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Rika was always finding ways for their friends to do stuff together.
So of course it was her idea to go carolling but not in the normal way. Instead they were singing like idiots on the street like it was no one's business. Most people probably thought the five teenagers were drunk. With how they'd laugh and scream out certain lyrics to throw off the song. Which was Narumi's way off pissing Rika off, since Narumi's voice could reach a higher volume than anyone else's. Rika had shoved snow down his coat when he purposely screamed out a lyric in the most off key way he could.
"Holy shit! Cold! Cold!" Narumi danced around trying to get the snow out.
It was Shusaku grabbing him and yanking his coat off that helped, since Naurmi hadn't bundled up properly, Shusaku was able to slip it off "..."
Narumi stared at him accusingly for stripping him like that "My singing wasn't that bad!"
"..." Shusaku ignored him and dusted the inside of the coat off before holding it out for Narumi's to put in back on.
"Oh- thanks!" Narumi grinned, throwing an arm around Shusaku and leaning his head into his shoulder "At least someone around here is helpful!"
Rika raised an eyebrow "I think he's just learned how to deal with your idiocy over the years."
Narumi pouted at her before straightening to put his coat back on, bundling it up a bit more due to the snow causing him to be a little colder. Shusaku walked close to him, nearly shoulder to shoulder and Narumi was glad the cold weather could hide his slight blush. He really was too close. Narumi broke out into another song to distract himself. Causing the other three to jump, Shusaku had somewhat anticipated it so he began to sing with him on the next lyric.
The other three following on the second and the incident was forgotten. They had gotten through a few more songs in their roaster. There was always antics with them though and it was Narumi who decided to be a pain. He began to always start the next song as Carol of the Bells, not letting them stop singing the song. He even kept his composure as Kagiyama nudged him to try to throw him off. On their fifth time singing it in a row, Yayoi had her voice crack in the middle of the song which caused her to promptly blush.
"Christmas is h-eek~!" Yayoi's eyes darted to her friends to see if they had noticed "I-I mean..."
Rika laughed "That was the more adorable screw up in a song ever!"
Narumi snorted "At least your voice cracked early!"
Yayoi gave a pout "It wasn't that noticeable..."
Kagiyama gave an apologetic look "I'm sort of with them..."
Shusaku didn't say anything "..."
Yayoi huffed and Narumi just laughed "Hearing your voice squeak like that! It's normally so mature!"
It seemed they were all screwing things up somehow but that was normal. Why do something this silly with everything somehow working out perfectly? They had diverted at one point to get into a snowball fight. Narumi and Rika had dived face first into a large pile of snow. When Kagiyama wandered over, they both grabbed Kagiyama's arm and yanked him into the pile. Shusaku and Yayoi never came close to the pile of snow after that. Which had Narumi throw a snowball at Shusaku. He ducked but Yayoi behind him got hit square in the face. Kagiyama had put an end to it after that since that was dangerously close to possibly breaking Yayoi's glasses. All of them dusting themselves off as best as they could.
They then raced down the sidewalk to get to the next street in order to begin their singing again. They got yelled at by a grump at one point and Rika had to be dragged away from her argument with him so they didn't have the cops called on them. They had continued for a few streets before Shusaku had broken out into a coughing fit. Partly due to it getting too cold but mostly due to not normally having to exercise his voice this much and it became sore. Narumi slapping his back hadn't helped and almost made him choke on his own salvia. He was given a piercing glare for that.
"I was helping I swear." Narumi defended himself.
"....." Shusaku stared at him as best as he could as he continued to cough.
"... Are you okay?" Narumi inquired.
"..." He was just met with more coughing.
Kagiyama frowned "You may not want to try to get him to talk while he's coughing. You're making it worse."
"At least I'm doing something." Narumi challenged him.
"There, there." Yayoi rubbed Shusaku's back which helped calm his coughing.
"See? You do that instead... Hasn't Guren told you to be more cautious?" Kagiyama stated triumphantly.
"Shut up."
"Makoto only listens to advice that's beneficial." Rika commented.
"Hey, let's y'know, focus on the guy whose coughing and not the guy trying to help."
"-Or making it worse."
"Oh my god..." Narumi frowned at them before looking back at Shusaku "Do you want to go home? I'll take you back if you want. I'll even carry you!"
Shusaku shook his head, his coughs having subsided during their bickering "I'm okay, let's continue. I'll just sit the next song out okay?"
Rika gave his best pout "But we're supposed to be singing together~!"
"-And you were complaining about me only doing stuff that's beneficial for me." Narumi pointed out.
This got him nearly jabbed in the gut but Narumi dodged and grinned at her with such a childish and superior grin. This resulting in Rika chasing him down the street for a good five minutes. The other three struggling to keep up with their energy. They did get back into the normal flow though. Singing at the top of their lungs for various people to hear from their homes. Laughing and cheering, one time even getting Yayoi to do a solo verse because the others had all stopped at once. Yayoi had done wonderfully and despite her embarrassment was too determined to not finish that part of the song. They tried to do that to Shusaku later but all that resulted was silence and a smirk from Shusaku.
He was always really good at reading them. Though Shusaku did talk Narumi and Rika into doing a duet song all on their own. Yayoi and Kagiyama enthusiastically cheering them on during it. They continued their path towards the middle of town, where there was more festivities going on. They were going there to enjoy the hustle and bustle of town life there. They continued to sing with as much enthusiasm they had when they started until they could get there. Kagiyama had been singing his parts very passionately until his voice raised to a very high octave as he slipped on ice. Narumi and Rika almost fell over laughing so hard that Shusaku and Yayoi respectively had to hold them up.
"It was like a chicken's cheep coming from a falling giant!" as Rika put it.
Narumi nearly caused Shusaku to collapse as he leaned heavily on him due to the laughter. "Kag- hahahaa- Kagiyama! What was that noise!?"
Kagiyama actually looked a little embarrassed "You try keeping your composure when you fall like that."
"Shusaku and Yayoi could do it." Rika thumbed towards them with a smirk on her face.
"Okay, but let's see the ones who are laughing do it."
"Ahaha..." Yayoi laughed nervously "Are you okay Kagiyama? You fell hard enough to crack the ice."
Shusaku's knees almost buckled as Narumi couldn't hold himself up any longer due to laughter "Makoto control yourself."
"Just let him fall." Rika offered.
"..." Shusaku adjusted his grip better.
Kagiyama stumbled his way back to his feet "Be careful you guys, looks like this area wasn't hit yet to thin out the ice."
They all recomposed themselves and continued their journey, their singing falling off when they got close to the bright lights of the festival. They entered and a warm air filled them due to the amount of people there as well as the warm drinks being served. All of them taking some time to get a drink before they made their way to the center of the masses. The lights were bright and due to that, Yayoi's glasses was reflecting it so much that none of them could see her eyes. Narumi let out a quiet gasp at the sight of those lights. The huge tree with all it's decorations and flickering lights was so pretty.
Part of Narumi wanted to reach for someone's hand to interlock his fingers with. This sight was just too pretty to be alone for. He took a cheeky glance to Shusaku, just to catch what expression he was making. His eyes were a little wider, a slight innocent wonderment in them at the sear volume of merriment in the area. Narumi glanced away, memorizing the sight to memory before getting an idea. He leaned quickly into Shusaku's shoulder and took out his phone to take a picture of both of them. Hoping Shusaku would take the action as purely friendly and not Narumi's secret crush on him.
It certainly wasn't noticed by their other friends. Though Shusaku did give him an enticing smile for it. Narumi just grinned, not quite able to hide his blush but it just seemed to match Shusaku's flushed cheeks from the cold. They fell back into normal habits, all five of them grinning like children. They stared at the giant tree in the middle of the town. Rika then gave them a cheeky grin and with a countdown of her fingers. All of them gathered what she was aiming for. As soon as her last finger went down, the five of them began singing as loud as they could.
This got quite a few stares from people, some laughing, some cheering, some shaking their heads or rolling their eyes. They ignored it and sang merrily, this was the time to just relax and that was what they were doing. Narumi couldn't help his eyes looking over to see Shusaku. Staring at him. This was probably one of the few times that Shusaku wouldn't notice. He was normally sensitive to people's eyes being on him but with them singing in a crowd. There was no way for him to know that Narumi was amongst those stares.
All and all, it was a success, they even got others to join in to sing too. Then things really settled down as it began to get really dark. The group going around to see what was available to buy. Rika had picked up a few more decorations and some key chains. The rest just window shopped due to being low on money already this season. The wind started to pick up as soon as they left the area. Having left later than most in order to just bask in each other's presence for a little longer before they'd part.
"Ah..." Yayoi sighed "It's going to feel like so long before we see each other again~."
Kagiyama gave a sad smile "Yeah, my family's taking a flight out to visit my grandparents so I'm going to be gone for this entire holiday."
"My cousins are coming over..." Yayoi said with lingering distant tone "I'm going to be stuck looking after them."
Rika just gave a shrug "Hey, at least your parents aren't trying to meet up this year right?"
Yayoi gave a nod "Yes, I'll be staying with my mom and cousins for this week, then spending the next week with my dad but it's a ways away so looks like I'll just have to text you all."
Narumi gave a smile "Well, that's still better than last year. I mean, me and Shusaku's parents are close so we never get time apart during the holidays."
"Lucky." Rika complained "My parents are itching to leave to somewhere warmer, they really can't handle the cold. I'm going to miss the snow."
"It is odd that Makoto and I are the only ones not out of town this holiday..." Shusaku stated.
Yayoi nodded sadly "Though, I remember last year when your families shared a cabin together. You two ended up leaving school together because they picked you both up to go as soon as the school day ended."
"That was fun." Narumi said with a smile "Though, hey- we're old enough, we could probably book someplace to stay together next year."
"If my parents will let me." Kagiyama admitted with a sigh "They can be so rigid when it comes to these things."
"I can't imagine." Rika said with an eye roll, her parents were much more relaxed.
"I can." Yayoi said with a small strained laugh.
Shusaku gave a nod as well, though his parents were more somewhere in-between.
Narumi just chuckled slightly "Looks like it's just me and Rika who have a lot of freedom."
"Enough of that!" Rika announced "Today was fun!"
"..." Shusaku gave a nod in agreement although he did rub his throat.
Yayoi gave a chipper nod "Yes~. I hope we can do these sort of things again soon."
Kagiyama thought it over "Well, we could always do something when we get back to school, since new years isn't an option this time."
Narumi took charge "So how about we throw a small party in the cafeteria?"
Yayoi nodded "Okay, I'll bake so we'll have some snacks."
"Yayoi, you're the best." Narumi said while rubbing the top of her head.
Rika gave an eye roll "You really shouldn't encourage him. He'll always expect it and he'll hold this over your head."
Shusaku spoke "Just don't expect everyone to bake you something Makoto."
"Don't infantilize me."
Yayoi just laughed and Kagiyama shook his head "Okay, seems like our next plan is lunch together."
"Yeah..." Rika then put her hand forward and the others put it on top "To seeing each other next year! Woo!"
They lifted their hands up in sync and laughter burst from all of them. Grins and smiles exchanged before they really went to finally go home. Yayoi had to take the bus and they all decided to wait with her to make sure everything went okay. Making small talk while waiting for the bus to arrive. Yayoi blowing warm air into her mittens to try and get herself to feel warmer.
"Do you want my scarf for a bit?" Rika offered.
"Oh- no. I'm good but thank you."
"It really is getting quite cold." Shusaku mused out loud.
Narumi did a quick check "How're you holding up?"
"I can last."
"Wasn't what I asked."
"My feet feel a little numb..."
"You don't have to wait with me." Yayoi interjected quickly.
Shusaku shook his head "It's not that long."
Narumi could catch what Shusaku was going for "Besides, this is the last time we're hanging out till school starts again..."
Rika nodded and her face showed a bit of loneliness that she quickly hid "What are we on about? It's almost like we're dependant on each other."
Kagiyama crossed his arms "Valuing our friendship isn't about being dependent."
"It's always upsetting to part ways..." Yayoi explained "Even if only for a short while."
Narumi felt his chest tighten instinctively and he looked down at the snow "..."
Yayoi then beamed "So! What should we part with? Any holiday wishes?"
Rika spoke first "I want to travel! We should go to a theme park sometime soon!"
Kagiyama had to think "I guess... I'd have to wish for more free time."
"I hope for more peaceful moments like this." Yayoi whispered.
Narumi spoke next "I wish you four would respect me more~. In all seriousness though... I'd wish for none of us to get sick."
"I just want our studies to go smoothly without any more trouble..." Shusaku quietly spoke.
"Yayoi." Kagiyama pointed to the street "Bus is almost here."
"Oh!"
In a few seconds, the bus rolled up and people started to pile onto it. Yayoi thanked them for waiting at the bus stop with her and she disappeared onto it. Climbing to the back and waving through the window at them. Three of them waved back, Shusaku wasn't much of a person to wave so he merely gave a slight nod. Then they parted ways in pairs, Narumi and Shusaku separated off, the two walking back together due to living on the same street. Narumi waving for the both of them at their parting friends. Before settling into the comfortable silence Shusaku was setting.
It was like that for awhile, with only the crunching snow below their boots to break up the silence as they got farther away from the bustle of the crowds. It was fun, Narumi really did love spending time with his friends. Though, he loved spending time with Shusaku the most, they'd be spending most of their holiday together. They were inseparable, Narumi always sought him out. A habit he just couldn't break from when they were younger but Shusaku always followed willingly.
"Makoto?"
Narumi wasn't expecting Shusaku to be the one to break the silence "Hmm?"
"Ah..." Shusaku paused before regaining his composure "Did you want to stop at the park before going home?"
"Sure."
They took a small detour and Narumi felt himself smile at the sight of the frozen playground. He remembers this place so distinctly. Him and Shusaku always ran over here to play, sometimes climbing the trees nearby. Narumi grinned like an idiot. They shared so many memories here.
"Hey, Shusaku! Remember that one time you caught a spider in that tree?"
Shusaku nodded "Yeah, I went to show you it because I thought it was an odd shape."
"Turns out it was a leaping spider and it lunged at me."
"So you fell backwards out of the tree and nearly broke your arm."
"I remember begging you not to tell my parents why I had actually fallen."
"..." Shusaku nodded.
"I'm glad you had my back and my pride."
Narumi ran forward to the swing set and brushed off the snow "Hey, remember when I used to push you on these?"
Shusaku nodded and walked over, leaning against the swing pole "Yes. I remember telling you not to push me too hard."
"Then I did it anyways and you went flying off of the swing."
"And landed on my face..." Shusaku's eyes showed amusement "I got a nosebleed from that."
Narumi chuckled slightly with a sheepish look "We were so dumb sometimes."
"We were seven."
"I remember competing over who could launch themselves the farthest."
Shusaku chuckled "Yeah, and one time your shoelace got stuck so you tumbled off and rolled."
Narumi laughed "Yeah, I remember that. I think I argued that because I rolled farther than you launched that I should win."
"I remember being unamused by that comment and arguing about it being launch distance not distance traveled."
"I can't remember who won that argument."
"I'm not sure we ever finished arguing before we had to go home..."
Narumi grinned and played with the swing for a bit "Trust me still?"
"Of course."
"Let me push you, for old times sake."
"I think I'm a little too big for this now."
"Oh come on, amuse me please?"
"..."
Shusaku did come over, ducking his coat so he could sit on it as he settled onto the swing. Legs a little scrunched due to his height but he glanced over his shoulder for Narumi to push him. Narumi did but started off gentle. Hands tingling slightly from where they touched Shusaku's back. Small little bits of contact sometimes drove Narumi nuts. He began to push him harder, making sure to control his strength. He knew better than to go full force, he'd probably shove Shusaku off the swing if he did it now that he was older. Though if Shusaku fell off due to speed and force of the swing set instead, that would be a different matter.
"I think if you fell off due to my power this time, you'd land perfectly."
"I've gotten a lot more agile. I have to keep up with you..."
"Nn?" Narumi grinned cheekily "So I'm a good influence?"
"Yes."
Narumi gave a cheery smile "Good~."
They stayed quiet for quite a few minutes, just enjoying the moment.
"Why did you want to detour?" Narumi asked.
"..." Shusaku paused and Narumi pushed him two more times before he replied "I don't know..."
Narumi could tell he was lying but moved on "I still remember using the sea saw with you."
"..."
"You've always been immensely light, and since I had a bit of height on you when we were younger..."
"It did add up..." Shusaku said with a sigh "I remember always trying to get you to stay at the top."
Narumi laughed "You tried?"
"You always looked like you had so much fun when you were flung up..." Shusaku mused, his tone soft "Always reaching for something higher..."
Narumi couldn't help the small serene smile that spread onto his face "Yeah... I've always had big goals."
"..."
"Hey, -" Narumi called out softly "-we were always such a pair..."
"Always will be."
Narumi felt himself become embarrassed "Of course!"
"Do you remember playing hide and seek here?"
"Yeah, I remember one time when you hid in the slide but fell out due to not having the grip strength."
Shusaku chuckled "Yeah, that wasn't one of my more intelligent moments."
"I still remember you finding me even though I cheated."
"Ah?"
"When I hid outside of the playground, breaking the rules. You found me anyways, I was so upset!"
"Oh, I recall that."
They both laughed slightly.
"Hey, remember when our parents took us to an indoor playground?"
Shusaku thought about it "Which time?"
"Ah, right, I forgot we went there more than once, they sort of all merged. I was just speaking in general."
"I do. I loved climbing there... I wish I could go rock climbing."
"We could. I can take you?"
Shusaku looked back at him, his eyes a little wide "Really?"
Narumi gave a determined nod "Of course, you should've just told me."
"I guess I forgot that I wanted to..."
"Nn..."
"..."
Silence for a bit as Shusaku settled the pleasant sensations, Narumi could be really sweet when he tried. His face was starting to heat up from the idea of Narumi willing to do something like that just because he asked. His pulse was picking up but began to resettle as he found a way to reengage with conversation.
"Is there anything you want to do?"
"White water rafting and oh-! Surfing!"
"We'll do that too."
"What? Really?"
"It's only fair."
"You do know that I wasn't offering to take you rock climbing just to get you to do something for me." Narumi huffed slightly "I did it because I wanted to."
"..." Shusaku was too embarrassed for a bit to respond, Narumi had no idea how much that made his feelings for him stir. Not to mention the reason he caused them to divert... "I know... I just like doing things for you too."
"Not everything though~." Narumi laughed "You still won't listen to some of my requests."
"That's because I have no interest in doing those requests."
"Hmm..." Narumi pouted before brightening "Remember the ball pit at the indoor playground?"
"I remember."
"Do you also remember me convincing you to hide in there with me?"
"Yes, our parents freaked out. I remember getting scolded for it."
"Remember the good parts!" Narumi complained "Like hiding there and barely being able to see each other through the balls. Trying to stifle our laughter that I pressed a hand to your mouth."
"Even though you were the one laughing more."
"Then we sprung out of the ball pit at the same time, causing my dad to fall over in surprise!"
"..." Shusaku smiled "We really do have a lot of fun..."
"It definitely hasn't stopped. Neither has me dragging you into my antics."
"Someone has to make sure you don't do those things alone."
"I know."
"I've got your back."
"I know."
"..."
Shusaku decided to jump off the swing, deciding it was time to move onto somewhere else. Narumi grinned at him and nudged him with a 'I knew you could do it' look. Shusaku just gave him a fond smile before looking around, they spent a bit trying to cramp their grown bodies into the small spaces. The low roofs causing them to hunch and trying to fit down the tunnelled slides wasn't as entertaining as they remembered. Though they still made their way around. Narumi even playfully slid along the seesaw before leaping off of it.
The last place they hit was the monkey bars that they spent awhile hanging from. Narumi playfully meeting him in the middle before giving him a cheeky look. Shusaku spent awhile trying to get past him before eventually subsiding. Narumi nudged him with his leg playfully, in a way that could almost pass for flirting. Shusaku quickly decided to change the tone, so they crawled on top of the monkey bars. Sitting on the edge and looked up towards the stars. Narumi leaned his hands back on the bars with a sigh. Shusaku held onto the bar he was sitting on, his legs curled slightly around the bar. Contrary to Narumi who was sprawling his legs out in front of them. There was a comfortable silence before Narumi noticed in his peripheral that Shusaku was staring.
"..."
"Nn?"
"Ah?" Shusaku looked away before hoping down.
Narumi followed suit, landing beside him but slipped slightly on the snow there "Gah-."
Shusaku grabbed his arm instantly to steady him "Makoto, you okay?"
"Yeah, thanks. Guess I picked a bad spot to land."
"..."
"Something on your mind?"
"Yes."
"And that is?"
"..." Shusaku looked down before he looked back at the playground.
Narumi's eyes followed and stared at it... it really was a wonderful place to grow up and play in. "Shusaku..."
"Would you consider dating me?" The tone was clear and precise.
But... Narumi's brain felt like he didn't hear that right. Though the way Shusaku was looking at him. His brows were starting to furrow, his stare glued to his face so much that he didn't dare blink. His lips were in a state of him wanting to nibble on it due to nervousness but relaxing due to waiting. Shusaku was really handsome. Quietly waiting rather than assuming Narumi's response. Always letting him get his emotions out and supporting him. The guy in front of him liked him. Liked him back.
"I-" Narumi took a moment and recomposed, he wanted to sound better than that "Of course!"
"..." Shusaku's face held complete surprise.
"What?" Narumi playfully asked "Took you long enough."
"You knew?" Shusaku was taken back before he frowned in realization "Oh..."
Narumi laughed and hugged him "I can't believe you thought I knew!"
"..." He rolled his eyes "I just didn't peg you as someone who could figure out I have liked you for awhile."
"It would've had to have been." Narumi rationalized "You're a slow paced guy. You always take your time to consider your options."
"..."
"I'm glad you chose this one..." Narumi whispered, half hoping Shusaku didn't hear those embarrassing words.
Shusaku gave him a warm look, cherishing this moment. Narumi really was someone special. They were still stuck in each other's embrace, Narumi's arms around his shoulder and Shusaku's around Narumi's lower back. Shusaku hoped they could stay like this for awhile. It was pleasant to bask in this situation after pining after Narumi for the last six months. He thought he had read the signs right, that Narumi wouldn't oppose this as much as Shusaku had originally suspected him to. Both held onto the other in a tender gesture.
Shusaku tightened his grip on Narumi and rested forward onto his shoulder before whispering "My fondness grew for you too much..."
"Hah?" Narumi blinked in confusion "Yeah... mine too."
This caused Shusaku to pull back to look at him "..."
Narumi's face was red and he shyly looked away "Is that really so surprising?"
"..." Shusaku sucked on his lip in thought "No."
Narumi wasn't sure weather that answer was more embarrassing that saying yes "Okay, good. 'Cause I've liked you for a bit too..."
"Not too long though..."
Narumi gave a shrug "What does it matter?"
"You're right. Now is all that matters."
Narumi smiled and Shusaku pulled back from resting on his shoulder to make eye contact. Narumi was the one to initiate a kiss, Shusaku had intended to take it slow, maybe kiss Narumi after their second or third date. Narumi had other plans it would seem. He didn't want to wait to feel Shusaku's lips. It wasn't much and it didn't last long but the small pressure they both felt when their lips met was incredible. A warm spark that they both felt from the small romantic action.
They pulled away from their first kiss and their eyes locked and held. A warmth being silently passed between them, they never needed words before and they weren't going to start now. Shusaku laced his finger's with Narumi, causing him to feel embarrassed and glance around, glad to see the park still empty. The snow covered place did look pretty, it would be nice to take his new boyfriend here when it got warmer and they could play. Though it did remind him what was coming up. They were going to be dating for their first winter holiday ever. This brought a blush and smile to Narumi's face. Though a thought did invade his brain.
"This better not be the only thing you got me for the holidays." Narumi pouted at him.
Shusaku let out a gentle smile "No... I wasn't sure you'd like it so I got you something extra..."
"You're spoiling me~." Narumi said with a laugh but he really did mean it. Getting to date Shusaku and still get gifts this holiday felt like a dream come true.
"Although... maybe in a few weeks, I could give you another present. Although I'd like if you gave it to me instead~."
Narumi's eyes widened, was Shusaku implying what he thought he was implying "Wh-what? When did you get so bold!?"
"You saying yes... I guess boosted my confidence to a dissatisfactory degree?"
And there was the slight hesitancies he was used to and Narumi leaned forward to kiss him again "We'll see." He stated firmly.
Shusaku had a grin spread on his face "..."
"No rushing though. I want to enjoy this..." Narumi pouted slightly "All of this... so you better treat me a lot." he whined slightly.
Shusaku's face became redder 'Ah... Makoto, you're too cute...' "Of course." His voice was composed but his face was embarrassed and his smile kept trying to get too wide.
"W-what?" Narumi fumbled out, Shusaku was looking at him weirdly.
Shusaku held a hand to his mouth "My apologizes... I just wasn't expecting you to be so... adorable and hesitant. I thought I'd be the one trying to slow you down."
Narumi pouted at him "What's that supposed to mean?"
Shusaku tiled his head in a way that spelled out 'I thought it was obvious.' "It means I really like you."
Narumi's face lit up and an "Oh." slipped from his mouth.
Shusaku couldn't help but lean forward to kiss him "..."
"Ah?" Narumi couldn't stop staring at him, especially not after the sweet and chaste kiss "We-" Narumi glanced around, trying to stop getting so entrancing by his childho- no, his boyfriend's presence "We should head back home now."
Shusaku agreed but gave no gesture towards it. His loving stare wouldn't leave Narumi's face "...
Narumi's eyes just darted about before squeezing Shusaku's hand and interlocking their fingers tighter. He could feel how cold Shusaku's fingers must have been getting. Narumi did always handle retaining heat a little better, not that Shusaku was bad with cold weather. Narumi just worried since he'd often get ghostly pale with red tints on certain parts if out for too long. Shusaku always seemed fine, he handled being cold well rather than rejecting the cold like Narumi did. Though that did mean he could use that as an excuse to cuddle into him this winter. Which brought a pleasant feeling and a warmth to his face.
"Let's head home."
"Stay with me a little longer..."
"Hah?"
Shusaku wouldn't break eye contact "I want to make it to midnight. Just till the end of today..."
"That... sounds like a plan." Narumi knew it was only going to be like ten minutes more but...
"..."
"Yeah, let's end today together."
"And many others..."