Archive of Our Own ^beta

‘I promise, I’ll see you soon, Minori’ 

Those were the last words that Itto left before he went overseas again. It’s been two years and there’s no news about that red-haired guy. Minori inquired a lot of upperclassmen and his fellow batchmates, but to his chagrin he never got the answer that he wanted. Sometimes those words lingers before he sleeps while other times he couldn’t sleep because he kept overthinking about that. He tried to forget about it by playing games, but for some reason the characters in those games made him miss Itto even more because it reminds him of it. 

Before the two even part ways, Itto took Minori out before leaving the country. Most of their peers would say they went on a date while Minori is out here saying they only hangout. Itto, on the other hand, said it’s a date despite Minori’s denial which made him chuckle. He likes teasing Minori either on purpose or not, watching his reactions was fun for him. He really is fond of Minori ever since their duet happened. Luckily, they were classmates on their last year of high school and it was Itto’s favorite year all throughout his high school years. 

On the last part of their supposedly hangout, Itto took Minori to a beach. It was already dusk when they decided to visit the beach, people are leaving one by one while the two stayed there because Itto wanted to visit before going home. 

“Ne, Minori.” Itto spoke without turning his head from the beach. He also sounded serious without any hidden malice that surprises Minori after all he’s so used with happy go-lucky Takatenjin Itto. 

“Hm? What is it?” 

“Did you have fun today?” 

“Eh? Well, yeah. What’s wrong?” Itto shook his head. 

“What do you think about this place?” 

“Uh, It’s nice. We should have visited here when it’s daylight.” 

“I see.” 

“What’s up with these questions, Itto?” 

“Hehe. Nothing.” Then this time Itto turned and smiled at Minori. The latter can barely see him since the darkness of the dusk started to cover Itto’s beautiful smile. 

*badump* 

“Whenever you feel sad, angry, confused, or just had a bad day try visiting this place. It will revitalize you!” He said in his usual cheerful tone. 

“I found this place when I just moved here and I really liked it. So, if university is giving you a hard time, I recommend this place to hang out.” He said while walking towards him close enough that they are face to face. They can still see each other thanks to that nearby light post, for a few minutes Minori was stuck there until he realized what’s going on and back up a little. 

‘Too close!’ He thought. Redness formed across his cheeks, he never had that close up with Itto before. 

“What’s wrong, Minori?” 

“N-nothing! Let’s go home.” 

“Hmm, okay~”  

It was that time where Itto left those haunting words that kept Minori up that he even started to question if Itto was real or not which is a really silly train of thought and his friends would laugh at him for that, but they can’t blame him really. The guy left without any trace and no one knows where the hell is he. The only information they got is that he went overseas that’s it. No one can even contact him so they just hope he’s still well and alive. 

‘I promise, I’ll see you soon, Minori.’ 

“Ugh!” Minori woke up when he dreamt of Itto for the nth time this month. He can barely have decent sleep at all thanks to college and now add the dream or rather he would claim it as a nightmare since it involves that red-haired cheeky bastard again. 

“Liar.” He muttered in distress. It was three in the morning when Minori got up from his bed and started to make some coffee so he can study instead of overthinking some unnecessary stuff. 

“Who would have thought I was able to survive two years of college huh.” He said as he took a sip of his coffee and set himself to study those extra modules that his horrible professor assigned him to. 

His phone started to buzz, it's his usual alarm clock to wake up and do his morning routine. Since he woke up earlier than his alarm, he’ll go out for breakfast instead. Once in while he would visit the same beach that him and Itto visited before. He was lucky enough that his university is close by to that place aside from having familiar faces that studies at the same school. 

It was the first week of spring, the weather was a bit chilly today and the plants are preparing themselves to bloom soon enough. For now, Minori just went out to buy freshly baked bread that just opened next to his apartment. He was already used living in dormitories so apartment is not a big deal for him. Plus, it’s only fifteen minutes' walk to his school and ten minutes' walk to the beach, but the two are on complete opposite directions like on the left is the school while on the right is the beach. 

‘Hmm, today’s kind of good to visit. Might as well do it since I still have few hours before my classes start.’ He thought.  

Minori might not admit it, but this visiting the beach becomes his habit ever since he started college. It did help him to relax, although he cannot ignore the thought of that certain person. What Itto have said before was true, he was able to shift his emotions and relax just by sitting in the staircase and watching the sunset or sunrise there. 

‘If only he was here then-’ 

“No. What the hell am I saying.” He shook his head vigorously and continues to watch the waves. Usually, he has the tendency to check women joggers, but he unconsciously stopped doing that. He didn’t even mention any inappropriate stuff when he had a mini reunion with Ushio and Kaoru. To Ushio’s delight and Kaoru’s surprise, Minori never mentioned boobs or what not. Even himself didn’t even realize it, he wonders what changed him. 

Meanwhile, someone tried to call Minori, but the guy was busy reminiscing the past especially the clubs he joined back in Tensho. The guy then carefully approaches Minori and waited for him to get noticed while he stands next to him. It took him a couple of minutes before Minori noticed another presence next to him, and when he did his eyes widens from shock. 

“U-uh... Who are you, sir?” He was scared what if he’s just hallucinating or what if he missed Itto so much he started to envision everyone with Itto’s face. Wait- 

‘I missed him?’ His heart sunk when he started putting all the pieces and the puzzle was completed. Currently, he was just staring at the guy who he assumes to be the guy that indirectly kept bothering him for two whole years. 

“Aw, you already forgot about me, Minori?” He chuckles while his eyes locked on confused bespectacled guy and sat down next to him. 

‘His voice changed a bit, he got taller and got buffed too, also undercut? What the hell happened to him??’ 

“Did you actually forget me?” Minori rolled his eyes and continues to pretend he doesn’t know Itto at all. 

“Huh, I wonder. I tend to forget people who left without a word, not even a single message. Nothing! For two years too.” He huffed after all this time he came in just like that? At least explain everything before deciding to appear after all these years. 

“Haha, I’m sorry! But I did keep my promise seeing you again!” Itto exclaims but that didn’t diffuse Minori’s anger on him. 

“But what the hell?? You left without a word, that hurts you know.” This time Minori pouted, he was really disappointed on the first few days of Itto leaving him behind. 

“I know and I understand. I will explain everything don’t worry.” He said while flashing out a smile that’s very similar to what Minori had dreamt off. 

“.....” Minori went silent because he never expected that one day Itto will show up here at this time too. He was relieved that Itto was okay and nothing bad happened to him, but the way he’s staring at him as if some weird entity is in front of him says it otherwise. But he cannot deny that he missed him, his presence, his voice so badly that it took him awhile to realize that until this day in their secret rendezvous. The place which is Itto’s favorite that ended up becoming Minori’s favorite too. 

“So... What are you up to now?” Minori initiated so it won’t be awkward for them.  

“I’m back for real.” 

“Really?” 

“Hm! I told them I cannot stay over there any longer since it’s been two years. I missed someone already that’s why I came back. Hehe.” 

“Huh, I wonder if they missed you too.” He said half-jokingly which made Itto pout, it was cute. 

“Your hair. You let it grow further?” Itto asked while noticing Minori’s hair tied up in a ponytail. 

“Yeah, I don’t have time to cut it cause of university is stressful. Ugh. I couldn’t- What are you doing?” Before he can continue, Itto already caresses his fluffy hair. 

“Oi, Itto.” 

“Hehe, you remembered me after all. I’m happy!” Minori squints at him, but later on he let out an exhausted sigh. He’s still the same Itto that he knew few years ago. 

“By the way, do you attend the college nearby?” Not surprised with a sudden shift of question. 

“Yeah, why?” 

“That means we’ll be schoolmates! Can’t wait! Maybe we can be classmates in other classes too!” It took Minori time to process what just Itto said, but when it did it hit him hard. 

“You WHAT!??” 

“Ooh? You don’t want to?” 

“It’s not- ugh never mind. So, you did study overseas huh.” 

“Hm, I’ve got no choice back then. I was lucky enough that my units got credited during my transfer. Oh, do you need a roommate? Can I-” 

“I’m not accepting freeloaders!” 

“Aww! I will pay! I’ll use the competition money if we won the swim meet.” 

“You’re still swimming, huh.” Itto nods. If he didn’t go outside of the country then he would have gone to Olympics with Hozumi and Takato. Minori remembers the news talking about Itto’s potential, unfortunately he left before he can make a name for himself. 

“Yes! It’s something that I love to do.” He said then diverts his attention to the ocean in front of them. 

“Also, it reminds me of my grandfather whenever I swim or head over towards the beach. He’s the one who took me to the ocean when I was a kid and I fell in love with. But-” 

“But?” 

“Ever since he passed away two years ago, I couldn’t see the ocean and swimming the same as when I was a child. Training made it hard for me too since I barely can focus.” Minori was surprised to hear that and started to connect the dots on why Itto left that day. 

“Is that the reason why you left?” Itto slowly nods. 

“It’s not my intention to left you guys hanging, but I’m really sorry for that, Minori.” 

“I mean, I would understand if you wanted to settle your family problems first. You should have said that in the first place instead of giving such vague goodbyes. I was so worried, you dolt.” 

“Ahaha-” 

“Don’t just laugh at it! Not to mention those last words you’ve said to me gave me nightmares what the heck.” 

“I guess that left you a huge impact huh, success!” 

“Oh, can it! Geez. You’re still the same Itto that I know.” 

“Yup! I’m still the same Itto that you know and love hehe.” 

“Uh, I don’t know about the last part.” 

“Ehh?? Minori, do you actually hate me?” 

“Maybe.” 

“No way!” Minori laughs it off that made Itto turned his head and smiled at the view. 

‘Ah, I missed this.’ He thought. 

“What? Is there something in my face?” 

“Ah, don’t mind me I just like to admire your pretty face.” The blonde’s face went beet red soon after hearing that. 

“C-can you not say that!?” 

“Ehh... Why not? I’m telling the truth though.” 

“It’s embarrassing!” 

“I like your new hairstyle; you don’t need to hide those ears of yours anymore.” 

“Well, I was studying earlier so I have to tie it. It bothers me when I don’t put it up.” 

“Ooh, you have classes today?” 

“Yeah, in a few hours.” He checked his phone for the time it’s almost seven thirty in the morning. 

“It’s almost seven thirty, woah. Time to head back then.” Time flies when he’s with Itto.  

“Take me with you.” 

“No-” 

“I’ve heard that your roommate graduated already so you have free space now.” 

“Wha- How did you even know that??” Minori’s roommate just left yesterday and of course he would be surprised if even Itto knows this. 

“I’ve heard it from Hajime. He lives next to you right?” He grinned at bewildered Minori. 

“Wait, so Hajime knew you’re coming??” 

“Yeah, though I only messaged him before I've board the plane. I just got back around three in the morning.” 

‘Three in the morning? Huh.’ 

‘That was the time where I woke up?? So, that nightmare was a fucking sign????’ While Minori is busy with his train of thoughts, Itto, on the other hand, is already messaging his friends and former teammates. Everyone’s already woken up and they clogged the group chat with welcome backs for Itto, some of them are scolding him for being missing in action for two years. 

“Minori~” 

“Huh? What do you want?” 

“Let’s go home!” 

“Uh, do you even know where’s the place?” 

“No.” 

“See, I bet you’ll get lost trying to find it.” He sighed but eventually took Itto to his apartment. 

“Uwaa, it’s messy.” First thing Itto said when he entered that made Minori popped a vein. 

“Well, my plan was to just buy bread and suddenly you came in. That took us time.” He said while shaking his head in disbelief. 

“Also, did I mentioned I was studying?” 

“Hmm. But” 

“But what?” 

“Can I move in here?” 

“Huh? No way. Isn’t it the swimming club has their own dormitories??” 

“I don’t want it there.” That made Minori frown. He was sure Itto’s gonna join the club, but denying the free dorms? 

“Why? It’s basically free though.” 

“I only know Hozumi there and Takato already graduated so no. Also, I wanted here so I can be with Minori all the time hehe~” 

“You!” Minori forgot that Itto can be stubborn with stuff that reminds him during their first year, Itto kept asking him to duet until he’s got no choice but to agree. 

“And I have to make up the time I left you alone so it’ll be easier if we live together, right?” 

“Ugh.” He hates it when Itto was able to convince him like this, you can say it’s one of his weaknesses. It’s been like that since their high school years and it didn’t change a bit even in college. Maybe because of his lack of presence that’s why he couldn’t refuse him unlike before. 

“Okay, fine!” 

“Yay!” 

“Your room should be on the right, mine’s on the left. Okay?” 

“Okay~” 

“Do you want to eat?” 

“Ah, thanks but I would like to take a nap.” 

“Okay. Just so you know I will leave around eleven, I have class.” 

“Noted.” Itto proceeds to drop his stuff in that empty space room and a sudden thought of checking Minori’s hits him. He went there while the glasses guy was not looking. To his surprise, it was neat and organized unlike in the living room where all his notes were scattered. Decided to plop on the bed and accidentally sleeps on it. 

Meanwhile, Minori had finished his breakfast and was cleaning up his messy notes that left scattered in the living room. It still felt surreal to finally meet the guy who he kept searching for years. He couldn’t get mad at him for a long time especially when he heard the truth behind his disappearance and that there’s a family situation happened. 

‘Now I hope that reoccurring dreams won’t haunt me anymore. The guy is already here so it won’t make sense if it still appears. Unless he’s doing it on purpose but that’s impossible.’ That thought made him chuckle. 

‘I wonder if he’s sleeping.’ He went to check on Itto but he couldn’t find him in his designated room. 

‘Don’t tell me he-’ Just like what he thought he was in his room. 

‘Seriously? As usual he didn’t listen to me.’ He sighed. 

‘What should I do to him for real?’ He walked closer to the sleeping guy and had the urge to wake him, but he does look tired so let’s him be for the mean time. Until- 

“Hwa!?” Minori got pulled by ‘sleeping’ Itto. 

“Oi. Itto can you let me go I need to prepare to go to school.” 

“Minori~ I’m sorry.” 

“You’re apologizing now? If you’re really sorry, can you let me go?” He tried to struggle himself out but to no avail it didn’t work. 

“No~” 

“Why??” 

“Because, I love Minori~” 

‘What does it have to do with the current situation!??’ If one can caught them in the act Minori is already a blushing mess. 

“Uh, thank you I guess?” But that response made Itto pout, he’s been pouting a couple of times now it’s like how his first-year high school self again. 

“Does Minori hates Itto that much?” 

“.....” 

‘Yes, I hate you so much for pulling things like this, God don’t do this me. Not today!’ He thought. 

*badump badump* 

“No, I don’t hate you. It’s just that I’m busy and I have a class to attend to.” 

“Then, do you like me too?” 

‘MY GOD WHY!? Why do I feel I’m in an otome game that Marume-senpai usually play...? '

“Are you really asleep?” He tried to avoid answering by trying to get out from Itto’s arms but the latter is much stronger than him so his efforts are futile. 

“Gosh okay, I like you too, Itto! Can you let me go now? Please.” 

“Not until you seal it with a kiss.” 

‘KISS!??’ He actually said it out loud in which Itto held his laughter towards the very flustered blonde that’s currently experiencing embarrassment and is panicking now. Who would have thought that one day his suppressed feelings are going to burst out soon enough like this? Not him obviously. 

“Oi, don’t make fun of me-” 

“I’ve never made fun of people, Minori.” 

“.....” 

‘Then what do you call this then??’ 

“Well, if you’re not gonna do it then I will.” He finally opened his eyes and immediately pulled Minori even closer. 

“Uh what-” Itto then whispered something to Minori before placing a quick peck on his cheek that made the latter goes beet red. Itto then reluctantly remove his hold on Minori and stood up. 

“Sorry for giving you trouble again, Minori.” 

‘Oi, what the fuck was that?? You can’t just leave like that!’ He stood up as well and grasps Itto’s arm before the latter can leave. 

“Minori-” 

“That’s not fair.” Before he realized it, tears streaming down in his cheeks. There his feelings got overwhelmed that couldn’t hide it anymore. He tried to say more but it ended up being incoherent and frustratingly gave up. 

“T-that’s really unfair, Itto.” The said guy rushes towards Minori and cups his face gently while he brushes off those tears. 

“I see, this is your answer then? I’m glad.” He said. Carefully removing the other’s glasses and lets their foreheads bump then pressing their lips together. Minori panicked a bit and just surrounds his arms on Itto’s shoulders. 

‘I assume this is what Ushio-senpai meant when falling in love. Love hits hard when you finally realized you fell for it especially when you kept denying your feelings and ended up hurting yourself. It’s funny how it was Kaoru-kun made him figure out that one and now they’re happy together.’ 

‘As for me...’ Once they parted, Minori’s vision becomes blurry when he’s not wearing his glasses. Though he knows Itto is there, and wishes he won’t leave him like before. 

“This time I swear I won’t leave you alone, Minori.” As if he can read what Minori’s thoughts. 

“I really hope so or I really won’t forgive you this time.” 

“I’m very sure this time!” 

“Well, that’s good.” He muttered and decided to give Itto a tight embrace while nuzzling his shoulder. Obviously, Itto was happy to reciprocate. 

“Minori, don’t you have class today?” 

“Uwaa, I forgot. It’s your fault!” He lets him go as soon as he said that and searches for clothes and went straight to the bathroom. 

“His ears are red haha~” He can’t help but to let out a toothy grin when he remembered what happened earlier, it was spontaneous but memorable moment for him. The way he confessed to Minori when he whispered. 

‘Minori, I really, really like you ever since high school. I never told you anything because I was afraid of getting rejected by you so. I thought leaving might be the best decision to forget about my feelings for you, but the opposite happened. I missed you more than ever. I’m not even sure if you feel the same way. Believe me, I was so happy seeing you today my heart kept beating so fast. I’m really glad I found you first. Do you like me, Minori?’ 

It was a lengthy confession that anyone would feel overwhelmed hearing that. It’s also a catalyst to Minori’s buried feelings for him and it got too much he finally answered as well. After two grueling years of both yearning each other, it took them one day to finally filled up the missing gap between them. 

Extra:  

The two walked towards their university and Itto was all eyes on the place. 

“Oi, don’t gawk too much, people are staring at you.” Minori said not even taking a glance to Itto. 

“It’s fine, no matter how many people will look at me my heart belongs to you and you alone hehe.” 

“That’s not what I meant- ugh never mind.” He mentally facepalm then he drags Itto away from the weird gazes from other students. 

“Yo, Shido.” 

“Hm? Oh, Masaru. Hajime too.” They stopped when they heard those familiar voices. 

“Hey, it’s Takatenjin! Long time no see!” 

“Same here!” 

“It seems you two have met huh.” Hajime said 

“Yeah. Hey, I didn’t know you messaged him before and didn’t tell me about it!” 

“Ahaha, sorry but Takatenjin said don’t mention anything to you since he wanted to surprise you.” 

“What an accomplice. Tsk.” 

“Just this once, Shido. Haha” 

“Right.” He glares at Hajime. 

“By the way, are you two dating now?” 

“No-” 

“Yes, we are!” 

“Itto, what the hell are you saying!?” 

“I’m telling them the truth? What’s wrong?” 

“Oh, finally! Congratulations.” Masaru and Hajime clapped in unison while Minori was still denying it and Itto didn’t help either so he raised both his hands and just gave up. 

‘Fine, whatever. I’m too tired to banter at this point, there’s a lot happened in one day. Geez.’ 

After that, there’s Tensho Academy reunion scheduled for next month. Everyone is complete this time for the first time. The former club members reuniting at their high school and swimming club is finally complete this time as well. Takato would be ecstatic to hear the news that Itto came back and he’ll boast about his club soon enough. Rei would be there to remind him that swimming club was at the bottom of rank though. Speaking of clubs, Ushio and Kaoru will love to hear about this too. The two were there for Minori’s longing for someone and they will probably have a breather now. As they only wish for Minori’s happiness in the end.