storms don't last forever | h.kazutora

chapter seven

Half a year passed, and you both gradually adjusted to your new life together. You looked for extra jobs to ensure that Kazutora does not starve himself again. You also made sure to make bento for him even if it's only eggs that you can afford. And, with a little more effort, things are gradually falling into place.

You're now waiting for your boyfriend at the plaza. The both of you decided to go on your first date since moving to Yokohama. You're ecstatic because you'll be spending the entire day with the man you genuinely love.

"y/n!" Kazutora called from a distance, and you turned to face him. He was running towards you.

"Hey, you don't need to run."

"Sorry, I was late. My boss made me wait for my paycheck," Kazutora said as he came to a halt in front of you, holding his knees while catching his breath. "We can now pay the rent this month!"

You took a handkerchief from your pocket, held his chin, tilted his head up and then wiped the sweat on his forehead. "It's fine. I didn't wait that long."

"Eh? What's that?!" Kazutora pointed behind you and you quickly looked back.

"What is it?" you ask, but he remains silent. "Tora, what? I didn't see—" You pause, and when you return your gaze to him, he's presenting a paper flower in front of you.

"My coworker likes origami, so I asked him to teach me how to make a paper rose... I'm sorry I can't buy you the real thing for now, but I promise soon... I'll buy you a dozen of them!"

You shook your head, smiling widely. "I really like it! I don't care if it's real or made out of paper; as long as it is from you, I'll treasure it!" You took the rose from his grasp and stared at it. "It's beautiful, Tora."

Kazutora blushed and leaned close to whisper in your ear, "A thousand times, I love you." 

Your heart flutters as your eyes soften. You look at him and gently brush his hair with your fingers.

"Your hair is a mess from running!" you chuckled, leaning in to kiss his cheeks. "I love you a hundred, thousand, million times over, Tora."

Kazutora's cheeks flushed with his eyes widened. Ahhhh! Who would have guessed that this delinquent could blush so much? He's so adorable! You thought.

"You're getting more and more smooth at this." He smiled, looking away to hide his blush. He then extended his hand to you without looking. "Shall we go?"

You chuckled, grabbing his hand and holding them tightly. "Let's go!"

❀

You walked around the plaza, just enjoying the sights. You still can't afford to buy the things you want because your salary is only enough to cover the necessities and food. You don't mind it though, because what matters to you is being with him and the memories you create.

"Here. You eat first before we continue our date." Kazutora said as he placed the Takoyaki and bottled water on the table.

You looked at it, and it's only four pieces. You get one and extend your hand at him. "No. WE will eat." You smiled, waiting for him to eat the Takoyaki.

"But—"

"Tora, we will share all the hardships and happiness. if you have to suffer in exchange for my comfort, then I don't want nice things."

Kazutora remained silent and simply nodded. He then bit the Takoyaki and ate it. You smiled at him and ate one too. "The food tasted a lot better." You said.

"Yeah," he mumbled as his hand touched yours, brushing your knuckles with his thumb. "I promise, y/n, I will do my best to give you the life you deserve. I won't stop working until we can afford to go to the movies, buy you new clothes, and go out to eat on a date. I know this may sound like empty promises, but I really, really am serious. Please bear with me."