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“Psst,” Ann nudged his side, causing him to jerk his head over with a hiss.
“Jesus your elbow is sharp, what is it?” He jerked his head to the side, watching as her slender finger pointed across the room.
Directing his attention to someone who had his back turned to the pair, he stuck out over the sea of dancing people, “Him. The one with the glasses in the red sweater. He keeps staring at you.”
Squinting across everyone, Ryuji shook his head with a lack of understanding, “No he ain’t, he’s ordering another drink.”
Ann sighed. So deeply that it could be heard still amongst the chatter and music.
“You idiot. Just wait a second, he’s gonna turn around and look right at you.”
Much to his annoyance, he did in fact watch for the stare pointed at him. Even if he was looking straight at Ryuji, he’d miss it completely. Between the two was a sea of dancing sweaty people. Every last one of them was drunk out of their minds… shouts drowning out anything but the music.
It didn’t quite help that the loudest thing of all seemed to be their Christmas cheer. Too tipsy off the festive themed drinks to care about their dollar store antlers flying about.
His friend had to scream to be heard over the blaring pop the DJ consistently played. Her usually shrill voice sounded strained trying to talk to him.
… it was Christmas season themed night and they hadn’t played a single related track.
Ann told him it was an excuse for everyone to wear their sweaters and festive outfits… he just assumed drunk people loved to party more than when there was a theme involved. Especially one that seemed so easy to accomplish.
Nonetheless, he didn’t spot any sort of staring going on. Using all the strength he had to look across the room, everyone seemed to blend together. Not a single soul was interested in him and his actions.
Which was a good thing… he thought.
Just before he was about to turn back to Ann and complain that she was nothing but a filthy liar- he caught it.
A spotlight perfectly fell on him for a moment, his cool glare visible even through the chaos. Sipping on a drink, he made eye contact with Ryuji for a solid five seconds before the blond averted his gaze. Not ready at all for that type of connection, he grabbed Ann by her arm.
Quickly though, she slapped him away, “Oh my god you’re gonna snap my fucking arm- let go you behemoth-“
“You’re right!” He yelled, causing her little rant to stop halfway through, her struggle in his grip stalling as she looked at the man across the room again, “He’s definitely staring at me.”
She smiled up at Ryuji, watching him crumble under her sadistic grin.
Wiggling out of his grasp, she pursed her lips, trying her best to to be too giddy in the situation, “He’s really hot, Ryuji.”
He was.
Well- from far away he seemed super attractive. The disco lights showing off his beautiful pale skin, and highlighting the sharpest jawline Ryuji had ever laid eyes on.
“Maybe he just wants to fight or somethin’-“ he managed to get the whole thought out before Ann had scoffed at him.
“You’re delusional. Those are total, ‘I wanna fuck you,’ eyes.” Look at him again.”
He didn’t want to…
“I don’t wanna…”
Suddenly, Ann pinched his side.
Before he could turn and yell at her, she pulled him down to her own level. Speaking directly into his open ear like it was solely meant for her to scold him.
“Ryuji I’m gonna shank you with a candy cane if you don’t turn your sorry ass to him. This is your perfect opportunity.” She spat into his ear, making sure every last word stuck as it fell from her mouth.
Rubbing immediately at the area in which Ann’s mouth was far too close to, he grimaced so deeply the lines might have just stuck to his face, “Gross I can feel your spit down to my eardrum.“
He was stalling by egging her on.
And sadly she knew that for a fact, looking up to him with the nastiest expression. Offended almost that he would try and wiggle his way out of the situation by being a jerk.
“You’re not gonna get away with this.” She threatened, finger of death wagging at him like a scolding mother.
Not with her around would he…
Throwing his head back, it was as if he could feel the eyes on him. Not wanting to do much as peek in the direction of the cold grey stare that wouldn’t budge.
“I can remember specifically you wanted to come to this party to mingle… not just to bring Christmas cookies, complain, and then leave.” Her words struck hard, matching every memory associated with them.
His cookies were a hit… but they didn’t quite matter as the place began to erupt in a full on dance scene.
Ann said her company threw the best holiday parties, and he would’ve just assumed so with the fact that they rented out a whole building for it. But rather than the usual fun dining with trees and familiar laughter as people came with potluck snacks… he was faced with this.
Modeling agencies don’t play around when it comes to a party. That was for sure.
Ann would be whisked away by her work friends any moment, and he’d be forced to deal with all of it on his own. Hating the itch that came alongside his anxiety of being alone at such a place.
She even promised him that he’d be forced to make some acquaintances when he first agreed to go.
And the shit part was- he thought it was a lovely idea at the time! Preparing his outfit, and buying the necessary baking items for his treat to bring as soon as she got done asking him to attend. He was so eager to make some friends, that he didn’t quite pay attention to how excited he was to go to the party.
What was worse-
…
Ryuji looked over to the spot in which his blonde haired friend once stood, scolding him.
There was an obvious lack of her presence.
Panicking at the loss of Ann, he didn’t expect her to dip on him this soon into the party. Wanting desperately to speak more with her on the subject of the guy staring at him before she departed.
Quickly jerking his head up to scan for any sign of Ann, he couldn’t catch even the smallest bit of her. Realizing in an instant that she was officially at the stage of the night where she was abandoning him to his own devices.
Because of course she was! It was definitely an Ann thing to do.
But, what else was missing, was the man who stood across the dance floor. No longer there, eyes glued on him intently.
Before he could even look around the room to try and locate him, he felt a tap to his shoulder. Freezing in place at the same feeling he’d gotten when recognizing the fact that he was being stared at.
Ryuji didn’t want to but-
He needed to turn around.
So, he did.
Twisting on his heels, he came face to face with the man of the hour. Watching with fear in his gut as he lit up, smiling at Ryuji when they finally met.
He was so hot it was scary.
“Hey.” He simply said, his deep voice sending shivers down Ryuji’s spine.
Blinking, and catching his breath, Ryuji nodded, “Hi.”
Why was he so fucking scared of this guy.
The guy looked around the room just as Ryuji had done moments before, “Did you lose something?”
Only his will to live-
“My friend disappeared. She was right here two seconds ago.” He hurried out, gesturing to the empty place next to him. Already planning a crude text to send her for leaving him like she did with no warning.
Moving his hair aside, he looked to Ryuji sympathetically, “Do you want to try and find her?”
He was nice AND hot. Which wasn’t a good combo on his heart.
Surveying the area one last time, looking for the familiar set of ponytails sticking out amongst the crowd, he couldn’t spot her. Sighing before turning back to the guy, “No, I think she did it on purpose, actually.”
“Well,” he shrugged, letting Ryuji stand there dumbfounded by his beauty, “If you’d like someone by your side for a while, I’ve got nothing better to do.”
Taking it in for just a moment, Ryuji was confused by the kindness. Furrowing his brow to the stranger, wondering just what he meant with his words. Maybe it was just his good looks that was making Ryuji confused but of all people, it was hard to understand why someone would offer to stay with him .
Expressing that with his face, he couldn’t help himself from voicing the confusion, “I mean, sure? I don’t know why you think I’m worthwhile for that though. I was just gonna leave if I couldn’t actually find her.”
Immediately the man shook his head, as if he was frantic over the thought of Ryuji leaving, “No!”
Pausing, and turning to the guy, Ryuji kinda wanted to laugh at him. Finding it quite funny that a person who seemed so well put together would freak out like that. His composure wrapped up together like the fake presents dotted around the place… had become torn apart.
“They have some cool lights upstairs-“ he quickly followed up, regaining his lost composure. Smoothing out his hair and smiling at the blond all in one go.
It would’ve made things easier if the dude wasn’t so insanely attractive.
“Oh… sure.” He feigned being indifferent, most definitely excited to leave the party atmosphere and see the Christmas decorations. Knowing full well that he’d embarrass himself in front of the stranger… It seemed like a better idea than standing on his own.
Besides, dying of loneliness and despair next to a festive rave definitely didn’t bring any Christmas spirit.
Which is why Ryuji found himself following closely behind a mop headed man. Watching the abundance of people disappear as he ascended the stairs away from them. The noise kept up despite the distance, there was certainly a better air about the place. The second story had less of a crowd, and he was grateful.
Dazzling lights lined the entire trek up the stairs. Accompanied by fake garland, it was definitely a wonderful sight to see.
Although the downstairs was more modernly decorated, it put a smile on Ryuji’s face to finally reach the last step. Looking up from his feet and seeing a glorious Christmas tree adorned in light, built up with copious amounts of ornaments. So entirely breathtaking that he stood in place, mouth gaped open at the sight.
“Holy shit that’s beautiful.” He said in amazement, wanting nothing more than the ability to own and dress a tree up like that.
The man smiled, gazing up at the star, “Glorious, isn’t it? It’s my favorite part of this party every year.”
Whipping his head to watch the golden lights play beautifully upon the stranger's face, Ryuji couldn’t help but be intrigued, “You’ve been to more than one of these things?”
He smiled, and turned to Ryuji, toying with a plastic bulb that shimmered as it twisted in his fingers.
His hair caught the Christmas lights perfectly, casting a brown hue to the normally black strands. Tamed back, it was easier to see his eyes now. The gray looking rather warm as the color story to the second floor decorations bathed him differently.
If there was one thing Ryuji took away, it’s that the harsh spotlights from downstairs definitely didn’t do this guy justice.
“I’ve gone the last two years. It’s an interesting time.” He moved away from the tree, looking at Ryuji, “Who the hell combines Christmas and a rave?”
Suddenly, Ryuji moved back from the tree, “No! Because I was thinking the same thing- it was so calm and then BAM! Music started blasting and the open area downstairs made sense.”
Getting a laugh out of the other, he’d felt good for a moment. Which directly contrasted with every other second he’d spent at the party.
“I never caught your name.” He asked, only marking him down as, cute guy, in his head.
They switched songs below, the music still blaring, although muffled by the floor. The crowd cheered at whatever Christmas tune was being played next.
Waiting for their screams to die down, the stranger took his opportunity, “I’m Kurusu Akira, we can skip a few steps. Call me Akira.”
Taken back by the lack of formality between them, Ryuji didn’t necessarily know how to feel at the rapid pace. Feeling the slightest bit uncomfortable at calling the man he just met by his first name….
But something within him told himself otherwise.
“My name is Sakamoto Ryuji, it’s a pleasure to meet ya… Akira.” He grinned.
For a moment, they stared at the blubs.
But, Akira came through with the conversation, “Do you work here? Or…”
Ryuji blinked hard at even the suggestion, “Oh god no. Me? I’m just here with my friend, Ann. We’ve known each other since high school, she models here.”
It looked like the guy was thinking for a moment, twisting his mind around something. Brow furrowed in concentration, it was an interesting expression to view on such a handsome face.
He could make anything look good though.
“I know who you’re talking about! I’ve seen some of her work. She’s quite brilliant in front of a camera.” He smiled, finally picking what he wanted to remember in his head.
Nodding, he couldn’t help but to laugh, “Just not one that’s recording. She’s great with photos, bad with acting. I love her nonetheless. She’s really stuck by my side… ya know?”
His deep voice sounded exceptional in a laugh. Covering his mouth to hide the snicker was useless against whatever he found funny.
“Always by your side, yet she abandoned you here?” He snarked.
“Hey!” He gasped, realizing how right he was for laughing at such a set up, “Not cool! She told me she was gonna dip so I’d be forced to meet people, okay?”
Throwing up his hands, his laughter subsided, “So it was a blessed gesture, but rude all together?”
Yes. Ann was a jerk, but a jerk with thoughtfulness in her actions. Taking tough love to a whole new level whenever it came to Ryuji. Her means of caring for her friend grew less and less gentle over time but- he couldn’t possibly trade her for the world.
“Let’s say that, yeah.” He finally made his way around the tree completely, eyeing what was next, “I got to meet you out of it. And I think you’re pretty cool.”
He watched as a grin spread across the other's face. Gracing his lips with a quirk, and avoiding eye contact at the nice words.
It was a cue for Ryuji to push forward. moving past the Christmas tree and onto the hallway dotted with curtain-like lights. Feeling a pep in his step from a great conversation with a practical stranger.
Akira followed behind, both craning their necks to get a good look at the span of the blue lining the way. Each individual bulb looked as if they were twinkling in the darkened space.
It was nice to share silence with a stranger. Knowing that there lacked a past between the two, and loving the fact that someone new wanted to spend time with him. Usually people backed away, or moved on to someone less upbeat and more interesting. But this one seemed to stay.
It was these types that brought out the best in him, after all.
“So you wanted to show me some lights? Is that why you were staring me down across the room down there?” He commented, feeling his heart race despite the casual tone he displayed. Wondering deeply if his flushed cheeks gave anything away.
Looking back to Akira as he stood still, frozen in his steps, it was quite comical. He avoided eye contact entirely and bit down onto his bottom lip.
It didn’t stop his cockiness, though.
“You caught my eye, what can I say?”
Ryuji looked at him puzzled, wondering just what about him could do that, “Was it my sweater?”
They both looked down to the decked out dinosaur on his clothes. Adorned with a Santa hat and lights, the Tree-Rex at the top really tied the ensemble together quite well.
“Surprisingly, no.”
Moving along, Ryuji wondered just how long the building actually was. Seeing another room decked out with Christmas lights just ahead.
“When I walked in, I saw you standing with your arms behind your back. You looked interested in whatever conversation was going on, yet so distant from it.” Akira twisted back to the one being spoken about.
Ryuji couldn’t help but to feel his cheeks heat up, “I- that’s embarrassing-“
Entering a room with a beautiful view of the city, it was hard not to still be impressed after all this time. Calling the skyline his home, and living amongst the skyscrapers every single day. No matter how many decorations lined the walls in the building, nothing could rival Tokyo.
It reminded him that throughout his life and every pothole, bump, and construction that came with him… it still was wrapped up quite nicely. Despite the ugly interior of the city sometimes… the charm of it all made up for it.
Plus, he could spot the red and green some of the buildings LEDs displayed for the holiday season. Their colors painting a beautiful and unique palette ahead of them, it set the tone for another green Christmas.
“Maybe it was the eggnog messing with my head, but I could’ve sworn it was love at first sight.” He shrugged, finding his place next to Ryuji as they stared out into the vast city.
They never had snow. And even if they did, it didn’t stick. Despite it though, the people made due and crafted a season of giving with pretty decorations all around.
Besides, seeing grass in the park on Christmas morning was nostalgic. He’d never gotten the chance to see it any other way, but the cold air helped set the mood.
…
The chill leaking through the panes must’ve frozen his head for a moment, “Wait what?”
Did he say love at first sight?
As magical as everything was, this most definitely wasn’t some corny holiday special that his mom watched. He didn’t wish upon any stars for a relationship, and he certainly didn’t remember asking Santa for anything like this.
“We just met. My present this year ain’t going to be compliance because we had a good time.” He stepped away from the dude.
Fuck.
The other flushed red as well… or maybe he just went pale, as the colors on the lights got more vibrant on his face, “I didn’t say it was love! I just said-“
“You said you could’ve sworn!” Ryuji cut him off immediately.
“Yes. But that meant-“ Akira shot back.
“Dude you don’t throw around the word love like that! It’s heavy!”
“Of course! I know that!”
“Then why say it!”
“If you would’ve let me continue!”
“You’re cute in all but I can’t really dedicate myself to someone so quickly-“
“RYUJI!” He shouted.
Ryuji quickly ate his words.
“Sorry… I get caught up in myself and start to panic…” he couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.
Sighing, and running his fingers through his wild hair, untaming it and sending wild strands all around, his frustration quickly dissolved, “I didn’t say it was love at first sight. I just felt something new when I laid eyes on you, okay?”
…
The bells on his shirt jingled with the movement of his head, leaning back just to make sure of his question, “‘New,’ is a good thing… right?”
“Yes. We haven’t even known each other for over half an hour.” He laughed.
They had.
But if Christmas magic was real, then the person casting these spells really knew how to get into someone’s head. They’d only been upstairs for at least thirty minutes, but it felt like more. As if they’d been talking for ages.
“I’m in the giving spirit though… So would you like my number?” He followed up, quickly pursing his lips at the suggestion.
He was hot and funny… Jesus.
“Oh my god that was so corny.” Ryuji held back his laughter, trying to act indifferent to the rather clever pickup line.
Letting the space between them settle for dramatic effect, he shrugged.
Ryuji took his phone from his pocket and handed it over to Akira. Opened to the contacts app, the reflection in the window showed his keyboard, and the rapid finger movements followed through.
He was getting a phone number from a cute guy… Did he luck out or what?
Suddenly, his phone buzzed in Akira’s hands, the notification sound coming soon after. Moving to finish his information, there was a swift exchange to give the device back.
“Ann wants to know where you are.” He said, taking out his own phone just as it chimed, “Aye, I got the text. We’re all set.”
Glancing down again, he could see that his friend was ready to leave the party. Or, at the very least, ready to take a break from the overboard festivities. Her messages seeming deflated and tired compared to the usual, he definitely didn’t want to see her drain herself.
Frowning at Akira, he honestly wished he could’ve stayed longer with the guy, “I think she wants to go. I don't want her leaving alone…”
Placing a hand over his heart and sighing Ryuji’s words, the man seemed smitten, “God look at you, such a wonderful friend.”
A wonderful friend that didn’t ever get the credit he deserved…
“Yeah…” he trailed, “Wish we could’ve spent more time together. I really like you.”
What was fun, was that he honestly knew nothing about the guy.
The whole encounter lasted so short, but a chance meeting at some over the top Christmas party brought him someone he liked. Someone interesting who turned around and pulled him out of his doubtful self.
Despite his past, and whatever brought him to this current moment, they’d already clicked. There didn’t need to be any trauma involved. This dude didn’t need to know about his scars or demons to speak to him like an actual person.
“I had a nice time with you too. We definitely have to meet up again. I’ll take you out to some nice places.” Akira seemed a bit flustered, scratching at the back of his neck.
Christmas was always a sore subject, spending it mostly alone over the years. So, when Ann invited him out to this, he was already eager… who knew it could lead to this?
Sparkly lights, abandonment, and a bit of attraction brought the two to the spot they were now. Slowly moving towards the doorway to make their exit. The skyline behind them as they went along, plans already in motion to see each other once more.
They stopped at a beautiful archway leading to the hall of lights, the city behind them as they stood.
“I’ll text you, definitely.” Ryuji smiled.
Nodding, he couldn’t help but to notice how lovely his mannerisms were, seeing him bite down on his lip yet again.
“I’ll answer, definitely… but,” he gestured upwards, making sure that Ryuji was seeing what he was seeing.
Above the pair, hang a small leaf accompanied by red berries. Twisting around on its string, it seemed to mock the two standing below it.
Mistletoe.
Sighing, Ryuji leaned over and placed a small peck onto Akira’s cheek, catching him off guard. His head jerking to the culprit just as he had started to slip away.
Waving goodbye, before he turned around to go find Ann, he couldn’t help but to yell, “Merry Christmas!”
Making his way back, he didn’t bother looking back at the guy. Smiling to himself as he rounded the tree, giddy on life to the point that he wanted to shout.
A buzz and a ding! At his side alerted him, however. Quickly causing him to look down at his phone, and just as instantly causing him to smile.
Akira:
Merry Christmas.