Something Simple

The next few days went by like a blur for both Jun and Akari.

Akari threw herself into her concert preparations, careful to keep her work tucked away where Jun wouldn't accidentally see it. She wanted it to be a surprise.

Jun, in turn, fell into his own quiet routine. Each morning, he made something for her to eat during her day, leaving it neatly prepared for whenever she wanted it, before disappearing for hours at a time.

By evening, they always found their way back to the same table. Dinner was shared with small talk, light teasing, and a comfortable routine they both enjoyed. Neither of them pried into what the other had been working on besides a simple "How is it going?" or "Is everything okay?"

Akari would notice the tiny cuts on Jun's hands - thin fresh marks he always brushed off when she asked. Jun also couldn't help but notice how tired Akari's eyes looked despite her smiles'. He worried if she was resting enough, but he didn't push in fear of overwhelming her with her work.

Neither felt the other was hiding something. There was trust between them. And a patience and understanding that some things would be shared in time, when the moment felt right.

That quiet certainty carried them until before they knew it, the holidays had arrived.

-

Jun knocked on the bedroom door, when there was no answer, he slowly entered.

Akari lay on the floor, headphones tucked over her ears, notebook in her hands as she tapped her pen rhythmically.

Jun slowly walked over, careful not to startle her. It wasn't until he stopped beside her that she noticed his shadow fall over her.

She jumped slightly, quickly closed the notebook and took the headphones off. "Oh. What's up?" She said, trying to sound casual.

Jun raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Just checking on you. You've been in here a while."

She sat up. "I thought you weren't home. You're usually out around this time."

"Not today." He crouched beside her. "Today, I want to spend with you."

"Did you have something in mind?"

He hesitated. "If you're up for it, would you be open to having dinner with my family for Christmas Eve?"

Akari blinked. "Your family...?"

"I have to at least stop by. If you're not comfortable, that's okay. There's no pressure or expectations." He looked away slightly as a warmth crept to his ears. "I just thought it'd be nice to introduce you..." He mumbled more to himself than her.

She fell silent. Meeting someone's family... Have I even ever done that before...? 

Jun noticed her expression. "You don't have to if-"

"I want to." She shyly admitted. "I'm just a little nervous..."

"That's allowed." He gently took her hand. "It won't be for long and I'll be with you the entire time."

Akari smiled as she gave Jun's hand a soft squeeze. "As long as you're there then I'm sure it'll be fine."

-

Akari held the container of pastries that she hadn't realized Jun had made while she was working on her concert preparations. 

Jun glanced at her as they stood outside his parents' home. "If you want to leave, just tell me and we go."

She took a deep breath and nodded as Jun knocked on the door.

The door opened almost immediately to reveal a sweet older woman with kind eyes and a welcoming smile. "Jun! You made it."

The older woman's gaze shifted to Akari, beaming even more. "And you must be Akari!" She took the container from Akari's hands, guiding her inside. "Please come in."

As the door closed behind them, the older woman quickly went to the kitchen with the box of pastries. "Darling! Jun and Akari are here."

By the time Jun and Akari took their shoes off and put on the house slippers, the older woman was back accompanied by an older man wearing an apron. "Akari we're so happy to have you. Thank you for coming." The older woman chimed.

Akari offered a polite bow. "It's nice to meet you. Thank you for having me."

"These are my parents, Shin and Honoka." Jun explained.

Shin offered a reserved but kind smile. "It's nice to finally meet you. Jun has talked about you."

Akari glanced at Jun in surprise. "He has?"

Jun cleared his throat, ears turning red. "Of course I would mention you."

Honoka chuckled as she gestured them further inside. "Come sit. Dinner's ready."

As they stepped into the dining room, Akari felt some of her nerves melt away. It wasn't loud or overwhelming - just a warm, welcoming, and calm space.

Jun leaned in close as he pulled her chair out for her. "You doing okay?"

She nodded as she sat. "I am."

Shin and Honoka served a grand array of dishes, completely filling the table.

"We didn't know what you liked, so we made a bit of everything." Honoka said as she sat down.

Akari's eyes widened. "It all looks incredible... You really didn't need to go to so much trouble though."

"Trouble?" Honoka laughed. "What trouble? We were happy to."

Shin nodded in agreement. "Anything for family."

The dinner passed in a rhythm of simple conversations, warm laughter, and embarrassing but nostalgic stories of Jun's childhood. Akari listened more than she spoke, smiling at Jun's embarrassed face, at how Shin would only chime in to correct details, and at Honoka's enthusiasm. 

Somewhere along the way, the anxiety Akari had felt before had vanished, replaced by an ache of comfort. When was the last time she was around a family? When was the last time she shared a meal with people? When was the last time she didn't feel alone? The realization caught her off guard.

She felt her heart pull when she noticed the gentle way Honoka refilled her plate without asking, the way Shin listened quietly but attentively to whoever was talking, the way Jun glanced at her to check on her.

Warmth spread throughout her body and before she could stop it, tears welled in her eyes. She blinked them back quickly, surprised by how strong the feeling washed over her. How much she had always wanted something as simple as this - being able to share a meal, being able to reminisce, being able to be included without having to wear a mask or prove anything.

Jun noticed the shift. He moved closer, his hand resting gently against her leg to remind her she wasn't alone.

Akari took a steady breath, allowing the moment to settle rather than fight it. The tears didn't feel painful. If anything, they felt like relief - that the happiness she felt wasn't a fleeting moment but something she could believe in.