Wedding Bells

☾

The meeting with new publishers was ending, Keito had come on behalf of his unit on the assumption that it would be a first contact - if they were ever going to work with them again in the future - and after discussing the basics of sponsorship, merchandising and meetings, a new idea was put on the table that peaked the myopic man's interest. He let him elaborate, so he held back on details until the businessman seemed to be about to end his monologue.

"In summary, we will sponsor the next two Akatsuki concerts and the unit of the boy you choose to do the photo shoot with. I remind you that it must be compulsory from another agency, as for supporting roles, it's fine if you want to use your unit mates." He mentally reviewed all the information provided, considering accepting when he then remembered that, in order to propose an idea, he would have to know specifically what it was about.

"Okay, just out of interest, what would be the theme?" It should also be tailored to the person he would choose in the future, it wouldn't be appropriate to invite a Knights member to a circus session, for example.

"Oh, my apologies Mr Hasumi, I have overlooked one of the most relevant pieces of information." He kept his tired eyes fixed on the screen, typing deftly. The mechanical sound of the keys hammered in his ears for a few more seconds. "Since Valentine's Day is coming up..." He turned the monitor so he could judge for himself. While it was true that he was known for his impeccable demeanour and seriousness when required, he wanted the earth to swallow him up right there.

The project presented was a wedding-themed photo shoot, with traditional Japanese wedding costumes. He coughed a couple of times, trying to hide his embarrassment and blushing with his left hand, as he had imagined the perfect candidate to do the shoot with him. He was the one and only one he had been able to imagine himself in such a real situation, after all.

"Well, is the proposal to your liking?"

"Of course." He hastened to say, how could he refuse, if it was a golden opportunity. "Thank you for your time."

"Perfect and please let us know your choice as soon as possible, the photo shoot is expected to take place in about two weeks."

"I'll have my partner in less than one, I mean, my photographic partner." After a polite bow, Keito picked up the paperwork on the table and left the room.

Turning the page, he had managed to do so with many other aspects of his life, but his feelings for Eichi were another matter. To a greater or lesser degree, no matter how much denial he had clung to since they were little, or even the appearance of potential candidates to get rid of them, they always ended up reminding him that they were there not to go away. On the other hand, he wasn't sure if the same could be said for the blonde, settling for at least being able to stay by his side was his greatest consolation, but how much longer could he hold on with that uncertainty? It was true that he had managed to hide them for years, but lately he was at one of the biggest growing peaks he had ever experienced, he assumed that after graduation maybe he would get over it, but letting go of his position as right-hand man had only managed to fuel his feelings even more, not to mention that, after all, he missed the days when he had an excuse to spend so much time with him on a daily basis.

He took out his phone and clicked on Eichi's chat. After a few hesitant seconds, he started typing what he wanted to propose, but decided to meet him in his dorm room instead. Being the dorm head, Keito was lucky enough to have no roommates, so it would be less embarrassing if he made the proposal in a more intimate place. He pressed the send message button once he checked that he had typed the time and place correctly. He only had time to take about five more steps until his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out again, this time less confidently than before, trying to prepare himself for what he would have to tell him.