#izumi tachibana fluff

[loveydovey-leviathan]

> reposted from my personal blog: @i-wish-i-was-consistent

.izumi x gn! reader.

girlfriend!izumi who never fails to give you good morning and goodnight texts, always accompanied with a cute sticker that kazunari showed her.

girlfriend!izumi who introduced you to her actors, insisting that you're lovely and they'll like you. and they do! they trust you won't break her heart and you'll treat her right, and they're happy for you (but the people who had a crush on her might need some time to heal).

girlfriend!izumi who always makes time for you no matter how busy she is.

girlfriend!izumi who's always been a good listener but never really had someone to listen to her.

girlfriend!izumi who slowly opens up to you about her issues. she's never talked to anyone about her before, so it'll take some time for her to open up.

girlfriend!izumi who cries when she talks about her father, and suddenly it all comes spilling out- all the emotions and secrets she's locked away for so long. she lost the key a long time ago and it hurts to tell you all this, but she knows she won't regret it.

girlfriend!izumi who cuddles up to you after her breakdown, and she's finally felt how good it feels to have someone listen to you.

girlfriend!izumi who knows you'll be there for her like no one else was, and she'll gladly spend the rest of her life with you.

[cherry-pyon]

The four seasons of Mankai company

Synopsis: Tachibana (Y/n) and her older sister Tachibana Izumi received a letter that came all the way from a theater company called Mankai company. You both decided to meet the mysterious sender, in hopes of finding answers about your father's whereabouts after 8 years of disappearance, only to find the said theater to be in debt from someone!

⚠️Reminders⚠️:

May contain incorrect grammars (English is not my first language)

A bit of changes in the plot

Different flow of story due to two protagonists (you and Izumi)

Reader is 16 while Izumi is 24 (not canon but is considered)

Fem!reader

P.s: A3! Characters are legally and respectfully owned by Liber Entertainment Inc. and I do not claim them. I only own the changes in the plot of the story

Chapter 1:

Theater Town

"Wake up (y/n), we're here" you were awoken by a soft pat on your head, you soon realized you were leaning on your big sister's shoulder and fell asleep. You raised your head, stealing a few more seconds to doze off as you yawned and told Izumi just about how good your sleep was as she chuckled at you. A voice can be heard from a large speaker as it announces the train's destination, finally reaching your stop—Veludo station.

Izumi got up first, signalling for you to follow her behind so both of you won't get separated from each other. You began looking around as your sister took out the letter together with the company's exact location

"So this town really is full of theaters!" You exclaimed in excitement, admiring the colorful triangle banners surrounding the town, together with different theater companies on sight

"Now that you said it, it really is. The map says the Mankai company is in the corner of Veludo street, I wonder if this is really alright.."

Your sister mumbled the last words, clear enough so that you're the only one hearing it. It seems like she's taking your mother's words seriously about the letter. I mean it's suspicious to find that after all these years, your father's company would still be searching for him

"I don't even know where that man went! We've already cut ties and it's been 8 years since he left" you can still hear the words your mom said, sounds like she still holds a grudge against your father

Lost in your own thoughts, you were snapped back into reality when someone accidentally bumped into you, the impact left you both sitting on the floor, hissing at the pain in unison. He was quick to process anything and immediately apologized, offering a hand as soon as he got up—which you thankfully accepted, earning a relieved sigh from the poor boy

He looked like he ran away from someone, or rather finished a whole marathon, some of the strands of his dark-pink hair are sticking to his forehead which concerns you more

"I'm sorry! I wasn't looking at my way!" He bowed at exactly 90° making you flinch. He stayed like that for almost a minute

You're going to have to thank him for his politeness (even though he looks way younger than you) but this is too much!

"Ahhhhhhhh! Please raise your head now, it's okay it's okay! You don't have to apologize"

you panicked, continuously looking around as people are starting to stare at the two of you. He raised his head, showing his apologetic expression. He's thankful that you accepted his apology—lips forming into a charming smile as he giggled

You swear you see cherry blossoms blooming just around his face

Everything went well after that, not until you heard him made a surprised noise and saw his widened eyes looking at his wristwatch, it seems like he was late and it must've been that important based on his facial expressions. You feel more guilty than you were before

"Sorry, I didn't know you were going some-"

"Ah no! It was my fault! Sorry, I have to go!" He cut you off as he ran away hurriedly—leaving you processing all the things that happened just a few minutes ago

You didn't even realize your older sister was gone, and she probably didn't even realize you weren't with her

'what a perfect sibling dynamic' you jokingly thought

But as soon as you walk through a corner, there she is! Talking to a guy who's crouching on the floor, together with another guy who looks just as concerned as your sister does. I mean who wouldn't be concerned about a guy crouching down on the side of the streets that looks like he's in pain?

You're curious to know what happened, who knows? Maybe it might be best if you judge the situation first based on your understanding and let it live up to your imaginations—two guys falling head over heels to your big sister and are fighting for her love the first time they met her exactly on the streets of Veludo way. Yeah, that'll probably be it!

'I mean I'm not going to blame nee-san if boys fight over for her' you thought, trying to run very sneakily behind your sister

"What's happening? Is he okay?" You said, clinging onto your sister's arm, making her see the Gods from above for a second but sooner thank the Gods upon realizing it was just you

"(Y/n)!" She glared at you, apologizing to her by clinging more tightly. She does nothing but letting you do your own thing since she can't do anything about your behaviour sometimes

"Do adults really like to argue outside the streets?" You asked in curiosity, eyes glued to the scene infront of you—the crouching man before was standing now together with another man. It looks like they were having a complicated conversation

"That's not it, (y/n)-"

"Hey look, a street act!" The three of you stole a quick glance from the source of voice behind, and realized there were a lot of people watching

"I saw that guy on the stage before!" A passerby said. "They're so handsome!" Schoolgirls began squealing from the side. Yup, they're definitely popular

It seems like everyone enjoyed the performance, you won't even deny that both of them are very good at portraying their characters' actions and emotions. Not too long after, both of them bowed in unison, as they thanked all of the people watching them, a full-round of applause was heard as people began tossing lots of coins on a box infront of them, both you and your sister decided to toss coins too to show appreciation as they continuously thanked everyone who showed generosity

"I didn't even realize that was an act just now" Izumi clapped her hand once as she chuckled to herself, making the guy beside her ask in shock

"Eh? That was a play?" The light brown-haired guy must've been way more surprised than your sister does

"Mhm! Actors from theaters usually do these street acts in order to advertise or serve as a fundraising project to their upcoming plays, the scripts are most likely coming only from their ad-libs so it's really impressive once you know about it" Izumi babbled. Both you and the guy were happy to know about this new discovery. Your nee-san is knowledgeable about things such as this which left you admiring her more not only as an older sister, but also as your second guardian and your teacher

"As expected from a theater town...I think I need to study more" the guy mumbled something under his breath that you cannot hear quite clearly, but you just shrugged it off even though you are curious to know what it is

The crouching guy from before apologized to both of them, then the latter began scolding his friend that he came out so slow earlier when they performed

"Excuse me! Are you now recruiting members for God?" The light brown-haired guy suddenly asked out to the two actors, which both you and your older sister curiously watched from behind

'Maybe he wants to be an actor too!' you assumed

You examined the conversation they exchanged—upon discovering that he was looking for a dorm to stay on. You were sad for the guy after hearing that the God troupe doesn't have a dorm. He thanked both of them and parted ways, leaving both of you proceeding to your main objective

"Now i'm really looking forward to this play after seeing a street act" your sister's eyes beamed in excitement, and yours were beaming too

"Romeo gakuen heaven.." you mumbled, remembering the play's title when you saw it on the company's map as Izumi—who cannot wait any longer, led the way

"Mankai theater is supposed to be here, right?"

That was the first thing your older sister asked, upon looking up to see a theater infront of you with a huge signboard that says 'Mankai Theater'

"I mean it's in the signboard up there, so this must be it. We can't be discovering lots of Mankai theaters here when I'm sure father only owns a single one"

"But this one is...honestly crumbling" although you're hesitant whether it's right to comment about the appearance, she's got a point. It looks like it holds a LOT of history

"There's no sign of people even though there is a play today, is this really fine?" Izumi added, slowly pacing back and forth while lost in her own thoughts, unable to comprehend the things happening today. Was it a prank? Or probably the wrong map? But it can't be, the signboard literally says the theater and the company you're looking for

Because of this, your conversation together with your mom suddenly came into mind again

"The letter said it's from the Mankai company" you said, handing it out for your older sister to see

"Mom! Mankai company is dad's theater, right? The sender might know something about where dad is!" Izumi said

"Maybe if we meet with them, we'll definitely know something!" She added, too insisting to know your mother's response

"Then do it by yourself because mom doesn't know and-"

"Can I go with you, nee-san?"

"You're not allowed to go with your big sister, (y/n). You still have classes to attend tomorrow!" Your mother stated, too busy to look behind her to see your disappointed expression—arms crossed and furrowed eyebrows

"Can't she just transfer to another school? One that's near enough to the company? In that way we won't have to go back here and go back there" Izumi suggested, even though it sounds too much of a trouble to handle all of it, your mother only replied with an annoyed sigh, one that secretly makes you celebrate

"I'll take care of her, trust me on this mom" she added, smiling at your mother as she looked over through her shoulder to look at both of you, rethinking whether she will choose the right decision on this

"I hope you won't give too much trouble to your nee-san, (y/n). I'll let this slide but if I ever receive a letter that you skip classes without my watch, I'll be forcing you to go back home here, got it?" Mother warned you, glancing at the two of you back-to-back as you both nod in unison. You thanked your mother—hugging her as Izumi joined too

You were back to the Earth as you looked down at the letter in your hand and turned it around to examine it

"I didn't notice the sender's name was here. Nee-san, do you know who's Matsukawa Isuke?" You questioned, to which she replied back

"I don't know who this person is but I'm curious to know what kind of relationship they have with dad"

You were about to reply back to your sister when a voice suddenly spoke out, which made you flinch and your sister looking behind instantly

"Hey, do the two of you need something from this theater?" You looked behind nervously. It's an adult man with blonde hair and glasses, and if you tend to look closely and carefully, he has an attractive mole under his right eye. 'He's good looking yet he's intimidating' you thought

"Matsukawa-san?" Izumi said in a low and hesitant tone. Wait! He must be the sender of the letter, and with that you stand next to your sister which made the blonde-haired man slightly raise his one eyebrow

"You must be that person we're looking for, right mr.?" You asked, patiently waiting for his reply to which unexpectedly made him react the opposite of what you thought

"HUHH?!" He reacted. You can clearly tell by the looks of his face that it's the wrong person

But his face suddenly changed when he glanced over at your sister's face and looks like he discovered something, which weirded you out

"Wait aren't you.."

"Okay wrong person, nee-san! I repeat, wrong person!" You carefully but hurriedly grab both your sister's shoulder to back her up to the mysterious person who kept looking at her as if he's scanning her face as she nervously laughs, sweat slowly forming on her forehead

"Sorry, we got the wrong person. It's not like we received any letter! We're just passersby letter A-B!"

You began panicking, not having any choice but to agree with your sister's choice of words. It was obvious but there's no backing away now. Whoever this man really is, you know he's got something to do with this theater

"If you don't want to encounter a dangerous sight, it's best for the two of you to leave quickly. People who don't have any businesses here are not needed"

It was the last thing you heard before the ground began shaking, and a loud noise could be heard going nearer as you felt scared and decided to cling onto your sister. There goes a huge excavator that was coming towards the theater! Where did that even come from?! And why is it going forward?! And who is this man trying to destroy the theater?!

Your eyes widened, both you and your sister are surprised that this would take an unexpected turn of events

"Wait wait wait!! Please stop!! STOP!!!" A pleading-crying voice can be heard as another mysteriously looking guy with a rather ragged outfit came running very fast in an attempt to stop the excavator, but the scary blonde guy ignored the other as he talked to the one driving the excavator, the latter even called him 'Aniki!' so they were accomplices after all!

"Do it, Sakoda. Make sure you completely destroy the signboard, this will be fully demolished after and reconstructed into a bar-"

"H-hey! What are you doing!?" Izumi suddenly blurted out, there's no other way but to talk it out and that's the only help she can think of

"I just told you it'd be dangerous, didn't I?" He replied back, looking behind to steal a glance at the two of you, you can't do anything as your feet felt numb, almost as if you're stuck and unable to speak

"I beg you Furuichi-san! Please stop it!!!" The poor guy wasted no time and bowed, he stayed like that for minutes and completely began to sink lower and lower until his forehead became in contact with the floor, 'the theater must be super important to this guy' you looked down on him in pity, surely there must be some way we can help him, he might be the person we are looking for

"You're the one who said that if you can't pay all of your debts by the end of the show, I'll have to use force here!"

"Today is our main show!" He cried out, looking up at the blonde guy, who looks down on him in dissapointment

"I could pay at least the interest if I can get money from this performance! Just please think this over and let's talk!" He continuously cried out, being really vulnerable infront of him. It looks like there's no way of getting into him until he sighs in annoyance and gives an instruction from his accomplice

"Sakoda, stop"

"Yessir!"

As soon as the blonde haired guy named Furuichi-san stopped talking, the pitiful guy sighed in relief and stood up but soon got tense again when Furuichi-san leaned his arm around his shoulder, making the pitiful guy petrified

"How many tickets have been sold?"

"Zero!"

"How about the full-house tickets?"

"Also zero!"

"What time is the performance?"

"3 minutes by now!"

The pitiful guy ended his sentence in a nervous laugh as Furuichi-san doesn't look a little big amused by his answers

"Sakoda, do it"

"Yessir!!"

"WAIT!! WAIT! THE AUDIENCE ARE ABOUT TO COME!!" He said as he begged again, lots of crying noises can be heard as he purposely tried his best to leave the theater untouched into any damage, although it looks like it's gonna break by itself

'This is too much to handle!! God please help this poor guy!' you cried out in your mind, the cries of the pleading guy and the cruelty of a guy who doesn't look like he'll show mercy at any time is too much for your heart to handle, this is pure torture!

"Where are they?"

"Errr...uhmm..ahhh"

"Why do I feel like we're being stared at..." Your older sister muttered, her body stood still like a mannequin as her face made a weird expression

Your hand makes its way to fidget on the hem of your skirt, looking down as you slowly backed away, hiding behind your sister

Izumi might have seen your movements as a sign of telling her to help him, you might look tough at first but sometimes you're at a loss of words. That's why she took up all the courage and decided to speak up

"The audiences are right here" She defended, pressing her hand on her chest in a way she can present herself, while you remained hiding

"SEE?! T-THEY'RE HERE!!" The ragged-looking guy's face switched into pure excitement, too loud in your opinion but you understand his situation if you were in his shoes, you'd definitely be too hype

"Didn't you just say that you're just a passersby A and B?" He clicked his tongue

"We have the flyer as proof!" You showed him the flyer. It was the theater's exact performance for today which you're really looking forward to

It seems like it's enough proof to present, he sighed in defeat. "A few more audiences might still be on their way here, it'd be a total waste if we didn't get to watch the performance" you added, hoping it could warm this cold-hearted man

"Did you even watch this theater's recent performance?" He asked, his purple eyes piercing a hole through you. It's truly agonizing to feel little sometimes

"No..I don't?"

"That's what I thought"

"But this place. It feels familiar.." Izumi joined in the conversation, clutching her hands in her sling bag. She looked at the large banner right above the signboard—Deja vu coming through her "It's like I've been here when I was little" she added

"I see.." he pondered as his eyes landed on your older sister. You're really really sure for yourself that he LOVES to pierce a hole through anyone with how sharp his gazes are. It's scary

"PLEASE WATCH OUR SHOW! WE HAVE A NEW MEMBER AND IT'S GOING TO BE HIS FIRST PERFORMANCE!" The ragged-looking man begged, desperately crying out as you swore you felt a ringing in your ear just now

"So you got a new recruit?"

"THAT'S RIGHT!!" he yelled, obediently answering to Furuichi-san's questions

"HAVING THE THEATER DEMOLISHED RIGHT BEFORE HIS FIRST PERFORMANCE IS TOO CRUEL" His hands clasped as he still wouldn't stop crying

It's a huge relief that people rarely walk by here and witness a chaotic scene infront of the theater, where a large excavator is going to demolish a crumbling theater and the ragged-looking guy who you don't know the name of starts sacrificing his sanity just to keep the building untouched, and two audience who just wanted to know their father's whereabouts are now being forced to witness everything that's happening

"Sakoda, stay here"

"Yessir!"

Furuichi-san stood still infront of the theater, his back facing the three of you. You felt shivers down your spine, making the air feel colder than it was before

"Start the show now" the three of you suddenly feel like you've been freed from the suffocating silence, especially the ragged-looking guy, who happily obliged and replied back with a "YES!" Quickly assisting the three of you inside the theater

You looked around the interior—eyes wandering at every corner. You followed your older sister as she sat on the front row, sitting beside her as your lips can't stop itself from smiling. You're excited

Furuichi-san sat right beside you, and now you're in between, feeling the awkward air flowing inside the room

"Don't regret that you stopped us earlier"

"Eh?" You looked at him, only to witness his eyes closed and face in a much more relaxed expression. His index finger softly taps on the sleeves of his coat several times, it's probably the best not to bother him at this time or you'll regret it. The thought of it already makes your anxiety rose up

When the buzz stopped, the curtain lifts up, the lights from the stage started to warm up the atmosphere in the pitch black room. Your (e/c) eyes lit up as its only focus is on the stage, and to the familiar dark pink-haired boy

[bunny-eats-fox]

about first times

miyamura izumi warnings: jealous reader ; sex/18+/SMUT; ends in fluff wc: 3,2k an: this was a request! and while I am rather "meh" regarding them, like i do them when i like them sort of thing, i couldn't say not to his prompt! thank u 🫶 request: "Hey, okay? I don't know if you accept requests.... if so, could you write something for Miyamura, where the reader is jealous of him with Hori? (If you can write some hot stuff too... )Thanks!!"

----------------

"I'm here"

When this notification popped up, you couldn't stop your lips from curving into a smile.

"I'll quickly finish up, I'll be down in 10! O((>ω< ))o" That's what you hastily typed before you turned back to your laptop screen.

After another 5 minutes, you had finally finished draft number three of the new contract your firm was about to conclude. It was a big responsibility for you, your biggest yet, but you were thankful for the chance, hence overtime was sometimes inevitable. Since it was 100% compensated and, thankfully, not too often you had to stay late, you didn't mind that much. Especially because your boyfriend of three years was ever so kind to pick you up then. That way you were home just a little bit earlier.

When you finally packed your bag, you hurried out of your office into the elevator. Excited for that Thursday to have ended, and thus the weekend being only one more day away, you rushed out of the elevator once it hit ground floor. 

However, the swift clicking of your heels against the tile flooring suddenly fell silent once you stopped abruptly in your track. Through the big glass windows of the lobby you saw Izumi… and his ex. 

It wasn't like you hated Hori or anything; especially since she hadn't been in contact with Miyamura for over 4 years (according to him). There was no reason for you to hide, rather the opposite. You would go out there and confidently greet her.

However, as you wanted to start walking again, you stopped when you saw your boyfriend and Hori laughing. A sting in your heart made you gulp and clutch your bag a tad bit tighter. It wasn't even the polite little laugh one did to not make such a meeting awkward, no - it was a tummy clutching hearty laughter that had Miyamura and Hori bend forwards. 

The twinge of jealousy you suddenly felt stopped you completely for a moment. You knew there wasn't a reason for you to get jealous. It was admirable to be on good terms with your ex-lover. Plus, you trusted Izumi. 

Yet, when she finally waved and left, you released a breath you didn't realize you were holding. Hopefully, you can quickly get over that weird tenseness that had now filled your body after you had witnessed that. 

As you finally wanted to get out of your office, you stopped once more. 

"(Y/n)-san, good work today."

"Tachibana-san!", you bowed lightly and then smiled at him, "Good work today, Tachibana-san."

Your boss, a handsome 27-year old, held you back from leaving for just a little longer. Though, as you happily told him about the progress you had made regarding the new contract, you were oblivious to the fact that the young man had put his hand on your back. Too engrossed in the conversation, you didn't realize and only when he excused himself after wishing you a good evening, you thought you had felt something slide down your back to your hips. Though, as it was gone, you didn't think about it further. 

Instead, you finally left the building after your boss and rushed to your lover.

"I'm so sorry you had to wait, Izumi!" You openly hugged him and your boyfriend immediately put his arms around you as well. 

"No, don't worry about it. You've worked hard.", he smiled and then kissed your forehead.

Everything was okay. You hoped you quickly forgot what you had seen today as you got into the car and drove back to your shared apartment.

#

After dinner and your usual night routine, you sat on your bed together with him as you moisturized your legs. Even though you were a little… miffed he didn't tell you about Hori, you hoped you didn't show it. There was no reason to get emotional about that. They just had a good laugh together, nothing more.

Though, everything went wrong when he suddenly started, "So… who was the man you were talking to?" 

"Hm?" You were honestly surprised as you looked at him in confusion.

"You know, the dark haired, good looking one before you came out.", he specified. 

"Ohh…", somehow you didn't like his tone, "That was my boss."

"Pretty young for someone leading such a big firm." Izumi didn't look at you as he rummaged through his nightstand.

"Yeah… his father died last year so he unexpectedly had to take over. He is really nice though and hard working."

The mood was, for whatever reason, a little tense.

"Hah yeah I can see he is really working hard to flirt with his subordinates."

"Excuse me?", you raised an eyebrow. 

"(Y/n), I saw you and him." Izumi finally turned to you. "His hand was on your back and he was super close, too."

You scoffed speechlessly and just looked at him as if he was the crazy one. 

"He was being friendly?" Why did you defend your boss? It was true that you had felt something, so it was Tachibana's hand? 

"Friendly?? Right, because when I am friendly I touch someone like that.", Izumi clicked his tongue and then turned around to lay down, "Whatever."

When he turned his back to you, you couldn't hold back any longer, "No, I know. When you are being friendly, you just laugh hysterically with your ex, right? Must have been a reeeally fun conversation you had with her."

Finally, Miyamura turned around again and looked at you utterly surprised.

"That's right. I saw you too. And you didn't even tell me you met Hori today." After you had desperately tried to keep your cool, it was finally over as tears sprung to your eyes. Goodness, when will you learn not to cry in conversations like these?

"So don't get all huffy now telling me my boss is flirting with me when you have the greatest fucking time with your ex just outside my damn office.", you choked on the last words a little and then threw a pillow into his face.

"Ah, (Y/n)-"

"Shut up! I'm going to sleep!", you yelled before you turned around and slipped under your warm blanket, your back facing your boyfriend.

And all Izumi could do was listen to the light sniffles and watch your trembling form underneath the blanket as he lay back himself, wondering why he was such an idiot. 

#

The next day, you and him didn't talk. Still miffed, you put on your heels before you grabbed your bag. Honestly, you would have just left without saying anything, but Izumi had something different in mind when he came to the front door. At first, you ignored him, though he didn't really care about that as he grabbed your shoulder and spun you around. For just a few seconds, you felt his soft lips on yours, leaving you speechless for a moment.

"See you later. Come home safely.", he said like all the days prior as he pushed your lunch bag into your hands.. 

"Mh…thanks, you too… Love you.", you then mumbled loud enough and quickly walked out the door, though you still heard his "Love you too" before it closed fully.

With a loudly thumping heart, you walked to the bus station, undoubtedly happy about what he did. It certainly made you realize that you would have made a grand mistake walking out the house like that. Life truly was unpredictable and leaving the house without a single goodbye or loving word was not right. Despite your little fight, Izumi still knew that.

You were so embarrassed right now for acting that childish that you were glad the bus came quickly just so could hide in a corner and truly reflect on your little quarrel.

#

When you finally were able to eat your lunch, you just wanted a quiet moment to yourself, however…

"(Y/n)-san!)", a cheerful voice called out to you and you watched your boss approaching you.

"(Y/n)-san, you didn't eat your lunch yet?", though he didn't give you a chance to answer, "So, I thought I'd ask if you'd like to join today?" Tachibana reached out his hand and squeezed your shoulder.

That's when it finally clicked: Izumi was right. Your boss was shamelessly flirting with you - and that in front of everyone too!

"I'm so sorry, Tachibana-san thank you for the invitation, but I've been looking forward to eating my boyfriend's bento since he gave it to me this morning.", you politely said with a smile, but deliberately mentioned Miyamura, hoping he would get the hint as you also politely, but firmly, pushed his hand away from your shoulder.

Tachibana's face slightly derailed, but he swiftly had his composure back as he forced a smile and nodded. 

"Of course… Then, if you'll excuse me.", he still smiled before he walked off.

Sighing, you turned back to your desk. Thankfully, your coworkers didn't say anything (to your face at least) as you opened your lunch bag. Every day, even though he had to work himself, he got up and made you a bento.

You felt the tears already, but you didn't want to cry while you stuffed your face with Miyamura's cooking.  

You felt even more horrible about what had happened. Especially because he was totally right, your boss did flirt with you and you just showed him your nasty side by being jealous. Even though you did trust Izumi, you really did. It was just… whenever you saw Hori, you got reminded of the fact that she got all of Izumi's first times. Because for you, Izumi was your first everything. You met when you were 20 and while he had experienced all those "first times" already, you hadn't even romantically held hands with someone before that. So sometimes you wondered if he didn't regret splitting with his "first love", especially because you had heard from a young age that “the first love was like no other love, it can never be forgotten” and stuff like that. Hence why it made you insecure sometimes that he would want to go back to his first love where he got to experienced all those other firsts as well…

"I have to apologize… no matter what…that was childish of me.", you mumbled to yourself once you finished your delicious lunch.

With new motivation and determination, you went back to work.

#

With a deep sigh, you got ready to finally leave the office. Even though you got off on time, the thought of using public transportation made you grumble. Usually, you might have ended up calling Izumi to pick you up, since he usually closed the shop for the day at that point, however, that wasn't an option now. Not after you left like that this morning.

Though, when you stepped out of the elevator and walked to the big front entrance, you saw a familiar silhouette through the glasses of the door and windows. Even though Tachibana came around the corner just in that moment and called for you, you didn't even realize. Too fixated, you rushed past him, your heels frantically clicking on the tile flooring as you pushed the doors open and…

Indeed, Izumi leaned against the car and waited for you. Once he looked up, a smile adorned his face and that's when you ran the last few meters just to throw yourself at him.

"I'm sorry. I was a jealous idiot and you were right about Tachib-" However, Izumi interrupted you when his hands gently tilted back your head so he could silence you with a kiss.

"I’m sorry too. I should have brought it up differently. And I'm sorry I didn't tell you about-" It was your time to silence him with a kiss, before you shook your head.

"It's fine. Really."

Then you hugged each other tightly. Izumi, nor you cared about the fact that you stood right in front of your office building and in the middle of the streets. Rather…when Miyamura just glanced into the building's direction, he saw your boss; he stood at the front windows, watching you two. It took everything in Izumi to not do anything inappropriate, so he just resumed to hugging you tighter and kissing your cute little side profile. If your boss ever touched you again, he might not have been so tame though.

#

With tangled mouths, Izumi somehow managed to open your shared apartment door so he could pull you inside in a haste. Clumsily, you both stumbled through the entrance, mouths never apart as he swiftly kicked the door close. A muffled moan escaped your lips when your boyfriend pushed you against the now closed door. Though, you didn't resist, rather, you pulled him in even closer, your tongues entwined as his hands roamed your body. 

Izumi didn't even bother to open your blazer or blouse, instead, he opened the zipper of your pencil skirt and in one motion, he pulled it down so it pooled around your ankles.  You didn't even have time to take off your pumps had he already grabbed your leg and pulled it up.

"Is it okay?", he asked breathlessly, which only elicited a small giggle from you.

"Mmn." You nodded and hummed approvingly, your hands already working on the zipper of his jeans.

That was all Izumi needed. Once his own pants and boxers pooled somewhere around his knees, he needily pushed your underwear to the side (because he really couldn't be bothered to pull it down). 

With your help, he guided his aching cock into your dripping core, eliciting moans and grunts from you both. Miyamura filled you just the right way that it made you tremble. 

"Fuck… you're so wet. It's so good.", your boyfriend grunted between gritted teeth. And you could just whimper in agreement as he started thrusting relentlessly without letting you catch your breath for a moment. 

All you could do was grab onto him as Izumi moved his hips desperately and hard, grinding against that deepest spot inside you. Your back hit the apartment door and you were pretty sure neighbors could hear your moaning, despite your efforts to muffle it by burying your face in the crook of his neck.

"Izumi!! Izum- nghhgg, d-don't…I…", you tried to get through to your boyfriend and he did stop relentlessly attacking your g-spot for a second.

"Does it hurt?", he asked in between heavy gasps holding you firmly pushed against the door. Yet, he gently kissed the side of head, his voice full of concern when he whispered, "Want me to stop?"

Though you just shook your head and hugged him even tighter (if that was even possible), "N-no it just…feels too good…my voice…will- MNGHG!", you harshly bit your lip when Izumi angled his hips a certain way to thrust deeply into you.

"You're so cute.", he whispered, though a small smirk played around his lips which made you pout. And then, he was back to burying himself over and over into your dripping pussy. The noises from your needy and desperate love-making were loud and so erotic.

Even though you were embarrassed that you stood at the front door, going at it like rabbits, there was also something inside you that didn't care if anyone would hear. Right now, all you were capable of doing was to hang onto him and let that bliss sweep you both away.

#

"Haaahhh~", you let out a blissful sigh while you relaxed against him. Even though it was pretty crammed in the small bathtub, neither of you cared.

Compared to yesterday, it was a comfortable silence as you cuddled together. As Izumi littered kisses all over your shoulder and neck, your thoughts once again drifted back to how you felt yesterday and how unnecessary that stupid fight was.

"Izumi?"

"Mmn?"

"About yesterday…I really am sorry. You know, it's not that I don't trust you. It's just.. ", you fiddled with your fingers trying to find the right words. Thankfully, he waited for you and just squeezed your thigh gently.

"It's just, uhhmm, you know, sometimes I…I get kinda jealous thinking about how Hori was your first everything and…  that she got to have that all. I just wish I could have gotten to know you sooner and experience that with you …Ahhh just saying it out loud, it sounds so stupid. I'm really sorry." You shyly moaned at the end and buried your face in your hands.

For a moment, Miyamura didn't say anything, before a gentle laugh was heard. Squeezing you just a tad bit tighter, he nuzzled his head against your own before he said, "You're seriously adorable, (Y/n)."

"Mmmnnn don't say that… I'm really stupid.", you mumbled, though Izumi shook his head with a little chuckle.

"There is really nothing to worry about, (Y/n). She might have had a few of my first times, but definitely not all of them. The first time I'm living together with someone besides my parents, is with you. I’ve also never made a bento for someone before, but I couldn’t help myself when I saw how hard you were working and I love that you always compliment my cooking, it’s my little treasure.", he giggled and kissed the back of your hands until you finally lowered them so his beautiful blue eyes could stare directly into your soul, "And there are still many firsts to come…even now…”

"Eh? Wha-?" 

Though before you could even say anything else, his hand touched your cheek and pulled you in really close before he whispered in your ear, "Aishiteru."

When Izumi rose again, the look on your face was priceless. Your beautiful eyes opened wide, mouth opened in disbelief and the sudden heat from your cheek transmitted onto the palm of his hand made his heart jump in response.

You were truly speechless for a moment, but also so incredibly happy. Hence why you just couldn’t stop the tears from blurring your vision. Without hesitation, you hugged him tightly and so suddenly that the water in the tub overflowed, though you both didn’t care when you held each other close.

And then, you returned those words.

Just like that, Izumi’s cheeks also turned a cute shade of red as he quickly buried his face in the crook of your neck. Even though he just said it himself, hearing it back from the one he loved the most was truly… exhilarating and even Izumi had to fight back those tears of happiness.

That surely was a “first time” you didn’t even think about receiving any time soon, but it only made your heart melt more, knowing that you were the first in his life to hear those special words. And it wasn’t any different for Miyamura himself, because he had felt the urge to tell you for quite a while now, but never knew when and he didn’t just want to randomly say it one day. Though, it couldn’t have been a better timing than this. Because even if there were some bad days, at the end of it, you could be sure that the love you had for each other was like no other and there were still many first he wanted to experience together with you.

__________________________

all characters canonically under 18 are always aged up in nsfw scenarios ; english is not my native language so i apologize for any mistakes ;

[halloweenismyfav]

【 𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 + 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐒 】

【 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐒 𝐈 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 】

❥ Toilet Bound Hanako-kun

❥ A3!

❥ Twisted Wonderland

❥ Genshin Impact

❥ Fire Emblem Three Houses

❥ Arcane

【 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 】

❥ Extreme Gore/Gruesome Injuries

❥ NSFW

❥ Pedophilia

❥ Incest/Stepcest

❥ Yandere

【 𝐈 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 】

❥ Fluff

❥ Angst

❥ Suggestive Content (to an extent and only characters 16+)

❥ Oneshots

❥ Headcanons

❥ Character Interactions

❥ X Readers

❥ Character x Character

❥ AUs/Crossovers (depending on if I know the other media well enough)

❥ General/Platonic Relationships

❥ Same Sex Relationships

【 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐈’𝐋𝐋 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 】

Please forgive me if there is a character you wanted to request but isn’t on this list! I just have my own preferences of who I write and which ones are easier. (i.e. sometimes certain characters don’t have enough screentime)

bold = platonic only

◦ 𝐓𝐁𝐇𝐊 ◦ Yashiro Nene, Hanako/Yugi Amane, Yugi Tsukasa, Kou Minamoto, Teru Minamoto, Mitsuba Sousuke, Akane Aoi, Aoi Akane, Yako, Tsuchugomori, Hyuuga Natsuhiko, Nanamine Sakura, Shijima Mei

◦ 𝐀𝟑! ◦ Sakuya Sakuma, Masumi Usui, Tsuzuru Minagi, Itaru Chigasaki, Citron, Chikage Utsuki, Tenma Sumeragi, Yuki Rurikawa, Muku Sakisaka, Misumi Ikaruga, Kazunari Miyoshi, Kumon Hyodo, Banri Settsu, Juza Hyodo, Sakyo Furuichi, Taichi Nanao, Omi Fushimi, Azami Izumida, Tsumugi Tsukioka, Tasuku Takato, Homare Arisugawa, Hisoka Mikage, Azuma Yukishiro, Guy, Izumi Tachibana, Matsukawa, Tetsuro, Ken Sakoda

◦ 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 ◦ Riddle Rosehearts, Trey Clover, Cater Diamond, Ace Trappola, Deuce Spade, Leona Kingscholar, Ruggie Bucchi, Jack Howl, Azul Ashengrotto, Jade Leech, Floyd Leech, Kalim Al-Asim, Jamil Viper, Vil Schoenheit, Rook Hunt, Epel Felmier, Idia Shroud, Ortho Shroud, Malleus Draconia, Lilia Vanrouge, Silver, Sebek Zigvolt, Cheka, Che'nya, Neige Leblanche, Grim

◦ 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 ◦ Aether, Lumine, Paimon, Dainsleif, Scara/Wanderer, Albedo, Amber, Arataki Itto, Barbara, Beidou, Bennett, Chongyun, Collei, Cyno, Diluc, Diona, Eula, Fischl, Gorou, Hu Tao, Jean, Kaedehara Kazuha, Kaeya, Kamisato Ayaka, Klee, Kujou Sara, Kuki Shinobu, Lisa, Mona, Ningguang, Noelle, Qiqi, Raiden Shogun/Ei, Razor, Rosaria, Sangonomiya Kokomi, Sayu, Shenhe, Shikanoin Heizou, Sucrose, Tartaglia, Thoma, Tighnari, Venti, Xiangling, Xiao, Xingqiu, Xinyan, Yae Miko, Yanfei, Yelan, Yoimiya, Yun Jin, Zhongli

◦ 𝐅𝐄𝟑𝐇 ◦ Byleth (male and female), Edelgard, Hubert, Ferdinand, Linhardt, Caspar, Bernadetta, Dorothea, Petra, Dimitri, Dedue, Felix, Ashe, Sylvain, Mercedes, Annette, Ingrid, Claude, Lorenz, Raphael, Ignatz, Lysithea, Marianne, Hilda, Leonie, Yuri, Balthus, Constance, Hapi, Flayn

◦ 𝐀𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐞 ◦ Vi, Jinx, Ekko, Caitlyn, Jayce, Viktor, Mel

【 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐒 】

I automatically make the reader gender neutral unless you specifiy otherwise!

I tend to write more general things now for TBHK rather than reader inserts, but I'll still accept requests for X Readers if you wish.

I’ve seen up to Chapter 5 with TWST, along with about half of Chapter 6, so try not to send requests that include spoilers for anything beyond that! It'd be greatly appreciated ^^

For FE3H, I don't write for the Church of Seiros (except for Flayn). I like them all but I just don't enjoy writing for them as much qwq

I’ve watched all of Arcane but I haven’t played League of Legends so if there’s something that I should know about, please let me know!

For any requests involving the fluff alphabet I have, I'll allow a maximum of 5 letters and 5 characters per request. Just remember that the more letters and characters there are, the longer it'll take me to finish.

Regarding suggestive requests, anyone under 16 will not be allowed to have suggestive requests. It just makes me uncomfortable. (Suggestive meaning no full blown NSFW but some mild spice.)

【 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐒 】

💌.answered prayers — Answered requests!

💌.apprentice's prayers — Non-request writing!

💌.pragma — Romantic and/or Fluff

💌.mania — Angst

💌.eros — Suggestive

💌.philia — Platonic (as Friends)

💌.storge — Platonic (as Family)

[sskk-ao3feed]

Moments in Time

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/EJW4PZg by ServerNotFound More moments in the different timelines of Chifuyu and Atsushi being the same person!! Words: 4245, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 2 of Atsushi is Chifuyu Fandoms: 東京卍リベンジャーズ | Tokyo Revengers (Manga), 東京卍リベンジャーズ | Tokyo Revengers (Anime), 文豪ストレイドッグス | Bungou Stray Dogs Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M, Multi, Other Characters: Matsuno Chifuyu, Nakajima Atsushi (Bungou Stray Dogs), Izumi Kyouka (Bungou Stray Dogs), Dazai Osamu (Bungou Stray Dogs), Yosano Akiko (Bungou Stray Dogs), Kunikida Doppo (Bungou Stray Dogs), Tanizaki Junichirou (Bungou Stray Dogs), Tachibana Hinata (Tokyo Revengers), Baji Keisuke, Hanemiya Kazutora, Lucy Maud Montgomery (Bungou Stray Dogs) Relationships: Matsuno Chifuyu & Nakajima Atsushi (Bungou Stray Dogs), you know the drill - Relationship, Baji Keisuke/Hanemiya Kazutora/Matsuno Chifuyu, Akutagawa Ryuunosuke/Nakajima Atsushi (Bungou Stray Dogs), Armed Detective Agency Ensemble & Nakajima Atsushi (Bungou Stray Dogs), Matsuno Chifuyu & Takemitchy | Hanagaki Takemichi, Matsuno Chifuyu & Tachibana Hinata, Draken | Ryuuguuji Ken/Mikey | Sano Manjirou, Kinda - Relationship, I think? - Relationship, Akutagawa Ryuunosuke & Baji Keisuke & Hanemiya Kazutora Additional Tags: Crossover, Crossover Pairings, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Atsushi is Chifuyu, Fluff and Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Hurt No Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Nakajima Atsushi-centric (Bungou Stray Dogs), Matsuno Chifuyu-centric, Canon Temporary Character Death, Canonical Character Death, Temporary Character Death, Time Travel Fix-It read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/EJW4PZg

[mee-op]

girlfriend!izumi who never fails to give you good morning and goodnight texts, always accompanied with a cute sticker that kazunari showed her.

girlfriend!izumi who introduced you to her actors, insisting that you're lovely and they'll like you. and they do! they trust you won't break her heart and you'll treat her right, and they're happy for you (but the people who had a crush on her might need some time to heal).

girlfriend!izumi who always makes time for you no matter how busy she is.

girlfriend!izumi who's always been a good listener but never really had someone to listen to her.

girlfriend!izumi who slowly opens up to you about her issues. she's never talked to anyone about her before, so it'll take some time for her to open up.

girlfriend!izumi who cries when she talks about her father, and suddenly it all comes spilling out- all the emotions and secrets she's locked away for so long. she lost the key a long time ago and it hurts to tell you all this, but she knows she won't regret it.

girlfriend!izumi who cuddles up to you after her breakdown, and she's finally felt how good it feels to have someone listen to you.

girlfriend!izumi who knows you'll be there for her like no one else was, and she'll gladly spend the rest of her life with you.

Izumi deserves someone who will listen to her problems too 😔

[bambuwu-writes]

Azuma, Izumi, and Citron (and sometimes Masumi!) all get together every now and then for “long hair haircare time!!”. It started with just Izumi and Citron talking about hair care, and occasionally braiding each other’s hair. When Azuma showed up he suggested different products to use and they all bonded over the epic highs and lows of having long hair. Suddenly the haircare group became a weirdly tight knit social circle and they all get together regularly to gossip and eat classy snacks supplied by Azu-nee <3

[lovinga3characters]

LINK TO OTHERS: HERE

Tsumugi ❄️

❄️ angel

Because he is one 😇

❄️ love

It’s just a sweet, intimate name

Turns into a mutual petname eventually

❄️ snowflake

This one is so freaking creative that Tsumu blushes hard when it’s used

❄️ flower

“Eh? That’s way more for you than for me, you’re the pretty one.” ☺️

❄️ honey

See also: hun

Tasuku ⚽️

⚽️ his name

Member five of the ‘just call me by my name’ squad

The reason: petnames just aren’t his thing, also he might not respond to anything but his name at first anyway 😅

⚽️ honey

THE ONLY MUTUAL PETNAME

Caution: Tasuku only uses it when being extremely soft... or hard 😏

⚽️ hunk

Just saying what he is

⚽️ teddybear

Blushes when you call him this, gets grumpy when you do it in front of people

⚽️ big guy

Just saying what he is #2

Hisoka 💤

💤 his name

Member six of the ‘just call me by my name’ squad

The reason: it’s the only name he’ll wake up to, also for some reason Hiso is really fond of you calling his name 🤔

💤 bunny

He’s fluffy and white 🤍

Also a cute bonus in the bedroom

💤 moonshine

Almost cries when he heard this but he enjoys it in private

💤 dollface

You watch his face when he sleeps a lot so this name just came naturally

💤 droopy

Like one of the Seven Dwarfs?

Homare 🎭

🎭 his name

Member seven of the ‘just call me by my name’ squad

The reason: “NO NAME OTHER THAN MY OWN IS EVEN CLOSE TO BEING AS POWERFUL IN EXPRESSING LOVE~!” 😃

🎭 my world

You told him this when he got sad once and he bawled his eyes out 🥺

🎭 littérateur

He makes you call him this

🎭 snookums

He makes you call him this #2

A mutual petname that makes you want to die in public

🎭 dear

THE ONLY NORMAL ONE

Azuma 🥀

🥀 precious

Soft hours 🥰

This one catches him off guard and he actually blushes a bit

🥀 snuggles

I mean, it’s pretty obvious why

🥀 velvet

Because he looks so good in it~

🥀 love

Sweet and mutual

🥀 pet

Another mutual one that you both play around with... if you catch my drift 😏

Used romantically too

BONUS: Izumi 🍛

🍛 angel

BECAUSE SHE IS A BLESSING ON THIS EARTH OKAY?!

🍛 hun

Quick and easy to use, mutual

🍛 gingerbread

You call each other this one and it’s seriously adorable

Please marry her just to call her this forever 😍

🍛 precious

“No u omg” 🥺

🍛 my girl(wife/lady)

Pro tip: Kiss her hand while using this one

[animaniachan]

Sakisaka Muku| SFW HC

Thank you so much for requesting this anon at such a perfect timing too! However, just a heads up that Izumi x character requests are usually not accepted for me but I made an exception for this one since it was platonic and honestly a super cute request to write! 

Happy Mother’s Day, everyone~!!❤️❤️

ao3 version: here

---

Sakisaka Muku:

Whenever Muku forgets something at home, be it his bento or materials for school, Izumi would always be the one to deliver it to him.

Izumi will then  double-check with him to see if he had forgotten anything else before sending him off with a, “have a good day at school!”

After a few times of being Muku’s delivery-woman, Izumi made a habit of double-checking with Muku every morning to make completely sure that he has not forgotten anything.

“Muku-kun, did you remember your bento?/Muku-kun, today’s when you present that project right? Make sure you have everything you need!” would be common phrases heard throughout the dorm during school days.

Usually, Omi is the one who takes care of all the Bentos for the students but there are days where he can be too busy. These are the days where Izumi will take over and makes sure everybody gets the best variations of curry-themed lunches ever. Since she knows Muku’s favourite food is chocolate, she will find a way to incorporate that into his lunch.

One time she made chocolate curry bun for him and Muku’s expression that day was one she would never forget. From that point on, whenever it was a special occasion like celebrating a good test mark or a play performance, she would make those very same buns just for Muku.

If Muku was struggling with any sort of school presentation, Izumi would consistently be his number 1 consultant.

“K-kantoku-san, can you watch my presentation please and point out anything that I need to work on?”

Izumi can never say no to the middle-schooler when he looks at her with those big, desperate and imploring eyes. And so, he would invite her to their dorm room and recite his entire presentation for her. After he’s done, Izumi will give him any pointers necessary and they would proceed to work on improving his presentation throughout the night.

When Muku ended up receiving a good mark for that presentation, he would always run to Izumi first to show her his grades. Izumi would almost always end up more excited for Muku than Muku was for himself.

Muku will often ask Izumi over to his room to show him some of the latest shoujo series that he thought would appeal to the both of them.

Sometimes he would get too excited and end up talking through the night before eventually falling asleep on her. When that happens, Izumi would cover him with a blanket before softly whispering, “good night, Muku-kun, sweet dreams.” and leaving his room.

Honestly, Muku is constantly looking for good reasons to do something special for Izumi. Even though he doesn’t quite see her as a mother figure, Mother’s Day is still one of the best excuses he has to pull off some special acts. He has been working very hard for months in practicing a special curry recipe and it all led to him presenting his dish to her for lunch on Mother’s Day. Izumi almost broke out in tears when she tasted the dish. Although it wasn’t the best tasting curry she’s had, she certainly tasted all the heart and effort Muku put into that dish. She just felt so proud of him at that moment as she reminiscences how far Muku had grown as a person and an actor from that shy, timid boy that could barely utter anything audible without stuttering to someone who can proudly stand on stage and act to his heart’s content without any signs of fear.

“Thank you, Muku-kun, this is amazing! I need to know this recipe so let’s make some more next time together!” Muku’s eyes lit up at his director’s compliment as he gave his most heartfelt, “yes, kantoku-san!”

[derireo]

river flows in you / homare x izumi

honestly? i play this song when i'm in need of a good cry. this fic won't be angsty, but i feel like homare would chill to this piece, hence the title lmao.

homare x izumi

「 Read on AO3 」 「 2.6k words 」

"Hey, I think you should go to bed." Izumi poked at Homare's shoulder. It was probably around midnight when she noticed that the man was still out in the courtyard doing whatever he does best, so absorbed in his work as he scribbled lines and lines of elegant handwriting into his notebook. The moon was out, shining upon the both of them as the stars twinkled, dancing in the night sky.

Homare paused in his writing when his concentration was broken by Izumi, and he sighed, reluctantly leaning back in the chair he was sitting in to rest his stiff body. His pen lay askew atop his notebook, and Izumi suddenly had the urge to straighten it.

Taking out the other chair that was beside Homare, Izumi seated herself. The poet didn't seem to be in the mood to talk, which was very uncharacteristic of him, and the director wasn't sure what it was that was bugging him. She tucked her legs up on the chair and rest her chin atop her knees while giving him a sidelong glance, her body facing the direction of where the sky shone above them.

"The night sky is quite beautiful, don't you think?" He pondered aloud with his fingers pinching his chin. The expression on his face did not change, but he looked like he was enjoying himself, which was a relief. Izumi turned her head and rested her cheek on her knees, instead staring at Homare who was still smiling up at the moon. He still wore his day clothes, and looked lovely under the beaming of the stars; Izumi did not want to look away.

She did not look away even when Homare's gaze broke from the sky to stare at her in curiosity; not knowing why she was staying so silent. She then smiled at him when his eyes landed on her face, and the gentle expression she wore flustered him. Homare turned his head away for a second to quickly recollect his thoughts, his hands coming down to awkwardly pat his thighs as he waited a few seconds to find the words he wanted to say.

"I.. thought enjoying the fresh air would help me with my writing." He answered the question that Izumi did not ask, but she appreciated it nonetheless.

Plus, Homare felt like he had to explain himself.

"I understand." She laughed faintly. On multiple occasions Izumi had gone out to the courtyard alone to enjoy the breeze the night had to offer, but was scolded thrice by Sakyo, Omi, and Tasuku when she fell ill one day after a short stroll around the dorm. She was only able to come out tonight because Omi was worried that Homare had not come in yet, and she offered to coax him back inside. Sakyo gave her his permission, and here she was now.

The moonlight subdued Homare's eccentric behaviour as much as it could, and it had her gazing at him with blatant affection.

The man fidgeted under her watchful gaze.

"I am having a bit of trouble articulating my thoughts into words right now," he sighed bashfully, "I might be experiencing this thing Tsuzuru calls 'writer's block'."

Homare's smile was sheepish as he used the words that he had overheard the university student slur on about during breakfast one morning, but Izumi didn't seem to mind. She continued to look at him with interest, but her lashes fluttered; indicating that she was getting tired.

Slightly panicked that he was boring her, Homare said whatever else that came to his mind that would keep her attention on him. And keep her attention on him he did.

"Would you care to rest in my arms tonight?" He said, tender; tentative. "It may give me the inspiration to write a few more lines."

Her eyes were wide open now and he fidgeted under the stare. Normally, Homare would be able to say this kind of thing with ease, but with how Izumi looked at him tonight made him feel warm and embarrassed, and he couldn't help but stutter over his next set of words.

"Nevermind.. It was rude of me to ask and put you on the spot." He chuckled softly and rubbed the back of his neck with cold fingers, eyes closing in humiliation. He couldn't bear to see the woman in his sights without blushing an even darker shade and his breath was getting uneven with how nervous he was feeling. He blamed the moon for making him feel this way in front of his precious director, and his knee bounced anxiously while waiting for an answer.

The bouncing knee jerked violently when a light hand brushed over it, and Homare recoiled at the touch. His red eyes flashed to look at what had touched him and was shocked to see an equally as startled Izumi smiling in slight confusion.

"Are you alright, Homare?" She asked, innocent. Her smile was still kind as she approached him with cautious movements, until she was scooted to the end of her chair and her warm hands were resting on the leg that wouldn't stop bouncing. She was kind as she tapped her fingers against his knee to help him calm the nerves that were fraying, and relaxed her shoulders when he did the same. Slowly, she reached out, fingers lightly brushing away the creases that formed in his suit jacket with an amused tilt to her lips. "You seem.. restless. I think we ought to bring you inside now."

Just by an inch, Homare slumped in his chair, causing Izumi to muffle her sputter of laughter behind a small hand.

"Sorry, I meant no harm. I was joking." It was endearingly funny to see this uncharacteristic side of Homare, but Izumi understood how important writing was to him, and she didn't really mind indulging him in his small request for inspiration. His red eyes glanced at her unsure, and he cleared his throat with a faint harrumph. She was inching near him with every second that passed and he was getting even more nervous than before; he had no clue what she was going to do next.

He was about to say no and don't, but Izumi had always been so difficult to decline when she smiled at him that way, and as she slipped off her chair to stand in front of him, head tilted, the words died in his throat.

"Do you have a preference?" She asked, innocent. Despite her back now facing the sky, her eyes were still glimmering and the sight caused Homare's lungs to deflate as all the air escaped him in one large breath. His hands were gripping on the armrests of the iron chair he was sitting on while trying to regain his composure, steadily regaining a clear mind.

"Ah.. Yes. Indeed, I do. Here." With calculated movements, Homare scooted himself near the end of his seat and brushed off the imaginary dirty that was on his pants. After that, one of his hands was facing palm side up while his arm lifted to ghost over Izumi's waist, slowly leading her around the side of his chair to bring the young woman towards the space on his lap.

Easing herself onto Homare's legs was fun to say the least, as she pretended she had no idea how he wanted to position herself. Playfully, she decided to plop onto his lap, facing him. Her legs were draped on either side of his hips and were swinging back and forth in a childish manner while her arms hung over his shoulders, the position she put the both of them in causing a blush to rise to his cheeks.

"This okay?" She sang faintly. Her arms were wound around Homare's neck, resulting in both of them nearly being chest-to-chest. The older man held his hands up in shock due to the close proximity, barely ghosting over her waist as he tried to lean away from her so that their breaths wouldn't be mingling with each other. He was so tense beneath her touch that Izumi felt a bad for being so mean, and with a laugh, lifted a hand up to caress Homare's warm face.

"I shouldn't have teased you; it wasn't very nice of me." She apologised, but the smile still remained. Before Homare was able to react and tell her that it was alright, she had already moved around until she was sitting in the way he had originally planned to have her, sitting perpendicular to him with her cheek pressed to the space between his neck and shoulder and the tip of her nose just barely brushing against his jaw.

And for some reason, this position made Homare feel even more embarrassed. Was it because Izumi could stare at him this way instead of hooking her chin on his shoulder to stare into the distance? Or the way she curled up so adorably small against his chest? Or was it because, if given the opportunity and the permission, she'd be able to rest her head in the slope of his neck?

He felt like he was going to lose his mind if he kept thinking about the different things that could happen, and for a long moment, he forgot that there was a poem waiting to be finished.

But could anyone really blame him when Izumi was right there? Could you blame him for brushing his fingers through her soft hair? Could you blame him for wanting to pull her closer to his chest and just whisper the sweetest of words in her ear, just to listen to the laugh that always managed to make his heart beat a little faster?

Homare was very close to risking it all for this woman and it terrified him.

"You're warm.." She sighed suddenly, causing Homare to snap out of his dazed stupor as she fiddled around to wrap his suit coat around her body to keep the breeze from attacking her. Izumi was sure she'd have to go through another lecture if she found herself sick the next day, so Homare was going to have to be her knight in shining armour.

Lips pressed into a thin line, the poet stared at his lone notebook for a few seconds before deciding that maybe it was time to end the night. He let his eyes rest for a brief second as his reluctant arms came to rest around Izumi's frame, pulling her impossibly closer to him to keep her warm while finally tucked her head into the crook of his neck, a little yawn escaping her tired body.

"Shall we go back inside?" He whispered gently, making sure not to rouse her too much.

Izumi frowned at the mention of returning to the dorm when Homare had barely made any progress with his work, but didn't say anything. Her lashes lightly brushed against his skin when she closed her eyes and she let out a second sigh to let the man know that she didn't mind either way.

"I'm sure the others are worrying about you right now," he chuckled, resting his cheek atop her head while a hand cradled the back of her neck, the other already beginning to gather up the materials that lay forgotten on the table, "I wouldn't want to get in trouble with Sakyo of all people."

"Omi and Tasuku are quite terrifying as well." Izumi tacked on; not very helpfully, and melted into Homare's chest when his arm went down to curl around her waist. "Though I'm sure they'll stay quiet when they see me sleeping in your arms."

Homare didn't answer, but he and Izumi both knew that the overprotective men always tended to not say anything whenever they caught her dozing away. It wouldn't be such a big deal if he brought her in while she was taking a snooze, right? He took care of her, and she managed to bring him back inside. Win win.

"Alright," he sighed, "ready for what's to come?"

A lazy thumbs up was thrown his way and he braced himself, setting his small notebook and pen in his suit pocket before standing up from his chair, Izumi comfortably resting against his chest. As he began to exit the courtyard with the young woman settled in his arms, he mustered up the courage to print a small kiss to the crown of her forehead just before he re-entered the dorm, carefully toeing off his shoes to replace them with slippers.

He bent down next to remove the large sandals that she slipped on before looking for Homare and also replaced them with slippers, the sound of him dropping the footwear quiet as he put them on the shoe rock. He was a bit exasperated that she didn't even wear her own slip on shoes; noticing that she was actually wearing Juza's footwear that made her clothed feet look even tinier.

"It's late." A sudden voice came from above, causing the poet's head to snap up to see Sakyo standing at the top of the staircase with his arms crossed over his chest. His face held no emotion, but Homare was still able to see the scrutinising look in his eyes as he made the move to stand up and carry Izumi up the stairs.

His smile was bashful when he tilted his head in the direction of Izumi in his arms, making sure that Sakyo knew that she was 'sleeping' and that it was best if he didn't scold him for now. The blond's shoulders relaxed just the slightest bit when he saw the peaceful look on the woman's face and sighed in resignation, running a hand down his face with a wave of his hand to dismiss Homare.

Both Tasuku and Omi were in the kitchen when Homare turned his head, and the man with the scar on his chin pointed down at the warm plate of food that was waiting for him on the dinner table with a smile. His fellow troupe member also made the move to approach him, and with careful movements, took Izumi from him with a reprimanding look, cradling the small woman to his chest as she sighed at the sudden change of cuddle buddies.

He smiled in defeat, but still managed to whisper in Izumi's ear that he wished she would rest well before Tasuku quietly whisked her away to her bedroom.

"Having trouble writing again, Homare?" Omi greeted with an amused smile when the poet took a seat at the dinner table with a tired sigh, the man in question nodding his head as he began to dig in to the dinner that he had missed a few hours earlier. He missed the first few beats to the respond as the warmth of the food filled his stomach and he closed his eyes, nodding again instead of using his words.

"Hopefully you find the inspiration soon." The Autumn Troupe member wished sweetly and walked around the counter to slap Homare on the back, gently telling him that he didn't need to wash his dishes tonight and should just go to bed to get the sleep he was missing out on now. The poet choked slightly on his food at the force of the slap, but sent a thankful smile to Omi as he walked down the hallway to return to his bedroom; Sakyo seemingly already back in his own.

And as Homare leaned back in his chair with his spoon in his mouth, he remembered the feeling of Izumi laying in his arms, curled against his chest as if she were a little cat. He remembered how her hair felt like when he ran his fingers through it and how hard his heart was beating when she messed with him with that contagious smile of hers.

He sighed wistfully, but the affectionate shine to his eyes told a different story.

Homare definitely found his inspiration.

[loveydovey-leviathan]

> reposted from my personal blog: @mee-op

.izumi x gn! reader.

crush!izumi who thought you were rather cute when you came up to her to take one of the theatre's flyers.

crush!izumi who's never been the nervous type when it came to talking to people but found she had trouble speaking when it came to you for whatever reason.

crush!izumi who found herself thinking about you more than she normally would with anyone else (considering you were practically strangers).

crush!izumi who immediately noticed you among the audience when it was time for the play to start.

crush!izumi who gathered her courage and went up to talk to you, asking whether you liked the play and if you had the time, maybe you and her could go out and talk... about the play, of course!

crush!izumi who felt butterflies when you smiled, and somehow felt even happier when you agreed.

crush!izumi who dressed her best when it was finally time to meet with you, rechecking the mirror over and over as she tried to smooth out imaginary imperfections.

crush!izumi who tried her best to stay on the topic of theatre but somehow drifted off-topic, and now the two of you are talking about your favourite things, curry (though admittedly that was mostly her), and other subjects that are usually discussed on dates and not friendly outings with someone you just met.

crush!izumi who can be quite dense when it comes to love and silently wondered if you kissing her on the cheek at the end of your "outing" meant anything more than friendship.

crush!izumi who now sees you every week to talk about the company among other things, and she realizes it's nice to chat with someone who isn't from her theatre.

crush!izumi who still doesn't know why her fingers feel tingly and her heartbeats get all weird when you smile.

crush!izumi who still doesn't know why she wants to try to do anything to make you happy, even if you aren't feeling sad in the first place.

crush!izumi who is an intelligent, independent woman- but romance just escapes her sometimes, so it takes azuma to point out that she's in love with you for her to realize her feelings.

crush!izumi who doesn't know what to do around you once it's brought to light how she feels about you.

crush!izumi who blurts out that she likes you (romantically, in case you still haven't caught on) and feels her heart slowly break when all she gets is silence.

crush!izumi who is now girlfriend!izumi when you pull her in to kiss her, and she feels more content than she's ever felt in your arms- she's just so happy with you, and she silently thinks about how mean you were for not being in her life sooner. but she guesses she can forgive you, just this once.

[citowon]

First and Second 🎧 Masumi Usui

hi hi!! are writing requests open?? if so then i’d like some headcanons for masumi with an s/o who’s izumi’s younger sibling!! if that’s okay!! (the reader can be either male or gender neutral please!!) thank you very much!! also happy fuck tsuzuru friday

did someone say ‘carried away?’ because OH MY GOD i got so carried away with this one, but i’m very proud of it! a lot of the concepts i included are ones very dear to me, and this one made me think of so many silly masumi hcs. i might make another hc list about the massu thoughts i had here but the next request in the inbox is also for masumi, so stay tuned massu fans 🖤

word count: 8625

tags: gender neutral reader, fluff, headcanons + fic, just a little bit of angst, most of this was written at various times between 1-3 am so there’s a few funny hahas in there

summary: Masumi meets the in-laws and Reader makes a new friend. Izumi is delighted at this turn of events.

Izumi’s family visits backstage on the second-to-last night of Charlatan of Oz.

Ms. Tachibana is reserved, but they’re still mother and daughter. No one talks about Yukio. It’s clear to everyone Izumi is the spitting image of her dad as well as what he left behind when he disappeared.

But Ms. Tachibana still breaks into a smile, kisses Izumi on the forehead, and presents her with a bouquet of roses in orange, red and gold like a bright sunset. 

(Masumi notes one of the roses, a peach bordering on pink, matches the exact shade of Izumi’s eyes. He’ll have to ask Ms. Tachibana about the species- he has a new goal to save up and buy Izumi 99 roses in the same color.)

The Director introduces her mother first, and Masumi is the first to shake her hand. 

“Good evening,” he greeted. Ms. Tachibana is pudgy and warm, and her handshake is firm, but he can feel the beginnings of prominent veins that come with age. “I’m glad you could make it. Did you enjoy our show?”

“It was wonderful,” she said. “You’ve scouted some talented actors, Izumi, not to mention polite. This one respects his elders, unlike some people I know.”

“It was one time, Mom, and I was like three and barely knew what manners were. You can’t blame me for Christmas at Uncle Masahiro’s anymore.”

“What happened on Christmas at Uncle Masahiro’s?” Sakuya asked. 

At the same time, Masumi said, “Thank you, Ms. Tachibana. I want to leave a good impression on my future in-laws.”

Yeah, that explained why no one answered Sakuya’s question. Itaru let out a massive “HAH” right next to Chikage’s ear, the latter alarmed but unsure whether to laugh or not. 

Tsuzuru went in for the rescue and bowed. “I am so sorry for Masumi’s behavior, I don’t know what got into him. Please forgive him.”

“Oh! So that means you’re Masumi,” Ms. Tachibana said. She elbowed Izumi, whose mouth was pried into a thin, tight-lipped smile, then went to pinch Masumi’s cheeks. He fought the innate urge to shake her off. “Izumi! You didn’t tell me you had such a handsome admirer!”

“That’s a word for it,” Izumi muttered. “Don’t encourage him. Give him even the smallest crumb of hope and he’ll run with it.”

“I love your daughter,” he said. “Can I have your blessing?”

Tsuzuru made a choking noise behind Masumi, but Ms. Tachibana just laughed. “I’m afraid I’ll have to decline. Izumi is way too old for you.”

“I know, but hey,” Izumi whined, suspiciously like American comedian John Mulaney. 

“But since you seem like a good boy, I have another kiddo about your age.” She looked over Masumi’s shoulder. “Reader!”

None of the Spring Troupe even noticed them enter the dressing room, save for Citron. They were looking at the prop table as the actor pointed out the cool wizard staves and a half-eaten bag of expired Fritos he found halfway during a show the other day. 

Reader cocked their head and approached as Ms. Tachibana beckoned them over. “This is Reader, my youngest. You’ll have better luck with them than you will with Izumi, I can tell you that.”

“But I don’t want anyone else. I want Izumi and nothing could change my love.”

Reader’s mouth formed a big fat O. “Wait, Izu, is this the guy?” 

Izumi popped the P in “Yep.”

“Oh,” they said. 

Then they giggled. “Oh.”

They gave Masumi a once-over. “Ohhh,” they repeated. 

There is nothing in this world that outweighs my love, Masumi thought, but if this kid doesn’t stop staring at me like I’m out of the loop, I’m gonna bash their head in with Citron’s staff. 

“Hey, Izu, you tied down a good one,” they said. 

“I did not.”

“I better be in the bridal party once you guys pick a date. Hear me out- beach wedding.”

“Reader,” Izumi said calmly. She wore a smile like a customer service worker on the last leg of their shift. “There is no wedding, there is nothing between us, I am single-“ Reader raised their hand to interject- “and I swear on my secret spice blend, if you take that as an opportunity to hook me up with another one of your friends’ siblings- which, by the way, is none of your business and I’m sure your friends know that as well- I’m going to strangle you.”

Reader lowered their hand. 

Masumi joined them and held a hand out to Reader. “Thanks for coming to our production. Have we met? It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Masumi, Izumi’s future husband.”

Reader looked Izumi dead in the eye with the biggest shit-eating grin as they shook his hand. “The pleasure’s all mine. Treat my sister well, okay?”

Izumi buried her head in her hands. 

Masumi’s on cloud nine after introducing himself to you. After all, you said you were expecting a wedding, right? How could he not be happy about that?

The Tachibanas stay in town for a few days to watch the last showing of Charlatan, then spend some time with the eldest daughter. They don’t say hello backstage, but that is… fine, actually. 

He sees you once again that night for dinner at the dorms, though. You mention offhandedly you missed Izumi’s curry, and he relates to that. He’s blessed to have the perfect woman make him a perfect meal every night, and he’s glad someone else in the dorms can appreciate that, even if only on visiting hours. 

The grind stops for no one. Well, it stops a little for Spring Troupe as they recuperate after Charlatan closes, but the next day Izumi is back up and at it with Summer Troupe, running through exercises like a woman on a mission. 

For Masumi, though, it’s a lazy morning. All his plans today are to wake up at 12 PM (done), make some toaster waffles (done), and smoke Tsuzuru out of the room with his big-ass speakers so he can enjoy some music in peace.

He’s on his way to his room, munching on some cinnamon toast Eggos when he crosses the practice room. It’s his favorite part of the walk. He doesn’t even need to listen specifically to hear dramatic lines, Izumi’s sweet voice, and… math rock?

Lounging beside the door was Reader, a folder perched along your legs as you worked on some homework. Beside you was your phone, connected to you by earbuds in your favorite color. 

You were immersed in your homework, but Masumi just had to ask. The song blasting through your earbuds was from an independent band he recently found, and he’d never met anyone else listening to it. 

You feel something nudge you and you jump, but you’re relieved when you realize it’s Izumi’s loyal follower. As much as she complains about the guy, he doesn’t seem to be much of a threat to you.

The unfamiliarity is palpable as the conversation starts, but once you hear the band’s name, you’re glowing. You’ve been listening to them since their first EP, and you’ve finally got a willing audience to listen to you and why you love them so much!

You know the discography like the back of your hand, while Masumi’s a new listener, so in a lull in the conversation you skip to a new song and offer an earbud. “Hey, listen to this. Super underrated.”

He takes the earbud and sits down beside you. His arm brushes against your sleeve from close proximity. The song is sparse and dissonant. You said it was one of the most vulnerable, heartfelt pieces the band’s created, and it shows; the vocals are at a whisper and the guitar acoustic as wind effects outweigh the actual melody-

Whatever lovely trance Masumi found himself in, it was broken the second the practice room door slammed open and Kazunari strode out, Summer Troupe in tow. “Hey, it’s Massu and E-Reader! Whatcha doing out here alone?”

“Woaaaaah, look at all those papers, Reader! Were you camping out here or something?”

“I bet they were looking for triangles!”

“Wait, Masumi, were you helping Reader with homework? That’s just like the latest chapter in- eek! Actually, how about I leave now so you don’t have to deal with a third-rate third wheel like me?”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Muku. Izumi’s inside, so if you were looking for her, you came to the right place. No need to be shy.”

“Shut it, hack, did you even consider that they didn’t want to interrupt practice?”

Leave it to Summer Troupe to instantly kill the mood. 

You made small talk with Summer Troupe while Masumi stuck to the sidelines, not interested in the conversation but refusing to leave without the name of that song. 

By the time the actors left, you handed Masumi your phone. 

Masumi checked the now playing feature on your phone, his mind reading the song title over and over again. Once he got back to his room, he’d do this track justice by listening to it beginning to end with one of his high-end headphones. 

“Give me your phone number,” you said. “Please?”

He’s used to random students asking him out of the blue for his number or socials, but never one that seemed as cool as you, or at least as cool as your music taste suggested. “Why?”

You shrugged. “It’s what friends do, isn’t it?”

Hell yeah. Izumi was going to be so proud that her future husband and sibling were friends. 

Masumi’s eyes were straight on the phone screen as he made a contact for you, but you couldn’t help but feel a little prideful for getting along so well with one of the most standoffish members of Mankai Company. 

You return home, but you make good use of Masumi’s number. Your text threads aren’t much for conversation, but you both send links to music videos to each other. 

“check out this band! [link] i saw them live last time they toured and they were amazing afskshsla” 

“cool. think youd like this. [link]”

You can’t pinpoint when it started exactly, but over time you and Masumi get comfortable enough to just call each other and talk about whatever. He becomes a steady, reliable friend that never judges you for anything and always chills you out. 

You come to more and more of Mankai’s shows with or without Ms. Tachibana, and always show up for two or more of Spring Troupe’s performances. 

For Harugaoka Quartet, you decide to drop by backstage on opening night and congratulate everyone-

-but Masumi’s the one that ends up on the receiving end of your bouquet of flowers, all of them big and pale purple. 

You say it’s to celebrate nailing the a lead role, but he can’t help but notice Citron doesn’t have a single flower from you. 

Both of you spend all your time just talking as everyone decompresses from the play. Even though it’s been a while since you last saw each other, you don’t need to catch up- you guys talk so much, you already know where you’re going to college at, problems and interests, everything. 

You leave late when the theater’s about to close for the night and the actors are packing up props. 

You hug him goodbye, and he watches and waves you off as you leave. It’s always a bummer to see you go, but your personality always leaves a warmth that he clings onto. 

“Ah-hem. Masumi?”

What? Huh? Who was that? Masumi surveyed the room, forgetting where he was. Where was he?

“Boo!”

“Gah!” Masumi recoiled as Citron grasped his shoulders from behind, a mischievous smirk on his face. Masumi’s breath hitched in his throat, but he brushed off the shock with a huff. “Don’t do that. Try it again and I’ll kill you.” 

“But I called your name so many times! I was starting to get lonely.”

“Then just walk in front of me or tug on my sleeve like a normal person. Or even better, go bug Tsuzuru instead. What do you want?”

“Director wants us to check the soundboard before she locks the theater. You wouldn’t want to disappoint her, would you?”

Well, of course not. Izumi was the one that dragged Masumi into a new family and a new passion, and he respected her deeply for it, but the reverence he once reserved only for her was dwindling. Maybe he was feeling unwell?

Whatever it was, he nodded, still holding your bouquet close to his chest. They certainly weren’t his first bouquet, and every actor usually got one or two by the end of a production, but they weren’t yours. Yours were his favorite color. 

Citron led him into the wings of the stage. The curtains were already drawn and the house lights gleamed through the gaps between fabric and wood. 

“Reader gave you those flowers, yes?” Citron asked as they approached the tech booth. 

Masumi’s grip on the bouquet tightened on instinct. “They’re mine.”

“Of course! I would never dream of taking them. But have you thought about what you will say to Reader?”

“What?”

“You are a smart boy! You know what I mean. Do what feels right to you, but I think you should say yes.”

“What?” Masumi repeated, even more lost than before. 

Citron’s face fell. “Keep your kangaroos! Haven’t you noticed?”

“It’s ‘hold your horses.’ And seriously, what? I have no idea what this conversation’s about.”

“Oh,” Citron said.

Then he glanced at Masumi’s flowers and how he held them so close to his heart and held a hand to his mouth. It did nothing to cover the pitiful smile on his lips. 

“Oh,” he repeated. 

“If you keep staring at me like I’m out of the loop, I’m going to go to the storage room just to dig up your staff from Charlatan and beat you with it.”

“But you are out of the- do you truly not know?”

“What are you talking about,” Masumi hissed.

“It’s about how-” Citron combed through his long blond hair with his fingers as words escaped him. “Let me be blunt. Are you in love with the Director?”

“She’s the love of my life.”

“Think. Just for a moment. Why do you love her?”

“Everything about her is perfect.”

“I want specifics, Masumi.”

“She is…”

Masumi’s mouth went dry. Of all the times when someone was actually interested in his love life, why did it have to be the one time he couldn’t drum up unconditional love?

Think, Masumi. She was pretty. That was the first thing he noticed about Izumi, and what drew him to her, but he wasn’t so shallow he would fall in love just because of looks. He couldn’t say that. 

Her curry? Masumi loved her curry. Sometimes he would wake up and think, Day 482 of eating curry for at least one meal. I haven’t gotten jaundice yet. It was delicious and enough to make Gordon Ramsay cry tears of joy if he were real, but again, not something to fall head over heels over, even if he’d willingly eat it for the rest of his life. He couldn’t say that either.

But Citron was still watching him owlishly, curling a lock of hair through his finger and expecting an answer.

“Izumi was the one that gave me a chance,” he settled on. “She was the first person that taught me how to care for people other than myself.”

“That is very sweet,” Citron said. 

But he didn’t say anything else. Masumi wondered if he was unsatisfied. 

“She also showed me how to act. I found something to dedicate myself to.”

“Yes, yes, I see that.”

A lull in the conversation. Citron licked his hand and went back to combing. 

“Did you just spit in your hair?”

“It breaks down the hairspray.”

“That is disgusting. Just, so gross on so many levels.”

“It’s- how do you say?” Citron asked as though he indeed knew how one would say. “Whatever!”

“So are you done interrogating me now or can we work on the soundboard already- wait.” Masumi looked around. They stopped walking a while ago, but never registered where exactly in the theater he was. “The soundboard’s on stage left.”

Citron ignored him. “Say, Reader is pretty neat.”

“Yeah, they are. They’re great at listening and so easy to talk to. We’re going to go to a small club gig for a progressive indie rock duo I showed them a while ago in a few weeks and I can’t wait to see them again,” Masumi said. 

Citron covered his mouth again, this time to hide a laugh. “Very cool, Masumi.”

“Seriously, why are you acting like you know something I don’t?”

“I do.”

“Then tell me already.”

“No, no, I think it’s your realization to have.”

“Are you kidding me? I’m fine, Citron. if you have something to say about me or the people close to me, then just say it instead of being vague. Do you really think- are you braiding your hair?”

“It leaves very nice waves overnight,” Citron said, halfway through a smooth side braid. The spit, unfortunately, must’ve worked. 

“Seriously, you dragged me out to skip on a favor for the Director, talk trash about my beloved and my friend, and keep expecting me to know something you’re just refusing to tell me. What’s your point? If you wanted to know about my life, you could’ve just asked instead of this roundabout conversation. I mean, I talk to Reader all the time, I thought you would’ve known already how close we are-“

Masumi shut his mouth. He blinked. Blinked again. Clicked his tongue like he was about to say something else, but no words came out, and he instead decided to purse his lips like he just ate something sour. 

And Citron, ever the enabler, paused his braiding just to watch his junior go through a full slideshow of faces. 

Masumi spent a long period of time sticking his tongue in his cheek and staring off into the curtains, lost in thought. Citron had half a mind to make some popcorn, but instead enjoyed the silence. Thinking was a good look for Masumi. 

“Oh,” Masumi finally said.

“Just ‘oh?’”

“Shut up. This is serious.” Masumi made a very uncharacteristic groan and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m so stupid.”

“Not stupid,” Citron said. “Just inexperienced. You’ll get there in time.”

“But I wasted a whole year. What do I do? I’ve never felt this way before.”

“How a door bull!”

“It is not adorable,” Masumi retorted. He covered his face with the bouquet. Violets, his favorite. Dammit, you even remembered that offhand comment from months ago. You were such a good listener. “I- I don’t know. If the Director wasn’t love, then what does that make Reader?”

“If I may? Attraction gives way to love, but love at fistfight isn’t common. You don’t need to make a decision right away. Time will tell.”

“It’s called l-love at first sight. And I don’t want to wait.”

“There is sweetness in taking it slow. No one will judge you for being uncertain as long as you don’t play with emotions.” Citron ruffled Masumi’s hair, the latter too dazed to protest. “And I doubt you would! You’re very genuine.”

“How do you even know all this stuff?”

“I may have never carried a torch for anyone, but everyone carries a torch for me,” he boasted.

“You’re useless,” Masumi deadpanned, hoping it would hide how his heart felt so small and soft. “I’m leaving. I’m not talking to you about this again.”

As he stalked off, Citron called out, “Good luck with your fart puddles!” 

“It’s ‘heart troubles!’ Say that again and you’re dead!”

Masumi in love- maybe? He’s not sure what to call it; what he felt for Izumi was real, but the way he sees you is different. All the bravado he had proclaiming his crush on Izumi goes out the window for you.

He likes you, he can admit that to himself, but it’s something he wants to keep a secret to himself for now. It’s nice. He used to think that love was preformative and grandiose and the bigger, the better, but now it’s soft and subtle with him, and he can’t stop thinking about how he wishes you were here.

(Masumi hates to admit it, but maybe Itaru was onto something when he said the best kind of love was unrequited.)

He places your violets on his desk right where the sun hits and asks Tsumugi how to preserve them as long as possible. He checks on them every morning and evening without fail, and can’t help but think of how light he felt when you gave them to him. 

Only a day has passed,  but he misses you. He scans the audience for you, and when he can’t find you he busies himself with tidying up backstage after the play and hoping you’d come by again.

It’s natural you wouldn’t go to each and every performance. You were busy, and Mankai productions usually lasted a week or more. It’s understandable. But even though he gets it, he’s still the first to enter the theater and last to leave on performance days, and as much as he tries to hide his disappointment, he notices Citron give him sympathetic looks every time his hopes of seeing you again are dashed.

Three days into the week Masumi gets a text from you, wishing him a broken leg tonight. That must mean you’re watching tonight, right? He has to prepare something for you, and he’s excited.

Sure enough, look at seat 4-27 and there you are.

Masumi sees you from behind the curtain ten minutes before showtime. Nervous energy rushes to his head, but a Spring Troupe pre-show huddle steels his nerves and he gives a performance of a lifetime, definitely his best run of the play yet as he’s fully immersed in the world of Harugaoka.

The focus ebbs once he sees you in the audience during the curtain call. He’s a bundle of nerves as Spring Troupe returns backstage, but when he sees you smile and congratulate him again, it all melts away.

There’s no way he doesn’t like you. You’re infectious. He finds himself laughing with you far more than anyone else, and he trusts you beyond words.

You shrugged on your jacket as you got ready to leave again, but Masumi tugged on your arm. “Hey. Before you go.”

“Huh? What’s up-” You turned to face him and caught a big whiff of lavender. Masumi clutched a small bundle of flowers, tall licks of purple buds tied with a twine bow. 

“It’s for you.” He scratched his neck with his free hand. “For the flowers last time. Thank you.”

“Oh! No no no, thank you. They smell wonderful.”

“Yeah. I need to tell you something important.” Even just saying that made Masumi’s inner voice recoil and cringe. What a childish way to go about it. 

But you perked up, scanned the room, and waved your hand to your sister. “Izu! I’m borrowing Masumi!” You shouted.

Izumi shouted back, “Have him home by midnight!”

“Done deal!” You grabbed Masumi’s hand. “Hey, let’s go outside.”

“Okay,” he said, eyes boring holes into your intertwined hands. Your hand was so soft, and the fingers fit between his knuckles like puzzle pieces. He must’ve been distracted- how else would he explain not remembering the walk at all?

You dragged him to an ice cream parlor a block down from the theater, grabbed one cone for you and a cup for Masumi (“My treat,” you insisted even as Masumi opened his wallet), and plopped yourself across from him in a corner table for two.

“So.” You licked your ice cream. “What’s going on?”

Masumi dug his spoon into his Dutch Chocolate. “I don’t like Izumi anymore.” You hummed and nodded in acknowledgement, and a quiet urge for him to continue. “It’s hard to explain. She was the first person to make me feel like that.” He paused to sink his teeth into a spoonful. “But it was a lot. It didn’t feel real in hindsight.”

You hummed again, this time while swallowing. “I get that. Feelings come and go.”

“I think I was projecting.”

“Mhm?”

“I got so caught up in someone caring about me for the first time that I thought there was no other explanation but love.” Right. You knew about Masumi’s life and the loneliness that came with it, but it still stung to know he was still grappling with the past. “So I just acted like what everyone says love is. I don’t think it was love. A crush, maybe, but not love.” Not love like this. Not like how you’re the only person I could be truly vulnerable around. 

He swallowed a spoonful of his ice cream. His cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk as he ate. “So yeah,” he said dismissively, like it wasn’t a huge weight off his chest. 

You licked a drop of melting ice cream off your cone, and lowered it to give your best friend your full attention. “Can I be real for a second? That’s great to hear. Changing feelings means you’re growing.”

“You say that like I grew an inch taller,” he quipped.

“It’s still important, though. You learn something new about yourself after every failed relationship or crush, so I’ve heard. Makes you mature or something.”

“So you’re not mad?”

Your face fell. “What? Of course not, why would I be mad?”

“It was your sister. I didn’t want to hurt her.”

“Ohhh.” You relaxed. “She’s tough, and she gets business relationships. I’m sure she’ll get over it.”

“I hope so.”

Masumi’s spoon scraped against the wall of his cup. You weaved a sprig of lavender behind your ear.

“Got any other suitors on the horizon?” You joked.

You. I feel for you. I missed you. I want to be here with you. I wish I could tell you how I feel. 

Masumi suddenly stilled. He could tell you how he felt. 

After all, you’re alone in an ice cream parlor together. He gave you flowers. He trusted you. You listened to him. The stalk of lavender brushed against your hair and pointed to your eyes, tender and attentive, and the scent was coaxing him to get closer. I want to tell you how I feel. 

Citron saw the signs before Masumi himself could, and told him to say yes, yes, yes. He must’ve seen it realistically working out. And you could never look down on him, you were too kind and considerate. Every bone in his body said yes, yes, yes. 

“No,” Masumi said. “I’m enjoying the single life.”

“You sound like a regular bachelor,” you teased. 

Don’t rock the boat. Don’t ask for more than you deserve. 

Masumi shoved his heart into a bottle and let it lie there as he took the safe route. 

Masumi led you out of the parlor and into the night streets together. When you were talking about a new movie you saw the other day, you went to grab his hand, and his fingers laced between yours. He escorted you to the train station, made sure you knew your route, and left after the train did, just like a true gentleman.

Then he walked home alone. He knew Veludo Way like the back of his hand, and passed by the bright signs and neon lights. His headphones canceled out the noise of street acts and the lively city as he continued back to the Mankai dorms, but no song played.

He stepped through the doors at 11:43, and Izumi welcomed him back and thanked him for being on time. Tsuzuru was halfway through a bowl of tomato basil soup Masumi could’ve sworn was labeled “taichi’s - DO NOT STEAL!!” and wondered aloud where he was. Citron asked how it went. 

The youngest of Spring answered them all with a simple hand wave and “It’s fine,” and didn’t stop walking until he got to his room.

He closed the door, but didn’t flick the light on. He stood there in the dark, headphones blocking out the world for a moment, moonlight shining through the blinds and on the floor.

Masumi buried his face in his hands.

Masumi Usui does not cry. It’s not an issue of vulnerability, but just a part of him. He didn’t cry when his parents ignored him growing up. He didn’t cry when they announced their divorce, or finalized it, or during any of the arguments that led up to it. And though it stung and burned and felt like a paper ripped apart, he didn’t cry as he anticipated his flight from his found family in Mankai to America, not even when all the actors, his grandmother, and one hellbent director came to his rescue at the very last minute. 

But something about laying here in his bed like a dead fish, hiding from the world underneath a blanket and squinting as he anticipated tears that would not come, only made it more miserable.

The light turned on, piercing through his barrier of blankets and searing his retinas, and he quietly sucked in air like a hiss. 

“Masumi?” That must be Tsuzuru. His sneakers squeaked against the floorboards as the door closed. 

Masumi grunted from the pile of blankets. 

“Are you okay?” Tsuzuru asked. As the silence stretched on, he added, “Citron wanted me to make sure.” 

“Citron can mind his own damn business.”

“You know as well as I do he’s trying to look out for you.”

“Doesn’t matter.” He rolled over and pressed his nose down into his pillow. “Do you ever just have something you want in your grasp but every time you try and make a move for them you always wuss out and it never goes anywhere?”

Ohhh, it’s that kind of conversation. Tsuzuru pursed his lips. This was sounding an awful lot like the impromptu intervention he and Spring Troupe held when his heart broke just before Romeo and Julius, and he had half a mind to fetch Sakuya, but it was late and Masumi definitely didn’t need to be alone right now.

And, well, geez. Masumi just said more in one breath than he did in full conversations. Tsuzuru couldn’t just leave him without feeling like a monster, even if he had good intentions, 

Tsuzuru climbed the ladder to his bed, and sat against the wall, not quite next to Masumi but not at the far end of the room, either. “All the time, actually. It’s a common feeling.”

“It still sucks.”

“Yeah, it does.”

The pile of blankets rose and fell in time with Masumi’s silent breathing. Tsuzuru distracted himself with a pen he found in his pocket. He clicked it once, twice, and three times to expose the nib.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked.

“No.”

Even with seven younger brothers, comforting never got easier. Tsuzuru dragged the pen along his wrist, leaving a spotty black line along his veins. The line made hard turns and corners as Tsuzuru doodled, and formed a geometric pattern. The blanket monster steadied its breath. “I mean, not about it. But talking is okay.”

“Okay. I can get that.” The ink lulled as Tsuzuru thought up a story, anything to take the pressure off Masumi. “I wasn’t lying when I said it’s a common feeling. It happens to people all the time. When I was your age, I had the opportunity all throughout my school career to join a drama club, but I never got around to it.”

“You’re only two years older than me,” Masumi grumbled. 

“It still counts! The point is, I always had a reason not to join every time I really considered auditioning, but they weren’t actual dealbreakers. I could’ve made the time to go to rehearsals and balance it with the rest of my life, but I never did, and I knew my excuses were bull even when I was still in school. I’m grateful I found my place with Mankai Company, but I still wonder how different I would’ve been if I just joined the club.”

The room was eerily quiet. Masumi wasn’t protesting, so Tsuzuru assumed he was on the correct route. “But I’m still here, right? I can’t imagine myself acting anywhere else, so I like to think that the stage is where I’m supposed to be, even if I didn’t get a head start with club activities. I regret avoiding the club, sure, but if I had the choice to start over and audition while I was still in school, I don’t think I would take it.

“Even when you hesitate, you learn something new about yourself, or the world around you. I think avoiding theatre for so long only cemented how much I wanted it in my future, and in the long run? I’m still an actor. And I’m still a scriptwriter. I might’ve chickened out, sure, but my regret is one of the reasons why I’m so determined to help Mankai bloom.”

The blankets grunted in acknowledgement, and parted to reveal Masumi’s head, still face-down in his pillow. He held them close to his body like a security measure. “But I feel helpless.”

“But you’re still in control of yourself, aren’t you? You get to decide what to do.” The bedding around Tsuzuru crinkled as he stretched out. “I don’t know your situation, but whatever you decide on, it’ll still teach you something about yourself, and let you improve yourself.”

“I guess.” Masumi rolled over and clasped his hands over his face. “Reader is just- they’re not perfect, but they’re perfect for me. I feel so comfortable around them. So why can’t I just be honest with them?”

“Wait, hold on.” Tsuzuru, who spent the last few minutes staring at the wall as he talked or drawing on his arm, snapped to look at his roommate. His face colored underneath the cracks of his fingers. “I’m going to be frank. Are you trying to ask Reader out?”

Masumi shot up like a cobra. His hair was disheveled and his blush still apparent, but he looked at Tsuzuru like he casually suggested they should eat a baby, or that a clothing line made of sandpaper was a good idea. “You trying to take them away from me, Minagi?”

“What? No! No way!” Tsuzuru smacked his hands over Masumi’s shoulders. “Everything I just said was important and good advice, but trust me this time. Ignore everything I just said and ask them out. I promise it’s going to work out.”

Masumi gave him a once-over. “You are the last person I want to hear love advice from.”

“Promise on my life. Actually, scratch that, I promise on my laptop and all my backup data. It’ll work out, I swear.”

“Why?”

Tsuzuru stared at the ceiling. “Uhh… It’s not my place to say. But it’s fine. It’ll all be fine. I’ve got your back.” He ruffled Masumi’s hair.

“Try that again and I’ll spoon your eyeballs out.” Masumi said this darkly, but he didn’t move to shake Tsuzuru off, and when his roommate climbed back down the ladder to finish Taichi’s soup, he wrapped the biggest of the blankets back around his shoulders. It enveloped him in down as he struggled to shake off the way his heart was still fluttering.

He had a lot to think about.

Something about that night in the ice cream parlor awakened something in Masumi. Ever since his crush first sprouted, he wanted you to be happy, and that wish never changed.

But he wants to be true to himself, and regarding that, true to you. You were a welcome interruption to the life of acting he was getting used to. He found himself checking your text history together, theorizing your next visit to Veludo Way despite you never uttering a word.

The feeling is strange now. He misses you, and the time you spend together is treasured, but he worries he’s growing too attached to you, like when he was head over heels for Izumi. 

It’s because of this that he really decides that he needs to tell you how he feels. Not over-the-top or superfluous like how he handled it with Izumi- he does this on his own terms or not at all.

But there’s still a fear. Not about whether you’ll reciprocate- he’d love to date you but at this point it’s more about being honest to you than being your boyfriend, though he really wouldn’t complain with the latter- but he’s afraid of losing control of himself. He doesn’t want to treat you as a second Izumi.

After all, you’re his dear Reader. Not Izumi. He cherishes everything that makes you unique, and you deserve to be treated as no one else but yourself.

A night at the theater passes. Backstage, Masumi checks his phone in case you decide to come, and doesn’t notice Citron poking his head through the curtain and searching for you.

“Have you decided what to do?” Tsuzuru casually asked one night as the troupe was striking the set, and he and Masumi were carrying a box of props. 

“Piss off. It’s none of…” He trailed off as he remembered their conversation the other night. Tsuzuru looked unfazed. “Sorry. Yeah. I’ll do it after closing night.”

Tsuzuru walks off, seemingly satisfied. It wasn’t really a lie, but his plans were far off in the future, and not in two days like the scriptwriter assumed. He couldn’t afford mixing two of the most important things in his life like that.

Saturday, the night before Harugaoka Quartet’s final performance. Masumi was already tucked into bed and checking his Reddit feed for the last time before he fell asleep when his phone vibrated with a text from one of the few people that could override his phone’s Do Not Disturb mode.

“break a leg tomorrow! clear your schedule after the play, i’m kidnapping you for the night”

Whatever drowsiness Masumi was feeling dies in a single shot as he snaps to attention. He’s already typing out a response when he sees the three dots appear on your end of the text app.

“i have something to talk to you abt tomorrow”

And before he can even think of a response to that one-

“FKJFKLAD it isn’t as intense as whatever you’re thinking”

“don’t worry about it”

“it’s not important”

The dots appear again, but it takes more time for Reader to respond this time. “you know how i got an apartment in veludo for yosei uni next term? i’ll show you around my place”

That seems to be the end of Reader’s multitext, and Masumi can’t help but smile as he responds. “k. ill let you know when im free.”

Closing night is a whirlwind, and by the time you pick Masumi up, his adrenaline has died down but the nervous excitement from a show still remains, or maybe that’s just the effect you have on him these days.

But the point is, it’s probably why he was so direct.

“What did you want to talk to me about?” Masumi asked.

The neon lights outside rolled along slowly. It was getting late, but traffic was just starting to let up and keep the car’s momentum going. Saturated magenta from a late-night pub sign across the street flashed across the steering wheel and your knuckles.

Green colored your eyes, and the car sped up as you left the block. 

“I didn’t expect you to remember that,” you observed. 

“You mentioned it.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t think it would be memorable.”

“It was you. You literally texted me that directly.”

“I’m not exactly the most memorable person.”

“Well, I remembered,” Masumi said with an air of finality.

You didn’t respond as the car followed a curve on the road, and he took the victory in stride. Then he realized how desperate he sounded. He looked out the window, watching the orange construction reflectors by the side of the road bounce light into the car and onto his embarrassed face in the glass.

That managed to shut him up for not even half a minute. “Seriously. What were you going to say?”

In the time it took for him to recover, you were already pulling into a parking lot. “Lemme show you my apartment first. I’ll get you some snacks and then I’ll explain, alright?”

“Alright,” he said.

But on the elevator, he continued. “You’re acting weird, though.”

“Ouch. I’m almost offended.” You grabbed his hand and led him down the hall as you deadpanned. “I guess you’re right, as much as I hate to admit it.”

“Are you okay?”

“I guess? It’s more of an ‘us’ thing?”

You stuck a key into your door. It swung open, an invitation into your abode. “That’s not exactly confidence-inspiring.”

“Who said I was confident?” The door opened, and you welcomed Masumi into the kitchen. “I’ll get you some hot Cheetos. I got the ones with lime.”

You turned the corner and ducked into a nondescript room. The actor might not know the layout of your apartment, but he was pretty certain that wasn’t your pantry. 

Well, at least your apartment was cool. Like every student’s first time living alone, the hallways outside were dingy and the wall damage was unfortunate, but you already started decorating, and traces of you were left around the open area between the kitchen and the living room- a CD here, your chapstick there. A flowery scent permeated the air.

He scanned through your kitchen, from the refrigerator whiteboard reminders to the reusable cups in the drying rack, but his survey was cut short. In the corner of the kitchen counter was the lavender he gave you, poking out of a small glass cup tied with the twine he attached to the original bouquet. 

The flowers hadn’t lost their color yet, and the stems stood strong, insisting they would last longer. No wonder why your apartment smelled so nice. 

“Isn’t it crazy they’re still alive? I’m not much of a green thumb, so I’m surprised how hardy they are.” Masumi jumped at your voice. You had quietly entered the kitchen and spoke up without him noticing, then opened the door to the pantry and brought out two bags of chips. “Here. I might just be thinking of Autumn’s plays, but I’ve heard acting burns a surprising amount of calories.”

“Thanks.” He took a seat across the counter and in a living space with an L-shaped couch. “Nice place.”

You finally looked at Masumi directly, and brushed a stray lock of hair out of your face. “Oh. Thank you. I’ve been working on making it presentable for a few weeks now.”

“It suits you. You did a good job.”

“Thanks.”

“Are you stalling?”

“Just my luck you’d figure it out. Yeah, I am.” You ripped open a bag of Doritos and slumped over the couch. You were right next to Masumi, your arm against his while your head lounged on his shoulder.

“You know you can tell me anything.”

“Yeah, I know. It’s one of those things that’s hard for me to admit to myself, though.” You shut your eyes, as though it would make it any easier. Masumi felt like he was going crazy. You begun to speak, slowly and erratically as you pieced the words together like a puzzle. “Do you think something’s changed between us?”

Masumi’s heart sunk. “What?”

“It’s weird. I don’t know how to describe it, but I feel like we aren’t really just friends, you know?”

“Oh.” He stared into his bag of chips, focused on the folds of cellophane and the dark corners, anything to avoid looking at you. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop talking to you if you want.”

“What? No! That’s not what I meant at all!” You pressed a hand to your head. “Oh, I really messed that one up. I mean, you’re very close to me. I wouldn’t ruin that for the world. I just don’t think ‘friends’ is the word to call us anymore.”

“So we’re more than friends?”

“Yeah. More than friends.” 

Masumi nodded with understanding and crunched on a Cheeto. “So we’re best friends.”

“Oh, come on, Masumi,” you groaned and wrapped a hand around Masumi’s cheek. “You’re smart. I think you can figure out what I’m trying to say.”

The actor felt like he was drowning. You were no stranger to casual touching among your friends like Masumi, but even this was pushing it. How was he supposed to keep a cool head while his cheeks were growing warm and here was no way you wouldn’t notice-

Then it all clicked together.

“Reader,” Masumi said. “Do you like me?”

You tensed. 

“Because I like you,” he said.

The room was so still. 

“A lot, actually.” 

Now or never. 

“It was hard figuring out everything, and I don’t want to cause any trouble for you, but you should know. I think the world of you and it felt wrong to ignore that, but I don’t want you to think I’m saying this for something in return. I just wanted you to know.”

The words spilled out of his mouth, but he couldn’t find the urge to regret any of it. Everything was true.

“You don’t have to say it back, though. I’m fine where we are, and if you think that’s weird or want to stop being friends, then…” He trailed off. “Then that’s okay.”

“But it’s not,” you said. “It’s not okay. I mean- I feel the same.” 

“You like me?’

“You gonna make me say it twice?” Your head lolled further and you looked up at Masumi. As red as he was with your hand along his jawline, you were sure you were even redder. “Yeah. I do.”

“You mean that?”

You drew him forward and kissed him.

You were too caught up in the moment to remember that you’ve never really kissed anyone before, not like this, and the inexperience must be mutual, but Masumi’s hands were on you, feeling your hair and running down your neck and against your chest, and his breath hitched when you pulled him to pin you down, and you relished in it, utterly spellbound.

Your lips slid off his, and rested against his cheek, out of breath but not quite ready to part. “I mean it,” you whispered. “I- I like you too…”

Masumi’s voice was muffled as he rested on your shoulder. “You kissed me but you’re shy about saying that?”

“Oh my god, shut up.”

To his credit, he did. He dove back into your arms, taking the initiative this time, and whatever protests you had died on your lips while your thoughts were only Usui, Usui, Usui.

❖ bonus ❖

“I should probably hang up soon,” you said. “I’m going to the gig soon.”

You laced up your concert boots (well-worn and well-loved, and steel-toed to protect your feet from moshers and dancers), your phone pinned between your ear and shoulder as your sister talked over the phone. “Riiiight. I forgot you were going to a concert-“

“It’s not a concert, Izu,” you shot back. “Concerts are stadium-sized events. This one is just at a small bar venue, so it’s a gig.”

“Same thing. I think he already told you, but Masumi’s on the way to your apartment.”

“I heard. I’ve got a date.”

“Since when did you get a date? Did you tell Masumi?” Izumi sounded worried. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud of you and I want to know everything when you get the chance, but I thought it was just going to be the two of you.”

“Yep, just the two of us.”

“But what about your date? Are you meeting them at the venue? That’s not exactly romantic, or considerate- HHOOOUUUGGGHHH.” Izumi gasped.

“Wow, you sound like a broken air mattress.”

“Reader,” Izumi squeaked, holding onto her breath. “Are you dating Masumi?”

You held the phone away from your ear, fully expecting the loudest noise you’d ever hear on the other end of the line. “Uh, yeah?”

…

……

………

Oh. That was disappointing. 

You brought the phone back to your ear as Izumi continued, not at all shocked but relieved. “Oh, that’s good. Congratulations! It’s been a long time coming.”

“Thanks. I’m really glad you- wait, what do you mean, ‘long time coming?’”

“You haven’t noticed yet? Almost everyone in Mankai saw it coming.”

You stood to your full height just to glare at a wall. “Seriously? That is so immature.”

“You would too, don’t even lie. If you keep trying to set me up with people, then I reserve the right to tease you over your relationships. I so called it.”

“You are ridiculous. I hate you and I’m going to cut up all your stupid striped T-shirts. How did you even figure it out?”

“You’re kidding me. How do you not?” Izumi laughed. “The second Masumi stopped following me around on his free days, I figured something was up. He’s not very good at hiding his feelings.”

“No, he isn’t! I had to egg him on so he would confess before me.”

“Wait, what? What happened?”

You recounted the beginning of your relationship, without all the raunchy details, and realized Izumi was quietly echoing everything you said. “Are you writing things down?”

“I have a duty to know. There’s a massive betting pool on you two.”

“See?! Ridiculous! That’s so obnoxious!”

“Don’t worry, it’s a community pot. You said he confessed first, so that’s some points for just about everyone in Winter Troupe, Sakyo, Kazunari and Sakuya.”

“Even Sakuya’s in on this?”

“Spring wants to see their boy winning,” Izumi said matter-of-factly. “Hey, did you offer him any Takis? Chikage was certain you’d offer him Takis right before you became an item.”

“Nope, Cheetos. The hot lime kind.”

“They’re basically the same thing.”

“No, they aren’t. He says Takis are too spicy.”

“But the hot lime Cheetos are spicier than Takis.”

“No, they aren’t.”

“I’ll just say they were Takis. If Chikage got that one right, Itaru has to pay him in gift cards from his whaling stash, and I’m kind of miffed at him for eating a whole jar of guacamole in one night.”

“In one night? But he’s built like a curtain rod, how can he physically do that? Better question, what’s Chikage going to do with a bunch of iTunes cards?”

“I heard he was going to get Minecraft, but if you ask me, I think it’s about the principle of the matter.”

“It has to be. Pocket Edition sucks.”

A knock on the door interrupted your conversation. “Speak of the devil, he’s here. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Noooo, Reader! I need to know if there was a love letter involved! My salary versus Homare’s pocket change is at stake here!”

“It can wait until tomorrow!” You abandoned the phone on the counter and opened the door. “Hey, babe.” He pecked you on the cheek in greeting.

Meanwhile, Izumi was still yelling on the phone. “Is that Masumi? Give him the phone, I need to do a shovel talk.”

You hung up without a care in the world, and turned to your boyfriend. “Sorry about that, Izu called. Did you know Mankai has a betting ring about us?”

He sniffed. “I overheard Tenma talking about it the other day. I thought it was a joke.”

“You thought wrong. Itaru’s in for a world of pain.” You locked the door behind you, adjusted your T-shirt, and brushed Masumi’s knuckles with your own. “Ready to go?”

“Always.” He held your hand as you began to walk together. 🎧

[teawithotome]

R3! Ready! Reserve! Rescue! “Crikey! It’s a Hybrid”: Fun Times at Mankai Nature & Hybrid Reserve - Now with Cafe! [Sexy Animal Farm AKA That One Hybrid AU That I Will Not Shut Up About]

1: Mankai Nature Reserve || 2: Fleeting Youth (Hybrids Go Through Puberty Too)

summary:

Izumi Tachibana leaves home looking for a change and ends up with her hands full of… paws, hooves, claws, and talons! (insert various animal noises)

Mankai Nature Reserve used to be a home for many wild hybrids - beings that can shift between human and animal - but in recent years it’s fallen into disrepair. Will Izumi be able to restore this rundown nature reserve into a blooming habitat once more, and help domesticate the wild hybrids she encounters along the way?

… Doubtful. But she loves a project!

notes: in which Izumi reassesses her parenting style and a stain is left on the armchair

warnings for this chapter: swearing, mild hurt/comfort

Maybe, Izumi thinks to herself as she sips her mug of hot cocoa, this place isn't so bad. Granted, that sentiment is largely due to the tall, dark, and handsome stranger who introduced himself (when asked) as Tetsuro and very quickly had both Izumi and Iku relatively dried off and bundled up in some spare blankets

Despite being the silent type, he had a comforting air about him that put Izumi at ease.

The squirrel from before had actually helped make the cocoa, and it did lift Izumi's mood a bit to watch the little guy carry a bag of marshmallows nearly as tall as himself over to the counter and carefully place a few into her drink.

Now she sits on a well-worn couch by the cozy fireplace inside the cabin, nursing her cocoa. Iku has a blow dryer trained on him on the floor, set to warm him up as well. The chinchilla fluffs and grooms himself in front of it to help get the rest of the damp out of his fur.

The interior of the cabin has an open floor plan, with a reception desk by the door leading into a cozy sitting area and a small kitchen. All wooden floors and walls, dingy and dull from years of neglect.

Tetsuro, standing nearer to the kitchen, slides a small dish of birdseed into the cage, which he'd brought inside and set on the countertop. The bird, still throwing a tantrum, knocks it aside with an off-key squawk. The squirrel flinches away from the noise, scampering back onto Tetsuro's shoulder and peering around him warily.

"EAT MY ASS!" The bird cackles in the way only birds can, shaking out its feathers from the rain and spraying droplets all over.

Tetsuro doesn't seem discouraged, and merely sighs, covering the cage with a cloth.

The bird protests initially, until its profanities dwindle, eventually fading entirely as soft snores start to emanate from the covered cage.

Izumi finds this amusing. "He needs a time out, huh?"

Tetsuro tosses her a sidelong smile. "Mm."

The cabin door bursts open, and the scruffy man reappears, dripping wet, but notably no longer covered in mud or whimpering in defeat on the ground.

He adjusts his glasses, taking a moment to collect himself, and then beams broadly at Izumi. "I believe we may have gotten off on the wrong foot! Allow me to introduce myself-"

"Isuke." Tetsuro interrupts, then inclines his head towards the window, where rain is still pouring down.

"Ah, yes, yes, you go on ahead. I'll take care of our guests." The scruffy man replies, and Tetsuro takes his leave through the back door.

Izumi suddenly feels less cozy and more cautious. She subtly beckons Iku to come and sit on her lap, and he does so, burying himself in the crook of her arm.

Izumi closes her free hand around the carabiner in her pocket, just in case this guy tries anything funny. They may have been given shelter by these people, but that doesn't change the fact that they're strangers. She's listened to too many true crime podcasts to let down her guard completely.

The guy comes around and sits in the armchair opposite, ignoring the fact that he's still dripping wet. Izumi cringes internally at the sight of the darkening upholstery as the damp spot spreads around him, but decides not to say anything.

"Like I was saying, my name is Isuke Matsukawa, and I'm the manager of this beautiful nature reserve." Matsukawa states proudly. "I'm sure you must have lots of questions, and I'd be thrilled to answer all of them!"

Izumi looks around the cabin. She stares at him. "No, not really."

He reels back as though physically pushed. "You… you don't have any questions?"

"Well, it's pretty obvious that this place is falling apart." She sets her drink down on the low coffee table off to the side. "You said there was a 'grand reopening' or something? A hybrid cafe?"

Matsukawa nods fiercely and stands up, his eyes lighting up behind water flecked spectacles. "That's right!"

Izumi holds up a hand before he can continue, ignoring the way Iku's ears perk up. "Sorry, but we're not really interested. Thank you for the hospitality, but we need to get going."

Iku shifts back into a boy, his clothes and hair still a bit damp, and rolls off of Izumi's lap, turning to the scruffy man with that glimmer of hope. "I'm interested! You have a cafe?"

Izumi sighs. She'd been afraid this would happen. "Iku, we need to get back on the road."

"Iku, is it? Well, aren't you a cute one!" Matsukawa crouches down to the hybrid's level and adjusts his glasses proudly. "That's right, my boy! A soon-to-be certified hybrid cafe! The first one outside of the city."

Iku's bushy tail whips around excitedly, and he turns to Izumi, clasping his hands and pouting for all he's worth. "Please Izu! Please, please, please can we stay to see the cafe?"

Izumi chews her lip. She hates being the bad guy, but she knows she really should have a talk with Iku about his little escape earlier, which she would much rather not do in front of strangers. That kind of reckless behavior shouldn't be rewarded.

Plus, what kind of hybrids would work at a cafe run by this man? If the nudist bird from earlier is one of them, then she doesn't want Iku anywhere near the place.

Before she can buckle down, thunder rumbles loud enough to rattle her cocoa mug against the table, and Matsukawa speaks up.

"Well, you certainly can't go out on the road in a doozy of a storm like this! You should at least stay here until it's safe to drive." He claps his hands together. "Oh, we even have a guest bedroom upstairs you can use!"

"A guest bedroom?" Izumi asks, getting antsy to leave. What is this, an airbnb?

"Well, up until about eight years ago, it belonged to our director of operations here, Yukio Tachibana, but he-"

Izumi freezes. Yukio Tachibana? It can't be… She stands up suddenly, to both Iku's and the manager's surprise.

"You know what? You're right. It's not safe to travel in this weather." She takes Iku's hand and manages a smile in Matsukawa's direction. "Where's that guest bedroom?"

—

Izumi recognizes that she may look a bit silly, reprimanding a chinchilla. But it’s part of her responsibility as an owner and caretaker.

“What were you thinking?” She says, now that she and Iku have some privacy from disheveled managers and profane pigeons. “You know you can’t get wet like that, it’s dangerous!”

Iku stays put in his animal form, hunkering in on himself on the foot of the small bed.

Izumi huffs, and kneels on the ground, elbows resting on the bed to be at eye level with her small companion. “I know you want to make friends, but you can’t put your wants over your own safety.”

Iku lets out a small vocalization, turning away from her.

Is he sulking? That’s… unusual for him. She expected Iku to apologize and need some comfort, if anything. He’s always been a bit of a crybaby. “Look, bud. I was ready to tear this place to the ground looking for you. You really scared me.”

Nothing.

She reaches out to pet his back, and he whips around to nip at her fingers.

She yanks her hand away. Is he… angry?

Her surprise turns into mild irritation. Doesn’t he understand how serious things could have been if Tetsuro hadn’t found him? Maybe it’s something else. Has his diet changed at all? She let him have an extra peanut butter cracker after dinner last night, but nothing too out of the ordinary. He’s been getting enough sleep.

“Iku, talk to me. Come on.” She clicks her fingers together in a gesture which usually makes him snuggle into her hand. Now it only brings about more of the furry cold shoulder act.

Well, she’s tried lecturing, comforting, and talking things out.

“Alright. Seems like someone needs a time out.”

It’s these words that cause Iku to finally shift, hopping off the bed to stand at his full height of five foot three. His bushy tail shakes and lashes around behind him, ears pressed flat against his head as he stares up at Izumi, eyes red and watery, but filled with a fiery determination.

"I'm not a BABY anymore!" He shouts, his lower lip quivering, chin set. “I know it was dangerous, but I’m all ALONE! I need-” He chokes. His eyes squeeze shut as he sits on the words that were stamped so deeply in his heart, he must have pried them out with a crowbar.

Oh… Izumi’s throat constricts.

Chinchillas are social creatures. One of those hybrid types that you really should adopt in pairs or with others so they don’t feel isolated. She'd always thought that by sticking with Iku and being his constant companion… she would be enough to compensate for that.

But she realizes now that she might have only hurt Iku in trying to help him. And broken her own heart in the process. Because she recognizes that loneliness, that terrible feeling of not having anyone who understands you.

Izumi tries to take a tender hold of his shoulders, but he shrugs her off, reluctant to give up his newfound rebellion, even as he swipes away at his tears.

Izumi looks him in the eyes. Makes a conscious choice to do what her mother never could for her.

“I’m sorry.”

Iku’s chin quivers, and he breaks. Izumi holds his head against her as he collapses into her arms and blubbers his own apologies, but she shushes them. It’s her job to make this right, not his.

The truth is, Iku’s right. He’s not a baby anymore. He’ll be turning sixteen next month. She’ll have to do a bit of research on navigating a hybrid’s teenage years. What to expect, how to adapt. But most importantly, she’ll have to learn to let Iku take the lead.

It's less than an hour later, once Iku is tucked in, reassured that they can talk more in the morning, and snoring softly in the simple bed beside her - fresh linens provided by the manager to replace the old and dusty ones - that Izumi lets herself think about what Matsukawa said earlier that evening.

Director of operations. Yukio Tachibana.

What had her dad been doing here, in this place?

He hadn't been in her life since she was around five or six years old, and even then, her memories of him are fuzzy and infrequent. After that, he simply wasn't there.

Her mom used to tell her that he was "finding peace among nature". Her mom had always been a bit eccentric. Finding peace in nature sounded really cool when she was young - she had imagined her dad meditating beneath waterfalls, and learning how to move stuff with his mind - but she understood later that it meant he'd died.

Now she's not so sure. Eight years ago, she was sixteen. And Yukio had been… here? In this place, away from his family?

Did her mom know about this? Maybe her parents had a falling out and he ran off. There's no way to know for sure. Izumi can't exactly ask her techno-phobic mom now that they're so far from home. Not that she'd even want to, with the way she'd left things.

She carefully extricates herself from Iku, who had shifted back into a chinchilla in his sleep. He stirs slightly, squeaking at her absence, though his eyes remain closed.

"Just going pee, be right back, bud." She whispers, and this seems to be enough to let him drift fully back to sleep.

Once he's safely snoring again, she takes a moment to look around the room. Her father's old room.

Bed, desk, small wardrobe, window. The decor is sparse, and she gets the sense that function was prioritized over fashion, aside from a single piece of art on the wall above the desk.

She steps over for a closer look, the floorboards creaking a little beneath her feet. It's a cross stitch design. A nature scene. A male deer - what’s it called, a stag? - standing tall and proud atop a rock, sunlight glinting off the antlers. A river and forest of trees make up the backdrop.

Her mother does cross stitch. Did she make this? Would her father have kept it if they did have a falling out?

Too many questions. No sign of answers.

She sighs softly, examining the vertical drawers of the wooden desk. She expected them to be locked, and they are. Except the last one.

A small, leather-bound book. Dusty, like everything else in the room. Iku could practically take a bath in here.

She thumbs through the pages to find scratchy handwriting. A journal?

The light is dim, and she doesn't want to risk using her phone flashlight and waking up Iku. So she opts to tuck it in her jacket and look at it in the morning.

She sweeps her eyes around the rest of the room, searching for… she's not exactly sure what. A hint. A sign. A clue. Anything that might bring a bit of light to the dull and foggy memories she has of her father.

A small bookcase lines the wall. She hadn't noticed it before, since there were storage boxes in the way. She creeps around them to look at what sort of books fill the shelves.

A History of Mythical Beasts, Harmony & Nature - A Guide to Spirits, Encyclopedia of Hybrids and Humanoid Creatures of Unknown Origin.

Mythical beasts and spirits? So her dad was a whacko too, huh?

She snorts to herself. She would think the director of a nature reserve would be a little more grounded in reality. But she can't knock a man she barely knew for having hobbies.

Upon skimming further down the shelves, she finds some more useful books. Hybrid Care 101, The Household Guide to Hybrid Happiness, How to Train Your Hybrid… the list goes on.

She picks one out on Helping Hybrids Through Puberty, and calls it a night.

[mee-op]

crush!izumi who thought you were rather cute when you came up to her to take one of the theatre's flyers.

crush!izumi who's never been the nervous type when it came to talking to people but found she had trouble speaking when it came to you for whatever reason.

crush!izumi who found herself thinking about you more than she normally would with anyone else (considering you were practically strangers).

crush!izumi who immediately noticed you among the audience when it was time for the play to start.

crush!izumi who gathered her courage and went up to talk to you, asking whether you liked the play and if you had the time, maybe you and her could go out and talk... about the play, of course!

crush!izumi who felt butterflies when you smiled, and somehow felt even happier when you agreed.

crush!izumi who dressed her best when it was finally time to meet with you, rechecking the mirror over and over as she tried to smooth out imaginary imperfections.

crush!izumi who tried her best to stay on the topic of theatre but somehow drifted off-topic, and now the two of you are talking about your favourite things, curry (though admittedly that was mostly her), and other subjects that are usually discussed on dates and not friendly outings with someone you just met.

crush!izumi who can be quite dense when it comes to love and silently wondered if you kissing her on the cheek at the end of your "outing" meant anything more than friendship.

crush!izumi who now sees you every week to talk about the company among other things, and she realizes it's nice to chat with someone who isn't from her theatre.

crush!izumi who still doesn't know why her fingers feel tingly and her heartbeats get all weird when you smile.

crush!izumi who still doesn't know why she wants to try to do anything to make you happy, even if you aren't feeling sad in the first place.

crush!izumi who is an intelligent, independent woman- but romance just escapes her sometimes, so it takes azuma to point out that she's in love with you for her to realize her feelings.

crush!izumi who doesn't know what to do around you once it's brought to light how she feels about you.

crush!izumi who blurts out that she likes you (romantically, in case you still haven't caught on) and feels her heart slowly break when all she gets is silence.

crush!izumi who is now girlfriend!izumi when you pull her in to kiss her, and she feels more content than she's ever felt in your arms- she's just so happy with you, and she silently thinks about how mean you were for not being in her life sooner. but she guesses she can forgive you, just this once.

I don't like this one but I like the concept of dense Izumi Tachibana not knowing she has a crush on you.

[bambuwu-writes]

Hi! Are you still taking requests? I would like to do one if it’s possible.

How about Izumi forgetting things because our girl is trying to manage 20 men and side jobs in other theaters? For example, she is coming down from her room to lounge to drink a water but when she enters in, she just forgets what she was going to do and everyone asks “Director, why are you just standing there lol” and she starts to question herself in a comedic sense lolol

Thank you in advance.

Sajnknfdakjsnfs ok this is actually hilarious!!!

-Izumi literally does so much work, and yet she seems to keep up a very chipper and fun attitude. Like?? How does she do it???? 

-(Being in the vicinity of curry probably just gives her a boost of energy)

-I feel like Izumi would be the type to keep working until her brain cannot process words anymore, so she's in the kitchen holding what she thinks is a napkin to wipe off the counter. (She's actually holding some of Yuki’s fabric that he just finished pinning together.)

-Yuki’s dramatic gasp of horror was enough to snap Izumi out of it and immediately start apologizing to him. He then ordered her to go to take a nap, and strangely enough, Izumi didn’t even question it.

-Tsumugi has bumped into her in the garden. She was just,,,.standing there,.,.mayhaps she was photosynthesizing? Is the director a flower now? He was so tempted to take his watering can and sprinkle a little bit on her head, but he kinda just, gently tapped on her shoulder until she floated back to earth. Apparently she was going out for groceries and her brain just shut down the second she stepped outside.

-After a couple of these incidents, Sakyo has Sakoda bring him a copy of Izumi’s schedule every week and he’ll go through the list, looking for things to take off her plate so she can get enough rest in. he’ll also ask Winter troupe to look after her a bit because he trusts them to be gentle with it.

-Izumi has found herself getting invited to tea by Homare every Wednesday, and Guy, Azuma, and Tsumugi meditate and burn incense with her on occasion. 

-Hisoka and Misumi were enlisted to watch to make sure she doesn’t space out anywhere dangerous, and to make sure to drag her to take naps when necessary. 

[lovinga3characters]

Do you have any Izumi headcanons?

Absolutely! Thanks for requesting our curry queen ♡ ♡

Izumi Tachibana Headcanons 🍛

When it comes to curry, she gets both discouraged and then super energized rather quickly

“Man, the guys have been complaining about me making so much curry again... oh is that a new recipe?! Yay!”

She gets swept up in certain moods pretty easily, which is probably why she couldn’t deny the Director position (and why she sometimes can’t reject the others right away)

Gets scared just reading horror stories but she still likes them and wants to talk to Tsuzuru about writing more thriller plays

Speaking of Tsuzuru, the two of them (along with Tasuku) are the unofficial script writing staff, with Tasuku and Izumi giving him inspiration or ideas, from both a professional actor/director perspective

The only child syndrome is strong in this one, she gets jealous of how the others have siblings and how they interact (having a normal family)

“They must love each other a lot 🙂” “Director, they are drowning each other-“

In the beginning of Mankai, she’d get flustered being called the Director, internally not thinking she really deserved to be called that yet (it made her more encouraged to get this to work 😤)

Sometimes Izumi feels guilty about her own problems because she thinks that most of the boys have had it worse, she has no right to complain... right?

When she was acting, her favorite roles to play were villainesses surprisingly (mainly the over-the-top ones, it hid her hammy acting well)

Gets painful period cramps almost all the time so the boys help her out by basically doing whatever she asks, most of them are too embarrassed/clueless to know what to do though

Has the cutest laugh, it’s basically a normal laugh but with little wheezes in between words when she’s trying to speak and compose herself 🥺

Izumi has dated in the past, none of her breakups were, well, heartbreaking however, and she never thinks about the what if’s (we stan an independent woman)

Spring is her favorite season because of the many flowers that bloom and the atmosphere (much to the pride of Masumi even though she insists it has nothing to do with the troupe)

Izumi is type who’d get kidnapped and try to act like the person’s therapist

“We have your wife-“ “I don’t have a wife?” “She made us rethink our life choices and now I want to become an actor.” “YOU HAVE IZUMI-!”

Since Izumi doesn’t have a flower motif, a good pick for her would be the Alstroemeria flower, it has many meanings depending on the color but they’re often thought to represent mutual support, which is perfect for her 💞

(And even though it’s a friendship flower, it’s also used for bridal bouquets 😉)