Shoyo and Kei decided to go on a trip as a celebration of their 6th anniversary. Their parents allowed them to enjoy their time together and took care of a 3D2N Onsen resort reservation somewhere on the northern island of Hokkaido. The place is serene, traditional and a place of healing and relaxation surrounded by hot springs and lush forest in the valley.
In the morning, the lovers enjoyed the hot springs and brunch offered by the resort. Kei noticed Shoyo looking around the facility and wondered if he was looking for some kind of court to play on.
"Don't tell me you want to play volleyball here? We're here to relax baby. Can you chill for a few days please?" Kei kissed Shoyo's hand. They have been holding hands here as no one will judge them.
"Okay okay... but what can we do to pass the time? What do you think?" Shoyo asked, still his usual excited self.
One of the lady servers heard them talking and interrupted their conversation.
"Hello, if I may suggest, there's a trail behind the resort, going into the forest. One of the paths leads uphill into a small temple where you can visit and offer prayer. There are only a few small animals so it's not dangerous. It's generally safe to hike."
"Also there's a week-long festival ongoing near here, about a 15-minute walk. There are games, fireworks, a market, and food stalls to enjoy. You should have seen the decorations on your way here this morning." The lady server excused herself.
"Oh wow, I wanna go! Ne, daddy please?"
"Yes of course baby."
They went back to their room to bring their essentials. They also went to the inn food lounge and bought a few fruits for offering to the small temple. Then off they went for a hike.
The path was indeed uphill but the two have no problem with the uneven steps and slopes. Halfway up, they saw a small bench where they can rest for a while. It is surrounded by colorful flowers, old tree trunks, and small and big rocks with moss. Because of the lush scenery, Shoyo asked Kei to take his pictures.
Kei took several pictures including their selfie together. But of course, he was happy just taking pictures of Shoyo who was bouncing off different areas where he can pose. He saw the old tree trunk and tried to sit on it. However, it collapsed upon his weight and he fell to the ground.
Kei immediately helped him up and sincerely asked if he is okay.
"Uwaaah it kinda hurts hahaha but I'm okay. My bad, I think the trunk is really old."
Meanwhile, a male Elf named Twinkle is going back. Heartbroken because of Sparkles (his now ex-girlfriend) and feeling lonely, he trudged along the path back to his home.
He saw two men doing their little poses on the bench. Well, that's fine. His house is hidden magically below the earth... with the old tree trunk as the entrance...
'And it collapsed right before my very eyes because that stupid tangerine sat on it!'
Suddenly, Shoyo screamed.
"Oh no! What if there's an elf in there?! I will be cursed Kei what do I do?
'That's right fear me you morons!', grieved Twinkle.
"Baby, don't tell me you believe in that? Come on, you'll be fine, nothing will happen." Kei assured him.
'So the beanpole doesn't believe in beings like me huh...'
"No no no... I should apologize...". Shoyo whispered a sincere apology. He reached into his little backpack and put one apple by the collapsed tree trunk. Kei waited patiently, sitting on the bench.
Twinkle thought hard.
'I can forgive this sweet tangerine. He's adorable. But that beanpole needs a lesson. Since being in love is the sweetest thing in the world, I will make you forget the person you adore the most!'
He said his little chant and breathed into Kei's leg for his curse to take effect. He's small so that's as far as he can reach.
As Kei and Shoyo prepared to continue hiking, Kei felt something was off.
I know we are here together, but why are we here together?
Shoyo slipped a bit on a slippery rock and Kei automatically held Shoyo's body. Embraced him, lifted and put him down on a dry path.
'My body, reacted to save Shoyo... as if it was the most natural thing to do... why?'
"Shoyo... why are we together?"
"Huh? Because we decided to, silly." Shoyo answered while raising his finger with the volleyball promise ring Kei gave him.
Kei smiled to acknowledge but his right hand reached to his left ring finger to check.
'Yes, I know I kinda remember, but why... I'm missing something. What is it? what is it...?'
They reached the small temple, gave their offering, and prayed.
"Daddy, know what I prayed for back there?" Kei looked at Shoyo and Shoyo just said, "I prayed that we continue loving each other regardless of what trouble comes our way. How about you? what did you pray for?"
'Daddy?... And he calls me daddy? Are we really lovers?'
"I prayed for your safety and happiness." Kei is not lying. Something deep inside him wants what's best for his supposed... boyfriend? Lover...? He figured as much... That they have a special relationship, otherwise they wouldn't be together.
"Shoyo, let's go back, the skies are dark. Shoyo held his hand naturally and they walked back together. Kei wants to let go but at the same time doesn't want to. He's totally confused right now. But he let Shoyo hold his hand.
Meanwhile, Twinkle is thinking hard again.
I can see that that beanpole's confused but he's not suffering... I think he's trying to figure out what's happening without alarming the tangerine.
Twinkle followed them back to the inn. He's a magical creature so he can't be seen unless he reveal himself, which he never did. Ever.
Shoyo and Kei decided not to go to the night festival because it started raining hard. Shoyo was a bit down. Kei was silent.
After dinner, they laid out the mattress. Kei put the mattress at a meter distance from Shoyo's. He sat down. Shoyo found this unnatural, so he pushed his mattress near Kei's.
Kei looked at Shoyo questioningly.
"See, it's bigger! Besides, you'll be hugging me anyway especially since it's going to be cold for sure. I don't think this rain is gonna stop anytime soon."
"Ahh right..." Kei shortly replied.
"Hey, what's wrong are you feeling unwell?" Shoyo put his hand on Kei's forehead.
"N—no... Sorry, Shoyo." He removed Shoyo's hand from his forehead but for some reason, he can't let go so he clasp Shoyo's hand. "I just— never mind. You ahhh wanna sleep beside me?"
"No, you wanna sleep beside me. Well, I do of course, but I mean... you always search for me if I roll off. You want me to sleep on your chest. Or you spoon me. You want lots of kisses and endless I love yous from me before we go to sleep. Why am I saying this? What's wrong with you?"
"I'm... sorry Shoyo..."
"That's another thing, you stopped calling me baby since we stopped on that bench in the forest."
"Oh... s—sorry baby." Kei rubbed his nape.
'I call him baby?...'
Shoyo moved and straddled him. Kei tried not to make his surprise obvious.
'What's he doing? What now?'
"Daddy are you not feeling well? We can just cuddle tonight you know. I am not asking for more if you're tired."
'More?... like..? We do that?'
"Yes, let's do that... cuddles" Kei agreed. He needs to follow Shoyo's lead so he won't notice that there's something wrong. He has to figure this out on his own.
Shoyo moved his pillow onto Kei's mattress and started cuddling as soon as Kei lay down. He is chatting away while on Kei's chest, occasionally slipping small kisses on Kei's lips and face.
Kei on the other hand is trying his best to cater to Shoyo. Shoyo's kisses were warm. His eyes are full of adoration when looking at Kei. He also figured if Shoyo's used to sleeping on his chest, then that means he is used to holding him. So he put his hand on Shoyo's back, rubbing him from time to time.
'This is not bad. I am not grossed out by it. But I still don't know what this is... I can't name it...'
Twinkle on the other hand is getting frustrated by what's happening.
He must be fighting it. He should be irritated, he should not like the skinship! Hmmm, maybe I should strengthen my chant. I will make him forget everything about love!
Eventually, Kei and Shoyo fell asleep in a warm embrace. Twinkle did his little chant and this time he breathe it into Kei's ear directly.
"What the hell are you doing!?" An angry Sparkles shouted at Twinkle straight into his ear as well.
— tbc —