The night was heavy, Osaka's chill carried with the winter winds.
In his room, Isuke Sasaki snapped the locks on his suitcase shut, the weight of it pulling against his arm as though it carried more than clothes. It carried finality. His last night in Japan. His last chance.
He hailed a cab without hesitation, sliding in with a clipped tone.
"To this address."
The driver nodded, and the city blurred past the windows, neon lights smearing into ribbons as Isuke's reflection stared back at him. His fingers drummed against the leather seat, restless, impatient.
By the time the cab slowed, his pulse had quickened.
Yu's apartment complex stood moderately tall, there only being two stories.
The lights in one window—his window—on the second floor glowed faintly, muted warmth against the dark. For a moment, Isuke sat frozen, staring.
Then movement caught his eye.
The door opened, and Taichi stepped out. Not in his school uniform but in casual wear: a hoodie, sweatpants, and yet—still wearing them. The gray beanie pulled low, the gray-and-red scarf wound carefully around his neck, the gray fingerless gloves hugging his hands. As if they weren't just clothes but treasures.
Isuke's jaw tightened, his hand curling into a fist against his thigh.
'That should've been me.'
Taichi adjusted the scarf, almost unconsciously, before heading down the stairs then further down the street toward the convenience store. Isuke's eyes tracked him until he rounded the corner, disappearing from view.
'Now or never.'
Isuke pushed open the cab door and stepped into the cold night air, suitcase left behind. He walked briskly up the path to the apartment, each step sharper than the last until he stood at Yu's door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
The sound echoed, his pulse pounding in time with it.
From inside came light footsteps, quick but unsuspecting. The rattle of the chain. The twist of the lock.
The door cracked open.
"Taichi, did you forget your—"
Yu's voice broke off. His red eyes widened as the door swung wider and he froze in the frame.
Because it wasn't Taichi standing there.
It was Isuke.
"Good evening, Yu."
Isuke said softly, a dangerous calm in his voice. His eyes drank in the sight of Yu framed by the warm apartment light, hair loose around his shoulders and waist, wrapped in a simple oversized sweater, shorts barely peeking out from underneath. Vulnerable. Alone.
Yu's lips parted, the color draining from his face. His hand clenched the doorframe as if bracing himself.
"…Sasaki."
The name came out like a curse.
And yet, the door hadn't closed. Not yet.
Isuke took one small step forward, shadows swallowing the space between them.
The winter air seeped in through the cracked door, sending biting shivers up Yu's bare feet and legs. He gripped the wood tighter, knuckles pale, heart thrumming like a frightened bird's.
"Leave."
He whispered, voice soft but trembling, every part of him tense and ready to slam the door shut.
But Isuke didn't move. He didn't sneer, didn't bark some cruel order like Yu expected. Instead, his voice came low and even, edged with something raw.
"I'll be gone after tonight."
Yu blinked, startled. The words carried a weight that pressed at his chest.
"My mother's treatment… they've found a place abroad,"
Isuke continued, his gaze flickering just for a second, softer than Yu had ever seen.
"I'm leaving to be with her."
For a breath, Yu faltered. Mei Sasaki. He remembered her—frail, elegant, her voice like velvet even through the cracks of sickness. She had been the one bright thing about Isuke's shadow.
Yu's guard loosened. His lips parted, the smallest of tremors breaking in his chest.
"…I'm sorry."
The sympathy, unguarded and genuine, slipped out before he could stop it.
And that was all it took.
Isuke surged forward, seizing the opening like a wolf slipping into an unwatched door. His mouth crashed against Yu's, hot and forceful, devouring the softness of his apology. Yu gasped, eyes wide as Isuke's hand coiled around his slender waist, jerking him forward. Fingers slid lower, shamelessly squeezing the curve of his bottom while his other hand tangled hard into Yu's loose white hair, pulling his head back to take more.
"Mmph—!"
Yu choked, the sound muffled against Isuke's mouth. His knees nearly buckled as the world tilted, as the suffocating heat of Isuke's kiss burned away his breath.
Every human instinct screamed push him away, and Yu's palms pressed desperately against Isuke's chest, but the kiss was brutal, stealing every gasp, every trembling shiver from him. A dark hunger stirred in his soul, wanting for more, enjoying the taste. His hair snagged between Isuke's fingers as he twisted, struggling, the air sharp in his lungs as he finally tore his lips aside with a ragged gasp.
But Isuke didn't loosen his hold. His eyes burned with a feverish, possessive gleam.
"I'll come back…"
He growled against Yu's ear, voice shaking with conviction.
"And when I do… I'll make you mine."
Yu shuddered, his heart lurching in terror as Isuke's hand refused to leave him, the ghost of that kiss burning on his lips.
Realization hit Yu out of his daze and he shoved himself away from Isuke's embrace.
The door slammed shut. The echo of Isuke's footsteps down the hallway faded, but his touch lingered like fire scorched into Yu's skin. His knees wobbled, his chest heaved with shuddering breaths, and before he realized it, he had staggered to the couch and collapsed, curling into himself, trembling violently under the weight of it all.
The rattle of keys came only moments later.
"Yu?"
Taichi's voice was warm, casual, unaware. The sound of plastic bags brushing together followed him inside.
"Hey, sorry I took so long. Did you want anything else from the store? I can run back if—"
He stopped short. Yu's small frame was slumped on the couch, his hair spilling forward like a curtain, his ruby eyes glassy.
"Yu?"
Taichi set the bags down, worry etching into his brow as he crouched beside him.
"What's wrong?"
Yu's throat closed. The words—Isuke was just here—burned at the back of his tongue, but they refused to surface. If he spoke them aloud, the moment would become too real, too heavy. And right now, he couldn't bear it.
Instead, he reached for Taichi, clutching the fabric of his shirt like a lifeline. His lips trembled, then pressed desperately against Taichi's, sealing him into a kiss that carried all his fear and longing.
"Yu—"
Taichi gasped softly, startled, but Yu pulled harder, dragging him onto the couch with him.
"Stay."
Yu breathed, pressing his forehead against Taichi's.
"Please. Just… stay."
Taichi hesitated, sensing the edge of something he didn't understand. But the raw plea in Yu's voice left no room for refusal. He wrapped his arms around him, holding him steady as he deepened the kiss, passion and warmth mixing until Yu melted against him, clinging tighter.
Yu whispered it between gasps, over and over again—
"I love you. I love you, Taichi. I love you."
Each confession desperate, fragile, but burning with truth.
Taichi kissed him back, slower this time, steadying him, his large hands roaming gently, reverently, grazing Yu's curves as though to remind him he was here, safe. Yu's oversized hoodie bunched as Taichi's fingers slipped beneath it, brushing against heated skin. Yu shivered, not with fear this time, but with need, his breath hitching as he lost himself in Taichi's touch.
The last flicker of Isuke's presence dissolved. Yu pressed himself closer, burying everything into Taichi's warmth, telling himself:
'He's gone. He's out of our lives. I can finally breathe. I can finally… enjoy this. Enjoy him.'
And with Taichi's arms holding him like he was something sacred, Yu believed it, at least for tonight.
Taichi's body pressed firm and grounding above him, every inch of his warmth searing into Yu's trembling frame. The couch cushion dipped beneath Yu's back as he instinctively spread for him, his thighs quivering where they squeezed tight against Taichi's hips.
A small, helpless gasp tore from Yu's lips when Taichi's hips jerked forward, sliding deep into the cradle of his body. The sound—fragile, sweet, intoxicating—undid Taichi.
"Yu…"
His voice rasped, but the rhythm overtook him, his hips pressing again, again, the wet friction of their thin clothes making heat build and throb between them.
Yu clutched at Taichi's shoulders, head thrown back, his lips shaping Taichi's name over and over, voice breaking in desperate song.
"Taichi. Hah, there. Taichi, Taichi…"
Each call was answered with Taichi's guttural grunts, low growls, and every so often, a breathless—
"Baby…"
or
"Mine…"
—Slipping out between clenched teeth.
The air grew heavy, the couch creaking with their frantic rhythm, until Taichi's body seized above him. He groaned Yu's name, burying his face in the crook of Yu's neck as he shuddered violently, breath catching as release stole his strength.
Yu's own body trembled with the echo of it, a wave crashing inside him—but it wasn't enough. Need still curled hot in his belly as well as a type of hunger. His shaky hands tugged at his oversized hoodie, trying to bare himself for more.
But Taichi caught his wrists, firm yet gentle. His dark green eyes burned as they met Yu's.
"Not yet. If I see you… if I touch you like that—I won't be able to stop."
Yu's lips parted, trembling, but Taichi silenced him with a kiss pressed to the crown of his head, lingering there as he steadied his ragged breaths.
"Not like this…"
He whispered.
"Not tonight. I want our first time to be perfect."
He pulled back, his body reluctant to leave Yu's warmth, and pushed himself to his feet. Yu lay flushed, hair spilled around him in white silken waves, chest rising and falling fast. Taichi disappeared into the bathroom, the faint sound of running water following.
Yu shut his eyes, a hand pressed to his fluttering chest. He was left wanting, aching…hungry—but he wasn't hurt. He wasn't abandoned. Taichi's restraint wasn't rejection. It was proof—proof that he loved him too much to take without care. And that made Yu's heart swell so full it hurt.
When Taichi returned, he scooped Yu gently from the couch, carrying him into the bedroom. They curled beneath the blankets, Yu's face tucked against Taichi's chest, his small hands clutching the fabric of his shirt as though to anchor him there.
Taichi's arm curved securely around his waist, his lips brushing Yu's hair.
"Sleep."
He murmured.
"I've got you."
Wrapped in the scent and warmth of him, Yu let himself drift. The ache dulled under Taichi's steady heartbeat, leaving only love in its wake. And by the time his lashes fell shut, they were already tangled together in dreams, still holding on tight.
---
Morning sunlight slipped across the curtains, painting the room in pale gold. Yu stirred, blinking drowsily as he realized he was still cocooned in Taichi's arms, their legs tangled beneath the blankets. The memory of last night's heat rushed back and painted his cheeks pink, but the present was soft, gentle. Taichi's slow, steady breathing, his hand splayed across Yu's waist—it all felt like safety distilled.
Yu nestled closer, burying his nose against Taichi's chest. Taichi cracked one eye open and grinned sleepily.
"Morning, baby."
He murmured, his voice gravelly.
Yu flushed harder.
"D-Don't call me that right when I wake up…"
Taichi chuckled, kissing the top of Yu's head.
"Fine, then. Good morning, my wife, my love, my angel. My everything~. Better? Choose which one you want? Or maybe all of them?"
The teasing earned him a pout and a muffled protest, but Yu clung tighter anyway, warmth blooming between them until the alarm clock forced them into the motions of school prep. Their routine flowed easily—Yu fussing over Taichi's messy collar, Taichi ruffling Yu's long white hair on purpose just to see him puff his cheeks. By the time they stepped out into the chilly morning, the rawness of last night had mellowed into a quiet bond, deep and unshakable.
---
At school, excitement buzzed in the air as students crowded around the bulletin board where the second-term test results had been posted. Yu blinked in surprise when he saw his own name at the very top.
"I—I stayed first?"
He whispered, stunned. He had been so preoccupied with Taichi and the shadow of Isuke that he'd forgotten about the exams entirely.
Right beneath his name was Taichi. Yu turned to him in wide-eyed shock.
"Taichi—you—"
Taichi smirked and shrugged.
"I told you, I was gonna let you shine. First place looks better on you anyway."
Yu's heart fluttered, though he still fussed.
"You didn't have to—"
"Of course I did."
Taichi cut in, ruffling his hair again.
"That's what boyfriends are for."
But the next name brought a hush—Isuke Sasaki. Third place. He had still been overtaken. And then the teacher cleared their throat.
"Students, please note—Isuke Sasaki has been transferred abroad to accompany his mother for treatment. Yesterday was his last official day with us."
The classroom rippled with gasps, murmurs of shock and sympathy. Wishes of wanting to confess and get wells spread among the students.
Yu's chest tightened. Mei Sasaki's frail but graceful image rose in his mind, and sorrow pressed at him. Yet alongside it coiled dread, the memory of Isuke's lips and his vow to return. His fingers curled in the hem of his uniform skirt.
Taichi clicked his tongue sharply, shoving his hands into his pockets.
"Good riddance. About time."
Souma and Yamato snorted in agreement, Sakura and Fumiko nodding along, though they cast Yu worried glances.
Yu bit his lip, sadness and fear tangling in his chest. He couldn't wish Isuke well, not honestly—but for Mei's sake, he silently hoped the treatment would succeed.
---
Time slid onward. Weeks passed, the weather turned sharper, and a hush of winter settled over the town. Christmas lights twinkled on balconies and shopfronts, and snow dusted rooftops like sugar. Yu and Taichi's first Christmas together as a couple was just days away.
Their friends gathered after class, buzzing with excitement. Fumiko leaned close to Sakura, grinning.
"We have to do something special for them."
Souma nodded, clapping Yamato on the shoulder.
"Yeah. First Christmas as lovebirds? Can't let it be boring."
Yamato laughed.
"Guess we're the planning committee, huh?"
All eyes turned toward Yu and Taichi across the room—Yu clutching Taichi's arm shyly as Taichi adjusted the scarf Yu had made him, protective as ever. The sight warmed them all, sparking a pact:
This Christmas would be one Yu and Taichi would never forget.
---
In the days leading up to Christmas, Taichi was a mess.
He tried to hide it, swaggering through the hallways like usual, but Yu had sharp eyes when it came to him. He caught Taichi staring blankly at store displays during their walks home, fumbling with his phone to search gift ideas in class, and even tugging at his hair in frustration late at night.
One evening, Yu sat on the couch crocheting, humming softly, when Taichi let out a groan and slumped down beside him.
"Nothing's good enough!"
Taichi muttered, covering his face with his hands.
"It's our first Christmas together. First! And you—you're so good at this sentimental stuff. Whatever I get's gonna feel stupid next to yours."
Yu set his work aside, smiling gently. For once, the roles had reversed—he was the calm one, Taichi the anxious one. Leaning in, Yu placed a hand over Taichi's, prying them away from his face.
"Taichi…"
He said softly, his ruby eyes warm.
"I'll love anything you give me. Because it's from you."
The words hit their mark. Taichi stared, ears flushing, before blurting out.
"Don't say stuff like that so easily, you'll kill me."
Yu giggled, pressing his forehead against Taichi's shoulder until his laughter softened into a hum of affection.
The Love-o-meter ticked up:
65 - 66
---
Christmas morning came bright and frosted, the apartment quiet except for the soft shuffle of slippers on wood. Yu and Taichi sat across from each other on the rug by their little tree, the air between them alive with anticipation.
Taichi went first. His hand trembled slightly as he pulled a small velvet box from his pocket.
"Don't laugh, okay?"
He said, almost pleading.
Yu tilted his head, puzzled, until Taichi flipped the box open. Inside lay two silver rings, one with a small ruby, the other with a green emerald.
Taichi's voice was quiet but steady.
"A pair. Mine matches your eyes… and yours matches mine. So even if we're apart, we'll always be together."
Yu's lips parted in shock. His eyes glistened, tears welling before he could stop them. When Taichi slid the ring onto his finger, Yu pressed trembling kisses to it before throwing his arms around Taichi, whispering softly.
"I love it. I love you. I love you."
Taichi's grin nearly split his face.
"Damn, you're too cute."
He kissed Yu soundly, the silver bands glinting between them.
Then Yu reached for his own box. He shyly placed it in Taichi's lap, watching as he opened it to reveal two crocheted keychains—tiny dolls, one with white hair and ruby eyes, the other with black hair and green eyes.
Taichi froze, throat tightening.
"You… you made us?"
His voice cracked.
"Yu, that's… it's perfect."
He clutched the little mini-Yu against his chest, groaning like he might combust.
The Love-o-meter ticked up:
66 - 67
"How am I supposed to beat this? You made me a portable you! That's—ugh, I love you so much, you ridiculous angel!"
Yu laughed through his blush, leaning into Taichi as their lips met again, the morning quiet wrapping around their private joy.
---
That evening, though, their private bubble burst in the best way. When they stepped out together, bundled against the snow, their friends were waiting—Sakura waving wildly, Fumiko beaming, Yamato and Souma both carrying shopping bags, and Haruka standing shyly with cocoa cups for everyone.
"Merry Christmas!"
The group cheered, startling Yu into clinging to Taichi's arm.
"We planned a little outing!"
Fumiko announced, eyes sparkling.
"For you two lovebirds' first Christmas together."
"Don't think you get to hog all the romance by yourselves!"
Sakura teased, winking.
Yu flushed crimson while Taichi grinned, pulling him closer. The warmth of their morning gifts lingered like a secret heartbeat, but now it pulsed outward, shared with the friends who had become their found family. Under the glow of Christmas lights and laughter, Yu thought that maybe—just maybe—this was the happiest winter he'd ever known.
The Christmas celebration with their friends turned into a whirlwind of laughter and clumsy joy.
At the outdoor skating rink, Yu's pale hands clutched Taichi's coat sleeve like his life depended on it. His legs wobbled with every glide, knees knocking together, and more than once he squeaked as if about to fall. Taichi, of course, was smug about it—gliding smoothly while Yu trembled.
"You're enjoying this way too much."
Yu muttered, cheeks pink from cold and embarrassment.
"Of course I am!"
Taichi grinned, tightening his arm around Yu's waist.
"I get to hold you the whole time. Honestly, I hope you never learn to skate. Makes winter a hell of a lot better."
Yu gasped, half-offended, half-flustered, and nearly tripped again—saved only by Taichi lifting him against his chest, laughing as Yu pouted. Their friends cheered and teased from the sidelines, Yamato called out to them.
"You two look like you're auditioning for a drama!"
While Sakura shouted.
"Kiss already!"
To which Yu hid his face in Taichi's scarf, groaning.
Karaoke was no less chaotic. Souma and Yamato butchered a pop anthem with dramatic flair, Haruka enthusiastically sang a sweet ballad from an anime, and the girls demanded Yu and Taichi sing together. Yu squeaked out protest after protest until Taichi simply grabbed the mic, started a classic rock song, and draped an arm around Yu's shoulder. Despite his nerves, Yu's soft, clear voice blended in—magnetic and steady, earning applause from their friends and a proud kiss on the top of his head from Taichi.
Dinner afterward was light and cozy, with hot dishes steaming against the winter chill. Yu fed Taichi a bite of croquette, only to jump when Taichi leaned in and whispered.
"Careful, I might eat you instead."
Yu nearly choked on his tea while their friends rolled their eyes at Taichi's shameless flirting.
But the night softened as they all wandered beneath the Christmas lights strung through the park. Snow dusted the air like falling stars, and the group's chatter grew quiet, almost reverent.
"Ah—perfect."
Fumiko murmured, pointing upward. A sprig of mistletoe hung right above where Yu and Taichi stood.
"Oh my god, mistletoe! Tradition!"
Sakura declared, grinning.
"Go on, Yu—you have to kiss him."
Yu blinked, utterly confused.
'Mistletoe?'
DK01's smooth voice chimed in his head with that maddeningly factual enthusiasm only a system could muster.
[The tradition of mistletoe originated as a fertility and vitality symbol in pre-Christian Europe. Its berries—white and waxy—were considered drops of life essence, and couples standing beneath it were expected to share a kiss to ensure good fortune and fecundity for the coming year. The act, statistically speaking, is a 94.7% efficient human ritual for escalating intimacy. You see, Host, refusal beneath mistletoe is culturally coded as emotional rejection.]
DK01 added, ever helpful.
[Therefore, should someone lean in, you are ethically obliged to respond appropriately to maintain social harmony—tongue optional but often included.]
Yu's face went scarlet at once, steam practically rising from his ears. Still, he lifted his gaze to Taichi's—emerald green eyes bright under the lights—and his heart steadied.
So, for once, he didn't hesitate. Standing on tiptoe, Yu pressed his lips to Taichi's under the mistletoe, sweet and unabashed.
Taichi froze for a heartbeat, then immediately pulled Yu against him, deepening the kiss. His hand cupped Yu's cheek, thumb brushing tenderly over pale skin, and the world seemed to melt into warmth around them.
Their friends, however, reacted in every possible way—Fumiko squealed, Sakura fanned herself, Yamato groaned.
"Get a room already."
While Souma covered his eyes and Haruka ducked her head, flustered.
But Yu barely heard any of it. When the kiss broke, he stayed close, whispering.
"Merry Christmas, Taichi."
Taichi smiled so softly it made Yu's chest ache.
"Best Christmas ever."
And as the lights glowed above and their friends laughed and blushed, Yu thought—maybe winter wasn't cold at all anymore.