Work Text:
The snow was graceful as it fell, the sort of chilly that was tolerable. Yu couldn't help but notice the sun beginning to set as he looked up, knowing that it was getting late. But it wasn't too late—if he was quick with it, he could sneak in one more trip down the slope.
And since this will be the grand finale for today, why not accompany himself with another?
But that only brings the follow up question of who.
Yukiko and Chie had been clinging onto one another throughout the day, probably wishing to keep it that way…
Naoto and Kanji are just as close. Requesting to tag along with them is just asking to be a third wheel…
All that reminds after process of elimination was Rise. Knowing her, she'll probably take up on the offer.
Yu looks around before spotting Rise from afar. While stepping closer, he notes Teddie being next to her.
Rise turns to face Yu, hearing his boots press into the heavy snow. “Oh! Senpai, can I help you?”
At the start, Yu found it hard to approach Rise. Simply talking to her would put you at risk in becoming a center focus in gossip, it was a hindrance… Thankfully, his confidence grew these past few months, making it easy to talk to her every now and then.
When he proposed they go skiing together, Rise blushed—flattered to the idea of one-on-one bonding.
“Senpai, I'm honored. I'd love to go skiing with you!” With that, Yu smiled. He had this in the bag.
“But I can't. I'm sorry…”
Okay… Maybe he doesn’t.
Those words felt like a blow to the gut. So much for the confidence… He might as well confess feelings to Rise so she can shoot down any chance he had.
According to Rise, she had promised Teddie some of her time earlier and now would be best to follow through with their plans.
So, even when Yu was encouraged to tag along, he chose to leave the two be and walk back to his initial spot.
Now he was back to square one, all on his lonesome.
Well, there was one last person he could invite. Yet, said person was nowhere to be found. Where was he?
That left Yu with one option: go ski alone. Still, that idea sounded boring… At this point, he should just call it a day.
“Oh, hey,” Someone greets Yu, the suddenness making him jump. “You look down in the dumps, it's uncanny. What's wrong? Something on your mind?”
As he turned around, he soon found himself facing Yosuke. What impeccable timing!
Yu proceeds to explain his dilemma to Yosuke, more open with his frustration than usual.
“Aw man, that does suck.” Yosuke nods, providing Yu with some sympathy. “And for Rise to basically choose Teddie over you? You might as well go and sob in a corner.”
The two stay silent after Yosuke's teasing. In defeat, Yu lowers his head—causing the other to fret that he may have added salt to the wound.
“H-Hey, don't mope like that! Jeez, now I feel bad…”
As Yosuke express condolences, Yu takes advantage of this opportunity to ask his partner if he wanted to go skiing one last time.
Yosuke was surprised by the proposal. “Seriously?” He takes a moment to think on it. “…Honestly? Yeah, I'll go, I got nothing better to do. I was bored until we talked.”
Yu's eyes lit up, happy in knowing he has someone to ski with. The two bond while they make their way up, cherishing the present.
Once the two began sledding, their skills were like night and day—Yu outdoing Yosuke and beating him to the bottom by a long shot. Thankfully, Yu wasn't the type to brag.
Yosuke comes sliding down with his snowboard, “Man, save some skill for the rest of us.” He taunts with a smile. “Seriously though, where did you learn to ski like that? Not that I'm surprised, you're good at everything you do.”
Yu did qualify as someone gifted—top of his class, athletic, good charisma—so he was desensitized to compliments towards his performances. He could brush them off with ease.
Not when it came to Yosuke's compliments.
They always held more value, more weight. Yu had to fight back a blush whenever Yosuke praised him.
He couldn't tell if his 'partner' knew about this or not… In hindsight, Yu wasn’t getting called out for his blush, so Yosuke couldn’t have notice, right?
Wrong. Yosuke may seem composed, but he was losing it internally. Catching a glimpse of Yu blushing—even if for just a moment—was a rare, but good, sight.
But he had to keep it together, so he steers the topic. “But I've been getting better myself, right? I've been practicing these past few days… Of course, I'm at my best the day before we leave.”
Yu agrees, praising Yosuke for his improvement. The other couldn't hold a blush back himself, looking down while flustered.
Days like these were missed dearly.
The group was great, but there was something special back when it was just Yu, Yosuke, and Teddie. Yu began to reminisce.
As he got lost in his head, Yu nearly missed Yosuke when he asked, “Hey, do you remember how to get back to the lodge?”
…Crap.
It was abnormal for Yu to forget something so crucial, but he had been so immersed in his time with Yosuke that it slipped his mind.
He had to confess with a heavy heart that he forgot the way back. Yosuke—understandably—panicked to this information.
“What? You forgot? If you forgot, then what are the chances of me remembering?!”
Despite his words, Yosuke managed to calm himself. “Sorry, I'm sure we'll be fine, but the snow is picking up. I can't even see the way back…”
Yu turns his head so that his gaze matches that of Yosuke. He was right, the snow was growing heavy.
Looking back, it was a fifty-fifty shot. They’ll have to bet on luck when deciding to go either left or right. Yu impulsively implores the two to go left, hoping it’s the right choice.
Yosuke's eyes widen as he looks back at Yu, “A-Are you sure? I don't want us making a wrong turn and ending up in the mountains…”
It was evident Yosuke was scared, but he also had a lot of faith in Yu.
“Alright,” Yosuke says with a nod, “I trust you… Lead the way.”
With that, they turn left and take a hike.
~
The snow was picking up.
Yu's shoulder began to ache due to carrying his ski equipment for some time. Yosuke clutched onto his snowboard, as if his life depends on it.
This breeze was unbearable, the ground growing deep of snow. Visibility was decreasing by the minute.
Had the two went the wrong way? At this rate, they may end up in the mountains…
Yu couldn't help but grow embarrassed. How could he make such a big mistake? Let alone it be it in front of Yosuke too…
Yosuke must have notices this, “Hey…” He calls for Yu's attention, speaking over the snow, “Don't be so hard on yourself. I'm sure we can make it back to the lodge if we keep going.”
Yu nods to that, finding the strength to push forward.
And so, the two kept moving.
~
The snow was growing worse. At this rate, there may be a blizzard.
Yu couldn't help but worry that the two may be at risk for frostbite. The temperature was freezing—their fingers had gone numb.
“No good…” Yosuke mumbles out, shivering from the penetrating cold, “We're going to die if we stay out here!”
A pang of guilt ran through Yu. These two were out here as a result of bad decision-making on his end. If he had just been more attentive…
“It's alright.” Someone interrupts his internal dialogue. The reassurance was sudden, but it's what Yu needed to hear.
Yu turned to Yosuke—who continued to cling onto his snowboard as his eye's met Yu.
“It's going to be alright.” He repeats. “I don't know why, but I still have hope. I can't bring myself to complain right now. Maybe it's because I have you here, or maybe I've just lost my mind, but we can't give up.”
Yosuke wasn't known to be someone who gives inspiring speeches. Hell, he complains more than he motivates… But those words empowered Yu. Yosuke’s words gave him strength.
Maybe, like Yosuke, Yu had lost it as well. Whether they find shelter or freeze out here, as long as Yosuke was next to him, Yu was fine with any outcome.
As the two tremble in the coarse snow, Yosuke noticed something behind Yu
His eyes went wide. “Is that… what I think it is?” He shuddered out. Yu turns around, taking in the same sight.
It was a small cottage, resting in the mist of the snow.
A wave of relief settled in their minds.
“I thought I was hallucinating at first, but if you see it, then that must mean…” Yosuke boasts, “Come on, let's get inside before we turn into living snowmen.”
Yosuke rushes to the door, asking anyone was inside. However, the door creaks open—left unlocked.
The two didn’t question it before entering. It was messy, wood planks, boxes and equipment scattered all over. Was this really a cottage?
Yosuke seemed to not care, more joyous over the fact that he no longer had to stand in the cold.
“What a relief!” He exclaims, standing next to the hearth as he faces Yu, “I thought we weren't going to make it…” Yosuke couldn't stop himself from shivering, his body adjusting to the warmer temperature.
“But I'm still cold! We can't stay out here for long… Do you have the lodge's number?” Yu didn't have time to answer that before Yosuke intervened, pulling out his own phone. “Actually, hang on, I can call our friends! I'm sure they wouldn't mind—”
His words were cut short, leaving Yu confused.
Yosuke closed his phone, putting it away. “Uhm… My phone died.” He admits in a mumble.
“…!” Yu's eyes widen, making Yosuke even more embarrassed.
Yosuke goes on the defense, his tone stern—but not harsh—as he spouts out, “Hey, don't look at me like that! How was I suppose to know we were going to get stuck in the snow?”
Letting out a sigh, Yosuke follows up with, “Well, I'm all out of tricks. What about you? You're our only hope…”
Yu nods before pulling out his phone, flipping it open to see if he could contact anyone to help.
Unfortunately, Yu had to inform Yosuke that there wasn't any service.
“What?!” Yosuke lets out in devastation, “So even if I had battery, it would be pointless?”
The two stand, now out of options while stranded in this small cottage.
“What the heck are we supposed to do now?!” Yosuke felt his patience running out. “Even if we stay here, we'll freeze to death by morning!”
Looking down at the floor, Yosuke mutters out possible ideas.
“I mean, if we need to, we can huddle next to each other to stay warm.”
…There was a moment of silence between the two as Yosuke realizes what came out of his mouth.
“What the hell am I saying?! Don't listen to me, I've probably lost my mind from the cold.”
The two couldn't look at each other, both of their faces gone red.
Yosuke eventually looks at the hearth that laid in the center floor, “Well, for the time being, let's light this and get a fire going.”
After Yu agrees, the two scatter through the room until they find the supplies needed to start a small fire.
Soon, the two sit next to one another, still at a noticeable distance.
“Woo!” Yosuke cheers, “Starting to feel warm for once.”
Both relish the warmth given by the fire, able to relax for a bit.
After some time, Yosuke couldn't help but wonder. “How long do you think we'll be out here? The lodge is nowhere to be seen and we can't call anyone…”
“Honestly, even with this fire, I'm still a little cold.” Yosuke discloses, bringing his knees to his chest.
Yu didn't say anything, looking down at the ground while he sat. He was wondering the same thing, hoping the group will find them soon.
It was only when Yu was too focused on his thoughts for him to not notice Yosuke scoot closer, their clothed bodies now pressed against each other.
“…!” Yu's eyes widen once he realized, turning to face Yosuke—who looked back with a redden face.
“Please don't get any ideas.” He nags, “I need to stay warm, and this was the only option I have left.”
They both knew that was a lie.
“…Oh, who am I kidding,” Yosuke corrects himself, “I can't keep using excuses.”
“Yeah, I lied. I just want to be close to you.”
Yu was pretty composed when it came to someone his age, but he couldn't keep it together this time. A small tint on his face became apparent.
Maybe it was because of the snow storm—Yosuke wanting to confess everything in case they're dead by tomorrow—but he found himself have the guts to confess the truth.
“I… always wanted to close to you.”
The shock on Yu's face must be obvious since Yosuke pouted once he got a glimpse.
“And don't give me that look! We both know I'm bad at hiding my feelings.”
“It's just…” Yosuke continued, “You're perfect at everything! Looks, grades, strength—you name it, you excel at it. I would give my life to simply have half of your abilities.”
Even with the snow and cold, both felt their bodies grow warm.
“And, you know, I was going to ask you out earlier, but you were talking to Rise by the time I made my approach. I assumed she would've accepted, so I gave up.”
“Just to see you alone again moments later. I never thought I'd be alone with you like this at the end of the day…”
After that, the two remain silent as their eyes met, keeping their gaze on one another.
Yu wanted to kiss him, if he was being honest with himself.
He wanted to look into Yosuke's eyes as he caressed his face, slowly leaning in until they kissed.
But he couldn't. He was hesitant, and he couldn't figure out why…
The moment was slipping out of his grasp, becoming awkward. “Sorry.” Yosuke apologized.
“I bet you're not even into guys… Yet, here I am, forcing you to hear me ramble like some lovesick, teenage girl.”
It snapped. Now was the right time to strike.
“Yosuke…” Yu spoke up, taking in his breath, “I love you. I want us to be closer.”
Yosuke went silent. “Wait, seriously?”
“No jokes? No pranks? You aren't pulling my leg here, are you?”
Of course, Yosuke knew Yu was never the type to mess with someone's feelings. That was just another great thing about him.
Yosuke wanted to do many things. He wanted to cry, laugh, and yell all at the same time. Is this what it feels like to be accepted?
“I'm so glad you feel the same…”
Through their baggy clothes, Yosuke couldn't stop himself from bringing his lips to Yu. It was short—Yosuke feeling like his head would explode if they kissed any longer—but it was a sweet feeling.
In the end, the two found themselves laughing with one another. Yosuke shutting his eyes as he rests his head on Yu's shoulder.
With such a weight off their chests, both partners were able to feel a sense of ease.
…That is until a TV flickered in the corner of the room.
Yosuke's eyes widen, lifting his head and looking around. “Uhm, I'm not the only one who heard that, right?”
At first, Yosuke thought he had just lost it, but that all changed when Yu assured him that it wasn't just him—they both heard that sound.
As per usual, Yu vows to take the initiative and check it out.
Yosuke was sad they had to wrap up their affections so soon, standing up with Yu. “Well, I'm going with you. I don't want you to do anything reckless.”
With that, the two head to the corner of the room to investigate. Making a ruckus as they moved items around.
“Woah, dude! What are you doing?”
“I-I mean, I’m not against it, but just be careful.”
“After all, if we try that here, we could be in deep trouble.”
The door barges open, Chie and Teddie rushing in.
“Hey, what the hell is wrong with you guys?! We get it, you’re lovebirds, but this is not the time for that!” Chie exclaims, clearly bewildered.
Teddie chimes in, “Sensei, stooop! I’m all for confessing your love, but doing this is just unholy! It's tainted!”
Seeing Chie, Teddie, and—eventually—everyone else enter the cottage was not something the two expected.
“They’re still dressed…?” Rise commented, showing a mixture of confusion and relief.
Yosuke was overwhelmed by the shift in events. “What the hell? What are you guys— Wait, what about our clothes?”
That does nothing but spark a chain, Yukiko and Kanji now asking why Yu and Yosuke wouldn't be dressed.
Naoto sighs, surprised by how naïve the two were. “…Do I really have to spell it out?”
It took two-in-two to catch on, Yu and Yosuke panicked over the group’s assumptions.
The conversation that followed was the two frantically explaining their situation.
However, it seemed no one believed them. Revealing that they listened in on their confession, the group argued that it was enough evidence to prove that the two were moving on to third base…
It was best to say that the group was now informed of the newly established couple.