Ah, young love... what a beautiful lie.
A deadly curse wrapped in pretty packaging.
Youth, vitality, that naive spark in the eyes, like you actually believe the world won't chew you up and spit you out. Once those things are gone, they're gone forever. You spend your entire youth rushing to grow up, desperate to escape the cage of inexperience, only to spend the rest of your life trying to claw back what you burned away so carelessly.
First kisses that tasted like fireworks and regret. Late-night walks where every shadow felt romantic instead of dangerous. The electric stupidity of holding someone's hand for the first time, convinced it meant something eternal. The heart clings to those memories like a fool, but the body forgets. The body learns better.
Love in youth isn't logical. It's loud, reckless, full of overreactions and words you can never take back. It's messy. Chaotic. And people call that purity?
What a joke.
Aiko Takahashi stabbed another piece of marinated beef with his chopsticks and dropped it onto the hot grill. The meat hissed violently, releasing a cloud of savory smoke that mixed with the haze already hanging over the yakiniku restaurant. The place was lively, salarymen laughing too loudly at the next table, a group of university students sharing a platter of tongue and short ribs, the constant clink of beer glasses and the sizzle of fat dripping onto charcoal.
He liked it here. No one bothered you if you sat alone in the corner. You could drink, grill, and disappear into your own head while the world kept spinning its stupid fairytales.
Aiko lifted his beer glass and took a slow sip, the cold bitterness cutting through the heat rising from the grill. He flipped the meat with practiced precision, watching the edges curl and crisp to a perfect dark brown. Simple. Predictable. Satisfying in a way people never were. Around him, the restaurant pulsed with energy, friends clinking glasses, couples leaning close over the grill, their laughter sharp and careless.
He stared at the dancing flames beneath the grate.
The door chimed again as another pair entered. Aiko didn't look up at first, focused on turning another slice before it burned. But then a familiar voice, smooth and edged with that signature dry amusement, drifted over the chatter.
"Well, this is unexpected. Takahashi, are you trying to turn into a smoke signal?"
Aiko paused, chopsticks hovering. He lifted his gaze.
Haruka Yamamoto stood there, elegant even in a simple sweater and jeans, her long dark hair catching the warm restaurant lights. Beside her was Mika Nishizono composed, wearing a light coat over what looked like casual evening clothes. The young teacher's expression softened with mild surprise as her eyes met his.
Haruka didn't wait for an invitation. She slid into the seat across from him with effortless grace, while Mika hesitated for a brief second before taking the chair beside her. The two women exchanged a quick glance, as if this encounter had been a casual detour on their evening plans.
"Sensei, Yamamoto. Small world."
Mika offered a gentle smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's been a while since we've run into each other outside of school-related matters. I didn't expect to find you at a place like this. Haruka suggested we stop in after our meeting."
Haruka reached across the table without asking, picking up the spare tongs and prodding one of the pieces Aiko had already placed on the grill. The meat sizzled louder as she adjusted it.
"He always picks the corner spots. Predictable as ever. The smoke suits you, though, gives you that mysterious loner aesthetic you seem so fond of."
Aiko slid a few more slices of beef onto the grill, making space for them almost automatically. The rich scent of grilling meat intensified, mixing with the faint floral notes of whatever subtle perfume Haruka wore. He pushed the small dish of dipping sauce toward the center of the table.
"Help yourselves," he muttered. "Plenty here."
The three of them settled into the rhythm of the grill. Haruka flipped a piece with confident movements, while Mika watched the flames for a moment before carefully adding a slice of her own. The lively chatter of the restaurant continued around them, another round of beers being ordered at the next table, fresh platters of raw meat arriving with a flourish.
Aiko took another drink, his eyes half-lidded as he observed the smoke rising between them. Haruka's presence always carried that subtle pressure, like she was reading every unspoken thought. Mika's was quieter, more measured, but no less observant.
"Quiet night for you?" Haruka asked, her tone light but her gaze sharp as she glanced at his nearly empty beer glass. "Or did the university lectures finally drive you to seek solace in charred protein?"
Mika chuckled softly, the sound warm amid the sizzle. "Be nice, Haruka. Not everyone enjoys turning every evening into a social event." She looked at Aiko with mild curiosity. "Though it is good to see familiar faces. The meat smells excellent, by the way."
Aiko gave a noncommittal shrug, placing another round of beef onto the grill. The fat crackled and popped, sending sparks of flavor into the air. He watched the way the women interacted with the food, the casual way Haruka claimed space at his table, the careful precision with which Mika handled the tongs.
For a moment, the smoke blurred the lines between them, turning the scene into something almost intimate despite the crowd. Aiko said nothing more, content to let the grill do the talking as he reached for another beer from the server passing by.
The grill kept sizzling. More meat landed on the hot grate. More beer arrived at the table.
Haruka was on her second glass already, talking faster than usual. "You know what your problem is, Takahashi? You grill like you're mad at the cow. Look at this piece... perfect. Unlike your social skills." She laughed at her own joke and slid the cooked meat onto a small plate for Mika.
Mika smiled, cheeks already a soft pink. "It really is good. Thank you, Aiko-kun." She took a sip of beer, then another. Her usual calm teacher voice started to slip. "I don't usually drink much, but… this place is nice. Warm."
Aiko just grunted and flipped more beef. He ordered another round without thinking. The women were relaxing, the smoke and alcohol doing their work.
Time slipped by. Plates of tongue, short ribs, and vegetables came and went. Haruka's sharp tongue got looser with every glass.
"Remember when you used to sit in the back of class like a ghost?" she teased, poking Aiko's arm with a chopstick. "Now look at you. Still a ghost, but at least you share food." She giggled and leaned closer. Her eyes sparkled a bit too much.
Mika covered her mouth, trying to hide a laugh that came out anyway. "Haruka-chan, be gentle. Aiko-kun might run away." She reached for another sip, then missed the table edge a little when she put the glass down. "Oops. The table moved."
Aiko raised an eyebrow. "You two are lightweights."
"Am not!" Haruka declared, waving her hand. The motion nearly knocked over the dipping sauce. She caught it just in time and grinned proudly.
"See? Perfect reflexes. Just like high school." She tried to flip a piece of meat dramatically and almost launched it onto the table next to them.
The salarymen at the next table chuckled. Mika burst into quiet laughter, her shoulders shaking. "Haruka-chan, you're going to set something on fire… or us."
Haruka started telling half-stories about university that made no sense, mixing them with old complaints about teachers. Mika, usually so proper, kept agreeing with silly nods and adding her own tipsy comments.
"Students these days… so energetic. Like little puppies. Aiko-kun was never a puppy. More like… a grumpy cat."
"You're only 25...", muttering, Aiko sighed, but the corner of his mouth twitched. He kept grilling, feeding them food to soak up the beer. It didn't help much.
Two hours later, the bill was paid and the restaurant lights felt brighter than they should. Haruka tried to stand and wobbled immediately. "The floor is… slippery. Weird."
Mika stood too, then grabbed the back of her chair. "I'm fine. Completely fine." Her voice was soft and a little dreamy. She looked at Aiko with warm, unfocused eyes. "You're very reliable, Aiko-kun."
Aiko rubbed the back of his neck. Both women were clearly drunk, cheeks flushed, balance gone, words too honest. He couldn't just leave them like this.
"Alright. Come on." He stepped between them, letting Haruka lean on his left arm and Mika on his right. Haruka was taller and tried to act like she didn't need help, but she clung tighter every time she stumbled. Mika was quieter, pressing closer with a small, content sigh that made his ear feel hot.
The cool night air hit them outside. Haruka laughed at nothing. "Takahashi carrying two women. This is new. Take a picture, someone~"
"Shut up and walk," Aiko muttered, but he adjusted his grip so neither would fall. Mika's coat brushed against him. Haruka's hair smelled like smoke and something sweet. The streets were still busy, neon lights reflecting off wet pavement from an earlier drizzle. Every few steps one of them giggled or pointed at something random.
They made it about two blocks before Haruka stopped suddenly, nearly pulling Aiko off balance. "Wait… your car is parked back there. But… keys?. Nope. Can't drive. Too… spinny."
Mika nodded slowly against his shoulder, her voice soft and slurry. "Me neither. Bad teacher. Very bad." She let out a tiny hiccup and hid her face in his arm.
Aiko sighed. He didn't have a driver's license anyway, never saw the point before. "Taxi it is, then."
Haruka shook her head, hair swinging wildly. "Too late. Too expensive. Look–" She pointed ahead with a wobbly finger. A bright sign glowed a short distance away. "Hotel. Simple. One room. Three people. Easy math."
Aiko stared at her. "You're joking."
"Nope!" Haruka grinned wider, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "What's wrong, Takahashi? Scared of sharing a bed with two beautiful women? Or are you worried you'll finally smile?" She leaned in closer, breath warm with beer. "It's just sleeping. Unless you have other ideas~"
Mika made a small embarrassed sound but didn't pull away. "Haruka-chan… you're too bold…" Still, she didn't argue. Her cheeks were bright red under the streetlights. "But… walking more sounds hard. Room sounds nice. Soft bed…"
Aiko felt the weight of both women on his arms and the growing ache in his shoulders. The hotel was right there, clean and modern-looking, nothing sketchy. Practical. That was all.
"Fine," he said flatly. "One room. You two take the bed. I'll take the floor."
Haruka laughed loudly as they started toward the entrance. "Floor? How noble. But what if I get cold? Or Mika-sensei needs a strong arm to hold?" She winked at him, almost tripping again. "This is going to be fun. High school reunion sleepover!"
The automatic doors slid open. The lobby was quiet and softly lit. Aiko dragged the two giggling, stumbling women to the front desk, trying to ignore the amused look from the night staff. Haruka kept making jokes the whole time.
"One king bed, please. He's paying, and don't worry, he's harmless… mostly."
Mika just smiled dreamily and kept saying "Thank you, Aiko-kun" in that soft, tipsy voice that made his ears burn.
By the time they got the keycard and made it to the elevator, Haruka was leaning heavily on him, whispering teasing nonsense about "old study habits in a new setting," while Mika hummed quietly, her head resting comfortably against his side.
Aiko stared at the elevator ceiling, wondering how a simple night of grilling meat had turned into this chaotic mess.
The room door clicked open.
Haruka took one look at it and spread her arms dramatically.
"Behold," she declared. "Our kingdom."
Then she immediately lost her balance and stumbled face-first onto the mattress.
Mika blinked at her.
Aiko blinked at her.
Haruka remained motionless for three whole seconds.
"Mighty queen," Mika said softly.
"Thank you," Haruka mumbled into the blanket.
Aiko pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Shoes off. Water. Sleep. That's the plan."
"Bossy," Haruka complained without moving.
"Responsible," Mika corrected.
"Same thing."
Somehow, through a combination of patience and sheer stubbornness, Aiko managed to get both women settled. He found bottled water in the mini-fridge and handed one to each of them.
Mika accepted hers with both hands.
"Thank you, Aiko-kun."
Haruka raised her bottle like a trophy.
"To survival."
"You drank beer, not poison."
"The jury is still out."
Aiko ignored her.
A few minutes later, the room finally grew quieter.
The alcohol was beginning to lose its battle against exhaustion.
Haruka lay sprawled across one side of the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Mika sat near the headboard, slowly sipping water.
Aiko grabbed an extra blanket from the closet and sat on the floor, leaning his back against the edge of the bed. The carpet was cheap but clean. He stared at the dim ceiling light, the day's weight finally settling on him.
Today marked another year since his sister's death. Another year of watching his parents' marriage rot from the inside. Another reminder that love wasn't some beautiful force. It was a drunk driver behind the wheel, a promise that shattered on impact, a slow poison that made people abandon reason and then abandon each other.
He closed his eyes, trying to push the memories down like he always did.
Then he felt movement behind him.
Warm arms wrapped around his shoulders from behind. Soft skin pressed against the back of his neck and head.
Haruka had quietly slipped off the bed. She had removed her sweater and bra at some point, and now her bare chest, full, heavy, and unmistakably E-cup, was pressing firmly against his back. Her breath tickled his ear as she hugged him tighter, arms looping around his head in a lazy, drunken embrace.
Aiko's eyes snapped open. He froze. The warmth was impossible to ignore. Soft, yielding pressure molded against his spine, her heartbeat steady against him. The faint scent of smoke, beer, and her usual subtle perfume filled his nose.
"Haruka… what are you doing?" he whispered, voice low so he wouldn't wake Mika.
She nuzzled the side of his head, her voice sleepy and teasing. "You looked lonely down here… grumpy cat. Don't worry. Just warming you up. Floor's cold."
Her breasts shifted slightly with her breathing, the contact sending an unwelcome jolt through him. He could feel every curve, every soft detail. His body reacted despite his mind screaming to stay detached.
Aiko's hand twitched, wanting to pull her arms off but not quite doing it. "You're drunk. Go back to bed."
Haruka only hugged him tighter, pressing more firmly into his back. "Shhh. Quiet night for you, remember? Let me stay like this… just a little." Her words were still slightly slurred, but there was something genuine underneath the teasing. "You carried us. Least I can do."
Haruka's arms stayed around his shoulders.
Aiko could feel the warmth of her embrace, but he kept his eyes fixed on the dark window across the room.
Haruka only hugged him tighter, pressing her bare chest more firmly against his back. Her soft, heavy breasts molded warmly against him with every breath.
"I am drunk," she admitted, voice sleepy but clear enough. "But I still mean it." She rested her chin on top of his head. "Aiko… I loved you. Back in high school. I still do."
The words hung in the quiet room.
Aiko went still. "You said 'loved.'"
"Because I'm trying to be honest." She laughed weakly. "I loved you then. When you recorded those bullies and calmly tore them apart without making a big scene… I fell for you right there. Everyone else saw the rich girl who was about to lose everything. You just saw me scared and did something about it."
Aiko stared at the dark window. "You weren't subtle back then."
Haruka groaned and buried her face against his shoulder. "Excuse me? I was very subtle."
"You sat next to me every lunch. Followed me to the library. Invented reasons to text me at night."
"That was studying!"
"Sure," Aiko said dryly. "And the snacks you charged me for?"
"Fair business," she mumbled, but he could feel her smiling against his neck. "You were failing literature. I saved your grades. You helped me fight back smart. Remember when I finally slapped that idiot after your advice? You almost smiled."
Aiko let out a small, tired breath. "I remember."
Haruka's arms stayed wrapped around him. "You taught me how to push back. How to protect my family without blowing everything up. You noticed I was crying behind the gym even when I thought no one was watching. No pity. Just… you. Cold logic and quiet help. That's when I knew I loved you."
Silence stretched for a moment. Mika breathed softly in her sleep on the bed.
"You knew?" Haruka asked quietly.
"Mostly."
"Then why didn't you say anything?"
Aiko's voice grew heavier. "You know why. Love breaks things. It's loud and reckless and ends badly. I've seen it."
Haruka didn't let go. Her warmth stayed pressed against his back. "You thought it would destroy us too?"
"Something like that."
She sighed. "You're terrible at pretending nothing bothers you, you know. But last night… carrying both of us, paying for the room, sitting on this stupid floor. You still care. Even if you won't admit it."
Aiko closed his eyes. "You always pick the worst timing."
Haruka laughed softly. "That's not a rejection."
"No," he said after a long pause. "It isn't."
For once, Haruka sounded genuinely surprised. Then she smiled against his shoulder, a quiet, happy smile.
"You're always there," Aiko added, almost too low to hear. "When I think about people who stayed… you're one of them."
Haruka hugged him a little tighter. No more jokes. Just the two of them in the dark hotel room, the city lights faint outside, and the weight of old memories sitting between them.