Chapter 17: The Red Bloom of Silence || Shizuka na Akai Hana

  Shunsuke’s apartment, Roppongi, Minato-ku → October 28th, 2022

  “She traced the flowers on his back, not knowing they were his unspoken truth.”

  Content warning: Contains scenes of intimate nudity (non-explicit) and discussion of irezumi symbolism.

  Shunsuke was still feigning sleep when Miyu entered the bedroom, the morning light a soft haze around her. She carried a tray of his favorite comfort foods: a small bowl of miso soup, a neat stack of tamagoyaki, and a piece of grilled fish. She knew he was still in some pain, but the worst of his wounds had begun to heal. Setting the tray on the nightstand, she leaned over him, her hair a curtain around his face. She didn’t realize he was awake until his hand gently wrapped around her arm, pulling her down into the bed with him.

  "I missed you, Mochi-Chan," he murmured into her hair, burying his face in its familiar scent.

  "I thought you were still sleeping," she said softly, her body relaxing into his warmth.

  He kissed her gently, a slow, tender brush of lips. "As an assassin, shouldn't you be able to tell if someone's faking sleep?" he teased, his voice a low rumble against her cheek.

  Miyu's soft chuckle was a breath against his lips. "I'm not in assassin mode when I'm with you, Purin." She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze. "I made you breakfast. Happy Birthday, Shunsuke."

  A genuine, soft smile spread across his face, reaching his eyes. "Thank you, Miyu."

  A soft sound of paws padded across the wooden floor, followed by a gentle huff as Kuro jumped onto the bed. He chirped at Shunsuke, who laughed.

  “Didn’t Miyu feed you?” he asked, a playful tone in his voice.

  Miyu pouted, her expression a mix of mock offense and amusement. “I did! I really did.”

  Shunsuke held her in his arms, his gaze shifting from her to the demanding raccoon. “I know,” he said. “I heard you making his food.”

  Kuro settled onto Shunsuke's lap, a silent, furry weight. He gently placed a paw on Shunsuke’s arm and let out a soft chirp, a tiny, heartfelt sound. It was as if he, too, wanted to wish his human a happy birthday. Shunsuke’s fingers gently stroked the raccoon’s fur, a quiet gesture of thanks.

  He reached for the tray on the nightstand and placed it between them. They shared the food in a comfortable silence, the quiet intimacy of the moment a stark contrast to the chaos of their lives.

  When he set his bowl of soup down, he looked at Miyu, his expression serious. “Thank you for everything you’ve done over the past few weeks,” he whispered. “You took care of me even with all the stress from university and Yuki.” He met her gaze, his heart in his eyes. “I hope I can repay you.”

  Miyu smiled, a gentle, genuine smile that lit up her face. “You already have. Every day you love me is all the repayment I need, Shunsuke.”

  Shunsuke felt a shy blush creep up his neck as he looked away. He still wasn't used to compliments, especially not from someone like Miyu, whose words felt like pure, unadulterated truth. It had been years since someone had made him breakfast for his birthday. The last time he could remember was his older sister, Misaki, when he was just seventeen. Shortly after, she had left Japan to study medicine in London. They still kept in touch, but with the different time zones and their demanding lives, it was often difficult to find a time to talk. He missed her more than he'd ever admit.

  Miyu gently touched his cheek, her touch bringing him back to the present. "What are you thinking about, Shunsuke?" she asked, her voice a soft question.

  He looked at her and smiled, a touch of sadness in his eyes. "My sister," he answered. "Misaki. She was the last person who made me breakfast for my birthday."

  Miyu's fingers softly traced the line of his lips, her touch a light, comforting presence. "My parents are hosting your birthday party," she said, a soft giggle escaping her. "Ryuichi told them, and they wanted to celebrate."

  A small, genuine laugh escaped Shunsuke. "Why am I not surprised Ryuichi told them?" he said, the words a gentle tease.

  "Now you will always have birthday breakfast," she whispered, her voice a soft promise against his skin. "Every year. Promise."

  A single, quiet sob broke from Shunsuke. A tear fell, a hot, wet track on his cheek. "Miyu..." he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you."

  He wrapped his arms around her, a gentle but shaking embrace, overwhelmed by her simple promise. "I will always be at your side," he whispered, his voice broken and fragile. "As long as you want me."

  Miyu's hands were a gentle, soothing presence on his back, carefully stroking him without causing pain. She simply held him, listening to the small sobs that escaped his chest. "Should I ask my parents to pick us up later?" she asked softly, her voice a comforting balm.

  He shook his head, his face still buried in her hair. "No, it's fine. I can drive."

  They finished breakfast in a comfortable silence, the only sounds the quiet clinking of dishes and Kuro’s soft snores. The raccoon had fallen asleep on Shunsuke’s lap, a small, trusting weight. Shunsuke’s fingers gently stroked Kuro’s fur, a quiet, soothing rhythm.

  Kuro looked up at him, a sleepy chirp escaping him. "Can we take him with us to your parents?" Shunsuke asked. Miyu, already taking the tray to the kitchen, smiled.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  "Yes, my mother said she's curious to meet 'the royal fluffiness'," she said playfully. "And besides," she added, her voice softening, "Kuro is family too."

  Shunsuke nodded, a small smile on his face. He gently lifted the raccoon, who let out a little huff of protest, and carried him into the living room. Kuro immediately curled up next to him on the couch, settling in for a nap.

  Shunsuke picked up the notes that lay on the table. He flipped through them, a faint smile touching his lips. It was Miyu’s older brother, Shin, who had meticulously written down everything Shunsuke had missed over the last few weeks due to his injury. Their relationship wasn't a friendship, not exactly, but it was a quiet understanding that existed between two rivals. There was no open hostility between them, just a shared acknowledgment of their positions.

  Shunsuke had once done the same for Shin. When Shin had to miss a block of classes after his daughter was born and his wife fell ill, Shunsuke had written down everything, a silent act of support. He'd simply handed the notes to Shin so he could study, a gesture that went beyond clan loyalties.

  Miyu sat down next to him, the couch dipping under her weight. "My brother gave me those for you," she said, her voice soft. "He told me you once did the same for him." She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

  Shunsuke felt a familiar blush warm his skin. "Yes," he said, nodding. "I heard his daughter was born and his wife was sick, so he couldn't attend classes. The material was important for the exams, so I just wrote everything down for him. It didn't seem fair that he might lose points just because he had to take care of his family."

  Miyu smiled, then kissed him again, this time on the lips. "And that's why you're our student council president, Shunsuke."

  “Maybe,” he murmured against her lips. “But you’re the person I want to be better for. You and Yuki.”

  Miyu leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his skin against hers. “You’re already more than enough for us,” she whispered. "My brother will be there, too, with his wife Chiyuki and their little whirlwind, Miu.”

  Shunsuke smiled. “Miu? He named her similar to you?”

  Miyu nodded, her smile widening. “Yes. He said that she’ll always know how strong she is.”

  A soft chuckle escaped Shunsuke. “That’s a really cute reason.”

  Strong just like Miyu.

  As he held her close, Shunsuke made a silent vow to himself: he would do everything to protect her strength. He would be the anchor she deserved.

  "Suki da yo," he murmured, the words a fragile, almost inaudible confession of love.

  Miyu's body melted into his embrace. "Suki da yo, Shunsuke," she whispered back, the words a perfect, reciprocal echo.

  They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's arms, as if nothing else in the world existed. Just them. Just this moment.

  Then a sharp chirp from Kuro brought them both back to reality. Shunsuke smiled, the sound a low, warm rumble against her cheek. "I guess Kuro is jealous of us."

  Miyu giggled. "We love you too, Kuro," she said playfully, her voice filled with a lightness that had been absent for so long.

  Miyu and Shunsuke's kiss was soft and tender, a quiet promise between them. They parted, but only enough for him to speak. "I'm going to take a shower," he said softly, his voice a low rumble. "Then we can go."

  Miyu's smile held a playful question. "Should I come with you?"

  Shunsuke's composure faltered, his shoulders tensing slightly. "Umm... if you... want to..." he stammered, a shy flush rising on his neck.

  Miyu's smile softened, becoming more gentle. "Only if you're comfortable, Shunsuke."

  He met her gaze, his eyes searching hers for a moment before a firm resolve settled over his features. "I am comfortable with that, Miyu," he said, his voice steady now. He leaned in and kissed her softly, a silent gesture of trust.

  A sharp chirp from Kuro broke the quiet. Shunsuke looked at his pet and a smile touched his lips. "I guess Kuro wants to join us too," he said with amusement. "He probably wants to make sure we behave."

  Shunsuke scooped Miyu into his arms and carried her to the bathroom, Kuro following behind them like a silent shadow. He set her down gently on the tile, and his lips found hers in a soft, tender kiss. His hands, careful and deliberate, began to undress her, his lips wandering from her mouth to the sensitive skin of her neck and collarbone. Miyu let out a soft, pleased sigh.

  When Shunsuke’s kisses moved a little lower, Kuro let out a sharp, decisive chirp. The sound broke the quiet intimacy of the room. It was a clear, scolding remark: You two wanted to shower. Shunsuke looked up, a hint of amusement in his eyes. Miyu giggled, and then with a playful look, she began to undress him. Together, they stepped under the warm spray of the shower.

  As the warm water ran over their bodies, Shunsuke stood behind Miyu, her back to his chest. He gently kissed her shoulder blades, his lips tracing the lines of her kitsune irezumi.

  "Your irezumi is beautiful," he breathed softly into her ear. "Just like you." He pressed her gently against the cool tile of the shower wall.

  Miyu let out a soft whimper as she felt the warmth of his body against hers. "I had it made after Yuki was born," she said softly. "To symbolize my new life as a protector."

  "It suits you, Miyu-Chan."

  Shunsuke stepped back, his hands carefully taking a bar of soap. With slow, gentle motions, he began to wash her back, his touch a soft promise of care.

  He massaged her shoulders, and her tense muscles relaxed under his touch. "How can you do this so well?" she murmured, her voice soft with contentment.

  Shunsuke leaned in and kissed the back of her neck, right where her spine began. "My Aikido sensei," he said, his voice warm. "He taught us some grips to relax muscles."

  "Thank you," Miyu whispered, her gratitude a tangible thing. "I feel so much better now."

  The warm water ran over their bodies, a soothing curtain. "Always, Miyu. Just tell me if you need something," he said, his arms gently wrapping around her. A moment of hesitation passed before he continued, "I hope you don't mind… my body's reaction…" he murmured, his voice a little strained.

  Miyu shook her head, a soft smile on her lips. "Not at all, Shunsuke. It… makes me happy to know you find me attractive."

  He let out a small, relieved sound, a soft rush of air. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever known," he confessed. "Not just on the outside, but especially your inner self."

  Miyu turned to face him, her hazel eyes meeting his dark brown ones. "Let me clean your back, too, Shunsuke," she said softly.

  He smiled and nodded, turning around so his back was toward her. Miyu's fingertips gently traced the outline of his irezumi. The wounds were mostly healed now, with scabs tracing the path of the burns. She hadn't truly looked at the tattoo while bandaging him over the last few weeks; her focus had been on the injuries. Now, she saw the full design. It was beautiful: a dragon coiled over his back, its body a deep, vibrant black with subtle red accents.

  "Your irezumi is beautiful, Shunsuke," she said, her voice filled with admiration. "Why did you choose black and red?"

  "I just like the combination," he replied, his voice soft. "I genuinely like the colors."

  Miyu hummed in acknowledgment as she continued to trace the design with her fingers. Her gaze then settled on the flowers. Instead of the traditional cherry blossoms or chrysanthemums, she saw a cluster of crimson spider lilies—higanbana. The flowers of death. A quiet understanding settled in her chest, heavy and aching. This was not just a decoration; it was a confession etched into his skin. The dragon was the beast he carried, but these flowers were the soil it grew from—a ground of loss and final goodbyes.