[ShuMika] Autumn Waltz Chapter 2: Eternal Rendezvous

[anakiddwrites]

 After confessing their feelings, Mika and Shu take a day to go out together, still adjusting to their new status and having a heart to heart conversation about the future.

“Oshi-san… can I ask ya somethin’ before we leave?”

“What is it, Kagehira…?”

“... Can we hold hands…~ ?”

Shu gasped audibly at the request, covering his mouth with one hand and turning away from the begging eyes waiting for his answer. After the heart to heart talk where they confessed their deepest feelings, Shu watched over Mika carefully until he recovered and reserved a day off to spend time together.

Mika had suggested going out downtown to see the Halloween decorations already on display and even though it was a typical commoner’s activity , Shu didn’t deny it. Kagehira’s tastes were part of his charm, after all… just like his unexpected requests.

“Is it no good…?” The boy added timidly before the mentor’s silence, looking down to his nervous hands and blushing violently. He knew it was a bold plea, but… Oshi-san had accepted it before when they were just unit mates, so now should just be natural, right?

“I didn’t deny it, Kagehira.” Shu huffed, forced to finally react to those puppy eyes. “It’s just… public exposure like that… I’m not sure.”

“Buuuut we did it before…” Mika mumbled, nudging at Shu's sleeve. “Coming back from the museum… goin’ to visit Grandpa… and...”

“When we were both students.” Shu interrupted him, as gentle as possible. “Now we are bound to a real world agency, rather than a school… The expectations over our public image are different. We must take care of Valkyrie. You… you understand, right?”

Mika nodded, his expression a bit pouty. Of course he understood their world wasn’t the same and how society expects a certain behavior from idols. He would protect Valkyrie with everything in his soul, after all, loving Oshi-san is also loving Valkyrie. However…

However, Oshi-san still hasn't denied it.

“I’m glad ya didn’t deny it ‘cause ya didn’t wanna, Oshi-san ~ ♪” Mika bounced back and forth, trying to show his partner a smile. “We shouldn’ta make Saegusa-san and the fans mad, ne? Causin’ trouble’s no good… I’m happy jus’ with goin’ out with ya… ”

“Wait!” Mika had held the doorknob to open the door, but suddenly Shu’s hand on his wrist froze him in place. “I still didn’t answer, why are you rushing!?”

“‘cause I don’ wanna stay ‘ere until all stores close.” Mika took a deep breath and stared at Shu with a more firm expression, despite the pleasant proximity.

“Oshi-san, can yer answer a simple question directly to the point fer once?” He took Shu’s hand, intertwining their fingers and bringing it up to their eye level, looking deeply into the violet eyes.

“Wha’do ya really wanna do?”

Shu’s eyes widened a bit and his cheeks flushed between surprised and… attracted to that change of attitude. That side of Kagehira surfaced usually out of nowhere, taking all his defenses down… Meanwhile their hands comfortably nestled on each other felt good, felt… safe, paired with the intensity of the new acceptance of love they shared.

“Don’tcha wanna… change this idol world from inside out…?” Mika added with a light grin, squeezing their hands more and eyes growing bright. “Through art, through love… isn’t all the same, in the end? ~”

A shiver ran all over Shu’s body at that, his heart swooning at the words said with such passion by his loved one. He smiled largely and squeezed Mika’s hand in return, bringing it closer for a gentle kiss without warning.

“O-OSHI-SANNNN??” Mika’s cool appeal melted and he turned into a flustered mess in a split second. “NNNhhhhhaaa!!! D-doing this stuff out of now’ere!! A-and wanna talk ‘bout public exposure??!!”

“We’re still behind closed doors.” Shu chuckled, satisfied for causing such a reaction. “But… you do have a good point, Kagehira. Giving up on every little piece of ideal to be shaped as a “proper adult in society”... is a path I don’t plan to take. Testing the waters with a humble hand holding… sounds fair enough to me, to be honest.”

Shu felt his chest light admitting that, and Mika’s large and divine smiley expression sure reinforced his decision. Before he could admire the view more, though, the younger one had latched on his neck and pulled him for a short but intense kiss.

“I love ya, my Oshi-san ~” Mika practically purred, bumping their foreheads with closed eyes. Shu just sighed and returned the gesture, actually fascinated. In one way or another, Mika always got what he wanted in the end.

“I… I love you too, my Kagehira… N-now…! Let’s get going, hm? And let’s try to not create any fuss, still.” He added, finally allowing the door to open. Mika nodded happily now, enjoying the warmth of Shu’s hand in his own and welcoming the gentle autumn’s breeze of October.

Walking hand in hand was a quite familiar and comforting feeling, to be honest. From time to time Shu would discreetly glance at Mika just to meet two-toned eyes already staring at him along with a large warm smile, making the leader huff in embarrassment and avert eyes over the younger one’s giggle. Mika would repeat the same gesture a few moments later, looking up to violet irises softly gazing down at him too and causing adorable little noises to come out.

The silent appreciation would continue until the very first Halloween decoration was at sight downtown, prompting Mika to suddenly drag Shu along to walk faster towards it. Whoever this… Jack Skeleton was, must have been really important to Kagehira.

“Look Oshi-san, look!! Waaa, it’s a real scale statue!! So cool!! Can we take a picture with him, please, pleaseeeee?”

“K-Kagehira, no need to pull my sleeve like this! Honestly, are you a child…? And well... I guess it can’t be helped or you would dream of it at night.”

“Weheh! Thank ya kindly, Oshi-sannn!” Mika squeaked, stopping himself from kissing Shu’s cheek at the last moment, noticing his wary expression begging him to avoid creating any fuss.

The boy just sighed softly and squeezed Shu’s hand, chuckling a bit. Public kisses would be too much of a scandal, Mika knew that much. It was just so hard to hold back all the affection in his chest, particularly now they were on common ground about their feelings!

“Come here, Kagehira. Let’s take this picture and enter the store, I’m sure you are going to have a field day there.” Shu said softly, still not letting go of his hand. Looking around, he couldn’t notice any eyes on them, but… better safe than sorry.

The huge store was sure fully prepared for Halloween, to Mika’s delight. Decorations, funny props, jack o'lanterns, souvenirs from classic movies and all the candies were a sight of a creepy heaven for the boy. Shu silently picked up a cart to put in most of the things Mika was fawning over while listening to him going off about characters Shu barely recognized. Still, he had a soft smile the whole time, appreciating every gesture, expression and the happy voice of his excited partner.

“Waaaah, Oshi-san, look at him!! Look!!” And there they are. The plushies’ shelf. Mika had latched immediately to a cat vampire with patched up motifs, looking up to Shu with puppy eyes. “Can we keep him? Hm?”

“It’s not a stray cat, Kagehira…” Shu sighed, but shrugged and took it from Mika’s hands to put in the cart. “I guess one of those is fair enough.”

“Nnnha, thank ya kindly!! W-wait, Oshi-san… yer grabbed all this’tuff?? It’s too much!! Don’tcha wanna get anythin’ fer yerself?”

Shu knew that nervous tone was an indicator that Mika was self-conscious about being a bother. Getting closer to fix the younger’s unruly hair and take the chance to pet his head, he just offered a reassuring smile.

“It’s fine. That’s why we came all the way here too, hm? I already have anything I need..” A hand slowly caressed Mika’s cheek, a quick but meaningful gesture. “... right here.”

It was their first official date, after all. Shu just wanted to spoil Mika for the day and wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Nnnhhhhaa!!! O-O-O-Oshisan!!! So bold!! Ecchiiii!”

“Shut up!!! Don’t say such things so casually in public!!”

Fretting, Shu took Mika’s hand again and pulled him towards the cashiers, urging him to calm down.

“You… are going to need to get used to it, after all.” Shu mumbled more to himself than anything, hoping his cheeks weren’t too flushed out. Mika wasn’t the only one struggling to keep his hands to himself…

The day went on in such a tone, between shopping bags and creepy things and mutual admiration and reserved touches and long gentle glances. Perhaps Shu would need to call his brother for financial help once again but nothing would convince him it wasn’t worth it for that angelic smile shining on his soul.

“Nnnha Oshi-san, aren’t yer tired? We crossed almost the whole street!” Mika stretched, unaware of his partner’s inner musings. “I feel I need somethin’ ta drink, don’tcha?”

“Hm, indeed. We should rehydrate and eat before going home… oh?”

Shu blinked, his attention caught by a jewelry store at the end of the street. It wasn’t decorated for Halloween yet and ironically was standing out among the others because of that - and the charming facade earned Shu’s approval on the spot.

“Nwa? Ah, do ya wanna go there, Oshi-san? It seems it’s a new store! Weheh, looks fancy but I guess it’s yer style ~!” Mika quickly dragged Shu’s by hand, eager to see him having fun too. The day was too focused on him and he had to admit it was anxiety inducing, even though somehow nice… No doubt getting rid of such guilty feelings this was still a long way ahead.

The store was indeed fancy, but still artsy enough to entertain Shu’s eyes. He quickly was driven to the retro-style jewelry, opening a large smile and sparkly eyes at the most intricate and delicate artworks.

“Look, look, Kagehira! These victorian-inspired designs!! Such details! Such skill! Who would expect such a place to exist here under our eyes! Trés bien!”

“Wehehe, new stores open real fast these days… I’m glad we came all the way downtown… ~ Maybe yer gonna find somethin’ that inspires ya, Oshi-san ~”

“Oh, today has been very inspiring already ~ Kakaka! After all… ” Shu opened his arms in a large gesture for a big statement, but his eyes blinked in a specific direction and his thoughts derailed for a moment. “But… perhaps…”

“Something particularly inspiring, indeed.” He mused to himself, approaching slowly one of the shelves where a jewelry set was on display. It wasn’t especially outstanding among the many other beautiful pieces around it, but in that moment it was everything Shu could look at.

“Kagehira, come here. Take a look.” He said softly, his expressions and gestures immediately shifting and making Mika curious. The younger boy hopped to Shu’s side in a second and his jaw dropped, a reaction similar to his partner.

“Wah?! It kinda looks like our accessory from the Museum Live! I mean, Oshi-san’s was better of course hehe… but this looks very nice, too!”

“Do you think?” Shu asked, still staring at the heart and key matching necklaces assembled as a pair. “I’d say this is a step further from our concept of that time.”

“Really??” Mika blinked, surprised. It felt unnatural for him to say anything was better than Oshi-san’s art, but if that was the very own artist's opinion… “I mean, it’s a bit different from ours… Oshi-san is always evolving too, so I guess last year’s piece doesn't hold up the same now, ne?”

“Recognizing it is a matter of respect for this designer. I’m not a jewel maker per se, so it’s natural that a pro’s work is more refined. You don’t need to be afraid to admit it. However… it’s not just a matter of technical skill.”

Shu leaned forward, admiring the ensemble and reading the profile detailing the concept and materials of the piece.

ETERNAL RENDEZVOUS
Necklace pair
Designer: Kouei
Gold plated - silver details
Steampunk series
This set consists of a pair of necklaces following the lock & key concept.
The heart pendant with a lock in its center is made of a genuine pink sapphire and the wings surrounding it are polished gold plated. The key pendant matches the lock and is ornamented with a green alexandrite and a polished gold plated feather. The set includes 2 gold plated chains, one for each pendant. Inside the heart pendant, an item of the size of a coin can be kept and locked with the fully functional key pendant.
Ideal for couples that would like to share a matching jewelry to represent their special bond.
Not sold separately
Consult our staff for pricing and optional items

Designer’s note: The concept of this piece is ‘love’ as an unbreakable bond built both in trust and vulnerability. I aimed to create an interactive artwork that would emphasize the uniqueness of each relationship between two humans. Therefore, what to keep safe inside the heart is up to each different owner.

“This concept… a concept that at that time I couldn’t grasp fully.” Shu smiled satisfied, then turned to Mika. “Kagehira, do you like this piece? Should we get it?”

“NHAA?! A c-couple’s necklace?? To match and all? T-that’s so sudden, Oshi-san!!! A-and isn’t it v-very expensive??? And t-the public exposureeeee??”

“Kagehira.” Shu placed his hands on the fretting boy’s shoulders, looking at him kindly but determined. “Ok, then. One question at the time. Do you like this piece?”

Mika whined a bit, but his heart melted easily under Oshi-san’s hands. He looked at Shu and then back at the artwork, tears coming to his eyes already.

“It’s… beautiful… the sapphire heart suits Oshi-san… yer sure deserve it…”

“It’s not sold separately, though.” Shu smiled more. “As for me, I’d say the alexandrite and the feathers suit you beautifully. It’s almost like it’s made for us.”

“Nwaa? F-fer’eal? Waaa… Oshi-san saying such things s-so suddenly... ” Mika averted eyes, conflicted and completely flustered. That seemed too good for him, so good it was overwhelming.

“Obviously I’m serious about it. So… can you answer this simple question straight to the point?”

“...”

“Should we get it?”

“...”

“What do you really want, Kagehira?”

Mika spent more time in silence and staring at the floor than Shu anticipated, worrying if that would backfire horribly. The fear just increased when Mika looked up to him with tears rolling freely by his cheeks, but next thing the boy was latched on his chest, sniffling and nodding.

“I-Is it really okie… if… I really wanna...”

“It’s more than okay. I would be really happy, too.” Shu patted Mika’s hair softly, sighing and knowing the public exposure now was at peak but… Honestly, with Mika in his arms and inspired by that piece of art, gossip or random starings became insignificant.

“Then… thank ya kindly, Oshi-san… I’m gonna treasure it… ♪ and keep yer key safe and loved forever. ~” Mika looked up to him with a smile amidst tears, his heart full of love and adoration.

“Like you already do.”

Gazing at each other's eyes and forgetting about the surroundings, probably they would go a bit too far in a public space at any moment - if one of the store’s staff haven’t approached them with heels clacking a little more soundly than needed and asking if they needed anything.

“A-ah… s-sure, hm. We’ll have one Eternal Rendezvous… with my compliments to the designer.”

Shu definitely would need to call his brother for financial help. But they still had time to celebrate the discovery of such a treasure.

The sun was already setting when they found a place to eat, engrossed in the comfortable tiredness of a long but pleasant day and surrounded by so much more shopping bags than expected. Probably a cab would be needed to carry all of that and their tired legs back to the dorms.

“Kagehira! Kagehira!” Mika was humming softly and admiring the new necklace, taking a moment to come back to reality. “What do you want to order?”

“I… ehe, I wasn’t payin’ attention, sorry… I’ll have the same as ya, Oshi-san.” He said without much thinking, making the other boy huff slightly and shake his head. Still, Shu ordered an extra dessert for him in addition to the same dish and drink he wanted.

The day was coming to an end so Shu didn’t comment about this particular behavior. There would be time to deal with it step by step, as a couple.

As a couple… Shu took a deep breath, feeling a turmoil in his stomach that surely wasn’t hunger. Everything still felt a bit unreal, especially with how mundane and familiar the date activities turned to be. Getting dressed, holding hands, shopping together… Shu didn’t feel they changed ways drastically after confessing their feelings.

So… that meant they were behaving like a couple the whole time?

“Oshi-san…” Mika leaned forward, looking Shu in the eyes and his smile poofing the wandering thoughts of the pink-haired boy. “Thank ya so much for today… yer spoiled me so much that even made me nervous… b-but I endured it… I didn’t wanna ruin it. I was nervous, but I had lots of fun!”

“Hm, I’m glad to hear that.” Shu turned his total attention to Mika now, genuinely relieved. “You look very well now and totally recovered. Please keep up like this, would you?”

“I’ll do my best!!” Mika nodded, gripping at the key around his neck with a determined glow in his eyes. “I won’t do dumb things anymore… I’m not sure if I’m gonna mess up here and there, but I gotta watch myself… even if it’s hard without ya here...”

“I know.” Shu discreetly placed a hand on Mika’s, the other hand caressing his own heart-shaped pendant around his neck.

“But I believe you are going to be fine. If you keep this up, I’ll always come back to your side… physically, I mean. I emphasize that because... my heart will always be with you, no matter how scattered we may be.” A pause, then Shu chuckled lightly. “I suppose it was always like that, before I even realized...”

“Oshi-san…” Mika’s eyes teared up immediately and his voice cracked, overwhelmed. “I-I’m… so happy… Yer so good to me, Oshi-san… a-and I still..”

“Hm?” Mika looked down suddenly, making Shu raise eyebrows. “Still what, Kagehira…?”

The silence took over for a few moments, only Mika’s audible breath filling the space. He sure became agitated in the span of seconds, making Shu wary for sure.

"Still, I'm... I'm not ready to say goodbye anytime soon.. I know I'm not..." Mika fidgeted with his fingers around the necklace chain, feeling ashamed of his own behavior. "I k-know I just said I'll do my best, b-but... when I think about sayin' goodbye again... I feel I-I'm gonna fall and fall all over again..."

"Kagehira..."

"Uagghhh, it doesn't matter, does it?!" Shaking his head strongly, he shouted for a moment in a messy attempt to keep himself together. The least thing he wanted was to ruin that blissful day. "I just need to get over it... I'll get over it..."

"Of course it does matter, Kagehira..!" Shu huffed, reaching his hands and squeezing them, driving Mika's attention to his determined expression. Gazing at that worried two-toned eyes though, he offered a tender smile. "Now listen. It's natural to feel this way, I... I don't want to say goodbye either, n-naturally."

Mika's eyes widened at the soft blush slowly appearing on his Oshi-san's cheeks, an adorable sight that managed to calm him better than any word. Still, the uneasiness was visible in the way his cold hands grabbed Shu's slenders ones, as if afraid he would disappear immediately just from talking about parting again.

But at least now Shu had Mika's full attention on him.

"A-anyway. I'm glad you told me this... Being honest about your feelings is not a problem. It's the first step to deal with them... so... cry if you need to cry... curse if you need to curse... doing your best doesn't mean pretending those feelings don't exist. And then, if you still feel you are falling over again..."

"Oshi-san..."

"Give me a call anytime of day or night." Shu took a deep breath, offering a reassuring smile and the kindest tone he could bring to life. "You... you hold the key to my heart, so never forget that any distance is simply temporary, no matter what. Before you realize, we'll be reunited again."

"O... Oshi-san... OSHI-SANNNNNNN......" Unable to hold back the ugly crying, Mika practically jumped on Shu's side of the table for a hug, under yelps and 'nons' from his partner. Besides the protests, Shu could only embrace him back for balance and try to ignore the startled and curious looks in their direction caused by the sudden outburst.

"I guess I brought it upon myself, huh..." Shu mumbled to himself, petting Mika's hair until he calmed down enough to look up to him again. Wiping his tears gently, Shu had to admit that adorable noises and big bright eyes quickly easened any irritation that little fuss could cause in his heart. "Anyway... I know this doesn't make things easier, but... I'll do my best to ease your loneliness as I can, Kagehira."

And mine too, unspoken words Shu reserved to himself. So much for preaching about being honest with feelings, but that was a work in progress for him as well, after all.

"T-thank ya, Oshi-san... yer right... there's no use whinin'..." Mika nestled himself in Shu's chest, the warmth and proximity sure helping him to calm down and feel grounded again. "Just havin' ya reassurin' me like this means the world ta me... after everythin' I can't just let myself fall over, ne..."

Mika took a deep breath, gently caressing the heart necklace on Shu's neck and feeling his own cheeks heating up at the touch.

"The key to yer heart, ne... I gotta treasure it properly..." A smile came to his features, whispering the words like some kind of spell to vanish the dark clouds, at least for now. Even if they were bond to come and go, that was a boost of motivation to keep it at bay.

"I-if someone can do it, it's you..." Shu whispered back, looking away flustered. "We've been through so much worse, so I'm sure we can face any struggle that come our way... together."

"Hmhm... together ~ ♪" Mika nodded, comfortably resting head on Shu's chest despite being under public eye. It was easy to get lost in his Oshi-san's presence, and Shu didn't feel he should say anything about it. Enduring his own light nervousness and embarrassment was better than risk fading the bright smile that had just returned to Mika's features.

The discreet cough of the waiter bringing their orders brought them back from the moment and Mika quickly realized how close he was, sitting properly again and bowing apologetically. Thankfully no further comment was made, so Shu just smiled calmly to Mika and received a soft grin in return.

"Let's eat and then return home before it gets late, hm?"

"Sure thing, Oshi-san ~ ♪ it lookin' tasty, ehe ~"

Eating together with Oshi-san made everything tastier, of course, just like doing anything else with him rather than alone. Changing this dynamic was sure an ongoing challenge, but it was more than worth to fight on when they were able to stand together not just on stage, but also in life. It still felt like a dream, but the memories of such days and the weight of the matching necklaces were a reminder to Mika that was simply their reality now. One that he would hold onto with all the love and life he had to give, no matter how many ups and downs the eternal rendezvous of fate would throw at them.