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“Suo-chan, did you know?” Hayato looked away from the gradient orange sky, his eye slowly focusing on the boy standing right next to him. Kiryu wasn’t facing him, he was simply looking right ahead. The retreating sun was casting a faint glow on his features, bathing him in a light, soft shade of orange. He looked ethereal with this lighting. It made Hayato's breath hitch.
“Paulownia trees have a rather strange myth to them.” Kiryu began “They represent femininity because old Japanese couples would plant one whenever they would have a daughter. When the daughter was ready to marry, they would cut down the tree and make a dowry chest, furniture, and other items out of it that would serve as wedding gifts. Ancient Lore has it that if they planted a Paulownia tree near their house, the legendary Phoenix would come across their land and bring prosperity and wisdom to them.”
“A phoenix visiting?” Hayato hummed, curious “That sounds like a beautiful sight to behold, to be honest.” he smiled. Kiryu couldn’t help but chuckle at that, watching a pair of stray leaves flutter in the air.
“My parents planted one when Akari was born. It’s been sitting there, being taken care of by my mother and I.” the pink-haired boy continued “I want to be the one to cut it. I don’t want my father to do it.” he said. The way he said it, it was as if he was going to forbid the man no matter what.
“That’s quite the honorable mission you’ve set on your shoulders, Kiryu-kun.” Hayato said “Have you thought about what to gift her?” Kiryu remained silent, his brows furrowing. Then, he shook his head in response. Hayato hummed at that.
“… The paulownia trees have also been growing in China for a long time. Centuries, I believe.” he began “I remember my master would sometimes craft furniture when I was young, while I was supposed to be training. Yet all I could do was watch him with intrigue. Because he looked so focused, each move incredibly precise. It felt like watching a master create its most complex, beautiful creation yet.” he smiled fondly at the memory, at little him peeking from behind the door frame, watching his teacher build like if he was the most incredible human to ever exist at that moment.
“Is that so, Suo-chan?” Kiryu asked, a small smile on his face “In that case, I think I know who to come with when I have to follow the tradition!” he giggled, which made Hayato chuckle.
“I’d be more than honoured to help!”
“Mitsuki-kun’s working hard today too, huh?” Hayato hummed quietly to himself as he watched the other work on the chest hard, sweat rolling down his face. Hayato walked over, putting down the tray with tea as he grabbed a towel that was nearby. Mitsuki looked up from his work, seeing his boyfriend placing the towel against his forehead and wiping off the sweat concentrated around his forehead. Mitsuki smiled at that.
“Haya-chan is spoiling me rotten these days, huh?” the pink-haired man teased, letting out a small giggle. Hayato smiled in response, wiping off more sweat.
“Well, you’re working hard to make the most out of the paulownia tree, so I think spoiling you should be the least I should do.” Hayato smiled “Now, how about you take a small break? I brought some tea.” Mitsuki looked over to his work for a moment, as if mentally debating whether or not to pause. But he decided to follow the suggestion, mostly because the smell of the tea was already wafting throughout the room.
“Well how could I say no when Haya-chan asks with a pretty smile?” he smiled, getting up from the chair and stretching himself. Hayato couldn’t help but chuckle, already pouring him a cup. The pink-haired man skipped over to the taller, plopping down next to him with a smile.
“You know, Haya-chan, you always do everything so elegantly.” Mitsuki began “It’s like constantly living with a gentleman!” he beamed. Hayato couldn’t help but chuckle, his eye fondly looking at the man right next to him.
“Do you truly think so?”
“Mhm! You represent your flower very much.” Mitsuki said, his hands gently grabbing the cup and taking a sip. He hummed in delight at the taste, a smile on his face. Hayato blinked.
“Oh? You’ve researched my flower?” he asked, raising a brow in curiosity “Then, pray tell, what has my dear boyfriend found out about said flower?” he leaned in, looking at the pink-haired man with a smile. Mitsuki returned the same smile, just with confidence.
“Well, firstly, I find it funny that both you and Tsuge-chan have chinese flowers assigned to you-” and immediately, Hayato deflated at those words. It caused Mitsuki to sputter and laugh at his reaction.
“Mitsuki-kun. Why?”
“Sorry, sorry! I couldn’t resist!” he laughed at his reaction “HahahaHAHAHAHA- OH MY GOD YOUR FACE-” he wheezed at Hayato’s expression, a hand holding his stomach while he fell back. Hayato pouted, but that expression couldn’t stay for long, considering how pretty Mitsuki looked when he was laughing. The red-haired boy just shook his head, fondly watching as the pink-haired boy calmed down, taking deep breaths. A hand reached up and wiped away a tear. He sat back up, giggling softly.
“I had to, Haya-chan.”
“Yes, yes.” Hayato pretended to be bothered by it, knowing full well that Mitsuki knew he wasn’t being serious. The pink-haired man shook his head with an amused smile.
“Secondly,” he continued “Chinese rebuds are symbols of harmony and elegance. And it makes sense when I look at you.” he said. Hayato hummed, taking a sip of his tea with a curious glance.
“When you fight, it’s like you’re dancing. It’s elegant, coordinated, you know what you’re doing. There’s a harmony in there and it’s satisfying to see.” Mitsuki admitted “Though, it probably sounds a bit weird saying it out loud. Sounded better in my head.” Hayato didn’t care about that. He reached a hand, taking his hand and pressing a kiss to his knuckles.
“I find it rather sweet.” he admitted. Mitsuki looked at him for a moment, cheeks tinting a faint shade of pink, before giggling. He placed the cup down, arms wrapping around Hayato and pulling him close for a kiss. The taller’s eyes widened, taken aback by the action, but he immediately melted onto the gesture, hands tenderly cupping Mitsuki’s face. The kiss lasted for a few seconds before they both pulled away.
“If you’re gonna kiss me, do it properly, Haya-chan.” Mitsuki teased, though his words made Hayato’s heart skip a beat. He chuckled as well, arms snaking around his boyfriend’s waist, wrapping him in a loose hug.
“Message received, wú ài.”