prompt 8 by lookslikerain
Dec. 25th, 2019 02:35 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
aibamods posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
aibaexchangeTitle: Imaginative Reality
Pairing: Aiba Masaki/Sakurai Sho
Rating: pg-13 / R
Word Count: 11,131 words
Summary:
“I’m sure if you ask nicely, Sho will agree to be yours for the night.” Nino hums brightly, “He can never say no to your puppy eyes, trust me. That and promise him good food and he’ll do anything you want.”
During a family gathering, Aiba ends up blurting out Sho’s name as his fake boyfriend’s name to his mother. It doesn’t help that Sho’s a family friend and that next week both families will be away for three days for Sho’s sister’s wedding.
For three days they’ll need to pretend to be dating and Aiba realises it’s around time he did something about his crush.
Notes:
Filling prompt 8. Changed the prompt a bit and this fic basically turned out to be 11k words of two idiots pining for each other and dealing with their feelings and little of the fake dating aspect. Hope you enjoy reading.
Also, thank you for the mods and I apologise for all the inconvenience I caused with my need for an extension that ended up being too long. Thank you so much for your patience and again, I’m so sorry for the delay!
Staring at the kettle in his mother’s kitchen while ignoring the buzzing of his phone, it only dawns on Aiba now this is his first time dreading a family gathering.
It isn’t the prospect of spending a lengthy dinner with his family (he loves his family dearly and their cooking is always delicious and exceptional), but rather it’s the dread of having to deal with knowing stares from his mother laced with pity at him being recently single. Again.
If it were just him and her, he would be able to neglect those stares, but the knowledge of how he’ll have to handle it with other people around to witness, it only makes him deflate further. To top it all off, this isn’t an ordinary family gathering. Rather, it was his mother and her friend arranging for their two families to have dinner together justifying it by saying how it’s been a long time since they all gathered.
His phone buzzing again with another new text from Nino snaps Aiba out of his thoughts.
‘Oh-chan says if all goes wrong, just know he’s treating you for some good cheesecake tomorrow.’
‘don’t do anything stupid btw. I know it’s a difficult thing to ask but try your best :) ’
Aiba rolls his eyes at Nino’s texts, smiling despite himself at Ohno’s kind gesture, and types out a quick response before hitting send.
‘say thank you to Ohno-san. and i hate you.’
“Who are you talking to that’s making you smile like that?”
Aiba turns around at his mother’s voice, smiling wearily at her. The twinkle in her eyes and the suggestive tone laced in her words is enough of an indication for him to know where this conversation is headed to.
“Nino says hi.” Aiba resolves in answering instead and his mother nods her head as she walks past him.
“You tell him hi and next time invite him over.” She hums thoughtfully, “I thought you had a new boyfriend already.”
Aiba pockets his phone as he mumbles, “Mom, I’m doing fine without one.”
“Sweetheart, I know you’re a capable responsible adult, but I can’t help but worry about you. Of course I want to see you with someone.” She says as she goes through the cupboards, taking out additional plates to join those already on the counter.
“Thank you. But please don’t worry about me too much.”
“I can’t.” She turns and tilts her head towards the plates, indicating him to pick them up, “I saw him the other day, you know?”
“Him?” Aiba repeats as he steps by her and picks up the plates.
“Takizawa-kun.”
The plates are those extravagant ones, adorned with laurel outlines, that only see their way out of the cupboards when there are guests over. Aiba pauses to fully appreciate the laurel designs and definitely not to ignore his mother mentioning his ex-boyfriend. Yeah, definitely not that.
“You know these plates are so beautiful—”
“You and Takizawa-kun were beautiful together.” She interrupts and Aiba groans loudly.
“We broke up. We’re still friends and that’s it. Now tell me where to put these plates.”
She keeps on staring at him carefully, “You sure nothing can fix what was between you two? It was so unexpected the way you two broke up.”
Aiba sighs again and bites his lips as the memories flood back to the day they decided to end it all.
Three years of being together ended with them both realising what’s between them isn’t working out and spent an entire year putting off the dreaded breakup conversation. But they eventually did.
And that had been five months ago.
Tackey already has someone now as well. He and Tsubasa look really good together.
“He’s dating someone else now and he’s much happier.” Aiba mutters, finally looking up with a forced bright grin, ready to tell his mom to drop it when he freezes, eyes widening at the way his mother gasps, “What—”
“That’s why you look so sad! I have the perfect solution—”
“There isn’t even a problem that needs a solution—”
“Higashi-san.”
Aiba stares blankly at his mother’s bright grin, already feeling the dread awaiting him by the glistening of her eyes, “Who’s that?”
“Our neighbour. She lives nearby. And she’s a matchmaker.” Her grin widens, “I’m sure she’s capable of finding you a great wife!”
“I don’t want a wife! And even if I want one, I can find one by myself. You don’t need to interfere.” Aiba exclaims and lets out a long exasperated breath when his mother claps her hand and turns around instead, already humming of how she’ll contact her first thing in the morning, ignoring every word he spoke.
Even if he were to somehow convince his mother not to contact her, her looks of pity won’t stop, Aiba thinks as he stares at his mother’s back as she goes back to fixing up the plates and cutlery. Worst case scenario, she might try convincing his father to persuade Aiba in going along with her plans. He doesn’t need this, especially today with their family gathering and their family’s friend.
What if they speak about it or mention it in front of them? What if she mentions it in front of...Sho?
Aiba groans as he rubs his face. If there has been any moment that he hated the fact his and Sho’s families were friends, it’s definitely now. He never regretted the fact they met at a young age due to their families with how it ended with them being inseparable and moving out together when they entered university. Except he regrets it very much now.
If this entire thing is brought up, Sho will definitely be dragged into this mess as well. He’s already dealing with his mother’s not-so-subtle hints of wanting him to get married next with his sister’s engagement and wedding happening so soon. If Sho’s mother were to hear about the matchmaker, it’ll only end with their mothers forcing them to meet her.
Sho could meet the matchmaker and through her meet a potential partner that could end up being his...wife.
Aiba shudders at the thought. That’s the absolute worst not just for Sho who’s been trying to avoid any mentions of marriage, but to Aiba as well. The thought of Sho being with someone again is enough to have his heart twing.
He’s not ready for another heartbreak.
With a heavy inhale of breath, Aiba clears his throat and convinces himself what he’s about to do next is for Sho’s sake.
If Aiba were to have a boyfriend, then this entire discussion regarding the matchmaker won’t occur.
It’s the only solution.
“I have a boyfriend.”
He hopes his smile is convincing enough when his mother turns sharply at that, her eyes wide open, “You and Takizawa-kun are back together?!”
“No, I told you he has someone else now.” Aiba explains as he shakes his head, swallowing the sudden lump in his throat when she steps closer.
“Who is it then?”
“Uhh, someone.”
“What’s his name?” She enquires again, taking a step further closer to him.
Aiba chuckles nervously, “When the time comes I’ll introduce you to him.”
“I just asked for a name.” She narrows her eyes, “You’re making someone up so I won’t introduce you to the matchmaker, right?”
“No!” Aiba exclaims and takes a step backwards when she steps closer, “I..we just started dating and uhh, we haven’t really...I mean I didn’t want to talk about him because I’m not sure...I mean, we just—”
“You’re making this up. I knew it.” She sighs, shaking her head in disappointment as she turns around, “It’s worse than I thought. I might have to talk to her now so she can show you potential partners as soon as possible—”
“But I’m dating someone!” Aiba interrupts hopelessly and she turns back staring at him pointedly.
“Give me a name.”
Her sharp glare is relentless and Aiba swallows the lump in his throat.
He’s doing this for him and Sho. If he doesn’t come up with a name, they’ll both be dragged into this mess. Sho could end up dating someone else. Sho. Sho.
His mother’s eyes widen, a bright ecstatic smile across her face, and Aiba blinks his eyes in confusion.
Did he say that out loud?
“You and Sho-kun are dating?!”
Shit. Shit.
Aiba chuckles nervously again, “Uh, yeah. Very recently.”
She steps closer to him again, pulling him in for a tight hug, “If it’s him then that changes everything.”
“Huh?” Aiba asks dumbfoundedly and she chuckles as she steps back.
“It’s Sho-kun. He’s perfect for you.”
Aiba forces a smile, heart beating rapidly, and unable to utter a single word.
He’s messed up everything.
The doorbell ringing snaps him out of his thoughts and his heart drops when his mother’s eyes glisten even more, “That’s definitely them!”
Shit. Shit. Sho’s here with his family.
“Wait!” Aiba grabs his mother’s hand, halting her in her spot, and she raises a brow. “His family doesn’t know anything about this yet. Please, please don’t mention it in front of them. I’m sure he’ll prefer telling them directly first.”
“Of course.” Her smile does nothing to calm his heart and he shakes his head.
“Please promise me you won’t mention it?”
“Sweetheart, who do you think I am?” She pats his hand with an overly sweet smile before tugging it away and making her way outside the kitchen.
That does nothing to calm his nerves.
He takes in a shaky breath and fumbles for his phone, hurriedly typing a quick text addressed to Nino.
“Nino. help. im in a huge mess.”
“What did you do this time?”
“I accidentally told my mom that Sho and I are dating...”
Nino’s reply comes in the form of a phone call.
“How do you accidentally tell someone you’re dating your best friend?” Nino says the moment Aiba picks up and it has him letting out a long breath when he hears his mother’s voice alongside Sho’s mother.
“Nino, what am I supposed to do?” Aiba asks, keeping his voice down, coming out in a quiet hush to make sure nobody hears him.
“I’m sure if you ask nicely, Sho will agree to be yours for the night.” Nino hums brightly, “He can never say no to your puppy eyes, trust me. That and promise him good food and he’ll do anything you want.”
Aiba can practically hear Nino’s smirk, finding his misery amusing, and Aiba groans, “You’re no help, Nino. You’re the worst. Please tell me you’re with Ohno-san or Jun-chan, they’ll definitely have better answers.”
Nino snorts instead, “Why are you keeping your voice down?”
“I don’t want them to hear this.”
“Them? I thought it was only you and your mom right now.”
“Yeah but Sho and his family just arrived.”
“And your mother is greeting them? And you thought it’s a good idea to leave your mother with them? Alone? With Sho, your supposed boyfriend?”
A beat and then, “Shit! Bye Nino!”
“Idiot—”
Aiba ends the call and pockets his phone, rushing outside the kitchen, and stops by the main door where his mother and Sho’s mother are busy in a conversation of their own.
Aiba’s heart quickens when he doesn’t spot Sho. Where is he?
“Masaki-kun!”
Aiba offers a bright genuine smile when Sho’s mother calls out for him and he’s by their side in an instant, greeting her, and ends with her gushing over him.
“Ah, where is Sho?” Aiba finally asks and hears his mother’s humming.
“Of course you want to see Sho.”
He stares at her pointedly and she ignores it while Sho’s mother speaks, “He already went inside with Aiba-san and his father. I made him carry most of the things so he’s probably putting them down by now.”
“Then I should join them.” Aiba smiles politely, ready to excuse himself to reach Sho and explain the mess he’s in when he hears Sho’s familiar voice.
He hears his father’s voice and Sho’s familiar laughter. When he turns around, he finds Sho walking past the hall and smiles brightly when his eyes fall on Aiba, before his eyes drift to Aiba’s mother, instantly replacing it with a polite smile.
“Come here!” She gushes and Sho steps closer, his polite smile still intact. Except, his mother steps forward and engulfs him in a sudden tight hug, patting his back, and Sho freezes.
Aiba can only smile nervously. She really doesn’t understand the meaning of being subtle.
“Look at you so grown up!” She let’s go and eyes Sho gently. Sho’s slight chuckle is a mixture of bashfulness and confusion.
“They both grew up so fast.” Sho’s mother quips and Aiba chuckles as he adds himself to the conversation.
“Can you excuse us for a minute? I need Sho for a bit?” Aiba mumbles, already grabbing Sho by his arm, and dragging him with him towards the kitchen.
If his mother winks at him, he chooses to ignore it.
“What’s going on?” Sho finally asks when Aiba shuts the door of the kitchen behind them and starts pacing around the kitchen nervously, “Are you okay?”
“Promise me you won’t be angry?” Sho furrows his brows at Aiba’s words and Aiba bites his lips nervously when no answer comes, “Please?”
“Why would I be angry?” Sho asks instead and Aiba shakes his head.
“I’ll explain, but…” He runs a hand through his hair and lets out a long breath, “You know how my mom keeps on asking me why I’m not dating anyone, right? We had that conversation again today.”
“Okay.” Sho drags a nearby chair, settling on it, and keeps his eyes focused on Aiba.
“It started like normal but then I told her Tackey was dating someone already and one thing lead to another and she was persistent I see that matchmaker or something and…” Aiba mumbles quickly, “ItoldheryouandIaredating”
Sho blinks his eyes, expression blank, and the kitchen's engulfed in silence save for the faint noises coming from outside.
Aiba clears his throat at Sho’s silence, eyeing the door momentarily, and scratches the back of his neck when Sho hums thoughtfully, “Sho-chan?”
“My mom has been really persistent with me meeting the matchmaker as well ever since I came here.” Sho frowns slightly and crosses his arms against his chest, “I don’t understand why she keeps on asking me this question over and over again.”
Aiba nods his head hesitantly, unsure where this conversation is going on, “Uhh, yeah.”
“It’s annoying and I’ve thought of many things to stop her, but nothing seems to work.” Sho adds, sighing, “It’s almost as if nothing works.”
Aiba chuckles nervously, “Sho-chan, did hear you everything I said?”
“Yeah I did.” Sho adds nonchalantly, “She asked me so many times you know?”
Aiba nods his head when Sho eyes him again, this time intensely keeping his gaze fixed on him, “Yeah it must be annoying.”
“It is. But you know what’s the weirdest part?” Sho asks with a bright smile that sends a shiver down his spine.
“What?”
“I never told her we’re dating.” Sho chuckles, bright smile still intact and eyes focused on Aiba, “But you did.”
“Yeah.”
When silence lingers this time, Sho’s eyes widen and he instantly stands up, “Wait, you’re serious?! You seriously told her that?!”
Aiba steps backwards at Sho’s sudden outburst, bumping against the counter, and laughs nervously, “Please don’t be angry—”
“Why did you even tell her that?!” Sho demands, tapping his feet impatiently against the floor, and a particularly unamused frown making its way across his face. The sharp gaze he’s sending him has Aiba deflating in his spot.
He hates seeing Sho angry, especially when he’s on the receiving end. He has to calm him down and explain everything rationally despite how ridiculous this entire situation is. If he’s lucky, he can convince Sho to drag this lie for the rest of the night. He should consider all the possible ways to convince him and he parts his mouth ready to explain everything when Sho tilts his head, awaiting an answer, and Aiba remembers Nino’s earlier words.
Puppy eyes. Promise him food.
He stands straight, making his gaze fall downwards. With a deep breath, he looks up but still keeping his head tilted downwards, eyes wide as he looks up at Sho, and with a slight pout murmurs, “I’m really sorry. Please don’t be angry?”
The effect is instant with the way Sho freezes in his spot, eyes hesitant as he stares at Aiba, biting his lips before letting out a long breath, shutting his eyes as he uncrosses his arms and runs a hand through his hair. When he opens his eyes this time, it’s much more calmer than before, demeanor less tense, and his shoulder drop downwards when he finally mumbles, “What happened?”
“When she mentioned the matchmaker I got nervous and didn’t want her to mention it in front of our families. I thought if she did, then your mother will encourage you too and I thought that can’t happen to you so I pretended to have a boyfriend. Then somehow your name came up accidentally.” Aiba pauses before adding, “But I did this for us. Now you don’t have to worry about her mentioning it during dinner and giving your mother additional ideas!”
Sho rolls his eyes, but it lacks heat, and flops down on the chair, “You’re an idiot.”
Aiba hears his mother’s voice from outside and knows he’s got limited time to say his request to Sho. He takes in a breath, noting the way Sho has calmed down with how he’s staring away, a little frown across his face, and Aiba clears his throat. When Sho glances at him and Aiba smiles sweetly and brightfully, he narrows his eyes carefully, “What else did you do?”
“Nothing. But, pretend we’re actually together in front of my mom?” Aiba pleads.
Sho sputters at that, “No way!” Aiba pouts, widening his eyes slightly, which has Sho instantly whirling around and whining, “Don’t give me that look!”
“I’ll make it up to you by cooking for you the entire week!” Aiba offers, persuading, and Sho slowly turns around, eyeing him carefully.
Perfect. Sho’s resolve is crumbling.
“And tomorrow we can get some cheesecake with Ohno-san. He said he found a new good place.”
Sho bites his lips, before mumbling, “Good cheesecake?”
“Really good.”
Sho’s shoulders drop and he sighs, “Fine—”
“You’re the best, Sho-chan!” Aiba exclaims loudly, instantly tugging Sho in for a tight hug, and giggles when Sho clicks his tongue.
He drops his head atop his shoulder, shutting his eyes momentarily when Sho pats his back, “Fine, I got it. You can let go now.”
Instead, Aiba takes in a deep breath. It feels so good to be held by Sho like this; his hold and warmth familiar and comforting.
Aiba can’t help the way his mind drifts off to how good it’ll be to always have Sho around, to hold and be held like this, and to have this embrace be more intimate. But, his heart simultaneously twinges at that. He can never have Sho. They’re just best friends and that’s how it’ll always remain. That only spurs the guilty feeling settling in him at his thoughts and desires. This entire situation started because of him selfishly not desiring to see Sho with someone.
He’s not yours. You can’t have these thoughts.
“I’m sorry for always causing you so much trouble.” Aiba mutters quietly, his words laced with sincerity, and lets out a short breath at the end of it.
Sho tsks again, surprisingly wrapping his arms around Aiba to tighten the hug momentarily, “I never said that you cause me trouble.” Sho murmurs, “And, in someway, I’m glad you said my name and not someone else’s name.”
Aiba blinks his eyes at that, unable to understand Sho’s words, and the door is pushed open. They instantly step away and freeze at the sudden intrusion.
“Sho! Why didn’t you tell me?!” Sho’s mother exclaims, Aiba’s mother trailing behind her, and holds Sho’s hand tightly, “Why didn’t you tell me you and Masaki-kun are dating?”
Sho’s eyes widen and Aiba groans, “Mom! I thought we had a promise!”
“I didn’t promise you anything.” She says brightly, “And, we’re both happy!”
“I don’t understand why you decided to hide this from us.” Sho’s mother quips, staring between the two, and Sho shakes his head .
“Please tell me you didn’t tell anyone else?” Sho asks and she sighs, patting his hand.
“Of course not. But you didn’t answer me yet.”
Sho chuckles nervously and takes a quick look at Aiba, eyes narrowing slightly.
That better be some good cheesecake tomorrow.
++++
He stabs the fork through the creamy texture of the cheesecake, slightly increasing the pressure as it goes through the biscuit layer, and stuffs the bite in his mouth.
He groans around it, savoring the taste before swallowing it. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. The creamy texture sweet yet having a slight undertone of tartness and the biscuit just sugary enough.
“This is so good!” Sho groans as he forks up another bite.
“You’re the best, Leader!” Aiba hums, taking a bite of his own slice and Ohno chuckles at the nickname Aiba has been using since their uni days when they used to meet up for sweets after every stressful examination period.
Ohno takes a bite of his own and speaks, “Nino told me what you did last night.”
Aiba scrunches up his nose and Sho takes another quick bite to stop himself from smiling at that expression. Cute.
“I know. It’s stupid.” Aiba mumbles and sighs as he places his fork down, “I dragged Sho-chan into all of this.”
“I told you it’s fine.” Sho adds and pokes the cheesecake absentmindedly, “It wasn’t even that bad later on. They didn’t mention it later and dinner went by fine.”
“And what are you planning on doing next week?” Ohno asks. Sho furrows his brows at his question and spots Aiba mimicking him. It prompts Ohno to stare between them as he speaks next, “Sho, your sister’s wedding is next week.”
It takes a few good moments for Ohno’s words to sink in and Aiba’s the first to speak, “Ah! I forgot that!”
His sister’s wedding is next week and both their families will be gone for three days for the wedding. The majority of those three days will be spent with both their families around. Aiba groans again, hiding his face against his hands, “I can’t believe I forgot about it.”
Ohno rubs his back sympathetically, eyeing him with a concerned look, “So you’ll need to still keep this up?”
“I’m so sorry Sho.” Aiba lowers his arms, eyes wide and apologetic, “I should have thought more about it. I’m so sorry. I’ll make something up if you can’t and tell my mother we’re not dating. I’ll even explain it to your mother.”
Sho shakes his head instead, “It’s fine. It’s just three days.”
“I’m sorry!” Aiba pushes the plate with his cheesecake to Sho, with a small smile, “I’ll get you even more cheesecake, okay?”
Ohno rubs Aiba’s back again when Aiba groans, hiding his face against his hands again when he mutters how he was an idiot to have made that lie up.
Sho presses his lips together in slight grimace, idly staring at the cheesecake, and lets out a slight sigh at the way his heart sinks at Aiba’s words.
It was an idiotic decision, that’s what Aiba thinks. Sho knows that it was an irrational thing to do, but it’s the underlying thing going on that affects him the most.
The idea of him and Aiba dating is idiotic for Aiba.
They’ve been friends for so long and Sho should have stopped his feelings from developing a long time ago, yet he didn’t. What started as a slight infatuation with Aiba during high school, turned into a proper crush during their university years, and to him pining over Aiba for several years now as adults in their thirties.
It’s so painfully obvious it’s one-sided. If Sho ever had a chance to be with Aiba, it was three years ago when his girlfriend broke up with him. They’d drifted apart for a long time and Sho hadn’t been fully enthralled by her. He never found himself missing her and never considered it to be a painful breakup. It was then when he decided if there was ever a time Aiba should know about his true feelings, it had to be then. But he was still a coward for delaying it and then just when he’d finally gotten the courage to confess, Aiba beat him to it by announcing his and Takizawa’s relationship.
Aiba did develop feelings for his best friend, but it wasn’t Sho. And Sho witnessed how badly that ended. For over a year Aiba had barely been meeting with Takizawa and the times they did meet, it only ended with Aiba complaining to Sho the next morning about how he can’t find the words to end it with him.
Aiba tried going out with one of his best friends and it ended badly.
There is no way he’s repeating the same mistake with Sho.
If only he had confessed earlier.
“Sho?” Sho jumps in his spot at Ohno’s voice interrupting his thoughts which has Ohno furrowing his brows, “You okay? You seemed to be spacing out a bit.”
“Yeah.” His voice comes out slightly breathless and he clears his throat, “I was just thinking of the wedding. I have a bit of work to finish before leaving next week.”
Ohno’s eyes are glued on him and Sho forces a bright smile. Aiba’s sulking besides Ohno and Sho pushes his cheesecake towards him back, “Stop sulking. It’ll be fine. We’ll act normally in front of them, even if we’re alone with our mothers. Okay? It’s fine.”
He reassures him gently and Aiba slowly looks up from the cheesecake, “You’re not upset?”
Sho smiles gently, unable to utter out his true feelings to Aiba and confess to him how he wouldn’t mind pretending to be Aiba’s lover for three days. It’s the only way he can experience what he can’t ever get.
“Of course not.” Sho reassures and the way Aiba lights up has his heart fluttering.
“Thank you, Sho-chan!” Aiba claps his hand and glances at Ohno, “We should celebrate with having more cheesecake!”
Ohno nods his head eagerly and Sho doesn’t oppose it.
++++
Aiba takes a step aside and bumps into Sho. It nearly ends with him tripping over his own feet and falling flat on his face atop the steps if it weren’t for Sho’s steady hold on his arm keeping him in place, “Careful.”
Aiba apologises with a little nod, halting in his spot beside Sho to get a proper view of the hotel.
The hotel’s luxurious and vast, with the entire back area covered in greenery. They’ve still got a few more steps to take to step into the main area reserved for the wedding. Hedges and shrubs filled with colorful roses and flowers are all over the area and wrought iron fences with roses and greenery adorning it.
They need to make past this area to head to the stairs at the side, leading them to the hotel building where their families members await them. The wall is covered with tall windows, with tiny balconies, and Aiba lets out a long shaky breath when he spots his mother in one of the balconies staring idly at some spot inside the building.
“It’s going to be fine.” Sho bumps into his side gently intentionally this time, snapping him out of his thoughts.
“I hope so.”
When his mother turns around, she instantly spots them and waves a hand towards them. Sho smiles politely, “You think they told anyone else about us?”
Aiba shrugs and for a short moment does wonder how wonderful it would be if the opposite of this situation was occurring and Sho was asking about their genuine relationship
But that’ll never happen.
Sho pulls open the door, awaiting Aiba to enter first, and trails behind him. They’re instantly greeted by both their mothers, pulling them each for a tight hug, “It’s so nice to see you two together.”
Sho chuckles when Aiba’s mother lets him go and Aiba grimaces, “Please tell me you didn’t tell anyone else about us.”
She rolls her eyes and pats Aiba’s arm, “I didn’t.”
When she glances back at Sho, her eyes are much more gentle.
Aiba bites his lips as he watches the two converse. The way his mother looks at Sho, her eyes filled with adortion and pride, he never witnessed her looking at any of his previous partners like that. Yet Sho’s an exception to everything. He figures a huge part of it being because of their families past and how close-knit their families are, yet he can’t help the way his heart is all torn up by all of this.
For his mother, Sho’s the perfect partner for Aiba yet the reality of it is far from that.
“Anyway, you two had a long ride and you probably want to rest before the rehearsal dinner tonight.” Sho’s mother starts, sharing a knowing glance with his mother, before they both look back at them with sweet bright grins.
Aiba gulps nervously. They’ve done something.
Sho nods his head, careful, and enough for Aiba to recognise he’s picked up this sudden change of behaviour.
“Here are your room cards.”
Aiba takes his card with a little nod.
306.
Aiba stares at the card, then back at them, and the lack of response has his mother tilting her head towards Sho as she adds, voice elated, “Look at his card.”
Sho holds out his card for Aiba, taking a quick peak, and Aiba instantly expects what he’s about to read.
306.
“We got you the same room!”
Sho settles onto staring at his card blankly and Aiba forces a chuckle, trying to ignore the way his heart’s thumping.
“Thanks.” Aiba mumbles and notices the way his mother frowns at the lack of enthusiasm.
“I thought you two would be happier?”
“Does Dad know?” Sho asks his mother instead and when she shakes her head, he waves the card, “This won’t make it suspicious?”
“It won’t. We just told them it’ll be better if you two shared a room. And don’t worry, we’re the only ones that know there’s a single bed in the room.”
Sho freezes at his mother’s wink and Aiba forces another chuckle.
Sho’s going to kill him.
He wraps an arm around Sho when Sho glances at him with an eerie smile and tugs him, “Thank you. We’ll go and check our rooms and we’ll see you later in rehearsals.Yeah? Okay. See you!”
He doesn’t await an answer, dragging the awfully quiet Sho with him, hand still clutching tightly onto the card.
He and Sho will have to share a room and a bed. Great.
++++
Aiba’s by the armchair positioned by the balcony completely absorbed by the view, yet Sho can’t quite reach Aiba’s level of fascination. Their room is spacious and comfortable, with a tiny kitchenette in one corner, a balcony with a clear view of the coastline below, and a king sized bed in the center of the room.
A single bed. A single bed he and Aiba will have to share.
He feels this sudden heaviness in his body, at how cruel fate seems to be. Forced to confront his conflicting feelings with Aiba, Sho realises how daunting this entire situation is. Yet, it might also be the right awakening call for him to get a grip of his feelings and try to get over it.
Fate seems to be testing him but also reminding him how wrong the situation is. He shouldn’t feel like this towards his best friend, especially considering the chances of them dating are slim to nonexistent. He’s known that for three years and yet never stopped himself.
He wrinkles his nose at the bed.
Three days of giving himself the luxury to pretend to be Aiba’s partner and then that’s it. He’ll bury those feelings he has towards him and move on.
“This hotel is quite big, huh? The view is so―” Aiba halts, eyes focused on Sho, and grins brightly, “You’re excited we’re going to share a bed?!”
Sho narrows his eyes at him and when Aiba giggles, Sho hates the way his heart flutters at that.
“Fine. I’m sorry.” He pauses just before adding, “I’ll try not to cling onto you too much in my sleep―”
“Aiba!” Sho reprimands and Aiba laughs brightly, standing up and lowering his head slightly, voice still bright, “I’m sorry.”
“You’re not even the slightest bit sorry.” Sho huffs out and plops down on the bed, “I have no problem with us sharing a room or a bed―”
“Ahh! Sho-chan, who knew how romantic you could be―”
“But,” Sho interrupts sternly and ignoring Aiba’s humming, “We’re only going to pretend this infront of our mothers, okay? The last thing I need is for this spreading around.”
Sho huffs out, the idea of their other family members figuring this out enough to exhaust him, and drops himself on the bed, dropping an arm atop his head to hide his eyes.
He hears the slight padding of feet and feels the way the bed sinks at the opposite end before Aiba adds in a quiet voice, tone serious and worried this time, “How badly do you think they’ll react once I tell them we’re not dating anymore?” Sho’s lack of response seems to be enough for Aiba to understand and he feels the way his hand rests atop Sho’s head, patting him gently, “That bad, huh.”
“What do you expect?” He’s all tongue-tied and his words come out in mumbles, “Mom finally stopped nagging me about the matchmaker. You’re her best friend’s son and that was enough for her to immediately approve you.”
“I understand. It’s the same for my mom. They both think we’re perfect for each other.”
Sho swallows the sudden lump in his throat. Hearing Aiba say those words out loud has this tiny reckless part of him ready to shout out just how much he agrees with that statement, but instantly bites his tongue back.
“I don’t know how we’re planning on ending this.”
Sho moves his arm away just as Aiba mutters, “Maybe we shouldn’t end it then.”
Sho freezes, his breathing hitches when his gaze falls on Aiba to find him staring at him with a gentle look in his eyes, yet instantly tears his gaze away the moment he meets his eyes.
“How crazy would it be if we actually dated?” Aiba chuckles, voice wavering, and Sho feels the thumping of his heart, loud and clear in his chest.
What was that supposed to mean?
“We should get ready for the rehearsal dinner.”
Sho pushes himself to sit up in bed and notes the way Aiba nods his head and gets up, thankful for the way he doesn’t utter a word about what happened.
+++++
The rehearsal dinner goes by quickly.
Shoko looked stunning and happy by her fiance throughout the entire thing, a smile on display and intact, and voice elated when they got to their speech.
Based on their seating arrangement, he’d been beside his family the entire time, opposite from where Sho was, and Aiba had been thankful for the distance between them after the entire fiasco that occurred earlier.
He’s an idiot for saying that out loud.
He’d meant to laugh about it, trying to lighten up the situation, yet his voice betrayed him and he found himself unable to say those words lightly.
Sho’s probably creeped out by him.
He ruined all the chances between them, no matter how slim they’d been, with this.
Aiba lets out a shaky breath, staring idly at the wedding photographer snapping photos of the guests socializing and requesting them to pose before stepping aside to another set of guests around the hall.
The hall the reception will be held in is already well decorated even with the preparations still incomplete and in progress. The hall itself is wide, with numerous tables being set all around it, and Aiba had overheard that the entire glassed side will have its doors propped wide open tomorrow, which will make the hall seem even more vast.
Aiba lets out another breath when he notices the photographer turning around and looking around for guests to photograph. He lowers his head to pinch the bridge of his nose and hopes that it’s enough for the photographer to understand to not approach him. He’d been in a few group photos earlier but currently the only thing he feels like doing is keeping any human interaction to the minimum. He craves to go back to his room and hide in his bed from the mess he made until he’ll be forced to face it again tomorrow morning. And yet, he can’t even have this temporary escape.
He’s sharing a room with Sho. Sho’s always there.
“You okay?”
There’s a familiar hand against his back, warm and steady, and Aiba leans back instinctively into the touch, smiling slightly at Sho when he finally looks up.
Sho’s brows are furrowed, lips tugging up slightly hesitantly, and eyes focused on him. He holds his other arm out for Aiba, a glass of water in his hand, passing it to Aiba.
“Just a slight headache.” Aiba grabs the glass as he thanks Sho and doesn’t mutter out the only reason he has this headache is with the way he’d pushed himself to overthink everything over the mess he made.
Sho stuffs his hand in the pockets of his pants, shuffling awkwardly on his feet, and glancing aside, “They’re still not done with the decorations. I wonder how much longer it will take.”
It’s Sho’s attempt in a small talk, something just anything to ease this unfamiliar awkwardness that’s built between them, and Aiba hums, “I don’t know how it’s supposed to look like in the end, but it looks really good so far.”
“Yeah.”
Sho keeps his gaze aside and Aiba gulps down the rest of the water, placing the empty glass atop the table, to tug on Sho’s hand.
Sho slowly looks back at Aiba and Aiba grins, “Won’t you sit down?”
“Ah, right.”
Sho pulls the chair opposite of Aiba and plops down, eyeing Aiba carefully again.
Aiba raises a brow and Sho deflates, “Can I tell you something?”
“What is it?”
Sho stares down, pulling slightly on a loose thread of his jacket. He parts his lips when he’s interrupted by another voice, “Sho?”
Sho sits up straight, whirling his head at the voice, and smiles when his father reaches their side. He places a hand atop Sho’s shoulder, smiling at Aiba as he sits down on the empty chair beside Sho.
“Shoko looked really happy, didn’t she?” He directs the question to Sho, a bright smile on display, and Sho smiles gently at that.
“She did. She’s really happy.” Sho agrees, glancing aside to look at his father, and Aiba notices the way Sho freezes at his father’s silence and intense stare.
His bright smile hasn’t flattered and it’s enough to have Sho gulping nervously, “Is everything alright?”
Aiba grabs the glass again, unsure of what he’s about to witness, and tries to distract himself.
“Who’s Masaki?”
Sho blinks his eyes and Aiba frowns.
He’s right here.
Sho takes a quick peek at Aiba and back at his father as he repeats, “Masaki?”
His father narrows his eyes, “I heard your mothers talking and I heard her say she couldn’t believe you’re dating Masaki. So, who is she?”
Sho’s eyes widen dramatically and Aiba splutters, nearly dropping the glass in his hand.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?! And why didn’t you invite her?!”
++++
It’s dark, the room dimly lit from the moonlight, casting shadows against the ceiling.
Sho blinks when Aiba shuffles slightly. They’re both side by side in bed, staring at the ceiling, and Sho’s heart is ready to burst with it’s constant loud beats.
There’s a wide distance between them yet Sho scoots even further towards the edge of the bed.
“Sho-chan?” Aiba’s voice is soft and quiet, snapping Sho out of his thoughts, “You’re awake?”
“Yeah.”
“You were going to say something earlier when your father came and you never said it.”
Sho pulls on the duvet, quickly glancing at Aiba and finds him still staring at the ceiling as he asks, “Have you thought about how we’re going to end this stunt?”
“Not really.” Aiba stops talking and maybe it’s the familiarity of Aiba that’s enough for Sho to know there’s more for Aiba to say and not to interrupt him despite the way he pauses, “But, it’ll probably be something about how we only tried it out and it didn’t seem like it’ll work out. Maybe I’ll tell them how we didn’t want to ruin our friendship.”
In some sort of way, Aiba’s reasoning has Sho smiling despite the bittersweet feeling sinking in. At least at the end of it all, Sho got to know that it's not one-sided when it comes to their feelings towards their friendship and how much they treasure it.
“Yeah.” Sho mutters dumbly before adding, “Because I’m actually considering going to the matchmaker.”
The silence followed is strange and lingers until Aiba suddenly sits up in bed, spluttering loudly, “You’re serious?!”
“I shouldn’t? You think it’s going to be a bad decision?” Sho stammers out, blinking his eyes rapidly and watching the way Aiba’s eyes are focused so intently on him.
Aiba presses his lips tightly, brows furrowed, and averts his gaze away, “Do you really want to go there or is it because of your mother?”
Sho sighs as he turns back to staring at the ceiling, “It’s my decision. I have been holding on to some feelings I should have let go of them a long time ago but I haven’t. Maybe I just need to force myself into a new relationship to let go of all of these feelings.”
When Aiba doesn’t reply this time, Sho glances back and finds him shoulders hunched, eyes glued on the duvet, and the corner of his lips tugged downwards slightly. With a little shaky breath he nods his head, pulling on the duvet again as he goes back to lying down, and mumbles, “If you have thought about it carefully, then I think it’s fine.”
“Yeah.” Sho mutters dumbly.
Aiba’s reaction had been so foreign. He doesn’t understand what it all was supposed to mean and what’s going on in his mind.
Yet, the only words he mutters out are, “Goodnight.”
“Sleep well, Sho-chan.”
++++
Aiba wakes up to an empty bed.
The room’s brightly lit and he squints his eyes when he turns around. The curtains are pushed aside allowing the sun rays to fully enter the room and it takes him a few moments to get used to this sudden brightness.
He blinks his eyes again as everything falls slowly into focus; the bright sun rays, the soft blue hue of the curtains, the armchair by the balcony, and of Sho resting his head atop his hand lazily staring at the view outside.
The sight of Sho with hair mussed up from sleep, still in his worn out t-shirt he’d worn to sleep the night before has Aiba’s heart clenching as he remembers their short conversation.
He pushes himself to sit up in bed, rubbing his eyes, and the shuffling of the sheets is heard by Sho. He turns his head around, offering a gentle smile at Aiba, “Good morning.”
“Good morning.” Aiba clears his throat, voice coming out thick with sleep, and pushes the duvet fully aside to step out of bed and hurriedly heads into the bathroom.
That sight of Sho and how domestic that short moment had been enough for his conflicting feelings to spring up on him again. He runs a hand through his hair as he stares at his reflection.
Three years ago he and Tackey started dating. Everyone around them had viewed it as two best friends falling in love, but it hadn’t been as simple as that. They both knew that they were nothing but best friends and will never be anything beyond that. They both started that inconvenient relationship of theirs because back then they only found comfort in each other for their heartbreaks. Heartbreaks that shouldn’t have been theirs but were present because of their stubborn hearts falling in love with their own best friend.
Like him, Tackey had developed long-lasting feelings for his best friend. He’d been by Tsubasa’s side for so long, just like it’d been with Aiba and Sho, and his feelings for Tsubasa developed progressively and naturally; just like it’d been with Aiba for Sho.
Three years ago, both Sho and Tsubasa had their own partner and after one long night, their drunken selves had declared how easier it would have been had they fallen for their other best friend; had they fallen for each other.
It was what made them start their relationship.
And it ended as suddenly as it started. The pining they had for their own best friend was mutual and was what brought them together, seeking comfort in each other.
It was easy to go from best friends to lovers with him. Small steps, they both decided, and lots of experimenting between them, pushing boundaries only to have them back to point one and realise after two years of trying they’re not fit to be in this sort of relationship.
Yet that lingering fear of being heartbroken again was present, making them drag it for another year until finally, five months ago, had them both staring at Aiba’s blank television and declaring the end of it.
A year of knowing how their experiment wasn’t working out, yet Aiba can’t stop the pain that throbs in his heart.
Tackey finally has his best friend he’d pining for years unlike Aiba.
Tackey took the huge leap and revealed his feelings for Tsubasa after three years of pretending to be in love with his other best friend.
Aiba stares down at his feet, feeling his heart pounding, and knows there is only one way for him to know if he’s ever going to be as lucky as Tackey.
He runs the water in the sink, splashing cold water against his face, and when he looks back at his reflection, his heart hasn’t stopped pounding loudly.
His resolve hasn’t wavered.
He reaches for his phone the moment he steps out of the bathroom, thankful for the way Sho’s gone back to staring outside, and types out a quick text for the one person that’ll understand what he’s about to do.
How scared were you when you confessed to Tsubasa-kun?
Tackey had always been an early riser and the quick reply doesn’t surprise Aiba.
Very. But it worked out for the best.
Good luck.
Aiba smiles as he locks his phone and drops it.
His heart’s pounding and he sits at the edge of the bed, staring at the back of Sho’s head quietly. He needs the right push.
“We should probably get breakfast soon.” Sho hums, eyes still focused on the view outside, and Aiba clears his throat.
“Sho-chan, remember what you told me last night?” Aiba starts and watches the way Sho tilts his head before turning around in his seat to look at Aiba.
“About the matchmaker?” Sho asks, voice hesitant and Aiba shakes his head.
“You told me you only want to go there because you believe you just need to force yourself into a relationship to let go of your feelings. By that, you meant your previous girlfriend, right?”
Sho looks down, not uttering a word, but it’s enough for Aiba to understand. Afterall, there isn’t anyone else Sho would be carrying these sort of feeling towards them except for her.
“If that’s the reason, then I don’t think you should visit a matchmaker. Forcing yourself into a relationship like that will make things worse.”
Sho doesn’t reply for a while, staring at Aiba carefully when he finally says, “Please don’t tell me you’re talking about your relationship with Takizawa-kun.”
“Who else would I be talking about?” Aiba swallows the sudden lump in his throat as he finally elaborates everything, “We only dated because we were feeling very low and we found comfort in each other. I had certain feelings that he was the only one capable of understanding me then, and it was the same for him.”
Aiba lets out a long breath as he confesses, “If I had to describe out situation in one sentence, then I’d say that we both fell in love with our best friend but decided to make it seem we’d fallen in love with our other best friend.”
“And Tackey finally decided to be honest about his feelings and I think it’s around the time I should be honest about my feelings too.” When Aiba looks up, he finds Sho staring at him, wide-eyed and he smiles despite the nerves and the way his heart’s pounding steadily, “You’re my best friend, Sho-chan. You’re the one I’m in love with. It’s always been you.”
Sho’s frozen in his spot, unmoving and eyes stuck on Aiba. It does nothing to settle Aiba’s nerves and he nervously starts rambling, “I just wanted to be honest about this and that’s it. I think you should be honest about your feelings to your ex-girlfriend and I-I really hope this doesn’t ruin anything between us. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable―”
Sho’s phone starts ringing, startling them both, and Aiba takes that as his cue to stand up hurriedly, “Ah, you should answer your phone. I’ll go and get changed. We need breakfast!”
“Wait, Aiba―”
“Sho, it’s fine. I told you I’m not expecting any answer and we can forget all about this. You have your sister’s wedding to focus on and I just realised how terrible I am for saying it now.” Sho parts his mouth again and Aiba shakes his head stubbornly as he hurriedly steps back into the bathroom without taking another glance at Sho.
++++
The hall’s buzzing with the chatter and laughter.
Guests are all around the hall and Sho easily spots Shoko beside her group of friends, laugher shared between the group, and it warms Sho’s heart seeing his younger sister truly happy.
The day had gone by without a hitch as Shoko had desired.
The wedding ceremony was beautiful and left his mother and few other guests―Aiba included―shedding tears. When his father stood up for a toast at the start of the wedding reception, the sound of his teaspoon clinking on the side of his wineglass had been enough to have his mother start tearing up again.
The day’s coming to an end now, the sun had long set, and the night sky is on display. A few of the guests have already left and the remainder of the guests are either slightly buzzed from all the drinks they had, to those properly drunk and ready to call it a night, and to those just a drink or two away from getting properly drunk, and Sho’s teetering on that edge.
Normally, he wouldn’t have allowed himself to drink this much in a celebration like today. But, even with the wedding ceremony managing to distract him, it hadn’t been enough for his eyes to constantly betray him and he’d find himself staring at Aiba and remembering his earlier confession.
You’re the one I’m in love with. It’s always been you.
His feelings for Aiba aren’t one-sided and the initial shock that came with that confession had Sho frozen, especially considering Aiba believes he still has feelings for his ex-girlfriend.
He should confess to him everything yet Sho never realised how terrifying this entire thing could be. Even while knowing Aiba’s feelings, he still can’t find enough courage to confess to Aiba.
With the way Aiba confessed, it has this doubt spreading in Sho that maybe it’s too risky for them to date, and it’s not what Aiba intended with his confession. Perhaps Aiba just wanted to move on and confession his feelings was what he truly felt was necessary. Or perhaps not. Eitherway, Sho does feel just like Aiba confessed, no matter what his intentions had been, maybe it’s also his turn to do the same.
Revealing it out loud could be what he needs to move on.
Sho lets out a long breath, realizing even the thought of just confessing his feelings without alluding to Aiba he craves for them to be in a relationship is terrifying him. He lacks the courage for it and it’s what pushed him to drink more than he intended.
He needs some clear air.
The doors at the end of the hall by the balcony are propped open, with the corner of the balcony hidden behind the wall, and it’s the perfect spot Sho needs to hide momentarily while catching some fresh air.
His brother spots him stepping aside and he casually waves a hand, motioning for him he’s stepping out for a bit, and only nods his head in answer. A server with a tray filled with drinks passes by him and Sho refuses to even stare at the glasses. He might end up unable to refuse the offer and will take one more glass he clearly doesn’t need.
He regrets his decision and wishes he’d grabbed a drink when he stops by the balcony and finds someone already standing outside on the balcony in the hidden corner.
Aiba’s leaning on the railing of the balcony, arms crossed, staring ahead with a blank expression and hasn’t noticed Sho’s prescience yet.
For a short moment Sho allows himself to stare at Aiba, at the way the slight breeze ruffles his hair slightly; the way his eyes are gleaming beneath the dim lights hanging outside; the way he looks sharp in his will fitted suit, allowing Sho to admire his toned legs, and Sho shakes his head.
He takes another step, stepping into the balcony beside Aiba and Aiba finally turns his head. His eyes widen slightly when he notices Sho before he nods his head and glances aside again.
“I just needed some fresh air.” Sho mumbles quietly, staring ahead as well. From here, Sho can hear the waves clearly and notices from the corner of his eyes the way Aiba’s hold on the railing tightens before he speaks.
“Ohno-san talked to me earlier and said he found a new place and took Jun-chan and Nino with him but apparently they don’t appreciate sweets like we do so he wants to take us there once we’re back.” Aiba turns to stare at Sho with a small smile, “So it’ll be like usual, the three of us trying out new sweets.”
Sho smiles and nods his head. He understands what Aiba meant by that addition. It’s his way of saying that despite what happened earlier, he hopes everything will remain the same between them. He’s hoping Sho would forget about the confession.
“Aiba.” Sho calls out and is instantly left tongue-tied, lacking the courage again to confess. Maybe he needed that extra glass.
But when he looks aside and finds Aiba staring at him, he doesn’t know if it’s his eyes or the alcohol in his body that’s making him believe there’s this sudden new, hopeful glow in Aiba’s eyes.
At that, he swallows the lump in his throat and blurts out the first thing that comes to his mind, “I’m so glad you didn’t truly like Takizawa-kun.”
Aiba furrows his brows and Sho mentally slaps himself for what he said.
He drank too much.
“That’s not what I wanted to say.” Sho shakes his head, “I mean—what I mean is I didn’t understand why you and him—no, I—”
“Sho-chan, please breathe.” Aiba interrupts with a little chuckle that melts Sho’s heart and he bites his lips, staring down at his shoes, “If it’s about what I said before then it’s fine. You don’t have to answer me. I don’t want you to feel like you’re obligated to give me an answer—”
“For the past three years I kept on thinking how unfair it is that when you fell in love with your best friend, it ended up being with him and not me.” Sho blurts out, certain it’s the alcohol in his body making this easier to confess out loud. He doesn’t miss hearing Aiba’s sharp inhale and it’s what drives him to continue, “What I said about those feelings that I want to let go of last night, that wasn’t about my ex-girlfriend; that was about you. When she broke up with me I wasn’t sad and I was actually happy because I thought of confessing to you back then. But then you two started dating and I thought that was the only chance I had and I ruined it.”
Sho takes in a breath when Aiba grabs his hand, tugging at it urgently, “Sho-chan, what are you saying—”
“What I’m trying to say is this.” Sho interrupts, glancing back at Aiba with this newfound confidence and taking a step closer to Aiba. He tugs on his hand, pulling him closer and cups Aiba’s cheek with his other hand, pulling him forward and connecting their lips instantly.
It’s electrifying to be able to kiss Aiba and when he pulls apart, Aiba’s taking in a deep breath when Sho breathlessly confesses, “I love you.”
Aiba answers him by cupping Sho’s cheeks this time and pulling him in for a long, deep kiss. They pull apart to take in deep breaths, foreheads resting against each other, and Aiba’s grinning as he says, “I’m so glad I love you. You’re a good kisser.”
Sho can’t help the small chuckle he lets out, smiling as he pecks Aiba’s lips again, and murmurs against his lips, “Are you sure you love me?”
“I love you, Sakurai Sho. What else do you want me to say?” Aiba hums and Sho smiles brightly, wrapping his arms around Aiba to drop his head atop his shoulder.
“I’m happy. I never thought this would happen.”
Aiba’s arms around him are tight and warm, and Sho shuts his eyes—
“You two are cute together.”
Sho gasps, stepping away from Aiba instantly, and frowning at his mom’s bright grin.
“How long have you been here?” Sho instantly asks, worried she’d overheard their conversation but she shakes her head.
“Just now. Why? What were you two doing sneaking off here?”
“Nothing. We were just talking.”
His mother doesn’t prod for more and when they step into the hall this time, Sho’s dragging Aiba along his side.
All the alcohol he drank earlier is finally settling in and he can see it affecting Aiba as much with how giddy he’s become as they spend the remainder of the night with their families.
They both drank too much, he thinks.
And he thinks of it later on again when they’re back in their room and Aiba’s back is against the wall as Sho presses kisses against his lips and then moves to trailing his jawline.
He shouldn’t be doing this right now yet the only rational part of his mind that seems to work is the part that reminds him of the many times Nino’s repeatedly told him how reckless he is when it comes to Aiba. He agrees wholeheartedly with that statement when Aiba starts coaxing him to take him to bed and he can’t find it in himself to argue against that when he bites a spot just above his collarbone and Aiba lets out a loud whimper.
“Fuck, Sho. Bed.” Aiba mumbles after they’ve thoroughly kissed and made out against the wall, shirts unbuttoned and clothes askew.
Aiba wraps his arms tightly around him, dropping himself closer to Sho, and Aiba lets out a long delicious loud moan by his ear when their bodies rock against each other, enough to coax Sho to pull him back with him and to the bed.
They’re both too drunk and should be trying to take care of themselves not to wake up with a terrible hangover before they checkout tomorrow at noon, but it’s the last thing on their minds as with shaky hands manage to take each other’s clothes off.
Sho laughs, loving the way his heart feels so light now, and Aiba grins as he cups his cheeks and they’re kissing again. When they pull apart, Sho helps him off with the rest of his clothes, hands stopping after undoing and unzipping his pants, to look at him in the eyes and say, “Hey, did you sleep with Takizawa-kun.”
“Despite how we felt, we were together for three years. What do you think?” Aiba asks, giggling hard when Sho frowns and starts pulling his pants downwards.
“He saw you naked like this in bed.” Sho scrunches up his nose, “Before me. Many times.”
“Sho-chan, are you jealous?” Aiba reaches for Sho, wrapping his hand at the back of his nape, to hold him close, “You shouldn’t. I never loved him anyway. I love you only. Now, hurry up, will you?”
Sho pecks his lips and leans down as he pulls on Aiba’s boxers swiftly and discards them, “And I’ll show you how much I love you tonight.”
Aiba smiles before letting out a long hiss, followed by a delicious moan when Sho rubs their bodies together experimentally and it wasn’t the last time Aiba let out such a beautiful sound that night.
++++
When Sho wakes up the next morning, his head hurts.
He scrunches up his nose and buries his face in the pillow. He doesn’t hide his face completely though and allows himself to stare at Aiba beside him.
Eyes tightly shut and puffing out air steadily as his chest rises and sinks with each intake of breath, he looks so peaceful like this. Sho’s heart is ready to burst at the affection it carries for him when he lets out an incoherent sound in his sleep.
He unconsciously reaches out for his hair but stops himself midway from tossing his mussed up hair when he realises the reason it’s so messy this morning has less to do with sleep but more to do with their activities the night before.
Their lack of clothes and their clothes messily thrown across the floor are just additional reminders.
“Shit.” Sho murmurs, panicking when Aiba flutters his eyes open.
“Sho-chan?” Aiba mumbles, voice thick with sleep and the lack of answer has him scrunching up his nose as he rubs his eyes, “Sho-chan, you okay?”
“Aiba. Last night...we—”
“Slept together.” Aiba interrupts, voice calm and sleepy, and Sho can’t understand why he’s not panicking like him.
They were drunk, maybe they messed up everything by doing that the moment they confessed. No, maybe Aiba doesn’t even remember Sho’s confession. They both were too drunk.
“Sho-chan, stop racking your brain.” Aiba reaches out for Sho and Sho allows himself to be pulled closer to Aiba. He drapes an arm around him and sighs heavily, “You confessed and we slept together after years of wanting each other. I think we’re going to be good.” He pauses as he starts rubbing Sho’s bare back soothingly, “I don’t regret it.”
“I don’t regret it too.” Sho instantly answers, shutting his eyes and melting into Aiba’s touch, allowing Aiba’s words and touches to calm him gradually.
“Good.” Aiba hums softly, “Because the thought of doing you again in my place or yours instead of a hotel room sounds really good to me.”
Sho feels the way his cheeks warm slightly at Aiba’s words and hides his face against the pillow to hide his smile rather than his pink cheeks.
The promise of more, he never realised how much he craved to hear it from Aiba.
++++
Sho narrows his eyes at the way Aiba laughs. He should probably call out for him—
“You’re glaring. You’re that jealous?”
Sho whirls his head away and shakes his head instantly at Ohno’s smirk, “No! No way. Why would I be jealous?”
“Then why are you glaring at Aiba-chan and Takizawa-san?” Sho narrows his eyes this time at Ohno and Ohno chuckles brightly before taking a spoonful of his chocolate cake, “I understand if you’re going to have that reaction if you’re going to see him with his ex-boyfriend, but you better control yourself because if Nino sees that reaction, you won’t hear the end of it.”
Sho sighs as he nods his head and slumps back slightly when he notices Aiba and Takizawa bidding goodbye.
He along with Aiba and Ohno had come here for sweets yet had to spot Takizawa as he was leaving. Aiba had stopped him to say hi and Sho knows he won’t take too long with him, yet there is this unease settling in him.
They used to date after all.
Sho pokes his piece of the cake with a spoon, pouting slightly when he hears Ohno’s chuckle, before an additional voice joins them, “Why are you frowning at your cake, Sho-chan?”
Sho looks up at Aiba, smiling when he joins his side and doesn’t spot Takizawa anywhere.
He finally left.
“I was just thinking that my father doesn’t know we’re dating yet and I don’t know how to explain everything to him.” Sho says instead and Aiba hums when he notices Ohno’s chuckling.
“You’re still jealous of Tackey?” Aiba grins when Sho groans and bumps into his side, “You’re cute, Sho-chan.”
Sho pokes his cake again until Aiba bumps into him again, smiling reassuringly, “We’ll explain to your father everything together. Even if it’s messy and we need to explain so much it’s fine. We’re just starting out and we’ll figure out everything together, yeah?”
He can’t help the smile that comes across his face even when Ohno chuckles again and nods his head at Aiba’s words.
It’s all the reassurance he needs because unlike his previous relationship that never went more than experimenting in trying to develop their feelings, Aiba’s allowing and letting this relationship have its proper start.
It’s the start of their relationship and when he pushes his cake towards Aiba to try it out, he realises he won’t mind sharing his cake if it’s with Aiba.
They are perfect together.
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Date: 2019-12-27 02:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-12-29 12:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2019-12-29 09:40 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2020-01-15 03:49 pm (UTC)I love that glimose of Ohmiya too~ xD