"Love isn't just about fitting into each other's worlds; it's about finding beauty in the spaces between. Hiiragi taught me to savor the quiet moments, while I showed him the thrill of chasing dreams. Together, we bridged the gap between tradition and modernity, creating a home in each other where Kyoto's calm meets New York's energy."
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The morning sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the Sakamoto household. Hiiragi was seated at the small kitchen table, quietly sipping his tea while his sister Minato prepared breakfast. The aroma of miso soup and grilled fish filled the air, bringing a sense of comfort to the cozy space.
As Hiiragi stared out the window, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of tiny footsteps padding down the hallway. He turned just in time to see his niece, Akane, burst into the kitchen, her bright eyes full of excitement.
"Oji-san!" Akane exclaimed, rushing over to Hiiragi with her stuffed white puppy clutched tightly in her arms. Her long hair was styled in two adorable buns, each decorated with a collection of colorful flowers and bows.
Hiiragi couldn't help but smile as he leaned down to greet her. "Good morning, Akane-chan. Did you sleep well?"
Akane nodded enthusiastically, her little face beaming with happiness. "Yes! And Puppy did too!" She held up her stuffed toy for Hiiragi to see, as if to prove her point.
Hiiragi chuckled softly, reaching out to gently ruffle her hair. "I'm glad to hear that. Are you ready for breakfast?"
Akane's eyes widened as she glanced over at Minato, who was setting plates on the table. "Yes! I'm hungry!"
Minato smiled warmly at her daughter, placing a plate of rice and fish in front of her. "Here you go, sweetie. Eat up so you have lots of energy today."
Akane clambered onto her chair, eagerly digging into her food. Hiiragi watched her with a fond expression, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the small moments like these. Despite the upheaval their family had gone through, Akane's innocence and joy were a constant source of light in their lives.
As they ate breakfast together, Minato glanced at Hiiragi, her expression thoughtful. "Are you meeting up with Victor again today?"
Hiiragi paused, looking up from his bowl of rice. "Not today. I think he mentioned having plans with a friend from America."
Minato nodded, her eyes softening as she observed her younger brother. "You seem to enjoy spending time with him. It's good to see you making friends here."
Hiiragi shrugged, not entirely sure how to respond. "He's… interesting. Different from what I'm used to."
Minato smiled knowingly. "Sometimes, different can be good."
Before Hiiragi could respond, Akane suddenly piped up, her voice full of excitement. "Oji-san, can I play with Puppy and you after breakfast?"
Hiiragi's heart melted at the sight of his niece's hopeful expression. He nodded, his voice gentle. "Of course, Akane-chan. We can play together after we eat."
Akane let out a little cheer, quickly finishing her breakfast so she could run off to the living room with her stuffed puppy. Hiiragi and Minato shared a quiet laugh, both of them content to let Akane's happiness fill the room.
Once breakfast was over, Hiiragi joined Akane in the living room, where she was already setting up a small tea party for her stuffed toys. She handed Hiiragi a tiny teacup, her eyes shining with delight as she took on the role of host.
"Here you go, Oji-san! Tea for you!" Akane announced, carefully pouring imaginary tea into Hiiragi's cup.
Hiiragi played along, taking a pretend sip from the cup. "Thank you, Akane-chan. It's delicious."
Akane giggled, clearly pleased with herself as she poured more tea for her other toys. As they continued their tea party, Hiiragi found himself relaxing, letting go of the worries that had been weighing on him.
It was in moments like these that Hiiragi was reminded of what truly mattered—family, love, and the simple joys of life. As he watched Akane chatter away to her stuffed puppy, he felt a sense of peace settle over him.
But even as he enjoyed the moment, a small part of Hiiragi's mind drifted back to Victor. The thought of the American lingered in the back of his mind, a quiet presence that he couldn't quite shake. He wasn't sure what it meant, but he knew one thing—Victor had become a part of his life in a way that was unexpected and, perhaps, a little unsettling.
As the day went on, Hiiragi pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the time spent with his family. After all, there was no rush—he had time to figure out what role Victor would play in his life. For now, he was content to simply enjoy the present.
Victor leaned back on the plush couch in his apartment, staring at the ceiling with a faint smile playing on his lips. His mind kept replaying the events of the day, particularly the time he spent with Hiiragi at the temple. He could still see Hiiragi's focused expression as he explained the significance of the shrine, the way his brown eyes sparkled when he spoke about his heritage.
Victor glanced at his phone, debating whether to text Ashton, his friend from the exchange program. Ashton had always been the first person he turned to when something was on his mind, and right now, Victor could use some advice. Without overthinking it, he grabbed his phone and tapped out a message.
It didn't take long for Ashton to reply.
Victor hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to phrase his thoughts. Finally, he typed,
There was a brief pause before Ashton responded.
Victor ran a hand through his blond hair, still uncertain of what he was feeling.
Victor sighed, feeling a mix of relief and frustration.
Victor nodded to himself, appreciating Ashton's level-headed advice.
Victor put his phone down and leaned back again, his thoughts swirling. He knew Ashton was right; there was no need to rush things. But he couldn't ignore the way his heart had sped up when Hiiragi had smiled at him today, or the strange flutter in his stomach when their hands had accidentally brushed against each other.
He got up and walked over to the window, looking out at the sprawling cityscape of Tokyo. The city was alive with energy, so different from the quiet, traditional spaces that Hiiragi seemed to inhabit. And yet, Victor couldn't help but feel drawn to that quietness, to the calm that Hiiragi exuded.
"
As the evening deepened, Victor found himself replaying the day's events once more. He thought about the way Hiiragi's voice had softened when he talked about his family, the way he'd looked so at peace while performing the rituals at the shrine.
Victor couldn't pinpoint when his feelings had started to shift from mere curiosity to something more, but he knew they had. There was a warmth that lingered in his chest, a sense of wanting to understand Hiiragi better, to be closer to him.
But, as Ashton had said, there was no need to rush. For now, Victor would let things unfold naturally, savoring the small moments of connection they shared. There would be time to explore whatever this strange attraction was. He just hoped that, in time, Hiiragi might feel the same pull that was slowly, but surely, drawing Victor closer to him.
The next morning, Victor awoke with a sense of anticipation. He'd tossed and turned through the night, his thoughts circling back to Hiiragi. It wasn't like him to get so wrapped up in someone so quickly, but there was something undeniably magnetic about Hiiragi that he couldn't shake off.
As he got ready for the day, Victor found himself picking out his clothes with more care than usual. He wanted to make a good impression, even if it was just for a casual day out. He opted for a simple yet stylish outfit: a light blue button-up shirt that complemented his green eyes and a pair of dark jeans. Running a hand through his blond hair, he made sure it was perfectly tousled before grabbing his phone to text Ashton.
*Hey, heading out to meet Hiiragi. Wish me luck.*
*Good luck, lover boy,* Ashton replied with a smirk emoji. *Keep me posted!*
Victor chuckled at Ashton's teasing before pocketing his phone and heading out the door. The air was cool as he made his way to the bus station where he and Hiiragi had agreed to meet. As he walked, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nervous excitement building inside him.
By the time he reached the bus station, Victor was practically buzzing with energy. He spotted Hiiragi waiting quietly near the entrance, his posture as calm and composed as ever. Hiiragi was dressed in a neat white shirt and dark pants, his brown hair falling softly over his forehead. He looked so serene, so effortlessly put-together, that Victor felt a twinge of self-consciousness.
Hiiragi looked up as Victor approached, his expression softening into a polite smile. "Good morning, Victor-san," he greeted in Japanese, his voice as gentle as always.
Victor returned the smile, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of Hiiragi's warm brown eyes. "Good morning, Hiiragi-san," he replied in Japanese, trying to ignore the way his pulse quickened. He was determined to focus on the day ahead, not on the confusing feelings that had been creeping up on him lately.
They exchanged a few pleasantries before boarding the bus together, finding seats near the back. As the bus rolled through the bustling streets of Tokyo, Victor couldn't help but steal glances at Hiiragi. He found himself captivated by the way Hiiragi's eyes took in everything around them, as if he were seeing the city through a lens that Victor couldn't quite understand.
Their first stop was a tranquil garden tucked away in the heart of the city. Hiiragi led the way, guiding Victor through the winding paths with quiet confidence. As they walked, he explained the significance of the various plants and structures in the garden, his voice soft and steady.
Victor listened intently, but his attention kept drifting back to Hiiragi himself. There was something about the way Hiiragi moved, the way he spoke, that made Victor's chest feel tight. He wasn't sure if it was admiration, curiosity, or something deeper that he couldn't quite name yet.
At one point, as they paused near a small pond filled with koi fish, Victor found himself standing a little too close to Hiiragi. He could feel the warmth radiating from Hiiragi's body, the subtle scent of his cologne mingling with the fresh air. The proximity sent a jolt of awareness through Victor, making him hyper-conscious of every small movement Hiiragi made.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Hiiragi said softly, his gaze fixed on the fish gliding gracefully through the water.
Victor swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. "Yeah… it is," he murmured, though his eyes were more focused on Hiiragi than on the pond.
Hiiragi turned to look at Victor, his expression serene and unreadable. "You seem… distracted, Victor-san," he observed, his tone gentle.
Victor blinked, realizing he'd been caught. He quickly tried to cover up his flustered state, forcing a grin. "Just taking it all in," he replied in English, before switching back to Japanese. "Everything is so… peaceful here."
Hiiragi nodded, his gaze lingering on Victor for a moment longer before he turned back to the pond. "This garden has always been a place of reflection," he explained quietly. "A place to find clarity."
Victor's heart skipped a beat at the word "clarity." He wished he could find some of that right now—clarity about what he was feeling, about why he couldn't seem to get Hiiragi out of his head. But every time he tried to put his feelings into words, they slipped away like the koi in the pond.
They continued their exploration of the garden in companionable silence, but the air between them felt charged with unspoken words, with feelings that Victor wasn't ready to admit to just yet. As the day went on, Victor found himself growing more and more aware of the strange attraction he felt towards Hiiragi. It was like a low hum in the back of his mind, impossible to ignore but equally impossible to fully understand.
By the time they left the garden and made their way to a nearby temple, Victor's thoughts were a tangled mess. He couldn't help but wonder if Hiiragi felt any of the same things he did, or if Victor was alone in his budding feelings.
As they walked up the temple steps, Victor found himself slowing down, letting Hiiragi take the lead. He watched the way Hiiragi moved with such grace and purpose, his every step measured and deliberate. There was something almost hypnotic about it, something that made Victor's heart ache with an emotion he wasn't ready to name.
They reached the top of the steps and entered the temple, the air filled with the scent of incense. Hiiragi guided Victor through the rituals, explaining the significance of each gesture and prayer. Victor did his best to follow along, but his mind kept wandering back to the same question: Why did being around Hiiragi make him feel this way?
As they finished the rituals and stepped out of the temple, Victor took a deep breath, trying to clear his head. He knew he needed to get a grip on his emotions before they spiraled out of control. But as he glanced at Hiiragi, who was gazing out at the city with a peaceful expression, Victor couldn't help but feel a sense of longing.
As they made their way back to the bus station, Victor found himself stealing glances at Hiiragi again, his heart racing with every look. He tried to focus on the conversation, on the sights and sounds around him, but it was no use. Hiiragi had gotten under his skin, and Victor wasn't sure how to get him out.
When they finally arrived at the bus station, Victor hesitated for a moment, not wanting the day to end. "Thanks for showing me around today, Hiiragi-san," he said, switching back to English in his nervousness. "I really enjoyed it."
Hiiragi nodded, his smile polite but distant. "It was my pleasure, Victor-san. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
There was a pause, a moment of silence that felt heavier than it should have. Victor wanted to say more, to find an excuse to keep talking, to keep being around Hiiragi. But the words wouldn't come.
"See you soon?" Victor asked hopefully, his voice a little too eager.
Hiiragi gave a small nod. "Of course. Until next time."
Victor watched as Hiiragi walked away, his figure growing smaller in the distance. A part of him wanted to call out, to ask him to stay just a little longer, but he knew better. He needed to take things slow, to give both of them time to figure out what this was—if it was anything at all.
As Victor turned to head back to his apartment, his thoughts were still tangled with the day's events, with the strange, unfamiliar feelings that Hiiragi had stirred within him. He knew it was just the beginning, that there was a long road ahead. But for the first time in a long time, Victor felt excited about the possibilities.
Whatever this was, he was ready to see where it would take him.
Victor returned to his apartment, the buzz of the day still thrumming through his veins. As he walked inside, he dropped his keys on the counter and slumped onto the couch, feeling the fatigue of the day catch up with him. Despite the tiredness, his mind was still racing, his thoughts filled with memories of Hiiragi.
He couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted within him today. Spending time with Hiiragi had been... different. There was something about the quiet confidence Hiiragi carried, the way he moved through the world with such grace, that left Victor feeling both captivated and unsettled.
Victor pulled out his phone, intending to distract himself with social media, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Hiiragi. Without really thinking about it, he opened Facebook and typed "Hiiragi Sakamoto" into the search bar. His heart pounded as he hit enter, a mix of curiosity and something deeper urging him on.
It didn't take long for Hiiragi's profile to pop up. The profile picture was simple—a serene shot of Hiiragi standing in front of a blooming cherry blossom tree, his expression calm and reflective. Victor's breath caught in his throat as he clicked on the photo to get a closer look.
There was something about seeing Hiiragi in this context that felt oddly intimate, as if Victor was catching a glimpse of a side of Hiiragi he hadn't fully seen before. The cherry blossoms framed Hiiragi perfectly, the soft pink petals contrasting with the dark tones of his hair and eyes. Victor found himself staring at the picture for longer than he intended, his mind wandering back to the peaceful moments they'd shared earlier in the day.
Before he knew it, Victor was scrolling through Hiiragi's photos, each one revealing a new layer of the person he'd spent the day with. There were pictures of Hiiragi with his family—a photo of him and a young woman, likely his sister Minato, laughing together at a summer festival. Another picture showed Hiiragi holding a small child, a little girl with her hair in two buns decorated with flowers. Victor assumed this was his niece, Akane.
Seeing Hiiragi in these candid moments made something inside Victor stir. There was a warmth in these photos, a sense of closeness and tradition that was a far cry from the fast-paced world Victor was used to. It made Hiiragi seem even more... real, more grounded, and Victor couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at the deep connections Hiiragi clearly had with his family.
As Victor continued scrolling, he found a photo that made him pause. It was a shot of Hiiragi in a traditional kimono, standing in what appeared to be a temple courtyard. The setting sun cast a golden light over the scene, highlighting the intricate details of the kimono and the serene expression on Hiiragi's face. Victor's heart skipped a beat as he stared at the photo, the image capturing something almost ethereal about Hiiragi.
"
Victor leaned back against the couch, letting out a long breath. This was dangerous territory, and he knew it. They were from two completely different worlds, with different languages, cultures, and expectations. And yet, despite all that, Victor couldn't shake the feeling that he wanted to explore whatever this was—this connection, this spark—further.
But for now, he would have to be patient. Hiiragi had shown no sign of feeling anything beyond friendship, and Victor didn't want to rush things. He would give it time, let things unfold naturally, and see where it led.
Still, as Victor put his phone down and closed his eyes, the image of Hiiragi standing in that temple courtyard lingered in his mind, filling him with a sense of quiet anticipation for what might come next.
### Hiiragi's POV
The days following Hiiragi's time with Victor continued in their usual rhythm, marked by the steady pulse of routine and the comforting familiarity of daily life. Each day, Hiiragi juggled his responsibilities—attending university classes, helping his mother around the house, and dedicating time to his young niece, Akane.
One bright and warm afternoon, Hiiragi found himself at home with Akane while his sister Minato was out handling errands. The little girl, with her long hair styled into two playful buns decorated with flowers and bows, clung to her favorite stuffed white puppy. The stuffed toy, though worn and faded, was a cherished companion, and Akane's affection for it was evident in how tightly she held it.
"Oji-san, let's play!" Akane declared, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she tugged at Hiiragi's sleeve.
Hiiragi looked up from his textbook, a smile spreading across his face. "Alright, Akane-chan. What game do you want to play today?"
"Hide and seek!" she said, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "You count first!"
He laughed softly, standing up and brushing off his pants. "Okay, but remember to find a good hiding spot."
With a delighted squeal, Akane dashed off, her tiny feet barely making a sound as she found her hiding place. Hiiragi began counting aloud, his voice steady and measured. He could hear the faint sounds of Akane's giggles and the scurrying of her footsteps as she tried to find the perfect spot.
When he reached "twenty," Hiiragi turned around and started his search. The apartment was filled with the sound of his footsteps as he moved through each room. After a few minutes of searching, he finally spotted Akane hiding behind the curtains in the living room, her tiny feet sticking out and her giggles barely contained.
"Got you, Akane-chan!" Hiiragi said, his voice filled with amusement as he pulled the curtain aside.
Akane's eyes widened in playful shock, and she burst into laughter, running into Hiiragi's arms. "You found me! Oji-san, you're so good at this game!"
They continued their game of hide and seek, their laughter ringing through the apartment. Hiiragi cherished these moments with Akane. The joy she brought into his life was a comforting escape from his own preoccupations and a reminder of the simple pleasures that life could offer.
Later, as they sat on the floor with a puzzle spread out between them, Hiiragi glanced at the clock. Minato would be home soon, and he knew it was time to start wrapping up their playtime. "How about we finish this puzzle before your mom gets back?" he suggested.
Akane's eyes lit up with determination. "Yes! Let's make it beautiful!"
They worked together in companionable silence, the puzzle pieces slowly coming together. Hiiragi couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as they neared the completion of the puzzle. The focus and concentration required were a pleasant distraction from his thoughts about Victor and their recent time together.
As Minato returned home, she greeted them with a warm, tired smile. "How was your day with Akane?"
"It was busy but fun," Hiiragi replied, lifting Akane into his arms as she clung to him. "We played hide and seek and finished a puzzle."
Minato's smile widened, and she looked at Hiiragi with genuine appreciation. "You're such a good uncle, Hiiragi. Thank you for spending time with her."
"It's my pleasure," Hiiragi said sincerely. "Akane-chan is always a joy to be with."
As the evening settled in, Hiiragi and Minato prepared dinner together, catching up on their day. The conversation eventually turned to Hiiragi's new friendship with Victor.
"How's the exchange program going?" Minato asked, glancing at Hiiragi with interest.
"It's going well," Hiiragi replied, his tone neutral. "Victor-san and I have been exploring Tokyo together. He's very interested in learning about Japanese culture."
"That's good to hear," Minato said. "It's always nice to meet people who appreciate our culture. Do you think he's fitting in well?"
Hiiragi shrugged slightly, his thoughts wandering. "I suppose. He seems to be adjusting, but I think he's still getting used to everything."
Minato nodded thoughtfully. "It must be interesting to share your experiences with someone from a different background."
"Yeah," Hiiragi agreed, though he struggled to articulate the complexity of his feelings. "It's been… different."
After dinner, Hiiragi retreated to his room with a book, seeking a moment of quiet reflection. As he flipped through the pages, his thoughts inevitably drifted back to Victor and their time together. Despite the enjoyment he had experienced, Hiiragi remained focused on his own responsibilities and the daily routines that provided him with a sense of stability.
The evening passed quietly, with Hiiragi finding solace in the familiar patterns of his life. He looked forward to the next time he would see Victor, but for now, he was content to immerse himself in the simple joys and routines that surrounded him. His interactions with Akane and the comforting rhythms of daily life served as a grounding force, keeping him connected to what truly mattered.