A snowflake for tomtoru001!

[snowmods09]

Title: one thing led to another
Pairings: Miyadate Ryota/Abe Ryohei
Genres: Office AU, Fluff, Mutual Pinning
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Abe Ryohei's first day as a sales agent turned out amazing. He was about to count it as a win in his book until Miyadate Ryota finally showed up and introduced himself as the executive of the sales department.

It’s been a month since Abe started playing this game with his boss, Miyadate.

It all started way back before Abe started working as a sales agent at Snow Trading Company. Since this is his first time doing the job and ignited by the scary stories told by a lot of people about sales, his nervousness was all over the place. He hates losing, but he’s not sure about himself either that he wouldn’t fuck this up.

So, the ever intelligent Abe Ryohei did what he thought would be the best before his first day; alcohol.

Abe drank, took shots, and bar hopped until he’s sober enough to ease his nervousness and it worked! It worked so well that when he woke up the next day, there was an unknown red neck tie on his bedroom floor. He’s very much confused as doesn’t remember owning or buying one… then it hit him.

Somewhere along his fourth bar and 17th shot of tequila, he met this really hot guy with a really hot voice, which is very much his type and fetish, and ended up sleeping with him in his own apartment. 

Abe didn’t consider that as a ‘day ruined’ moment. He’s done it a few times in the past and each of them turned out okay. It’s nothing but a stress reliever and it actually did relieve him because the morning of his first day turned out super well. He met the department, made some friends, exchanged contacts with a few of them, and he basically left a good first impression on the team. 

Abe was about to count it as a win in his book until his boss, the sales department head, finally showed up and introduced himself.

“Miyadate Ryota. Sales Director.” Those eyes, they were so familiar with Abe and how they sparkled with lust in his dimly lit bedroom that night, are now staring at him like he’s nothing but a side character. Blank, no emotion, no light as he extended his hand for a handshake.

“A-Abe… R-ryohei…” Abe was in shambles. The last thing that he wanted was to meet the guy he slept with last night in his workplace, and him being his boss. He was panicking. He could remember what happened that night clearly but the crack in his headboard is enough evidence that it wasn’t something… lighthearted. With his hands as cold as a dead turkey, Abe shook Miyadate’s hand.

Excluding the given awkwardness, Abe was afraid that Miyadate might use that night to blackmail him for literally everything and now that he's his boss, Abe won't be given a choice to refuse. God knows what Abe thought Miyadate did to him when he passed out drunk. The horror of his reputation shattering because of a picture or something is haunting Abe to his core. 

That's why one afternoon, when everyone already went home and Miyadate stayed back to finish something, Abe took the chance to finally beg him not to speak about it. 

“Please, let it stay between the two of us!” Abe's head is hung so low. His fist clenched in a ball and eyes closed shut as he's manifesting that Miyadate would turn out to be a good person.

To Abe's surprise, Miyadate only answered “I don't know what you're talking about.” while his gaze is still fixed on his computer screen and occasionally typing something.

Abe was caught off guard with Miyadate's reaction. Did he… forgot? Or is he playing dumb? With what's left of his proper judgment and brain cells, Abe decided to gamble.

“You went home with me after we shared a drink on-”

Miyadate, finally showing some emotions, shot a glare at Abe which made the sales agent freeze in place. “What the hell are you talking about?” He coldly asked. 

Danger detected; Abe angered his boss. Miyadate is known for his expressionless but kind attitude and the way Miyadate is drilling holes into him is far from the dead gaze his boss usually wears. Damn, Abe felt a strong shiver down his spine. His words were stuck in his throat and he couldn't feel his legs. Does Miyadate really not remember? or… Abe got the wrong guy…

“Abe-san.” Miyadate called, which brought Abe back to reality. “Your work hours ended three hours ago and I don't approve of overtime for useless reasons.”

Abe can't do anything but stare back at Miyadate's cold gazes. He didn't know what to do. His 277 working brain cells all took a sudden day off and nothing was left in his brain to help him get out of this mess he created himself. For the first time in a while, Abe felt dumb and stupid.

“Go home.” Miyadate's tone is strong enough that it moved the frozen Abe once again.

After apologizing, Abe quickly gathered his things and ran out of their office. No thoughts, head empty, only embarrassment and a little bit of desire to off himself for good. Damn, did he really… got the wrong guy? But no, Abe's voice fetish never betrayed him. He's 103% sure that it was Miyadate the moment he spoke. It was literally one of the biggest reasons why Abe agreed to accept the shot Miyadate had bought him in the first place. Despite being drunk, he remembered his voice too well.

But Miyadate didn't know what he was talking about. He even got angry when Abe tried to explain him in detail. Did he really get the wrong guy for real? Did he mistook his boss as the dude he had a one night stand with? Goddamnit, people were wrong about him being smart because clearly, Abe felt like he's the stupidest person to ever walk on this planet.

That night, Abe never slept a wink.

-------------

9:15 AM

Four cups of coffee is not enough for Abe to compose himself. The happenings yesterday left a deep scar in his heart that he didn't feel like going to work. Every step he takes feels heavy, and there's nothing he desires more than to bury himself in a hole forever.

Yesterday, Abe mistook his boss as the guy he slept with a month ago.

It's so freaking embarrassing. He didn't know if he still had the face to show in front of Miyadate. God, he wished something would happen that would prevent him from attending work today but that all became a wishful thinking when he clocked in and is currently in the elevator towards his floor.

God never heard his prayers.

“Good morning, Abe-chan!” Sakuma, his very very loud co-worker who sits beside him, greeted. “Woah! You look like a zombie!”

“Good morning to you too, Sakuma.” Abe greeted back dry and lifeless while throwing his limp body in his chair.

“Did something happen?” Sakuma's voice is painted with concern. It's far from his usual lively tone and it guilted Abe so much. Sakuma is a good guy that would probably give him legit advice, but there's no way he would tell him about what happened yesterday. He will bring that secret with him until his last breath.

Abe shook his head and forced a smile. “I just didn't get enough sleep.” Now, that wasn't a lie. He really didn't get enough sleep last night because everytime he closes his eyes, the image of Miyadate hovering above him is flashing in his head and it almost drives him insane. Sakuma would never ever know about it.

“Get your act together, Abe-chan! You have three pitch sales today right?” Sakuma scolded, voice still painted with concern.

Abe nodded while pulling his body up and sitting properly. “Don't worry, I won't mess this up.” Faking until he makes it is Abe's game play today. Gaslighting himself, he gained a little bit of confidence that this day might turn out okay than he expected.

“Shota, Date-san, Good morning!”

And then Abe shattered once again.

“Good morning.” Miyadate walked past behind Abe and the cold air he felt in his nape sent a shiver down his spine.

It took a single word from Miyadate to make Abe's world freeze once again. The embarrassment is overflowing in his chest along with the loud drumming of his heart. He couldn't hear anything, his feet felt so cold. Once again, Abe found himself unable to think properly. What the flying fuck, indeed.

“Everyone, quick announcement.” Watanabe announced that brought Abe back to reality. 

The entire department's attention is currently at Watanabe who's standing before Miyadate's table and thanks to that, Abe could focus on Watanabe without getting a glimpse of the man himself. Work and personal matters are two different matters, but as expected, the flush in Abe's face wouldn't go away that easily.

“I know we're all busy so I'll make this quick.” Watanabe began. “Miyadate-san needed one person to go with him on a business trip in Okinawa and that person has already been chosen.”

Everyone is on the edge of their seats. Being chosen to go on business trips is an unspoken trophy for all the employees who are excellent at their work. The feeling of wanting to be chosen is only normal, but not for Abe. Of course, he wanted to know whether he's doing a great job or not by getting chosen in this kind of events but if that means he's going to stay with Miyadate for three days, Abe's heart is still not prepared for it. The scars are still fresh, and he wanted for it to heal first.

If there's another event like this in the future and Abe's already healed, then maybe he would want to be chosen.

But this time, Abe is praying the opposite.

‘Please, not me. Please, not me. Please don't say my name. Please don't say A-’

“Abe Ryohei-san. Congratulations.”

Claps and cheers echoed in the entire department of sales. Sakuma's voice is the loudest of them all, congratulating Abe. Some are disappointed that they weren't chosen, some didn't expect anymore, most are genuinely happy for Abe. The work he displayed in his first 30 days is excellent that even his work senpais are rooting for him to get chosen. Abe received many congratulatory messages and supportive pat in the backs all throughout. 

But Abe couldn't smile genuinely.

For the entire morning, Abe functioned like a broken doll toy. He spilled coffee in his pants at least three times, he accidentally photocopied a 10-page document a hundred times, he banged his head into a glass door, tripped his way to the elevator, called the cafeteria lady his mom… Abe's head is somewhere far away that no humans had ever gone to.

A heavy sigh had escaped from Abe's lips.

“Alright you gotta talk, Abe-chan.” Sakuma, who's clearly done with Abe's shit, said over the lunch table. “What's wrong? You've been all over the place today!”

“Huh? N-nothing's wrong…” Abe tried to play it cool but the look Sakuma is giving him sends a clear message that he won't buy any of Abe's shit. “I'm just… a little sleep deprived…”

“Why though?” Sakuma asked, which made Abe's ears go up. “Another construction going on beside your apartment again?”

Abe laughed nervously. Right. Not a long time ago, Abe complained to Sakuma about how he gets little sleep because of construction going on beside his apartment. Sakuma can still remember it, and Abe thanked his colleague's sharp memory. He judged Sakuma wrongly.

“Y-yeah! Road construction… It's pretty bad…” Abe lied through his teeth. 

“What are you guys talking about?” Watanabe then came over to their table with his lunch, a plate of pasta. After exchanging a series of ‘good work today’, he invited himself to sit and joined them for lunch.

“Abe-chan's all over the place today.” Sakuma answered before biting into his riceball.

Abe's face heated with embarrassment at his performance at work today. He is the type of guy who does things almost perfectly and him acting like that is unforgivable. He's painfully aware that he needs to separate his work and personal matters, but in his case, he's working with the guy who's caused him distraught personally. Since this is the first time it happened to Abe, no matter how many books or guides he read, it's still pretty hard for him.

Embarrassed, Abe lowered his head to Watanabe. “I deeply apologize for my attitude today. I know there's no valid excuse for my bad behavior so please let me prove myself once again. I will do my best from now on. I'm really sorry, manager Watanabe.” 

Watanabe was silent for a while before placing his hand on Abe's shoulder and gently pushing him to lift his head up. When the two made eye contact, Watanabe gave him a smile.

“I believe in you, Abe-san. All of us have bad days, and it's all out of our control. As long as you'll reflect on your mistakes and think about how to prevent them from now on, then you're good to go again.” Watanabe affirmed, then gave Abe's shoulder a mildly forceful supportive taps.

For the first time today, Abe smiled genuinely. “Thank you so much, Watanabe-san!”

“I told you right?” Sakuma loudly whispered to Abe. “Shota's a good guy!”

Watanabe then glared at Sakuma, which earned a hearty laugh from the other. Sakuma is right, the department is full of good people and Abe is grateful for them.

“Ah, by the way.” Sakuma then turned to Watanabe after finishing his rice ball. “Where's Date-san?”

There it is again, that funny feeling. Even just a mention of Miyadate's name can wake up every one of Abe's senses. He unconsciously tightened the grip in his spoon, and stayed silent.

“The executives have a joint lunch today. I think they're in the nearby steak house. Not sure though.” Watanabe answered nonchalantly.

“Woah! It's rare to hear you say you're not sure about Date-san matters!” Sakuma exaggerated.

“C'mon, give me a break! We've been together for a long time now, we get tired of each other too.”

“Together?” Abe suddenly chimed that startled the two. Right. Now that Abe thought about it, Watanabe and Miyadate are always together…

Sakuma let out a hearty laugh. “Oh right, right! Abe-chan still didn't know!”

“What is it..?” For some reason, Abe didn't like what he's feeling in his chest. It feels heavy and it feels like if he let his guard down, it would eat him completely… It ticks him off…

“You see, Date-san and Shota are childhood friends!” Sakuma exclaimed, seemingly excited about the topic. Watanabe on the other hand, stayed silent but there's a tint of pink in his cheeks.

“Childhood friends..?”

Watanabe took a deep breath. “You see our moms were best friends. They promised each other that their children would be best friends too, so here we are, still in each other's face for 30 years.” And a weiner hot dog goes into his mouth.

“Usually, childhood friends still choose different paths in life but you and Date-san ended up in the same company and same department. That alone is amazing, you know!” Sakuma commented in full energy. Abe can easily tell he really likes this topic.

“No, it's really not. We just applied together for the same position and before we know it, we're employed together. All according to plan!” Watanabe is painfully aware that Sakuma likes this stuff and by the tone of Watanabe, it seems like he's teasing Sakuma.

“Come on, Shota~ let me have my little fun!”

“Oh right. Speaking of Date,” Watanabe then turned to Abe, and the latter braced himself for what his manager was about to say. “He wants to meet you after lunch.”

Abe lost a grip on his spoon, and the curry in his plate that took the damage, splashed all over him that earned a startled squeak from both of his co-workers. Sakuma immediately grabbed napkins and Watanabe checked himself if he got splashed on. Lucky for Abe, he was able to regain himself quickly this time and accepted the napkins from Sakuma while muttering endless apologies. 

“Abe-san, I think you need to rest for today.” There's no malice in Watanabe's tone but his words pierced right through Abe's soul. He's been fucking up the entire day that his manager suggested to take the day off. This has never happened to him before. Miyadate has been taking a toll on his mental health more than he expected. Damn, Abe. Where did your professionalism go?!

“I'm sorry! I'm really sorry!” Abe's voice was hoarse and the two didn't fail to notice. 

“Go talk to Date later and tell him I approved your half day today. If he asked you what's the problem, tell just whatever. He'll let you go no matter what, alright?” 

Abe needs a reset. If this goes any longer, it will be bad both for his career and reputation, literally the thing he didn't want to happen that's why he talked to Miyadate in the first place. He was called a genius so many times by so many people. He had read books, and studied everything that caught his attention. The only thing that Abe failed to study was himself.

Abe didn't know he would react this bad over a misunderstanding, he needed to clear his mind.

So, defeated and upset, all Abe could do was to nod at Watanabe.

After parting ways with Watanabe and Sakuma who's going for a smoke on the rooftop, Abe went directly to the meeting room Watanabe told him to go. Abe's so depressed over himself that he didn't realise he's already in front of the meeting room. With a heavy sigh, Abe pushed the door open.

There inside is Miyadate, sitting in one of the chairs while playing with his phone. Abe's chest is drumming, this is really happening. On the way to the meeting room, he thought of possible reasons on why Miyadate wanted to talk to him. Maybe he also noticed how he's been all over the place the entire day and he's going to receive a harsh lecture that no one should be able to hear, or he's going to tell him that his involvement in the business trip is a mistake, or worse, he'll talk to him about what happened yesterday. Having a head that's actively working has its downside and Abe just realized it now.

Either way, Abe is already there and there's no more turning back.

“Good work for today…” Abe quietly greeted before closing the door behind him.

“You too.” Miyadate acknowledged, gaze still fixed on his phone. “Take a seat.”

Taking light and small steps, Abe made his way towards one of the chairs facing Miyadate, his heart drumming in his chest. The moment he finally seated, Miyadate dropped his phone and turned his attention towards Abe, hands clasped together.

Abe felt small under Miyadate's gaze. At that very moment, his head that was actively working on his way there had stopped completely, as if a machine that broke due to overheating. 

“Manager Watanabe told me about your request for a half day.” Miyadate started. “You can leave after this meeting.”

“I'm really sorry, sir…” is all Abe could manage.

“Do you know why you were chosen for the business trip?” Miyadate asked.

“... Because my work has been excellent in the past month?” Abe answered, gaze still refusing to meet Miyadate.

“Correct.” Miyadate affirmed. “Despite doing this job for the first time, you've worked so well as if you're in this industry longer than I am. I hold pride in having you in my team.” Despite feeling tense and awkward, Abe beamed with pride. Hearing those words from the executive himself is anyone's dream, and he was told privately. Abe's chest feels like it's going to explode any minute.

“Thank you very much!” Abe bowed, a humbled tone painted in his voice.

“Actually, the purpose of this meeting is to teach you how to make business trip proposals but since you'll be taking a half day, I'll just ask Manager Watanabe to-”

“Please let me do it!” Abe exclaimed, gaze filled with passion as he gazed right back to Miyadate. After what he heard from the executive, it's hard to deny he got empowered and wanted to prove himself more. This is his chance to recover from his mistakes today and Abe is not letting this chance slip off his fingers.

And to that, Miyadate smiled.

Smiled.

Miyadate smiled…

Body temperature: 38.9°

Miyadate's eyes crinkled, as if it was a half moon brightly shining amongst the stars.

Blood pressure: 130/80

The corner of his mouth slips upwards as his cheeks puff along with it, and it both looks so soft to the touch.

Heart rate: 120 beats per minute

Abe's usually cold, quiet, monotonous, and serious boss is actually smiling before him. Not just his usual business smile, but a different one. A smile that he had never shown once before, and only to people he's really close with like Watanabe and that guy from the I.T. department he spends smoke breaks together if Watanabe wasn't available. A smile that made Abe feel like he's invading a personal space by just looking at it. 

A smile so sweet that caught Abe's breath and made his heart skip a thousand beats.

‘What the fuck?! What in the fuckity fuck?!!?¡?!’

At the speed of light, Abe tore his gaze and dropped it on the floor so fast he thought he just sprained his neck. His cheeks felt incredibly hot and his thoughts were all over the place. Abe for the nth time today, has lost his capability to think.

“S-s-s-sorry…” Abe forced the words out his mouth.

“This is what I like about you.” Miyadate chuckled.

And then, Abe's chest exploded. Abe knows Miyadate means it in a totally different way, but the fireworks in his chest wouldn't stop erupting and the butterflies in his stomach wouldn't stop flying around. Abe is a smart guy, but at that very moment, he couldn't understand what was happening to him, and why his heart wouldn't stop swelling everytime he repeated Miyadate's words in his head like a broken record.

“I would love to teach you today but your half day request has already been sent to the H.R. as we speak.” Miyadate said, “Plus, I really think you could use some rest. You're all over the place today.”

So Miyadate also noticed it, Abe thought as he lowered his head to apologize.

“You are part of my team, and you are one of my aces. Your mess is also my mess. This is the least I can do as your boss.” Miyadate then stood up which Abe mirrored, his gaze still focused on the floor.

“Go home, Abe-san. I'll leave some documents of the past business trip proposals on your desk today. You can read them and start there when you come back tomorrow.”

This feeling. Abe never felt it before but he has read it in so many books so many times.

“Then, this meeting ends here. Thank you for your time. Good work for today.” And with that Miyadate left the room, leaving the unmoving Abe alone.

So this is how it feels, Abe thought. His chest feels tight, his dopamine was high, his stomach is doing ten backflips per second, his heartbeat is drumming so loud that it drowns any existing noises happening around him. Abe feels like he's up above the moon, and as the realization hits, he feels tears forming into his eyelids.

“Abe-chan?” Sakuma, for some reason, appeared on the door.

“... Sakuma..?”

“What's wrong?!” His voice was laced with concern as he approached the unmoving and emotional Abe. 

“Sakuma, I think…”

Abe is scared to say it. He's scared of what's going to happen when he says it out loud. He hasn't thought of the future consequences yet if he accepts his current reality. But he couldn't hold it back, he wanted to release it, he wanted to name what he's feeling. Abe trusts Sakuma and sees him as one of his good friends so with all his might, Abe revealed,

“I think I'm in love.”

------------------

7:47 AM

The day has finally come.

After realizing that he is in love with his boss, Miyadate, Abe did his very best to stay sane and separate his work and personal matters. Sakuma is a huge help too, that when Abe is losing focus and falling deep into his thoughts, Sakuma is there to bring him back and remind him that he's at work. That's how he survived the weeks leading to the day Abe can't stop thinking about; the business trip.

In the next three days, Abe would be with Miyadate alone, on and off work. 

Fear and excitement is what Abe feels the most. He's excited, of course, that he's going to learn more about his job in this trip and maybe, just maybe, he's gonna have fun with Miyadate one way or another… but he's scared because he's alone with Miyadate, and Sakuma or anyone else is not there to remind him that they came there to do work and he might got caught in his thoughts and fuck up big time.

This is an important trip to his work and career, his personal matters should not get in the way.

But as expected, the whole plane ride to Okinawa is overwhelming for Abe. They were in business class, and that's probably the worst for Abe because they have a whole space for themselves. Also, Miyadate letting Abe pick what music they would listen to or movie they would watch together to pass the time is a critical hit for Abe. 

Abe sat on the windows side, and his weather geek ass fawned over the clouds that he couldn't stop taking pictures of whenever he saw a new formation. Miyadate chuckled beside him that woke every one of his senses up.

“Does Abe-san like clouds?” Miyadate asked, trying to peek on the window in his distance.

Abe brought his phone down, gaze not leaving the window. “Actually, I've always wanted to be a meteorologist…” Abe confessed. He never told that to anyone in his work yet, well now except Miyadate. 

“Then why are you in sales?” There's no malice in Miyadate's voice, only pure curiosity which Abe is glad for.

“My family and I didn't have enough money to pay for it…” Abe said, a bittersweet tone painted in his voice. “Plus, I am the eldest. I have a little brother who's going to college so I need to support my parents and him. I have no time to think about my dream…”

Abe quickly realized that he's sharing too much and was about to apologize when Miyadate spoke;

“When will your brother finish college?” Miyadate asked, curiosity laced in his voice, and Abe was taken aback.

“He's a sophomore…” 

“So you're quitting sales after three years?”

Abe was taken aback with Miyadate's sudden question. “Uhm, why..?”

“Well, I guess you wouldn't be able to balance both work and studies.” 

“Studies..?” and then, Abe realized. “Oh, no no! I wouldn't pursue being a meteorologist even after my brother is done with college!”

“Why though?” 

“Well…” Abe didn't know what to answer. After accepting the reality that he wouldn't be able to continue his masteral due to financial problems, Abe is set to just join the workforce and provide for his family. He has plans for the next five years, yes, but he didn't really think about pursuing his dream once again. “I'll be old by then! Also, it's nothing but a dead dream so… I've forgotten about it already. I was just reminded because of the clouds…”

“I think you should still go for it.”

“... Eh?” What Miyadate said earned Abe's attention and there, he met Miyadate's soft gaze looking at him. Damn, is Miyadate looking at him with those eyes for the whole time? It was bad for Abe, but what happened next is a critical hit for him.

“I think there's no time limit in pursuing your dream. You're smart, Abe-san. I believe you can do it if you put the hundred percent of your heart into it.” Miyadate smiled, “I know because I saw it with my own two eyes.”

Abe's breath was caught up in his throat. For the first time in a while, he has heard somebody expressing support for his dream. And of all people, he didn't expect it from his boss, and the person he's currently in love with. Mish mash of emotions started overflowing in Abe's chest that he couldn't say anything. All he could do was to stare back at Miyadate's sincere gaze with his emotional ones. 

“I guess I'll just have to make sure you're employed for the next three or so years.” Miyadate said, being the first one to break eye contact as he shifted his gaze towards the airplane menu he just grabbed. “Now for lunch…”

Damn, Abe is really hopelessly in love with Miyadate.

-

Before Abe knew it, the business meetings had come to an end and they're already on the last day of their trip. Abe had a lot of fun. After his conversation with Miyadate on the plane, Abe felt empowered and did his job so well that even the CEO praised them in the final meeting. 

His relationship with Miyadate has seemingly changed a little, Abe noticed. When they were on breaks or out of work related scenarios, Miyadate would talk to him about casual stuff like how's his day, or how would he like to eat his tofu with, or what is his favourite animal. On their second night over the dinner table in the inn they were staying at, Miyadate and Abe spent three hours talking about weather patterns. More like Abe educating Miyadate about clouds, and Miyadate is genuinely listening to what Abe is talking about. That was the first time he had talked to Miyadate in such a long period of time that is not work, and Abe falls deeper in his feelings for his boss.

Though on their last day after the final meeting was done, Miyadate returned to his old self; the cold, quiet, and unbothered executive of the sales department. No topic could make him answer more than a 'yes' or 'no' and Abe's heart was crumbling into pieces.

‘I went ahead of myself and thought that we finally had something more than a boss and his employee… Well, this is what I get for getting my hopes up… Dumbass Ryohei. Serves you right.’

--------------

8:27 PM

Abe was on the floor, packing up his stuff and preparing for tomorrow's flight home. He had given up talking to Miyadate and since then, they never shared a word. If he was being honest to himself, he would love to stay close to Miyadate, even if they were just friends, after hearing those words in the plane but it's impossible, right?

After all, Miyadate is his boss and he is his employee.

No more, no less.

Maybe Miyadate only did that, the talk and his change of attitude towards him, to clear the air between them. All of it is a facade to make this trip a success, and it actually did. Miyadate is not the executive of the sales department for nothing, and Abe fell for it and for him.

Abe tried to paint Miyadate as the worst person in his head but no matter how much he tried, he just couldn't. He is too good for Abe, and even if everything is a facade, he is happy that Miyadate acted like that with him. 

Abe suddenly jolted to the sound of a door opening, and Miyadate coming out of the shower. The two didn't share a word as Miyadate sat down in his own bed and Abe continued packing quietly.

“So, this is really the end, huh…”

“Abe-san.” 

Abe, once again but this time harder, jolted when Miyadate suddenly called his name. This was the first time Miyadate had talked to him since afternoon, and Abe felt like he wanted to cry. So, he wasn't a dead air on Miyadate after all.

“Y-yes?” Abe stumbled on his words, hurriedly answering like if he didn't speak soon, Miyadate would not talk to him again.

“... There's a festival going on at the shrine a block away. Do you want to go?” And that was the first time Miyadate looked at Abe since afternoon.

“Yes!” Abe unconsciously exclaimed that caught both of them off guard. It was a sudden answer that even Abe himself was surprised by. Is he really this down bad for Miyadate? Abe didn't want to think about it, he's going to spend the last night with Miyadate in that festival and Abe's heart is set on it.

If this was the last time he's going to have fun with Miyadate before going back to how they were before, better enjoy until the last moment.

And so, the two headed out for the festival.

Abe was so confused. During their walk to the shrine and on the festival itself, Miyadate is back on talking to him like he did during the past two days. What happened? Was… was Miyadate nervous to ask Abe out to the festival or… No, no! Abe wanted to drown himself in the pool of water the gold fishes are swimming into because of that thought.

There's no way that's the case! Miyadate wouldn't have a problem asking Abe to accompany him out, he's not that type of person… then why…

“Abe-san, are you listening?” Miyadate called out that brought Abe back to reality.

“S-sorry!” Abe immediately apologizes, this is not the right time to think about it! “What is it?”

“I said I know a good spot to watch the fireworks.” Miyadate then started making his way and Abe followed immediately.

“How did you know a ‘good spot’? We're both foreigners here.” Abe asked, trying to keep up his pace with Miyadate's.

“The takoyaki vendor told me.” Miyadate answered.

“I see… So did you sell them our products?” Abe teased, a smile formed in his lips.

Miyadate chuckled at that. “Oh, shut up.”

They're at this level of closeness where Abe can tease Miyadate, and Miyadate would laugh at him. Abe didn't want to lose this relationship, and thanks to the lack of light on the trail they're walking on, Miyadate couldn't see the sad look on his face.

Miyadate and Abe finally reached the "good spot" the takoyaki vendor told Miyadate. It was a little hill overlooking the shrine. The trail is a bit hidden, and Abe speculated that only a few people knew about this place since they were the only ones there and the fireworks were about to start.

“The takoyaki vendor really did tell you a good spot huh, Miyadate-san.” Abe commented as he sat down on the grassy part of the hill.

“Of course, I gave him one of our pen products.” Miyadate jokes as he sits down as well, both of them sharing a good laugh. “So, did you learn anything from this business trip?”

“A lot! Like how our CEO could really use some anti-balding shampoo.” Abe joked that earned a hearty laugh from the both of them.

“Be serious, Abe-san!” Miyadate called out after their laughs had calmed down. “I am serious when I said you were one of my team's aces. I want you to learn everything and grow as a senior sales officer so that when you finally became a meteorologist, you'd have stories to tell at parties.”

Abe tightened his grip on his knees. ‘I don't want to go anywhere far from you,’ is what he wanted to say but the fact that Miyadate is supporting his dream wholeheartedly moves Abe emotionally.

“Thank you so much, Miyadate-san!”

As if on cue, a firework exploded in the sky. The two watched as lights and colors filled the dark night sky, shoulders barely touching each other's. Looking back, Abe's life had turned a full 180 degrees. At first, he was trying to avoid Miyadate like the plague because he mistook him as the guy he slept with, and now he's satisfied by just staying beside Miyadate. If Abe would be granted a wish right now, it would be…

“Did you know that if you wished on a firework, there's a chance it would come true?” Miyadate said that caught Abe off guard. Was he reading what I was thinking?!

“I believe it's for shooting stars.” Abe replied, gaze still fixed on the firework display.

“We won't lose anything if we try, right?”

Abe found comfort in the way Miyadate talks to him. So, putting his chin on his knees, Abe replied. “So what's your wish then, Miyadate-san?”

“That…” Miyadate paused, and Abe waited in anticipation. “That all of Abe-san's wishes come true.”

Abe froze in place as a huge red and green fire flower exploded in the night sky. He quickly darted his gaze on Miyadate to see if he's still joking or not, and he quickly regretted it as he found Miyadate looking at him tenderly. His eyes are sparkling with emotion Abe could only describe as adoration, as if he's looking at something so… precious… His breath once again got caught up in his throat.

“How about you, Abe-san.” Miyadate spoke, gaze not leaving the emotional Abe. “What's your wish?”

His wish, the only one thing that is running in Abe's mind right now. 

“That I stay beside Miyadate-san forever.”

As the last and the brightest firework exploded in the sky, Miyadate crashed his lips towards Abe's.

That night, both of Miyadate and Abe's wishes came true.

------------

3:11 PM

Abe's fingers are busy playing with Miyadate's hair as his boyfriend sleeps, his head resting on his thigh. It's been three months since that night happened, since Miyadate and Abe started going out. Abe confessed and Miyadate replied with a kiss, and since then they kept on stealing glances, sharing secret touches, and meeting during coffee breaks in the afternoon at the rooftop, just like what's happening right now. Abe couldn't be happier. Miyadate is everything he wished for and needed.

For the first time in his life, Abe feels loved and seen.

Abe found himself smiling while reminiscing about everything Miyadate has done to him. All of the support, the words of encouragement, all the genuine comfort and love he received so far is what fuels Abe recently. 

Grateful for his boyfriend, Abe kissed his right palm and slowly placed it above Miyadate's lips. Abe then jolted back when he felt Miyadate's lips kissing his palm. A flush of red tint quickly spreads Abe's face as Miyadate's eyes opened and gazed up on him.

“If you want to kiss me, do it properly.” Miyadate laughs, his voice painted with love and affection.

Embarrassed, Abe moved his hand to cover Miyadate's eyes and gently pushed it in the opposite direction. Miyadate couldn't help but laugh at his adorable boyfriend. “Shut up.”

“Sorry, sorry.” Miyadate laughed as he gently grabbed Abe's hand away from his eyes and held it in his chest. “You're just too cute, I couldn't help it.”

“I'm not cute…” Abe muttered as he held back Miyadate's hand, his left hand continued playing with his hair. 

“Hey, Date-san…” Abe called after a short silence. “You told me before you were in love with me longer than I would expect you to be…”

Right. Not long after they started going out, during one dinner date, Abe asked Miyadate the question that has been bugging him ever since that night. Since when Miyadate is in love with Abe? But all Miyadate answered was “Longer than you would expect.” and didn't elaborate further. It left Abe confused, and initially thought of letting it go but as he thought, it still bugs him. Miyadate told him to tell him everything that's been bothering him so Abe tried questioning him once again.

Miyadate stayed silent, eyes locked on the afternoon clouds above them. “Fun fact, we were in the same exact position when I realised I was in love with you.”

“Huh?!” Abe blinked in surprise. “What do you mean?!”

They were in the same exact position, like how Miyadate is laying on Abe's thighs and he was holding his hand? Abe rummages through his thoughts and finds no memory of doing this with Miyadate a long time ago…

Or so Abe thought…

Little by little, memories started flashing back… On a beach… A drunk boy from the neighboring highschool passed out on his lap… Crying… And stopped when Abe held his hand to comfort him… That boy…

“EH?!!!!!!! YOU WERE THAT BOY?!!” Abe couldn't help his voice rising from the sudden realization. 

After all this time, Miyadate is that boy Abe helped when he was in highschool! 

One night when he's coming home from his part time job, Abe found a boy passed out pretty close to the water on the beach he's detouring on to. Scared that the boy might drown, Abe hurriedly dragged him out and checked if he's okay. He left to get some drinks and medicine and when he came back, the boy was trying to get up so Abe ran towards him to help him.

“Here, I'll help you.” Despite the act of kindness, the boy slapped Abe's hands away and glared at him.

“Don't touch me.” The boy hissed.

Abe can't do anything but watch as the boy struggles to get up. He really wanted to help, but at the same time, he's scared that he might get violence as a response. So, Abe just looked out for the boy, and then it happened. Just seconds after the boy got up, his arms gave up and he almost slammed his head on the sand if it wasn't for Abe's quick response. Abe quickly catched the boy's body, and without putting much thought on it, he slides down and gently places the boy's head into his lap.

The boy did not protest, which surprised Abe so he peaked on him, and there he saw his tears falling down non stop. The boy did not try to get up, but faced the other way to avoid Abe's gaze. His body then soon trembled as his sobs grew louder. Abe didn't know what to do. He didn't know who he was, but he is certain he's from the highschool four blocks away from him based on his uniform. Lost on what he's supposed to do, Abe let the boy cry on his lap.

Then Abe remembered the thing his mom used to do to him when he couldn't stop crying. “Hey, do you mind if I try something?” Abe called when the boy had calmed down from crying.

The boy did not respond, but shot a look at Abe, which he took as a positive response. So, as gently as he could, Abe reached for the boy's hand. 

While gently caressing his hand, Abe casted a spell on it, “Whatever that's making you sad, I order it to go away.” and gently blew on it.

The boy was just looking up at him, not saying anything, and it made Abe realize how dumb he must look like. He was about to apologize when the boy grabbed his hand and took it down with him. “That was stupid.” he said, his hands tightly holding Abe's.

“I know…” As if on cue, a firework exploded on the horizon. It seems like a party yacht is out there setting off the fireworks, but nonetheless, it caught both of their attention.

“Did you know that if you wished on a firework, there's a chance it would come true?” Abe said that earned another weird look from the boy. “We won't lose anything if we try, right?” 

“Then what's your wish?” The boy asked.

Abe didn't really have a wish right now. He's pretty satisfied with his life. But oh, there's one thing he would love right now. 

“I wish for your happiness.”

“You were that boy!!!” Abe cried as Miyadate chuckled. “Did you know that I went to your school festival just to look for you!”

“No way!” Now it was Miyadate's turn to be shocked. 

“Yes, but I couldn't find you…”

“That's because I didn't attend…”

“Why?”

“Long story short, my mom grounded me after you found me on that beach and didn't let me attend the school festival.” There was an obvious disappointment in Miyadate's tone. 

“I see…”

“But it's alright.” Miyadate's change of tone caught Abe's gaze and looked down on him. “Because of that, I met you on that beach and fell in love with you.” 

Abe loved the way Miyadate looked at him; like he was the most precious thing in this world and it's enough to make Abe's heart skip a beat.

“That is also why when I found you drinking alone in that bar, I immediately rushed to you and bought you a shot.” 

Abe blinked in confusion. “... What?”

“I am not someone who would agree to some stranger's invitation, but I wanted to really check if it was you or not. Sure enough, there was a picture of you in your highschool opening ceremony on your tv stand.”

“SO YOU WERE REALLY THAT GUY????????” At this point, Abe can't help but to scream.

Abe didn't know what to feel. Miyadate denying it is what started all of this in the first place, and then it turned out it was really actually him? Abe couldn't help but to laugh at him, and his situation.

“Then why did you deny it?” Abe didn't like how he sounded, but he couldn't help it. He was lied to. That made Miyadate get up and sit beside him.

“Because I was scared that you might stay away from me, and worse, quit this job.” There was a genuine frightened tone in Miyadate's voice. “I finally found you, I didn't want to lose you again.” Miyadate then met Abe's gaze. If there's one thing Abe learned about Miyadate, that is he can speak with his eyes. Abe can see if Miyadate is lying through his eyes and this time, he's being genuine with him. “I'm sorry, Abe. Please don't get angry.”

Abe then smiled at Miyadate and gave his nose a pinch. “Why would I get angry? I was the one who invited you in the first place.” Then he moved his hand to pinch Miyadate's cheeks next, “It just turned out you were the boy who fell in love with me because I showed you some kindness.” Abe teased that Miyadate immediately caught on, a smile forming on his lips.

“I see you got a little cocky, huh.” Miyadate responded as he grabbed Abe's hand away from his cheeks.

Abe laughed, locking his hands with Miyadate's once again. “Just nice to know I wasn't the only one going crazy whenever our paths meet.” 

Miyadate chuckled, and this time, he slid down a little and rested his head on Abe's shoulder, tightly holding his hand.

Miyadate and Abe might've been late for their afternoon meeting but at least they sorted one thing out of the way. There might still be a lot waiting for them ahead but if they are together, holding each other's hand, everything would be alright.

Comments

[tomtoru001]

I AM SO HAPPY YOU WROTE DATEABE, AUTHOR!! I think there isn't enough love for this pairing out there and this just makes me so happy!! You captured Abe's airheadedness and clumsiness so well too! And the fireworks scene was so lovely...I love that they'd met before and found each other again...Ahhh this is so cute!! Thank you for writing <3

[azurevanillasky]

This fic, Abe's absolute panic and Date being the most Date. This was such a fun read! Thank you for writing!

[(Anonymous)]

oh i love a classic salaryman au! i really loved how dateabe's relationship developed, it was so sweet! thank you for writing <3