The Moon's Redamancy In Fall [Tsukishima x Yamaguchi]

sixty-one

Yamaguchi

I pressed the doorbell once again as I stood in front of Tsukki's porch, each day the weather grew harshly cold, at this start of winter, the autumn hues come though the lightly dappled frost. I held unto the box of cake that my mom baked for Kaori-san as I waited for the door to open.

Not long, the doorway opened to the house by Tsukki who wore grey sweatpants and a plain white shirt, his hair messy as if he just got out of bed.

"Hi," I greeted, "You look . . . presentable," I tried not to hesitate as I plastered a grin across my face.

Tsukki rolled his eyes and fixed his glasses that were sliding down his nose bridge, "Come in," He said, in his weary tone.

Entering it for the first time again felt the same as coming home after a long absence, the air felt warm despite my cold cheeks and ears as I tried to take my coat but struggled a little because of the cake I was holding.

Tsukki stared down at me with a bored expression, stretching his arm forward to take the box from my hand and in a quick manner, Tsukki's lips alight on my cheek like a dew freckled petal caught in a breeze, so soft and with the smallest hint of coolness. He didn't speak and stride the hallway, entering the kitchen.

I felt myself blush profusely as I start to chew on my bottom lip. I stood there as I hang my coat over a rack when I hear Kaori-san's voice lingering through the room.

"Tadashi! Oh, you're here!" Kaori-san was sitting on a wheelchair as Akiteru-san stood behind her, assisting her as he pushes it forward.

Akiteru-san smiled at me and greeted, "Good afternoon, Tadashi-kun!"

"Oh, good afternoon to you too, Kaori-san, Akiteru-san" I bowed my head towards them and lend them a smile, "I hope you don't mind my sudden visit," I chuckled apologetically, rubbing my nape.

Kaori-san looked paler than before, her foot still had metal rods around it and her wounds and injuries were half-way healed but she always kept that gentle expression of hers that softens her scars. My heart ached for her. She had kindness that could always kindle her despite her broken past.

Kaori-san held up a dismissive hand and waved it back and fourth as she giggled, "I don't mind, sweetie! Actually, I had been hoping for you to visit," She lets out a sigh of relief.

Akiteru-san giggled, "I'm sure Kei was excited for you to come over," He smiled.

I had the urge to roll my eyes but laughed to myself as I made a sarcastic remark, "He did look like it, Akiteru-san," After all, being with Tsukki so much recently had me influenced for his sarcastic comments.

Akiteru-san chortled, his laughter was so free and pure, so childish despite his adult years. It came to my ears as a tickle and bounce - and only a rocky heart could do anything but join in such generous mirth, Akiteru-san had always been kind to me since Tsukki and I were friends.

Kaori-san coaxes me, her held satisfaction from laughing, "Please, Tadashi, help yourself to the kitchen, Akihiro just finished making dinner,"

Akihiro?

I blinked as if I misheard Kaori-san. Tsukki's father is here? From what I observed, Tsukki didn't seemed to be mad or irritated or annoyed awhile ago. He seemed pretty calm and collected, though it wasn't a bad thing. Akiteru-san wheeled his mother in the kitchen and I quickly took off my shoes by the door and stride their hallway leading to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, there stood Akihiro-san and Tsukki arranging plates over the table. I was more than surprised to see them get along but also relieved and also curious. Akihiro-san looked more presentable than the last time.