"Izana?" You quickly let go of Rindou's mouth. Surprised, you approached your friend, making the younger Haitani twitch his lips and subtly raise his left eyebrow.
"You're also here for a weekend vacation? What a small world!"
"Ugh..." Izana snapped back to reality and picked up the can on the floor. "Yeah,"
"It's nice to see a familiar face here! Ah! We're going to stroll around later. Wanna come with—" You didn't finish your sentence as Rindou draped his arm over your shoulder and around your neck. "Rin?"
"Our room's ready. Let's go—I'm hungry," he said, dragging you by the neck. It might look painful, and seeing that caused Izana to clench his jaw... though Rindou was actually gentle.
"But Izana's here! You didn't even say hello to him."
"Don't care,"
"Rindou!"
The two of you came to a halt when you felt a hand grasp your wrist. "I don't think she's comfortable with you dragging her. Why don't you go to your room alone and leave her here? I mean, you're a grown ass man. You don't need someone—let alone a girl—to come with you, right?"
Rindou scoffed, "She is not just a random girl, she's my..."
"Ex-girlfriend," Izana finished Rindou's sentence in a matter-of-fact tone, raising one eyebrow. "Just reminding you."
Rindou clenched his fist. His face is now visibly angry, but Izana didn't even flinch. "Let go of her."
"Hmm... Still self-centered as always."
"Why are you even poking your nose into our business? It's not like you, Kurokawa," Rindou said. causing Izana's grip to tighten as his ears are starting to feel the heat.
"It is my business if y/n is involved. Have you forgotten what you did? How can I entrust my friend to someone like you?" The white-haired male replied. Rindou, who is now more annoyed, unconsciously tightened his arm around your neck.
"Friend? So you admit it now? That we're friends?" You said giddy, causing Rindou to feel those annoying emotions again.
"I heard they're serving sakura mochi. I remember you wanted to try some," The younger Haitani said, making you tilt your head up to look at him.
"Really?"
Rindou nodded with a gentle smile. "I'll buy you a dozen. Let's go before they get sold out."
As Rindou was about to pull you away, Izana tugged your hand. "I already have a box in my room. If you want, I can get it for you."
"She wants freshly made mochi. Yours might not taste good anymore."
"It was literally delivered thirty minutes ago. It's fresh."
"We don't want that."
"We? Or you? Huh, Haitani?"
"What if it is me? What are you gonna do, huh, Kurokawa?"
"Gu—guys," you mumbled, causing the two males to stop bickering. "Uhm... Are we okay? Can you both please let go of me? Uhm.... It hurts."
It was as if both guys had just been burned. They quickly let go of you and stepped back. You, being as oblivious as ever, stared at them for a moment before speaking up. "Since we're all here, why not eat the mochi together? We could even explore the place afterward. What do you guys think?"
"Nope," Izana said.
"No," Rindou added, grabbing your hand and dragging you away. Confused, you glanced at the younger Haitani. "Hold on, Rin..." you mumbled and then returned your gaze at Izana. "Let's hang out later, Izana!" you said while waving, then defeatedly followed Rindou.
Izana didn't protest any further and simply watched as you disappeared from his sight. Once you and Rindou were gone, he glanced down at his hand. "You're an idiot, Izana," he whispered, silently scolding himself.
"So... did you manage to sort out the room situation?" you asked, breaking the silence.
Rindou is still annoyed but trying his best to control his emotions. "Nope,"
"Did you even try?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Why not?"
"Do... do... do you hear yourself? We're... we have to spend the night in one room... alone!"
"So?"
"Aren't you nervous?"
"Nope."
"Oh." So I'm the only one feeling this way, huh? I guess he's doesn't like me as much as I like him. What am I even thinking?
Rindou noticed your silence but didn't utter a word, as he doesn't want things to make more awkward. All he wanted was for you to enjoy the date, and maybe, just maybe, he'd finally find a way to tell you how he truly felt... But a dense girl and an emotionally constipated guy? Yep, that's a recipe for misunderstandings on repeat.
The room door swung open, and your eyes widened in awe. It was huge-huge, with a stunning view from the balcony. As your gaze wandered around, it landed on the bed. Your cheeks flushed instantly as your brain seemed to short-circuit.
Rindou noticed your silence and turned to look at you. Following your line of sight, he spotted the large, velvety, heart-shaped bed. Rose petals were scattered in the shape of hearts, and two bathrobes lay at the edge. Peeking out from one of them was a laced see-through lingerie piece. For a brief moment, his brain froze. He knew this was a couple's room, but he hadn't expected to see anything like that.
His imaginations immediately wandered around, but before he could think of something inappropriate, he quickly gathered himself.
"Uhm." The younger Haitani cleared his throat before speaking, "Do you want to stroll—"
"Yeah," you quickly replied and absentmindedly grabbed his hand, dragging him out of the room with his ears slowly turning bright red.
❀
"The number you're..." You pursed your lips hard, pressing the end call. This is the fifth time you called your parents, but somehow you can't contact them. Shortly after, you felt something brushing your forehead. Confused, you looked up and saw Rindou standing in front of you, straightening your furrowed eyebrows.
"That will leave a mark," he said in a gentle tone that sent shivers down your spine. It had been weeks since he claimed he would win you back, yet you still felt goosebumps every time he treated you this nicely. It feels like he's a totally different person.
Not that he wasn't nice before, but you found yourself missing his cold, nonchalant attitude. You guessed that made him... Rindou.
"You're... too close," you said, taking a step back. To your panic, you tripped, and before you could fall on your butt, Rindou quickly wrapped his arms around your waist, pulling you close.
You landed against his chest, feeling his heart race beneath you. Surprised, you raised your head to look at the younger Haitani.
Rindou quickly averted his gaze, pretending to check if the line was moving. Your lips slowly formed a gentle smile.
He's not as calm as I thought.
❀
"What if the universe is sending a message?"
"What do you mean, Emma?" Izana furrowed his eyebrows. He was on a FaceTime call with Emma while strolling around. Yep, just casually exploring the tourist spots. He did not go out there hoping to 'accidentally' bump into you or anything... Why would he? In the first place, he went there to get his mind off you.
Yes. He's convincing himself.
"Think about this, Kuya. Out of all the hotels and spas, why there? And it's not even close to Tokyo!"
"And?"
"It's fate, duh!"
"How come it's fate? She's with her first love."
"And? they broke up, right?"
"Yes?"
"Then this is your chance! It's your time to shine!"
"Chance for what?"
"To get her to like you!" Emma exclaimed, smacking her forehead in frustration. "This is the perfect time to show your good side! Make her fall for you!"
"..."
"Don't tell me you're just going to watch her get back together with her ex."
Izana sighed. "You know my situation, Emma. Even if I try, nothing's going to work out, so I'm not trying anything. No actions, nothing."
"No actions, huh?"
"What?"
"Then why are you strolling around the area? You hate the heat."
Izana widened his eyes and cleared his throat. "I'm just taking a walk for some fresh air!"
"Yeah, and pigs can fly. You know, Kuya, your actions contradict your words."
"No, Emma. My actions don't contradict anything! I'm here to relax, and that's what I'm doing. I have to go; I'll swing by your favorite dessert shop, so expect your favorite macaroon when I return."
"Ah! Thank you, Kuya. I hope you bump into her like you want to, so you can be happy. Bye!"
"I am not—" Izana didn't finish his sentence when Emma quickly hung up the call. "Tsss! Contradict my ass. I am not contradicting anything, I am not..."
❀
"Rin, your heart—" you didn't finish your sentence when Rindou wrapped his arms around you,
"It's been like that since we arrived."
"You're nervous too?"
"Of course. Why—" Rindou didn't finish his sentence when a low baritone voice cut his words.
"PDAs are prohibited in this area."
Panic flashed across your face as you quickly pushed the younger Haitani away, stepping back to put some distance between you. Your panic faded the moment you glanced to the side and saw Izana standing there, hands behind his back, a wide smile spread across his face.
It might seem like an innocent prank to you, but Rindou knew better—Izana was doing it on purpose.
"Izana! Are you here to try the desserts at this shop? I read online they have the best lemon cake!"
"Actually, I know the owner. Come with me—you don't have to wait in line," he said, still smiling. Before Rindou could protest, Izana grabbed your hand and led you past the crowd.
When you reached the door, a staff member smiled and let you in. "Oh! Look what we have here. Long time no see, Izana!" A girl in a cute uniform who seems like in her mid to late twenties greeted him warmly, then shifted her gaze to you. "Girlfriend?" she asked, rubbing her chin as she studied your face.
"Hello? We're just—"
"She's my friend. My standards aren't that low to date—Ahhh!" Izana winced in pain when the girl hit his head with the tray that she's holding. Your eyes widened in shock as this is the first time you saw Izana being dominated by someone.
"What did I tell you? Never treat a woman like this!"
"Ouch!" Izana mumbled, rubbing his head. "I don't know what Shinichiro sees in you! You're brutal."
"Well, that's what he likes about me. Now apologize!"
Izana pouted, showing yet another side of him you didn't know existed—and, somehow, it looked adorable. The two stopped fighting the moment they heard you giggle. Izana's eyes widened, and he opened his mouth as if to say something but quickly shut it. He looked away, making the girl in uniform smirk in realization.
"You know what? I like you!" She said, holding your shoulders.
"I—I like you too!" you replied, a bit taken aback.
"Oh! I forgot to introduce myself. I'm sorry for my lack of manners. I'm Kana Yosano, Izana's sister-in-law."
"Future! Future sister-in... Ouch! What? You're not married yet."
"Don't mind that brat, are you here to taste the sweets? Come with me! Let's pick desserts over there," she said, hooking her arms around yours.
"Wait, uhm..." you glanced back at Izana. "What about Rindou?"
"He's old enough to manage himself."
The girl glanced between you and Izana, as if assessing the situation. It didn't take long for her to realize what was going on.
"You can invite your other friend here."
"What? No. I don't want to."
"Why not? You're not jealous or anything, right?"
"Jealous?" Izana scoffed, then coughed. "Of him? For who? Her? No. Why would I be jealous?"
"That's... too obvious."
"Fine, fine! I'll let him in. Just choose your dessert or something."
The two men ended up sitting at a separate table while you and Kana enjoyed your afternoon coffee and desserts. Both rested their heads on their palms, clearly disappointed that the time they had hoped to spend with you had been stolen by some girl.
"If I just knew she'd..." Izana widened his eyes when he realized he said his thoughts out loud. Then he slightly glanced at Rindou before clearing his throat.
"You don't have to hide it from me. You're way too obvious. Lucky for me, she's clueless, so I don't have to worry about her giving you the time of day," Rindou said in a flat tone.
Izana's lips twitch in anger. "Wanna meet my fist?"
"Violent. Red flag."
"Insensitive. Red flag," Izana rebutted.
"Arrogant. Red flag."
"Acting as if she will chase you forever. Red flag."
"Conceited. Red flag."
"Saying hurtful words when frustrated. Red flag."
"At least, I am willing to change."
"Yeah. You just decided that when you realized that she won't chase you anymore."
"Be thankful, y/n is here."
"Or else what, Haitani? Opps. That's violence. Red flag."
Rindou furrowed his eyebrows and snapped his head towards the white-haired male. Izana then plastered a mocking smirk just to piss Rindou more, and it's working. The younger Haitani clenched his fist and was about to say something when you popped out.
"I'm glad that the two of you are getting along,"
"We're not getting along!" They both said in unison.
"Well, that looks like getting along for me," Kana said, popping behind you.
"Uhm... Miss Kana,"
"Kana,"
"Ah, Kana gave me a box of desserts! Let's all share this at the hotel."
"Okay," Izana said with a smile, glancing at Rindou. When Rindou didn't utter a word, Izana spoke again. "Haitani looks like he doesn't want desserts; we can just eat together in my room!"
"Who says I don't want dessert?" Rindou said in a monotone voice as he stood up. He gave you a gentle smile and patted your head. "We'll eat that later. Let's go," he added, grabbing your wrist.
Izana watched as you and Rindou left the café, while you repeatedly said goodbye to Kana and called out Izana's name, worried about leaving him behind.
"You're not gonna chase after her?"
"No? Why would I do that?"
"Still in denial? You're like your brother."
"I am not in denial. I'm... I'm just choosing my battles."
"Hmm..."
"What?"
"Nothing."
"I know you want to say more. Just spill it."
"You're not picking your battles—you're just being a coward. Your 'what ifs' and 'maybes' won't become 'what is' and 'definitely' if you don't do anything. Don't be afraid to fail, Izana. You'll always have us to fall back on. Shin and I will be your drinking buddies! But of course, yours will be Yakult because you're still a minor hehe."
"Tch. I wish I hadn't asked you to say anything. Why everyone is pushing me to do something? It's annoying."
Kana smiled. She knows him well. He's just acting like that because of embarrassment. "Well, at the end of the day, it's your choice so," she said, giving his back a pat before heading back to work.
❀
"Where do you want to go next?"
"Uhm... Oh!" you paused and looked at him. "I want... Oh..." you paused once again, holding your excitement.
Rindou stopped walking and faced you. "Are you holding yourself back because of the crowd?"
"Yes? No? Maybe so?"
Rindou chuckled softly, his gaze softened. "It doesn't matter if it's crowded or noisy—anywhere's fine as long as I'm with you."
Once again, a chill ran down your spine, making your whole body feel cold despite the humid weather. You're never going to get used to him acting all cute... Though it's charming and it makes your heart flutter, it feels like you're talking to a different Rindou.
"I want Rindou back," you mumbled.
"I didn't go anywhere."
"You're not Rindou, Rindou. You're an alien! Or Possessed! The Rindou I know would never say cheesy lines like that—he'd show me how he feels instead."
Rindou's smile faltered slightly. "I know. Even I hardly recognize this version of me."
"See? So why are you forcing—"
"But I like this version of me. The one who isn't afraid of these unfamiliar feelings anymore. The one who tries to express them with words, even if it's a little cheesy. The one who doesn't want to let you go."
Rindou gave you a soft smile and held out his hand. "Just give me this date. And if, by the end of it, you don't feel the same as before, I'll do better... I'll keep trying over and over until I'm worthy of being your boyfriend again. So... will you hold my hand, y/n?"