Chapter Twenty Four:
Reconsideration of Relationships

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HITOSHI NEVER EXPECTED IT TO HAPPEN. It had been a stressful weekend as he walked around the apartment, trying to make sense of whatever just happened back there. What happened? Let's just say a certain black-haired man showed up at his front doorstep a few minutes earlier and woke him up from his slumber. There was some sort of school event for the seniors this week and he had just been informed that morning and so, he needed to let the council know. However, there was something more to it and you knew it the moment Hitoshi let you know that your father had visited him to tell him about the trip.

"I don't know what he said to him but I'm not trusting it," you folded your arms across your chest and squinted your eyes. "There's something about this and I can see it in Hitoshi's eyes..."

"You stared into my eyes...?" Hitoshi looked up from the floor with one of his eyebrows cocked in confusion. "That's none of your business!" You defended yourself as Naomi sighed, shaking her head. The strands on her hair were messy as Eri attempted to brush it herself. "Well, maybe Shota just wanted to let him know since he is the council president. I mean, he would probably let you know if you still were."

"Maybe he won't." You groaned as you sat down on the floor next to Hitoshi, his warmth already radiating on the arm that was near him. "He would probably let me figure it out while he stays quiet about it." Hitoshi's violet eyes looked over to the side without you noticing and then to Naomi who was smiling warmly at him to which he smiled lightly back. "I promise I'm not hiding anything; not from you and not from anybody." That was a lie. He was hiding something and of course, he doesn't want to spill it in front of everybody else but you were just too good at reading him. "Why don't you just try to help me, (your name)?" Hitoshi smiled at you, his eyes shining and pleading as you faced him with a scowl. 

"Fuck off!"

"Language, (your name). Eri is here." 

"She won't mind!" you laughed as your mother shakes her head, standing up and carrying Eri away from the two of you. As soon as Hitoshi heard the door to where Naomi was clicked, he quickly looked at you with a serious expression. "Okay, maybe I did lie." You sighed as you grinned, happy that you were right about him lying. "But nothing is in it for me. It's just your father is planning something big by the end of the event and most of the board know about it and I just need you to cooperate and help me plan it."

"And you know what this big thing is?" You squinted your eyes as you watch the lilac haired male shrug his shoulders, the movement causing you to pout and sigh. "I don't and this time, I'm telling the truth. We just need the place to look good and double-check everything; from food to venues to the rooms we're staying." Hitoshi once again raised the offer but you only hummed. "I'm not part of the student council though," you teased as you scrunched your nose. "I don't know if I want to do any voluntary work, hm."

"Do this and I'm treating you to ice cream every time Ms. Yshi gives me a paycheck." Hitoshi raised his brows as you looked at him with shock. "Ms. Yshi gives you a paycheck?" You gasped as your eyes were still wide open. Hitoshi shook his head, his lilac strands following his movement as he sighs, finally answering the question with a small yes. "So, will you do it?"

"(Favorite ice cream flavor) and you got yourself a deal."

----

SHOTA WAS AFRAID THAT HE'D DO THIS WRONG. For once in his life, he was totally unprepared and he had to ask for help from the person he would least likely ask it from. The plan was simple; the party for the senior students was true and it was going to happen for a week. Graduation was closing in and the school board had decided to treat the students to a small retreat and get together. Shota would be bringing Naomi and Eri along and when the last day of the event arrives, he would propose to Naomi again.

"You really think that would work?"

Shota was in Yshi's office right now and the female was fixing up the files on her desk. She scoffed as soon as she saw the male's annoyed expression. "I'm kidding, Shota. I'm sure she'll love it." Yshi leaned in and used her hands to support her weight by placing them on the table's surface. "It would just be like the first time I proposed; at the beach with the sounds of the waves crashing on the sand and underneath the moonlight."

"Aren't you glad the student body decided to take the students to the beach this year?" Yshi wiggled her eyebrows as she did a small dance. Shota rolled his eyes, a small chuckle escaping the man's thin lips. "Yshi, are you still mad at me?"

"Well, if I were to answer that honestly, I'm not sure how you'd take it," she smirked as she shrugged. "Try me." Shota insisted as his eyes travelled from his knees to his friend's figure in front of him on the other side of the table. "I see that you're trying your best right now and you've been giving me quite the big cut out of your salary lately." Shota nodded as he fiddled with his thumbs. "Which, by the way, I returned back to you." Shota tilted his head and mouthed a small 'what' as he exhales. The woman grinned sheepishly.

"And I thought you were my best friend, Sho."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means I, Yoshinoya Hikari, do not keep grudges on people that matter to me as long as I see them change." She smiled as she sat down, the chair slightly squeaking. The room had suddenly changed auras and Shota's chuckles were rich and vivid. "I wonder how you do that. You're always so nice. It makes me think you're some sort of angel that might punish me for my bad decisions someday."

"I might or might not be. I'm just glad you're back to your senses! Now, go off and do your plan. I have a meeting to attend because somebody had to ask for the president's help."

"Oh, shut up."

----

THE SENIOR RETREAT BECAME THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE SCHOOL EVEN BEFORE THE WEEK HAD STARTED. Buses were lined up that Monday morning and every senior were chatting their mouths off even though they'll just see each other at the resort. You walked near Hitoshi who was talking to a few people and tapped his shoulder, the male jolting up as he turned back quickly to only see your pretty face. "Oh, hey beautiful!" He cooed as he winked. "What's up? Is there a problem?" He genuinely asked as he held on to your shoulders, checking from side to side if there was anything hurting you.

You chuckled as you grabbed his hands and placed them down but not letting go. "Since we won't be seeing each other for an hour or so, I wanted to ask for something..." The cute expression on your face made Hitoshi chuckle while smiling, the amount of light illuminating his face was enough to make you admire his features. "And that would be?"

"Hug me?"

Hitoshi's cheeks along with his ears turned pink as he gulped his petty excuse for a response. "You want me to hug you?" You nodded your head quickly as he repeated what you asked for. Slowly and surely placing his hand on your forehead, neck, and checking your ears, he blinked a few times before opening his mouth and closing them again. The intensity of his stares grew stronger by a second and finally, he sighed. "I'm worried, (your name). Are you sick?"

"What?"

"I mean, you don't ask for that normally. I practically have to force you to hug. Especially out here where a lot of people could see us." Hitoshi's explanation only made you pout and a sigh escaped your lips. "Alright, alright, come here." Before you could deny the offer, he had already pulled you closer to him, the scent of lavender inviting your nose to want to bury your face in his shirt for a while more when you wrapped your arms around him.

When the hug was over, you walked back to your class with a wide smile to which your friends teased you for. "Somebody is going to have the best week of her life with her not-so boyfriend," Eijiro teased as he nudged your elbow and wiggling his brows. "And I bet they're finally going to be officially dating by the end of it!"

"You really want to bet?" Momo chirped in as she gripped on Eijiro's shoulder, the latter turning back while he smiled, nodding. "I bet they're going to be together before it ends!" You groaned as you rolled your eyes, glaring at the two who were only laughing at your reaction. "You can't use us as betting tools! How many times do we have to remind this class that?"

"As long as the two of you keep doing illegal stuff when you aren't dating, then maybe, for a long time!" Momo smirked as she got inside the bus with you chasing her while shouting a few curses her way. Deep inside, you knew she was right and maybe it was time to reconsider the decision you had about dating Hitoshi.

Just maybe.

----

THE WEEK HAD GONE THE WAY YOU AND HITOSHI HAD PLANNED IT TO GO. The seniors had a ton of fun and they managed to close some of the ties they lost along the way. A few of them even got along with people who were going to the same universities or colleges. Every day, there was an activity that strengthened their bond and every night, they would end it with a small singing session by the beach with a bonfire. Tonight marks the last time the seniors will be able to enjoy the bonfire as you go home after lunch tomorrow so, everyone had made the most of it, sharing stories and experiences.

You and Hitoshi were staying in the sidelines, enjoying your batch mates talk the night away while you sipped on the smoothie you had in your hand. "Can you believe it? We're almost graduating..." you smiled while not making any eye contact with the lilac haired male, his gaze also locked on the embers flying off the bonfire. "Yep and you're going to the same university as Mirio and Tamaki, aren't you?"

"Yeah. I mean, I was able to pass despite my absences from you know, what happened."

"And you're still not friends with your dad." He added to which you laughed, snorting by the end of it. "I'm still trying to piece it all together besides we tried bonding over a game of chess!"

"In silence." He retorted as he looked at you, your features illuminated by the bonfire. He smiled lightly, admiring every inch of you as your lips slowly sip on the straw, your eyes glued to the people around you tinted with happiness. "You look really pretty, (your name)," he stated out of nowhere, a blush brushing his cheeks as you whipped your head to look at him with wide eyes. "Where did that come from?"

"Hm? It came from watching you and I keep thinking about how you've been different lately. I mean, it's a good kind of different and I love it. I'm just not used to it." As he said those words, he took your hand in his intertwining your fingers as he bit his lower lip, his teeth grazing it as he chuckled. "Are you trying to tell me something?"

The smile on his face was enough to make you want to laugh. He was handsome but he never really gives himself the right credit for it. Moving closer to him while still holding his hand, you leaned in close to his ear. "Actually, I have something to tell you but we need to get out of here so nobody else could hear." You let go of his hand as you stood up, brushing the sand off of your legs before walking away. Hitoshi followed closely behind, careful not to drag the attention of the seniors to the two of you leaving. When the two of you were far from the bonfire and nearer to the shore, you took a deep breath while he hugged you from behind. "I hope we can enjoy something like this someday. Like, just the two of us."

"You want us to go on a trip?" Hitoshi leaned closer to you while he chuckled, the vibrations causing your insides to turn warm and fuzzy. "You really must be into me, baby..." Hitoshi closed his eyes, listening to the waves as he hummed a small song. You shook your head as you listened to him, a small smile forming. "Hitoshi, I have something I really need to tell you," you slowly took his hands from your waist and turned yourself around so you were facing him.

"I—,"

The two of you whipped your heads and squinted your eyes at another set of muttering nearby. "Do you hear that?" Hitoshi quietly whispered to you as he faced you again. "It sounds like your dad..." You quickly nodded, dragging his arm to wherever the muttering was, sneaking. Hiding yourself behind a big palm tree and some bushes, you tiptoed to peek on whatever or who ever may be beyond it and Hitoshi was right; it was your father and your mother talking under the pale moonlight with their own bonfire.

"Naomi, listen..." Shota had a serious look on his face, one that you haven't seen in a while. While Shota continued to speak, Naomi listened intently at her husband's second confession. It was like hearing the same words over and over and yet it still brings a smile to her face because she loves him like that. "... I don't think I can ever live without you or I could live without our family. I know I have done something terrible and a mere apology would not cut it so, that's why I was trying my best to make it up to you, (your name), and Eri."

"You still need to work a little bit more with (your name) though." She winked as she chuckled, Shota chuckling along with her. "I know but I also can see that she's trying. And for that, I'm grateful."

"She loves you, Shota. I don't know how many times I have to stress that fact into your head despite whatever she says," your mother gently cupped your father's cheek. Tears started to form on your eyes as you watched them talk about you and how you've handled the situation. Shota commended your strength and your patience and even though he can sense the anger dangling with every word you spoke, you were still there to give him a warm blanket when he sleeps in his cold office. He talked about how well you did in school and how blind he was for not telling you that it was enough for him.

"This time Naomi, I'll make sure I'll take care of us better than I did before," he sighed as he looked into her eyes. "I will make sure that everything will be fixed before Christmas and that we will enjoy it as one happy family again. And not only during Christmas but during the rest of our lives as parents to (your name) and Eri. So, Naomi, will you please take this ring again and once again be my wife?"

Naomi let out a breathy sigh, a blush dusting her cheeks as she gave the black-haired male a tight hug before letting go and nodding. "I do, Shota."

Without wasting a minute, you hurriedly turned around and walked away from the area, hearing your mother and father's laughter in the distance. The violet haired boy called out to you but it seemed like you were too occupied with your thoughts to hear him. Running over to you and gripping your shoulder to make you face him, it was only then he realized you were in tears and a frown sat on his face. "Are you alright? I'm sorry..."

"No, no. It's just, I'm really happy for them, Hitoshi. I just... I thought mom wouldn't want to be with him because of how she acted when the incident happened. And dad, he said he notices my hard work and I just... I don't know how..." you wiped your tears away with your sleeves as Hitoshi held both your shoulders. "I don't know how to forgive him without breaking my heart into pieces and it hurts."

"..."

"It hurts because he just wants us to be okay and I can't seem to give that to him..." you continued as more sobs escaped your throat. "Hey, (your name), listen to me. You heard him, didn't you? He said that you've been trying to work your end and he appreciates it. And you appreciate his efforts in trying, right?" You nodded as you sniffled, the moonlight reflected on the water looking prettier than it did earlier. "If a person truly loves you, they're willing to wait until you're ready to reconsider everything else with them, baby."

"Just like how you're waiting for me?"

"I—," he choked on his own words. "Maybe? I mean, if that's how you want to put it then yes. I'm telling you, (your name). Healing isn't something that happens overnight and most of the time, patience and communication is what you need to have in order to be able to fix things. You want it to happen now? Go for it! You want us to wait until you're healed? Go for it!"

You chuckled.

"But you know, I'm guessing you want to reconsider things now," he smiled and you looked into his violet eyes, making him look away quickly. "With your father, of course."

You tilted your head while smiling, your mouth opening to say something but only closing when you sighed, nodding. "Yeah, but maybe not just with him..." Hitoshi looked back at you, his heart beating unusually fast as he stared, your eyes reflecting his image clearly under the evening sky and the dim lighting. "What do you mean by that?"

"You were right when you said I wasn't acting like myself this week because I—," you cupped his cheeks, pulling his face closer to yours, smiling before crashing your lips with his. This action may have taken him by surprise but the way he quickly wrapped his arms around your torso while you wrapped yours around his neck, made him realize that he needed this. Pulling away slightly, you smiled. "I think I want to try that dating thing you've been initiating."

He only chuckled before trapping your lips with his again, the smoothness of both your movements made the moment more precious than you expected it to be. Shota and Naomi had been watching the two of you from afar, their fingers intertwined with one another. "It looks like they finally settled down their scores," your mother commented as she looked back at Shota and down to their linking hands. "To think that she used to despise him a lot."

"You think me and her will be okay?" Shota asked as he frowned, Naomi shrugging in response. "Well, let's hope she settles the scoreboard with you a little earlier than she did with him. I really hope both of you will finally be okay."

But maybe anything could happen and maybe a lot of things could mean differently than it should. In your mind, you only have one goal left and after weeks and weeks of trying to ready yourself for it; you wanted it to happen as soon as you come back home.

Love was finally going to have that talk with Anger.

----

A/N: HELLO GUYS! Well, from here on out, we will be going on a more wholesome road than an angsty one. Shota's letter will finally be shown in the next part. Also, I don't know what's up with me and kissing scenes on beaches. But the idea always sends me flying over to an 'awww' trip.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and see you in the next one!

Sorry for the shitty-ness too!

Stay safe and I love you all!

QOTD: How do you think this book would end? Also, would y'all like a novella for this book but more concentrated with Naomi, Shota, Yshi, and the rest of the teacher/school board people?