Lying is a Sin, A Sin Hanagaki Takemichi Commits Too Often

Late Night Visits By Shinichiro, The Third Promise

On Thursday afternoon, Izana and Kakucho showed up, in all their glory (and serious jetlag), eager for some treats to replenish their energy and perhaps a sweet smile from the baker. Izana, surprisingly, was the first to notice Takemichi's off behaviour.

"You're slouching," the voice might as well have given the poor man a heart attack. He had just closed up and certainly wasn't expecting someone to be in the same room as him. After an embarrassing yelp, he realised who it was.

"Izana-kun, Kaku-chan!" He smiled brightly and dusted the powdered sugar off his hands before walking over, Kakucho embracing him in a hug.

"You're back for the wedding, how was your flight?"

"It was alright, this idiot took the easy way out and just took sleeping pills," Kakucho grumbled, pointing to Izana.

"Emma told me you're making her wedding cake. You better not fuck it up." It wasn't some kind gesture, Takemichi gulped, it was a threat.

"O-of course not Izana-kun," he chuckled nervously and tried to avoid the violet gaze.

"I'm serious Hanagaki, this is my little sis' wedding. It's always been her dream to be a bride," Izana added, his voice now softer, filled with sincerity.

"C'mon, don't scare him. Look around you, it looks like he has a lot of work to do," Kakucho gestured to the multitude of ingredients and pictures of the wedding cake Hina and Emma had decided on covering the room.

"Kakucho, can you wait in the car, I want to talk to Hanagaki privately."

"Uh sure. I'll either see you tomorrow or at the wedding on Saturday Michi!"

"Bye Kaku-chan," he waved goodbye before nervously meeting Izana's eyes.

Izana took a step closer, peering at the trembling baker, "Why are you so scared?"

"I-I'm not!"

"C'mon, I'm not that scary. You know I'm just looking out for Emma."

"I know."

"What's with the beanie? It looks stupid."

"Huh?! Leave me alone," Takemichi grumbled and self-consciously pulled the beanie down further.

"Why are you wearing it? Why are you slouching? Why do you look like shit?" Each question felt like a punch to the gut.

He subconsciously scratched the back of his neck, "It's nothing. Just thought the beanie would be a cool look, it also stops my hair getting into the food I make."

"Why do you look like shit? You literally look worn down the bone. Better be lookin' fresh for the wedding, can't have someone who looks like a corpse in the group photos."

"I think you should go, Izana-kun. Kaku-chan is waiting. I also heard Shinichiro-san is back in town now, knowing him, he's probably at Draken-kun's and Inui-kun's bike shop. You should go see him," Takemichi deflected, turning on his heels and walking over to the sink to wash his hands.

He could feel Izana's eyes on him, piercing through him.

"Fine. But get some sleep dumbass, maybe then you'll stop looking like a Tim Burton character."

Even though Izana's way of showing care was sometimes harsh and a little mean, Takemichi appreciated it, he nodded and gave a light smile.

"I guess I'll see you at the wedding," Izana mumbled before turning on his heel.

"Bye Izana-kun."

.

It was nearing 11 pm when Takemichi found himself on the ground slumped against the floor. He had spent hours creating all the edible decorations out of fondant and similar things. It was an extremely intricate process, sculpting hundreds of detailed flowers that would adorn the wedding cake in its final form. His fingers ached and he was moments away from taping his eyes open because they kept closing involuntarily.