Kintsugi: the golden repair // Hanemiya Kazutora x Reader

Chapter Fifteen I know we can make it if we take it slow

For the next month Y/n helped Hina plan the engagement party because her lifetime friend had asked her if she would be the Maid of Honor. After the newly engaged couple picked a venue, a private room in a popular bar, the two friends started with preparations. Hina was not easily overwhelmed, always well organized; she knew exactly which direction to steer them in with all their party planning. "First things first. Guest list and invitations. Well technically color palette, then invitations, but anyways." Takemichi asked the Kawata twins if they would cater, and they agreed so the event would include a ramen bar. Mitsuya offered to make Hina a dress similar to the design she had for her wedding gown, and Y/n also asked him to make her something special for the night as well. The three ended up brainstorming in his office until almost midnight. Hina's mother joined both the girls throughout their errands, from picking flowers to table napkins. Obviously overwhelmed with happiness that her little girl was getting married. Everything was going smoothly, picture perfect, as Hina and Y/n were clinking their glasses of wine together in Hina's living room. The last checkmark on part one of the to-do list had been completed and the two collapsed on the couch with tired, happy smirks. "So soon to be Mrs. Crybaby, how do you feel?" Hina finished her sip, and put a hand on her heart, "Relieved." She breathed out deeply, "I'm so happy we're getting everything done on time." The party was still two weeks away, so now they had to keep track of who RSVP'd, finish making décor, and then focus on decorating the venue. Y/n was about to ask how Takemichi was holding up when Hina's phone began to ring. The caller ID displaying Draken across the screen. Hina answered the phone just as brightly as she always did, "Hi Draken!.....oh good, thank you, yes we're both so happy you'll be able to make it.....no, no, don't worry about bringing anything. This is our way of saying thank you to all of our friends before the actual wedding.....okay, see you soon then, thanks again. Bye." Hina contained herself wholeheartedly the entire conversation, voice not cracking once but Y/n could see the threat of tears behind her friend's eyes. Hina hung up the call, slowly placed her phone down on the coffee table, and while staring off into nothing in particular spoke up, "I really," her voice cracked and tears spilled, "really wish Emma were here to do this with us. To be Draken's date, to drink cheap wine, try on ugly bridemaids' dresses, and help us make decorations, to be here with us all." Y/n could feel her heart hurt, an old wound that never fully healed. She embraced Hina in a tight, much needed hug, and the two cried together. Shedding tears for their friend, gone too soon, who couldn't experience this with them, who would never have a wedding of her own.

The next day Y/n woke up on Hina's couch with a migraine, possibly from the boxed wine or maybe from the crying. Most likely both. She needed  a lot of caffeine and serotonin, so she grabbed three coffees at the closet café and made her way to Chifuyu's pet shop. Kazutora and Y/n had both been busy for the past couple weeks; both working and while Y/n was helping Hina, Chifuyu was helping Takemichi so Tora needed to put in a lot of extra time at the shop. They stayed connected through calls and texts, meeting each other for takeout dinners, and visiting each other at random times throughout the week. Three days before Y/n had had a particularly rough day at work so Kazutora had arrived at her house without a notice. Going into her apartment with a large bag, he suspiciously spent most of dinner in the bathroom. When he finally went back into the kitchen he just leaned up against the doorframe, proud smile on his face, "Go take a bath when you're done eating. I gotta head back home, early day tomorrow." He kissed her on the forehead goodbye and left. She scrunched her brows, bewildered by his random behavior. Then made her way towards the room he had spent all that time in. Y/n's bathroom was now full of the smell of lavender and chamomile, candles lit around the full tub. The warm water had steam frolicking on it's surface. The two of them shared these intimate moments without any actual intimacy, despite that he filled her with more love each day.

The bell over the store's door rang out, and Chifuyu began his usual, "Welcome, what can I help you with today?" routine until he noticed who it was. "Y/n! Hey-" She put her hand up to stop him, "Take the coffee and show me the kittens." He pretended to be offended but smiled, took the entire tray from her hands, and led the way. The best part of Chifuyu's store was the kitten corner. He almost always had cats available from a reputable shelter and had a designated area in the store for people to interact with the cats. Y/n went over the small fence bordering the space and Chifuyu went through the back to open the door that let the felines out. Quickly Y/n was surrounded by furry companions; most of them had been surrendered when the owner realized they didn't stay cute little kittens forever. For her they instantly uplifted her mood. "Want me to let Kazutora know you're here?"Chifuyu asked from the doorway. She shrugged her shoulders, kissing an orange tabby on the nose, "Mhh, let him know I've replaced him. This guy's much cuter." A deep laugh came unexpectedly, "Oh yeah? We have cat costumes available." Tora stated nonchalantly, "You can stuff him in a suit and he can be your date to the engagement party." She turned her attention to the man who somehow looked even more attractive in his work apron, with a sly grin, "That's a great idea Tora. Thank you. Just ring it up and put it all on my tab." He smiled, leaning over the gate to kiss the top of Y/n's head, "Thanks for the coffee, angel." She blushed at the nickname, "Anytime." She cleared her throat and changed the conversation, "Did you boys pick out your party clothes yet?" Chifuyu had made his way out from the back to rejoin the conversation "We're going today with Takemitchy. He's freaking out over whether or not he should wear a suit or be more casual. Mitsuya's going to help too." Y/n nodded in response and looked Kazutora up and down, "Better look sharp or I really will end up taking the cat." He licked his lips, looking down at her with narrow eyes, "I'll be the best dressed there. With you on my arm?" he smirked, "I'll definitely have the best accessory."
And with that cheeky remark, he walked away back to restocking and sipping his drink.