F4's Japan Diary

Japan

The early morning light bathed Kyoto in a soft glow, casting long shadows over the cobbled streets as the group of friends gathered outside a traditional ryokan. The crisp air carried the scent of fresh tatami mats from inside, but all attention was on one particular whirlwind of energy, Ariya.

"Papa! Papa, look! There's a temple! Can we go inside?" Ariya tugged at Sky's sleeve, her tiny face glowing with excitement.

Sky smiled, bending down to scoop her up. "Of course, sweetie. But remember, we have to be quiet inside, okay?"

Just as Ariya nodded, full of innocent enthusiasm, a mischievous voice interrupted.

"Or..." Win suddenly swooped in and lifted Ariya right out of Sky's arms, twirling her in the air. "We can run around and take over Kyoto together, huh? How about it, boss?"

Ariya shrieked with delight. "Yes!! Let's run, Uncle Win!"

Before anyone could react, Win bolted forward with Ariya in his arms, laughing as he zigzagged between the group like a kid himself.

"Win! You're going to tire her out before we even start sightseeing!" Prim scolded, but her fond smile betrayed her amusement.

"More like he's going to trip on those geta sandals and fall." Nani muttered, crossing his arms as he watched the chaos unfold.

Groya laughed. "At least Ariya's having fun."

"Win's just a bigger version of her." Bright replied, shaking his head.

Dew smirked as he leaned toward Tee. "Who do you think will get tired first? Win or Ariya?"

"My money's on Win" Tee answered without hesitation.

Sure enough, after a few minutes, Win slowed down, panting dramatically. "Okay, okay, Boss Ariya. You win. I surrender." He gently set Ariya down, resting his hands on his knees. "You've got unlimited energy, kid. What are they feeding you?"

Ariya giggled and proudly held up the snack Groya had given her earlier. "Rice crackers! You want one, Uncle Win?"

Win dramatically wiped fake sweat from his forehead. "If it gives me even half your energy, I'll take five."

Sky shook his head, laughing as he walked over to ruffle Ariya's hair. "Alright, let's not wear out Uncle Win too much. We still have a full day ahead of us."

"Yeah" Nani added, adjusting his sunglasses. "And if you pass out from exhaustion, don't expect me to carry you back to the hotel."

"I knew you'd never let me suffer, Nani." Win teased, draping an arm around him.

Nani immediately pushed him off. "Get off me."

Prim sighed but smiled as she gently took Win's arm. "Come on, let's all take a picture before we go inside."

Sky, still holding Arya's hand, turned to Nani with a small smile. "Looks like we're in for a long day."

Nani glanced at their daughter, who was still bouncing with excitement, then at their group of friends, all talking and laughing together. A long day? Maybe.

"Yeah" Nani murmured, his lips twitching into the softest smile. "But it's a good one."

And with that, they walked under the grand torii gates, together.

By the time Sky and Nani finally returned to the ryokan, laughter and chatter filled the air. The smell of sizzling meat and fragrant broth wafted from the dining area, where the rest of their friends were already halfway through dinner. Plates of side dishes were scattered across the table, and the bubbling hot pot in the center was a sign that they had started without them.

"You two took your time" Bright said, leaning back with his chopsticks in hand.

Win, who was chewing on a piece of wagyu, smirked. "What, did you get lost? Or were you two having a romantic stroll?"

Sky ignored the comment, placing his hands on his hips. "More like we had to drop Arya off first. She's in Prim's room now."

At the mention of Ariya, Prim turned from her spot next to Win, smiling warmly. "She fell asleep right away. She was exhausted after all the running around with Win."

Win feigned offense. "Hey! Don't blame me. She challenged me to a running match. What was I supposed to do? Let a three-year-old beat me?"

"She did beat you." Tee pointed out with a grin.

Win scoffed and went back to eating. Groya waved her chopsticks. "You two should eat. The hot pot's still warm, but we're almost full already."

Sky turned his head toward Nani, a small smirk forming. "You hear that? Seems like the best seats in the house are now open."

Nani, already moving toward the dining area, barely gave him a glance. "Then let's eat."

But just as they approached the table, Sky very conveniently grabbed Nani's wrist, pulling him toward the other hot pot station set up in the corner.

"What are you—" Nani started, but Sky cut him off with an easy grin.

"Since everyone's almost done, why don't we have our own little private dinner?" His tone was light, but there was a glint of something more mischievous in his eyes.

Nani narrowed his eyes at him. "And you just happened to send Ariya to Prim's room right before this?"

Sky didn't even try to hide his amusement. "What a coincidence, huh?"

Nani clicked his tongue but didn't protest further. Instead, he slid into the seat across from Sky as Sky happily started adding ingredients to their personal hot pot—thin slices of wagyu beef, fresh vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu.

From the main table, Dew looked over and raised an eyebrow. "You two aren't eating with us?"

"We're having our own dinner date." Sky replied casually.

"Date?" Nani repeated, his voice laced with disbelief.

Sky just smiled and dropped a piece of meat into the broth, watching it cook.

Win whistled. "Well, well. Looks like Sky really planned this one out. What a guy."

Groya chuckled. "Guess we should leave them alone, then."

The others smirked but didn't argue, instead continuing with their conversation. The noise in the room remained lively, but in their little corner, it was just the two of them.

Sky leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand. "See? Just us. Nice, right?"

Nani, who had already picked up his chopsticks, scoffed but didn't argue. Instead, he silently dipped a piece of tofu into the broth before taking a bite.

Sky watched him for a moment, his usual playful demeanor softening. "You know... today was nice."

Nani looked up, his chewing slowing. "Hm?"

"I mean, being here. With Ariya. With everyone." Sky poked at a mushroom in the broth. "It's been a while since we had a day like this. Just enjoying the moment."

Nani was quiet for a beat before he muttered "Yeah... it was."

Sky smiled. "We should do this more often."

Nani met his gaze, and for a second, the usual guarded look in his eyes eased, just a little. "...Maybe."

Sky's smile widened.

By the time Sky and Nani finally finished their meal and returned, the rest of their friends had already finished their soak in the hot spring. The private onsen inside the hotel room was still warm, steam rising gently in the air, but the once-lively space was now quiet.

Groya, on her way to her room, passed by them with a relaxed smile. "You two should soak too. It really helps with the exhaustion."

Sky nodded eagerly. "Good idea."

Nani, however, merely gave a noncommittal nod, fully intending to skip it. A soak in steaming hot water wasn't exactly his idea of comfort.

But when they got to their room, Sky had already started preparing everything, fresh towels, robes.

"Alright, let's go," Sky said, pulling off his shirt without hesitation.

Nani raised an eyebrow. "We?"

Sky gave him a look as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Of course. You're not just gonna sit there and watch me, right?"

"That was actually my plan" Nani muttered, crossing his arms.

Sky sighed dramatically before turning to face Nani fully. And then, boom.

The puppy eyes. Big, round, pleading eyes staring straight into Nani's soul.

"Please?" Sky dragged out the word, tilting his head just slightly for extra effect.

Nani groaned, closing his eyes as if in physical pain. "You're so annoying."

Sky grinned. "So that's a yes?"

"Whatever" Nani muttered.

A few minutes later, they stepped into the steaming hot water, Nani hesitantly dipping his foot in first before lowering himself into the pool. Immediately, a frown settled on his face.

"This is too hot" he muttered.

Sky, who had already sunk into the water comfortably, raised an eyebrow. "It's literally the perfect temperature."

Nani shifted, clearly uncomfortable. "I don't like soaking in water like this."

Sky, sensing his discomfort, didn't hesitate to move closer, grabbing Nani's waist with a firm but gentle pull. Before Nani could protest, Sky guided Nani to sit between his legs, making Nani's back touch his chest, wrapping his arms around Nani.

"Stay still for a few minutes" Sky murmured, resting his chin on Nani's shoulder. "It'll start to feel good."

Nani stiffened for a moment, but Sky didn't say anything else just held him there, steady and warm. Slowly, the heat of the water and Sky's embrace started to relax him.

Sky's arms around Nani stayed firm, his fingers tracing light, absentminded patterns over his waist. The slow rise and fall of Nani's breathing told Sky that he was easing into it, the tension in his body melting bit by bit.

That's when Sky noticed it, the soft pink hue creeping over Nani's usually fair skin. The heat of the water had turned his shoulders and the back of his neck a light shade of red, trailing down to his collarbones. But something about it... the contrast against the steam, the way the water droplets clung to his skin, it made something in Sky stir.

He bit the inside of his cheek, willing himself to stay still, but the sight was too tempting. Without thinking, he leaned forward, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Nani's shoulder.

Nani tensed slightly. "Sky." His voice was low, a quiet warning, but there was no sharpness to it.

Sky smiled against his skin. "What?" His lips brushed over Nani's shoulder again, this time slower, deliberately.

"You're pushing it" Nani muttered, though his body betrayed him, he wasn't pulling away.

Sky tilted his head, letting his lips trail just a little higher, right along the curve of Nani's neck. "Am I?" His voice was barely above a whisper, the warmth of his breath meeting damp skin.

Nani let out a slow exhale, his head tilting ever so slightly to the side, just enough for Sky to catch it. Just enough for Sky to know he wasn't stopping him.

Sky tightened his arms around Nani, His lips found Nani's jawline next, grazing over the sensitive skin before pressing a soft kiss there too.

"You're really taking advantage of this, huh?" Nani's voice was quieter now, less firm, almost breathless.

Sky chuckled. "Just making sure you're comfortable."

Nani huffed, but his body betrayed him again when his hand moved to rest over Sky's arm, gripping it lightly.

For a while, neither of them spoke. The water sloshed gently around them, the only sounds in the air being the occasional distant chatter from the hallway and the soft rhythm of their breathing.

Sky leaned in, still behind Nani's back, pressing his chin on Nani's shoulder, his voice dropping to a murmur. "Let's stay like this a little longer."

Sky pressed a slow, lingering kiss against Nani's damp skin again, this time closer to his neck.

"You should relax more" Sky whispered. "I like you like this."

Nani scoffed lightly, but there was no bite to it. "Like what?"

Sky smiled against his skin. "Less grumpy. More... soft."

Nani turned his head fully then, his gaze meeting Sky's directly. "I'm not soft."

Sky grinned. "No? Then why aren't you pushing me away?"

Nani's lips parted slightly, but this time, instead of a response, he simply sighed, closing his eyes for a brief second as if surrendering to the moment.

Sky took that as a victory.

Without another word, he pulled Nani even closer, resting his chin on his shoulder again. The water rippled softly around them, but neither of them moved to leave.

Neither of them wanted to.

The final morning of their trip arrived with a crisp breeze drifting through the air, carrying the soft scent of cherry blossoms and incense. After days of wandering through the bustling streets, indulging in food, and making memories, their group decided to spend their last day visiting a temple, one where they could offer prayers before returning home.

Dew and Tee were the ones most eager for this visit. They had been whispering about it since breakfast.

"You really want to pray for a baby, huh?" Win teased, elbowing Dew lightly as they walked toward the temple grounds.

Tee, who had been sipping his tea moments ago, nearly choked. His ears turned bright red as he glanced at Dew in shock.

Dew, usually quiet and reserved, simply nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I do."

Tee's face burned even hotter as he turned away, suddenly very interested in the temple architecture. The group burst into laughter at his reaction.

"I think it's sweet" Groya said, linking arms with Bright. "And besides, temples here have a strong energy. Who knows? Maybe your little 'DewTee' is already waiting for you."

Prim giggled beside her. "We should all pray for something."

Win, still carrying Ariya in his arms, turned to Sky and Nani with a teasing smirk. "What about you two? Gonna pray for another baby?"

Nani shot him a flat look. "I'll pray for you to shut up."

Sky laughed. "You should be the last one teasing us when Ariya clings to you like a baby bird."

Arya, resting comfortably in Win's arms, blinked up at them, clearly enjoying being carried around. "Uncle Win, don't fight with Papa," she said in her small voice, patting Win's cheek.

Win dramatically gasped. "Betrayed by my own princess!"

The group arrived at the temple's entrance, greeted by the scent of burning incense and the soft chime of bells as visitors moved through the sacred grounds. The air was peaceful, serene, a stark contrast to the laughter and teasing from earlier.

One by one, they each took their time stepping forward, hands pressed together in prayer. Dew and Tee stood side by side, their silent wishes held in the space between them. Prim and Win shared a glance, smiling softly before they, too, made their prayers. Groya and Bright exchanged a knowing look, while Sky, holding Ariya's small hands in his, helped her bow her head.

When it was just Sky and Nani left, Nani sighed. "You're really making me do this?"

Sky tilted his head at him. "What? Don't tell me you don't believe in making wishes?"

Nani let out a small huff but didn't argue. Instead, he stood beside Sky, closing his eyes as he pressed his hands together. He wasn't sure what to pray for, what to ask for his life, no matter how chaotic, felt full enough already.

Then, as if sensing his thoughts, Sky's fingers brushed against Nani's, warm and steady, before gently lacing them together. Nani blinked, glancing at him from the corner of his eye. Sky wasn't looking at the shrine anymore, his gaze was on him, soft and full of something unspoken, something that made Nani's heart slow for just a moment.

"Did you make your wish?" Sky asked, his voice a quiet murmur between them.

Nani hesitated, then let out a small breath. "I don't think I need to."

Sky tilted his head slightly, curious. Nani gave his hand a small squeeze. "Everything I want... I already have."

Sky's lips parted slightly, eyes widening just a little before a slow, radiant smile spread across his face, the kind that made his eyes crinkle at the corners, the kind that made Nani's chest feel too tight in the best way.

Neither of them spoke after that. They just stood there for a moment longer, hands clasped, warmth shared between them amidst the sacred stillness of the temple.

Outside, their friends were already waiting.

Win, still carrying Ariya, watched them with a teasing smirk, but for once, he didn't say anything just rocked Ariya slightly in his arms, as if letting her see the moment too.

Groya sighed dramatically, resting her head against Bright's shoulder. "You know, they're not the only married couple in this group, but somehow, they still manage to make everyone jealous of their love life."

Bright chuckled. "It's almost unfair."

Prim giggled softly. "It's like watching a drama, but the really good kind."

Dew and Tee exchanged a glance, both smiling knowingly. Tee leaned closer to Dew, whispering, "They'll probably stay like that forever if we don't call them."

Dew chuckled but didn't move to interrupt. Instead, they all stood there, watching with quiet affection, as if they knew this moment wasn't just about a prayer, it was about two people who had already found everything they needed in each other.

--

Two weeks had passed since their trip to Japan, and life had settled back into its usual rhythm. But today, the atmosphere at Nani's mansion was livelier than ever. Everyone had gathered in the grand living room, lounging comfortably while Ariya ran around with Win, giggling as he lifted her up and spun her in circles.

Sky sat on the couch, watching them fondly while peeling an orange for Ariya, while Nani leaned back beside him, quietly observing the chaos with a small, amused smile.

Tee had been oddly quiet the entire evening, fidgeting with his fingers. Dew, sitting close to him, kept glancing at him with an encouraging look, as if silently telling him to say something.

Finally, after what felt like forever, Tee exhaled sharply and blurted out, "I'm pregnant."

Silence.

Everyone froze. Even Ariya, mid-chomp on an orange slice, blinked up at Tee in confusion.

Win, being Win, was the first to react. "Wait, what?" He leaned forward, eyes wide. "Did you just, did I hear that right?"

Tee groaned, rubbing his temples. "No, you idiot, I meant we are having a baby. Dew and I. I just ugh, you know what I mean!"

The room erupted into chaos.

Prim gasped, hands flying to her mouth. "Oh my god, really?!"

Groya practically squealed, shaking Dew's arm. "You guys! This is amazing!"

Bright grinned, clapping Dew on the back. "Congrats, man. You're gonna be a dad."

Win, still processing, turned to Dew with exaggerated suspicion. "Was this the result of that temple visit? Did you pray too hard?"

Dew chuckled, his usual calm expression soft with joy. "Maybe. Or maybe it was just meant to be."

Sky reached out to squeeze Tee's hand. "This is incredible! How are you feeling?"

Tee, despite his earlier nerves, finally allowed himself to smile. "Honestly? A little terrified. But also... really, really happy."

Nani finally spoke. "You'll be great parents" he said simply, his voice steady but inside, his thoughts were anything but.

Because lately... something had been different.

Nani had noticed subtle changes in himself. Fatigue creeping in earlier than usual, his appetite shifting in strange ways, and most unsettling of all, the faintest nausea in the mornings. It was nothing concrete, nothing he could be sure of yet, but the thought had crossed his mind more than once.

Could it be...?

No. He shook the thought away. It was too soon to jump to conclusions. He didn't want to say anything until he was certain. Until then, he would keep it to himself.

As laughter and excitement filled the mansion, Nani placed a hand over his stomach absentmindedly. A small part of him wondered... if Tee and Dew were welcoming a new life into their world, could he be, too?