Work Text:
With next month just a week away, it’s time to restock the video store. Belle has been eagerly anticipating this trip to Lumina City, excited for the chance to finally choose the movies for the month's promotion.
Wise has monopolized the selection process for the past four months, and Belle is determined to break free from his persistent attempts to sway her. Every time she tries to assert her turn, Wise will employ a clever (though somewhat underhanded) trick to convince her that it was his turn instead. This time, however, Belle is prepared. She has a few tricks up her sleeve to make sure Wise had no choice but to concede and let her pick the videotapes.
The recent electricity bills had skyrocketed thanks to Fairy's insatiable energy consumption. Knowing how Wise will never turn down a lucrative business opportunity for exchange for their proxy work services, Belle figures this is her chance. Being the generous little sister, she decides to lighten his load. Despite his protests, she volunteers to handle the latter half of their other business to pick up the video tapes in Lumina City.
Belle, unlike her brother, prides herself on her movie selection abilities. She sets out to select New Eridu's most popular films, the ones everyone's been buzzing about across inter-knot. A diverse selection of exciting movies that everyone can enjoy, not just slow-paced films that might people to sleep. (No offense to the documentary lovers out there, but Belle's just not that kind of movie buff. Though, she grabs a couple for Wise to appease him and avoid his inevitable nagging.)
With a box of freshly acquired videotapes in hand, Belle heads back to the car. Wise should be finished with the client by now and overseeing the shop. She needs to hurry before the lunch rush hour hits and traffic grinds to a halt.
Just as Belle is about to reach her car, she spots Harumasa hiding from behind a wall, looking secretive. He darts a few glances around, checking for any onlookers, before stepping out into the open. Spotting Belle, his face lights up. He breaks into a wide grin and waves, hurrying towards her, exclaiming “Well look who it is, if it isn't the proxy's assistant! Hello there! What are the odds! Who would have thought I'd run into you here!”
Belle returns the smile. “And if it isn't Mr. 'Never shows up to his shift himself' What a coincidence! Who would have thought I'd run into you here after you failed to show up at the video store yesterday?”
Harumasa feigns offense, clutching his chest. “Ouch, that's a low blow! But hey, I'm here now, aren’t I? I know I may have flaked out on that last shift, but how about you allow me to make amends for the lost time from all those ‘sick days’ I requested by allowing me to carry that box of videotapes for you?”
“Uh-huh,” Belle says, her tone laced with skepticism. “And what’s in it for you this time, Harumasa?”
Harumasa chuckles. “Must you be so cynical? I'm simply trying to be helpful.”
“Yeah,” Belle says, her smile widening into a thin, almost mocking curve. “As much as I appreciate the offer, I think I'll be okay—”
Before Belle can even finish, Harumasa snatches the box from her grasp with surprising agility. “Glad I can help!” He declares, striding off towards the heart of Lumina Square, leaving her speechless.
Belle, momentarily stunned, sputters, “Hey! What gives? Where are you going? The car's this way!”
“A little detour, if you will.” Harumasa says, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Trust me, it’ll be fun.”
Belle, trying to keep up, huffs. “A 'detour'? Sounds more like 'slacking off' to me.” She tries to snatch the box back, but Harumasa simply raises it higher. “Hey! Give that back! I have to get these videotapes back to the store!”
“Oh, come on now, do we really need to think about work?” Harumasa says, exasperation coloring his voice. “Let's take a short break. You've been working yourself to the bone lately. Besides, I promised you, didn't I? I will help carry that box of video tapes back to your video store after we're done here. You have my word.”
“That's the point,” Belle says, raising her brow. “It’s awfully convenient how you’ve suddenly become so eager to help, Harumasa. What’s the real reason?”
“You wound me! I’m always hardworking manager!”
“Uh, yeah. When there's something in it for you, yes, you are,” Belle states, her words eliciting a startled gasp from Harumasa.
“Alright, alright, fine! Perhaps... I may have embellished the truth a smidge. But, you're the only person I can turn to in my time of need! You wouldn't deny your dear, sweet, overworked Harumasa after I went through all this trouble to skip work, are you?”
Belle won't deny that there probably is some truth to his merit when he said he came all this way to see her. However, Harumasa's unexpected invitations and overly helpful demeanor suggest ulterior motives. Complicating matters, Belle is already running late. She promised Wise she'd return to the video store after stocking up on videotapes, and he's been left alone for over an hour. Belle knows she'll likely face one of Wise's trademark 'I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed' looks if she's much later. Still, she doesn't want to cause him unnecessary worry.
Harumasa interrupts her thoughts, a playful lilt in his voice. “I'll even invite you a drink from Coff Coffee,” he offers, “What was that drink you like again? A Mochaccino? I know that one's your favorite~!” He smiles, as if the offer is irresistibly enticing.
Having stopped in front of the establishment, Harumasa gestures towards the inviting entrance of Coff Coffee with a subtle tilt of his head. He had traveled all this way to see her, and how could she possibly refuse a free drink? She'd explain everything to Wise later.
With a resigned sigh, Belle opens the door, allowing Harumasa to precede her as they enter the cafe together.
It takes a full two minutes after placing their orders for Tin Master to meticulously prepare their drinks – an iced mocchaccino and a black coffee, both served in disposable cups. Since Harumasa's hands were occupied, he relinquishes the drinks to Belle. They ascend the stairs to the second-floor patio, securing a table with an enviable ocean view.
Belle props her elbows on the table, her chin resting in her hands as she swings her legs beneath her chair, watching Harumasa take a tentative sip of his coffee, swirling the dark liquid in the cup with an air of contemplation.
“Alright, I'm here,” Belle declares, prompting Harumasa to begin. “You have my full attention. So, what did you need help with?”
Harumasa sets his drink down, leaning back in his chair. “Okay, so here’s the thing,” he begins slowly, “It’s not me that needs help, but a friend who’s been, well, curious about something.” He pauses, a slight hesitation in his voice. “Honestly, I came to you ask a question on their behalf.”
Belle nods encouragingly. “Oh, of course! I'm happy to help, just ask away!”
“I know this is a bit out of the blue, but this matter concerns your brother,” Harumasa says, a slight hesitation creeping into his voice.
Belle blinks, slightly taken aback. “My brother?” she repeats, her brows slowly furrowing. “You mean with Wise? Did he do something?”
“Uh-huh, the very one,” Harumasa confirms with a charming smile, a hint of color warming his cheeks. “And no, it's not exactly that he did something, but more of a... curiosity, I guess.” He clears his throat, avoiding Belle's direct gaze. “This friend of mine... they've been wondering if Wise is... seeing anyone.”
Belle smiles, amused. It seems like the truth has finally come out. This isn’t the first time someone has come to her asking about Wise's love life. It seems like every other week, someone would show up with some flimsy excuse – just like Harumasa had done – or, more often than not, they'd come right out and admit they had a thing for her brother. It’s honestly kind of funny. How did Wise, her completely oblivious (and rizzless) brother, manage to attract a surprising amount of people without even trying? She can’t quite understand what anyone saw in him. Wise was... well, Wise. But hey, who was she to judge? Different strokes for different folks, right?
It’s pretty clear that anyone coming to Belle now probably meant that their romantic pursuits of Wise had been unsuccessful. This isn't surprising; Wise is notoriously oblivious when it comes to romance, completely missing subtle cues. It's truly a miracle to witness his consistent failure to recognize and capitalize on romantic opportunities. (Though she wonders if his obliviousness is genuine or a conscious choice to avoid commitment.) As a last resort, they turn to Belle, desperate for information – whether it's a direct question about Wise's dating life or more general inquiries about his preferences. Belle doesn't blame them; Wise can sometimes be unintentionally confusing, especially when his inherent kindness is misconstrued as romantic interest.
So Belle decides to play along, indulging Harumasa's story about his friend's interest in Wise. She figures she can offer a small piece of information to sate Harumasa's burning curiosity—well, his friend's curiosity, as she should put it.
“No,” Belle says, “At least from what I know, Wise isn't seeing anyone right now. So he's technically free game.”
Belle doesn't miss the noticeable glint of interest in his eyes, nor the way his smile brightens. He seems genuinely pleased with her answer.
“I see...” Harumasa muses, “I suppose that's good news,” he corrects himself, noticing Belle's raised eyebrow. “I mean, it's good news for my friend. I'm sure they'll be relieved. Or they will. When I tell them.”
Belle nods slowly, humming with approval. After taking a long sip of her iced coffee, she says, “Right. Well, I wish you luck with your... friend.”
The afternoon flew by as they chatted about their daily lives, admired the breathtaking ocean view, and shared silly memes on inter-knot. Finally, they finished their drinks and returned to the business car for the drive back to Sixth Street. True to his word, Harumasa accompanies Belle back to the video store, carrying the month's stock of videotapes.
During the ride, Harumasa couldn't resist asking more about Wise. Belle willingly shares her brother's quirks: his surprising sweet tooth, his preference for vegetarian noodles, and his borderline obsession with antiques. Harumasa listened intently, a soft hum escaping his lips as his eyes softened, visibly absorbing this new information about Wise.
After a long drive, they pull into the parking lot behind the video store. Harumasa steps out of the car, carrying the box of videotapes, while Belle shuts the engine off and locks the vehicle.
They then walk slowly towards the back entrance of the video store, and Belle realizes with a start that she'd been gone much longer than she anticipated.
The sun has already began its descent, the day surrendering to the serene watercolor of blues, yellows, and oranges washing over the horizon. This meant two things: She'd likely missed the evening rush hour, and she'd have to endure Wise's inevitable lecture about why he should be the one handling stock orders.
A wry smile touched Belle's lips as she mentally prepares herself for the nagging that awaits her the moment she steps through the door.
"You seem a bit antsy, Manager," Harumasa observes, pulling Belle from her thoughts. "What's got you all worked up?"
Belle sighs, "Wise is going to get on to me again. I should have been back ages ago, but we got caught up chatting." She quickly adds, "Not your fault at all! I just completely lost track of time."
Harumasa shrugs, and lets out an awkward laugh. "Whoops, looks like I'm the culprit then. I probably took up more time than I should have. Sorry, I didn’t mean to pin you against your brother. Tell you what, I'll whip up a convincing excuse. Improvisation is my specialty.”
"If you can get me out of this, I owe you one," Belle offers, her eyes lightening up.
Harumasa laughs, waving a dismissive free hand. "Nah, there’s no need to owe me anything. Consider it payment for answering my questions, on my friend’s behalf, of course.
Belle almost rolls her eyes. That excuse was flimsy at best, but she decides to let it slide. More pressing matters were at hand, namely, preventing Wise from using her tardiness as an excuse to steal her movie-picking privileges next month.
With a deep breath, Belle opens the door to find Wise at the counter, shutting down the systems for the day. He looked up at the sound, his brows already starting to furrow. It isn’t anger, but that familiar ‘I'm not mad, just disappointed’ look that she knew was coming. "There you are, Belle. What took you so long? Did you get sidetracked on your way here...?" He trails off, surprise evident in his gaze as he notices Harumasa standing beside Belle.
“Your sister being late was my fault.” Harumasa declares, approaching Wise at the counter and setting the box down. Belle follows closely behind. “I bumped into Belle earlier today and and insisted she join me for coffee. My treat, since I accidentally knocked over her box of video tapes.”
"Uhh, yeah!" Belle chimes in, playing along with Harumasa's slightly fabricated story. "It would have been rude to decline, so I accepted. I completely lost track of time. And he even offered to carry the videotapes back, how could I say no?"
Wise's furrowed brows softens, and a sheepish smile touches his lips. "I suppose that can't be helped. At least the stock arrived safely." He turns to Belle, a hint of a warning in his tone. She should have known she couldn’t escape a lecture. "Next time, if you're running late, send a text. I was starting to worry. If you'd been much later, I might have had to ask Fairy to locate you."
"Alright, alright! We don't need to go that far," Belle pouts, feeling slightly annoyed with the patronizing. "I'm all grown up, you know. I can take care of myself."
Harumasa grins, seizing the opportunity. "See, Wise? You should have more faith in your little sister. I practically babysat her to make sure she didn't get into any trouble while we were out. Pretty noble of me, wouldn't you say?"
Belle glares at Harumasa, clearly offended by his backhanded comment.
There's a subtle cunning glint in Wise's eye that is almost imperceptible as he smiles. "That certainly saves me a lot of trouble. I appreciate you looking after my sister. I know how easily Belle can get sidetracked.”
"Ugh, Wise!" Belle groans, exasperated.
Harumasa seizes the moment, clapping his hands together before Belle can further retort. "Speaking of which," he says, "that reminds me! I was actually heading out soon, but since I seem to have caused a bit of a delay, I should probably help you make up for it. How about I give you a hand with those videotapes we just brought back to the storage room?"
A slow smile spreads across Wise's face. "I would like that. It's always nice to have an extra set of hands."
"Great, then there's no time to lose!" Harumasa grins, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Wise already starts walking towards the storage room, but Harumasa turns back to Belle, giving her a conspiratorial wink. "Looks like I'll be staying longer, Belle. Don't worry, I'll make sure your brother doesn't overwork himself."
Belle knew exactly what Harumasa was up to. It is a brilliant, if slightly manipulative, plan. He is clearly using the 'delay' as an excuse to spend more time with Wise. A playful roll of her eyes is all the response she gives.
Watching Harumasa walk into the storage room with Wise, Belle decides to let it slide for now. She'd find another opportunity to confront him and call him out on his true motives, and perhaps even get him back for throwing her under the bus with that earlier comment.
-
"I know what you're up to," Belle declares, her arms crossed.
Harumasa feigns innocence, "And what could I possibly be up to, Manager? I'm simply being a model customer, ordering a videotape from your very own store."
Section 6 had finally concluded their mission in Melinoe, securing the irradical crystals and leaving Miyabi to deliver the final blow to Melinoe’s core. With the mission complete, the team was finally released and allowed to return home, no longer confined to their campsite in the Companion Hollow. Tsukishiro, recognizing the need to return Eous to its rightful place at Random Play, delegated the task to Harumasa. And that's exactly what Harumasa did, arriving at the video store with Eous while Wise and Belle were still shutting down the systems for the day.
So now they're here, in this situation. Belle took the initiative to accompany Harumasa near the videotape shelves while Wise went to escort Eous to the charging station in his room and find a particular movie Harumasa had requested.
"Okay..." Belle nods slowly, "so tell me. How's that 'friend' of yours doing? The one who's interested in Wise."
Harumasa, seemingly unfazed by her question, casually browses the videotape shelves. "He's doing great!" he replies, "Just been incredibly busy lately. The authorities have been focused on the Irradiant Hollow, so HSO has been scouring every inch of Melinoe's grounds. You know how it is – can't help being busy and all.”
"Right," Belle says, feigning amusement while inwardly marveling at his quick thinking. It's incredible how easily he can fabricate a story. “I'm just surprised I haven't seen this 'friend' since they were so... eager to learn more about Wise. Especially after you went to all that trouble to inquire on their behalf while we were... having coffee?”
Harumasa picks up a videotape from the shelf, reading the synopsis on the back. "Well, you know how it is," he replies, light and breezy. “Friends help friends, right?”
Belle narrows her eyes, a knowing glint in them. “Yeah, you can drop the act Harumasa. You don’t need to pretend your ‘friend’ is interested in Wise.”
Harumasa nearly drops the videotape he was holding, his smile wavering slightly. “Alright, alright, you caught me,” he concedes with a grin. “But you have to admit, it was a pretty good attempt, wasn't it?”
"I hate to burst your bubble," Belle teases, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "The way you were practically vibrating with excitement when you asked about Wise and then you tried to play it off as if you were just casually curious? Come on, Harumasa, I know when someone's crushing on my brother. I’m his sister.”
Harumasa ran a hand through his hair, looking thoroughly embarrassed. “Ouch, you could have spared my pride.” He chuckles. “I should have known someone as observant as you wouldn't fall for it. I just… didn't want you to think I was using you to get closer to him.”
“Thanks for considering my feelings, but relax, Harumasa." Belle gives him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "I'm not made of glass. I know you're not that kind of person. If you like Wise, I'm all for it. I won't interfere, and I'll even help if I can. But Wise is my brother, so I want to make sure he's happy too. I'll try to gauge his interest, but I can't make any promises.”
"No need to worry too much about it," Harumasa says, a casual shrug. "I'll figure it out. Who knows, maybe Wise already feels the same way. Wouldn't that be something?" He places the videotape back on the shelf, his gaze lingering on it for a moment longer than necessary. "Anyway," he says, his voice a touch too casual, "I'm in no rush to confess. So thanks for hearing me out."
Just as Belle opened her mouth to reply, Wise descends the stairs, with a familiar videotape in his hand. "Found it," he says, approaching Belle and Harumasa near the shelves. “Took some digging, but I have the videotape you were looking for. If you'd like, I can lend it to you. You can take it home and watch it at your leisure.
Harumasa waves a dismissive hand, "No need for all that trouble, Wise. Why go through the hassle of lugging it back and forth? That Melinoe mission drained me dry. The thought of lugging this tape back to my apartment and then lugging it back here… I'd rather wither away peacefully in this company than expend any more energy on such a mundane task."
Wise smiles warmly. "Oh, sure. If that's the case, why don't we watch it upstairs in my room? We could even make it a movie marathon, if you're up for it. I picked a comedy – I think you'll enjoy it."
Harumasa grins. "Great! I can never say no to that. Let's head upstairs then."
Wise pauses, "Right, but I should probably check with Belle first. We still need to finish closing up." He turns to his sister, his gaze concerned.
Belle, watching the exchange with a knowing glint in her eye, waves him off. "Go on, have fun. I'll finish tidying up here. Don't worry about it."
Wise smiles gratefully at his sister. "Thanks, Belle." He then turns to Harumasa. "Let's go then."
Belle watches them go. There is something undeniably captivating about the way Harumasa looks at Wise – a mixture of admiration, nervousness, and pure, unadulterated joy. Wise, in turn, seems completely at ease, listening intently to Harumasa's excited chatter, occasionally offering a thoughtful comment or a warm smile. It’s all very familiar – the same considerate manner Wise acts with everyone else. There is nothing overtly different, and nothing in Wise's demeanor that clearly shows a reciprocated interest.
They disappear up the stairs, the sound of their footsteps and Harumasa's enthusiastic film commentary fading into the distance. Once a comfortable silence settles over the store, Belle resumes her duties: restocking shelves, tidying the ‘New Releases’ bin, and performing the nightly cash count. She will have to observe their interactions further another day, if it calls for it.
-
In the weeks that followed, Harumasa starts showing up more often, looking for Belle to chat. They’d meet up after his outings with Wise or by chance when their paths crossed somewhere in New Eridu. They'd talk about everything and anything, but somehow the conversation always circles back to Wise.
Belle doesn’t mind at all. In fact, she finds it strangely endearing to listen to him ramble on about romance, even if the person of his affection was her brother. And so, playing the role of good friend and unofficial matchmaker, she begins to subtly maneuver circumstances, creating more opportunities for Harumasa to spend time with Wise.
Despite Harumasa's efforts, things remained largely unchanged. Harumasa acts the same as always, but Wise doesn’t seem to reciprocate his more... overt advances.
It was hard to watch, honestly. Every attempt by Harumasa seems to fall flat. The lingering touches, the heart-eyes, the compliments – they all went unnoticed by Wise. He'd just smile and go on with what he was doing. (The most Wise reacted to any of these was a slight blush, but nothing extended beyond that.)
Belle does, however, glean some subtle clues from their interactions. Wise never seems to recoil from Harumasa's touches – like the gentle rubs on his back while they were looking at something on Harumasa's phone. There was a comfortable ease between them, evident in the way their shoulders brushed against each other while they watched a movie on the couch, or how Harumasa casually wipes a crumb from the corner of Wise's mouth during their recent hotpot dinner.
These observations were a good start, but they don’t reveal how Wise truly feels. So Belle decides to take a more direct approach. There is no harm in asking Wise upfront. Surely, he wouldn't keep secrets from his own sister, right? It only seems fair that she should be one of the first to know if he is interested in someone.
Around eight in the morning, after breakfast, booting up the systems, and making sure everything was in its place, Wise flips the ‘OPEN’ sign. That's when Belle decides to strike. "Wise, you'd tell me if you liked anyone, right?"
Wise turns to her, his brows furrowing slightly. "Of course I would. If that ever happened, you'd be the first to know." He pauses, a hint of suspicion in his voice. "But Belle, this question seems a bit out of the blue. Where is this coming from? You seem unusually interested today."
Well, Wise isn’t wrong. Belle does have an agenda – to see if Wise will drop any subtle hints about his feelings for Harumasa. However, she isn’t about to admit that to him. "Can't I be a little curious about my brother's love life?" Belle retorts playfully. "It's not like it's the first time I've asked."
Wise smiles sheepishly. "I don't doubt it," he says, his gaze scrutinizing on her for a moment. "but this line of questioning seems a little too suspicious. I can't help but wonder if there’s more to this."
"Of course not! What kind of sister do you take me for?" Belle says, trying to sound casual. "I'm just curious, that's all. No hidden motives, I promise."
Wise raises an eyebrow, amused. "I think before you ask me that, you should probably ask yourself the same question."
The bell above the door jingles as a customer enters the store. Both siblings turn to greet them, offering pleasantries. Once the customer begins browsing the shelves, Wise turns back to Belle, finishing his thought. "Anyway, we can pick up on this conversation another time. A customer is waiting, and I wouldn't want to distract from business."
Belle's eyes narrows, convinced that Wise has caught on the moment she'd asked the question. "How convenient," she retorts, "You sure are quick on your feet when it comes to business – especially when it benefits you."
Wise smiles sweetly, that innocent Bambi look in his eyes he always uses when he wanted to play dumb. "I'm not sure what you mean," he replies innocently. "I simply want to make sure that we're offering the best customer service in all of New Eridu."
Belle rolls her eyes, "Ugh, fine, be that way." She gathers her things, preparing to leave. "I'm going to grab a drink from the vending machine. Do you want anything?"
"Anything is fine," Wise replies.
Belle walks out of the store, leaving Wise to attend to the customer. She strolls down Sixth Street, stopping at the open area near the 141 convenience store where the vending machine is parked behind a cargo truck.
Belle scans the rows of drinks, finally selecting a couple of cans. She reaches into her bag for some coins, but before she can insert them into the slot, a gloved hand covers the opening.
Startled, Belle turns to see Harumasa leaning against the vending machine, a mischievous glint in his yellow eyes. "Harumasa?" she exclaims.
Harumasa chuckles in response. "Morning, Manager. What are you up to?"
"Just grabbing some drinks for Wise and me," Belle replies. "Didn't expect to see you here so early."
Harumasa shrugs. "Got the day off. The Deputy Chief approved my sick leave for today. So, I thought I'd head over to see your brother after getting off the metro. Then I spotted you and figured, ‘Why not say hi.’"
Harumasa looks at the vending machine for a moment, then at Belle, and only offers a smile in return. "By the way," he says, leaning off the machine, "there's no need to waste your money." With his shoe, he gives the vending machine a hard kick. The machine shudders, the internal mechanism whirring to life, and three bottles of Pocari Sweat tumble down the chute.
Belle looks down, surprised. "Huh? Three bottles? It was already paid?"
"Hm, that's what I thought," Harumasa hums in acknowledgment. "But anyway, it's free drinks, so why worry?"
Belle retrieves the three bottles of Pocari Sweat from the dispenser. "I guess that's true. Well here," Belle says, handing him one. “Since there’s extra, you can take this.”
"Don’t mind if I do. Thanks, Manager," Harumasa says, popping the cap off and taking a long, satisfying sip.
They start walking down the main road of Sixth Street at a leisurely pace, a comfortable silence settling between them. Finally, Belle breaks the ice. "So, I decided to ask Wise upfront if he was interested in anyone."
Harumasa's eyes widen with interest. "And?"
"And it didn't get anywhere," Belle admits, a hint of frustration in her voice. "Wise dodged the question completely. I should have known that sly fox would try to outmaneuver me."
“Ah, well, no harm done,” Harumasa says, his tone belying a flicker of disappointment. "Feels like all my attempts so far have been a complete bust.” He lets out a dejected sigh, trying to play it off lightly. "Back to the drawing board, I guess."
"If there's one thing I know about Wise," Belle says, offering words of encouragement. "it's that he's incredibly kind and considerate. He probably thinks you're just being you. Don't get discouraged, Harumasa. My brother can be a bit of a tough nut to crack, but I think he genuinely enjoys spending time with you."
Harumasa's eyes soften, a renewed sense of determination replacing the momentary dejection. "If you say so, then I'll believe you," he says, his smile genuine. "Thanks, Belle."
Once they reach Random Play, Harumasa opens the door, allowing Belle to enter before stepping inside himself.
Wise is at the shelves, deeply engrossed in sorting through a stack of videotapes. He looks up as they enter, a welcoming smile gracing his features. "Welcome back, Belle," he greets her warmly. However, his smile falters momentarily as his gaze shifts between Belle and Harumasa. A fleeting emotion flickers in his eyes, but it vanishes so quickly that Belle dismisses it. "And I didn't expect to see you here today, Harumasa," Wise remarks.
"Proxy! I thought I'd swing by and see you," Harumasa says casually, approaching the shelves where Wise is working.
"I ran into him along the way and he decided to join me," Belle adds, handing Wise a bottle of Pocari Sweat. "I got you a drink like I promised."
Wise takes the bottle, unscrewing the cap and taking a long sip. "Thanks," he says, then turns to Harumasa with a smile. "By the way, Harumasa. How's your health?"
"It’s been great! Actually, I…” Harumasa launches into a detailed explanation, mentioning that he needed to schedule his next doctor's appointment for the weekend. Wise readily offers to accompany him, as he had done before. Harumasa also explains that he had recently picked up his medication from the pharmacy, which was why he was in the metro area, and that he had decided to drop by Random Play as a detour.
Belle misses the remainder of their conversation due to the arrival of a last-minute customer who needed to return a videotape. Recognizing the opportunity to both assist Wise and allow Harumasa some uninterrupted time, Belle steps away from the conversation to attend to the customer herself.
Once she finishes helping the customer, Belle strolls over to Wise's side to rejoin their conversation.
Wise offers a sheepish smile. “As much as I’d love to, Harumasa, I’m afraid now wouldn’t be a good time. The next hour is going to be quite busy, and I need to stay here and watch the store.”
“Oh… that’s a shame. I was hoping you’d accompany me somewhere today,” Harumasa says, looking dejected. Belle can’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for him.
Remembering her promise to support him, Belle interjects before Wise can respond, “I can step in and watch the store.” Both boys turned to look at her in surprise.
Wise hesitates, a slight frown creasing his forehead. "There's no need to do that, Belle," he says gently, but even she knows there's an assertive undercurrent in his tone. Perhaps it's the older brother instinct, that ingrained need to protect and provide. Which, frankly, is a bit insulting, considering she is perfectly capable of handling the store.
Belle groans and rolls her eyes. “Oh come on, Wise, you technically do that every day. Why don't you leave the store and all the work to your little sis? I don't think it's bad to spend a few hours with Harumasa. I think he could use the company, and honestly, so do you.”
Wise immediately averts his gaze, and Belle recognizes the familiar signs—the intense expression, the subtle fidgeting of his thumb and index finger, the contemplative press of his lips. It’s clear he wanted to go but couldn't quite bring himself to relinquish his responsibilities.
Then, he asks, “Are you sure, Belle?”
Belle smiles reassuringly. “Yes, everything will be fine, Wise!” She waves a hand and gently urges him towards the door, placing him under Harumasa's care.
Wise and Harumasa exchange a few words near the doorway, with Harumasa holding it open. Before stepping out, Wise turns and gives Belle one last lingering look. “Alright. If the store gets busy, don't hesitate to send a message. I'll be right back.”
Belle smiles and returns the gesture with a thumbs-up. “Go on! Enjoy yourself.”
-
Around lunchtime, Belle and Wise decide to take a break, temporarily closing Random Play until they return. Instead of eating at home, Belle suggested they grab a few sandwiches from the Breaded Belief sandwich food truck, which were currently on promotion. Wise readily agrees.
To unwind before returning to work, they decide to take a short drive and do some sightseeing (After a brief but spirited debate where Wise expressed concerns about leaving the store unattended for too long). Before they realize it, they found themselves driving across a long bridge, spanning what seemed like miles, as they head towards Port Elpis.
Belle left the driving to Wise, enjoying the ride as his passenger. She rolls the window down, relishing the cool ocean breeze and the swaying rhythm of the music playing on the radio. Her gaze drifts towards the horizon, where wind turbines gracefully spin against the backdrop of the endless blue expanse.
As they reach the port, Wise parks the car and switches off the engine. Stepping out of the vehicle, they stroll side-by-side, taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Belle stretches her arms, then clasps her hands behind her back. "Wow, it feels like ages since we had a mini-vacation like this. Is there anything specific you'd like to do, Wise?"
Wise smiles. "Whatever you'd like to do, Belle, I'm happy to do anything."
"Okay..." Belle muses, surveying the scene before them. What can they do today? People chatted near Fry Feast, teenagers lounged at the docks, and fishermen meticulously were preparing their boats for a day on the water. Then her eyes land on the fishing poles and rods neatly arranged near the docks. "Then let's go ahead and try fishing! Who knows, maybe the fishing association will hold a competition here someday, so I want to practice."
After paying a small fee, they secured fishing gear and rented a spot for an hour. They settle into their chairs, diligently setting up their equipment, baiting their hooks, and casting their lines into the water.
For the first fifteen minutes, nothing happened. No matter how much they adjusted their rods or changed the bait, not a single fish showed any interest. Even the seagulls circling overhead seem to be mocking them with their beady black eyes.
"Ugh... I haven't caught anything so far. It feels like the seagulls are mocking us!" Belle whines, turning to Wise. "Have you had any luck?"
Wise, who has been momentarily distracted by a text message, looks up from his phone. "Not really," he admits, sliding his phone back into his pocket. "Seems like we're at a bit of a standstill."
This was the third time Belle has noticed Wise distracted by his phone, and a familiar frustration bubbles up within her. "Who are you texting anyway?" she asks, her tone playful but with a hint of underlying annoyance. "You weren't even listening to a word I said. Is it a friend?"
"Not particularly" Wise says. "I was just checking Inter-Knot to see if any urgent commissions had come in."
Belle raises an eyebrow, unconvinced. "And that's why you were smiling at your phone?"
"I want to make sure we're providing the best possible service to our clients," Wise insists.
Belle scoffs. "Wise, come on. Even I don't believe that."
Whatever else Belle wanted to say was cut short by a sudden tug on her fishing rod. With a burst of excitement, she reels in the line, exerting a bit of effort before finally hauling in a Black Bass fish dangling from the hook.
"Wise! Look! I caught one!" she exclaims, beaming with pride.
She waits for his congratulatory words, but they never come. Wise is staring intently at a distance, fixed on the docks on the far left corner. Belle follows his line of sight, but sees nothing unusual – just a cluster of boats, a few fishermen, and a group of teenagers huddled together on their phones.
"Hey, Wise, you seem a bit lost in thought. Everything okay?" Belle asks, her voice laced with a hint of concern.
Wise shook his head and smiled sheepishly. “I’m alright. It's nothing important,” he reassures her. “I thought I saw something, but it must have been my imagination.”
Belle's eyebrows furrow slightly. His explanation feels a bit unconvincing, but she can’t pinpoint the reason. The earlier incident with his phone has been a bit suspicious, but Wise also has a wide circle of friends, and checking Inter-Knot is certainly in par of what he’d do. For now, she decides to let it go.
Deciding to call it a day on their fishing adventure, they head to Fry Feast for a much-needed order of fries (and also fending off the persistent seagulls who were eyeing their fries with greedy intent) before driving back to reopen the store.
"Wow, that was a lot of fun," Belle exclaims. "I think I'm getting the hang of this fishing thing. We should definitely do this again sometime. But for now, let's get back to work!" She turns to Wise, but he is looking down at his phone, engrossed in a text message. “Wise?"
"Why don't you take the car back, Belle?" Wise says slipping his phone back into his pocket. "I need to take care of something here."
Belle blinks, surprised by his sudden request. "Huh? Wait Why? I can go back and reopen the store, but you were the one who was preaching about losing sales. Is it for Proxy work?"
"Something like that. I received a message from a potential client, and it would be rude to decline. I’ll handle the commission once they arrive.”
“We do need the extra income… Fine, I'll take care of reopening the store. But I'll be choosing what we have for dinner tonight!"
"Sure thing. Thanks for understanding, Belle. I'll see you when I get home." Wise says, turning back towards the docks.
Belle, however, decides to indulge her curiosity before heading to the car. She does to do a little 'scouting' to see what Wise was actually up to.
She can’t quite put her finger on it, but something is definitely up. Even though she knows he isn’t lying about the client needing their services – they share the same proxy account, so she saw the messages too – it was the way he was smiling at his phone that really threw her off.
Sure, they'd both been behind schedule before, missing appointments and forgetting to meet up with friends because of work. But Wise has never been this eager to meet a client for proxy work. Unless, of course, the pay was huge – like, enough to cover their electricity bill for the next two months. No blame there; the amount of power Fairy consumed for even the simplest tasks had sent their electricity bill soaring this month.
Peeking over the railing, she spots them down at the docks. Wise is with Harumasa, the two of them standing awkwardly close to a bizarre fish statue, snapping photos and laughing. Well, Harumasa is laughing; Wise looks more entertained than anything. But his whole demeanor seems a lot lighter.
They move closer to the edge of the port, now sitting, legs dangling. Belle can’t make out their conversation, not without risking being seen. But then, Harumasa's hand moves, brushing against Wise's and lingering there. Wise doesn’t flinch, doesn’t pull away. He just lets Harumasa's hand rest on his, both of them gazing out at the endless ocean.
-
“If it isn’t the proxies! Long time no see.” Harumasa declares, brandishing two large takeout bags as he steps inside the video store.
Belle and Wise had decided to close up shop early tonight and grab a bite to eat. Belle isn’t exactly thrilled, since it’s Wise's turn to pick the place, and she knew that meant noodles. So, she is a little surprised, and secretly relieved, when Harumasa showed up.
Wise and Belle exchange a look, a little wary. "Hey Harumasa, what’s with the bags," Belle points out, her eyebrows scrunched up in confusion.
"Aha, you’re quite perceptive!" Harumasa winks. "You see, I have a… slight dilemma. A work-related dilemma, if you will. If you can do just one teensy little favor for me that would be great.”
“Somehow I had the feeling this was something to do with work.” Wise says sheepishly.
"You know me too well. But hey, I'm not exactly ditching work, if that's what you're thinking. This time, anyway. Seems like HSO's throwing some kind of 'welcome party' for the new recruits." He makes air quotes around 'welcome party'. “And to be honest, I would rather mutate into an ethereal. I've already put in way too much overtime this week, and the thought of more? No thanks!"
"But if it's a welcome party, it doesn't sound so bad," Wise says. "Just a little get-together, right? Food, drinks, maybe a little mingling."
"Please, like I'd ever willingly attend events relating to work. Only a madman would enjoy that torture. Besides, this 'Welcome Party' is just a fancy way of saying 'answer a million questions and explain the same stuff over and over again.'"
“So what’s the favor you need from us?” Wise asks, straight to the point.
"That's where you guys come in! Tell the deputy chief you invited me over for dinner a while back. And this," he says, holding up the takeout bags, "is the 'dinner' I've been looking forward to. How can I say no to such an invitation?" Harumasa flashes a big grin. "You'll help a guy out, right?"
Belle raises an eyebrow. "Harumasa, our doors are always open. But if this 'party' is optional, why go through all this trouble?"
Harumasa blinks, a little caught off guard. "Well, uh... it's not exactly required, but... it's more like, expected. Knowing the deputy chief, she's probably going to try and drag me into one of those. So I need a backup plan, just in case."
Belle shoots him a look, and Harumasa lets out a sheepish laugh. "Don’t look at me like that! Honestly, if I had to choose between work and you guys, you two win every time. I know this might be a little… out of the blue. But you two are always talking about game nights or movie marathons. This is basically the same thing, right?"
No, not really. Technically speaking, what Harumasa is trying to compare is two completely different things. Belle wants to argue, but something in Wise's expression stops her.
"I guess you're right," Wise concedes, "It's been a while since we've had a proper meal together. And it’s not like we have anything better planned tonight anyway."
Belle observes the two men, taking in the strange quiet falling between them. What really gets her is the way Wise stares at Harumasa with a gentle, quiet joy that makes her breath catch. As if he's admiring a treasured object, priceless and incomparable.
The evening unfolds as planned: dinner, then a movie marathon, just as Harumasa had suggested. Even as they settle in, Belle can’t shake off the feeling that whatever happened between the two of them in Port Elpis that day had clearly shifted. Unusually attentive to Harumasa, Belle's noticed that Wise always makes sure that Harumasa is comfortable, fussing over him with extra snacks, and even gently nudges him back when he leans near the couch's edge. Every action, every expression, seems to be held under a silent, watchful gaze, as though he can't take his eyes off of him.
Later, as the movie ended and the credits rolled, Belle catches Wise stealing another glance at a seemingly oblivious Harumasa, who is still staring at the screen, lost in thought. But Belle knew, with a certainty that surprises even herself, that Wise isn’t just enjoying the movie. He is savoring every moment with him, every shared breath, every shared laugh. And that, Belle realizes, is a beautiful thing to witness.
Finally, as it got late, Harumasa announced he had to head out, thanking them both for the evening. After he left, Belle and Wise cleaned up the aftermath of their impromptu dinner. Empty takeout containers were recycled, and the living room was tidied up.
"Ready to call it a night?" Belle asks, yawning slightly as they begin the climb up the stairs.
Wise smiles, "Not quite. I’ve picked up a new puzzle I've been wanting to start. Do you want to join me?”
Belle raises an eyebrow. “A puzzle? At this hour?”
"Just a few pieces, to get a head start. It's a thousand pieces, so I figured I could use the extra hands."
"Alright, fine. I'll join you. But don't blame me if I start falling asleep halfway through."
"Deal. And don't worry, you get to claim all the edge pieces."
And so, they spent the rest of the evening sprawled on Wise's bedroom floor, surrounded by a sea of colorful puzzle pieces. For a while, they worked in companionable silence, each absorbed in the task of finding the right pieces.
"You know," Belle says, breaking the comfortable silence, "I'm actually glad we spent our dinner with Harumasa. It was really fun, and he seemed genuinely happy tonight."
Wise nods, a slight tension creeping into his shoulders as he carefully places a piece. “Yeah,” he says, a beat longer than necessary, his gaze drifting from the puzzle to Belle. “I’ve noticed you and Harumasa seem to be spending a lot of time together lately."
Belle searches through the pile of puzzle pieces, her brow furrowed in concentration as she looks for the right piece. "Oh, I guess we have," she replies, finding a piece and slotting it into the puzzle, only to find that it’s the wrong one. With a sigh, she places it back in the pile. "He's been needing help with something, and I've been trying to assist him."
"He hasn't mentioned anything specific to me," Wise says, a slight pause in his voice as he slots a puzzle piece in, his fingers tracing the edges with a gentle touch. "Did he say what he needed help with?"
Belle really wants to tell Wise, but something holds her back. It feels wrong to share Harumasa's feelings like that. He hasn't exactly asked her to keep it a secret, but he'd mentioned he wasn't in a hurry to confess, and that feels important. Sharing someone else's feelings without their permission just doesn't sit right with her, even if it is her brother.
“Ah, you know how Harumasa is.” She says, her voice evasive. “Always needing an excuse to get out of work and all.”
Wise gives her a long, searching look, his sea-green eyes probing hers. “I know you’re not telling me the whole truth, Belle,” He says softly. “But if you’re not able to tell me, then I won’t hold it against you.”
Belle watches him closely as he picks up a random puzzle piece, turning it over and over in his hands, his brow furrowed in concentration. She can’t help but notice how his shoulders slump slightly, and the way he avoids making eye contact. It almost looks as if... he's sulking. That's new.
"You seem a bit bothered by this," Belle observes, her voice gentle.
Wise turns to her, a slight frown creasing his forehead as if trying to understand her concern. "What do you mean, Belle?" he asks, his voice steady. He tries to sound unconcerned, but Belle can see right through it.
“Look at you,” Belle points out, firm but not unkind. "you're practically dissecting this puzzle piece. You're upset that Harumasa isn't confiding in you.”
A long silence settles between them. Finally, Wise looks down at the puzzle piece cradled in his hands. "I suppose you could say that," he admits, his voice a low murmur. "I do enjoy spending time with him. And seeing the two of you together… it's… heartwarming, really. But sometimes," he confesses, his gaze looking rather conflicted, "it's hard not to feel a little left out.”
Belle watches him with a mix of amusement and awe, the pieces of the puzzle finally clicking into place. She recalls her initial observation: Wise didn't seem particularly different around Harumasa. He is as kind and considerate as ever, just like he is with everyone else. But looking back, Belle can pin-point the small changes: the lingering looks, the way his voice softened when he spoke to him, the way his smile grew slightly wider when Harumasa spoke. Belle knows that look. She knows her brother. There’s a yearning there, the kind that craves for that same connection, the same ease, with the person he admires.
"Wise," she begins slowly, her voice soft, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Do you think you might… like Harumasa?"
Wise looks up sharply, his eyes widening slightly. "What?" he asks, his voice steady, though a blush creeps up his neck.
"I've been observing you," Belle continues, her tone gentle. "I've seen the way you look at him. The way your smile widens when he’s around. The way you… well, the way you acted tonight. That day when we were in Port Elpis, that person you were texting and meeting up with was Harumasa, wasn't it?"
"You're right," Wise says. He raises a hand to his chin as he further thinks it over. "I hadn't considered my feelings for him in that light before. It's… it's something I need to think about.”
"It's okay, Wise," Belle says softly, her hand gently resting on his arm. "Feelings can be… complicated. But you don't have to figure it all out right now. Just… feel." She smiles, a touch of amusement in her eyes. "It's kind of amazing to watch. To see my big brother, the one who always has everything figured out, finally… well, finally experience something new."
-
"Hey! I’m so sorry, but we’re about to close—” Belle starts to apologize for the inconvenience, but her words trail off as she sees Harumasa enter the store. "Oh, hey Harumasa. Are you looking for Wise? He's not here right now."
"Actually, the person I'm looking for is you," Harumasa says casually.
Belle blinks, surprised. "Me?"
"Yeah," he confirms, "I wanted to say thank you."
"Thank you?" Belle echoes, still a little confused.
"For hearing me out, for being my biggest supporter throughout all of this, and for making time for me to spend time with Wise. I truly appreciate it more than you know."
Belle didn’t do much except for lending a listening ear, offering a shoulder for support, and creating a space for Harumasa to spend time with Wise. She has seen how Harumasa is smitten with Wise, always finding excuses to be near him. But it isn’t one-sided anymore. Wise may not outwardly express it in words, but his demeanor is quite honest. The way he stares at Harumasa in return, with a smitten look of intensity that only Belle, as his sister and closest confidante, can truly decipher. There’s a genuine connection here that goes beyond the surface-level attraction.
“You know,” Harumasa says, scratching the back of his neck, a nervous laugh escaping him, "I think I've been a bit… indecisive lately. What should I do? I really like Wise, a lot. But I’m scared. I don't want to jeopardize our friendship and make things awkward between us. I'm not sure if my poor heart can take the rejection, haha…”
"To be honest, Harumasa, I think rather than asking me, I'd be upfront with Wise and tell him how you feel."
“Yeah. I guess I've been letting this drag on for too long. Gotta come clean and be over and done with it right, manager?"
"You might be surprised. And before you ask, no, Wise didn't say anything. We don't have these kind of in-depth conversations but... It's just a feeling that I'm having. As his closest friend and as his younger sister."
Harumasa pauses, a thoughtful expression settling on his face as he weighs Belle's suggestion. "Okay," he finally says, "I think I'm going to take your advice. I'll be honest with him. Even if it scares the living daylights out of me."
The bell above the door jingles, announcing Wise's arrival. Harumasa and Belle look up, their eyes immediately drawn to him. Wise smiles and waves, but the smile seems a bit forced.
"There's your cue," Belle whispers, nudging Harumasa playfully. "If you're gonna do it, the time is now."
Harumasa takes a deep breath, a touch nervously. "Alright, here goes nothing." He grins and runs over to Wise, launching into their usual pleasantries.
Belle, seizing the opportunity, quietly slips upstairs and stays near the railing. She can't resist the chance to eavesdrop on this once-in-a-lifetime moment, especially knowing the potential that lays between them. With the store closing, there shouldn't be any distractions to interrupt this important conversation.
"What brings you here Harumasa? Did you need something?" Wise's voice drifts up the stairs.
“Yeah, I’m see to see you, actually. I’m wondering if you have time to talk? There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about for a long awhile now.”
"Oh sure, I have the time. What did you want to talk about?" Belle hears the clinking of keys on the counter, followed by a brief silence.
“How do I put this… I know it’s going to come off as a surprise to you, since we’ve been spending a lot of time with each other. And… Well, here goes nothing. Wise, the truth is that I—”
"Is it about Belle?" Wise's voice cuts through the silence, sharper than Belle expected. "I've noticed that you two have been spending a lot of time with each other. And I wanted to tell you that you don't need to hold back on my account. You have my approval if being with my sister makes you happy."
Belle's breath hitches. Approval? Wise thought Harumasa was interested in her? The idea is so utterly wrong, that it left her breathless. They had been spending time together, yes, but not in the way Wise seemed to think. After that heart-warming confession from Wise the other night, the one where he'd finally realized his own feelings while they were working on that puzzle, this was his conclusion? Typical Wise. Always putting others first, always eager to support their happiness, even if it means sacrificing his own. It’s agonizing.
"Wait what are you talking about? No! It’s not—," Harumasa stammers, and Belle pictures him looking flustered. "Your sister is lovely, and I enjoy spending time with her as much as I do with you, I promise." He pauses, his voice softening. "But I don’t see her that way. In actuality, she’s been helping me out with some things I’ve been dealing with outside of the medical stuff. The reason I’ve been spending time with your sister is to… well, understand you."
Wise's voice, incredulous, echoes through the silence. "Me?"
"Yes, you," Harumasa finally admits, his voice trembling slightly. "I… I've been trying to figure out how to tell you this without sounding completely ridiculous. But I guess with my lifespan, I shouldn’t really worry about sounding ridiculous right? Wise. I… I’ve been a bit of a mess lately, you know? There’s my health complications, for one, and then… well, you."
Belle holds her breath, her heart pounding. "You’re… you’re amazing, Wise. You’re kind, smart, a reliable proxy and partner, and you always have the right words to say when I’m down. You’ve seen me at my best, but also at my worst. I don’t feel that I have to hide anything from you, and I don’t want to hide anything from you."
"I just… want to be closer to you and cherish every moment I can get if it means I get to spend more time with you. And maybe that alone made me realize that I’m… in love with you.” He pauses, his voice catching. "I don’t really know how much time I have left going forward, and it feels sort of… fruitless and evil, reeling you in like this knowing exactly what's going to happen. But one thing’s for sure: for as long as I live, in this short life-span that I have, you’re the love of my life. There’s no one else in the world that can replicate these exact raw feelings I have for you."
A long, agonizing silence follows. The weight of his illness, the ever-present shadow of his mortality. She knew the inevitable – the slow, agonizing decline, the fading memories, the eventual, crushing loneliness that would surely follow. But in this moment, suspended in time, with Harumasa's confession hanging heavy in the air, only the present matters. The the raw, vulnerable honesty of his words.
Then, Belle hears Harumasa backpedal, his voice laced with a mixture of relief and embarrassment. "Okay, okay, maybe that was a bit forward. And definitely unexpected. I just I had to get it off my chest. You don't have to… you know, reciprocate. I won’t hold it against you."
The silence stretches on, heavy and expectant. Then, Wise's voice breaks the stillness. "Harumasa, you don't need to worry about sounding ridiculous. You were honest, and that's the most important thing. I know that this… this might not be forever. But I want to be with you too, Harumasa. I want to make the most of the time we have because… well, you said it yourself, didn’t you? There’s no one else in the world that can replicate these exact raw feelings I have for you."
"Wise, do you realize what you’re saying to me right now?" Harumasa's voice is thick with embarrassment. "Now, I’m going to have to apologize in advance."
“What for?” Wise’s voice is gentle, curious.
"For not confessing way earlier," Harumasa continues, "And for kissing you."
Belle can practically visualize the confusion on Wise's face. "Kissing me? Since when have you—"
Wise’s voice is instantly cut off and Belle doesn’t have to guess why. She pulls her earphones out of her bag, cranks up the music, and quietly slips into her bedroom. It’s probably best to let them have some privacy; she doesn’t really want to know the aftermath of whatever is happening downstairs.
-
The enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the sweet scent of pastries – unmistakably from Coff Cafe – wafts through the hallway as Belle walks out from her bedroom, still dressed in her pajamas. Their makeshift kitchen is already buzzing with activity. A breakfast feast awaited – a spread of croissants, bagels, muffins, and scones, alongside three steaming cups of coffee.
Belle pauses, a smile gracing her lips. Harumasa was already settled, his legs stretched out as he savors his drink. While Wise finishes arranging the pastries from the box onto on a dessert stand.
It seems like things are going nicely.
"Morning," Belle announces, light and cheery, as she slides into a seat against the wall. Her gaze darts between the two men, and she offers a knowing smile. "What were you two up to last night? It was almost midnight when I heard Wise creeping back to his room."
Wise, mid-bite of a chocolate croissant, pauses and swallows calmly. "We talked for a while," he replies, "Harumasa had some things he wanted to discuss."
Belle raises an eyebrow, amused. "Oh really? Sounds like more than just 'talking' to me. It was awfully quiet down there for a good while."
Harumasa chuckles, "Well, some things are best left unsaid, wouldn't you agree?"
"Did you really need to put it that way?" Wise chides, though his tone was far from angry. Turning to Belle, he seeks to clear any potential misunderstanding, though there really isn’t any to clear. "Belle," he explains, "Harumasa is just exaggerating. We really did just have a conversation. That's all."
Harumasa hums thoughtfully, propping his cheek on his hand and gazing at Wise with an unmistakable smugness. "If you ask me," he drawls, "I think your sister might have a better idea of what happened last night than you think. She knows far more details than we'd like her to have."
Wise's eyes widen in surprise, his composure shattering. "Wait a minute. Belle, you were eavesdropping on our conversation?"
"Oh, Belle had a front-row seat to the entire spectacle," Harumasa adds, reveling in the moment. He turns to Belle, unashamed, a wide, toothy grin spreading across his face. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist. You were too curious for your own good, huh?”
Red flushes Wise's face, and Belle can’t help but laugh. It’s strangely amusing to see her brother flustered like this. He's always been so composed, so in control. It feels like ages since she'd witnessed this side of him, a reminder of the younger Wise who used to get easily flustered over the smallest things.
"You knew the entire time, Harumasa?" Wise asks, a hint of sheepishness coloring his voice despite his outwardly composed demeanor. "Why didn't you say anything? Now when I think back on this moment, I can't help but feel a little embarrassed."
“Of course, I knew,” Harumasa replies, his voice clearly amused. “I may have not mentioned because well, it wouldn’t be much fun if I didn’t have an audience, would it?”
Belle giggles, unable to resist adding fuel to the fire of this hilariously embarrassing situation. "I wanted to make sure things went smoothly," she teases, "It's not every day I get to see opportunities happen for my dear brother. That confession… it was straight out of a romance film! What was it you said again?" She leans forward, her voice a playful imitation of Wise's, "'Harumasa, your feelings… they weren't too forward. And I wouldn't want to forget them, even if I could.'"
Wise smiles sheepishly. "You really didn't have to relive that moment for me, Belle."
Harumasa laughs. “Come on, Wise, it was a sweet confession. Besides, it's just Belle. What's the worst that could happen?”
“Because it's Belle is exactly why it's so embarrassing,” Wise admits, his cheeks warming slightly. “Now I'll never hear the end of it. And knowing her, she'll probably hold it over me forever.”
Belle scoffs playfully. “Like you wouldn't do the same. Consider it payback for all the times you've subtly tried to influence our movie choices these past few months!”
After a breakfast filled with playful banter, Harumasa, surprisingly, offered to help open the store, eager to spend more time with Wise. However, his enthusiasm waned after a mere twenty minutes after opening, claiming customer service gave him an unexpected case of the aches.
Despite last night's confession, their dynamic remains the same as always. Wise continues to be the ever-caring (albeit slightly exasperating) older brother, and Harumasa is still the laid-back Section 6 executive and friend they both cherished. Of course, things had changed between the two of them, but his place in their lives remains as solid as ever.
Finally, the last customer shuffles out, indecisive even to the very end, having debated between two movies for what felt like an eternity. The store falls silent, sort of. The only sound is the gentle hum of the air conditioner. It’s one of those blissful slow periods, a welcome break from the usual bustle.
As Belle turns to straighten a row of horror films, a movement in the corner of her eye catches her attention. Harumasa is leaning close to Wise, whispering some sort of teasing remark. While Wise, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a mixture of amusement and shy delight, leans into the kiss. It’s a fleeting moment in a quiet afternoon. But Belle saw it. And in that moment, she knew Wise is happy, truly, deeply happy. And that, more than anything, makes her own heart sing.
-
They were best friends and ‘just friends’, but everyone who looks at them when they were together knew they were something more. It was obvious they had fallen for each other. You can tell by the way he looked up at him like he was his world, and the way the other’s smile radiated with happiness in return.