Until We Meet Again
Atsushi stood on the platform of Osaka Station, his heart heavy with a mix of emotions as he watched Dazai board the train. The summer break had arrived, and with it, the reality that Dazai was returning to his hometown of Yokohama. They had spent countless hours together, studying literature, exploring the city, and sharing their thoughts and dreams. Now, for the first time in months, they would be apart.
Dazai turned to Atsushi with a smile, his usual playful demeanor slightly subdued. "Don't look so sad, Atsushi. It's only for a few weeks," he said, trying to lighten the mood.
Atsushi forced a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I know, Dazai. I just... I will miss you, that's all."
Dazai stepped closer, pulling Atsushi into a tight hug. "I will miss you too, more than you know," he whispered. "But we will talk every day, and before you know it, I will be back. Promise."
Atsushi nodded, burying his face in Dazai's shoulder for a moment. The scent of Dazai's cologne, a mix of cedar and something uniquely him, filled his senses, and Atsushi clung to it, trying to memorize everything about this moment.
The train's whistle blew, signaling its imminent departure. Dazai reluctantly let go, giving Atsushi one last smile before stepping onto the train. Atsushi watched as the doors closed and the train began to move, carrying Dazai away from him.
Atsushi stood there until the train was out of sight, feeling a sense of emptiness settle in his chest. He turned and made his way back home, the usually vibrant streets of Osaka feeling dull and lifeless without Dazai by his side.
Chuuya stood by the train platform, the noise of station humming around him. He glanced at his watch, noticing he had about ten minutes before his train departed. Beside him, Akutagawa stood quietly, his dark gray eyes fixed on the floor. The summer heat was already settling in, but neither of them seemed to mind.
"I can't believe summer break is already here," Chuuya said, breaking the silence. He tried to sound cheerful, but there was a hint of sadness in his voice.
Akutagawa nodded, still looking at the ground. "Yeah, time flies."
Chuuya reached out and gently touched Akutagawa's arm. "Hey, look at me."
Akutagawa lifted his head, meeting Chuuya's gaze. His expression was neutral, but his eyes betrayed a mix of emotions.
"I will miss you," Chuuya said softly.
Akutagawa's lips curled into a small smile. "I will miss you too."
Chuuya squeezed his arm. "It's just for the summer. I will be back before you know it."
"I know," Akutagawa replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "But it's still hard."
Chuuya nodded. He knew how much Akutagawa struggled with expressing his feelings, and this temporary separation was undoubtedly difficult for him.
"Hey," Chuuya said, trying to lighten the mood. "Why don't we spend these few minutes talking about something fun?"
"Like what?" Akutagawa asked, his interest piqued.
"Well," Chuuya began, "how about our next project? We could brainstorm some ideas."
Akutagawa's eyes lit up. "That's a good idea. I have been thinking about doing something with a lot of texture. Maybe using mixed media."
Chuuya grinned. "I like that. We could combine different materials, play with contrasts. It would be amazing."
The conversation flowed easily from there, the two of them losing track of time as they discussed their art. Chuuya felt a pang of sadness as he realized his train would be leaving soon. He glanced at the clock and sighed.
"Looks like it's time," he said reluctantly.
Akutagawa's expression turned serious again. "Yeah."
Chuuya pulled Akutagawa into a tight hug. "I will call you every day," He promised.
"I will be waiting," Akutagawa replied, his voice muffled against Chuuya's shoulder.
They held each other for a long moment before reluctantly pulling apart. Chuuya grabbed his bag and turned to board the train. He took a deep breath and looked back at Akutagawa one last time.
"I love you," Chuuya said, his voice steady.
"I love you too," Akutagawa replied, his eyes glistening.
Chuuya stepped onto the train, finding a seat by the window. He watched as Akutagawa stood on the platform, his figure growing smaller as the train started to move. Chuuya waved, and Akutagawa waved back until he was out of sight.
As the train sped towards Yokohama, Chuuya leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, memories of the past year flooded in his mind: the late-night study sessions, the long walks through the city, the laughter and the tears. He smiled to himself, knowing that this summer would only strengthen their bond.
Back on the platform, Akutagawa watched until the train was a mere speck in the distance. He sighed, feeling a mix of sadness and determination. He knew that their time apart would be challenging, but he was confident that their love would endure.
As he walked away from the station, Akutagawa thought about the project they had discussed. He could already picture the textures and materials they would use, the vibrant colors and intricate details. The thought of working on it together gave him a sense of purpose, a goal to look forward to.
Back in their shared apartment, Atsushi tried to distract himself with his studies, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Dazai. The way he laughed, the way his eyes sparkled when he talked about a book he loved, the way he made Atsushi feel like he was the most important person in the world. It was hard to concentrate when all he wanted was to be with Dazai.
His phone buzzed, and Atsushi's heart leapt. It was a message from Dazai.
'Made it to Yokohama safely. Missing you already. How is your day going?'
Atsushi smiled, feeling a little better. He quickly typed a response.
"Glad you arrived safely. Missing you too. Day is okay, just trying to study, but it's hard without you here.'
The reply came almost instantly.
'Wish I could be here with you. Let's have a video call tonight? I want to see your face.'
Atsushi's smile widened. 'Yes, I would love that! Can't wait.'
Later that evening, Akutagawa sat in their small apartment, sketching ideas for the project. The room was filled with the soft glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows on the walls. He glanced at his phone, half expecting a message from Chuuya, but he knew it was too soon.
Just as he was about to put his phone down, it buzzed. A message from Chuuya appeared on the screen.
'Made it home safe. Miss you already.'
Akutagawa smiled and quickly replied. 'Miss you too. Can't wait to start our project.'
Chuuya's response came almost immediately. 'Same here. Love you.'
'Love you too.' Akutagawa typed back, feeling a warmth spread through his chest.