tie it up today," he said as his fingers slipped into his hair. "If it's going to rain, a ponytail is easier."
"...Okay."
He turned them over in his hands, pressing his lips together.
"Then, can I use them?"
"Huh?” Yuuta turned toward him. “Sure."
"Thanks. If it rains, it's impractical to leave my bangs loose."
Shinobu clipped the hairpins into place before Yuuta could respond.
"Hey, you're stealing my style."
“Does it suit me?”
“So much it's unfair~”
Yuuta grabbed his jacket while Shinobu folded the turquoise ribbon and slipped it into his pocket.
"Do we need anything specific, de gozaru?" Shinobu asked.
"Snacks" Yuuta replied.
"That was already on your list," Shinobu said. "I mean actual food."
Yuuta pretended to think about it.
"More snacks?"
Shinobu pinched the bridge of his nose.
Yuuta laughed.
"Okay, okay. We can buy basic ingredients and decide what to—”
A loud clap of thunder echoed through the apartment.
"We should hurry, de gozaru." Shinobu said, zipping up his jacket.
They headed to the entrance. Yuuta slipped on his shoes while Shinobu waited by the door.
"Take care of the house while we're gone, okay?" Yuuta said, looking at the cats.
Neither of them seemed interested in listening.
Shinobu shook his head in amusement as Yuuta opened the door.
A cool breeze drifted in from the hallway.
Together, they stepped out of the apartment.
The way to the grocery store was filled with nonsense conversation. Once they arrived, it was crowded enough to force them to walk closer than they normally would.
Shinobu grabbed a cart, and they moved through the aisles in comfortable silence. But each time he checked on Yuuta, nothing seemed different.
His hand tightened around the handle.
The snack aisle appeared in front of them.
Without thinking, Shinobu reached for a bag of jalapeño-flavored chips and dropped it into the cart.
Yuuta immediately picked it up.
"But you don't like these."
"No, but you do."
Shinobu grabbed another package.
"I'll grab these for myself."
Yuuta looked at the label and frowned, honey butter chips.
"How can anyone eat these?"
"They're good."
"They're terrible."
"I could say the same about yours."
"Chips shouldn't be sweet"
Shinobu laughed softly.
They continued filling the cart with ingredients for the remaining days. From time to time, Shinobu added things he knew Yuuta liked.
Each time, Yuuta protested.
And each time, Shinobu grabbed something for himself that he knew his boyfriend didn't like.
At the register, Yuuta reached for his wallet, but Shinobu was faster.
"This time it's my turn." Shinobu handed over the money before Yuuta could argue. "You carry the bags."
Yuuta stared at him in silence, his smile fading for a second.
Then he picked up the bags and followed him outside.
The automatic doors opened, and cold wind brushed against their faces.
The sky was already dark gray.
For a while, they walked in silence.
People hurried past them on the sidewalk. Cars rolled by. Somewhere in the distance, thunder rumbled again.
Shinobu checked on him again. Yuuta's attention remained fixed on the road.
Lowering his gaze, he let out a quiet breath.
"Yuuta, I—"
A raindrop landed on his cheek.
Shinobu stopped walking.
Yuuta turned toward him just as a second drop landed on the tip of his nose.
"...Eh?"
Within seconds, cold water was pouring from the clouds.
"Run!" Yuuta shouted.
The grocery bags bounced wildly as they hurried down the street.
"Yuuta, give me half the bags!"
"No!"
"Why not?!"
"Because we had an agreement!"
Yuuta tightened his grip on the bags as they kept running.
"You paid, I carry them! That's the rule!"
"At least let me carry one!"
"No refunds!"
"What does that even mean?!"
Yuuta couldn't help laughing, and Shinobu laughed too.
By the time the apartment building came into view, both of them were drenched.
As they got up on the elevator, Shinobu sneezed.
"Sorry, I hope you don't catch a cold." Yuuta said.
"Says the one who looks like he fell into a river." Shinobu replied.
They laughed while walking the hallway. Once they reached the apartment, Yuuta unlocked the door.
The moment they stepped inside, Yuki and Tama appeared from nowhere.
“Yeah, yeah, we brought snacks for you too,” Yuuta said, taking off his shoes.
“Uh…we're going to wet the floor” Shinobu said. His socks were wet too.
“Don't worry, leave everything here, we'll take care of it later” Yuuta said, taking off his jacket.
Water was dripping from his hair. “Next time, make me take the umbrella even if I say no”
Shinobu forgot to answer. His mouth opened, but no words were said.
It wasn't common to see Yuuta's hair completely tied up, and the way the wind and the water had styled it was… beautiful.
"Yuuta, is—"
"We should take a warm shower," Yuuta said, grabbing the bags again.
Shinobu blinked and followed him to the kitchen.
"You should go first," Yuuta said, setting the bags on the counter.
Before Shinobu could reply, a second sneeze interrupted him.
"Go, go~" Yuuta said, pushing him slightly.
Shinobu sighed and started walking to the bathroom.
“Put your clothes in the laundry basket, we'll wash everything later!”
Yuuta's voice echoes in the hallway.
“Okay!” Shinobu replied.
The warm water against his body made Shinobu realize how cold he was.
He let out a heavy sigh.
This wasn’t working.
But he wouldn't give up.
If Yuuta kept avoiding it, then he just had to try something else.
A ninja never backed down from a challenge.
Once he stepped out, he headed to Yuuta's room to get changed.
Yuuta was already there, gathering the clothes that needed to be washed.
"Trying to seduce me?" Yuuta said, smirking.
“Y-Yuuta!”
Yuuta laughed, pressing a quick kiss to Shinobu's cheek before walking to the door.
When he entered the bathroom, the mirror was slightly fogged.
He passed his hand to stare at his reflection.
He pressed both hands against the sink and, for a moment, Yuuta forced himself to smile.
But the smile vanished immediately.
His shoulders slumped.
"You're pathetic." he whispered.
The words disappeared beneath the sound of running water.
After getting dressed, Shinobu grabbed his clothes to leave them with Yuuta's in the laundry basket.
Then he left and turned toward Hinata's room. Making sure the cats weren't close.
“Sorry, Hinata-kun, I'll be borrowing your stuff again” he said and opened the door.
He planned on going straight to where the hairdryer was, but his gaze went towards a corkboard on the wall.
He got closer, there were a bunch of photos, some even over others.
But the one that caught his attention was one where the twins were children. Judging by their clothes, they seemed to be in kindergarten.
A quiet laugh escaped him.
A little Yuuta looked so proud, showing off a lion made of clay.
As he went through the other pictures, he noticed how other idols appeared, and then he saw himself.
There was a spot where a few pictures of him and Yuuta were placed, and above it was a heart-shaped post-it.
Shinobu recognized Hinata's handwriting.
“Thank you”
His hand went absently to his chest.
Did Hinata… no, that doesn't make sense, right?
Shinobu shook his head and grabbed the dryer.
Then he quietly left the room.
Yuuta turned off the water and let out a heavy breath.
He got dressed and walked back to the living room, but stopped midway.
Shinobu was sitting on the couch, the hair dryer resting in his hands.
Yuuta stared at him.
Shinobu stared back.
For a few seconds, neither moved.
Then Yuuta laughed softly and rolled his eyes.
He sat down as Shinobu went behind him.
The dryer started humming. Warm air filled the room.
Shinobu's fingers moved carefully through his damp hair.
Yuuta closed his eyes, feeling the soft touch of Shinobu's hands.
Shinobu swallowed.
The words rose to his lips once again.
But instead of saying them, he continued running his fingers through the orange strands.
A few moments later, the dryer stopped.
"We should make lunch," Shinobu said, setting the dryer aside.
Yuuta looked at him for a moment.
Then smiled and followed him to the kitchen.
Shinobu stood in front of the counter and turned to face Yuuta.
"...As frustrating as it is to admit, you're better at cooking than I am."
A grin immediately appeared on Yuuta's face.
"Oh? Finally acknowledging my housewife material?"
Shinobu ignored him, though a faint blush spread across his cheeks.
"What should we make?"
Yuuta leaned against the counter and thought for a moment.
"Maybe yakisoba?"
Shinobu nodded.
"Sounds good"
Without hesitation, he opened a cupboard, grabbed a cutting board, and placed it on the counter.
"I'll cut the vegetables."
Yuuta blinked.
"You can prepare everything else."
"Oui, chef~" Yuuta replied.
But he stayed watching him move around the kitchen.
"The knives are in the second drawer, right?" Shinobu asked.
"Ah, y-yeah."
A small smile tugged at Yuuta's lips.
Outside, rain continued tapping against the windows.
From time to time, thunder rolled in the distance.
“Should we play music?” Yuuta asked, grabbing his phone.
Shinobu nodded, smiling.
A variety of songs soon filled the apartment.
Under Shinobu's direction, lunch came together surprisingly smoothly.
By the time the yakisoba was ready, the rain was still pouring outside.
They ate side by side at the table while discussing how Ryuseitai would function if Yuuta joined as Ryusei Aqua.
And whether 2wink could still be called 2wink if Hinata were replaced by Shinobu.
Once the dishes were washed, neither of them felt particularly motivated to do anything productive.
So they returned to the living room.
Yuki had already claimed her usual spot on the cat tower, and Tama followed a few seconds later.
Yuuta automatically leaned forward to grab the remote, but Shinobu caught it first.
"You picked yesterday. It's my turn."
"You wanted to watch it too. It was a mutual agreement."
Yuuta said, stretching across the couch to rest his head against Shinobu's shoulder.
"But okay. I'll leave my fate in your hands~"
Shinobu laughed softly at the dramatic declaration and began scrolling through the catalog.
The first movie lasted a little over one hour.
Yuuta complained about the ending being too sweet. Shinobu ignored him and picked another one.
The second movie was interrupted twice because Yuuta insisted on explaining why the villain's plan made no sense.
Shinobu defended the plot and ultimately claimed victory when the ending surprised both of them.
Somehow, before either of them noticed, the gray afternoon outside had faded into evening.
The rain never stopped.
By the time night settled over the city, they were curled up together beneath a blanket, open bags of snacks and half-finished drinks scattered across the coffee table.
"We should make dinner before it gets too late," Shinobu said, folding the blanket.
Yuuta groaned dramatically and turned off the TV.
Together, they cleaned the coffee table.
Just like earlier, they fell into a rhythm almost immediately.
Yuuta handled the stove. Shinobu prepared the ingredients.
Music filled the apartment while they sang along from time to time.
After a while, Shinobu found himself smiling.
"...It's fun."
"What?" Yuuta glanced over. "Me singing 'Suki Suki Hunter'? My voice isn't cute enough for you?"
"No, I-I mean yes, but..."
Shinobu looked back down at the cutting board.
"Shopping, cooking, cleaning..."
He hesitated before finally continuing.
"They're ordinary things, but..."
He lifted his gaze.
"...It's fun. I'm happy to share them with you."
"Wow~"
Shinobu immediately recognized the teasing grin on his face.
"What?"
"You really sound like a husband."
Shinobu turned again to keep focusing on his task.
"Well, we promised we'd get married someday."
The words came out before he could stop them.
The realization hit him a second later, and heat immediately rushed to his face.
Before he could think of anything else to say, arms wrapped around him.
"W-Wait—!"
Shinobu nearly dropped the knife.
"D-Don't do that, it's dangerous!"
Yuuta remained silent, only tightening his hold.
"...Yuuta?" his voice softened.
Yuuta buried his face against his shoulder.
"I love you." he said.
The words came out quieter than usual.
Shinobu leaned back against him.
"I love you too."
Yuuta somehow tightened his arms even more.
A second later, the smell of something burning drifted through the kitchen.
"If you don't move right now, I'm banning you from the kitchen."
"You can't ban me in my own house."
Finally, Yuuta stepped back and hurried toward the stove.
The dinner somehow survived.
And before long, the kitchen was once again filled with the comfortable sounds of the two of them cooking side by side.
The rain had softened outside, becoming a steady rhythm against the windows rather than the violent downpour from earlier.
Once they finished eating, Shinobu automatically gathered the dishes.
"I'll wash."
Yuuta didn't argue this time.
"Okay~ I’ll take care of Yuki and Tama then."
While Shinobu filled the sink with warm water, Yuuta disappeared into the living room to feed the cats.
When the last dish was finally placed on the drying rack, Shinobu returned to the living room.
Yuuta got closer to him and stretched his arms above his head.
"I'm exhausted."
"We didn't even do anything."
"We survived a natural disaster." Yuuta said, pointing to the window.
Shinobu laughed.
Together, they turned off the lights and headed toward Yuuta’s room.
Yuki and Tama had already settled into their favorite sleeping spots.
As they changed into their pajamas, Yuuta stopped suddenly.
"Ah," he said, covering his face. "We forgot to do the laundry."
They laughed and left the room.
Once they got in bed, it was dark except for the faint glow filtering through the curtains.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Then, the sound of a phone shattered the silence.
Yuuta immediately reached toward the nightstand.
The screen illuminated his face.
"Seriously?" he muttered at the screen.
"Hinata-kun?"
"Who else?" Yuuta replied.
Shinobu watched him type a short reply before tossing the phone back onto the nightstand.
As the screen faded, the room sank back into quiet darkness.
Shinobu shifted slightly beneath the blanket.
He swallowed, staring at the ceiling for a second before turning his head toward Yuuta.
"Yuuta, yesterday...”
It was only for a second, but he could feel Yuuta’s shoulders tense.
Shinobu hesitated.
Yuuta was still looking at the ceiling.
"When we were watching the movie..."
He turned to Yuuta's side.
“I forgot to tell you that my mom sends her regards."
After a few moments of silence, Yuuta slowly turned around.
Reaching out with his fingers until his hand found Shinobu’s.
"Tell her I said hi too," Yuuta murmured.
Shinobu squeezed his hand back and shifted closer, leaning his head on Yuuta's chest.
"I will."
Yuuta opened his mouth, but closed it again.
Shinobu closed his eyes, smiling at the feeling of Yuuta's arms wrapping around him.
Outside, rain continued tapping softly against the windows.
Inside, they shared the warmth beneath the blankets, wrapped in a quiet embrace.