Yu's breaths came quicker, little whimpers breaking into Taichi's mouth as their bodies pressed close beneath the covers. Taichi's touch skimmed reverently across Yu's curves, slipping under fabric here, brushing bare skin there—always asking with his eyes, always waiting for Yu's faint nods.
Every place Isuke's hands had defiled, Taichi retraced with patience, covering them in care, in kisses, in warmth. He didn't claim—he healed.
Yu gasped when Taichi's palm flattened over his chest, thumb grazing gently across a soft peak. Instead of shrinking, Yu leaned in, lips finding Taichi's, whispering his love between each kiss. His hips shifted instinctively, clinging for more closeness, and Taichi guided him with slow, steady pressure—nothing frantic, just the rhythm of their bodies finding trust again.
"Only you, Taichi…"
Yu whispered, flushed and trembling, clutching fistfuls of Taichi's shirt.
"Always you."
"Always me."
Taichi promised, kissing the words into the damp line of Yu's hair.
They lingered there, kissing, touching, sighing—pushing just a little further than before, enough that Yu felt clean again, wanted again, cherished instead of broken. It wasn't about heat or urgency—it was about replacing the poison with something real.
Eventually their movements slowed, exhaustion tugging at their battered bodies. Taichi tucked Yu tight against him, one arm under his head, the other wrapped around his waist. Yu pressed a final, feather-light kiss to Taichi's jaw, eyes already drooping.
"Goodnight, Taichi…"
"Goodnight, Yu. Sweet dreams."
Their breaths evened, their hearts steadying together. The city's faint night hum filled the silence as they drifted into sleep—twined, cracked, but whole in each other's arms.
And for the first time in what felt like a long time, Yu slept without fear.
---
The morning light poured in pale and cold through the curtains, but Yu felt only warmth. He stirred first, cheek still pillowed against Taichi's chest, their legs tangled beneath the quilt. For a moment he just listened—the slow, steady rhythm of Taichi's heartbeat, the faint puff of his breath stirring Yu's hair.
Taichi blinked awake not long after, groggy but smiling when his gaze landed on Yu.
"Morning."
Yu returned the smile, softer, shyer, but steadier than before.
"Morning."
It wasn't like the other mornings they'd shared. Something in the air had shifted—thicker, deeper. Last night hadn't just been comfort; it had been trust, healing, and love layered so deeply that Yu could feel it still clinging to his skin. He traced lazy circles against Taichi's chest with his fingertip, marveling at how natural it felt to touch him, to belong like this.
They rose slowly, unhurried, moving around their little kitchen in a practiced dance. Taichi poured tea while Yu fried eggs, both stealing glances at one another and chuckling when their eyes met. There was no rush to fill the silence; being together like this was enough.
Taichi kissed Yu's forehead before heading out for morning practice, murmuring.
"See you tonight."
Yu lingered in the doorway, watching him go, heart so full it almost hurt.
---
Days passed. School returned to its rhythm, reports and exams eating away at the calendar. The shadow of the field trip—and the bus ride—faded slowly into the background, a scar Yu carried but no longer let define him. With Taichi at his side, his days grew lighter.
When Yu handed in his field trip report, neatly bound and written with Taichi's patient guidance, he earned a 100. His chest swelled with pride when the teacher handed it back with a smile.
As December's chill set in, frost started to glaze the windows in the mornings, Yu's thoughts turned to the small, careful bundle he had hidden away in his closet. A finished soft scarf, fingerless gloves, and a beanie—all crocheted by his own hands, every stitch carrying the quiet devotion he couldn't always put into words. One particularly cold morning, he thought.
'Maybe it was finally time to give them to Taichi.'
The morning air bit with winter's teeth, their breath puffing in white clouds as Yu and Taichi made their way down the familiar street to school. Taichi tugged his jacket collar higher, glancing down at Yu tucked into his own coat.
"Getting colder by the day."
Taichi muttered, reaching out to check Yu's collar like always.
"You warm enough? Don't want you catching another cold—you were a disaster last time."
Yu blinked, lips parting, because this was the perfect moment. His hand slipped into his schoolbag, fingers brushing the soft yarn he'd spent months crocheting to perfection. He pulled the scarf free, his face warming.
"Um… actually, I—"
Before he could finish, Taichi laughed, taking the scarf gently from Yu's hands.
"Good thinking, bringing an extra layer. Here."
He looped it snugly around Yu's neck with practiced care, tucking the ends just so.
Yu's face turned crimson.
"N-no, wait—!"
Taichi stepped back, admiring his handiwork.
"There. Perfect. Now I don't have to worry."
His eyes softened.
"Remember last time? You were convinced you were going to die."
Yu's ears burned as he puffed up.
"T-that's because you were running around like a headless chicken, spoiling me like some… some doting husband!"
Instead of being embarrassed, Taichi chuckled low in his throat.
"Doting husband, huh? Maybe you should get sick again. I liked how clingy you were."
Yu gasped, scandalized, and immediately clung to Taichi's arm, burying his face against it with a pout.
"Dummy. I don't need to be sick to cling to my boyfriend."
The warmth between them lingered all the way to the school gates, Yu almost forgetting entirely that the scarf bundled up around his neck was supposed to be Taichi's gift.
It wasn't until they stepped into the classroom, the heater blasting warmth against their chilled cheeks, that Yu froze mid-step. His eyes darted down at the scarf still around him and a groan slipped from his lips.
"Ughhh… I failed…"
"Failed what?"
Fumiko leaned over her desk, eyes sharp with curiosity. Sakura immediately appeared at Yu's side, clutching his arm like a nosy sister.
"What's wrong with our Yu-chan? Why do you look like your favorite manga just totally ended in tragedy?"
Yu wilted, muffled behind the scarf.
"…It was supposed to be a gift. For Taichi. I made it for him and-and a beanie and gloves. But he misunderstood and—"
Both girls gasped in unison, Sakura squealing while Fumiko's grin turned wicked.
"So cute!! Like super insanely cute!♡"
Yu buried his face deeper in the scarf, his pale cheeks flushed pink. The more he tried to disappear into his seat, the louder Fumiko and Sakura's giggles became.
"Oh my god, Yu, you actually crocheted that scarf for him?"
Sakura clapped her hands together like she couldn't contain her delight.
"That's so sweet I could like literally die."
Fumiko leaned forward on her desk, chin propped on her palm, smirking.
"And then he wrapped it around your neck instead. Priceless. He probably thinks you were just cold."
Yu groaned, tugging the yarn up to cover even his nose.
"…He didn't even realize it was supposed to be a present."
"That's because you didn't tell him!"
Sakura sing-songed.
"You just stood there turning red like a boiled octopus."
"I-I was trying!"
Yu sputtered, glaring weakly over the edge of the scarf.
"It's totally not easy, okay?!"
Their laughter softened, though neither girl let up on the teasing sparkle in their eyes.
"You know what this means?"
Fumiko said, her grin turning sly.
"You've got to try again. A real attempt. You can't just give up after scarf-gate."
Yu groaned again, flopping dramatically over his desk.
"I want to melt into the floor and disappear…"
"Too bad~"
Sakura said cheerfully, poking his shoulder.
"You're getting another chance. This time, at lunch. You've still got that hat, right? Wait, does it look like the beanie and scarf you made for yourself? The red with gray ones? Omg, you made a matching one!"
"Eh, eh! No wonder he mistook it as something for you! Lol, oh but your's is more red. Hah, maybe your boyfriend is just blind to the little details."
Yu's head snapped up, eyes wide, as if they'd just exposed his deepest secret.
"H-how do you know about that?!"
"Silly, it's written all over your face! Of course it's gotta match, how else will people know you two are madly in love!"
Sakura said, wagging a finger.
"When you hand it to him you should totally say something like 'I wanted hubby's ears to stay warm too.'"
Fumiko's smirk sharpened.
"Lunch break, Yu. You're giving him that beanie. No excuses."
Yu groaned again, louder this time, burying his face in folded arms.
"Why are you both like this…"
"Because it's fun!"
Sakura chimed.
"Because you need the push."
Fumiko added smoothly.
The bell rang, but even as the teacher entered and the class settled, Yu's mind buzzed with dread. Lunch wasn't far off, and now there'd be no escaping it—his friends were determined to see him through attempt number two.
---
Lunch break came, and as promised, Fumiko and Sakura dragged Yu toward the courtyard, half-whispering, half-chattering encouragement. Yu clutched a small paper bag to his chest like it was contraband, every step making his face hotter.
"This is the perfect spot."
Sakura whispered, crouching low behind a bush near the benches.
"Look, Taichi's already sitting there."
"He's even waiting quietly for once."
Fumiko added with a grin, holding up her phone already recording.
"Romantic setup, ten out of ten."
Yu shot both of them a glare that lacked any real bite, then reluctantly shuffled forward, the bag trembling in his hands.
"Go get your man, Yu!"
Sakura whispered, giving him a thumbs-up.
Yu's knees felt weak as he approached the bench. Taichi looked up, breaking into that easy grin that always undid him.
"Hey, baby."
Taichi said, shifting his aside to make room.
"Come sit. Did you get lunch yet? I know you were pretty excited for the new menu items."
"N-no, not yet!"
Yu sat stiffly, clutching the bag tighter.
"…I wanted to… to…"
His voice trailed off. The paper rustled as he fumbled inside, finally pulling out the soft, neatly crocheted beanie. His heart pounded like a war drum.
Taichi tilted his head.
"A beanie?"
Yu swallowed hard.
"I—I made this. It's cold, so—"
And that was when a basketball thudded against the stone path, bouncing once before Taichi snatched it out of the air with a practiced grab.
"Oi! Taichi!"
Yamato's voice rang across the courtyard, loud as always.
"Pass it back!"
Souma jogged up behind him, waving.
"We need our ace for a round, come on!"
"Ha! You guys never learn."
Taichi laughed, standing smoothly and spinning the ball on the tips of his hand.
From behind the bush, Sakura and Fumiko froze, eyes wide, then groaned together.
"No, no, no, not now! Those idiots!"
Sakura whispered harshly, gripping her phone tighter.
Yu's hands shot behind his back, crumpling the beanie in a desperate grip.
"Ah, wait, Yu. You wanted to tell me something?"
"I-it's nothing! Nothing important!"
He blurted, face scarlet.
Taichi blinked, half-turning toward him.
"Huh? But—"
"Go play."
Yu said quickly, forcing a small smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"It's fine."
Taichi hesitated only a second before Yamato shouted again, and then he was jogging off to join them, laughter echoing across the courtyard as the three began tossing the ball around.
Behind the bush, Sakura slapped her forehead while Fumiko let out a long sigh.
"He was right there!"
Sakura muttered, exasperated.
"So close."
The two of them started to rise, ready to march over and give Yamato and Souma a piece of their mind, when Yu suddenly appeared, tugging at their sleeves with urgent little hands.
"Please don't…"
Yu whispered, cheeks still pink.
"It's okay. Really. Just… not this time."
The girls exchanged looks, softening at his expression.
"Then there's only one chance left! I need to see this through! Before you two leave, after school."
Fumiko said in a low voice, smirk returning.
"The gloves. Your last gift."
Yu's eyes widened.
"…After school?"
"After school!"
Sakura confirmed firmly, squeezing his shoulder.
"No interruptions. You're not backing out this time. I need to, like, witness this historic K-drama scene!"
Yu's heart hammered as he stared down at the paper bag, still hiding the beanie. Maybe his third attempt would finally succeed.
---
The school day ended with the bell's chime, and the air was cold enough that Yu's breath puffed faintly white as he stood at the shoe lockers, clutching the small bag tight against his chest. Fumiko and Sakura were lurking a few steps away, peeking from behind a pillar, whispering encouragement like conspirators.
"Third time's the charm."
Sakura hissed, practically bouncing.
"Don't stammer so much this time, Yu. You got this, girl!"
Fumiko teased in a hushed voice, phone already in hand to record.
Yu's face was a picture of nerves, but also determination. He glanced up just as Taichi appeared at the lockers, slinging his bag over his shoulder and flashing that careless grin.
"Yo, babe. Ready to head home?"
Yu nodded quickly, stepping closer. His palms were clammy, but he reached into the bag and pulled out the carefully crocheted fingerless gloves.
"W-wait! Before we go—I, um…"
His words faltered, but he pushed the bundle forward with both hands.
Taichi blinked down at him.
"What's this?"
Yu opened his mouth to answer—but the sudden clatter of footsteps broke the fragile moment.
"Sorry! Excuse me!!"
Haruka Minami came rushing down the hall, balancing a large box stacked high with crocheted fingerless gloves, scarves, beanies and blankets, the Harmony Life Club's donation drive stamped on the side. Her shoes squeaked on the polished floor, and in her hurry she tripped.
"Watch out!"
Taichi moved instantly, pulling Yu against his chest as Haruka stumbled forward. The box tipped, and items scattered like confetti.
Yu gasped as the pair he held slipped from his hands, tumbling into the mess of identical yarn patterns now spread all across the hall.
Haruka scrambled to her feet, bowing deeply again and again.
"I'm so sorry! Are you hurt? Oh no, did I—?"
She crouched to gather the fallen winter items, flustered.
Yu stayed frozen, staring at the scattered pile where his gift had vanished. His throat tightened, eyes stinging hot. By the time he whispered,
"…My gloves…"
The tears were already welling, spilling fast.
From behind the pillar, Fumiko and Sakura's jaws dropped. They rushed forward immediately, leaning to Yu's side.
"Yu-chan, don't cry, it's okay!"
Sakura tried to soothe, brushing at his tears with her sleeve.
"It wasn't your fault. You worked so hard…"
Fumiko murmured, glaring daggers at Haruka before softening when Yu's small shoulders shook.
Haruka bowed again, frantic.
"I'm so, so sorry! I didn't mean to—were you scared? I'm sorry Yu, please forgive me!"
She put a gentle hand on his arm.
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
But Yu wasn't hearing any of them. He hiccuped, eyes blurred as he turned his face into Taichi's chest.
"I—I just wanted you to keep warm…with my gloves…"
He managed between sobs.
"Every time, it kept getting ruined… and now they're gone…"
Taichi's arms wrapped around him firmly, holding him as if nothing else in the world mattered. One big hand rubbed slow, steady circles over Yu's trembling back, his voice low and warm against the top of his head.
"Hey… it's okay. You're okay, that's what matters. Even if they're mixed up, I'd still know yours from anyone else's. Don't cry, Yu. I don't need gloves to stay warm—I've got you, haven't I?"
Yu's sob turned into a broken little laugh as he nuzzled closer into Taichi's chest, clinging to him.
Fumiko and Sakura exchanged watery smiles, their phones momentarily forgotten. Even Haruka pressed her hands together, guilt written across her face but relief softening her features as she saw Taichi gently rocking Yu, whispering reassurances only he could give.
And in that moment, despite the mess of gloves scattered across the hall, it was clear to everyone: Yu's warmth had already found its place.
The mess of yarn was everywhere, the hallway alive with scrambling hands as Haruka, flustered and apologizing nonstop, tried to scoop up the fingerless gloves, beanie, scarves and other items. Fumiko, Sakura, and even Taichi pitched in to help, though Yu still clung quietly to Taichi's sleeve, his cheeks blotchy from tears.
"Here, let's get them all back in the box."
Haruka murmured, bowing her head again.
"Thank you, really—"
But in the middle of the pile, Taichi suddenly froze. His hand hovered over a pair of soft gray, with strings of red woven in-between the yarn strings, gloves with neat, even stitching. The yarn was just a little thinner than the others, the stitches tighter—delicate, practiced with love.
"These…"
Taichi said firmly, lifting them up.
"These are yours, right, babe?"
Yu blinked, eyes wide, heart stuttering as if it might burst. He reached out, touching the gloves, his fingers brushing Taichi's. The moment he felt the familiar softness of the yarn, his chest swelled with relief.
"…They are!"
Yu whispered, a small, watery smile breaking through his tears.
Fumiko and Sakura exchanged quick glances—this was the moment. Without hesitation, Sakura pressed the beanie into Yu's arms, and Fumiko followed with the scarf. Both girls smiled warmly, their support glowing in their eyes.
"Go on."
Sakura urged softly.
"You've got this."
Fumiko added.
Yu clutched the bundle of crocheted gifts to his chest, his heart hammering. The old Yu would have hidden. The shy Yu would have mumbled an excuse. But warmth from his friends—and the steady presence of Taichi by his side—pushed him forward.
He turned, face pink but eyes blazing with something stronger. He lifted the gloves, beanie, and scarf high and declared, voice ringing through the hallway.
"I—I spent months learning and making these out of love… to keep you warm, Taichi!"
The words hung in the air, bold, unapologetic. The kind of thing Yu never would've said in front of so many people.
A hush fell. Even Taichi froze, staring at the pile of gifts in Yu's trembling hands. His usual smirk slipped into stunned silence before his face flushed scarlet. Then, slowly, his grin spread wide and bright.
"You…"
He said, his voice unsteady but full of joy.
"…You really are gonna spoil me, huh?"
He took the gifts gently, reverently, as though they were treasures, then looked straight at Yu, his chest swelling.
"I love you too, Yu. You've made me feel like the luckiest husband alive."
Gasps and squeals erupted from nearby classmates. Fumiko and Sakura nearly squealed themselves hoarse, phones trembling in their hands.
Yu's brave exterior cracked the moment Taichi leaned down and pressed a kiss to his lips—soft, quick, but full of pride. Yu squeaked, his face burning crimson. He immediately buried himself in Taichi's chest, stammering incoherently as Taichi laughed and held him close.
"Too much?"
Taichi teased softly against Yu's ear.
Yu shook his head frantically, muffled against his chest.
Fumiko clasped her hands together dramatically.
"Yu-chan, you were so brave!"
Sakura added with a grin,
"And so cute! That was the most romantic thing I've ever seen."
Yu whimpered at their teasing, still hiding, but the shy smile tugging at his lips betrayed just how happy he was.
For once, it didn't matter who saw. Yu's love had finally reached Taichi, clear and undeniable—and the whole world knew it.
Yu's face was still buried in Taichi's chest, the top of his snowy hair peeking out as Taichi rubbed slow circles across his back. His friends gathered close, the afterglow of Yu's declaration wrapping all of them in a protective cocoon.
Fumiko let out a dreamy sigh, fanning her cheeks.
"I think my heart's still racing. Yu-chan, you looked like a princess for a second there, so gallant."
Yu peeked out, mortified.
"P-Princess?! Hhg, again…"
He squeaked, hiding again.
Sakura leaned over, whispering with a sly grin.
"More like the cutest newlywed wife ever. You even made Taichi speechless!"
Taichi chuckled, tugging Yu closer with one arm.
"Yeah, that's a first. You really got me, baby."
His voice was softer, for Yu alone.
Their little circle was warm, laughter spilling over, the sting of Yu's earlier tears already fading into something sweeter.
But outside that circle, the hallway buzzed. Whispers had already spread like wildfire.
"Did you see Princess Yu just now? She basically confessed in front of everyone again."
"And Taichi didn't even hide it. He said he loves her too."
"They're, like… actually serious, huh?"
Admiration sparked in some voices, envy in others. But there was no denying it anymore—the couple wasn't just rumor or speculation. Yu and Taichi were real, unshakably so.
And while their schoolmates whispered, gawked, or stole photos from afar, Yu was laughing, actually laughing, as Taichi plopped the beanie onto his head and adjusted the scarf around his neck, muttering about making sure he was bundled like a—
"Tiny burrito."
Yu swatted weakly at him, cheeks pink but lips curved in a smile he couldn't contain.
From the quiet of the student council office, Isuke sat at his desk, pen in hand, reports spread before him. But the words on the page blurred when the low hum of gossip filtered in through the door. At first, he ignored it—until Yu's name cut clear through the chatter.
"…Confessed in front of everyone again…"
"…Taichi said he loves her too…"
The pen slipped from Isuke's fingers, clattering against the polished wood. His chest tightened, breath catching as he turned his head slowly toward the window.
And there he was.
Yu.
Out in the courtyard, with Taichi who's bundled in soft gray and red. Yu clinging to Taichi's arm like he belonged nowhere else in the world. His laughter carried faintly on the air, and for the first time, Isuke thought it wasn't just a sound. It was a knife, sliding between his ribs.
The beanie. The scarf. The gloves. Every piece of him wrapped in Yu's love—and none of it his.
Isuke's jaw clenched. He'd been so close. He could still remember Yu trembling under his touch, the shiver of his nipple against his thumb, the way Yu's lips yielded beneath his own for that split moment. Those flashes of desire, of proof, that Yu had responded…
And yet.
Tomorrow, he would be gone.
The flight was booked for tonight. His mother's treatment abroad demanded his presence.
He had run out of time.
Isuke pressed his palm flat against the desk, the weight of inevitability crushing down on him. His eyes remained fixed on Yu—radiant, laughing, alive—until he could no longer tell if what twisted in his gut was heartbreak, rage, or something darker still.