[ Hiyori never has to worry about their future; he truly means it. It's not just a comforting statement for Hiyori or himself. When he looks at Hiyori and reflects on all they've been through, there's no one else he wants to share his future with. Even back home, he had been ready to commit to Eve and Eden. What Jun was uncertain about years ago, now completely certain of.
"I have faith we'll win someday." Hearing these words make Jun feel a comforting warmth, as if everything will be alright once they return home. Regardless of the circumstances, their fans would still want them to win SS, even if they knew about their time in a sex casino. Jun wonders if time has stopped back home, or if he's only avoiding the thought of how Ibara and Nagi-senpai are managing without them. Eden would likely need to go on hiatus, something he's sure Hiyori wouldn't want to think too deeply about. Perhaps Ibara and Nagisa are performing as Adam, keeping the excitement alive for Eden and, by extension, Eve, ensuring that fans still talk about them. ]
Right, you'd better keep your eyes closed ♪
[ It's nothing extravagant, especially in a place where you can buy almost anything. But it's something Jun made himself—simple yet heartfelt. He steps away briefly, retrieving the gift from its hidden spot in one of their drawers. With a warm smile, he hands the package to Hiyori. Though Hiyori can't see the fondness in Jun's eyes right now, he’ll notice it once he opens the gift. ]
Made it myself, so dunno if it's good... But you can open 'em now!
[ He'll move to place the gift in Hiyori's hands, waiting for his eyes to open.
And as for what's inside the wrapped package? Well, it's a hand-knitted blanket. Not that it's necessary in a place where everything is easily bought, Jun intended to offer Hiyori a touch of extra comfort. The blanket is near the shade closest to Hiyori's image colour, with some uneven edges. It's not perfectly knit by any means, with a few gaps near the bottom, but it reflects Jun's most recent efforts in relearning sewing and knitting. (With thanks to the Ugly Duckling University!) ]
You know how we sometimes cuddle on the couch together? Well, I sorta figured it’d be nice to have this. And I didn't wanna buy anything, 'cause I think this'd show off my feelings better ♪
[ Of course, he’ll wait until Hiyori unwraps the gift, but he’s excitedly waiting to tell him all about it. ]
It's even got a lil' 'H' sewn into the bottom, 'cause it's all yours ~ ♪
[Back home, whenever the holidays rolled around, he always made a show of expecting gifts. "Jun-kun, it's almost Christmas! Don't forget my present, alright?" It was a way of building anticipation, but he also just liked the thought of Jun scrambling around, trying to find something that would please him. Gifts are a way of showing you care, after all, and it was always nice to have proof Jun was thinking of him. It was a way of pushing himself into Jun's thoughts—and his heart—even more. But also, it's just plain fun to celebrate with gifts!
Now it's still fun, but the sense of anticipation is different; he feels like a schoolkid waiting to receive Valentine's chocolate from the classmate they love. He's not expecting any one thing in particular, and yet he can't help the way his brain buzzes with possibilities. Did Jun get them matching jewelry or "promise rings"? If so, how did he know his measurement? Did Jun secretly measure his ring finger while he slept, the way the heroine's boyfriend did in a drama he watched back home?? Sneaky Jun-kun! He never knew he had it in him!
He closes his eyes, his cheeks lightly flushed. As he's waiting there with his hands outstretched, Jun announces his return, placing a package in them. Even before he opens his eyes, he realizes it's too big, too bulky to be a box with a ring in it. So what did Jun buy him?
As it turns out, nothing. Jun's gift to him is something he made himself, not something he bought. Hiyori looks surprised to hear it, but not in a bad way.]
Now I'm really curious.
[He tears off the wrapping and opens the package. What he finds inside is some soft knitting. Is it a sweater? No, he realizes, it's a blanket. He turns it over in his hands, looking mesmerized. It's not that he's shocked by the quality, but rather by the effort that surely went into it. Jun has knit small items for Mary before, but he's never taken on a big project like this, has he? And yet he completed it without Hiyori even noticing. He really is sneaky.
He looks up at his partner to find him smiling softly as he talks about cuddling; how he knitted the blanket so they could snuggle together underneath it. It's such a cute explanation, sugary sweet like birthday cake, that it sends his heart fluttering. Even without the chill brought on by his connection with Esikko, this blanket would seem like just the thing he needs. And as Jun talks about the stitching he did at the end, sounding proud of himself, Hiyori loses the ability to hold back.]
So this is Jun-kun's handiwork, hmm? ♪
[His eyes briefly drop down to the blanket, looking it over for another moment, before he smiles at Jun again.]
Very impressive! But it looks like you missed a letter.
[He speaks without a trace of admonishment. Smiling ear to ear, he shifts the blanket to his free hand and steps forward to throw his arms around Jun, draping the blanket over Jun's back. He presses their foreheads together and continues,]
It's missing a J, since this is a gift for both of us. When I'm wrapped up in Jun-kun and the blanket, I'm sure I'll feel twice as warm ♪ Just as Jun-kun will feel even more warm when he's cuddling me! That's what it means to share warmth! ♪
[With that, he closes his eyes, tucking his head against the side of Jun's face, his voice lowering to a heartfelt murmur.]
[ Back home, many things were different. Of course, he still managed to gift Hiyori something, but what could you get someone who has everything? Back then it made Jun nervous, and now it makes him even more nervous. He wants the gifts to be useful, something Hiyori likes, just to be certain he knows his partners' preferences. Even more now, where not only does Hiyori occupy his thoughts, but also his day-to-day life.
That's why there's a hint of nervousness as he hands over something he made himself. He's not a professional at all, the stitching isn't perfect, with the "H" being off by an inch or two. But it's brimming with love and care, reflecting Jun's personality just as much. (Besides, he had been thinking about buying them rings, and he can do that any day he likes!) But this was the first big project he had worked on. While knitting something Mary's size was easier, this took time and effort, and he wanted to put in the effort to see it through to the end. ]
Yep, all my handiwork! Pretty proud I got it done ♪
[ He seems prouder, chest puffing out a little as the motivation behind his actions becomes clear. Knitting from scratch hadn't been easy, there were times when he wanted to give up, thinking the project was bigger than planned. But wanting Hiyori to enjoy the gift, something filled with love, made the blood, sweat and tears worth it.
Jun looks a little confused by Hiyori's wording. Did he miss a letter? Nope, the H is right there! Unless he should have added a T for his last name!
Oh, that's what Hiyori meant.
He pulls Hiyori closer, rubbing their noses together as he feels the blanket around his shoulders. When Hiyori moves his head down, Jun moves his head down a little, pressing a short, soft kiss against his forehead. ]
Seems like I've got more sewing to do ♪ Though that'll hafta wait, 'cause we got a blanket to break in first! Well, I mean at least Ohii-san wants to share the warmth.
[ A blush blooms on his cheeks, feeling the shared warmth radiate between them. It's nice, having this, and wanting more. ]
[Jun's lips brush his forehead and he smiles. It seems that whenever he hugs Jun these days, Jun remembers to plant a kiss somewhere. He's doing great at this whole "boyfriend" thing. Their fans would surely be impressed.]
Mm~♪ Whenever I'm with Jun-kun, all the cold seems to melt away.
[He stands with his arms still looped around Jun's neck, his voice full of warmth. After how the past week has gone, Jun can surely understand those words' significance; Hiyori has been shivering from cold, wearing a winter jacket everywhere, and his skin's still unnaturally cool to the touch. He's been in pain, too. But Jun's been there with him through all of it, serving as his personal heater, and in more ways than just physical. Whenever he feels cold and alone, and when he broke down in tears after that nightmare two nights ago, Jun is there to remind him that things are alright. That he's not alone and he has love in his life.
He continues,]
I've been thinking "Jun-kun is just like a blanket" for a while now, actually. Almost like a security blanket. So your gift couldn't be more fitting.
[Like Jun's poster of Jin Sagami. Funny, how Hiyori has lightly teased him about that before. How Hiyori has teased Jun about needing him, about being a helpless (but adorable) kouhai who needs his guidance, when it's Hiyori who needs him. But all he can do is accept the simple truth. He needs Jun, which is why he'll hold onto him forever.
He untucks his head so he can look Jun in the eye again, still smiling, but speaking seriously.]
But I don't want to hog all the warmth. I'd rather bask in it together. And that's why I want to promise that one day, the two of us will feel real sunlight again. That we'll escape this place and live out our dreams.
[Not artificial sun. Not an "artificial view."]
Since that's my promise to Jun-kun, perhaps we should buy promise rings. You can even call it my wedding vow, as hopelessly cheesy as that sounds.
[ It's good affection comes naturally to him now, wanting to plant a kiss or two wherever he can. Better yet, Jun has realised this is precisely what it means to be in a relationship, and that accepting affection from others is welcomed even.
His thumb caresses Hiyori's soft cheek, wanting to bring further warmth to his body, which seems to be the only way Jun can. Realising the depth of those words, his smile grows wider, manoeuvring downward, placing another kiss flat against Hiyori's temple. It serves as a reminder that despite the suffering Hiyori's been through, the cold, pain and nightmares, he'll be here forever. ]
That's what you've been thinkin', huh~? Well, good thing I've just been thinking just the same thing ♪ But until a lil' while ago, I thought I was relyin' on the poster for comfort, so turns out I got the feeling all wrong.
[ Funny how things work out, through it all they've become one another's security blankets. At first, Jun believed it was the reason for his anxiousness, why he couldn't sleep without the comforting presence of Jin watching over them. But those sleeping patterns changed, whenever they shared a hotel room, and here a bed.
It's a rather good thing he won't hold it to Hiyori, with the shoe on the other foot, he's feeling fairly smug about the turn of events. Feeling wanted and wanting to be wanted are two different matters, and wanting to be guided through the dreary, dark alleyway has turned out for the better. ]
We promised already, didn't we? We'll spend all our time in the real sun, seeing all sorta new things together! Not to mention whenever I'm with you, it feels like my dreams bein' realised in all sorts of ways.
[ But truly, he's sick and tired of the artificial sun, the artificial view of the world. This wasn't part of their shared dream, not the sort of view Jun had mentioned to Hiyori during SS. He looks back into Hiyori's eyes, a line of pink dusting his cheeks when bringing up their aforementioned promise rings. Maybe it's something he should have gifted Hiyori with, after their conversation, but he still hadn't wanted to jump the gun so soon after. ]
And here I'd thought Ohii-san forgot all 'bout 'em ♪ Jokes aside, maybe we should. I mean, it woulda sounded cheesy months ago, not gonna lie. But now? A wedding vow sounds like a mighty fine idea.
[ A promise one day, whenever said day might arrive. It's something he would've vetted and complained about months ago, but having the person you're willing to spend the rest of your life with is a commitment worth committing to. ]
And on top of that, it's gonna be my promise, too. Sorta like a mini-proposal for life ♪
[He closes his eyes, enjoying the warm brush of Jun's lips, the thumb skimming his cheek.]
You were thinking the same thing, huh?
[Seeing him as a security blanket, just like the Jin poster. That's what Jun means, isn't it?
Normally he'd tease Jun over such an admission. "Ahaha, Jun-kun would be so hopeless without me!" Right now, however, he feels no such urge. Instead he just feels glad. What a relief this is. He's been afraid, lately, that he might have gotten too clingy. That he'll suffocate Jun and make him feel smothered. It's the last thing he wants, but he's just so afraid of losing him. So afraid that he'll wake up and find him gone, or that he'll message him and won't get a reply. That he'll find Jun's statue, like he did during his dream. Hiyori relies on Jun to keep him grounded, to make him happy, and to take care of him. He'd fall apart without him, especially after how the past week has went.
So it's a relief to hear again that Jun sees him as someone he can rely on. Even in this place, even after this week. Not a burden, but someone to keep him warm and help him feel secure. Like a blanket. Relying on Jun one-sidedly wouldn't be any good. But if they can rely on each other, and keep each other secure, then that's not being a burden. That's being "partners."
Which is what they are, now and forever.
Still. His brows do jump and his heart stutters when Jun says, "Maybe we should." Followed by "A wedding vow seems like a mighty fine idea." He hastily says,]
Well, even now it's still cheesy.
[But.
He knocks their foreheads together again and continues, speaking in a rush.]
But well, some people are actually doing that sort of thing. I heard the staff talking about it the last time I went out—how there's been an "uptick in weddings" since the Hearts game started.
[His cheeks turn a bit pinker.]
I'm not saying we should join in. Obviously it wouldn't be the same as a real wedding. But, well... I guess if we're already doing matching rings, and we've already promised each other the future, then we're more or less halfway there, anyway.
[He pauses, still blushing. And then, at last, he clears his throat and announces the following:]
So I guess what I'm saying is: I accept your mini-proposal! ♪
[Another pause.]
Or I would if you did have a ring. But since you don't, I'll accept this cozy blanket!
[ He hums happily against Hiyori, nodding after. Seeing him as a security blanket is what Jun means, a comfort when things are bleak. That's the sort of person Hiyori's become to him.
But life sometimes hits with so much uncertainty, he'd been met with so much before finally coming to terms with his feelings. From then on, Jun can't begin to explain how drawn he's become to affection, a feeling he once thought he could never embrace. Despite the reservations, Jun finds it almost too easy, realising he can no longer live without Hiyori. He'd be afraid of admitting the truth, but something tells him Hiyori feels the same.
Maybe it's how Hiyori knocks their foreheads together, mentioning it's still cheesy, and speaking in a rush. His heart stutters, for only a second, while still thumbing his finger across Hiyori's cheek, grinning. ]
We're not like "some people" just doin' it for some game, are we? And I'm not sayin' we should, just 'cause everyone else is. But, well, we sorta are already there, aren't we?
[ But something about Hiyori announcing it, has this feeling even more real. They'd been dancing around the subject a little, since the first time it came up, hadn't they? And there's Hiyori again, saying more eloquently than Jun ever could. ]
Nothing's stopping me from goin' out and getting one right now, Ohii-san. If ya wanna, dunno... make it official? But I'm pretty sure proposals are meant to be some huge secret, something you're not supposed to know yet! Or maybe it'll just be our secret right now! And, well, I'm not 'boutta show my hand so soon ♪
[ The words haven't sunk in properly yet, feeling closer to a high than anything else. Hiyori accepts his mini-proposal, and Jun hugs him tighter, pressing their noses together. ]
But one day we'll have a proper, real wedding—whenever ya want! So how's that sound?
[ Ideally, when they're back home in Japan with friends and family, Jun doesn't care whether their careers are declining. It's a promise for their future, so there's never any doubt he's not all in. ]
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no subject
"I have faith we'll win someday." Hearing these words make Jun feel a comforting warmth, as if everything will be alright once they return home. Regardless of the circumstances, their fans would still want them to win SS, even if they knew about their time in a sex casino. Jun wonders if time has stopped back home, or if he's only avoiding the thought of how Ibara and Nagi-senpai are managing without them. Eden would likely need to go on hiatus, something he's sure Hiyori wouldn't want to think too deeply about. Perhaps Ibara and Nagisa are performing as Adam, keeping the excitement alive for Eden and, by extension, Eve, ensuring that fans still talk about them. ]
Right, you'd better keep your eyes closed ♪
[ It's nothing extravagant, especially in a place where you can buy almost anything. But it's something Jun made himself—simple yet heartfelt. He steps away briefly, retrieving the gift from its hidden spot in one of their drawers. With a warm smile, he hands the package to Hiyori. Though Hiyori can't see the fondness in Jun's eyes right now, he’ll notice it once he opens the gift. ]
Made it myself, so dunno if it's good... But you can open 'em now!
[ He'll move to place the gift in Hiyori's hands, waiting for his eyes to open.
And as for what's inside the wrapped package? Well, it's a hand-knitted blanket. Not that it's necessary in a place where everything is easily bought, Jun intended to offer Hiyori a touch of extra comfort. The blanket is near the shade closest to Hiyori's image colour, with some uneven edges. It's not perfectly knit by any means, with a few gaps near the bottom, but it reflects Jun's most recent efforts in relearning sewing and knitting. (With thanks to the Ugly Duckling University!) ]
You know how we sometimes cuddle on the couch together? Well, I sorta figured it’d be nice to have this. And I didn't wanna buy anything, 'cause I think this'd show off my feelings better ♪
[ Of course, he’ll wait until Hiyori unwraps the gift, but he’s excitedly waiting to tell him all about it. ]
It's even got a lil' 'H' sewn into the bottom, 'cause it's all yours ~ ♪
no subject
Now it's still fun, but the sense of anticipation is different; he feels like a schoolkid waiting to receive Valentine's chocolate from the classmate they love. He's not expecting any one thing in particular, and yet he can't help the way his brain buzzes with possibilities. Did Jun get them matching jewelry or "promise rings"? If so, how did he know his measurement? Did Jun secretly measure his ring finger while he slept, the way the heroine's boyfriend did in a drama he watched back home?? Sneaky Jun-kun! He never knew he had it in him!
He closes his eyes, his cheeks lightly flushed. As he's waiting there with his hands outstretched, Jun announces his return, placing a package in them. Even before he opens his eyes, he realizes it's too big, too bulky to be a box with a ring in it. So what did Jun buy him?
As it turns out, nothing. Jun's gift to him is something he made himself, not something he bought. Hiyori looks surprised to hear it, but not in a bad way.]
Now I'm really curious.
[He tears off the wrapping and opens the package. What he finds inside is some soft knitting. Is it a sweater? No, he realizes, it's a blanket. He turns it over in his hands, looking mesmerized. It's not that he's shocked by the quality, but rather by the effort that surely went into it. Jun has knit small items for Mary before, but he's never taken on a big project like this, has he? And yet he completed it without Hiyori even noticing. He really is sneaky.
He looks up at his partner to find him smiling softly as he talks about cuddling; how he knitted the blanket so they could snuggle together underneath it. It's such a cute explanation, sugary sweet like birthday cake, that it sends his heart fluttering. Even without the chill brought on by his connection with Esikko, this blanket would seem like just the thing he needs. And as Jun talks about the stitching he did at the end, sounding proud of himself, Hiyori loses the ability to hold back.]
So this is Jun-kun's handiwork, hmm? ♪
[His eyes briefly drop down to the blanket, looking it over for another moment, before he smiles at Jun again.]
Very impressive! But it looks like you missed a letter.
[He speaks without a trace of admonishment. Smiling ear to ear, he shifts the blanket to his free hand and steps forward to throw his arms around Jun, draping the blanket over Jun's back. He presses their foreheads together and continues,]
It's missing a J, since this is a gift for both of us. When I'm wrapped up in Jun-kun and the blanket, I'm sure I'll feel twice as warm ♪ Just as Jun-kun will feel even more warm when he's cuddling me! That's what it means to share warmth! ♪
[With that, he closes his eyes, tucking his head against the side of Jun's face, his voice lowering to a heartfelt murmur.]
... thanks, Jun-kun.
no subject
That's why there's a hint of nervousness as he hands over something he made himself. He's not a professional at all, the stitching isn't perfect, with the "H" being off by an inch or two. But it's brimming with love and care, reflecting Jun's personality just as much. (Besides, he had been thinking about buying them rings, and he can do that any day he likes!) But this was the first big project he had worked on. While knitting something Mary's size was easier, this took time and effort, and he wanted to put in the effort to see it through to the end. ]
Yep, all my handiwork! Pretty proud I got it done ♪
[ He seems prouder, chest puffing out a little as the motivation behind his actions becomes clear. Knitting from scratch hadn't been easy, there were times when he wanted to give up, thinking the project was bigger than planned. But wanting Hiyori to enjoy the gift, something filled with love, made the blood, sweat and tears worth it.
Jun looks a little confused by Hiyori's wording. Did he miss a letter? Nope, the H is right there! Unless he should have added a T for his last name!
Oh, that's what Hiyori meant.
He pulls Hiyori closer, rubbing their noses together as he feels the blanket around his shoulders. When Hiyori moves his head down, Jun moves his head down a little, pressing a short, soft kiss against his forehead. ]
Seems like I've got more sewing to do ♪ Though that'll hafta wait, 'cause we got a blanket to break in first! Well, I mean at least Ohii-san wants to share the warmth.
[ A blush blooms on his cheeks, feeling the shared warmth radiate between them. It's nice, having this, and wanting more. ]
You're welcome, Ohii-san. I'm glad ya like it ♪
no subject
Mm~♪ Whenever I'm with Jun-kun, all the cold seems to melt away.
[He stands with his arms still looped around Jun's neck, his voice full of warmth. After how the past week has gone, Jun can surely understand those words' significance; Hiyori has been shivering from cold, wearing a winter jacket everywhere, and his skin's still unnaturally cool to the touch. He's been in pain, too. But Jun's been there with him through all of it, serving as his personal heater, and in more ways than just physical. Whenever he feels cold and alone, and when he broke down in tears after that nightmare two nights ago, Jun is there to remind him that things are alright. That he's not alone and he has love in his life.
He continues,]
I've been thinking "Jun-kun is just like a blanket" for a while now, actually. Almost like a security blanket. So your gift couldn't be more fitting.
[Like Jun's poster of Jin Sagami. Funny, how Hiyori has lightly teased him about that before. How Hiyori has teased Jun about needing him, about being a helpless (but adorable) kouhai who needs his guidance, when it's Hiyori who needs him. But all he can do is accept the simple truth. He needs Jun, which is why he'll hold onto him forever.
He untucks his head so he can look Jun in the eye again, still smiling, but speaking seriously.]
But I don't want to hog all the warmth. I'd rather bask in it together. And that's why I want to promise that one day, the two of us will feel real sunlight again. That we'll escape this place and live out our dreams.
[Not artificial sun. Not an "artificial view."]
Since that's my promise to Jun-kun, perhaps we should buy promise rings. You can even call it my wedding vow, as hopelessly cheesy as that sounds.
no subject
His thumb caresses Hiyori's soft cheek, wanting to bring further warmth to his body, which seems to be the only way Jun can. Realising the depth of those words, his smile grows wider, manoeuvring downward, placing another kiss flat against Hiyori's temple. It serves as a reminder that despite the suffering Hiyori's been through, the cold, pain and nightmares, he'll be here forever. ]
That's what you've been thinkin', huh~? Well, good thing I've just been thinking just the same thing ♪ But until a lil' while ago, I thought I was relyin' on the poster for comfort, so turns out I got the feeling all wrong.
[ Funny how things work out, through it all they've become one another's security blankets. At first, Jun believed it was the reason for his anxiousness, why he couldn't sleep without the comforting presence of Jin watching over them. But those sleeping patterns changed, whenever they shared a hotel room, and here a bed.
It's a rather good thing he won't hold it to Hiyori, with the shoe on the other foot, he's feeling fairly smug about the turn of events. Feeling wanted and wanting to be wanted are two different matters, and wanting to be guided through the dreary, dark alleyway has turned out for the better. ]
We promised already, didn't we? We'll spend all our time in the real sun, seeing all sorta new things together! Not to mention whenever I'm with you, it feels like my dreams bein' realised in all sorts of ways.
[ But truly, he's sick and tired of the artificial sun, the artificial view of the world. This wasn't part of their shared dream, not the sort of view Jun had mentioned to Hiyori during SS. He looks back into Hiyori's eyes, a line of pink dusting his cheeks when bringing up their aforementioned promise rings. Maybe it's something he should have gifted Hiyori with, after their conversation, but he still hadn't wanted to jump the gun so soon after. ]
And here I'd thought Ohii-san forgot all 'bout 'em ♪ Jokes aside, maybe we should. I mean, it woulda sounded cheesy months ago, not gonna lie. But now? A wedding vow sounds like a mighty fine idea.
[ A promise one day, whenever said day might arrive. It's something he would've vetted and complained about months ago, but having the person you're willing to spend the rest of your life with is a commitment worth committing to. ]
And on top of that, it's gonna be my promise, too. Sorta like a mini-proposal for life ♪
no subject
You were thinking the same thing, huh?
[Seeing him as a security blanket, just like the Jin poster. That's what Jun means, isn't it?
Normally he'd tease Jun over such an admission. "Ahaha, Jun-kun would be so hopeless without me!" Right now, however, he feels no such urge. Instead he just feels glad. What a relief this is. He's been afraid, lately, that he might have gotten too clingy. That he'll suffocate Jun and make him feel smothered. It's the last thing he wants, but he's just so afraid of losing him. So afraid that he'll wake up and find him gone, or that he'll message him and won't get a reply. That he'll find Jun's statue, like he did during his dream. Hiyori relies on Jun to keep him grounded, to make him happy, and to take care of him. He'd fall apart without him, especially after how the past week has went.
So it's a relief to hear again that Jun sees him as someone he can rely on. Even in this place, even after this week. Not a burden, but someone to keep him warm and help him feel secure. Like a blanket. Relying on Jun one-sidedly wouldn't be any good. But if they can rely on each other, and keep each other secure, then that's not being a burden. That's being "partners."
Which is what they are, now and forever.
Still. His brows do jump and his heart stutters when Jun says, "Maybe we should." Followed by "A wedding vow seems like a mighty fine idea." He hastily says,]
Well, even now it's still cheesy.
[But.
He knocks their foreheads together again and continues, speaking in a rush.]
But well, some people are actually doing that sort of thing. I heard the staff talking about it the last time I went out—how there's been an "uptick in weddings" since the Hearts game started.
[His cheeks turn a bit pinker.]
I'm not saying we should join in. Obviously it wouldn't be the same as a real wedding. But, well... I guess if we're already doing matching rings, and we've already promised each other the future, then we're more or less halfway there, anyway.
[He pauses, still blushing. And then, at last, he clears his throat and announces the following:]
So I guess what I'm saying is: I accept your mini-proposal! ♪
[Another pause.]
Or I would if you did have a ring. But since you don't, I'll accept this cozy blanket!
no subject
[ He hums happily against Hiyori, nodding after. Seeing him as a security blanket is what Jun means, a comfort when things are bleak. That's the sort of person Hiyori's become to him.
But life sometimes hits with so much uncertainty, he'd been met with so much before finally coming to terms with his feelings. From then on, Jun can't begin to explain how drawn he's become to affection, a feeling he once thought he could never embrace. Despite the reservations, Jun finds it almost too easy, realising he can no longer live without Hiyori. He'd be afraid of admitting the truth, but something tells him Hiyori feels the same.
Maybe it's how Hiyori knocks their foreheads together, mentioning it's still cheesy, and speaking in a rush. His heart stutters, for only a second, while still thumbing his finger across Hiyori's cheek, grinning. ]
We're not like "some people" just doin' it for some game, are we? And I'm not sayin' we should, just 'cause everyone else is. But, well, we sorta are already there, aren't we?
[ But something about Hiyori announcing it, has this feeling even more real. They'd been dancing around the subject a little, since the first time it came up, hadn't they? And there's Hiyori again, saying more eloquently than Jun ever could. ]
Nothing's stopping me from goin' out and getting one right now, Ohii-san. If ya wanna, dunno... make it official? But I'm pretty sure proposals are meant to be some huge secret, something you're not supposed to know yet! Or maybe it'll just be our secret right now! And, well, I'm not 'boutta show my hand so soon ♪
[ The words haven't sunk in properly yet, feeling closer to a high than anything else. Hiyori accepts his mini-proposal, and Jun hugs him tighter, pressing their noses together. ]
But one day we'll have a proper, real wedding—whenever ya want! So how's that sound?
[ Ideally, when they're back home in Japan with friends and family, Jun doesn't care whether their careers are declining. It's a promise for their future, so there's never any doubt he's not all in. ]