Work Text:
Kaoru didn’t really believe in the whole “soulmate” thing.
It was stupid, in his opinion, that there was one person in the world that was supposed to be the so-called “perfect match”, and that life would be wonderful once you met.
Hell, the fact that the words on your wrist were the first thing they’d say to you also didn’t make sense.
Anyone could see that, first off, so you could just say what they had and trick it. (Or, so Kaoru thought, he wasn’t sure it worked like that and hadn’t tested.)
Second, you could try to bait it so they’d say the special words!
Plus, being soulmates didn’t change the fact that people were people, Kaoru noticed.
People fell in love, people broke up, hell some people avoided soulmates like the plague and others went searching desperately for their other half…
And soulmates would still cheat, and fight, and hurt each other.
He didn’t see the appeal of it, not at all.
Although, god, could he have gotten any worse of a sentence for his?
Aw, you really think so?
That’s what he had tattooed on his wrist. All it gave him was that he’d compliment this stranger and find out they were soulmates.
Honestly, it was just bullshit.
So, Kaoru kept those words elegantly printed in a deep black ink on his skin covered with a bracelet or whatever would match best, and did his best not to think about it.
He didn't need a soulmate, nor even really want one seeing how well it went for his parents, and instead enjoyed chatting with pretty girls who would pass.
Watching girls who checked their wrist after a flirt always made him barely hold back an eye roll.
Some would respond normally and just chat with him, before remembering soulmates were a thing and checking.
Most girls called it off there, but some didn’t.
He much preferred those girls.
Being roped into working at a live house was perhaps the most entertaining to watch, in terms of soulmates.
People would meet for the stupidest reasons, and Kaoru could barely hold back from laughing when they panicked.
The two girls who started yelling at each other over a performer, before stopping suddenly and looking at their wrists in horror, was probably the top of the list of soulmates meeting, but others came close.
Kaoru did wonder how specific it was, in terms of what the first words spoken to you even qualified as. Does it count if they’re addressing you as part of a group? He would have to pity the poor person who had “greetings everyone!” or something like that on their wrist, if that was the case.
It was much easier to be lost in his thoughts than to think about whoever was currently playing. They weren’t bad, but he honestly didn’t care enough to focus on whatever song was playing.
Something heavy that people would scream to is all it took, and he didn’t care for the rest so long it made them good money.
Which, clearly it was, as the girls in the audience would occasionally scream even louder, and after the third one he finally decided to look up.
Yeah, that made sense.
Attractive guy with black hair and red eyes, singing about how the world sucked and sex or whatever, shooting a wink to the audience would do that.
Flashing a smile to the crowd as well made him pause, as… were those fangs?
No wonder someone yelled “bite me” earlier…
Either way, he had the side stage view for a reason, as he looked down to see who was on next (which was no one, thank god, it was late and he wanted to get some sleep), before looking up at the stage again.
Accidentally making eye contact with the other, meeting his red eyes, the man on stage shot a wink to him.
There was no one else here, so it really was just to him.
…Nope. Not dealing with that.
Rolling his eyes, he looked back down at the clipboard in his hands, blatantly trying to not give the other man the satisfaction.
Look, he wasn’t against it. Kaoru was more than used to seeing people of all sexualities here.
But directing it at him?
Lost cause. Kaoru liked girls, he knew that much.
As the show ended, he found himself in the halls behind the stage, chatting with a female co-worker.
Both were very aware that they weren’t soulmates, which meant it was honestly easier to chat with her.
“God… did you see that last group?!~” She clearly was much more excited then he was, as he just sighed. “They were so~ good, do you think they’ll come back and play again?~”
“Probably, the audience loved them and if they’re smart they’ll realize it’ll be a good live venue to frequent at.” His co-worker shoved him lightly, which only made him snort and shove her back in return. “Don’t give me that- you like them because they’re hot.”
“Not true!”
“What were you doing stage right then when you were supposed to be running the trash out?”
“...Shut up-”
His co-worker huffed, crossing her arms as Kaoru just shrugged.
“Look, I’m not one to kink shame, but wannabe vampires? Seriously?” She just let out an offended gasp, kicking at him again and making him laugh.
“Asshole-! Just say you’re jealous!” He shot her a look, rolling his eyes.
“Jealous? Of what?” Kaoru hummed, stretching as she just glared at him. “He’s not that good looking. Perfect for any emo or girl who wants a “bad boy”, but anyone sane wouldn’t care.”
“Aw, you really think so?~” A voice almost purred from behind him, making both Kaoru and his co-worker jump. Spinning around, Kaoru found himself face to face with the very man he was shit talking.
Fuck you too Karma.
His co-worker was definitely out of commission, so Kaoru was alone in this conversation, which… great.
The other man seemed amused at the fact he startled Kaoru, which made Kaoru simply sigh.
“Mhm, the vampire look isn’t as hot as you might think.” Kaoru was so glad he was able to keep his cool, as if he wasn’t it would be really embarrassing…
The vampire wannabe in question let out a small scoff, smirking down at him.
“I’m hurt~ What, were ya staring at me a lot to make that conclusion?~” Oh, fuck this. Kaoru was not in the mood to be hit on by a dude, especially not like this. Rolling his eyes, Kaoru crossed his arms.
“Not particularly, you’re the idiot who decided to aim your fanservice at the empty stage wing and me instead of the audience of girls begging for your attention.” The vampire simply shrugged, before pausing randomly.
Kaoru shot him a look, a mix between annoyance and confusion, as his co-worker snapped out of her daze.
Lightly tapping his shoulder, his co-worker muttered something about getting her stuff and asking if he could make sure she’d get home safe after he wrapped up. He nodded, not really focusing on the exact words.
Not when his wrist felt strangely warm under the bracelet he had on.
As she walked off, the man in front of him smirked, before suddenly grabbing Kaoru’s wrist.
“Ah- hey! What are you-” Kaoru fell silent when the other simply moved the bracelet up, looking at the words on his wrist.
“Well~ that’d explain it.” The man then dropped his hold, stepping back. “Name’s Rei Sakuma.”
“Kaoru Hakaze, what the fuck did you do that f-” A pause, as Kaoru suddenly put it all together.
The sudden warmth on his wrist, why this guy also randomly fell silent…
“Aw, you really think so?”
There’s no fucking way…
Looking down, Kaoru realized the words on his wrist had turned to now be red.
Rei looked too fucking amused at Kaoru’s panic, as Kaoru grabbed his wrist.
In that same red font was “The vampire look isn’t as hot as you might think.”
This… had to be a mistake. Kaoru wasn’t into guys, or even believed in the soulmate idea!
The magic clearly was messed up if this was the case.
“This… can’t be right.” Kaoru muttered, dropping his hold on Rei as he just hummed.
“Seems it is- fate’s a bitch like that, ain’t she?~” Rei spoke with that purr back in his voice, as Kaoru was still just processing.
This was supposed to be the man he’d want to spend the rest of his life with?
Bullshit.
Although not paying attention to him to think was dumb, as Kaoru suddenly found himself pinned to the wall, chin being firmly held, as Rei’s red eyes locked with his.
“Funny, you don’t seem like the kinda guy to like the bad boy vibe~”
…Kaoru swore he was straight. Probably the weird magic or whatever, only reason that could explain why he found himself blushing from the position he found himself in.
And it’d be hard for Rei to not notice, as he let out a small chuckle.
“Well, I was about to say or boys at all, but the look ya got seems to say otherwise~” Kaoru snapped out of it enough to at least glare at the other, trying to squirm away from the others hold (and failing, badly). Rei simply gave him a cocky grin.
“Get off me.”
“Do ya really want that though?” Rei’s expression shifted to a more serious one, red eyes almost staring into Kaoru’s soul, and threatening whatever remainder of heterosexuality he was holding onto.
And that’s why Kaoru really found it impossible to tell him for certain he truly hated this.
“...Fuck off, I have to get my friend home.” Kaoru muttered, earning a soft chuckle and his freedom from Rei.
Stepping back, Rei did a polite bow, contrary to everything else he’d done the entire night.
“Stay safe~”
And shooting him a final wink, Rei walked off.
Kaoru really hated the fact his face flushed up, scoffing and turning to find his co-worker.
Walking off to find her, she was leaning against the exit and scrolling on her phone, before looking up at him and snorting.
“What’s got you so flustered?~”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Kaoru huffed, which only made her shrug.
“Alright then.”
Kaoru was really glad he dropped it, as they kept easy conversation going until she was home. (Neither of them lived far, and Kaoru wasn’t about to make her walk home alone. Even if it was a semi safe area, the extra 10 minutes didn’t matter to him but could matter to her.)
It was only once he was home that he found himself thinking about it all again. The fact his soulmate not only existed but was a dude.
Kaoru did not like that his heterosexuality felt so threatened… he grew up always being told it was always supposed to be a man and a woman.
But he also hadn’t ever met a soulmate or a vampire, so maybe it was acceptable to have a few flickering thoughts.
Not like it would matter.
He wasn’t going to fall for that man anyway.
Rolling over, he muffled a groan into a pillow, before finally deciding to go to sleep.
-----
Oh, his poor younger self was an idiot.
That version of him wouldn’t have believed it if he told him he’d be in a unit (a damn popular one) with the man who he hated.
But Rei Sakuma had his ways.
Rei Sakuma also changed a lot in those years, and went from an annoying asshole to a slightly more bearable, less asshole but instead acting like an old man, annoying guy.
Is what he’d say to most.
But at this point, his feelings were getting way too messy to try and figure out how he even felt towards the other man.
They were a duo, and the “main attractions” of Undead, and they were definitely close in terms of friendship.
But… was it just friendship?
Soulmates sucked, since Rei was still a flirt to him even after they both had agreed a long time ago that being soulmates meant nothing.
Rei would flirt with others too, but the fact that even Rei’s brother had given him looks implying that he was wrong about their friendship being just that wasn’t helping.
Kaoru and Rei were equals, and partners in the industry.
Which… is why he still couldn’t figure out what they were.
Look, If Rei wasn’t Rei he’s sure he could’ve sorted it all out, but Rei is who he is, and Kaoru had only just figured out how best to manage that friendship.
How Kaoru found himself here with the twins was beyond him, but the two were at least entertaining while sitting in the common room together.
The twins had become close with all of Undead, but Rei went as far as to call the two of them his children, which meant they kinda had the peak get out of jail free card when messing with the other members.
Well, mostly just Kaoru and Koga, they didn’t bother Adonis much.
Kaoru was closer to Yuuta though, being roommates.
Whatever the two were bickering about was lost on him, as he was just scrolling on his phone.
“Yuuta I will sweep your legs and make you fall and eat shit on stage if I have to, I'm right and you know it!” Hinata huffed, finally making Kaoru focus back on their conversation. Yuuta let out an exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Aniki, the only difference we have now other than our hair is the ink on our wrists!” Ah, it seems they were arguing about soulmates. Hinata pouted at Yuuta, who only glared back. “My question is what do you mean you still haven’t spoken to one of my former classmates?!”
“I haven’t gotten to talk to Tsukasa-kun like… ever! It has to be them, since who else would have the same fancy speech on my wrist?”
“You’re both unit leaders and you’ve never talked?!”
“We’ve only ever communicated through emails!”
“Oh my god-” Yuuta muttered, noticing that Kaoru had finally zoned back into the area and conversation in front of him. “Hakaze-senpai, help me out here, please .”
“...With what exactly?” Kaoru had to try his best not to laugh, as Hinata dramatically draped himself across a couch across from him.
“Yuuta is here being a big jerk and refusing to help me have a conversation with Tsukasa-kun to try and find my soulmate!” Yuuta simply rolled his eyes, sitting on the other half of the couch Kaoru was on.
“Aniki is an idiot, and ever since I found and started dating my soulmate has been worried about finding his own.”
“Well yeah, if my own brother is gonna leave me I need someone to love…”
“Don’t phrase it like that, idiot!” Yuuta threw a couch pillow at Hinata, making the other let out an upset squeak, and earned a laugh from Kaoru.
Kaoru hadn’t had the exact same feelings on soulmates as he did before, partly since he knew his.
But he did have to give them an answer, as a good senpai.
“I’m gonna have to side with Yuuta-kun here,” Kaoru hummed, watching Hinata pout as Yuuta gave a smug grin, before continuing. “Really, don’t go hunting for a soulmate because of the words on your wrist. You’ll find them when the time is right. Or hell, you might find someone better who isn’t a soulmate, but is just a perfect match.”
The twins both took a moment to process that information, before Hinata suddenly sat up, staring at Kaoru.
“Have you found your soulmate?”
…What had he done to himself?
The bracelet he still always wore to cover those words told the twins he was hiding something, as Hinata stood up to walk over.
“I- don’t feel like answering that.” Kaoru internally cursed himself for stuttering, as the twins shared a mischievous smirk, before Yuuta suddenly grabbed one of his arms.
“GET HIM ANIKI!”
Kaoru never stood a chance, as being pulled by Yuuta left him open for Hinata to jump on him, holding him down with his legs and grabbing Kaoru’s other arm, looking at his wrist and pulling aside the bracelet.
Stupid twins being so damn flexible.
Hinata let out a little cheer once he saw, before pouting as he looked at it, still keeping Kaoru pinned.
“Yuuta- his words are red…”
“Damn, you really are suffering aren’t you Hinata.”
“Oh shut up-” Hinata huffed at Yuuta, who stuck his tongue out in response, before freeing Kaoru and sitting beside him. “So~ Who is it Hakaze-senpai?!”
Kaoru simply shoved the pink twin away gently, earning a pout.
“I’m not telling you two imps-”
“It’s Sakuma-senpai, isn’t it.” Yuuta just said, making both Hinata and Kaoru turn their heads quickly. Kaoru realized his mistake as both twins then looked at him.
“Sakuma-senpai?! Well, I can kinda see it, you two are always together and have a close bond, but-” Hinata paused, trying to process everything. Kaoru felt a little bad that they had never been told, as they were practically Rei’s kids, but still. He didn’t want them finding out like this. “But dad never told us you were together!”
“Dad?” Yuuta questioned, looking at Hinata.
“Sakuma-senpai is practically our dad, he lets me call him that occasionally.”
Kaoru finally processed what Hinata said before that, as he shook his head nervously.
“Ah- well, sorry but…” the twins looked back at him again, as he let out a small sigh. “We’re not together…”
A pause, before they both gave him a surprised look.
“You’re soulmates though?!” Hinata threw his hands up, as Yuuta just shook his head disappointedly.
“Sakuma-senpai sneaks into our dorm at night because of you?!”
“Well-!” Kaoru really couldn’t argue, just groaning and covering his face as the two of them shot a look at each other over his head. “It’s- hard to explain, I don’t believe in soulmates and when we first found out we agreed it wouldn’t change anything…”
Hinata let out a sigh, before poking his side.
“Well, do you like him?”
“Why would you ask me that…” Kaoru muttered, as Yuuta simply snorted from the other side of him, patting his back.
“Because if you do, we can get you together?~” Hinata teased, before letting out a small yelp as Yuuta threw something over to hit his brother.
“We are not playing matchmaker for two soulmates-” Yuuta said, seeing Hinata pout.
“But it could be fun!”
“Are you certain Sakuma-senpai and Hakaze-senpai are actually in love?”
“Do you see Hakaze-senpai right now?! Clearly he’s got a massive crush going on!!”
Kaoru paused after hearing that, tuning out the twins' argument again.
What Hinata said is what made everything click into place.
He was in love with Rei, the man who was his soulmate, and he had told that it meant nothing that they were soulmates and they still grew close.
An upset groan, as he looked up to see the twins currently arguing about Hinata not being able to even find love himself, so how could he help others, and all the like.
They were not paying attention, but Kaoru felt the other presence in the room, one he had grown quite fond of and very used to detecting.
A hand was placed on both of their shoulders, making the two jump and look up to see Rei standing behind the couch, smiling softly.
“Greetings you two, what have you both been arguing about with Kaoru-kun being caught in the middle?” Rei tilted his head to the side, as the twins shot each other a look.
Kaoru simply prayed they’d be merciful, which thankfully seemed to be heard, as Yuuta spoke up.
“Aniki is an idiot and is hunting for his soulmate like a lost puppy.”
“Yuuta’s a bully and won’t help me, going so far as to drag Hakaze-senpai into it to try and get out of it.”
Rei let out a soft chuckle, patting both of their heads. Leaning against the back of the couch, head next to Kaoru’s, Rei spoke up.
“Yuuta-kun, don’t be cruel to your brother, help him out if he needs it.”
Yuuta pouted at that, as Hinata did a little fist pump. Hinata did then pause, looking over to Rei with a hum.
“Sakuma-senpai?”
“Yes Hinata-kun?”
“What’s your stance on soulmates?”
Yuuta and Kaoru both turned to look at him as well, as Rei paused for a moment.
“Hmm, my stance?” Rei shut his eyes, as Kaoru tried his best not to think about how pretty he looked, before opening them again. “I see them as intriguing. If there truly is someone out there, meant to be your second half, then it makes sense that you’d try to find them. But, if that isn’t the case, then I see no reason to leave your heart in the hands of fate, and to shape your life around it. In the end, you know yourself best, so the choice of who to love should fall to you and no one else.”
There was a moment of silence, before Yuuta finally spoke up.
“We got another old man ramble of wisdom, didn’t we.”
Hinata ended up laughing, covering his mouth to try and muffle it, as Rei and Kaoru both just smirked slightly.
Hinata did calm down after a moment, wiping away a tear and humming softly, before looking back at Rei.
“So, if you found your soulmate, what would you do Sakuma-senpai?” Hinata did seem completely innocent in asking, but Kaoru had to pray he wouldn’t reveal what he knew.
“Me? Well, if you really want advice from an old man…” Kaoru rolled his eyes at that, as he could clearly see Rei was still easily leaning against a couch instead of sitting. “I guess I’d just try to keep them close to me. I wouldn’t ever recommend forcing feelings on someone, nor falling in love because of some magical force, but I would want to see if I could fall for them naturally, and if the same would happen in return.”
Hinata nodded, as Yuuta just shrugged. Kaoru, on the other hand, had to pretend he wasn’t aware of what those words meant, and pretend his face definitely did not flush up a little when Rei’s eyes met his own, and he offered the softest smile.
Kaoru had given up on his heterosexuality a long time ago, as this vampire had done a damn good job at killing whatever was there.
Yuuta suddenly looked up from his phone, shooting a mischievous grin at Hinata, as seeing the other look over nervously.
“Well~ it’s your lucky day then Aniki!~”
“...Yuuta why are you smiling like that-”
“Tsukasa-kun is very excited to meet you and try your famous sweets you love bragging about!~”
Hinata paused, before his eyes widened and he jumped up.
“YUUTA WHAT THE FUCK?!”
“You wanted to meet him!”
“How long do I have?!”
“An hour!~”
Hinata let out a small groan, hitting Yuuta over the head before running out of the room, as Yuuta jumped up to chase after him.
Kaoru, in any other instance, would’ve followed or tried to stop them, but Rei didn’t seem to mind his children were running off, so he wouldn’t either.
Rei did jump the couch though, making Kaoru roll his eyes.
“Old man my ass…” Kaoru muttered, as Rei just shrugged in response.
“It’s easier to act older than I am instead of acting younger.” Rei shifted to sit a little more comfortably on the couch, before looking back at Kaoru. “So, would you like to inform me what my children were hiding back there?”
Well, fuck.
“You could tell? Often they’re better at lying and not getting caught than that...” Kaoru muttered, as Rei chuckled softly.
“I’ve gotten better at detecting when people are lying to me, and if I couldn’t see through my own children I’d be a horrible father to them.” Kaoru couldn’t argue with that, as he sighed.
“They had been asking me about soulmates as well, since Yuuta found his, and ended up interrogating me.”
“And did they find what they were looking for?” Rei questioned, as Kaoru nodded.
“Your children are good at pinning people and managed to check my wrist, even figuring out it was you.” Rei gave a thoughtful hum, not yet speaking to encourage Kaoru to continue. “They assumed we were together, so I had to explain that we weren’t, and they got into a fight about trying to set us up or whatever. That’s the fight you actually walked in on, but they had shifted in their argument so it wasn’t obvious.”
“You denied us being together, but didn’t try to stop them from setting us up?” Kaoru paused at that, realizing that no, in fact, he did not do that, as Rei shot him a small smile. “Why is that Kaoru-kun?~”
“Don’t ask me that, I couldn’t tell you…” He muttered, covering his face. Rei moved to grab one of his hands, pulling it away to make Kaoru look him in the eyes, earning a small, flustered groan.
“Oh, clearly there has to be some reason, doesn’t there?~”
“Keep taunting me and I will defang you.” Kaoru muttered, as Rei let out a soft chuckle, tilting his chin up.
“Shame, you’d kill this vampire for flirting with one pretty man?~”
“I’d kill you for flirting with me, which even then that wouldn’t kill you.” Kaoru rolled his eyes, as Rei gave him a small frown.
“How would I get blood without my fangs?”
“You drink tomato juice half the time, don’t be dramatic.”
“And if I wanted to bite someone?~” Rei purred, tilting Kaoru’s head to the side and being met with a flustered huff, as Kaoru tried to push him away again.
“Bite someone else-” Kaoru huffed, as Rei finally released him, laughing softly. “You’re a jerk, you know.” Kaoru gave a half-hearted glare, as Rei shrugged again.
“I’m very aware Kaoru-kun, I try my best.~”
Kaoru lightly elbowed Rei, but couldn’t help but smile softly at the usual, calming bickering they would occasionally share.
He just… couldn’t help but keep thinking back to Rei’s little speech earlier.
Kaoru couldn’t help but be frustrated with his stupidly idiotic heart.
Rei had that way of being able to figure out what Kaoru was thinking about, as he spoke up suddenly.
“Your face is a little red, are you thinking back on earlier?”
Kaoru couldn’t argue once he realized he was, in fact, blushing, and sighed.
“Yeah, kinda. You basically just kept flirting with me while we played dumb to the twins, and also made our entire history into a flirt.” Kaoru looked over to Rei, meeting his eyes and seeing him smile softly.
“I meant every word I said,” Rei replied quietly, taking Kaoru’s hand and pulling him up with him. “Soulmates are meant to make us feel whole, and you’ve easily done that for me. Be it platonic or romantic, I can’t imagine my life without you.”
Kaoru couldn’t help but smile softly in return, as Rei gently spun him after they were both standing.
“Say, want to go to the beach Kaoru? We have the day off after all~”
Kaoru really didn’t think he could disagree if he tried, as he nodded.
It might be dangerous for his heart, but when it was Rei, somehow offering to go outside for a bit to a place Kaoru loved?
He couldn’t refuse.
-----
Being at the beach was a dangerous choice for Kaoru.
Rei was careful for a while with an umbrella in hand, but once the sun began to set, he opted to not worry about it.
Kaoru and Rei spent most of the time just chatting, smiling and shoving each other lightly. It was their usual back and forth, and it was comfortable.
But Rei looked beautiful against the sunset, and Kaoru had already had to deal with realizing he almost certainly had a crush on him, and that was dangerous.
Rei took a moment to look around, before his eyes landed on Kaoru and extended a hand out to him, smiling softly.
“May I have this dance?”
Rei’s voice was soft, almost lost in the crashing of the waves, but still audible. And Kaoru’s poor heart felt like it could jump out of his chest, but he nodded.
Taking Rei’s hand, they both moved to fall into an easy slow dance, as they both kept their eyes locked together.
There was no music, just the sound of their breathing, and the waves meeting the shore. The sun was setting behind them, framing both of their faces in a soft golden light, as despite the uneven sand under them they easily followed the others movements.
Once they didn’t really have to think about it anymore, Kaoru found himself speaking up, despite his fears.
Maybe it was the comfort of the waves next to him, but he had to tell Rei.
“Rei-kun, can I tell you something..?” Rei tilted his head to the side, as their dance slowed a little.
“Of course Kaoru-kun, what is it?”
“...I think I’m in love with you.”
Kaoru couldn’t say anything else, that’s all he could manage to say. That’s all there was to it.
He couldn’t find any poetic words to describe it, it was as simple as that.
Rei seemed confused, but didn’t stop their dance, as after a moment he just chuckled softly, pressing their foreheads together.
“Yeah…” Rei muttered, as he smiled softly. “I think I have to say the same.”
Kaoru felt all that anxiety he had faded, as the two of them shared a loving look. It was calm, and relaxing, as they stayed close while swaying softly.
Rei moved a little closer, looking at him with a questioning look. Kaoru knew what he was asking, and nodded.
Leaning a little closer, their lips met, as their dance paused.
It was soft, it was perfect, as they stayed like that for a moment. The gentle kiss, the tender moment, and being so close…
It was everything Kaoru wanted.
When they moved back, Kaoru couldn’t help but smile as Rei.
Rei smiled back, as he then moved to spin Kaoru again, making the other man laugh.
Although, they got a little cocky, as Rei then tried to dip Kaoru.
The mix of having just been spun, and the sand, left them both unsteady as instead of being dipped it ended with Kaoru falling into the water, Rei landing on top of him.
Being soaked was a little frustrating, as they both took a moment to process, before Rei started laughing.
“Oh haha… you’re lucky you fell on top of me-” Kaoru muttered, as Rei laughed even harder, cupping his face.
“I apologize, but it’s a bit funny~”
Rei moved to give Kaoru another quick kiss, as Kaoru hummed softly.
After that, he then grabbed Rei and flipped him off, making him fall into the water beside him as well.
Rei looked up at him offended, as Kaoru laughed himself, before Rei splashed him again.
And somehow, being caught in the silly fight of splashing each other as the waves crashed against them…
It was perfect.
Maybe not a typical romance, but it was wonderful.
Soulmates or not, Kaoru loved Rei, and wouldn’t trade this moment for anything in the world.