Love Me Harder // MatsuHana.

twenty

One Year Later

The gentle hum of the city buzzed around them as Matsukawa and Hanamaki walked side by side down the street, hands brushing occasionally but never fully entwining. It was their thing-keeping things casual on the surface, even though everyone who knew them could tell they were utterly whipped for each other. The evening air was warm, the sun already starting to dip below the horizon, casting golden hues over the streets as they headed toward the restaurant.

Tonight was special. It was their one-year anniversary, and Hanamaki had taken it upon himself to make it a big deal, much to Matsukawa's amusement. Hanamaki, being the hopeless romantic he secretly was, had booked a table at a nice restaurant, dropped hints about having a "cute" surprise, and had been teasing Matsukawa about what the night would entail for weeks.

"I can't believe you're making me dress up," Matsukawa said, glancing down at the slightly more formal attire he wore-a button-up shirt and slacks, though the top few buttons were left undone because, well, he was still Matsukawa.

"You look hot, don't complain," Hanamaki shot back with a wink. "Besides, I know you like getting spoiled."

"Maybe I like spoiling you," Matsukawa replied, smirking as he bumped shoulders with Hanamaki.

"Damn right you do," Hanamaki grinned, though his teasing tone softened with the truth of it. They fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, both of them content just to be in each other's company.

When they reached the restaurant, Hanamaki tugged on Matsukawa's sleeve to pull him inside. The place was cozy but upscale, with dim lighting and soft music playing in the background. Matsukawa was impressed-Hanamaki had actually put some effort into this. They were seated at a quiet corner table, a small vase of flowers sitting between them.

As they settled in, Hanamaki immediately started up his usual banter. "So, how does it feel to have survived a whole year with me? Thought you'd be running for the hills by now."

Matsukawa leaned back in his chair, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I thought about it once or twice, but your ass keeps dragging me back."

Hanamaki burst out laughing, nearly tipping his glass of water in the process. "I knew it! It's all about the ass."

"Among other things," Matsukawa added with a shrug, eyes gleaming with amusement. "I like your dumb jokes too, I guess."

"High praise," Hanamaki said with mock pride. "And to think, a year ago, you were trying to act all cool and unaffected."

Matsukawa raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Who was the one trying to play hard to get again?"

"That's called being a tease," Hanamaki corrected, grinning. "And it worked, didn't it?"

"Can't argue with that," Matsukawa muttered, leaning forward slightly. His gaze softened, the teasing falling away just enough for a moment of sincerity to slip through. "Honestly, though? Best year I've ever had."

Hanamaki's smirk faltered, replaced with a smile that was a little too fond for his usual sarcasm. "Yeah, same here," he said quietly, the words heavy with meaning.

They spent the next hour eating, talking, and laughing about everything and nothing, the comfortable rhythm between them never faltering. It felt like every day with Matsukawa was easy, natural, and Hanamaki couldn't help but think about how lucky he was to have found someone who just got him.

After dinner, Hanamaki paid the bill-insisting on it despite Matsukawa's half-hearted protests-and led them out onto the street again. The night was cooler now, the sky a deep indigo dotted with stars. They walked in comfortable silence for a while, the sound of their footsteps the only noise between them.

Then, without warning, Hanamaki stopped in his tracks, turning to face Matsukawa with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Okay, now for your surprise."

Matsukawa raised an eyebrow. "There's more?"

"Of course there's more," Hanamaki said, grabbing Matsukawa's hand and tugging him along. "I'm nothing if not extra."

They walked for a few more minutes until they reached a small park, quiet and mostly empty at this time of night. Hanamaki led Matsukawa toward a bench near a fountain, the soft trickling of water adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

"Alright, close your eyes," Hanamaki instructed, grinning like a kid with a secret.

Matsukawa gave him a skeptical look but did as he was told, closing his eyes and crossing his arms over his chest. "If this is some elaborate prank, I'm going to make you regret it."

Hanamaki laughed softly. "No prank, promise. Just... trust me."

There was a rustling sound, and then the soft click of something being placed on the bench beside Matsukawa. After a moment, Hanamaki's voice came again, quieter this time. "Okay, open your eyes."

Matsukawa opened his eyes to find Hanamaki holding out a small, neatly wrapped box, his expression suddenly a little more serious.

"What's this?" Matsukawa asked, a little caught off guard.

"Just open it," Hanamaki said, biting his lip as if he was trying not to fidget.

Matsukawa raised an eyebrow but unwrapped the box carefully. Inside was a simple silver bracelet, engraved with a small, discreet date-the day they officially started dating.

For a moment, Matsukawa was speechless, his gaze shifting from the bracelet to Hanamaki. "You really are a hopeless romantic, huh?"

Hanamaki shrugged, looking slightly embarrassed but still grinning. "What can I say? I'm a sucker for anniversaries."

Matsukawa smiled softly, slipping the bracelet onto his wrist and admiring it for a second before looking back at Hanamaki. "I love it," he said, his voice sincere. "And I love you."

Hanamaki's teasing facade crumbled for a split second, his smile turning soft as his eyes met Matsukawa's. "I love you too, Matsun."

They sat there for a while, the night quiet around them, both of them just soaking in the moment. Hanamaki leaned against Matsukawa, and Matsukawa wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close. The teasing, the jokes, the sarcastic quips-they were all part of who they were, but at the end of the day, there was a lot of love behind it all.

And as they sat there, Hanamaki sighed contentedly, his voice teasing but affectionate. "Well, husband material, looks like you're stuck with me."

Matsukawa chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of Hanamaki's head. "Wouldn't have it any other way."