The red washing down the bath tub won't change the color of the sea at all.

— Derrick C. Brown

Although a yumeship, this is more of a story written by myself, with.. more tragic themes than the traditional yume. The characters involved are Shu Satomi (my yume) and Akashi Seijuro (my oshi). They are both 22 years old and in college during the main happenings of this story.

Please read this carrd thoroughly for all the information on both myself and my yumeship. If you decide that you are against it, I do not hold any ill intentions towards you. However, I will also not accommodate you. Please do what you must to keep your own peace.

• ENTER

Before You Follow...

Do Not Follow If...

The Admin

My main Twitter is where you'll find all my art. I am a college student, so typically I create during my free time! I like to do commissions for my dear friends.

My Favorite...

I'm Currently...

Studying engineering! It took quite some time to even decide on a major, but I'm extremely happy with this one. I will always be just as much a scientist as I am an artist.

The Admin's Interests...

The Yume

Satomi is majoring in business, and minoring in electrical engineering, as well as self learning dance and perfumery. She is noticeably flirtatious, naturally charismatic, and quite unserious most of the time.

Her Hobbies

Other Names...

TLDR...

• Drown in the Liquid Gold

Seijuro & Satomi

Their World

There are a number of differences from canon that should be noted, specifically:

Embodiments

Past

• Satomi's Backstory
• Rakuzan First Year
• Rakuzan Second Year
• Rakuzan Third Year

Present

• Kyoto University First Year
• Kyoto University Second Year
• They're Wedding Guests!
• Secret Life...

Future

• Their Goals
• Their Obstacles

General Backstory

Due to being born the sole child to a corporate giant located in Shanghai, "Huimei Zhu" is put through a significant amount of trials in her upbringing... All of which were disguised as purely education.Her parents are better at business than parenting, and offered no emotional or psychological support in her youth. That, alongside the Council of Elders that assisted her parents in corporation, Huimei was not given any breaks. Though harsh, she had no complaints, really... Likely due to the fact that this was the only reality that she had ever known.At the very least, she was not completely alone— having three childhood friends that she became truly comfortable with. It was a wonderful few years of her childhood... Until a migration to Japan took place, and they scattered like the wind. Huimei lost her friends when she turned ten. That was a very cold night.Subsequently, when the corporation was experiencing complications, they sent her to Kyoto, Japan, to receive her education at Rakuzan. They briefly mentioned that their #1 corporate rival had his son study there. It was up to Huimei, or, as she's known in Japanese, Satomi, to figure out the rest.Satomi receives this order in full, expecting to experience a bitter rivalry between herself and her family's rival. Which.. does technically happen. They are academic rivals and the head of their respective clubs. She finds it thrilling that someone is actually capable of meeting her at the same level. At some point, she forgets that they were supposed to be enemies.

Ever since Satomi's childhood, she has harbored a strange distaste for men in general. So, it was surprising how comfortable she felt around Tenno and Saisei, for they were both male. It wasn't for any rational reason, her dislike of men. It just always seemed to exist in her mind.However, Tenno and Saisei were very kind in their youth, and grew up to be rather admirable. So, when they reunited at Rakuzan High, Satomi was overjoyed. She thinks of them as her brothers, despite crushing on Tenno for a brief period of time in her earlier childhood. As for Shiro, she was Satomi's first best friend! Shiro also happened to share a distaste of men, but that is mostly due to having experiences that shaped that opinion.

There are a number of differences from canon that should be noted, specifically:
✦ Rather than just their parents, they are now subject to a "Council of Elders," that act as equals to their predecessors.
✦ I do not mention other canon characters at all. This is mainly due to a personal distaste.
✦ Despite their wealthy background, it is more accurate to say that their privilege created trauma that they likely would not have suffered otherwise. This is not to say they do not have the privilege of being well-off, but that they are striving to become individuals beyond where they came from.

Satomi's three childhood friends were as follows:

Tenno is an adopted son. He was orphaned at birth, and adopted after he turned 4. His parents are actually much older than the usual age for parents (40+) but found joy in their little adoptive son after their late son passed from illness. They are not incredibly fortunate. Their late son passed from a very rare disease in which they simply did not have the means to cure, and they spent a very long time grieving their loss. So, Tenno becoming adopted by them was a great comfort for two troubled souls.He grows up to be taller than his dear old parents, and they are nearly 60 by the time he is in high school. They try to give him all that he asks for, but he does not ask for much to begin with. He looks to pursue medical, so he can take care of his aging parents. They are more than grateful for the addition of Tenno to their family, he feels like a gift from God, if there was a God.Shiro was born to a middle class family, and she found great joy in art growing up. The most she ever asked from them was supplies to create art with, and so they couldn't even spoil her as much as they'd wanted. A very hard worker, looking to pursue design. Shiro looks up to her mother the most, and ended up becoming very motherly in her behavior. A bit overcaring, sometimes. She is so in love with Tenno for being a gentle and caring soul, and was genuinely shocked to hear he was adopted. She was definitely a bit more ignorant in terms of how the world worked, but that just makes her love Tenno even more. He enjoys chatting with her, and often reasons out his own problems while she plays a listening ear.Saisei was a child actor growing up, having actors as parents. In terms of class, his parents were the most well off. Though, they were stricter with him and in turn, he's much more closed off. Upon meeting Shiro, he finds his shell breaking, and would find a lot of comfort in her care. Upon meeting Tenno, he greatly admires the way his own gentleness brought peace to his adoptive parents, and looks to Tenno for assistance with his studies. Saisei is a bit peculiar— he does not understand why other girls fawn over him so much, despite his knowing that he is very beautiful.

• Contents

Rakuzan First Year

Their meeting is something that has never stopped being spoken of. Satomi still laughs about it, to this day: her walking through the Rakuzan entrance, the crowd of students parting like the sea in the Bible. Especially because the news of a new transfer student in the middle of the term had reached virtually everyone's ears... and by God, was she unapproachable.Then, seeing the one person who did not "make way" for her, and... bursting out laughing. She couldn't even stop laughing, because his hair was as red as the pictures!! How in the world was this possible? He stuck out like a sore thumb.It would be a lie to say he wasn't bothered at all by this reaction."Shu Satomi, I presume?""Akashi. Seijuro. We finally meet. And you are perfectly in uniform! It's the only thing that fits in with the crowd."

Satomi and Seijuro are bitter academic rivals, battling for first place in the school rankings. It is always a narrow victory, and not once has it properly established superiority. Seijuro is upset by this, as it reflects on him when his father hears of his reports. It is especially troublesome, because Satomi is not just academically talented. She is frequently sought out as a mentor and has a high popularity among the student body... Seijuro's own club members excited to befriend her.Satomi is put together, classy, and walks with a refined grace that a lot of other students lack due to not being raised as an heiress to a corporate giant. She is quick to secure the seat of student council treasurer— a subtle position of power where she manages the student body's finances. She also joins the debate club, and quickly becomes well-loved within that circle.True to Satomi's nature, she always approaches him first— despite Chinese culture dictating otherwise, she was the only one with the gall to actually talk to him. He is, regrettably, used to the way she acts. Though he finds it disturbing how she so easily sees him as an equal (and, more often than not, inferior to her).They have a strange "partnership," even despite being rivals in academics. They know that if there's something that has to be done and that they wouldn't trust anyone with it except their very own self... Then they know to seek each other for help.Well, not that something like that would ever happen. It was more common for Satomi's acquaintances to seek Seijuro out, and vice versa. After all, everyone knew that the two were more similar than they thought they were."You're reading The Art of War again? How dull of you, Sei.""You would be wise to follow in my footsteps, Satomi.""Absolutely not! I've read that book so much that I recount it effortlessly in my dreams.""You have quite the number of complaints for someone who has absorbed Tzu's teachings into her blood."

Over the course of a single month, Satomi has completely made sense of Seijuro's character. Someone who does absolutely anything and everything within his power to come out victorious. She is familiar with the sentiment, because it sounds like home. Oddly enough, however, she finds it adorable that he has to work so hard to avoid something as inevitable as defeat. She is enticed, constantly, by what kind of show he would put on when he finally comes face to face with failure of any kind.In the same fashion, Seijuro dislikes Satomi's constant show of appearing to be familiar with more of the world than he is. He believes her to be inferior, for she has an imperfect streak, and in fact, takes kindly to it. He hardly feels any relief whenever his results surpass hers, for she feels nothing but glee that he manages at all.Because of her, for once in his life, victory has begun to feel... pointless."You made it to the top, Sei. I applaud you!""Save your remarks, Satomi." He'd reply, clearly upset. "This turn of events is hardly relevant."Since when did he become such a liar?

Seijuro, however, was not to be the only one left disappointed. With the events of the Winter Cup finals, Satomi becomes thoroughly disgusted with how unceremonious Seijuro's reaction was to defeat. This, however, is no shortcoming of Seijuro's character, but of Satomi's.Satomi, being a merciless competitor who smiled even in the face of defeat, felt that Seijuro's sincerity was unbecoming of an heir to a corporate giant.The truth is, albeit yet to be revealed, Satomi has seen Seijuro deal with defeat before. Several times, when they were battling for the academic crown. So, where was that sincerity, all those times? Was he simply refusing to acknowledge her in each and every instance? More than anything, Satomi felt lied to. Perhaps she was simply looking for a stronger reason to be upset. However, the sincerity he paid to his opponents here, was evidently something that she had never received.Not only that, but..."Ah, Shu. You—""Enough." She felt as if she was going to throw up. "Do not treat me as if you are familiar with me, Akashi. I hardly know you at all."

• Contents

Rakuzan Second Year

Exam season came shortly after the Winter Cup, which generally did not matter to neither Satomi nor Seijuro. After all, it was all material that they were already familiar with, all knowledge that they had already secured for years in advance. If anything, it was just a signal for Satomi to begin looking for a university to attend after graduating Rakuzan. At this moment, she wished to avoid Kyoto University, knowing that Seijuro would likely attend that one as a business major... And how could she possibly avoid him if they were in the same school, in the same program?Several events took place shortly after the exams. Satomi was made president of the debate club: a club that she had joined shortly after transferring. She wasn't exactly hoping for a position of power within the club, but was granted it anyway.Come the summer of her second year, she returns to Shanghai in order to touch base with the Council. They heavily approve of her efforts, even the position of Student Treasurer... Despite its lackluster nature. However, this does not come as a surprise to Satomi, who is familiar with her family's truly corrupt nature.There are... several, moments, in which Satomi questions her ability to live up to the expectations that weigh on her. Over the past few months in since the Winter Cup, she has already lost all passion to directly oppose Akashi Seijuro. In fact, she was beginning to wish to severe the connection entirely.He's... different. Far too different. He's nothing like the person that I chose to fight for the first month that we've known each other. And even though he's been this new character for much longer, it doesn't feel right. Did he lie to me before, or is he lying to me now?

Satomi returns to Kyoto for her second year at Rakuzan, at the Council's request. As the curtain opens to the first term, the entirety of the audience took notice of the stark difference in her relations with Seijuro."I can't help but feel like he lied to me, Shiro." And even that much took quite some time to get out of her. "He's... Nothing like what I knew at first."But the whole student body noticed. Akashi Seijuro, who was truly relentless and impertinent— despite being rightfully so— becoming something like a prince in his behavior. The worst part was, that it seemed no one else was fighting this shift like Satomi was."Sacchan...""Forget it. I just, don't want anything to do with him anymore."They spent a good portion of their second year together in complete silence. It was unfortunate, moreso now than ever, that she had to keep her position as Student Treasurer. If only she could avoid him forever. For Satomi, the time spent avoiding (while she was able to, anyway) was cathartic.For Seijuro, however, having spent over half a year away from the person he used to interact most with in his daily life...(It was clear that he considered them friends, even now, even then.)Worst of all, he had no clue how to begin asking for forgiveness. Partially because he felt as if he shouldn't— it's not like he did anything wrong! He was always this kind of character, and he thought that Satomi should've realized that by now. After all, Midorima noticed back then, and that person spent hardly as much time around Seijuro.But... What if he was at fault? What exactly did he do wrong? He didn't know this, either. Absorbed in his pursuit for victory and a perfect record, he hadn't developed any emotional intelligence aside from what was necessary to crush his opponents.

The silence continues up until a project assignment, and they were given each other as a pairing. While Seijuro was neither particularly excited nor disappointed, Satomi immediately rushed to pay off their teacher in order to have the pairings reassigned. The following day, it is announced that pairings have been mismatched the first instance, and reordered.More than anything, this series of events offends Seijuro. It wasn't even so much as he felt as if everyone should've been honored to be paired with him, but rather, that she would prefer virtually anyone else. To further this humiliation... Only Satomi and Seijuro's pairing was affected.As in, Satomi chose to work alone, while he was assigned to a trio.

This was perhaps the worst possible series of events, and it was a good thing that Seijuro could remain composed under any circumstance. However, this was the final straw. He dismisses every other member of the Student Council except for her, and approaches her first for what felt like the thousandth time that term."Did you cause the assignment to change, Shu?""I apologize, I am uncertain what you are referring to."Was she trying to avoid the question altogether? How could that possibly help her to avoid him in this current moment? Of course, he was not easily deterred."The project where pairings were assigned. History class.""Ah." And she finally met his eyes for the first time in what felt like forever. "Yes. After all, I find you to be far too disagreeable.""What?""Have you gone deaf?"They both knew what she meant by that. This didn't have to be a big deal, but he was turning it into one. So, she decided to say anything that would put him at a loss for words. Satomi wasn't trying to partake in unnecessary conversation."I would prefer if you only spoke to me under the terms of the Student Council, Akashi. I will dismiss myself, now. Have a good day."

He's... hopeless. That conversation didn't need to happen at all. He knew that I caused the change, he could've found out if he was unsure. To approach me with the excuse of something so trivial..."Satomi?""Ah..." The familiar voice was always so gentle. Why couldn't he be the person she had to deal with?"Should we go for some coffee?""Thank you, Tenno... But it's okay. I just have to get used to this grief."

• Contents

Rakuzan Third Year

The summer of her third and final year at Rakuzan, she contemplated returning home to touch base once more. However, she had already done so during the winter holiday, so there was hardly a reason to.Instead, however, there was something interesting happening in Japan. She was not one who cared for sports, and would never be someone who cared for sports. However, it was not difficult to overhear of that specific event.Jabberwocky versus Vorpal Swords.Satomi had a natural dislike of men, so the thought of attending a basketball match where both the benches and audience were nothing but men... It made her sick to her stomach. However, the last time she saw him play......She bought the ticket. She felt that she would come to regret this.

... And, regret it, she did. She was largely bored during the match, seeing Seijuro play as that unfamiliar character. Or, perhaps she was simply still in denial. Was that character so much as "unfamiliar," or was he simple "undesired"? Stranger yet, was that virtually everyone was accepting of the change. After all, a gentle leader is more welcomed than a harsh one.However, beginning that moment...She felt her chest tighten. What was... that? That man, who... No. There was just no way. Watching him move, and she didn't need to hear him to know all the ridiculous things that he said. Things that only he would have the impertinence to say.Was he... back?But how was it possible? Could Akashi Seijuro switch between two personalities at will? And why is it, that he would do it for a game of basketball, and not for her? Why would he prefer to make her accept that detestable side of him, rather than give her what she wanted?Ah... Perhaps, it was as she had always felt, deep down. Perhaps, she was the one who wasn't worth the effort.

"A stellar argument. You've much improved since our last mock.""Ah..! Thank you, president!""Goodness, 'Satomi' is quite alright."She was truly doing her utmost to stay okay. After that game, she hoped that she could possibly reconcile with the Akashi that she had grown accustomed to competing with. However, he was completely unchanged during their next encounter... Much to Satomi's dismay.After lamenting for days on end... She decided to stop. She decided that it would be best to simply accept this side of Akashi Seijuro. A difficult process, but it wasn't as if she had the time to dwell on it. However cruel it seemed, she felt no reason to continue a relation with someone she had no interest in.

Sometime before the winter holiday, tensions grew worse back home. Satomi found it difficult to focus on her studies, with the messages that her parents and the Council were sending her. Due to her complete lack of communication with them, they had grown that much stricter, and Satomi considered resigning her position as Debate president.All the tension was due to Satomi no longer reportedly "tying for first" in the Rakuzan academic rankings. After all, she did not want to be whispered of in the same breath as Seijuro, and that was one of several ways those whispers happened. However, headquarters did not approve, regardless of what reasoning Satomi could present. Losing the lead in any fashion was unacceptable."Satomi... Are you... okay?""I'm sorry, Sai. I'll head back first.""... Be safe."Her immediate reflex was to retreat into her shell. The last time the situation at home was this bad was when her friends left Shanghai. She learned the hard way that any drop in performance was scornful. Although not resigning from Debate, she left a notice that she would be absent until further notice. The position that she did resign from, however, was Student Treasurer.He would be the first to find out.

“Shu."It was difficult to ignore his voice. Even if he had changed, his demand for attention did not. However, Satomi was more than capable of ignoring him regardless. After all, she no longer had any one specific tie to him. She stated her resignation clearly. He had no choice but to honor her wish.Besides, they hadn't had a proper conversation in well over a year now. So what exactly was the meaning of this?Well, as expected, there was no reason she'd pay him any attention. There were more important things at stake here— for instance, the life she was hoping to cultivate while away from her dreadful parents.“Shu."Maybe, if I just keep ignoring him, he'll get the idea and leave.She continued her work. After all, it was never ending, even after club hours. The one thing she stayed involved in— the debate club, required a lot of her energy and attention. The constant review of arguments, as well as the introduction of logical reasoning, was her job as president.Her pen flew across the page, negligent of the person looking over her.“Shu.”And the flaw in this argument—Bam!…She looked up— reluctantly, of course. “Did you require something of me, Akashi?"It was unusual for sure, for someone so calm and collected to suddenly slam the table like that. Annoying, also. Because she had to watch as everything else about him remained unfazed. Satomi rested her head on her hand, as if she was bored even before he began speaking.“You at least owe me an explanation for your resignation."“I do not, actually."“You performed your duties flawlessly for nearly three years, even after what happened between us. As council president, I must be aware at least of whether any reason for your resignation included my own shortcomings."“What happened. Between us?"This man had some nerve. As if her performance had anything to do with the fact that he was a completely different person. As if she owed him anything after the sheer disappointment she felt. As if it'd change anything.“If that's all you had to say, I have more work to do. Please show yourself out."…This was their dynamic after all. Someone who is not at all terrified by the person that Akashi Seijuro is, someone who had no reason to bend to him at all. So, she returned to her paperwork, tracing back to where she had left off… leaving him in the silence.There were truly only two options for him. Yes, he could show himself out. Or.."... Am I not allowed to be worried about you?”"There is nothing that warrants your concern, Akashi.”“You warrant my concern, Shu.”“Listen, are you just here to nag me? Because it won’t take you anywhere, just as it won’t for me. You’re beyond ridiculous for whatever you’re trying to pull. Our bond was over the moment I lost the thrill of competition.”“It seems to me that you are more terrified of the person that you do not know, than merely disappointed.”…She looked back up at him. Fighting a scowl, and instead plastering a look of boredom on her face. “Whatever the case is, it no longer matters. You do realize that we are merely classmates?”“I am speaking to you as someone who yearns to be your friend.”“Enough.”Realizing that she could no longer work while in the same building as him, she began to pack her items. If her clubmates needed her, they all had her number— her dummy one, anyway. What she needed most right now… was to be away from this person. The only person present in her life that could cause things to go haywire.“Do not attempt to contact me, Akashi. I have much more important things to do than to entertain this foolishness.”

Friends… Friends with him would’ve been nice, once upon a time, huh? It would’ve been nice if she could befriend him freely.“I don’t know what ideas you have in your mind. You are already far too different from the person I was once well acquainted with. There is little reason for you to wish to pick up on what I had with him…”Haha. Look at her. Someone this good at deflection… You could tell the kind of life she’s been living. Terrified… He said she was terrified? Terrified of someone who was once fierce, who had now become much kinder and more gentle with those around him? Someone with an inch of humanity—…Yes, she supposes she is. Terrified that she could no longer approach him knowing that he’ll push her away. They both knew that their interactions only go as far as academic rivals— as far as their family planned for them. Perhaps she was scared of a man so nurturing. Perhaps she was. What else could she even say about that? Akashi Seijuro had become a warmer person, a true man of nobility. Someone who was deserving of his following… And what about her? Who hated socializing even as she was so beloved, someone who could only “fit” in by standing out. Shu Satomi was merely an image she had to maintain.Only recently, was she reminded of that fact.“I am not doing all this to tie up loose ends, Satomi.”She froze in her seat. Just as she was about to get up and sling her bag over her shoulder, she froze. Slowly, she turned to face him again. “... What was that?”“Here I believed you heard me loud and clear.”“No.. No, I didn’t.” There was no way, right? She must’ve been dreaming. There was just no way. It had been well over a year since she had gotten a glimpse of him, and even longer since she could speak to him. Actually, what the hell was wrong with her? How was it possible that she felt more comfortable with someone who clearly…“Please. Could you, repeat that?”“Do not upset me so.”Why would…“You’re acting. There’s no way he’s back. I could only assume that he had disappeared for the greater good. It couldn’t possibly align with the wellbeing of your psyche for him to remain.” She had begun rambling. She didn’t… remember, how to deal with this again. The kind of person that he was when she first entered Rakuzan. The kind of person that he was for the vast majority of their first year spent together……The kind of person that would’ve never looked her way.But it was so enticing back then. It felt as if she was given the opportunity to chase. She was even flattered that he would push her away so often, to the point where she felt almost dejected by his mannerisms.……Wasn’t that how it was?She stared— actually, she tried to. She couldn’t bring herself to meet him in the eyes— as if she was somehow in denial that it was possible. Because… why? Why on earth would Akashi Seijuro go so far as to bring back a personality that had dissolved for the sake of salvaging a friendship he had no personal hand in? The thought of this even being possible forced Satomi’s gaze away—“I do not recall allowing you to look away.”Gulp.Okay. Maybe…?Hesitantly… Looking back at him. It was slight, but it was there. That shimmer of gold…“... You weren’t lying.”“How impertinent. The lengths I go for you, and you’ve yet to show any gratitude.”“Relax, alright? You sent me through a number of crises over the past two years. I think I’m allowed to be a bit wary and even heartbroken. Actually, you’re the one who owes me anything. Care to explain, Sei?”“It was for the best. That is all.”She gave him a look.“... At the time.”“Well, it’s clear that both you and your.. Nicer self are a part of who you are as a person. I’ve already accepted that much.”“It seems you’ve already figured it all out. Are you perhaps only asking to humiliate me?”She laughs— and it’s the first time she’s laughed for the past month. Satomi truly could never grow used to this. How could he ask something like that with a straight face? Not to mention, his complete lack of a sense of humor further driving home how hilarious he is without even intending to be. Because what the fuck? What do you mean you’re serious about asking that?“I have more interesting ways to humiliate you, Sei.”He frowned at that statement.“I do not particularly look forward to it.”“I don’t recall asking your opinion.”She had to hold herself back from laughing again at his look of irritation. Then, collected herself, because… What he was going to ask was inevitable. There was a reason why her bag was packed, after all.“... Okay, shoot.”“Why did you resign?”The difficult question to answer. She could absolutely give him the most surface level answer. But with the personality that saw right through her… He wasn’t asking, either. And… maybe she was happy enough to answer him without much of a fuss.“I have to focus on myself without any direct ties to you.”He looked unsurprised by that statement, but remained silent. As if he knew there was something more.“... I’ve been trying to distance myself. For the past year or so, I’m sure you’ve realized.”“I have, and it is because he appears to be more well-liked. I couldn’t fathom why you hated it so much.”“... I’m sure I could grow to love him as well. But… he isn’t you.”Which was, once again, a strange sentiment to have. They were clearly the same kind of character, but to Satomi, they were worlds apart. Not to mention that… obvious motherly quality that he had to him.“But.. It’s put a strain on who I am supposed to be.. To my mother.”His eyes softened at that. Of course he wouldn’t have known beforehand, but it would make sense that he felt some kind of solidarity with… image. He was silent again, urging her to continue, but she shook her head. “I’m sorry. That’s as much as I can tell you. It’s not that I don’t trust you. It’s..”“... difficult for you.”Nodding, she glanced away.“... Very well. I will accept this much, for now.”

Things began to change, since that moment. Of course, that didn't mean that the tensions at home would simply go away. However, Satomi rescinded her resignation from the Student Council. She would see the "original" Akashi Seijuro interact with everyone else: gentle, charming, princely. A flawless leader who did his utmost for victory... A victory for everyone.Then, among their closer friends... And, the rare moments with just the two of them, he'd demonstrate that daunting, ruthless nature that she felt more comfortable competing with.It wasn't long before they fell in love... Though, long before either of them would acknowledge it. After all, they were still teenagers in high school— a time and place where emotions are seldom meaningful. So, they both withheld those thoughts, and continued to treat each other as reliable friends.

Seijuro also became well-acquainted with Satomi's close friends. It wasn't necessarily a milestone in their lives, but Seijuro realized just how little people Satomi truly felt at ease with.Shiro appears to have mixed feelings regarding Seijuro, for she personally witnessed the misery that he put Satomi through. However, she is also an adamant believer that Seijuro is the only one... Well, not the only one, but one of two people she would entrust Satomi to. After all, Satomi is an exceedingly complex person... Who required an exceedingly competent person.Tenno is innately extremely empathic character. Similar to Satomi, he had a full grasp of Seijuro's personality in nearly no time at all. Though he is also protective of Satomi to a degree, he understands why Seijuro went under the changes observed in the past two years. Seijuro, on the other hand, feels an unexplained twinge of jealousy towards Tenno... Shiro knows exactly why.Saisei, albeit equally as protective of Satomi as the other two, may be the only one who feels absolutely nothing about Seijuro. After all, Saisei is an incredibly skilled actor who finds it difficult to connect to those he does not admire in some fashion. However, as time passes, he thinks Seijuro is worthy enough. He is a reliable listener, just like Saisei.The nature of Seijuro and Satomi's love story is a slow burn, mutual pining, and secret romance. Aside from her three closest friends, no one knows of the two's relationship. This is a constant that will remain over the course of several more years.

• Contents

Kyoto University First Year

Upon graduating Rakuzan, Satomi was proven correct: Seijuro did in fact choose to attend Kyoto University for his studies. However, since the changing of the tides, she has decided not to avoid him. After all, they have since become close friends alongside their fierce academic rivalry.Due to the nature of their studies, they both entered the school as business majors, with Seijuro having minor studies in history and psychology, and Satomi having minor studies in design and philosophy. Out of her three friends, however, only Tenno and Shiro joined her in attending Kyoto University. Saisei was recruited by an agency, and was ordered by his parents to study abroad.However, due to their different programs, Satomi is only able to see Tenno and Shiro when they all have a free day... Which is quite seldom.In comparison, she shares several classes with Seijuro, and sees him frequently. Though, it is more important now than ever before that they do their utmost to hide any romantic feelings they had for each other...

A major event in Satomi's life during her first year in university was realizing just who she was. She always had a feeling that she wasn't truly female, or at least, not what "female" meant traditionally. During this realization, she conducted extensive research on these strange feelings regarding her identity.It took almost no time at all to accept that she was agender, that she did not feel like any conceivable gender at all. There wasn't even any self-doubt that accompanied this epiphany. She had always felt this way, it's just that now there was a name for it.In the few moments where she was able to converse with Seijuro alone, he was the first one she admitted this to. She didn't know what exactly to expect him to say in response to this confession... But his simple "I'm happy for you" was not part of it!"Huh? You're not even going to ask what I mean?""Satomi, I have studies in psychology right now.""... Okay, respectable."For some reason... She didn't think the child of such a strict conglomerate would be so accepting so quickly. She knew that if her family found out, she would be forbidden from any form of non-feminine gender expression that existed. So, at least her family's rival wasn't so hostile.

"Think you could use they/them pronouns for me?"The group chat was quick to agree wholeheartedly. Even Saisei, who was several hours behind them. Satomi felt an incredible sense of relief being referred to that way by their friends. Seijuro soon caught wind of this, and joined in as well."... Why are you referring to me that way?"Much to his confusion. Wasn't that what they wanted to be referred to with? But they laughed and shook their head."Not by you, silly. Just call me as you always have."Would she be okay with being called his wife?

It wasn't until the end of their first year in university that they realized their feelings for each other and acknowledged it. However, it appeared that neither of them wanted to say anything, for they both knew that furthering these emotions would do more harm than good.After all, their families were watching their every move.Being adults meant that they would have to endure this agony for the sake of each other. But in the end, they were only human... And because of that, they couldn't help but do little things in show of their appreciation for each other.Satomi bringing him coffee for their morning classes, Seijuro being prepared for whenever she was on her cycle. They'd study together in groups, desperately trying to not focus too much on each other. Then, becoming so frustrated that they both resigned from the groups at the same time, and decided to study "alone," calling each other the entire time.They would reach a point where they spent more time with each other than they would spend asleep.Because, in all honesty, they hardly needed to study in the first place.

"Mm... Sei, you're awake?""Good morning, Satomi." His voice came clearly from her phone.Friends didn't spend their dreams together. Not like this, anyway. But who would betray the other and confess first? Would it happen at all? The two of them only had to fight themselves as friends, but the world as lovers. Was it even possible in the first place?It was moments like these that Satomi felt urges to risk her life as it was.

She off-handedly mentioned how she'd love to see him with ear piercings. Saying that she thought all men would look hotter if they just didn't stay within the societal norm and made attempts to be beautiful like women did... And he agreed, then asked if she knew where he could get said piercing.Of course, she was taken aback. "You want to get your ears pierced?""I respect your suggestions. Should I refrain from doing so?""Your family won't be upset with you?""No. Or, more importantly, it doesn't matter.""You can get that piercing from me, then." She felt an insurmountable amount of glee. "Should we do it now?"

• Contents

Kyoto University Second Year

This is the important year. The winter before their second year at the university, they spent more time apart than they would've liked. Satomi's family beating down on her, with the accusations that she had grown soft for the enemy. It wasn't always so easy to act as if nothing was wrong on her side.Come Lunar New Year, she felt a deep depression regarding her situation. Was it all just... hopeless? What could she even do, when her life revolved around the elders that wouldn't let up?"Satomi?"She found herself in front of his door, against all better judgement. It would be enough just to see his face and hear his voice. It would be..."Hi." Her voice was weak. "Could I come in?"He stepped aside, wordlessly, and she stumbled in. The worst part was that she wasn't even drunk. Just so sleep-deprived and dehydrated that it was difficult to think straight. And even in this state of mind, she decided that she had to be here.

She slept soundly for the first time in weeks that night. The warmth of his body beside her was all she needed, it seemed. Waking up in the afternoon, he was... still there. She wondered if she could be selfish... Just once."You're awake.""Yeah. Sorry to have troubled you, Sei.""Did something happen?"Of course something happened. You don't just collapse in the bed of your crush for no reason! Not only that, but they were supposed to be enemies. This was definitely the last place that she should've been. What if news of this interaction spread?She couldn't even begin to imagine the chaos that would ensue."Why did you let me in...? You know it wouldn't have been good for either of us.""Because you asked."It was a simple response. It was the wrong response.

"You're comforting."It was a strange thing to say to him. He had never once comforted anyone, at least not in ways that you would normally expect "comfort" to be displayed. But she wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his chest."I wish I could be closer to you." Things that she had constantly thought, but never once felt the urge to say. Not until now. "Isn't there a life where I could be allowed that much?"He found it odd. But it wasn't unwelcome. What was strange was simply that... Satomi herself had never asked much of him, of anyone. Someone who appeared to be demanding was only doing so to protect those she cared about."... Yes, this life."Underlying that simple response. That wrong response. Was the acceptance of her confession.

About halfway through their second year, Satomi found herself wondering just what exactly she wanted to study. All her life, she was told business and politics. Psychology of the human mind and how to manipulate it.... But it had grown tiresome. Several aspects of this life were repetitive, and hardly worth her interest.If possible, she would've loved to pursue art. She was already a sculptor and perfumer, among her myriad of artistic skills. Fashion design and clothes-making, illustration, writing... All these things that she wished she could drown herself in.But would that have been a fulfilling life?What was the purpose of art without science?Towards the tail end of her second year, she rediscovered her love for math and science. Becoming deeply absorbed in the concepts involving space, she had an idea for what she truly wanted to study.

Seijuro still couldn't believe this was reality.Without even saying anything explicit, Satomi had confessed her love, and he had accepted it. The idea of her being his drove him mad. Was this reality?It seemed that these emotions stirred for several years, and ended with this. There was an unspoken mutual agreement that it would've made both their lives more difficult if they were any truer to themselves than was allowed.... Which, well, was not at all.If Seijuro was lacking in anything, it was an abundance of emotional intelligence. He had learned more in the time he spent with her than he had his whole life. After all, the person he was trained to be... Was not something he had any true control over.With her...A monster. It wasn't uncommon for his opponents to refer to him in that way. He was a man capable of ability that cannot be considered human. Both in intellectual and physical limits, his was higher than many others. Most others, even. To those who worked under him back in his high school years, he was something akin to a God.Neither of these titles gave him that humanity that he lacked for most of his life."Sei?"Your warm hands caught me. These were the only moments where I could forget about putting on an act.

• Contents

SeiTomi: Wedding Guests

They attend several weddings at their friends' invitation! However, due to the fact that they cannot be seen in public together, they always wear wigs and contacts in order to help disguise themselves! Satomi usually picks her outfit first, and then assembles a matching set for Seijuro! After all, it must be abundantly obvious that they are together.

KāniVil Wedding

The very first wedding they were invited to as guests! At Kānila's request, Satomi attended the event with Seijuro. For this occasion, Satomi prepared a dark purple outfit, as well as three custom-made perfumes to present to Kānila and Vil.

LeoYing Wedding

Leona and Ying's wedding was sun/moon themed, but Satomi has a habit of provoking Leona by being an aggressive supporter of Ying. So, for this occasion, she chose to dress in a dark blue ensemble. She also prepared a collection of beautiful hairpins and brooches (personally commissioned) for the marrying couple as a gift.

MyAce Wedding

Given the flowery, colorful dress code, Satomi prepared a light and elegant ensemble for Mia and Ace's wedding! For this occasion, she prepared a hand-sculpted figurine of Mia and Ace dancing at their prom.

• Contents

Secret Life...

Due to the nature of their relationship... It is impossible for them to be with each other at all times. After those moments of weakness before and after the confession, they had to be extra careful not to let it slip that they were dating.

Their interactions were largely within their mutual classes. They found it bearable to be able to see each other for most days of the week, even if for only a few hours.They communicate largely via text, on a separate phone that they purchased solely to communicate each other without being tracked.For the rare occurrences where they do meet up... They have an apartment rented under pseudonym. She jokes that anyone would notice his walking in due to his ridiculous hair color, but no one pays attention to things like this.If anyone was good at being inconspicuous, it was these two.

Sometimes, though, Satomi finds it difficult to manage being apart from him.Sometimes, she'd send him a message— desperate. Sometimes, the weight of her family's expectations was too much for her to bear, and there would simply be no reason for her to handle it all on her own.Because he'd reply quickly, and she'd collapse in his arms from sun down to day break.

• Contents

Goals

Satomi wishes to marry Seijuro, despite her reluctance to have children. She wishes to create a life that she can call her own... After living a life predetermined by the Council of Elders. It's difficult for her to want to have children, having experienced the shortcomings of her own parents and a lack of confidence in her ability to be a good one for her own children...Seijuro has long forsaken any other potential suitor, and will turn the world on its head if that's what is necessary to become tied to Satomi forever. He knows well of her struggles with identity and a future with children. He is willing to give her as much time as necessary.I wrote them to be a pairing that would have an eventual happy end. The goal is happiness above all else. However, there are, unfortunately, responsibilities that they must both tend to within this process.

In their past, they had a common theme of struggling for a sense of identity. Hopefully, in their ideal future, they will find a place to belong with each other.

• Contents

Obstacles

There are a number of obstacles standing in the way of an ideal future. The Council of Elders, their difficulty with identity, their ties to a community.Satomi has already gotten over a few hurdles on her own, which is why she was upset that Seijuro was... strangely, falling behind. Having never happened before, she wondered if she was wrong to pursue him.Of course, they also have the privilege of being a part of the wealthy. Though, in very different ways.

Satomi, who developed an intense hatred for those who hoard power. After all, despite her family's riches, she never once felt as if any of it was granted to her.Seijuro, who suffered specifically because of the weight of expectations set on his shoulders from a young age.

• Contents

Obstacles

There are a number of obstacles standing in the way of an ideal future. The Council of Elders, their difficulty with identity, their ties to a community.Satomi has already gotten over a few hurdles on her own, which is why she was upset that Seijuro was... strangely, falling behind. Having never happened before, she wondered if she was wrong to pursue him.Of course, they also have the privilege of being a part of the wealthy. Though, in very different ways.

Satomi, who developed an intense hatred for those who hoard power. After all, despite her family's riches, she never once felt as if any of it was granted to her.Seijuro, who suffered specifically because of the weight of expectations set on his shoulders from a young age.

• Contents