A/N: Hello! I've been writing fanfiction for years, but this is the first time I sat down and really finished one. After rewatching Sekaiichi with my boyfriend, I felt very compelled to write and I'm excited to finally come out and share something that I am proud of.

A special thanks to the boyf for editing my work with care. Enjoy!


Masamune Takano took a sip of coffee from his white mug one fine June morning. The sun was already shining brightly through the blinds of his spacious apartment and birds chirped their waking songs. Peering through the window with his hazelnut, brown eyes, he saw the hustle and bustle of a Monday work day blooming through "Open" signs illuminating and business suits marching back and forth on the sidewalk.

Takano has been a realtor for five years now, setting remarkable standards for the company he works for. He sighed lightly and put on his dark-rimmed glasses, knowing that he would soon be one of those suited men briskly walking towards a multi-story car garage. He anticipated the change of scenery, however, as his home touring would be in the suburbs, about three miles from the city. The distance wasn't much, but the scenery changed phenomenology, and for the better.

He moved from the table and placed his mug in the sink to clean later. Despite the decently lavish earnings, he never felt the need to live in a fancy home. He lived by himself, so what'd be the point of a four bedroom, three bathroom home with chandeliers and a backyard pool? His apartment was comfortably big and simply decorated with small paintings and pictures, as well as having a small, faux fireplace in the center of his living room. Most importantly, he wanted his home to be located in a safe part of town, where he didn't have to worry about the kind of neighbors he might have. Seldom did they have children or loud animals. Most were older couples with children who already moved out or were also single bachelors who have a degree in business. Life was without a care, and that's how he liked it.

...

The sixty degree weather was already heating up Takano's black attire as he gently tossed his blazer onto the back seat and started his car, a black four-door sedan. His phone buzzed with a new message from the man getting a home tour. Ritsu Onodera. The name was familiar, but Takano had met a lot of people over the years and through his line of work, so he chalked it up mixing names together in his head.

"I'm running a bit late. Will be there 30 after," the text read.

After sending a generic reply, Takano drove down the parking garage and headed onto the main road. Traffic began to backup more of both people and cars, and Takano tapped his thumbs on the steering wheel as the crawl of motor vehicles would start and stop again, occasionally brushing his black hair with his fingers as he used the rearview mirror to check his reflection. A mile went by when the speeds were consistent and he travelled with ease to a neighborhood where homes were decently spread out compared to those in the city. He parked in the driveway and knocked on the door.

A tall, brooding man opened the door, the creases in his brows over his dark, blue eyes gave way to annoyance.

"You're early, Masamune," he said, stepping aside to let the realtor in. He was dressed in a black suit and his signature purple tie.

"I had to see whether you made the house proper enough for a tour, Yokozawa," Takano joked with a slight smile as he let himself into the home.

Takano had known his friend, Takafumi Yokozawa, since they had college orientation together. They were both going to school for business degrees, but Yokozawa wanted to work in advertising and sales. Their graduation photo is one of two images of the pair hanging at his apartment, the other of him as a best man standing next to Yokozawa at his friend's wedding.

A young girl peered around the wall, caressing a black-and-white cat's head. She couldn't have been older than ten or twelve, wearing a blue pullover and a pink skirt with leggings. She gave a weak wave after placing the cat gently on the ground.

"Hiyori's a little nervous about the potential buyer being around," Yokozawa explained as he kneeled down to pet his cat. "Sorata just hopes they bring treats." Sorata has been around since they were seniors in college when they found him wandering a city park with no tags. Since then, he has been a part of Yokozawa's life like any other child would be.

Hiyori stuck her tongue out at Yokozawa playfully before running up to Takano. "Want to see what Papa's been teaching me?" she asked, already grabbing his arm and pulling him towards the hallway. Her brown ponytail flipped as she turned around, showing the pink scrunchie that held it in place. It felt like only a year ago she was barely old enough to pour her own bowl of cereal, now she can drag him anywhere with ease.

She walked with him into the master bedroom where a taller man with curly, light brown hair was fixing up the bed. "Ah, Takano, you're early," he spoke with a wide smile as he looked up at Takano with caramel eyes that matched Hiyori's. He wore more casual clothing than Yokozowa, a mere grey cardigan over a white shirt. He was Zen Kirishima, Hiyori's biological dad and Yokozawa's husband. The two met through a business deal a few years ago and hit it off. His previous wife passed away when Hiyori was still young, but that didn't seem to burden him or his daughter much. They seemed like a complete and normal family.

"Papa, imma show him my trick!" she suggested through bright excitement. Hiyori retrieved three balls from the dresser nearby and began to throw them in the air one at a time. Juggling, the kid was already juggling. She laughed as Takano exaggerated his expression of disbelief.

"Next you'll be filing my taxes. Is there anything you can't do?" He chucked.

She blushed and threw one of the balls towards him. "You'll see. I'll be swimming with the dolphins someday." At her last birthday, she told everyone her wish was to be a marine biologist, and no one was short of impressed.

Yokozawa came into the room, his usually stern expression being softened by a newfound fatherly nature. "Is your room straightened up?" he asked Hiyori, who slumped her shoulders as she put the balls back and skipped out of the room.

"Can you believe that in a month you'll be moving? Hiyori spent all of her life here and Sorata has claimed the window sill as his throne. Will you miss it?" Takano asked the couple. They exchanged looks, smiling.

"Life needs changes to stay interesting. Sure, the neighborhood is nice and the garden is beautiful, but we'll be closer to work and Hiyori will get a better education in the city," Kirishima explained with very little sadness lingering in his voice.

Takano frowned. They were moving into the heart of the city where Takano hardly visited since most of his work involved the outer rim and surrounding areas. "I like the consistency of my life. I go home, have work, visit on the weekends, and that's that."

The two other men shook their heads as the doorbell rang. Takano went back into the living room and opened the door. His heart practically skipped a beat as he witnessed the figure before him. The brunette before him had smooth, light features and green eyes as deep as any forest trail in the country. His hair was barely combed through, but framed his face nicely. He held a brown sweater in his arm that must have covered his yellow button up. His smile seemed a bit forced, but it was nothing short of respectful and sweet. He was obviously nervous. And now, so was Takano.

After a few seconds of silence, the shorter man looked around. "Maybe I don't have the right place. Is this thirtieth avenue? I'm touring a home for sale, but I don't see a sign in the yard," he mumbled towards the end.

Takano blinked rapidly a few times, as if resetting himself. "Yes, you have the right place. I don't put signs in front of homes unless the family moves out and there hasn't been a buyer," he explained, hooking the thumb of his left hand through the belt loops of his slacks to keep himself from flailing his hands around. He motioned his right hand towards the other. "Masamune Takano, I'll be your guide today."

The other shifted his weight awkwardly, returning the shake. "Ritsu Onodera."

Silence crept in again as Takano allowed the shake to linger a little longer than usual. His hands were softer than he was expecting. He cleared his throat as he pulled his hand away. "Please, come in," he said as he gestured for the other to follow him into the home.

The two men walked around the home, conversing about the durability of the structure and the lovely layout. It was a simple home with white walls and a good amount of lighting. This region saw just as much rain as the city, but it was muddier and perfect for the Forget-Me-Not garden, despite not being native to the area, and being inside during storms was immensely cozy. Everything in the house was within reach and could easily be maneuvered with an extra person nearby. The master bedroom was spacious but humble and the guest bedroom, Hiyori's, was perfect for shorter visits. A regular, tiled bathroom, laundry units in home, a decent amount of kitchen space; it was perfect in Takano's eyes.

The home had gotten a bit small for its current family, but Takano saw it being a great investment for younger or older couples with little to care for. He almost considered moving there himself out of nostalgia, but the city needed him a bit more. He smiled at the thought, but frowned as he noted the anxious looks of Yokozawa and Hiyori who sat in the living room, awaiting the departure of their home invader.

"Want to see out back?" Takano asked, gathering the attention from Onodera who was admiring the granite finish of the bathroom countertops. They walked past the door onto a wooden porch. The small backyard was visible from other homes, but it held a small outdoor table, two garden chairs, and a stone path to a faux well.

Onodera sighed happily as he fell into the iron chair, careful not to scrape it along the boards beneath it. "This place is beautiful. I can really see myself living here."

"Are you moving in with a girlfriend?" Takano asked, smiling through the fear of the brunette's answer. His heart eased as the other shook his head.

"No, I just don't want to live with my parents anymore," Onodera explained, "I work at my father's bookstore—Marimo, if you've heard of it—and I've made a decent earning that I want to move on and do my own thing." He frowned a bit as Takano responded with an eager look. "I'm not sure what field to go into yet, so I'm still working for him. I guess a change of scenery might help the creative flows, help me find what I want to do."

"Did you go to college?"

"Yeah, I have a degree in literature. Well, writing, more so. They're kind of the same thing."

"Ah. Marukawa is always looking for editors," Takano added, knowing that Kirishima has been employed there for years.

Onodera winced at the name of the publishing company. "Manga? I don't read that stuff. I just sell it." He chuckled slightly to himself as he continued, "I appreciate what you're saying though. I'll have to get your input later."

Nodding, Takano leaned forward and asked quietly, "So how about we get out of their hair and go sign some papers. I know a good cafe down a short ways."

They both stood up, going back inside to thank the hosts for allowing a tour, and headed into the front yard.

"Which car is yours?" Takano asked.

"I took the subway then walked a bit."

"Allow me then." Takano opened the passenger's door, ushering the brunette to have a seat. They exchanged brief smiles and he could tell the younger man was shy about the invitation, but appreciated it tremendously. He got into the driver's side and began to go down the road.

The drive was silent, but no hostility filled the air. It was comfortable and relaxed. Takano occasionally stole a glance toward the other and noticed Onodera doing the same, both quickly abandoning their gazes the moment they met. He pulled into the parking lot of a cafe, decorated in blue and white stripes with a flashing "Welcome" sign. The two men got out and made their way to the building, Takano holding the door open for Onodera.

Only two regulars filled the bar seats and a short, round woman was organizing menus and cutlery sets. "Take a seat wherever!" she yelled as she started a new pot of coffee.

They sat closest to the door at a square, wooden table that had a hanging fern right above it. Takano removed paperwork from his briefcase as Onodera fidgeted, giving the cafe a thorough look around.

"Hello, what can I get for you, gentlemen?" the waitress asked as she tucked a strand of salt-and-pepper hair behind her ear.

"Black coffee for me and-" Takano pauses, looking at the man across from him.

"Uhm, water or... Maybe green tea?" Onodera said unsurely.

"What kind?"

"Ah, a sober drinker! Green teas for both of us. Surprise us," Takano added, jumping in as Onodera looked like his head was ready to explode from her question. It was a good enough answer and the waitress swung her way back behind the bar counter.

"I'm bad at ordering things. So many choices and questions," Onodera whispered across the table; his smile provided a sense of trust.

"You'll get used to it. I doubt this will be your only time here," Takano replied, writing some notes on the paper in front of him.

The two talked at length over tea about Onodera's excitement to move to thirtieth avenue. Many signatures were made and figures were discussed. It was hard for Takano to not have the feeling of giddiness rise in and out of his chest, like a high school girl who hopes her crush will ask her to the spring formal. He didn't want to call it love at first sight, but he couldn't ignore that a spark had ignited the moment he laid eyes on Ondera. And the flame grew stronger the longer they chatted and exchanged smiles.

Onodera's phone buzzed from inside his cardigan that hung off his chair. He got up and mouthed, I'll be right back, as he made his way outside.

Takano sipped his tea, peering at the window to see the other look more and more defeated by the conversation he was having. He watched as the other hung up, staring at his phone a moment longer before reentering the cafe.

Pulling change from his wallet and placing it on the table, Onodera divulged that his father had called him into work and that he must leave.

"I'm heading back home, so let me take you."

"You're very kind, but you've done enough for me already."

"I'd like to help in any way I can."

Onodera twisted a tuft of hair as he thought for a moment. "If I say no and start walking, you'll probably drive real slow and keep bantering me, won't you?"

"Yes."

"Fine," Onodera whined sarcastically.

They waved to the waitress as they took their leave.

The black car rolled up in front of a three-story building as plain as its surroundings, a large canvas reading "Marimo Books" hung above the double-doors.

"This is it," Onodera said, pulling his sweater over his head. His hair stood up in multiple places, as if he had only just rolled out of bed.

"I'll have to come by sometime," Takano added, taking a look at his watch. "But I have to head home. Let me know if you need anything, okay?"

Onodera just smiled and took a moment to look at the other before he opened the passenger door and took his leave, bustling through the store's entrance. Takano could swear that he was going to lean in and kiss him goodbye. Or maybe his affection is getting to his head.