Chapter Text
Yu Narukami is a student from Yasogami High School, class 2-2. What you are about to read is a harrowing account of the greatest challenge he’s faced yet: Valentine’s Day. His tale begins on January 14th, on a night of helping out at Junes.
Yosuke had called earlier that evening, since the part-timers who were supposed to show up didn’t. There was a little tremble to his voice that made it hard to say no. Which is why Yu has spent the past couple hours stocking shelves (and now setting up display stands) instead of studying. Chocolates, candies, flowers– one by one, each goes into its proper place. When they’re done, the Junes seasonal goods section will sparkle.
“Ugh, why do we have to put up the Valentine's stuff now, it’s only January,” Yosuke groans for the fifth time that hour. “Sorry again for roping you into this.”
“I don’t mind,” Yu says. He never has, really. The work is surprisingly relaxing, and with how busy he's been, any excuse to hang out with his best friend is welcome.
“Feels like they want to sell candy earlier every year. Who buys chocolate in January?”
“Couples who are smart enough to beat the crowds, I guess.”
Yosuke’s moods tend to be contagious. One signature wink and carefree grin is enough to lighten Yu’s own. When Yosuke gets irritable, he feels a little snappy too. Now, Yosuke’s gloom hangs like a storm cloud over them both. Something’s bothering him other than the stands, and it doesn’t take him long to start complaining again.
“Blegh, the couples. It’s like everyone has to go and rub it in your face.” Yosuke scrunches his face up and sticks his tongue out. “‘Har-har, Yosuke Hanamura is a loser who can’t get a girlfriend.’ They already got the day to themselves, don’t take up an extra month!”
“Valentine's isn't all about romance, you know.”
“Easy for you to say, man, you’re like a pussy magnet.”
Yosuke takes another small box of chocolates, while Yu begins setting up another display stand.
“The cats do love me.”
“Not what I’m talking about.”
Yosuke smiles wryly. He tosses the box into the air like it’s one of his kunai, catches it then puts it on the stand. Impressive.
“Just once,” he starts. “Just once, I wish I could get some chocolate that wasn’t from part-timers, y’know? Something homemade. A note in my locker, like ‘Meet me on the rooftop after school!’ The works.”
Yu thinks that will never happen without divine intervention.
“Hmm.”
He's still thinking about it in bed later that night. Yosuke, one of the first people who made him feel welcome in Inaba. Who helped lead the investigation for eight long months. Who stood by his side in battle, in sickness, even in his lowest moments. It wouldn't hurt to do something special to show his appreciation.
There’s no need to fulfill requests for the fox anymore, but that night he resolves to make Yosuke’s wish come true anyway– and besides, the look on Yosuke’s face when he sees his partner waiting for him on the rooftop will be priceless.