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It wasn’t until the second (and last) day of the Hakone Ekiden, when Kakeru finally realised his feelings. It wasn’t a big sweeping moment, or even a sudden realisation. The thought just naturally came into his head, and that thought was…
I’m in love.
He had fallen in love with running. And it was love this time, because whatever Kakeru had felt for running before coming here was nothing compared to how he felt now.
The reason he loved running now was because he had had it awakened within him. Kakeru had figured out that the love he had for ‘running’ wasn’t love of the physical act itself.
To him, ‘running’ was…Haiji.
Oh, I’m in love with you, Haiji-san.
And as he watched Haiji run towards him in the final sprint, in such obvious pain yet he continued smiling with each stride, Kakeru could only think that he knew the answer to Haiji’s question now.
It’s you. Running is you.
And one day, I’ll tell you that answer myself, I promise…!
1 year later...
It was the end of another Hakone Ekiden, and the new and improved Aotake team had swept the nation by storm by claiming victory in the race yet again. As soon as everyone (and by everyone, Kakeru meant the graduated members of the original Aotake team) had insisted on celebrating together to commemorate the occasion. Which brought them to this evening, where they had all gathered in Yuki's lavish apartment (he earned a lot of money now that he was working full time as a lawyer), having one of their trademark 'parties'. With plastic hats and party poppers and all. It was so nostalgic, and Kakeru had smiled and laughed so much already tonight, his cheeks were starting to get sore.
So, he had taken a moment to himself, slipping away to step out onto the balcony, to catch the glimmering lights of Tokyo at night.
"I thought you'd be out here," a familiar voice called out to him, and Kakeru straightened, his heart rate quickening as he turned around.
"Haiji-san?"
And sure enough, it was him. Looking handsome as ever, even dressed in his typical sports tracksuit combo. That was another reason why Kakeru had needed a moment away from it all, because he just could not stop his gaze from straying back to Haiji every few minutes. It had only been a few months since he'd seen him last, but honestly, Kakeru felt like the man got more attractive every time they met again after spending time apart. It made Kakeru nervous, like he might blurt out something stupid and embarrassing.
But, even so, there was nothing more comforting than being in Haiji's presence, especially when it was just the two of them. So, Kakeru felt more at ease when Haiji walked over to stand next to him and leaned his arms on the railing of the balcony to gaze out at the city lights.
"You've always liked looking at the stars. Remember when we watched them together, the evening before you told the whole team your story? They sure were sparkling bright in the sky that night," Haiji reminisced fondly, and Kakeru smiled at the memory, nodding to show he remembered it too. That night was one of the most precious ones Kakeru held in his heart.
"How does it feel, coming in as two-time reigning champions of the Hakone Ekiden?" Haiji asked, glancing over at him expectantly.
"Honestly, it hasn't sunken in for me yet. It still feels surreal. Even though I celebrated with the rest of the team, I can't believe all our hard work and effort brought us this far, again. It makes me wonder if...even though training is surely important, the belief and trust we all had in each other carried us even further," Kakeru mused quietly, and Haiji huffed a laugh. When Kakeru looked over at him, he saw that proud smile sitting on Haiji's lips.
"Now, you're really getting it, Kakeru. Ah, I taught you well. I knew I had no reservations leaving you in charge of the team. You lead them so naturally," Haiji praised him, and as usual, Kakeru brushed it off.
"I still feel I have a long way to go before I can reach your level, Haiji-san."
"You already surpassed it, dummy," Haiji shook his head, and looked out ahead again. Kakeru kept looking at him, adsmiring his side profile under the night sky.
And suddenly, words started pouring from Kakeru's lips that he had been trying to hold back all night, “Do you remember…at the farewell party a few months ago, when you asked about the team?”
“How’s the new team?” Haiji turned to him, smiling in anticipation.
“It’s stronger than back then,” Kakeru answered, full of confidence and pride.
Haiji's eyebrows rose, and his own smile broadened, "Really?”
"Hm? Oh, yeah. I did," Haiji recalled with a nod, then encouraged Kakeru to continue, already knowing the boy had something he wanted to say, "Go on."
“I didn't give you my whole answer, back then. The new team we have is honestly incredible. Each and every single one of the guys we have, we couldn’t do without. We’ve doubled the numbers of our original team, yet none of them are replaceable. They’re all dear to me, and we all care about each other,” Kakeru said, and he truly meant those words. He cherished and cared for his new team, they were all wonderful people that he was glad to have met.
“I know that we-we can’t go back in time. And we shouldn’t want to either, because it’s good to keep moving forward. Everyone’s running on a new path now, their own paths, and it’s how things are supposed to be,” Kakeru went on to explain, and his hands gripped the railing a bit tighter, his heart jostling in his chest with a giddy nervousness, “But sometimes, it does make me sad, and I do wish we could go back. That we could hold onto those days forever. Because even if I love the team we have now, I’ll never forget our team,” Kakeru said, as he locked eyes with Haiji meaningfully.
Then. Kakeru emitted a soft chuckle, as he shook his head, looking away for a moment, though he could still feel Haiji's gaze burning on him, “Did you know? When I run with the guys, I’m at the front. They think I’m the leader, that I’m the one pulling them forward. In a way, I guess I am. But what they don’t see is that…in front of me, all I can see is the ten of us."
“The rest of you all, running ahead in front of me. Looking back at me and smiling. And you, Haiji-san, you’re the one leading us. I can run forward confidently, and it’s okay, because I know that you’re there, guiding me forward,” Kakeru murmured, and slowly looked back over at the man he loved, who was still looking at him and god, Kakeru wished Haiji would never stop looking at him.
“You’re always with me when I run. Because I finally realised what running is to me. It's you. It will always be you,” Kakeru confessed, a tender smile in place that was only meant for one person. Then, Kakeru exhaled and felt relief flow through him, “I wanted to tell you that, for a long time. I’m glad I finally did."
It was quiet between them after that, the sound of the wind blowing and the traffic down below, as well as the chatter from indoors the only background noise they could hear. It didn't feel uncomfortable or tense, it just felt...thoughtful. But then, eventually, Haiji was the first one to speak up.
“Kakeru, I really don’t know what to do with you,” Haiji sighed deeply, as he shook his head and ran a hand through his hair.
“Eh?” Kakeru blinked confusedly, as he looked over at Haiji.
“I mean seriously, what’s with this? You said you wanted to become a better speaker when we first met, and you still worry about that even now. But really, you have no idea that you seem to have a knack for telling me what I need to hear. At the right place, and the right time, you’re just there for me. Effortlessly, without me ever needing to ask. You just seem to know, somehow,” then, Haiji’s hand reached out slowly, and landed against Kakeru’s cheek with a soft touch.
“And right now, what you just said, you’ve made me feel invincible,” Haiji murmured, a warm, intimate smile sitting on his lips unlike any other smile Kakeru had seen on him before.
“Just being in your thoughts every now and then was enough for me, that’s what I told myself. But now, hearing that I’m always with you, that you see me every time you run, I don’t think I can hold back,” Haiji’s hand stayed on his cheek, a warm and reassuring weight against him, but his thumb moved. It slid across, to trace over the cupid’s bow of his lips, and unconsciously, Kakeru’s lips parted.
“Haiji-san…” his name fell from Kakeru's lips sweetly, the affectionate manner he called Haiji in never changing even as years had passed by.
“Kakeru…”
Haiji takes a moment to look at him. Kakeru’s eyes are shining and staring deep into his, with soft pink scattered across his cheeks in an embarrassed yet eager flush. Kakeru's lips were parted softly, and then, his tongue darted out to lick them, drawing Haiji's eyes downwards to track the movement.
A fond, enamourd smile crosses over Haiji’s face, and when he moves in for the kiss, the moment their lips touch is electric. Cupping Kakeru's warm cheeks, Haiji leans in and presses a lingering kiss against Kakeru’s lips. His eyes close at the same time Kakeru’s do, and they kiss like that, until eventually Haiji pulled back and smiled bashfully at the younger man.
“Sorry, Kakeru. Over a years' worth of these feelings have piled up and they've become too strong for me to keep inside anymore.”
“Why did you stop?” Kakeru mumbled, then slowly opened his eyes, which were glazed over, “And why did you say sorry? Instead of that, give me everything, give me all of your feelings. I’ll accept them, I want them. Please don’t hold them back again.”
“I was just worried I might overwhelm you, that’s all,” Haiji murmured, as he reached out a hand to brush Kakeru's fringe out of his eyes affectionately.
Then, Kakeru grabbed his hand and held onto it tightly, as he looked at Haiji with that cute determination of his, “You won’t. I’ve been waiting for this, so don’t stop. Hit me with the force of those feelings, Haiji-san. And I’ll do the same. I’m more worried about you, actually. You should brace yourself, since I don’t know if you can handle it. If you can handle everything I feel…for you.”
“Oh? Is that so?” Haiji asked with a hum, then used their joined hands to tug Kakeru in closer against him, and their chests bumped together as Kakeru's other hand flew up to grab Haiji's shoulder for support.
“I won’t back down from a challenge like that,” Haiji murmured with intent, and they kissed again, more passionately this time. It lasted longer than a few seconds, and both of them were out of breath when they finally pulled apart and looked at each other with blushing cheeks.
“I didn’t ask you to stop before or now, so why do you keep doing it?” Kakeru grumbled under his breath, and Haiji smiled as he reached up his free hand and carded it through his inky, black locks. Unconsciously, Kakeru’s eyes closed at the touch, and he leaned into it.
“Because I might get carried away and take things even further before we’re both actually ready. Especially if you keep looking at me like that,” Haiji told him, and Kakeru sighed sulkily.
“It’s just kissing.”
Haiji smiled, and shook his head hopelessly, “Yeah, but even just with that, I want you more.”
“I want you too,” Kakeru responded fervantly, and Haiji nodded with a light chuckle.
“We’ll get there, but let’s not rush. Besides, I still need to ask you on a date."
Kakeru stiffened, his eyes widening as he looked at Haiji, “A date?”
“Mhm. What’s wrong? You don’t want to go on one yet?” Haiji asked, his head tipped to the side, not accusing or upset, merely curious.
“No, that’s not it. I was going to ask you first...but you beat me,” Kakeru muttered, as he pouted.
“Too bad, Kakeru. Looks like you’ll have to try again next time,” Haiji teased him, and then swung an arm around Kakeru's shoulders, drawing him in closely, “Where should we go? I’ll go wherever you want, just tell me.”
Kakeru was quiet for a moment, his lips pressed together as he thought on it. Then, he leaned more against Haiji, revelling in the shared warmth of their bodies pressed together, “Somewhere out in nature. I like it whenever we go somewhere like that. Together, just the two of us,” Kakeru said, and it was true. He felt so calm and peaceful whenever he and Haiji visited somewhere outdoors together.
From the way Haiji's face softened, he agreed as well, as he replied happily, “Alright. I’ll plan something outdoors for us to do.”
Kakeru nodded, “Okay. When can we go?”
Haiji laughed, warm and intimate, as he held Kakeru closer, “You’re so eager, and it hasn’t even been a day yet.”
“Whose fault is that? Like you said, it’s been four years’ worth of waiting for both of us, Haiji-san. Can you blame me for being impatient?” Kakeru asked him, his tone and expression like a grumpy cat, and Haiji smiled endearingly at him.
“I suppose not. Well, how about Friday? Are you free then?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Great. Ah, I’m excited! I can’t wait until our first date!” Haiji said, his brown eyes shimmering with enthusiasm.
“Me either,” Kakeru smiled at him, shy and sweet. This had become another night he would cherish in his memories for years to come.
And from inside the living room, the members of the original Aotake team had secretly watched it all unfold.
“I knew it! I just knew it! Didn’t I tell you guys now would be the time it finally happened?” Yuki's grin was obnoxiously wide as he held out his hand, and everyone sighed in commiseration as they handed over varying amounts of money to him.
“Shut up, Yuki. Damn know-it-all,” King groused, as he slapped the yen into the lawyer's hands with clear annoyance.
“Geez, how didn’t this happen sooner? What’s wrong with those two?” Shindo sighed in disappointment, as he handed over his share of the bet to Yuki.
“Definitely should have happened after that first Ekiden. I stand by my bet, they’re just idiots,” Nico-chan grumbled, shaking his head as he slid over his money to Yuki as well.
“I can’t say I’m surprised. With all the nostalgia and fond, warm feelings lingering and left in the air between them, it was bound to happen. Being here at Aotake again, just like the old days, it was magnified a hundred times stronger. It would have been unthinkable if they hadn’t realised it at this point. A classic love story trope, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and no matter how far apart they are, their feelings won’t change,” Prince narrated aloud, not having partaken in the bet itself, but having enjoyed witnessing it unfold every step of the way.
“Prince, what I actually can’t believe is that you still go around talking like a manga protagonist in your late twenties," Musa said with an exasperated smile, and the others hummed in agreement.
“I consider it one of my greatest achievements, I hope you know,” Prince clarified, carding a hand through his hair dramatically and a few groans were heard throughout the room.
Then, as soon as Haiji and Kakeru walked back inside the living room, the group erupted into excited cheers.
“HAIJI/HAIJI-SAN!”
“KAKERU!”
“CONGRATULATIONS!!!”
“...You all know, don’t you?” Kakeru asked, clearly embarrassed with flushing red cheeks and narrowed eyes, and everyone either laughed or nodded in agreement.
“Of course, we do. We’re not stupid, but the same can’t be said for you two,” Yuki stated, and Haiji and Kakeru exchanged a sheepish look with each other because well, neither of them could deny that.
“Seriously, it took you guys sooo long,” Joji complained, drawing out the words to show how it felt like an eternity to the rest of them.
“We felt like we were gonna get gray hairs while waiting! Or at least see the old fourth years’ get gray hairs!” Jota chimed in, tugging at his hair dramatically.
“Hey! Respect your elders, you brats,” King chastised them, pointing at the twins and frowning at their impudence.
“But we’re happy for you! So happy!” Musa was positively beaming, as he clasped his hands together in front of himself and gazed at the two happily.
“It’s been literal years in the making, so it’s kinda satisfying seeing how you guys finally made it,” Nico-chan agreed, and everyone was smiling at them so sincerely, it was touching to see.
“Thanks, everyone,” Haiji smiled, the same comforting smile he saved for his ‘ultimate, dream team’, "we're gonna run down to the conbini and grab a few more drinks and some dessert snacks. Be back soon!"
He and Kakeru then walked out the door, holding hands, and the doors slid shut behind them. It was silent for a few moments, until...
“...So, is anyone up for taking bets on when they’ll get married?” Nico-chan asked casually and was met with resounding excitement and eagerness.
“Hell yeah!” the twins cheered at the same time.
“I’m in,” Yuki smirked, confidence overflowing due to his recent win.
“I’ll definitely pick it this time! Gotta be by next year, right?” King said, full of certainty.
“Are you forgetting how long it took them to reach this point? I’ll go with five years,” Shindo said sagely, and King gawked at him in shock.
“What!? Even longer than it took them to get together!?”
“They might surprise us this time, though!” Jota said optimistically.
Joji nodded, bouncing in place with enthusiasm, “Yeah! Like, what if it’s by the end of the year!?”
“No way, you’re dreaming,” Nico-chan chuckled and shook his head at the two of them.
“Two years would be nice,” Musa mused dreamily.
“As long as they actually get married, that’s all we can hope for,” Prince sighed, and well, everyone could agree on that.
“They better invite us to that damn wedding,” Yuki chuckled.