Chapter Text
In Haru's Graphic Design classroom, there's a huge window panel that gave the students a perfect view of the campus around them. Haru found himself distracted, looking out the window and studying the vibrant green of the trees. They remind him of Makoto's eyes, and all he can think about is lunch, where he will finally be able to see his boyfriend again. Haru sighed heavily as he continued working on his project. It's the painting of the cherry blossom orchard he did nearly a month ago but edited so that the style was more computer-generated. He already hated Graphic Design but this particular project was making him homesick.
Haru turned back to the window and looked outside. In the distance, a tree with pink blossoms just like a cherry blossom was blooming. If one were to squint hard enough they could see the photographers taking pictures of the beautiful tree. It reminded Haru of Japan, just like this project did.
Ever since Makoto took him to that Japanese resort, all that Haru could think of was the hard decision he had to make. It's ridiculous, he knew that he shouldn't be debating over it. Makoto will support in whatever decision Haru makes, as long as Haru's happy.
Happiness . It's something that sounded foreign inside of Haru's head. After he left Aki in France, a void where happiness belonged had ripped opened. It wasn't until he met Makoto, did he began to experience happiness again. It was almost like a miracle. And over the months, he's come to realize he's fallen in love with Makoto. There's something about that brunette that makes Haru's heart goes wild. Perhaps it's that smile or the optimistic personality he's somehow managed to maintain after so many years. Maybe it's his charisma and how he makes everybody turn heads when he enters the room. Haru shook his head, it doesn't matter, Makoto is Makoto, and everything about him is beautiful.
Which is why he's struggling. He doesn't know what to do. He wants to go back, but he can't just leave Makoto. It wouldn't be fair.
Haru groaned as he rested his face in his hands. He frustratingly huffed as he lifted his face from his hands and exhaled. He doesn't want to repeat what he did to Aki, to anybody, especially Makoto. Why was this so difficult? There had to be a solution to this.
Haru's professor walked behind Haru and noticed his absent-mindedness. "What are you doing Mr. Nanase?"
"Nothing," Haru sighed as he turned back to work.
"Please focus on your task Haruka," the professor reprimanded, "This assignment is due next week."
Haru sighed exasperatedly as he continued working on his project. The professor walked away to bother somebody else. What a bore .
----
As soon as he exited his lecture hall, hands covered his eyes, "Guess who?"
Haru smiled as he turned around, sapphire eyes meeting jade. Makoto wrapped an arm around Haru's waist and pulled him closer. Haru didn't protest at all, instead, he allowed his lover to swoop in for a kiss. He met Makoto's lips just as eagerly.
To hold him, feel his lips against his own, was all Haru wanted in that moment. He reveled in the feel of the brunette's soft lips and the touch of his tan skin underneath Haru's fingertips. Haru's hands tugged at Makoto's brown strands before roughly pulling apart.
"Lunch?" Haru asked.
"Lunch," Makoto replied, taking Haru's hand in his before whisking him away.
They settle for having lunch at the Five Guys on campus. Haru wasn't really hungry so he just bought himself a strawberry milkshake, helped himself to the peanuts and helped Makoto finish the fries.
Lunch was normal. The two talked about their day so far. Haru complained about his project which only earned a chuckle from Makoto. Makoto talked about his current analysis paper. After eating, they had some time so they decide to walk around campus until they had to go to class.
It was finally warm enough that Haru didn't feel like his cheeks stung whenever he was outside. The trees were in full bloom, the little buds of green at the ends of their stem were now fully grown leaves. Flowers were budding, their vibrant colors peaking out.
They reached a clearing with a miniature pond. Geese splashed around in the water happily. There's an empty bench across from it that the two boys decided was good enough to take a short break on. As they sat down, Haru rested his head on Makoto's lap.
"Tired?" Makoto chuckled as he ran a hand through his black hair.
"Not really," Haru mumbled as he closed his eyes.
Makoto didn't answer. Instead he played with Haru's hair, letting Haru nap. The sounds of the geese playing around at the pond was the only noise Haru could hear. The silence coming from Makoto was aggravating. Where was the insistence from that night? Why wasn't he saying another thing about it? Sometimes Haru's grateful for the space Makoto gives, but other times it's really frustrating, especially when Makoto was the one who always initiated the discussion. Haru hated starting discussions. He always struggled with the right things to say, and starting conversations especially one as serious as this was difficult. In frustration Haru sat up and turned his head away from Makoto. He sighed heavily, letting all his annoyance out.
"I know what you're thinking about," Makoto admitted. His voice sounded drained.
"Then why are you avoiding it?" Haru snarled as he rested his head in his hands.
"I'm not," Makoto replied, resting a hand on Haru's shoulder "I just don't think this is a good time."
"It's never a good time," Haru replied, "I'm a fucking mess, remember?" When Makoto didn't reply, Haru huffed as he turned to Makoto, "Well?"
Makoto chewed the inside of his cheek, debating on what he should say. Makoto's just as much as an open book to Haru as he is to the brunette. He can see everything that popped into Makoto's head. Finally, Makoto sighed, his green eyes dulling a bit as he admitted, "I just want you to be happy."
Haru looked away, "I know."
Makoto took Haru's free hand, "That's why I'm trying to help."
Haru turned to Makoto, blue eyes sparkling before quickly turning away. His cheeks were burning, "I know that."
" So let me ," Makoto pleaded.
Haru sighed exasperatedly, standing up. This was going nowhere , "We should get going."
"Haru--
"Class is starting soon."
Makoto resigned as he stood up, "Right. It's not the right time."
Their classes were on opposite ends of campus so Makoto began heading towards his. Haru watched his retreating figure. He could see the hint of the silver strand he discovered in Makoto's hair glittering in the sunlight.
That's the other thing. If they're soulmates, then they should spend as much time as possible together. If it's true, then it's simple. Haru should stay. But it's not, because they don't know, they've been alive for so long that they can't even tell. Haru himself had believed for decades now that his soulmate died before they even had the chance to meet.
Sensing Haru staring at him, Makoto turned around, "Haru?" He lifted his eyebrows in concern.
"It's nothing," Haru replied solemnly, "Don't be late for class Makoto."
Makoto showed a strained smile before heading to class. He's always been a good student, showing up to class on time and doing his homework long before it's due. All what Haru could think about while watching the back of his head was how everything was falling apart in his head. It should be easy to turn to Makoto and tell him, everything, hell, he already knew he just needed to voice them. So why can't he voice them? Why was he so afraid? He was able to tell Makoto about his other problems before, so why can't he just voice this one thing? It takes him a moment to realize that, no , he never really voiced anything, he was forced to because he didn't in the first place and god this is why they have had so many problems in the past. From Makoto's Soulless trouble to the events in Paris their lack of communication always created trouble for the two of them. Haru needed to fix it before it was too late. "Makoto!"
The brunette turned around, surprised that Haru had something else to say,"Yes, Haru?"
Haru nervously uttered, "I have something to say."
A wave of relief washed over Makoto's face as he sighed, a genuine smile forming on his face, "I'm listening."
Haru took a deep breath, rehearsing in his head the words he wanted to say. "I'm afraid of losing you." Makoto's eyes widened at Haru's words. "I know, it's ridiculous, but, if I leave it's going to be months before we see each other again." Skype and texting will not be enough to fill the void Haru will feel without Makoto. Makoto's his life now. There are other risks too. What if Makoto found somebody else while he's away? What if something happened and their communication got abruptly cut off? He really wanted to go but he won't if it means leaving his entire life behind. "So if I went to Japan, what will happen to us?"
Makoto smiled, "Don't worry, I have the same fears as you. Who knows what can happen in the time we're apart? And when I do come and visit, it'll feel more like we're strangers than lovers. But, this is an excellent opportunity for you. Take it. You might not get another chance."
"I know that," Haru replied, "But I don't want to make a choice I'm gonna regret." He thought about his past and his loved ones who he abandoned for his own selfish reasons. He had done it enough times, and this time, he couldn't abandon Makoto. The brunette does not deserve that sort of treatment. Haru's grateful for Makoto, he thought about that all the time, and wondered constantly what he's done to have such a wonderful man love him back. He took his lover's hand and intertwined their fingers. They feel nice and warm in his hand. He doesn't want to miss this. He wanted this hand in his for as long as he lived. He might've finally found the one and he doesn't want to waste another second without him. He felt a tear coming down his cheek, "You have no idea how hard this is for me."
"With every choice we make, there is a price," Makoto admitted as he pushed back a strand of Haru's black hair behind his ear, "so make the choice you'll regret the least." He wiped away Haru's teary eyes, green eyes lovingly looking into them, "It's hard, I know," he sounded vulnerable, like he could break any moment, "I'm here for you, Haru. Whatever decision you make, I will support it wholeheartedly."
Haru sniffled as he chuckled, "What did I do to deserve you?"
"Exist," Makoto answered as he pulled Haru into a hug.
Haru buried himself into Makoto's chest as he reciprocated. Finally , they were getting somewhere.
"Are you really okay with me leaving?" Haru asked.
"If it's what you want," Makoto said.
Haru shook his head, "I want to stay in your arms forever."
"I want that too," his lover admitted.
Suddenly, an idea popped into Haru's head. He pulled away from Makoto's embrace and looked into his eyes, "What if we can stay together?"
"What do you mean?"
"Come with me to Japan," Haru suggested.
Makoto's eyes widened for a second and Haru held his breath as his boyfriend processed the information. He knew Makoto said that he supported him, but it was before Haru had actually made up his mind. There was no stopping Makoto from objection, and he would listen to whatever Makoto wanted to say.
Suddenly the brunette smiled, a sad one but nonetheless a genuine one that had stolen Haru's heart from the day their eyes met for the first time. He cupped Haru's face before diving in for a kiss, one eagerly reciprocated by Haru.
"I thought you'd never ask."
-
Rin received a call from Makoto during his morning jog. It was odd for the brunette to call in the morning, so the red-head answered immediately.
"Yo."
"Hello Rin," Makoto greeted, "I just wanted to tell you um..."
"Tell me what?"
"Well, we'll be seeing each other a lot more often."
"Really?"
"Yeah, Haru and I are moving to Japan."
The red-head stopped his tracks for a moment and opened his mouth. Did he hear that correctly?
"Rin?" Makoto asked.
"I'm here, sorry what was that again?"
"Haru and I are transferring next year and we'll be studying in Japan. Isn't that great?"
Rin smiled, "Yes of course." He wiped away a tear, "Sousuke and I will be happy to see you guys again..."
"And a lot more often."
"Yeah." Rin laughed, "That too."
"Our house is in Tokyo. Who knows? It might be in the same neighborhood as you guys."
Rin scrunched his nose, "No thanks. You'll annoy the whole neighborhood with the loud sex you have."
Makoto wasn't there but he knew his best friend was blushing excessively.
"Uh, we don't uh, I mean Haru says that we aren't as loud as--you know what? Never mind."
Rin chuckled, "I'm just kidding. It would be nice to be that close to you guys."
"Yeah." Makoto chuckled, "Listen, I have to study for finals so I'll call you later okay?"
"Of course," Rin said.
As the call ended Rin smiled to himself. He was glad they were moving together.
He dialed his phone as he began jogging. "Hey babe, guess what I just found out?"
-
"Nagisa!" Rei chastised his lover, "You need to stop slacking if you want to meet the deadline!"
The blonde chuckled, "Right, sorry... it's just that I kind of lost inspiration. I'll need to talk with Haru-chan again to gain some-- BOO-YEAH!" Nagisa jumped up in his seat and nearly spilled his coffee.
"Be more careful!" Rei scolded as he pushed his papers away from Nagisa's space, "You almost spilled all over my report!"
"Right, sorry...But look! Haru-chan sent us an email!"
"Really?"
"Uh huh! Look!"
Rei peered over Nagisa's shoulder and sure enough, there was a message from Haru on the screen.
Nagisa, Rei,
I just want to let you guys know that my presents to you guys will come a lot less frequently. Makoto and I are moving to Japan for the rest of our studies there. It's going to be hectic for the next few months, settling in and getting used to life but I want the two of you to know that if you ever need anything: I'm here. I've done a lot of running my entire life, but I think it's time I stop and settle down, for real this time. You have my number. I wish the two of you the best of luck.
---Haruka
"Well," Rei said as he pushed up his glasses, "We all expected that."
"I know right?" The blonde laughed.
-
The light of Haru's laptop was so bright, Makoto couldn't bring himself to sleep. Instead, he settled for watching his boyfriend work. He watched Haru's eyes scan the screen and how he bit his lip when he was concentrating. Haru looked adorable, like always.
"I'm sorry, am I keeping you awake?"Haru asked after a while.
"It's fine," Makoto said propping himself up, "I like watching you."
Haru smiled before turning back to his work. Makoto rested his head on Haru's shoulder and saw that he was coloring an old work of his.
"Haru what class is this for?"
"It's for Drawing. We're supposed to do it on this program."
Makoto chuckled, "I thought you didn't like graphic design."
"I don't. But professionals mostly use tablets and the like for their work these days."
"I see." Makoto responded, "Well, I like anything Haru makes."
Haru smiled and kissed the top of the brunette's head, "I know you do."
He watched Haru continue to work on his project. It was supposed to be a drawing of a girl with sleek black hair and stark red lips holding an apple. The girl's bangs covered her eyes and her skin was pale. It looked kinda morbid but still stunning.
After a while, Haru finally saved and turned off the laptop. They laid on their bed together. Makoto wrapped an arm around Haru's waist and brought him closer. Haru's head rested on Makoto's chest, his hair tingling the brunette's collarbones.
"I can't believe that in a month we'll be in Japan," Makoto admitted.
"Yeah," Haru said, "Neither can I."
"I haven't been there since...well, since the first time I left." Makoto chuckled.
"Well, you'll be in for a surprise," Haru said. He shifted his head so that the black-haired man was looking up at Makoto, "I'll have to show you how everything has changed."
"Well, I couldn't ask for a better guide." Makoto teased as he kissed the top of Haru's forehead.
"And after college, and we get ourselves steady jobs, could we..." Haru blushed and averted his eyes from the brunette.
Makoto chuckled, "What is it Haru?"
"M-married," Haru's hand tightened on Makoto's shirt, "Unless you don't want to. I mean only soulmates get married really, and we don't know if we are. And it's rare for Soulless to actually--
Makoto kissed Haru in order to stop him. When they pull apart Haru opened his mouth to say something but stopped when Makoto's finger covered it.
"Doesn't matter." Makoto whispered, "I feel the same way."
The smile on Haru's face told everything his lover needed to know. It warmed Makoto's heart to know that the most gorgeous human to ever exist was in his arms.
"I would like to get married at a beach," Haru admitted, "Or on a boat in Venice."
"We could do that," Makoto said, "But it'll have to be small if it were to be in Venice."
"That's fine."
Makoto chuckled as he played with Haru's hair. "And what about children?"
The black-haired man closed his eyes, "Dunno. I've never really imagined it."
"It's alright if you don't want any..."
"No, I might want them. I'll...think about it."
Makoto smiled and kissed the top of Haru's head.
----
The apartment was filled with boxes alongside the furniture. It was nowhere near completion but at least there were things getting done. Makoto had begun to put away his various video games into a box. At that moment Haru decided to walk in and wrap his arms around Makoto's neck.
"Haru." Makoto whined, "I have to put these into boxes..."
The black-haired man chuckled, "You've been working since this morning. C'mon, take a break."
The brunette shook his head, "You have to work too."
"Let Hiroko take care of it, c'mon."
"Haru," Makoto moaned as Haru left feather-like kisses all over Makoto's neck, "We have things to get done."
"We'll have time for them," Haru promised.
Makoto felt his body tingle to Haru's touch and how his body wanted to caress Haru's. Haru released Makoto and laid on the bed as if he were a cat. Those sapphire eyes looked mischievously into Makoto's jade ones.
"Haru," Makoto sighed, "Get back to work."
"Gladly," Haru said as he cupped the side of the brunette's face and crashed their lips together. All of Makoto's senses flew out the window as he hungrily kissed Haru back. Haru's hand began to unbutton Makoto's shirt as Makoto untied Haru's. When their shirts fall unto the ground, they break apart for a moment, panting as they rested their foreheads against each other.
"In one week, we'll be in Japan." Haru whispered, "Where we started our lives, and where I hope we'll spend the rest of our lives in."
"As long as we're together even if it's forever," Makoto said as he ran a hand through Haru's hair.
"Yes, together."
----
"We're going to miss you guys!" Sophia sniffled, "You guys have to come back sometime. It'll be lonely without you!"
"Of course, we'll come and visit." Makoto said as he hugged the crying girl, "You two have been so kind to us."
"Let's hope their neighbors are as nice as you guys," Hiroko added.
"Oh, Hiroko! You're too nice!" Donna chirped, "By the way, who is getting the apartment?"
"Ah, we're giving it to a friend," the brunette responded and winked at Haru.
"Well, I hope you two have a safe trip!" Donna said as she hugged the couple.
Haru smiled, "We will. Thank you, Donna." He turned to Sophia, "And thank you, Sophia."
"Oh, you're making me cry!" Sophia said as she wiped away a tear, "Go before I make you two stay!"
Makoto chuckled and waved goodbye, 'We will, goodbye."
"Goodbye!" The neighbors said in unison before closing their apartment door.
Hiroko sighed, "I'm going to miss this place."
"It was a nice neighborhood," Haru agreed as he interlaced his fingers with Makoto's.
"So...who is the friend that is going to take this apartment?"
"We left you a note with their contact information on the counter." Makoto said, "You can tell them anytime you want that the apartment is theirs."
"Of course." Hiroko nodded.
"Don't forget to give them the keys," Haru added.
"Yes."
"Oh and lastly..."
The girl looked at Haru those sky blue eyes sparkling with so much adoration. It filled Makoto's heart to know how much Hiroko had grown to love them in the few months they lived together.
"Yes?"
Haru grinned, his eyes crinkling and showing so much love for his best friend's child, "Thank you for everything."
Hiroko smiled back, her sky blue eyes watering up, "Y-your welcome!"
She hugged the couple, fighting back tears as she held them.
"I'm going to miss you guys so much!"
Makoto chuckled, "We'll miss you too Hiroko."
"Have a safe trip to Japan you two! Enjoy your time there too!"
"We will."
"Bye guys." Hiroko opened the door to the apartment and closed it. The couple marveled at the door, giving one last look at it. It would the last time for a while that they'll be seeing it and they wanted to etch the memory into their brains a little deeper.
"She doesn't suspect a thing right?" Makoto said as they walked down the hallway.
"She doesn't."
Makoto smiled, "I can't believe we're moving to Japan today ."
Haru snorted, "Everything will be alright."
"How can it not be?" Makoto said as he squeezed Haru's hand, "I have you right beside me."
-
After bidding farewell to Haru and Makoto, Hiroko placed the extra spare keys on the counter and spotted the note. As promised, the note had contact information on the new owner but something was strange.
It was her contact information. Written in neat handwriting was a small letter to Hiroko as well.
Dear Hiroko,
We appreciate your help in reuniting Haru and your mother. We are forever in your debt. The two of us had talked about it and decided the only rightful owner to this place, is you. Enjoy.
-Haruka and Makoto
Hiroko chuckled to herself and looked up at the sky. "Can you believe these two, mother?" she glanced down at the note and chuckled again, "If these two aren't soulmates, forever wouldn't be enough for them."
-
The alarm blared in their bedroom, and Haru groggily turned it off. Next to him, his lover opened his eyes and studied the black-haired man.
"Morning Haru." Makoto said, "Or should I say Happy Birthday?"
Haru leaned forward and pecked Makoto's mouth. "Good morning."
"What's it like to be a millennium plus one?" Makoto asked.
"Hmm," Haru looked around their new bedroom, the one they have created together since they moved a month earlier. It was a lot more spacious than the old one, and it had enough room to fit all their stuff. Haru was admiring the wall with all the bookshelves behind Makoto before turning back his attention. "Tiring."
Makoto chuckled, "Alright, let's get up, I have so much planned for you today."
Haru smiled, "I can't wait."
The brunette took both of Haru's hands and caressed the finger with the ring, "I should hope so."
Haru's heart swelled with joy. Who knew that Makoto was all Haru ever needed? Before he had thought traveling was the only enjoyment in the world. But ever since he met the love of his life, he's realized that the best part of being alive is having somebody to fall asleep and wake up next to for the rest of their lives. Whether it's for another century, or for eternity, Haru's heart will forever belong to Makoto's, and Makoto's will be Haru's. But then again, not even forever is long enough for his love.