He Looks So Perfect

by k1775

Summary:

When Shuichi goes to live with his Uncle for the summer, he meets the girl of this dreams.

Then he meets her best friend.

Chapter 1: New Beginnings

It was the end of June. Summer break had begun not long before, and didn’t Shuichi know it. He couldn’t watch TV, check his phone, even look outside his window without being reminded of it. Everyone was enjoying summer except him. Was that the price to pay for never coming out of his shell? This happened every year after all. Honestly, he didn’t know why he expected any other outcome.

This year, however, was different in another way. Shuichi was being sent to stay with his Uncle. His parents were going to be busy just about the whole time. They were starting to take off in the entertainment industry- his mom an actress, his dad a screenwriter.
It’s not as it he really minded. His parents were never the best. In fact, he was pretty open to the opportunity of getting away from them all summer. He’d always been closer with his Uncle anyway.

So there he sat, in a car with a man he hardly knew and all of his belongings carelessly dumped in the backseat. The man made no attempt to make conversation. That was perfectly fine with him.

Shuichi spent most of the journey staring out of his window. Flashy skyscrapers morphed into empty countryside. Before he knew it, the car screeched to a halt. The driver didn’t look back, but grumbled out a,
“Yer here.”

He snapped his head back up, taking a look around. There were a few houses dotted around, one of which, presumably, being his Uncle’s. With a nod and a thank you, he hopped out of the car, grabbed his bags, and took a step forward. Just as he did, the car sped away.

Shuichi let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He’d been in that car for so long he’d forgotten about the sheer amount of lingering smoke. There was no point where a cigarette wasn’t hanging out of the driver’s mouth, or at least that’s what he gathered through his quick subtle glances.

He pulled his phone from his pocket, tapping in his Uncle’s number.
It rung once. It rung twice.

“Shuichi! You here?”
His Uncle had always been.. vocal, to say the least. There never seemed to be a time where he wasn’t grinning or cracking a joke. The total opposite of his younger brother, AKA Shuichi’s dad.

He smiled at the sound of that voice. The man had always had a knack for comforting him, even without particularly trying.

“Yeah. I think. Which house is yours again?”

“The one on the end. There’s a lot of flowers outside, if that helps. I’ve really taken up gardening lately. Really, you should join me. I know that’s an ‘unmanly’ hobby, according to your old man, but who cares, eh?”

The latter tip wasn’t really that helpful, since there were flowers just about everyone’s house. But the former was easy enough to pick up on.
As Shuichi trudged along with his increasingly heavy bags, he mulled over his Uncle’s offer. Maybe that’d be nice. And it wasn’t as if his dad was around to witness it.

Soon enough, he reached the house on the end, dropping his bags to knock on the door. Why his Uncle couldn’t have just walked down and met him, Shuichi didn’t know.
But the man was clearly waiting, because right away the door swung open.

Before he knew what was happening, he found himself trapped in a bear hug and surrounded by the scent of smoke and cologne.

It was nice though. Comforting. Shuchi wasn’t used to hugs like this. He hadn’t received a proper one from his parents since childhood, and even then it was a quick pat on the back and an usher away.

He was the first to pull away, smiling sheepishly.
“Hey Uncle Daisuke. How’ve you been?”

His Uncle was nearing sixty. He was average height, and a little on the fatter side. Though that was to be expected, considering his age. Despite the area he lived being nothing near tropical, he always seemed to be wearing one of those Hawaiian t-shirts. He also always stunk of smoke. When he was younger, or so he’d tell Shuichi, he’d always smoke from a pipe. Though now, he’d settled with traditional cigarettes.

Back in the day, though an outsider would never be able to tell, his Uncle was a very skilled detective. He’d solved many cases, though never really reaped the potential fame. He could’ve, had he wanted to, but he seemed to care more about the actual help he was doing than being known and recognised for it. He was retired now, of course. But Shuichi held onto the feeling that, had he been called, the man would’ve jumped right onto the next case.

His Uncle responded, snapping him out of his thoughts.
“What have I said about calling me uncle? I’m fine with just Daisuke. I’ve been alright. Better now my favourite Nephew’s here.”
He delivered that last part with a wink.

Shuichi smiled.
“Sorry Un- Daisuke. Force of habit I guess.”

Daisuke laughed heartily, letting his arm return to rest on Shuichi’s shoulder.
“Come on, let’s get you settled in. I’ve already got your room prepared. All that’s left is unpacking whatever you’ve brought. But I’ll leave you to that part.”

Shuichi already knew where he was going, since he’d stayed here a few times before. He usually stayed in this particular room too.
As he opened the door, he felt his heart swell.

The room was littered in just about everything that interested Shuichi. CD’s of his favourite bands, posters of a detective show he’d been liking lately, his favourite candy lying ready on the desk. Everything he’d mentioned in their prior phone calls. Daisuke had made more effort than his parents would ever be willing to for a ‘simple bedroom.’ It wasn’t simple to Shuichi, that was for sure.

The next hour or two was spent unpacking. He hadn’t brought much, so it didn’t take that long. Most of the length was him trying to carefully arrange it all. It had to be set out properly, or Shuichi doubted he’d be able to sleep in his new room.

But finally, it was done. Shuichi looked on, hands on his hips. He was pretty impressed with himself. Now he was finished, he walked over to the window and looked out, which he’d been resisting doing as to not distract him.

There was a lot of field and forest. Of course, the area wasn’t empty, as in front there was everything you’d expect from a town. Houses, shops, people going about their day.

Then his eyes landed on her. She had short blonde hair that reflected the rays of sunlight that hit it. Shuichi could slightly see her eyes. They were pink, and from what he could make out, very pretty. Her outfit was simple and cute, consisting of a lilac sweater and jean shorts, but it fit her perfectly.

Then, seemingly unprompted, she looked up. Their eyes met, and she blinked curiously. Before he could hastily tug his curtains shut, she smiled up at him.

Oh wow. Who was this girl?

Chapter 2: Angel

Summary:

Falling madly in love with someone you’ve just met you’re so me shuichi

For the next few days, Shuichi stuck to his usual routine. That being sit in his room, listen to music, and cringe over past embarrassment.

That was until the errands started.

“You’ve been here a few days now, surely you’ve settled in. Go get some groceries will you? The store’s on the next street over, you’ll find it.”

Would he though? Shuichi was always in his own head. He got distracted easily.. which led to getting lost easily. But how hard could it be?
Maybe he shouldn’t have been asking himself questions like that.

With nothing but handful of cash, Shuichi set out. Having not been given a list, he tried to remember what Daisuke had told him to get. It wasn’t a lot, nowhere near a week’s worth of shopping. Just to tie them over until the end of the week, Daisuke had said.

Milk, eggs, bread, cigarettes, alcohol.

Considering he was seventeen, Shuichi didn’t know how he was going to get away with buying those last two. Daisuke had assured him it would be fine.. but he had his doubts. For a former detective, Daisuke wasn’t setting a good example.

He recounted the list again.

Milk, eggs, bread, cig-

Shuichi slammed into someone. Immediately, his heart surged, and he braced himself for whatever verbal abuse he was about to receive.

But it didn’t come. Instead, a small giggle eased him into opening his eyes.

It was her. The girl he’d seen out of his window. He recognised her right away. Which.. sounded a bit creepy actually.

Shuichi finally spoke, after an awkward shallow silence. At least, on his side.

“I’m.. I’m really sorry. That was on me, I really should’ve looked where I was going, I’m sorry,”
he babbled. He’d always had a tendency to ‘word vomit.’ Maybe it was a defence mechanism of sorts. If he apologised as much as possible, maybe it’d soften the, mental and physical, blow.

The girl just shook her head, holding her hands up. She seemed far more casual than he did. Which made everything even worse for him.

“No, no, it’s okay. I do it all the time. Like, all the time,” she laughed out. Her voice was laced in sweetness, but not sickly so. It wasn’t in the fake sort of way, with the singular aim to butter up. Right off the bat, the girl seemed genuine.

They stood in silence for another moment, which stretched longer and longer.
He decided he couldn’t let this opportunity go. Shuichi couldn’t let her walk away.

So in one breath, before he could back out, he blurted out, “What’s your name?”

That was.. a weird first question. He could’ve said something better, or just responded to what the girl had actually said.
‘Oh, seriously? Same, haha.’

Before he could regret his words even more, the girl responded.
“I’m Kaede. It’s nice to meet you… ah. Could I ask the same question?”

Shuichi feels himself get a little hopeful. He really shouldn’t have been jumping ahead like this, but his mouth moved before his brain could process it.

“Oh, it’s.. it’s Shuichi. It’s nice to meet you too.. Kaede.”

He blushed at the sound of her name on his lips. If it wasn’t extremely weird, he’d say it over and over again like a mantra.

Kaede. Kaede. Kaede.

He didn’t think he’d ever developed a crush that quickly.
Kaede nodded, interested.

“Shuichi? Cute! Are you new here?”

“Yeah. How’d you.. uh, know?”

Kaede put her hands on her hips, glowing with pride.
“I know everyone here! I always pick up on an unfamiliar face. Then I get to know them too.”

It became very clear that Kaede was just about his opposite. Social, positive, warm. Literally the embodiment of sunshine. It made him feel a little.. small in her presence. Of course that wasn’t here fault though. It was just him being stupid. As usual.

Shuichi took a small breath. He had to keep this conversation going.
“Ah. Okay then.”

Not like that! He mentally hit himself. Why was he so bad at this? He silently begged for Kaede to carry the conversation. It’d probably be even more awkward for her, but Shuichi needed this.

Luckily, she seemed to pick up on it.
“Say, on the topic of getting to know eachother, why don’t we hang out? Where are you going right now?”

“The store. I’m picking up some groceries for my Uncle Daisuke.”

Kaede pressed a finger to her pink lips. Whatever lipgloss she was using, it was made for her.
“Daisuke? As in, Daisuke Saihara?”

So she was telling the truth about knowing everyone. Shuichi nodded feebly, praying that Daisuke somehow hadn’t gained a bad reputation.

Thankfully, Kaede seemed quite pleased.
“Aw, no way! I don’t see him so often, he tends to stay at home a lot. When I do, he’s totally sweet though.
Anyway, if you’re going to the store, can I tag along? I’d love to keep chatting.”

Shuichi felt a little marvelled at her lack of anxiety. He could never ask a question like that to someone he’d just met- what if they said no?

Though obviously, he wasn’t about to say no. So maybe Kaede just knew that.
He mustered up a small smile.
“Sure.”

The pair started up walking again. Kaede ranted about whatever, while Shuichi happily listened, letting out the odd chuckle or ‘uh huh’ to show he was still paying attention. How could he not? He danced along Kaede’s every word, and let himself get sucked in by her stories and jokes. She was perfect.

Finally, she looked back over.
“Do you play any instruments Shuichi?”

Instruments? That was.. a little random. Quickly, he started to feel a little embarrassed. The most he’d done was attempt to learn violin when he was fourteen and gave up because it stressed him out. But he also didn’t want to lie, so he just shook his head.

“No, not really.”

Kaede hummed. “Huh, I’d have struck you as the type.”
Afraid that he’d disappointed her, Shuichi spat out the first question to cross his mind.

“Why, do you?”
That snapped Kaede out of it. She grinned, wide and eager, like she’d been waiting to talk about this all day.

“Yeah! I play piano. I’ve been playing since I was super little. To be honest, I don’t have much going for me besides it.”

Shuichi didn’t believe that. Not the piano part, he actually thought that was really attractive. But that she had nothing else going for her? She was social, pretty, confident. He’d only known her for about twenty minutes and all that had already become clear.

She didn’t know how bad things could get.
He shook that thought out of his head as quick as it came. He couldn’t just be presumptuous like that. Just because someone was positive now didn’t mean they didn’t struggle before. Some people could actually grow from their problems, unlike him.

Suddenly, he started to feel queasy. He tried to ease his thoughts by shifting them back to her piano playing.

He replied, “That’s really cool. I’d love to hear you play.”

Was that too out there? Saying that would imply that he’d want to hang out with her for real. Pianos are usually inside after all.

But looking at her warm smile relaxed him.
As the bell to the store rung, Kaede looked back over.

“Definitely, that’d be great! I love playing for people, especially for the first time. Nothing makes me happier than making other people happy.”

Was this girl an angel?

Shuichi thought back to those hazy Sunday mornings when he’d get dragged to Church. The light seeping in through the windows, the soft piano that would play in the background. He remembered the beautiful girls that were imprinted onto the walls, with feathered wings and glowing halos. Those angels were the ones that got him through those days.

Kaede reminded him of them. His light in the midst of it all.

Shuichi took a break from the conversation to buy what Daisuke had asked for, somehow remembering it all. To be fair on the man, he was right about him getting away with buying alcohol and cigarettes.

When he was done, he stepped out with another ring of the store bell.
Kaede was already there waiting. When she caught side of him, she smiled widely.
“Jeez Shuichi, you took a while. What exactly were you buying?”

Teasingly, she took a peak into the sheer plastic bag they’d provided him with. Her eyebrows raised.

“Do you really drink and smoke and stuff?”
She looked him over.
“I’m not judging or anything! I just didn’t really expect it from you. Though I suppose we’ve only just met.”

Kaede didn’t actually seen disappointed, which was good. Just surprised. Though Shuichi still had to clear up that they were, in fact, not for him.

He shook his head, smiling awkwardly.
“Ah, no. I don’t do any of that stuff. They’re for Daisuke.”

Kaede blinked, before starting to laugh.
“Ohh! That makes way more sense. Sorry about that. I was just taken aback. Just so you know though.. if you did do that stuff, I’d never judge you. I don’t have it in me to judge people.”

She was perfect. They walked in comfortable silence for a little while after that, until Kaede stopped at the beginning of a separate street.
“My house is this way.”

Shuichi felt a little gutted. He didn’t want today to be over. What if their paths never crossed again? But Kaede eased him with her next words.

“Say, if you’re free, why don’t we meet here tomorrow? At.. noon-ish?”

He nods before he can even fully make out what she said.
“Definitely. I mean, yeah. I’ll make sure I’m here on time.”

Kaede chuckled, before quirking a brow.
“Only problem is.. I promised my other friend we’d hang out. Unless you don’t mind him being here too?”

‘Him?’ That made Shuichi a little uneasy.
But then he realised he was being weird and possessive over a girl he’d just met. So he smiled and nodded.

“Yeah, alright. That’s okay with me.”

Kaede clapped her hands together cheerfully.
“Perfect! I’ll see you tomorrow then!”
Before any more words could be exchanged, she started to speed off home.

Following her lead, he began to walk his own way home. Despite the time of day, it was still humid. He could feel his shirt cling onto his back, which grossed him out.
But he was thrilled too. Even with another guy there, he’d be with Kaede again tomorrow. And he wasn’t gonna screw up, not this time.

Notes:

I am SO bad at dialogue I’m sorry

This is NOT beta read btw including by me

Notes:

In case it wasn’t clear if you came here for saimatsu it’s not gonna happen I’m sorry saimatsu shippers I still love them