Kiss me to Springtime - 20. Chapter 20

The blinking cursor on the screen was his enemy. It was almost eleven o’clock at night and he’d managed a meager one thousand words, Soubi grimaced and abandoned his laptop. Leaving it on the coffee table, he went to the kitchen.

Soubi browsed the fridge and pulled out a package of rice balls he’d left there two days ago after the interview with Saki. When he opened the package, he gagged at the putrid action. He might have bought them earlier.

Soubi aimed the package at the garbage bin. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d actually cooked. Reaching for a few more packages, he discovered moldy pasta, and a fruit salad that had definitely decayed.

A cleaning marathon ensued and before he knew it, the entire fridge was empty. The contents filled two garbage bags on the kitchen floor. He still hadn’t found anything to eat. Closing the door to the empty refrigerator, Soubi reached for his cell phone and dialed for noodle delivery. He was promised the delivery guy would make it in ten minutes. He used the time to take the garbage to the compactor chute.

When the food arrived, he got a bottle of wine from the pantry turned on the television and decided on a binge session. He dug into his food with gusto, having not eaten anything all day. He was stuffing his face with noodles when Ryo’s face filled the screen.

For a moment, Soubi thought he might be going crazy, imagining things. But then Ryo smiled at the reporters meeting him in a hotel lobby and he choked on his food.

Soubi turned up the volume and sat watching Ryo walk through the lobby flanked by a sea of men in suits.

‘Asada Group’s Ryosuke Asada is set to return to Tokyo next week. He has worked out of the New York Asada offices for the past four years. Asada’s Chairman called it a period of learning and growth, in preparation of Vice-chairman Asada taking his position later this year. Mr. Ryosuke Asada has made great changes within the group, taking positive strides to improve Asada Group’s CSR ratings while taking the company forward. His return to Tokyo is highly anticipated.

Soubi’s phone buzzed on the table and he reached for it without glancing at the caller ID.

“Soubi,” Ryo’s voice came through when he answered the call.

“You’re coming back next week.”

“I’m on the way back,” Ryo replied. “Will you pick me up from the airport?”

“What time?” he asked quietly.

Ryo gave him the flight details, and he scribbled them on a napkin. They talked for a few minutes before he hang up and stood staring around the large living room.

Soubi dropped his phone on the couch and let out a small sigh. He’d spent the past four years equally hating and loving this house. On days he missed Ryo, he’d truly appreciated climbing into their bed and imagining Ryo beside him. There were days when he’d hated being here, when the loneliness took over. Those nights had given him Feudal Lords, Soubi decided in that moment.

Ryo was going to be landing tomorrow afternoon.

Soubi shook his head in disbelief and started jumping up and down in excitement like an idiot.

Ryo was coming home!

***

The next morning Soubi couldn’t stop smiling. Through the shoot, the photographer threatened to tape his mouth shut if he didn’t stop ruining his shots.

“What the hell is going on with you?” Sasha demanded when they finished.

Soubi gave his watch a glance and quickly pulled on his black shirt.

“How does my hair look? Is it okay?”

“You’re acting like you’re going out on a date.” Sasha complained brushing fingers through Soubi’s hair quickly. "Your hair is fine, Tomo did a good job. Are you going to tell me what’s so exciting? I haven’t seen you this way since your books hit the shelves.”

Soubi zipped up his pants. Satisfied with his look, he turned and smiled at Sasha. He pulled him into a tight hug.

“Thank you, Sasha. Without you, I don’t think I’d have made it these past four years.”

“What’s happening?” Sasha asked with a worried frown.

Soubi kissed his jaw and hurried out of the studio.

“I’ll call you when I’m free.”

Soubi drove to the airport a bundle of nerves. It took what seemed like hours to figure out the difference between short-term parking and long term. Why they had to make it all complicated he had no idea. By the time Soubi got to arrivals, he was panicking over Ryo’s plane having already landed, and Ryo thinking Soubi hadn’t come to meet him.

His worries were premature. The plane landed fifteen minutes after he got to the lobby. Soubi paced, tried to sit and when that didn’t work, he wondered if he shouldn’t just shake down the darned security officer at the door. Everyone else was coming out of there except Ryo.

When a fresh group arrived, Soubi stood nervously trying to look at each face. He fought tears when he finally saw Ryo.

Ryo looked so good. In a casual white t-shirt and blue jeans, his hair shorter than it used to be. Ryo was carrying a black bag, a jacket bunched in his other hand. Soubi bit his lip unable to move.

He wondered if Ryo would recognize him since he’d cut his hair. His concerns were swept away when Ryo started toward him. He couldn’t resist pulling Ryo into a hard hug. Words escaped. He had none that would fit this moment.

“Hey lover,” Ryo murmured into his ear, dropping his bag and holding him tight.

Soubi bit his lip harder ruthlessly controlling his tears. He was afraid of bursting into hysterics in the middle of this lobby. Pulling back, he reached blindly for Ryo’s bag.

“The car is parked in long term parking. We’ll have to walk quite a bit, because the signs weren’t making sense.” He tried to explain, relieved when Ryo followed him. “I came alone. I didn’t know whether you wanted anyone else to know you were coming. So, that’s why Kaito and Sakura are not with me. Although we can always call them when we get home,” Soubi continued as he led the way briskly toward the parking lot.

“Soubi-chan,” Ryo said quietly.

Soubi shook his head not ready yet. He could feel the storm of emotion inside him, and it was best released in private. They got to the black car, he unlocked it and opened the back passenger door to put Ryo’s bag. Sliding into the driver’s side, he tried twice to stick the key into the stupid key hole. When the keys finally fell at his feet, Ryo reached out and took his hand in his.

“Soubi—

The floodgates opened and he sobbed. He dropped his head into his hands unable to stop the tears. All the time apart, all the pain of being away from Ryo, facing college alone, trips to New York that had ended too soon. Being alone in their bed, Soubi shuddered. Eating dinner alone, fighting with Sei, and missing Ryo endlessly.

Ryo touched his shoulder gently.

“Why are you crying?” Ryo asked.

“I’m sorry, it’s just—,” Soubi couldn’t stop the tears. His body trembled with the force of his sobs.

Concerned, Ryo pushed up the console between them and pulled him into his arms. He closed his eyes and clung to Ryo. He held Ryo tight, breathing in his scent, that elusive scent that had disappeared so quickly from their bed. He locked his arms around Ryo and cried.

“I’m not sure whether to be happy or worried,” Ryo said, when the sobs subsided. “Are you okay?”

Soubi chuckled amid soft sobs, his face buried in Ryo’s neck.

“I’m just happy you’re back.”

“Most people laugh when they’re happy, Soubi.” Ryo pointed out rubbing his back gently, the motion strangely soothing. “Was it that hard?”

“You have no idea.” Soubi confessed holding on a little tighter.

“Do you want me to drive?” Ryo asked when Soubi calmed down.

Soubi pulled back and shook his head.

“No, I’m picking you up, not the other way round.”

“Are you sure?

Soubi pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his tears managing a smile.

“I’m sure, I drive now.”

“Do you,” Ryo said with a small smile. “I’ve heard you do more than drive now, Sensei.”

Soubi blushed, retrieving his car keys from the floor; he managed to get the key in right.

“I might have written a book or two.”

“A phenomena, is what I’m hearing,” Ryo teased as he started the car. “I might have to schedule time with you in advance.”

Soubi drove out of the parking lot and started the drive back to Ginza.

“It feels surreal at times. Like it’s a dream and I’m losing my mind.”

Ryo reached out and caressed his jaw.

“You did well,” Ryo said with pride. “I’m proud of you.”

Soubi nodded and concentrated on driving. Ryo touched his hair, running gentle fingers through the short strands. He waited for a comment, but none came. So he concentrated on driving. He drove into the underground parking lot of their building in silence. He parked close to the elevator and helped Ryo with his bag again.

Soubi frowned as they entered the elevator.

“I was in such a hurry to get you to the car, I didn’t ask. Did you have any other luggage?”

“I shipped the rest of my stuff yesterday. The boxes will be arriving tomorrow.”

Soubi dropped Ryo’s bag on the living room floor.

“Well, have a seat, welcome home. I’ll get you some coffee—

“Soubi, can we just sit for a moment?” Ryo asked.

“Are you sure you don’t need something—?”

Ryo pulled him to the couch and made him sit.

“The only thing I need right now is to see your face. So, sit for a second, let’s talk.”

 

***

“You’ve never asked why I left,” Ryo said quietly holding on to Soubi’s hand.

He toyed with Soubi’s small finger, smiling at the short round curves of Soubi’s nails. He’d missed touching Soubi.

Tangling their fingers, he shifted on the couch, folding his left leg under him so that he could face Soubi. Soubi had grown into his handsome features these past four years, there was nothing like looking at him face to face. Soubi's short golden brown hair suited him. Ryo suddenly realized that Soubi was no longer searching for his identity, he’d found it, and it was beautiful. Those dark eyes, still red from his bout of tears in the airport watched him keenly.

“Four years ago, I could have taken you with me.” Ryo plunged in headfirst eager to find out where they both stood. He'd love nothing more than to pull Soubi into his arms and make love to him, but there were things they needed to clear up. “I didn’t ask you and you never insisted. Why, Soubi?”

“Because it was something you needed to do alone.” Soubi shifted, sitting to face him. “I was angry you didn’t ask for a while but Sasha sat me down a month after you left and explained.”

Ryo’s jaw hardened at the thought of that man. He wasn’t proud of the nightmares that had plagued his sleep through the years. Sasha and Soubi in bed together, he squelched the image before it could take shape.

“You two are just friends, right?”

“Why do you always suspect Sasha?” Soubi asked with a small shake of his head. “Though, I’m strangely glad to see the jealousy is still there.”

“What did that punk tell you?”

Soubi chuckled.

“Your family and his are similar. I grew up in such a radical way, that my concept of family and honor is sort of skewed, different from yours.”

“Meaning what?” Ryo frowned.

“Despite your mini rebellion by moving to Shimokita, you were still an Asada and family honor came first.” Soubi lowered his head and stared at their tangled fingers. “Tohaku’s death was a disgrace to your family. Your mother and father were losing face with their business associates. I suppose you were the sacrificial lamb. We were the sacrifice. So that the idea that you were working hard to take over the family business would make everyone trust Asada again.”

Ryo paused unsure how to deal with this new insightful Soubi.

“My relationship with you—

“I know there was no room for a drastic situation like us those days, Ryo.” Soubi raised his head to meet his gaze. “I’m hoping we’re done hiding in the closet for the whole lot of them.”

“I’m glad to see your temper is still lurking below the surface.” Ryo smiled and squeezed Soubi’s fingers. “We’re done hiding, Soubi.”

“Good.” Soubi beamed.

Ryo laughed and moved closer.

“Are you going to kiss me soon? I’ve been waiting since the airport.”

Soubi shrugged. “I was waiting for you to kiss me.”

“Well, if that’s the case.” Ryo captured Soubi’s lips in a hungry kiss. A wild blaze roared through him, his hands reached for Soubi’s hips pulling him closer until Soubi was practically in his lap. Reaching up to sink his fingers into the short luxurious hair, he savored the single taste of spring he’d missed so very much. When they broke apart, Soubi was wrapped around him, panting slightly.

“Are we done talking yet?” Soubi asked, his voice painfully needy.

“No.” Ryo wished he could brush things away. “One more thing.”

“What thing is this?” Soubi purred into his ear. It didn’t help that the soft voice was accompanied by a small thrilling bite. His control slipped slightly.

“I’ve lived like a darned monk.” Ryo told Soubi with a sigh. “Having you on my lap is going to end this conversation very fast.”

Soubi smiled wickedly and rolled his hips against him.

“If that’s what it takes—

Ryo bit back a groan and forcibly moved Soubi to the couch.

“Stay.” He ordered when Soubi whined. “I mean it.”

“Finish this conversation already.”

“When I was at the estate, after Tohaku’s funeral, I found out what my mother was up to with the Asada Group.” Ryo explained quietly. “She wanted to break the companies she runs from the main Group and had already started lobbying with the board. We'd just lost Tohaku; the Group was going through a hard time. If she'd kept lobbying, we'd have all crashed and lost everything. So, I promised her something bigger than the fortune she’d get from owning those companies.”

Soubi gasped staring at him.

“What have you done?”

“I obviously couldn’t build something here with all the trouble we were facing. I knew if I walked away, she’d come after us. Father would have easily named Toshiro his heir. But mother wouldn’t have waited for Toshiro to grow up.”

“Are you leaving again?” Soubi asked his tone pained. “You just returned.”

“I’m not leaving.” Ryo promised gently. “I had a long talk with father, and we reorganized a few things. I have one more meeting with my father’s lawyers and then we’ll make the formal announcements. With my mother happy, we won’t ever have to worry she’ll come around with agendas.”

Soubi frowned. “Is that why she was so eager to send you away?”

“Yes.” Ryo shrugged. “But that’s about to change. I want to do business differently. A divided board is not the way, and with my mother owning a third of Asada Group shares, things were getting exhausting.” Ryo took Soubi’s hand and squeezed gently. “I'm home with you for good. If I ever leave for any reason, I'm going to take you with me."

Soubi grinned and moved closer.

"What if I leave?"

"Where are you going?" Ryo demanded glaring at Soubi. "Didn't you boast to my mother you were going to stick to me like moss?"

Soubi laughed and moved even closer so that they were now looking into each other's eyes.

"I did say something like that, didn't I?"

"I think a demonstration is in order," Ryo said with a husky tone.

Soubi smiled and slipped his arms around Ryo's shoulders.

"A demonstration," Soubi kissed him lingering over his lips. "Have you ever seen moss?"

"Yes, and that stuff is pretty stuck on rocks." Ryo shifted so that he could lie back on the couch. With Soubi's arms around his shoulders, he slipped his hands along Soubi's back, down to his ass. Soubi moaned and captured his lips in a deep kiss. They made love fast and needy at first, then slow and lingering. Soubi’s fingers dug into Ryo’s back when he came a third time, savoring the feel of Ryo deep inside him. Pressing a kiss on Ryo’s shoulder, he moaned when Ryo surged into him locking them into one.

***

A kiss on his forehead woke Soubi the next morning. Blinking sleep away, he reached out beside him expecting to find Ryo. He sat up abruptly and found Ryo seated on the side of the bed smiling.

“Morning,” Ryo said, when Soubi settled back in the pillows.

“Oh thank God, I thought I dreamt you were here.” Soubi pushed hair out of his face and sighed. “Why are you up so early?”

“Sit up,” Ryo said reaching for a tray from the bedside table. “I made you breakfast.”

Soubi laughed as he sat up, pushing pillows behind his back, he got comfortable.

“This is definitely new. I like it, Ryo Asada.”

“Well, I figure you’ve done it for me more than once. My turn to pamper you,” Ryo said carefully arranging the breakfast tray over Soubi’s lap. Soubi stared at the coffee, burnt toast, and fried eggs. A smile broke on his face, Ryo’s cooking skills were still basic, but the fact that he’d tried—

“Do you like it?” Ryo asked.

Soubi beckoned him closer with a finger. When Ryo was close enough, he kissed him sweetly savoring the taste of mint toothpaste. He sat back.

“I love it.”

“The toast is burnt.”

“I still love it.” Soubi declared. He picked the toast and bit into it, smiling when it crunched. Toast had never tasted so good.

Their day was spent lazing around in their bed. They migrated to the living room where Soubi settled on top of Ryo on the couch. They watched movies and ignored all calls.

Soubi was dozing through the afternoon when the sound on the keypad on the door reached them.

“Who has the pass code?” Ryo asked lazily.

“Kaito, Sakura,” Soubi said not concerned.

He figured there was no harm having those two around.

Ryo relaxed but not for long.

“Soubi,” Sei Asada said breaking their peace.

“You gave my mother the pass code?” Ryo groaned.

“She’s been here a lot,” Soubi sighed standing up when Sei walked into the living room.

“You’re not answering your phone,” Sei said as she came in to the living room.

“Hi, Okaasan,” Soubi greeted Sei with a yawn. “I’m sorry about not answering your calls.”

“I figured a momentous occasion had to have happened. I should have guessed my son was back. Hello, Ryosuke.”

Sei placed her bag on the coffee table. Ryo stood up and gave her a short bow, but she surprised him when she stepped close and hugged him.

“I’ve missed you,” she said holding him tight.

“You’re scaring him,” Soubi said, sitting back on the couch. He bit back another yawn and tried to stretch out. “What brings you here?”

Sei let go of Ryo and sat down in an armchair.

“I found out the most interesting thing this morning.”

“What?” Soubi asked, watching Ryo settle down beside him with a frown.

“It appears someone has updated the family registry.” Sei held her son’s gaze, her brow raised. “Why nobody told me about it, I have no idea, but that’s to be expected for a divorced wife. I’m not considered a true Asada.”

“Mother,” Ryo started his tone apologetic.

“The elders approved your succession,” she said quietly. “I’m happy.”

Ryo dropped his gaze to the carpet. “I’m sorry for keeping you in the dark.”

“You’re thirty years old, Ryosuke. You have no obligation to tell me what you do or don’t do. You’re the head of the family now.” Sei declared with a small smile. “I’m proud of the man you’ve become.”

Soubi stared at both of them and gave an exasperated sigh.

“Do you two always have to be so formal with each other?”

“This is a serious conversation.” Sei pointed out glaring at him. “Ryo knows to respect his elders.”

“He’s just afraid you’ll start losing your mind.” Soubi shot back with a matching glare. “I’ve seen you holding Toshiro, Okaasan. We both know that scary face is for show.”

Ryo lifted his head to meet Sei’s gaze and gaped when she pressed a hand to her mouth to hide a laugh.

“What’s happening between you two?” Ryo asked in confusion.

“He’s grown on me,” Sei said turning her attention to the television. “When did you come back, Ryo?”

“Yesterday,” Ryo said, unused to having his mother this agreeable. Soubi stood and disappeared in the direction of the kitchen. “Soubi gave you the pass code for the door.”

“I check on him.” Sei told him casually. “After Sakura left to stay with your friend Kaito, she asked me to stop by once in a while and make sure he was eating.”

Ryo bit back a gasp. “You wanted to make sure Soubi was eating.”

“I promised to take care of him.” Sei glanced at him with a raised brow. “You didn’t think I’d keep my promise.”

“I’m sorry, I just—,” he broke off not sure how to take this bit of news. His mother was turning soft on him. “Thank you.”

Sei chuckled as Soubi returned carrying a mug of coffee for her.

“Did you come to see me about the family registration? Or were you coming to give me grief about something else?” Soubi asked.

Sei took her coffee and studied his new haircut.

“I heard you chopped your hair off. I wanted to see it for myself.”

“You like?” Soubi asked, running his fingers through the uncombed locks. “I made sure it wasn’t at all conservative. Wouldn’t want to bore you,” Soubi said as he sat beside Ryo.

Sei sipped her coffee. “It suits you.”

“Thanks. Wanna help me throw a party for Ryo coming back?”

“Sure,” Sei glanced at her son. “We’ll need a huge hall for the number of guests—

“I meant a small family party.” Soubi interrupted not ready to face that kind of party yet.

Ryo chuckled.

“You two are freaking me out. Stop planning parties. Mother, I still have to finish some business with father. I’m not officially here until next week.”

“What kind of business?” Sei asked with a frown.

Ryo glanced at Soubi for a moment before he sighed.

“I was going to wait for next week but there’s no need to wait.”

“Wait for what?” Sei asked.

“My promise,” Ryo replied. “Soubi, in the study, would you bring that folder on the desk.”

Soubi got up and hurried out of the living room. Ryo hadn’t mentioned how he’d fulfilled Sei’s promise. Taking the folder from the desk, Soubi fought the urge to have a short peek and hurried back to the living room. He gave the blue leather folder to Ryo and watched him pull out documents that he handed to Sei.

“What is this?” Sei asked, after she read the documents. “Who is Silla Group?”

“You,” Ryo said. “You wanted to separate the real estate side of the Asada Group. I’ve spent the last two years, planning the restructuring of Asada Group for that purpose.”

Sei gaped at him, her fingers clutching the papers in her hand.

“Father and I have separated the resorts and hotels from the Asada Group. They have become the Silla Group, where you hold the controlling shares. Meaning Silla is now independent of The Asada Group. With Silla, you’ve also gained two more companies acquired in the last two years one based in Macao and another in Seoul.”

Sei stared at the documents in her hand and shook her head.

“Does your father have shares in Silla?”

“No,” Ryo replied quietly. “I have a small percentage but only—

“That’s good,” Sei nodded with a smile. “I’m happy, Ryo.”

Ryo handed her a title deed.

“This is for the property in Minakami. Your house and the attached resort, they are all under your name.”

“What about his wife?” Sei asked quietly.

“She will remain under the Asada name protection. Her position doesn’t change, mother. Now that your property has been separated from the Asada estate, you’ll only meet with her if you wish it.”

Ryo handed her the rest of the folder.

“Father signed all the documents. I need you to sign as well, but you have to understand. You are giving up the name Asada and all your shares in the Asada Group by doing this.”

Sei reached for her purse and got a pen. She sat on the edge of the armchair and placed the documents on the coffee table.

“Mom,” Ryo said, his brow rose in question.

She turned to the first document and found the spot she needed to sign.

“I’ve been waiting years for this.”

“You wanted to give up the Asada name?” Ryo asked confused.

“If I’d left that estate before this, I’d have been Sei Nakao, the woman who got married to Katsuro Asada and was discarded away.” Sei glanced at him before she signed the document with flourish. “Now, I’ll be Sei Nakao, owner of Silla Group, mother to Ryosuke Asada who is the heir to the Asada Group. What more can I ask for?”

“Being just our mother should have been enough,” Ryo said quietly.

Sei glanced at him for a moment.

“Ryosuke, do you remember what I told you about the kind of love you and your Soubi have?”

He frowned.

“Allow me my small victory against Katsuro and his new wife. My love turned sour, you and this gift you've given me, that's what I gained from that marriage.” Sei shrugged. “I have pride, son. I’m quite human after all. Thank you for what you’ve done for me.”

****

“Our Soubi is smiling again,” Kaito said the next afternoon.

Soubi had invited them over to the penthouse for lunch to celebrate Ryo's return to Tokyo.

“You should have seen him, Ryo. I thought he was going to stop talking to me forever.”

“That’s not true,” Soubi protested as he carried in a salad bowl and placed it on the dining table. “You make it sound like I spent all my time mopping around.”

“I’m just saying that you look happier now.” Kaito stood and hugged him tight. “I’m really happy that you’re smiling again.”

Soubi returned the hug until Ryo pulled him out of Kaito’s arms.

“Stop manhandling my boyfriend.”

“Still jealous as ever,” Kaito said as he sat down beside Sakura. “One wonders how you survived four years away.”

Ryo kissed Soubi noisily. “I kept dreaming of doing exactly that.”

When his brain stopped short-circuiting, Soubi sighed and hurried out of the dining room. In the kitchen, he found Sei arranging a beautiful platter of sushi. She stepped back and glanced at him.

“What do you think?”

“I could have never guessed you loved cooking.”

Soubi touched the platter, admiring Sei’s handy work.

“Well, I was once a homemaker.” Sei grinned at him. “Come on, hungry people to feed, take that to the dining room.”

Soubi took the platter, making sure to carry it carefully. Ryo met him at the door and took the platter from him.

“Are there any more bowls to bring? Everyone is eager to start.”

“One more thing and we’ll be done.” Soubi hurried back to the kitchen. “Okaasan, it’s time to eat, come on, and let’s get that apron off of you.”

“It’s so easy for you to call me mother.” Sei wiped her hands with a kitchen towel and turned to look at him. “I’ve been so hard on you before. Why is it you don’t hold a grudge?”

Soubi stared at her thinking about the fear she’d once induced. When he'd thought he was losing Ryo, he'd somehow gotten over that fear. When Ryo had left and Sei had kept coming around to the penthouse to check on him and Sakura, he'd started liking her. She'd introduced his literary agent to him. In some ways, she'd made him the success he was when it came to his writing, but most of all, he smiled.

“You gave me Ryo.”

“You love him very much, don’t you?”

Soubi blushed.

“Four years apart and I still cry with happiness when I see him.”

Sei chuckled and shook her head.

“What a curious child. Very well, come on, let’s go eat.”

She wrapped an arm around his shoulders and led him toward the dining room. They entered just as Grandma appeared from the living room holding Toshiro.

Soubi’s heart filled with happiness as Ryo turned to look at him. In all his life, this is all he’d ever wanted. A room full of people who loved him…a family.

Kaito, Sakura, little Toshiro, Grandma, Sei, and Ryo, his heart fluttered with happiness. Sweet, handsome Ryo who’d taught him the meaning of love.

Ryo came to hug him.

“Ready?” Ryo asked.

“Thank you,” Soubi said, making Ryo frown in confusion. “I told you that I’d ask for a gift if we ever made it through the four years.”

“I remember you were pretty adamant about that. Why are you thanking me? I haven't given you any gift yet.”

Soubi shook his head.

“Oh but you have, Ryo. You gave me a family. That’s the biggest gift of all, Ryosuke Asada. I love you.”

Ryo smiled and kissed him.

“I love you too, Soubi-chan.”

“If you two are done over there, I’m starving.” Kaito called.

Soubi made a face at Kaito as he and Ryo took their seats. Everyone was talking at once, smiles on their faces. Sakura served her and Kaito before she passed the bowl over to Ryo. Soubi watched Sei talk to Toshiro who sat between her and Grandma.

Ryo passed him a glass of wine. He touched it to Ryo’s and took a sip contented.

Spring was here, and with it, a warm happiness he intended to hold on to for the rest of his life.

***

The End