"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."—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiiragi stood at the airport's arrival gate, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nerves. It had been a month since Victor had left for America, and the days had felt longer than usual without him around. Even though they had stayed in touch through messages and video calls, it wasn't the same as having Victor by his side.He glanced at the clock on his phone, noting that Victor's flight had landed just a few minutes ago. The anticipation of seeing him again was almost overwhelming, and Hiiragi found himself fidgeting with the strap of his bag, trying to keep his emotions in check. The bustling sounds of the airport around him faded into the background as his thoughts focused solely on Victor.Finally, passengers began to emerge from the gate, and Hiiragi's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for the familiar face that had occupied his thoughts for so long. Each passing second felt like an eternity until, at last, he spotted Victor.Victor walked through the gate, his suitcase rolling behind him and a bright smile on his face. His eyes lit up the moment he saw Hiiragi, and he quickened his pace, weaving through the crowd to reach him."Hiiragi-san!" Victor called out, his voice filled with warmth and excitement.Hiiragi's heart leaped at the sound of his name, and before he knew it, he was walking toward Victor, unable to hide the smile that spread across his face. When they finally reached each other, Hiiragi hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to express the emotions swirling within him.Victor, however, didn't hesitate. He closed the gap between them and pulled Hiiragi into a tight embrace, wrapping his arms around him as if he never wanted to let go. Hiiragi felt a rush of warmth and relief as he returned the embrace, feeling the familiar strength and comfort of Victor's presence."I missed you," Victor murmured, his voice soft and filled with sincerity.Hiiragi's cheeks flushed, and he rested his forehead against Victor's shoulder, his heart beating rapidly in his chest. "I missed you too, Victor-san."They stood there for a moment, simply holding each other, letting the world around them fade away. The month apart had only made Hiiragi realize how much Victor meant to him, how much he had come to depend on his presence.When they finally pulled apart, Victor's eyes sparkled with happiness. "You look even better than I remembered," he said with a grin, making Hiiragi's heart flutter.Hiiragi smiled shyly, his face growing warmer. "You look... refreshed," he replied, taking in Victor's appearance. There was a slight tan to his skin, and his eyes seemed brighter, as if his time in America had done him some good."Thanks," Victor said, his grin widening. "It's good to be back, though. I couldn't stop thinking about seeing you again."Hiiragi's heart swelled at the admission, and he found himself at a loss for words. Instead, he simply nodded, hoping his smile conveyed everything he was feeling.As they made their way out of the airport, Victor filled the silence with stories about his trip, sharing little anecdotes and experiences from his time away. Hiiragi listened intently, enjoying the sound of Victor's voice and the way his eyes lit up as he talked.Once they reached the car, Victor placed his suitcase in the trunk and then turned to Hiiragi. "Thanks for picking me up," he said, his tone softening. "I really appreciate it."Hiiragi shook his head. "It's no trouble at all. I wanted to be the first person to see you when you got back."Victor's expression softened, and he took a step closer, his hand reaching out to gently brush against Hiiragi's. "I'm glad you were. It means a lot to me."Hiiragi felt a familiar warmth spread through him at the touch, and he looked up at Victor, his heart full of unspoken feelings. "I'm just... really happy you're back, Victor-san."Victor's smile was tender, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only two people in the world. "Me too, Hiiragi-san. Me too."The drive back was filled with comfortable conversation, the miles passing quickly as they caught up on everything they hadn't been able to share while Victor was away. Hiiragi felt a sense of contentment settle over him, knowing that Victor was back where he belonged.When they finally reached Victor's apartment, Hiiragi helped him carry his things inside. The familiarity of the space, combined with Victor's presence, made Hiiragi feel at ease, as if everything was right again.As they stood in the entryway, Victor turned to Hiiragi, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Hiiragi-san... would you like to stay for a while? Maybe have some tea and catch up a bit more?"Hiiragi's heart skipped a beat at the invitation, and he nodded eagerly. "I'd love to."Victor's smile was radiant as he led Hiiragi into the living room, and soon they were seated together, sipping tea and continuing their conversation. The afternoon light filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room, and Hiiragi felt an overwhelming sense of peace.As they talked, Hiiragi couldn't help but think about how much Victor had come to mean to him. The time apart had only made his feelings stronger, and now, with Victor sitting across from him, those emotions were more vivid than ever.When the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Hiiragi realized how late it had become. He reluctantly stood to leave, not wanting the day to end but knowing they would have plenty of time to see each other in the days to come.Victor walked him to the door, and as they stood there, Hiiragi felt a rush of emotions. He wanted to say something, to express how much he had missed Victor, but the words caught in his throat.Sensing his hesitation, Victor reached out and gently took Hiiragi's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Thank you again for today, Hiiragi-san. It means a lot to me that you were there."Hiiragi's heart swelled at the touch, and he looked up into Victor's eyes, his voice soft. "I'll always be here for you, Victor-san."Victor's eyes softened, and for a moment, Hiiragi thought he saw something deeper in them, something that mirrored his own feelings. But before he could dwell on it, Victor pulled him into a warm embrace, holding him close."Take care, Hiiragi-san," Victor whispered, his breath warm against Hiiragi's ear."You too, Victor-san," Hiiragi replied, his voice barely above a whisper.When they finally pulled apart, Hiiragi stepped outside, his heart full of emotions. As he walked away, he couldn't help but glance back at Victor, who stood at the doorway, watching him with a tender smile.The day had been everything Hiiragi had hoped for and more, and as he made his way home, he felt a renewed sense of hope for the future. Victor was back, and with him, a new chapter in their story had begun.The following days were a blur of shared moments and renewed connections between Victor and Hiiragi. With Victor back in Tokyo, their friendship seemed to pick up right where it had left off, yet there was an undeniable depth and warmth that hadn't been there before. The time apart had brought them closer, and both could feel the subtle shifts in their relationship.On a sunny afternoon, a few days after Victor's return, they decided to visit a local festival that was taking place in one of Tokyo's historic districts. The streets were alive with vibrant colors, traditional music, and the enticing aroma of street food wafting through the air. Lanterns hung overhead, swaying gently in the breeze, casting a warm glow as the sun began to set.Hiiragi arrived first, dressed in a simple yet elegant yukata that accentuated his graceful demeanor. He stood near the entrance, observing the lively atmosphere and feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over him. Festivals like these had always been a cherished part of his childhood, and he was eager to share the experience with Victor.A familiar voice called out, pulling him from his thoughts. "Hiiragi-san!"He turned to see Victor approaching, a delighted smile spreading across his face. To Hiiragi's surprise and delight, Victor was also wearing a yukata, albeit with a more modern twist. The dark fabric complemented his features, and he carried himself with an easy confidence that made him stand out even amidst the bustling crowd."Victor-san," Hiiragi greeted, his eyes reflecting his surprise. "You look great. I didn't expect you to wear a yukata."Victor chuckled, running a hand through his hair sheepishly. "Thanks! I thought I'd embrace the full festival experience. Plus, I had some help picking it out."Hiiragi's smile widened, a soft blush coloring his cheeks. "Well, it suits you perfectly."They exchanged a brief, meaningful glance before Victor gestured towards the lively street ahead. "Shall we explore?""Yes, let's," Hiiragi replied, feeling a flutter of excitement as they ventured into the heart of the festival.They strolled through the crowded streets side by side, stopping occasionally to admire traditional crafts, watch performances, and sample various delicacies from the food stalls. The air was filled with laughter and joyous chatter, creating an atmosphere that was both exhilarating and comforting.At one point, they came across a game stall where people were trying their luck at catching goldfish with delicate paper scoops. Victor's eyes lit up with curiosity, and he nudged Hiiragi playfully."Think we should give it a try?" he asked, his grin infectious.Hiiragi chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling. "It's harder than it looks, but we can certainly try."They each took a turn, with Victor going first. He crouched down, concentrating hard as he carefully dipped the scoop into the water, attempting to catch one of the swift little fish. The paper broke almost immediately, eliciting a laugh from both of them."Well, that was quick," Victor remarked, amusement evident in his voice.Hiiragi took his turn next, his movements gentle and precise. He managed to catch a small, shimmering goldfish, lifting it carefully into the waiting bowl. Victor's eyes widened in admiration."Wow, you're a natural!" he exclaimed, genuinely impressed.Hiiragi smiled modestly, a hint of pride in his expression. "I used to play this game a lot when I was younger."The stall owner offered to bag the fish for them, and Victor insisted that Hiiragi keep it as a memento of their day. They continued their exploration, the little goldfish swinging gently in its water-filled bag as Hiiragi carried it carefully.As night fell, the festival took on an even more enchanting quality. The lanterns glowed brighter, casting a magical light over the festivities. They found a quieter spot near a small shrine, where the sounds of the festival were softer, allowing for a more intimate conversation.They sat down on a bench beneath a blooming cherry blossom tree, the petals fluttering down around them like delicate snowflakes. Victor leaned back, gazing up at the blossoms with a contented sigh."This is incredible," he said softly. "I don't think I've ever experienced anything quite like this."Hiiragi looked over at him, his gaze gentle. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. Festivals like these are very special to me. I'm happy I can share it with you."Victor turned his head to meet Hiiragi's eyes, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Thank you for bringing me here. Being with you makes it even more special."A comfortable silence settled between them, filled with unspoken emotions and mutual understanding. The moment felt timeless, as if the rest of the world had faded away, leaving just the two of them beneath the canopy of blossoms.After a while, Victor spoke again, his voice quieter and more contemplative. "You know, when I was back home, I kept thinking about moments like this. About how much I missed being here, with you."Hiiragi's heart fluttered at the confession, his cheeks warming slightly. He looked down at the goldfish in his hands, the water reflecting the soft glow of the lanterns."I missed you too," he admitted softly. "Tokyo didn't feel the same without you here."Victor's eyes softened, and he shifted a little closer, their shoulders almost touching. "I'm sorry I had to leave so suddenly. There was so much I wanted to tell you before I left, but there wasn't time."Hiiragi looked up, meeting Victor's gaze. "You don't have to apologize. I understand. Family comes first."Victor nodded, gratitude evident in his expression. "Meira's doing much better now, by the way. She's recovering well.""That's wonderful news," Hiiragi replied, his smile genuine. "I'm glad she's okay."They fell into another comfortable silence, the sounds of distant laughter and music creating a soothing backdrop. Victor seemed to be gathering his thoughts, his eyes focused intently on Hiiragi."Hiiragi-san," he began hesitantly, his voice tinged with a hint of nervousness. "There's something I've been wanting to tell you."Hiiragi's heart began to race, anticipation and curiosity swirling within him. "What is it, Victor-san?""Do you want to grab some ramen?" Victor asked.Hiiragi's heart dropped- the tension in the air dissolving in an instant. He blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected question. The shift in tone left him feeling a bit disoriented, like he had been on the edge of something important only to be pulled back suddenly.Victor, noticing Hiiragi's surprise, chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I know that sounded a bit sudden. I just... well, I've been craving some good ramen ever since I got back, and I thought it might be nice to grab a bite together."Hiiragi's initial shock gave way to a light laugh, and he nodded, his earlier nervousness fading into warmth. "Ramen sounds perfect."Victor's eyes lit up with relief, and he stood up from the bench, offering his hand to Hiiragi. "There's a place nearby that I remember being pretty good. Shall we?"Hiiragi took Victor's hand, feeling the familiar comfort of his touch, and stood up. "Lead the way."As they walked through the festival and toward the ramen shop, Hiiragi couldn't help but replay the moment in his mind. He had felt as if Victor was on the verge of saying something significant, something that might have changed the nature of their relationship. But perhaps it wasn't the right time—maybe they both needed a little more time to find the courage to face whatever it was that lingered between them.The streets were quieter as they left the heart of the festival behind, the distant sounds of music and laughter growing softer. The ramen shop was tucked away on a small side street, its warm glow and the savory aroma of broth welcoming them as they approached.Once inside, they settled into a cozy corner booth, the atmosphere intimate and relaxed. The shop was filled with the soothing hum of conversation, the clattering of dishes, and the occasional sizzle from the kitchen. It was a comforting place, one that felt worlds away from the bustling festival.As they waited for their ramen to arrive, Victor leaned back in his seat, his eyes fixed on Hiiragi. "I'm really glad we're doing this," he said, his voice sincere. "It feels good to just... be with you, without any rush or distractions."Hiiragi smiled softly, feeling the sincerity in Victor's words. "I feel the same way. It's nice to just enjoy each other's company."Their ramen soon arrived, steaming bowls filled with rich, savory broth, tender noodles, and various toppings. The first taste was pure comfort, the warmth of the soup spreading through them like a reassuring embrace.As they ate, the conversation flowed naturally, touching on light-hearted topics and shared memories. There was an ease between them that Hiiragi cherished, a sense of belonging that had grown stronger since Victor's return.The conversation drifted from one topic to another, the ramen providing a comforting backdrop to their reunion. Hiiragi found himself relaxing more with each passing minute, the initial tension from earlier fading into the warmth of their easy rapport. As they finished their meal, Victor leaned back in his seat, a satisfied smile on his face."That was exactly what I needed," Victor said, his tone content. "Thanks for indulging my craving."Hiiragi chuckled, setting down his chopsticks. "Anytime. I enjoyed it too."They lingered at the table, neither in a hurry to leave the cozy ambiance of the ramen shop. The night outside had grown darker, but the soft glow of the shop's lanterns created a bubble of warmth that made it easy to forget the time.Victor glanced at Hiiragi, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know, it's nice to just sit here and enjoy a meal together without any rush or distractions."Hiiragi nodded, a soft smile on his lips. "I agree. It's been great to catch up and spend some quality time."Their ramen bowls were soon cleared, and as they prepared to leave, Victor seemed to relax even further. "So, what do you think of continuing our evening with a walk through the festival? I heard there are some really cool fireworks planned for later."Hiiragi's eyes lit up with interest. "That sounds wonderful. I'd love to see the fireworks."Victor's face brightened with excitement, and he stood up, ready to go. "Great! Let's head back then."They walked through the quieter streets, the sounds of the festival and the distant chatter slowly returning as they neared the heart of the celebration. The lanterns continued to cast their warm glow, and the atmosphere was filled with a sense of festive cheer.As they approached the festival grounds, the anticipation of the upcoming fireworks added an extra spark to their conversation. They explored a few more stalls, enjoying the lively scene and savoring the last moments of the festival.When the fireworks began, they found a good vantage point, sitting together on a grassy hill overlooking the display. The sky lit up with brilliant colors, each explosion of light drawing gasps of awe from the crowd.Hiiragi turned to Victor, his face illuminated by the vibrant display. "This is amazing. I'm really glad we came."Victor smiled, his eyes reflecting the fireworks. "Me too. It's the perfect way to end the day."They sat there in comfortable silence, enjoying the beauty of the fireworks and the peaceful companionship. The evening felt perfect, a gentle reminder of the special connection they shared.As the final fireworks faded from the sky, they began to make their way back to Hiiragi's apartment. The night had been everything Hiiragi had hoped for, filled with laughter, shared moments, and a deeper sense of connection.When they reached the entrance to Hiiragi's building, they paused, reluctant to end the evening. Victor looked at Hiiragi with a warm smile. "Thanks for spending today with me. It was really special."Hiiragi returned the smile, his heart full of contentment. "I had a wonderful time too. Thank you, Victor-san."Victor nodded, and with a final, tender smile, he turned and walked away, leaving Hiiragi standing at the entrance, feeling a renewed sense of hope and happiness.As he made his way inside and up to his apartment, Hiiragi reflected on the evening. The night had been everything he had hoped for, and as he closed the door behind him, he felt grateful for the deepening connection between him and Victor.Victor closed the door to his room with a soft click, the quiet enveloping him as he sank onto his bed. The day had been a whirlwind of emotions, from the excitement of reuniting with Hiiragi to the peaceful contentment of sharing a meal and experiencing the festival together. Now, in the solitude of his room, he found himself alone with his thoughts.He lay back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling as the day's events replayed in his mind. The image of Hiiragi's smile, the way his eyes lit up with excitement, and the soft warmth of his hand still lingered in his senses. Victor sighed, a mixture of contentment and longing flooding through him.He reached for his phone, opening the gallery to look at the photos he'd taken during the festival. There were several of Hiiragi, each one capturing a different moment—his laughter as he tried to catch goldfish, the way he looked under the lanterns, and the serene expression he wore while watching the fireworks. Every image only deepened Victor's feelings.As he scrolled through the pictures, he felt a pang of affection. Hiiragi was more than just a friend to him; he was someone who made Victor's heart race, someone whose presence had a profound impact on his life. The way Hiiragi made him feel, the sense of belonging and joy—Victor knew he hadn't felt this way about anyone before.Victor sat up, running a hand through his hair as he tried to make sense of his emotions. He had tried to keep his feelings in check, to avoid complicating their friendship, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. The more time he spent with Hiiragi, the more he realized how deeply he cared for him.He looked around his room, his gaze landing on the small desk where he had a framed photo of his family. He picked it up, his thoughts drifting back to the conversation he'd had with Hiiragi about his family. The kindness and understanding Hiiragi had shown him, especially during his time away, had only made his feelings grow stronger.Victor placed the photo back on the desk and lay down again, his thoughts returning to Hiiragi. He remembered the way Hiiragi's face had lit up during their time together, the warmth of his smile, and the tenderness in his voice. It was moments like those that made Victor realize just how special Hiiragi was to him.He let out a soft laugh, a mix of happiness and frustration. "Why is it so complicated?" he murmured to himself. "I've never felt this way before. It's like my heart has its own mind."Victor rolled onto his side, staring out the window at the city lights twinkling in the distance. He thought about how natural it felt to be with Hiiragi, how their conversations flowed effortlessly, and how every moment spent with him seemed to be filled with a special kind of magic.He reached for his phone again, scrolling through the photos one more time. The image of Hiiragi, his eyes sparkling with happiness, made Victor's heart skip a beat. He couldn't deny the depth of his feelings anymore. The way Hiiragi made him feel was something he couldn't ignore, something he couldn't keep to himself much longer.Victor's gaze softened as he thought about the future. He knew he had to be honest with himself about his feelings, and eventually, with Hiiragi. The idea of taking a step beyond friendship both excited and terrified him, but he couldn't deny the pull he felt.With a final sigh, Victor set his phone aside and closed his eyes, imagining the next time he would see Hiiragi. He was grateful for the moments they shared and hopeful for what the future might bring. For now, he let himself drift off to sleep, his heart full of affection and anticipation for what lay ahead.