HOPPING ON THE MUSIC NOTES!

You didn’t have enough energy to care about “lady-like wording”. 

“The ball wasn’t in the plan. In fact, the dinner went totally off-the-rails last night and nothing important that was supposed to take place actually happened.” Even if he was acting largely irresponsible, calling him “Mr. Duke” at the end of that would be too mean. Regardless, a ball was completely unnecessary for an informational meeting. In fact, this could’ve all been mail. You already had enough to worry about with multiple people trying to kill you- and now this?

As if his sigh prompted him to bring your hand close enough to feel the tingle of his hot breath, he mumbled something and brought your hand to his forehead as you leaned over the table and the documents on it. 

“What’s wrong with you? Can we have a conversation at least?” You came in here demanding answers, not some romantic tomfoolery from a contract husband.

Tsukasa opened his eyes, looked down for a brief moment, then looked towards you. “Yes, you’re right.” he let go of your hand and waved the documents to the side. “Let’s sit at the parlor, shall we?” He stood up and started walking so promptly that for a moment all you could do was nod. Perhaps standing across the bright sun behind his desk wasn’t a conducive environment for having a conversation. Even without noticing in the moment, your squinted eyes were probably something to laugh at a little. Even if it were preferable, what kind of man simply gets up and starts walking to relocate an argument? 

The floor’s squeaks were all you could hear in the manor during your short walk to the parlor. Intricate patterns in the shape of feathers, swirl patterns, and anything fancy filled the walls, as if telling a story. It was difficult to make out, but the story was about a horse fighting a bird. For a moment you believed a breath stuck in your core could be relieved by the tactile sensation of these wooden carvings, but before you absentmindedly could relieve that urge, you found yourself sitting down in the parlor. 

Lace curtains covered the blinding nature of the sun- you could see Tsukasa clearly now. His hair was disheveled and bags were forming under his eyes. You didn’t say anything and wondered why he would work so hard for something that could have been avoided. 

He took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, you look tired.” said the one who looked incredibly tired himself. “You want me to explain why I decided to have a ball on such short notice, right?” You nodded. 

“It’s kind of complicated, but, uh, I’ll do my best to explain it.” you nodded again in acknowledgement. He just looked so haggard. 

“I listened to the conversations they were having. The branch families looked extremely unsatisfied as they walked in and greeted us, and especially towards you, some even didn’t bother to look at you. It is customary in our clan to face all who lead the meeting- you were also at the head of the table.” You nodded. It was true that some were snickering and gossiping while others didn’t exactly have the friendliest looks on their faces. Still, it didn’t warrant all this.

“It’s to be expected. Me being in the picture wasn’t planned, and I was certainly a surprise. Besides, it hasn’t been long since I got here.” you added. That type of reaction wasn’t out of the ballpark at all. 

“Yes, but here in the Suou family, everyone knows that this behavior is unacceptable. Perhaps it was due to the quite strict nature of some of the previous heads of the family, but since my father’s time, it was clear in each meeting that such behavior is prohibited. Gosh, if only it was a behavioral problem. They’re free to gossip all they like with their friends, but within this family, such disrespect to the Lady of the house is unacceptable. I still have their interest in the scroll, which is why almost all of those who attended the dinner have extended their stay.” Dude, get to the point.

“Mister, quit the lecture. How about the TLDL,” Callie came out of nowhere. “And Miss, you aren’t even dressed. What are you doing? This can’t be that serious, come on now.” said the one who ruined the first moments of your morning.

Every single question you had in your mind at that moment disappeared, and the anger you had stormed in with this morning was replaced by confusion and embarassment. What was this girl doing? Did she forget that she was employed here? Actually, she was kind of doing her job when you ran out and she found you to take you back to what you were doing, but really? Where were her manners? Perhaps she was spoiled-

“TLDL?” Tsukasa’s unnecessarily long eyelashes fluttered as he repeatedly blinked in confusion.

“Too long, didn’t listen.” Callie leaned on the doorframe. “Anyways, since I can’t just be standing here and joining in on your very noble and important conversation, I either need to take my lady here to get ready for the day as she’s still, frankly, in mostly her undergarments, or I can take my leave now and return when it is time for her to get ready.” 

Oh, that was your cue. Shit, this conversation wasn’t over. And undergarments my butt, this was an under dress. 

“Can you come back in 15 minutes, Callie? In the meantime, it would be great if you could just pick out all my accessories. And if you have time, pick out what I’ll be wearing at the ball we’re planning. Just put everything aside or something.” It made sense for sure, but sit all stumbled out of your mouth like you were pulling this sentence out of your ass.

Callie gave you a thumbs up, which probably implied something, but it was absolutely unclear and yesterday’s fatigue made it especially alluring to ignore whatever she implied. 

Tsukasa cleared his throat. “I apologize… yesterday’s events just bring out so much-” he paused. “I’m not sure how to phrase this- feeling of injustice.” You wanted to say that it wasn’t that deep, but that entire conversation would’ve been unproductive. Tsukasa stared at the floor for a few seconds before continuing.

“Anyways, none of the branch members had the guts to say they had a problem with you and may have been planning something in front of our faces, which is unacceptable.” he sighed. You could almost hear him say, “After all, we are the main family of the clan.” 

“I am keeping the scroll for the ball so that they have ample reason to attend, as balls have historically been optional, and it can double as an affirmation to our relationship and solidify your position. I chose this type of event because the grander it is, the more we can assert your position within the clan, as well as make headlines that make their way to Drakos- I want to test their strategy.” Tsukasa glanced at the chess board at the guest reception area of his office. 

“If something like this can cause immediate aggression while they are still strengthening their army, we know that they will be easy to fight and likely will be led directly by Erebus. If not, it may be safe to assume he has hired someone specialized in military strategy. Either way, it will be valuable information. Is that alright? Do you understand? I apologize if-” He scrambled for words.

“It’s fine, Tsukasa.” you couldn’t even be mad anymore. Despite his airheaded appearance as of late, he wasn’t dumb; how else could his dukedom be largely prosperous? It only took a couple of years for a leader to destroy their land- and the Suou dukedom was nowhere near destruction. “I guess I should’ve trusted you.” 

Tsukasa’s smile may have been originally for the wall behind him, but he was careless to let you see a slip of it before Callie came in.

“Actually, I’m done, so-” 

“How? That was, like, two seconds.” you interrupted her. 

“I’m just that good. Come on, it looks bad on both of us that you’re not dressed yet and it’s almost lunch. Let’s go.” 

You got up. What noblewoman gets scolded by her own maid? As you sulked your way to the door, a hand made its way to your shoulders and the tingle of a hot break near your ear. 

“This coat will be good in the meantime-” you don’t let Tsukasa finish whispering as you put your hands into the arms of the coat and he tied the front from behind you. You only realized you had forgotten to thank him after Callie shooed you out of the parlor. 

Despite Callie’s roughness with her voice this morning, she still didn’t let the itchy threads made for detailing touch your skin as she helped you on with your dress today. Even with this unfamiliar wardrobe, at least putting on dresses made to hamper independence didn’t physically feel horrendous. 

“To tell you the truth, my lady, all the dresses are so fancy they could be worn to any fancy event,” Callie quickly put a pin between her lips as she made sure not to tug your hair too tight as she fixed it. “I didn’t pick anything out, just set some dresses aside that I thought would be nice. Mentally.” 

You couldn’t be mad at that. In fact, all the dresses were so fancy they all should have been reserved for only special occasions. Noble life of this scale was too grandiose for comfort.

“All done. Shall I ask the Duke for instructions regarding attire for the ball? We may have to go to the tailor if there are other plans.” Callie looked in the mirror with you. “I think our hairstyles are pretty similar today. Just realized that.” You agreed with her about the hairstyle, but you’d go to Tsukasa for information about the ball yourself. Despite being pissed off about the ball happening, you still had to do your part. There was a week to prepare, so preparing promptly would be a good idea. 

As you sent Callie off to her break for the day and made your way back to Tsukasa’s office, you took note of the volume of your footsteps. The shoes weren’t nearly commanding enough. You’d have Callie look for shoes that might work later. 

“Tsukasa, are you in? Just need additional details for preparation.” You held the knob as you knocked on his door. 

“You can always simply enter, my lady,” Tsukasa got up to open the door as you let yourself in.

“And you still reached for the door for me.” your lips couldn’t help but curl up a little. 

“Sorry, just a habit. Do you want me to stop?” his eyes begged for you to say no. 

You assured him could do as he pleased, and you asked about the attire planned for the ball, as well as anything else you could help with.  

Tsukasa leaned his head back and opened his mouth to sigh. Before answering, he sat in one of his office’s receiving couches and you followed suit.

“I’m awaiting a response from the designers about the color palette and overall design of the ball, and by then I’ll be able to give you answers on the dress, shoes and other things like that. I do have a painting that needs to be done. The artist said he can do it any day this week, would you like to do that?” He fiddled with his hair. “We’ll both have to pose, but I won’t be able to be there as long. The painting will go quicker the longer you sit there, although I know paintings are terribly boring. They will be displayed at the ball as well, so please arrange it with Lapel if you have the time. He’s in his office today rather than mine.” 

You nodded. As much as you were stressed about the ball on such a short notice, it was still a week away. Besides, most of your time was actually off, despite your worry. Instead of learning magic for Erebus, you had the freedom to do almost anything else (within the estate, as Erebus and Mairi were still threats).

Before you got up from the couch to make your way to Lapel to arrange for the painter to be as soon as you were free, you took a good look at the man you were supposed to go with- he’d leaned his head back against the back of the plush seat, his bottom lip pushing up. His hair from this morning was the same- too many out of place hairs for a portrait. It would only be right for the painter to have an accurate figure to paint. Besides, for a man who had looked haggard all day and probably since last night, dragging him to the painter would have been plain cruel. 

“I’m sorry you have to see me like this. I just-” he turned his face away from you as you sank back into your seat next to him. “Why can’t there be a time of peace? Everyone has issues and everything is an issue for everyone. All these problems are stupid! Everything worth doing is too much!” 

You shifted your weight to your right hand as you put your left over his eyes. Even as the distance felt closer and closer from your hand sinking into the plush couch, there was no other priority than telling him to get some rest. A duke’s work wasn’t easy for someone so young- someone who needed to sleep and eat well. These days, it was evident Tsukasa did neither. 

Even though it was quite a delayed reaction, he jumped slightly in his seat and turned to face you, his face red of blush, a cute contrast to his purple eyes. Even if you normally giggled, a small smile crept up on your lips instead. It felt more human to see less of a “perfect duke” and more of just Tsukasa.  

“Wha-” he hid his blush behind his arms, although to no avail, “What’re you doing?” 

You finally broke into a giggle. After all, flustered Tsukasa was the best. “I think you look better when you’re well-rested. I’m sorry for storming in here this morning. It was unbecoming of me.” 

He then turned to face the back of the couch, burying his face into the fabric.

“Tsukasa?” 

He mumbled something into the fabric, and you sat back onto the couch to look at him closely. He shifted his body to face you, his hair imprinted by the way it was folded and pressed against the couch. “I just want to relax. Of course, I love helping the people, but there’s just too much work to be done. There are many things to correct, even in this family. I love them all, and they all have their good sides to them, but I can’t forgive how brazen and entitled they are. I am the one who works for our clan’s prestige. The duchy is how they are judged, after all.” 

Your answer was the same. You brought your hand to his eyes and nudged his head down, to which he brought to your lap. “You can’t pour from an empty cup. You’re human, after all.” You urged him to rest. 

He didn’t have time to show his blush, as his fatigue raised the weight of lips and ushered him to sleep. It would be a shame to wake up such a deprived man.

WORD COUNT | 2780 words

NOTES FROM QIAN | hi this series is extremely self indulgent. if you would like to join the taglist, please send me an ask [ tags in the reblogs ]. ALSO I ORIGINALLY WANTED TO HAVE CH 9 END WAAAAY AFTER THIS BUT IT ENDED UP BEING SO LONG I SPLIT IT INTO CH 9 AND 10. since the next part of the chapter has a different focus anyway, it’s fine

You didn’t have enough energy to care about “lady-like wording”. 

“The ball wasn’t in the plan. In fact, the dinner went totally off-the-rails last night and nothing important that was supposed to take place actually happened.” Even if he was acting largely irresponsible, calling him “Mr. Duke” at the end of that would be too mean. Regardless, a ball was completely unnecessary for an informational meeting. In fact, this could’ve all been mail. You already had enough to worry about with multiple people trying to kill you- and now this?

As if his sigh prompted him to bring your hand close enough to feel the tingle of his hot breath, he mumbled something and brought your hand to his forehead as you leaned over the table and the documents on it. 

“What’s wrong with you? Can we have a conversation at least?” You came in here demanding answers, not some romantic tomfoolery from a contract husband.

Tsukasa opened his eyes, looked down for a brief moment, then looked towards you. “Yes, you’re right.” he let go of your hand and waved the documents to the side. “Let’s sit at the parlor, shall we?” He stood up and started walking so promptly that for a moment all you could do was nod. Perhaps standing across the bright sun behind his desk wasn’t a conducive environment for having a conversation. Even without noticing in the moment, your squinted eyes were probably something to laugh at a little. Even if it were preferable, what kind of man simply gets up and starts walking to relocate an argument? 

The floor’s squeaks were all you could hear in the manor during your short walk to the parlor. Intricate patterns in the shape of feathers, swirl patterns, and anything fancy filled the walls, as if telling a story. It was difficult to make out, but the story was about a horse fighting a bird. For a moment you believed a breath stuck in your core could be relieved by the tactile sensation of these wooden carvings, but before you absentmindedly could relieve that urge, you found yourself sitting down in the parlor. 

Lace curtains covered the blinding nature of the sun- you could see Tsukasa clearly now. His hair was disheveled and bags were forming under his eyes. You didn’t say anything and wondered why he would work so hard for something that could have been avoided. 

He took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, you look tired.” said the one who looked incredibly tired himself. “You want me to explain why I decided to have a ball on such short notice, right?” You nodded. 

“It’s kind of complicated, but, uh, I’ll do my best to explain it.” you nodded again in acknowledgement. He just looked so haggard. 

“I listened to the conversations they were having. The branch families looked extremely unsatisfied as they walked in and greeted us, and especially towards you, some even didn’t bother to look at you. It is customary in our clan to face all who lead the meeting- you were also at the head of the table.” You nodded. It was true that some were snickering and gossiping while others didn’t exactly have the friendliest looks on their faces. Still, it didn’t warrant all this.

“It’s to be expected. Me being in the picture wasn’t planned, and I was certainly a surprise. Besides, it hasn’t been long since I got here.” you added. That type of reaction wasn’t out of the ballpark at all. 

“Yes, but here in the Suou family, everyone knows that this behavior is unacceptable. Perhaps it was due to the quite strict nature of some of the previous heads of the family, but since my father’s time, it was clear in each meeting that such behavior is prohibited. Gosh, if only it was a behavioral problem. They’re free to gossip all they like with their friends, but within this family, such disrespect to the Lady of the house is unacceptable. I still have their interest in the scroll, which is why almost all of those who attended the dinner have extended their stay.” Dude, get to the point.

“Mister, quit the lecture. How about the TLDL,” Callie came out of nowhere. “And Miss, you aren’t even dressed. What are you doing? This can’t be that serious, come on now.” said the one who ruined the first moments of your morning.

Every single question you had in your mind at that moment disappeared, and the anger you had stormed in with this morning was replaced by confusion and embarassment. What was this girl doing? Did she forget that she was employed here? Actually, she was kind of doing her job when you ran out and she found you to take you back to what you were doing, but really? Where were her manners? Perhaps she was spoiled-

“TLDL?” Tsukasa’s unnecessarily long eyelashes fluttered as he repeatedly blinked in confusion.

“Too long, didn’t listen.” Callie leaned on the doorframe. “Anyways, since I can’t just be standing here and joining in on your very noble and important conversation, I either need to take my lady here to get ready for the day as she’s still, frankly, in mostly her undergarments, or I can take my leave now and return when it is time for her to get ready.” 

Oh, that was your cue. Shit, this conversation wasn’t over. And undergarments my butt, this was an under dress. 

“Can you come back in 15 minutes, Callie? In the meantime, it would be great if you could just pick out all my accessories. And if you have time, pick out what I’ll be wearing at the ball we’re planning. Just put everything aside or something.” It made sense for sure, but sit all stumbled out of your mouth like you were pulling this sentence out of your ass.

Callie gave you a thumbs up, which probably implied something, but it was absolutely unclear and yesterday’s fatigue made it especially alluring to ignore whatever she implied. 

Tsukasa cleared his throat. “I apologize… yesterday’s events just bring out so much-” he paused. “I’m not sure how to phrase this- feeling of injustice.” You wanted to say that it wasn’t that deep, but that entire conversation would’ve been unproductive. Tsukasa stared at the floor for a few seconds before continuing.

“Anyways, none of the branch members had the guts to say they had a problem with you and may have been planning something in front of our faces, which is unacceptable.” he sighed. You could almost hear him say, “After all, we are the main family of the clan.” 

“I am keeping the scroll for the ball so that they have ample reason to attend, as balls have historically been optional, and it can double as an affirmation to our relationship and solidify your position. I chose this type of event because the grander it is, the more we can assert your position within the clan, as well as make headlines that make their way to Drakos- I want to test their strategy.” Tsukasa glanced at the chess board at the guest reception area of his office. 

“If something like this can cause immediate aggression while they are still strengthening their army, we know that they will be easy to fight and likely will be led directly by Erebus. If not, it may be safe to assume he has hired someone specialized in military strategy. Either way, it will be valuable information. Is that alright? Do you understand? I apologize if-” He scrambled for words.

“It’s fine, Tsukasa.” you couldn’t even be mad anymore. Despite his airheaded appearance as of late, he wasn’t dumb; how else could his dukedom be largely prosperous? It only took a couple of years for a leader to destroy their land- and the Suou dukedom was nowhere near destruction. “I guess I should’ve trusted you.” 

Tsukasa’s smile may have been originally for the wall behind him, but he was careless to let you see a slip of it before Callie came in.

“Actually, I’m done, so-” 

“How? That was, like, two seconds.” you interrupted her. 

“I’m just that good. Come on, it looks bad on both of us that you’re not dressed yet and it’s almost lunch. Let’s go.” 

You got up. What noblewoman gets scolded by her own maid? As you sulked your way to the door, a hand made its way to your shoulders and the tingle of a hot break near your ear. 

“This coat will be good in the meantime-” you don’t let Tsukasa finish whispering as you put your hands into the arms of the coat and he tied the front from behind you. You only realized you had forgotten to thank him after Callie shooed you out of the parlor. 

Despite Callie’s roughness with her voice this morning, she still didn’t let the itchy threads made for detailing touch your skin as she helped you on with your dress today. Even with this unfamiliar wardrobe, at least putting on dresses made to hamper independence didn’t physically feel horrendous. 

“To tell you the truth, my lady, all the dresses are so fancy they could be worn to any fancy event,” Callie quickly put a pin between her lips as she made sure not to tug your hair too tight as she fixed it. “I didn’t pick anything out, just set some dresses aside that I thought would be nice. Mentally.” 

You couldn’t be mad at that. In fact, all the dresses were so fancy they all should have been reserved for only special occasions. Noble life of this scale was too grandiose for comfort.

“All done. Shall I ask the Duke for instructions regarding attire for the ball? We may have to go to the tailor if there are other plans.” Callie looked in the mirror with you. “I think our hairstyles are pretty similar today. Just realized that.” You agreed with her about the hairstyle, but you’d go to Tsukasa for information about the ball yourself. Despite being pissed off about the ball happening, you still had to do your part. There was a week to prepare, so preparing promptly would be a good idea. 

As you sent Callie off to her break for the day and made your way back to Tsukasa’s office, you took note of the volume of your footsteps. The shoes weren’t nearly commanding enough. You’d have Callie look for shoes that might work later. 

“Tsukasa, are you in? Just need additional details for preparation.” You held the knob as you knocked on his door. 

“You can always simply enter, my lady,” Tsukasa got up to open the door as you let yourself in.

“And you still reached for the door for me.” your lips couldn’t help but curl up a little. 

“Sorry, just a habit. Do you want me to stop?” his eyes begged for you to say no. 

You assured him could do as he pleased, and you asked about the attire planned for the ball, as well as anything else you could help with.  

Tsukasa leaned his head back and opened his mouth to sigh. Before answering, he sat in one of his office’s receiving couches and you followed suit.

“I’m awaiting a response from the designers about the color palette and overall design of the ball, and by then I’ll be able to give you answers on the dress, shoes and other things like that. I do have a painting that needs to be done. The artist said he can do it any day this week, would you like to do that?” He fiddled with his hair. “We’ll both have to pose, but I won’t be able to be there as long. The painting will go quicker the longer you sit there, although I know paintings are terribly boring. They will be displayed at the ball as well, so please arrange it with Lapel if you have the time. He’s in his office today rather than mine.” 

You nodded. As much as you were stressed about the ball on such a short notice, it was still a week away. Besides, most of your time was actually off, despite your worry. Instead of learning magic for Erebus, you had the freedom to do almost anything else (within the estate, as Erebus and Mairi were still threats).

Before you got up from the couch to make your way to Lapel to arrange for the painter to be as soon as you were free, you took a good look at the man you were supposed to go with- he’d leaned his head back against the back of the plush seat, his bottom lip pushing up. His hair from this morning was the same- too many out of place hairs for a portrait. It would only be right for the painter to have an accurate figure to paint. Besides, for a man who had looked haggard all day and probably since last night, dragging him to the painter would have been plain cruel. 

“I’m sorry you have to see me like this. I just-” he turned his face away from you as you sank back into your seat next to him. “Why can’t there be a time of peace? Everyone has issues and everything is an issue for everyone. All these problems are stupid! Everything worth doing is too much!” 

You shifted your weight to your right hand as you put your left over his eyes. Even as the distance felt closer and closer from your hand sinking into the plush couch, there was no other priority than telling him to get some rest. A duke’s work wasn’t easy for someone so young- someone who needed to sleep and eat well. These days, it was evident Tsukasa did neither. 

Even though it was quite a delayed reaction, he jumped slightly in his seat and turned to face you, his face red of blush, a cute contrast to his purple eyes. Even if you normally giggled, a small smile crept up on your lips instead. It felt more human to see less of a “perfect duke” and more of just Tsukasa.  

“Wha-” he hid his blush behind his arms, although to no avail, “What’re you doing?” 

You finally broke into a giggle. After all, flustered Tsukasa was the best. “I think you look better when you’re well-rested. I’m sorry for storming in here this morning. It was unbecoming of me.” 

He then turned to face the back of the couch, burying his face into the fabric.

“Tsukasa?” 

He mumbled something into the fabric, and you sat back onto the couch to look at him closely. He shifted his body to face you, his hair imprinted by the way it was folded and pressed against the couch. “I just want to relax. Of course, I love helping the people, but there’s just too much work to be done. There are many things to correct, even in this family. I love them all, and they all have their good sides to them, but I can’t forgive how brazen and entitled they are. I am the one who works for our clan’s prestige. The duchy is how they are judged, after all.” 

Your answer was the same. You brought your hand to his eyes and nudged his head down, to which he brought to your lap. “You can’t pour from an empty cup. You’re human, after all.” You urged him to rest. 

He didn’t have time to show his blush, as his fatigue raised the weight of lips and ushered him to sleep. It would be a shame to wake up such a deprived man.

WORD COUNT | 2780 words

NOTES FROM QIAN | hi this series is extremely self indulgent. if you would like to join the taglist, please send me an ask [ tags in the reblogs ]. ALSO I ORIGINALLY WANTED TO HAVE CH 9 END WAAAAY AFTER THIS BUT IT ENDED UP BEING SO LONG I SPLIT IT INTO CH 9 AND 10. since the next part of the chapter has a different focus anyway, it’s fine

Now, Keito couldn’t imagine waking up on a cold bed- a bed without you there. It was warm, homey, not just “a bed”. It wasn’t just his, it was yours and his. It was no longer cold when he woke up; it was warm. Somehow, despite being better rested, he wanted to stay in longer with you. He no longer dragged himself out of bed, worried about the day ahead of him. Rather, he woke up to the sight of you. He was the one to hit the alarm clock, wanting an extra 5 minutes (which was really more than 5 minutes), but he got up anyways, stretching before he made his way off the bed. If you woke up at the same time he did, he’d be sure to gently nudge you awake, still rubbing his own eyes open and trying to find his glasses on the nightstand. 

If you want breakfast, he’ll have it made for you. Now, Keito isn’t the most experienced cook out there, but he’s not bad at cooking either. He’s a steady learner; you’ll be able to see his improvement as time goes on. He will attempt to make any kind of breakfast you want, as long as there’s time for it. He is always willing to put in the effort, just for you. If he has time, he’ll sit and have it with you; he wouldn’t oppose having a bite of his own dish. Plus, you’re there with him, and spending time with you is the most fulfilling.

Mornings with Keito, no matter what day, are somewhat fast-paced. He doesn’t like to rush; he doesn’t do his best work when it’s rushed. He takes enough time to get it done nicely. While he does adapt his routine to make sure you’re not rushed as well, he also tries to balance it with whatever work demands of him. He’s always doing something, but it doesn’t mean that he won’t take a moment to listen to you or respond to you. You’re always on his mind, and it makes his morning so much better when you’re with him. 

When you part with Keito, or rather when Keito parts with you in the morning, it’s surprisingly romantic. He lets out a mumbled “I love you,” before giving you a quick peck on the cheek or the lips, whichever you prefer, and perhaps a hug that he doesn’t want to let go of too soon. One last savor of bliss before going out to the stress of work, Keito makes it so every day.  

Keito is busy, and it’s normal that he works long, regular hours. That’s just who Keito Hasumi is. He misses you too, when you’re separated for so long. Somehow, even if he would have nothing to do when you were doing the things you needed to do, it would be nice to have him there. There was just something about Keito that made it better to do anything with him around, even if he couldn’t really help you with it. His presence simply made it better.

For Keito, you’re on his mind- not in a distracting way, but you help him remember that there are things he needs to do, besides work- like taking care of himself. When he feels stressed, he thinks of you. When he feels like he needs something, he thinks of you- you who tells him to get enough water, eat enough for lunch, get up and take a walk when his legs and back hurt from working without stopping. And when he’s finally done for the day, he’s no longer worried about tomorrow’s work, he’s occupied with thoughts of you- and that’s a good thing. 

Home is partially empty without Keito, before he comes back from work. It’s a little lonely, although it isn’t too big or too small, but it’s simply incomplete. It’s hard not to think about Keito before he comes back, but it’s not too hard to do what you need to do before he comes back. So many things remind you of Keito; he’s so ingrained into your life. 

But when Keito does get home, it always brings joy, no matter that you experience this every day he goes to work (which is very often). He greets you with a hug, his hands gently around you, and an almost whispered “I missed you,”- and now’s the best time to sneak in a kiss. He may even give you a kiss, quickly connecting his lips with yours for a short moment, before his lips form a smile you couldn’t see elsewhere. 

As for dinner plans, Keito’s up for anything good- anything both you and he likes. If you want him to, he’ll cook something you want. He’s not half bad, though there are times he’d rather order something to eat at home. At dinner, Keito’s surprisingly talkative. Perhaps it’s that he regains energy from the food, or he’s just happy to be with you- or perhaps it’s both- but he talks quite a lot at the dinner table. Work is an easy topic for him to talk about, especially when there are a lot of promising plans in place, but he’s always open to talking about anything else- even a manga idea he’s just a bit partial to write. 

Keito loves the idea of simply relaxing at home- sitting with you on the couch watching TV shows you like, sitting on the bed reading, or sitting on the balcony and looking out (it’s a surprisingly nice view). Sometimes, he’ll suggest a walk to the convenience store, hand in hand. It’s not always the convenience store; sometimes you’ll go out to the park or a drive around town, quietly talking as you enjoy the scenery. While it’s not the most impressive in the world, it’s quiet and comfortable.

As much as Keito tries to stay awake and get things done during the day, it’s very easy for him to fall asleep. He spends a lot of energy during the day, and with you, the stress that keeps his eyes wide awake are gone- especially when you’re both under the covers, the lights off and everything for the day has been done. He has a content smile as you take his hand or put your arm around him; he’s happy you’re there with him. The sound of your breaths puts him to sleep well, as it’s simply bliss.