Disclaimer: Must be love on the brain, eh?
I lied; this is not a two-shot story. I do hope you enjoy it.
4:00 am.
Rei lies in her bed the following morning, staring at the ceiling, but her thoughts are nowhere near the quiet, restful place she hoped they'd be. Instead, her mind is consumed by the events of the night—particularly that kiss. The way Jadeite's lips felt against hers, warm and assertive, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. The intensity of it still lingers, like the faintest trace of fire that refuses to fade. She can't stop replaying it, each time with a new layer of feeling, as if each moment of that kiss held a meaning she can't fully grasp yet.
She tosses and turns, the sheets tangled around her, but sleep remains elusive. The room feels too quiet, too still. Every time she closes her eyes, she sees his face—his green eyes, the way they softened when they locked onto hers. His calm confidence. That sly, knowing smile he had when they shared that moment outside the club.
Why can't I just let it go?
She shakes her head slightly, trying to dispel the thoughts, but they stick to her like they're part of her now. Rei's always been the type to compartmentalize, to control her emotions and her impulses, yet here she is, lost in a kiss. A kiss with a man she barely knows.
But he—Jadeite—has somehow woven his way into her mind. She doesn't know why. There are other men, certainly, ones with their own charm, but this… this felt different. There was something about him that both intrigued and unsettled her.
She wonders what it would be like to see him again. To get to know him, maybe. But no matter how many scenarios she imagines, she can't picture anything beyond that kiss, that heat that flared so suddenly between them. It feels like a dream, but the feeling of it—so real, so vivid—sticks with her.
Rei closes her eyes again, squeezing them shut as if trying to will herself into sleep. The last few hours have been a whirlwind, and she just needs to calm down. But when she opens her eyes, Jadeite's image is still there, haunting her thoughts. She sighs, her hand moving to her forehead as she rubs away the lingering tension.
The truth is, she knows exactly what she's feeling. She's never been one to let emotions rule her, but for the first time in a while, she finds herself caught off guard. She's not sure if it's just the physical chemistry or something deeper—a connection that's there, but one she doesn't understand yet. And as much as she might try to push the thoughts away, she can't deny that a part of her is eager for whatever might come next, even if she doesn't have a clue what that will be.
With a soft groan, Rei swings her legs off the bed and stands, determined to shake off the disquiet that clings to her like a second skin. She heads toward the window, drawing the curtains back to let the eventual sunlight flood in. But she can't help but wonder… Will I see him again?
Rei walks to the kitchen, her movements automatic, as if her body is on autopilot. The quiet of the apartment feels strangely suffocating after the whirlwind of the night. She opens the fridge and stares at its contents, trying to focus on something simple, something that will bring her back to the routine of her day, even though her mind is still firmly anchored in last night's events.
Eggs. She can make scrambled eggs. Maybe with some toast and avocado if she's feeling a little fancy. It's something simple, and simple is what she needs right now.
She pulls the eggs from the fridge, the coolness of them a brief distraction from the heat still simmering in her chest. The thought of Jadeite keeps bubbling up, unbidden, and she can't seem to stop it. His face. His voice. That kiss. Her mind, as much as she tries to focus on the task at hand, keeps drifting back to him.
As she cracks the eggs into a bowl, Rei sighs quietly to herself. This is ridiculous, she thinks. Why am I even thinking about him?
But it's too late now. The kiss has imprinted itself on her memory, and no amount of scrambled eggs or toast will erase that.
She whisks the eggs together, her motions quick and sharp, trying to distract herself. As the pan heats up, she wonders if he's doing the same thing—sitting somewhere, his mind drifting back to last night. Or maybe he's already forgotten. It's not like he owed her anything. It was just a kiss, after all.
Still, a nagging part of her wonders if it was anything more to him. If it meant something, or if it was just a passing moment for him, a temporary spark in an otherwise chaotic night. She shakes her head slightly, pushing the thought aside. She can't get wrapped up in wondering about something she can't control. Not today.
The eggs begin to sizzle as she pours them into the pan, the sound filling the quiet space of her kitchen. She focuses on the soft scramble, adding a bit of seasoning, a little butter. It's simple, but it's grounding. She tries to focus entirely on the task, not letting her mind wander, but it's a battle. Every time she moves the eggs around the pan, Jadeite's face flashes before her eyes.
She pauses, the spatula hovering over the eggs for just a moment. What if he doesn't want to see me again?
The thought stings more than it should, and she quickly turns back to the pan, focusing on the eggs once more.
Breakfast. One thing at a time.
At a decent hour and after Rei showered and chugged two cups of coffee, Rei pulls out her phone and hesitates for a moment, her fingers hovering over the screen. She knows Minako's the one who could talk her through this, even if she has to deal with the occasional interesting details about Minako's relationships. Rei taps out a quick message:
Hey, Minako. You free today? I need to talk about something. Hope I'm not interrupting any... activities.
She hits send and immediately winces, wondering if she's just set herself up for a barrage of detail-heavy responses. But she quickly dismisses the thought. She needs Minako's perspective—no matter what the conversation might entail.
A few minutes later, the phone buzzes with a reply:
Of course! You know I'm always free for you. And don't worry about Kunzite. He's out for the day. And the couch? You're safe.
Rei smiles a little, feeling relieved. Minako always knows how to keep things light, even when the situation feels heavy.
Perfect. I'll be over in a bit. Thanks, Minako.
As she slips on her shoes and grabs her bag, she can't help but feel a little lighter. She might not have answers yet, but she knows Minako will help her make sense of it all. And in the end, that's what really matters.
Rei approaches Minako's condo with her usual sense of purpose, but as she nears the door, she freezes mid-step. Outside the building, Minako and Kunzite are standing together, but there's an unmistakable tension in the air. Kunzite stands with his arms crossed, his posture rigid, and that one particularly noticeable vein in his forehead is popping out—clearly indicating that something has gone awry. Minako, on the other hand, is gesturing with her hands, her expression calm but filled with that characteristic mix of exasperation and lightheartedness Rei knows so well.
Rei hesitates, her curiosity piqued. The air between them is thick, and for the first time, she wonders just what kind of drama could have unfolded to lead to this moment. They stand outside, like they're trying to avoid being inside—an unusual choice, considering the warmth and comfort of the condo just beyond the door.
"Minako?" Rei calls, stepping forward with a small wave.
Minako turns around quickly, a bright smile instantly replacing any trace of tension. "Rei!" she exclaims, practically bouncing over to her with a gleam of relief in her eyes. "You made it! We're just—uh—talking things through." She glances over at Kunzite, who shoots her a sidelong look that doesn't seem like it's finished with whatever discussion they were having.
Rei raises an eyebrow, eyeing the scene carefully. "Talking things through, huh?" she asks, her voice laced with curiosity. "What's going on? You two standing out here like you're waiting for a storm to pass..."
Minako laughs, though it's a little forced. "Oh, it's nothing. Just a little... coffee pot incident." She waves her hand dismissively, but the tension in Kunzite's posture doesn't ease, and the vein in his forehead refuses to budge.
Rei looks between them, her mind racing to piece it together. Coffee pot? She's seen these two go through their share of moments, but the last time she checked, coffee didn't usually cause this kind of tension.
"Really?" Rei asks with a smirk, stepping a little closer. "A coffee pot? I thought it was a much bigger deal than that from the look on Kunzite's face."
Minako lets out a soft chuckle, though it's clear there's more to the situation than she's letting on. "Well, Kunzite's very particular about his coffee. And—" She looks over her shoulder at him again, then back at Rei, "—let's just say I may have accidentally used the wrong settings on the machine, and now he's insisting we get a new one, but I told him it's not a big deal!"
Rei raises an eyebrow, her suspicions growing. "You're standing outside because of a coffee pot?"
Kunzite, who's been eerily quiet up until this point, uncrosses his arms and takes a step forward, his gaze cool but still frustrated. "The coffee pot was a big deal," he says with a certain finality, his voice calm but edged with a barely contained irritation. "It was an important part of my morning routine, Minako."
Minako lets out an exaggerated sigh, rolling her eyes. "Oh, please. It's just coffee. We'll get a new one. I promise it won't be ruined."
Rei watches them, sensing the deeper tension beneath the surface, and her mind can't help but wander to the potential real story behind this odd moment. The coffee pot was just the trigger, but what had actually caused this? She couldn't help but laugh softly at the absurdity of it all, even though she's dying to know more.
"Alright, alright," Rei says with a chuckle. "But before I step inside, I think I need a full rundown of what happened here. I'm not buying that this is just about coffee."
Minako looks at Kunzite, then back to Rei, her expression softening. "You know how it is, Rei," she says with a wink. "Sometimes, coffee pots are the breaking point."
Rei simply shakes her head, amused and intrigued. Whatever happened inside the condo, she's certain it's going to make for one entertaining story.
Minako and Kunzite's condo strikes a perfect balance between cozy comfort and modern elegance. The moment you step through the door, you're greeted by an inviting, warm atmosphere, the kind that feels like a sanctuary from the outside world. The space is open and airy, with large windows that let in plenty of natural light, bathing the rooms in soft, golden hues. The view from the windows is of a quiet cityscape, offering just the right amount of serenity.
The living room has plush, overstuffed couches in neutral tones, with bright, colorful throw pillows scattered casually across them. A large, soft rug sprawls across the hardwood floors, giving the room a homey, lived-in feel. The coffee table is sleek and minimalistic, its surface just a little cluttered with books, a few decorative pieces, and a coffee cup or two that still hold the remnants of late-night conversations.
On one wall, there's a modern touch—a beautifully framed piece of abstract art that stands out, adding a pop of color and sophistication. A floor-to-ceiling bookshelf lines another wall, packed with a mix of books, plants, and knick-knacks that reflect Minako's playful personality and Kunzite's more subdued tastes.
The kitchen is open to the living area, with a polished, modern design—stainless steel appliances, smooth countertops, and sleek cabinets. It's not overly done; it's functional and stylish, with a few touches that give it character, like a bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of wildflowers on the counter.
The place feels lived-in but not cluttered, organized but with a touch of personality in the details—a mixture of Minako's vibrant, artistic energy and Kunzite's more refined and understated sense of style. It's a place that feels like both a retreat and a space for creativity, a perfect blend of cozy home and modern living.
Kunzite's parting words hanging in the air like an electric current, Rei feels a slight flush rise to her cheeks, though she tries to mask it with a casual glance around the room. "I'll see you later," Kunzite had said, his voice low and pointed, a promise that made Minako's cheeks pink as well. The way he had said it, his gaze sharp and intense, left no doubt in Rei's mind about what he meant. The image of the playful yet threatening words lingers in her mind as the door clicks shut behind him.
Rei shifts her attention, trying to ignore the lingering feeling of discomfort, as Minako, unfazed, heads toward the kitchen with a small, knowing smile. But Rei's thoughts are still replaying Kunzite's threat, and she desperately tries to shake off the mental image of what that might entail.
She glances around the living room, hoping to distract herself. The couch where they'll be sitting later looks inviting, but as she scans the space, her eyes fall on the coffee table—and sure enough, there it is. The coffee pot. Or, rather, what's left of it. It looks… less like a coffee pot and more like a crime scene. The top of it is missing, a large crack runs down its side, and the glass pot part is shattered, with small pieces of ceramic scattered around the area. It's clear the coffee pot did not survive whatever intense interaction it had with Minako and Kunzite this morning.
Rei raises an eyebrow at the sight, chuckling despite herself. Now it makes sense.
Minako returns to the living room, her movements light and relaxed, completely at ease despite the tension still simmering from Kunzite's parting words. She drops onto the couch beside Rei and stretches out, looking every bit the image of someone who has no cares in the world. But Rei can sense a shift in Minako's demeanor—her usual playful energy subdued, as if she can feel the weight of the moment settling in.
"So," Minako says with a sigh, glancing at Rei sideways. "I'm guessing you heard that. Not exactly subtle, was he?"
Rei, still trying to shake off the image of Kunzite's parting threat, gives a noncommittal shrug, but her mind still lingers on the intensity of his tone. She hesitates before responding, unsure if she wants to bring up the subject at all.
"Yeah, I heard," Rei admits with a small, awkward laugh. She shifts on the couch, suddenly feeling the weight of her own thoughts pressing down on her. Maybe I should've come up with a better excuse to talk to Minako today, she thinks. She had intended to get advice, but now, with the atmosphere charged with that lingering tension, it feels like a much heavier conversation is needed.
Minako, ever perceptive, picks up on Rei's hesitance immediately. She turns her full attention to her, eyes softening with concern. "Hey, what's going on? You look like something's on your mind."
Rei opens her mouth to answer, but her words falter. She wasn't sure how to bring it up—her feelings about him, and what happened last night, are still swirling around inside her, threatening to spill out in a mess of confusion.
"I—" Rei starts, then stops, unsure how to articulate the jumble of thoughts. "I need advice... but I don't know where to start."
Minako shifts, leaning in slightly, her eyes sparkling with genuine curiosity. "Hey, you can tell me anything," she reassures Rei with a soft smile. "What's on your mind?"
Rei exhales slowly, then finally speaks, her voice quieter than usual. "I met someone last night… someone who... I don't know. It's just—he is all I've been thinking about. And I'm not sure why, because it wasn't supposed to be anything. But after last night, I can't stop thinking about him."
Minako leans back on the couch, her eyes widening slightly as Rei finishes explaining what happened. The way Rei describes it—how she kissed this man, Jadeite, after only knowing him for a couple of hours—leaves Minako blinking in disbelief. It's as if Rei has just told her she's taken up skydiving on a whim or started writing poetry about her feelings.
Minako blinks, then glances at Rei with an exasperated but amused expression, her lips quirking into a smile despite the concern she feels. "Wait, wait, wait. You—you kissed him?" she repeats, like she's trying to wrap her mind around the idea. "After just an hour or two of talking? That's... not really the Rei I know."
Rei winces slightly, feeling a little defensive. "I didn't plan for it to happen, okay? It just... happened. It was spontaneous," she says, her voice trailing off as she plays with the edge of a throw pillow in her lap. "He's... he's different. I don't know. I've never felt this way about anyone before, and I just—I don't know how to explain it."
Minako raises an eyebrow, clearly skeptical but trying not to be too judgmental. "Okay, hold on," she says, crossing her arms over her chest. "You, Rei Hino, the one who's always in control of every situation, just kissed a guy you barely knew because something in the air felt right? That's so not you."
Rei sighs, slumping a little as she lets the weight of Minako's words sink in. "I know, okay? It doesn't make any sense to me either. But... it felt like something. Like maybe I was meant to meet him or something ridiculous like that." She shakes her head, not quite sure how to put all the feelings into words. "It was just this... chemistry, you know? Like I couldn't stop myself."
Minako sits quietly for a moment, considering Rei's words. "So, you're telling me that the girl who never makes impulsive decisions, who always thinks things through, just kissed a guy she'd known for what, a couple of hours? And you're not freaking out about it? I think the world may have just tilted off its axis."
Rei feels a twinge of embarrassment. Minako's expression is part incredulous, part amused, but Rei knows her friend is trying to piece this together just as much as she is. "It's not that I'm not freaking out," Rei admits quietly, looking down at her hands. "I am. But... I can't stop thinking about him. And I don't even know if he feels the same way, but... it's like there's this pull. This connection. I don't know if it's crazy or not, but I can't shake it."
Minako's exasperated expression softens, her eyes glinting with understanding. She uncrosses her arms and leans forward a little. "Look, I get it. I do. You're feeling something real, and it's making you second-guess everything. But this isn't you, Rei. You've never been the type to just throw caution to the wind, to let your emotions take the wheel without thinking it through first."
Rei feels her face flush slightly at the honesty in Minako's voice. "I know, and I don't even know why I did it. I just... I didn't want to let the moment slip by. It was so intense."
Minako sighs dramatically, her hands flying up in a theatrical gesture. "Honestly, Rei, it's like you just turned a new leaf and nobody knew about it! Are we sure this isn't some wild rebellion phase you're going through? Or are you just trying to get me to live vicariously through you?" she teases, though there's no malice in her tone, only a mix of genuine curiosity and affectionate playfulness.
Rei chuckles weakly, feeling both flustered and slightly relieved at Minako's humor. "I don't know what's going on with me. Maybe I'm just... tired of always holding back? I just... wanted something different."
Minako's eyes soften as she watches Rei, her expression shifting from playful to more serious. "I get it. I really do. But, Rei, you need to think about what this guy means to you. Does he just seem exciting and new, or do you feel like this could be something real?" she asks, her tone gentle but probing.
Rei stares down at her hands, feeling the weight of Minako's question settle heavily on her chest. "I don't know," she admits, her voice quiet. "I'm not sure if I'm just caught up in the excitement or if there's really something there."
Minako leans back on the couch, considering her friend's words. After a beat, she smiles knowingly. "Well, whatever it is, you're gonna figure it out. But just make sure you're doing this for you, Rei. Not because of some moment of heat or passion. You deserve more than that."
Rei nods, feeling a bit more grounded with Minako's advice. "Yeah. You're right. I need to figure out if this is really what I want or if I'm just... I don't know, getting swept up in something."
Minako's smile widens, and she gives Rei a playful nudge. "That's the Rei I know," she says with a wink.
Rei bites her lip again, this time in contemplation. She wants to say something—anything—to make sense of the chaos swirling in her chest. But part of her fears putting herself out there. Because if it doesn't work out... if it's not what she hopes, then she's the one left exposed, vulnerable.
Minako watches her, waiting, and after a long pause, she adds, "And if you do decide to see him again, just make sure it's for the right reasons. Not just because of a kiss. But because you want something more. You deserve that."
Rei takes in Minako's words, feeling a little lighter but still unsure. She knows Minako's right. And yet, something about this situation with Jadeite feels different. The question is, what does she want from it? And more importantly, what does she need to do about it?
Jadeite sits at his desk, the manuscript before him a jumble of words he can barely focus on. His fingers absentmindedly brush across his lips, the sensation of Rei's kiss still fresh in his mind. He hadn't expected it to affect him this way. After all, he's no stranger to flirtations or fleeting moments of attraction. But the kiss—that kiss—has taken root in his thoughts and refuses to leave.
He stares at the pages in front of him, but his mind isn't on the words. It's replaying the moment over and over, the feeling of her lips pressing against his, the heat of the connection, the way her energy had matched his. The way she had pulled him closer, and the way it had felt like everything else had faded into the background.
He curses under his breath, frustrated with himself. Focus, Jadeite, he tells himself, but it's no use. His mind keeps drifting back to Rei. Her scent. Her gaze. The way she'd looked at him with those searching eyes, as if she was testing the waters just like he was. And when she kissed him… it was as though the world had narrowed to just the two of them.
The sudden warmth on his lips pulls him out of his thoughts, and he lets out a deep sigh, rubbing his fingers over the spot where she had kissed him. The softness, the unexpectedness of it. It hadn't been planned, yet it had felt so natural, like it was supposed to happen.
But why does it feel like he's been thrown into a whirlpool of emotions he's not sure how to navigate? He's not the kind of man who gets swept up in a kiss. Usually, he'd be able to compartmentalize these things, brush them off, and move on. But with Rei, something about her makes him… unsettled. In a way that is both alluring and irritating.
He glances at the clock on the wall, realizing he's spent more time staring at the manuscript than actually working on it. With a frustrated sigh, he pushes the papers aside and leans back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. Maybe it's time to step away from the desk. Get out of his head. Maybe some fresh air could clear things up.
But as he stands and heads toward the door, a thought lingers—what if Rei feels the same way? What if that kiss wasn't just a spontaneous reaction? What if it meant something to her too?
He shakes his head, trying to push the thought aside, but the idea gnaws at him. He hasn't been this unsure about someone in a long time, and it's both thrilling and unnerving.
All of his musings are interrupted.
Kunzite storms into Jadeite's office, his footsteps heavy and deliberate, his expression a storm of frustration. He doesn't knock—he never does—and he doesn't wait for an invitation. As soon as he steps inside, he begins pacing around the room, gesturing wildly with his hands, already venting before Jadeite can even fully process his entrance.
"You wouldn't believe it," Kunzite grumbles, his voice low and irritated. "This morning, Minako—Minako—decides she's going to 'fix' my coffee. The one coffee I have every morning. The one thing that keeps me sane before I have to face the day!" Kunzite's hands gesture toward the ceiling dramatically, as if the gods themselves are at fault for the disaster that ensued. "And what does she do? Breaks the damn coffee pot!"
Jadeite, who had been leaning back in his chair, raising an eyebrow, watches Kunzite pace back and forth across the office, clearly not done venting. "So, she broke it?" Jadeite asks casually, his voice dry, though a small smirk tugs at the corner of his lips.
"Not just broke it!" Kunzite continues, riled up now. "She completely destroyed it! I'm talking shattered glass, metal parts everywhere, probably melted the entire damn circuit." Kunzite runs a hand through his hair, clearly agitated. "And the worst part? She has the audacity to tell me not to worry about it. Like she didn't just destroy my soul along with the coffee pot! The woman is a disaster when it comes to appliances!" Kunzite lets out a frustrated sigh, and mutters something under his breath that's far too soft for Jadeite to make out.
Jadeite, who has been silently listening and watching his friend's performance with an amused expression, finally leans forward and looks Kunzite directly in the eye. "Let me get this straight, Kunzite," he says, his voice flat. "You're mad about the coffee pot… or are you just in love?"
Kunzite stops mid-rant, his mouth hanging slightly open in surprise. He stares at Jadeite for a moment, processing the question, before slowly raising an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?" Kunzite growls, clearly not impressed by the insinuation.
Jadeite shrugs nonchalantly, leaning back in his chair again, his hands folded behind his head. "Come on, man. It's obvious," he says, a playful grin curling at his lips. "All this frustration, all this pent-up energy over a coffee pot? That's not frustration. That's love." He lets out a low chuckle, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You've been putting up with Minako for years, and now you're really losing your cool over a broken kitchen appliance? Please, tell me you're not going to sit here and pretend you're not head over heels."
Kunzite's eyes narrow as he glares at Jadeite, his voice low and menacing. "Don't you dare start with me, Jadeite," he warns. But even as he says it, there's an undercurrent of amusement in his voice, a clear sign that he's not entirely immune to Jadeite's teasing.
Jadeite grins even wider, unfazed by Kunzite's stern tone. "Hey, I'm just calling it like I see it," he says with a shrug, clearly enjoying the playful jab. "You know, you've been living with her for a while now, and it's obvious that she's got you wrapped around her little finger. Don't try to hide it." He leans forward now, his tone shifting slightly, more knowing than before. "I think you like it that way, even when she drives you crazy."
Kunzite snorts, shaking his head in mock exasperation, though the corner of his mouth twitches upward in spite of himself. "You're a real piece of work, Jadeite," he mutters under his breath.
Jadeite watches him with a satisfied grin. He'd known that Kunzite's tough exterior hid something softer, but it was always fun to poke at him a little, especially when it came to Minako.
As Kunzite steps toward the door, he glances back, his expression still a little annoyed, but with a hint of fondness buried beneath the frustration. "You better watch it," Kunzite warns, pointing a finger in Jadeite's direction. "Next time, you won't get off so easy."
Jadeite just chuckles as Kunzite exits, knowing full well that despite Kunzite's grumbling, there's no real animosity behind it. After all, everyone knew that deep down, Kunzite wouldn't be able to live without Minako—and the coffee pot was just another casualty of that fact.
Kunzite pauses at the door, his hand resting on the frame as he turns back to Jadeite, realizing he hasn't properly apologized yet. "Oh, and by the way," he says with a hint of irritation still lingering in his voice, "I'm sorry I'm late. It's just... first, I have to deal with Minako completely ruining my morning coffee ritual, and then I had to explain to her friend, Rei, what happened, because apparently, Minako decided to play the 'innocent' card in front of her. So yeah, it's been one hell of a morning."
Jadeite's posture stiffens at the mention of Rei's name. He hadn't expected to hear it so soon after their brief encounter. His mind suddenly floods with memories of her—her kiss, the way she looked at him, the energy that felt so undeniable between them. But when Kunzite mentions Rei's name, something shifts in Jadeite's expression. His face pales almost instantly, and he leans forward with a sharp, intent look in his eyes.
"Wait... Rei?" Jadeite asks, his voice low, his tone far more serious than it had been before. He's no longer lounging in his chair, but now fully focused on Kunzite. His mind races as he asks, his curiosity pushing him to ask the question he can't hold back any longer. "Does she... have black hair and violet eyes?"
Kunzite freezes, caught off guard by the sudden intensity in Jadeite's voice. He stares at his friend, his brow furrowing as he tries to process the reaction. "Yeah... that's her. Rei Hino. Why do you...?"
Jadeite's expression is unreadable for a moment, his gaze distant as his thoughts swirl. His lips part slightly, but no words come out as he tries to maintain composure, despite the shock that has clearly taken over him. The world feels like it's momentarily paused—Kunzite's words echoing in his head as he pieces things together. The Rei he kissed... is the same Rei Kunzite is talking about. The connection is undeniable, and Jadeite can't seem to shake the sudden flood of emotions that overwhelm him.
Kunzite, still standing by the door, watches Jadeite with growing curiosity. "Well?" he asks, his voice laced with suspicion. "What's going on? You know her, don't you?"
Jadeite's hand grips the edge of his desk as he processes the question, his mind trying to make sense of the unexpected twist. He looks back at Kunzite, now fully aware that the situation has taken a very personal turn for him. "It's... complicated," he finally mutters, his voice quieter than before.
Kunzite's curiosity deepens. "Complicated?" he repeats, his eyes narrowing. "What does that mean? I can tell something's up."
Jadeite takes a deep breath, trying to collect himself before answering. He's not sure what to make of the strange emotions roiling within him, but he knows one thing for sure: Kunzite doesn't know the full story. "I met her last night," he says, his words measured, but a slight tension in his voice betrays the deeper feelings he's not yet ready to confront. "We... we talked. And, well, we had a... moment."
Kunzite's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but he doesn't interrupt. His gaze flicks to Jadeite's lips, which seem to carry an almost imperceptible trace of a smile. "A moment?" Kunzite repeats, clearly not buying the cryptic answer. "You're telling me you kissed her?"
Jadeite's eyes flick back to Kunzite, and for a moment, his gaze hardens. "Yeah," he admits after a beat, the word coming out almost reluctantly. "I kissed her. And now I'm... trying to make sense of it."
Kunzite stands there in stunned silence, processing what Jadeite just said. "Well, damn," he mutters under his breath. "I did not expect this."
Jadeite's tone softens slightly as he continues. "It's... not what I expected either. And I know it doesn't make any sense, but the thing is, after meeting her... I can't stop thinking about her."
Kunzite's mouth curls into a knowing smirk, though his eyes remain slightly wary. "Ah, so now it makes sense. You're hooked. Well, that didn't take long."
Jadeite scowls slightly, a mix of frustration and realization clouding his expression. "I don't know if it's that simple, Kunzite. But I can't ignore what happened between us. And now she's... Minako's friend."
Kunzite chuckles darkly, clearly amused by Jadeite's predicament. "Sounds like you're tangled up in it already, and you barely know her."
Jadeite's gaze sharpens. "I don't know yet, Kunzite. I'm not sure if it's a mess... or if it could turn into something more."
Kunzite raises an eyebrow at Jadeite's words, clearly intrigued by the shift in his friend's attitude. "Well, don't say I didn't warn you. But if you're serious about figuring this out, maybe you should stop sitting around and start doing something about it."
Jadeite sits back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah. Maybe I will." His eyes flicker back to Kunzite, who is still standing near the door.
"Can you get me her number?"
Kunzite stops dead in his tracks as Jadeite's request hits him like a freight train. His eyes widen in disbelief, his mouth hanging open in utter confusion. He stares at his friend for a long moment, his brow furrowed as though trying to piece together what he's just heard.
"Wait—what?" Kunzite asks, his voice incredulous. "You're asking me to get her number? After all that? After you two locked lips like... that? Are you seriously telling me you didn't get her number?"
Jadeite's face pales slightly, and he shifts uncomfortably in his seat, clearly caught off guard by Kunzite's blunt reaction. His lips press into a thin line, trying to find an explanation, but it comes out clumsier than he anticipated. "I... I didn't think it was the right time. It was spontaneous, and things... got intense. I didn't—"
Kunzite raises an eyebrow, his disbelief turning into outright exasperation. "That's an understatement." He lets out a sharp laugh, shaking his head. "You kissed her like you were starving for air and didn't get her number? Are you out of your damn mind, Jadeite?"
Jadeite winces slightly at the words, realizing how ridiculous it must sound. He leans forward, his hands gripping the desk as though it might anchor him in the face of Kunzite's amusement. "I don't know, okay? It wasn't like that. It felt... different."
Kunzite narrows his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. "Different?" He mimics Jadeite's tone with a teasing smirk. "So, you're telling me you kissed a woman who clearly left an impression on you, and you didn't even get her number? What the hell, Jadeite?"
Jadeite's face flushes, his usual calm demeanor slipping slightly. He exhales through his nose in frustration. "Look, Kunzite, I wasn't planning on it and I... I didn't think about it. I just wanted to leave it at that. I didn't want to come off as desperate or—"
"Desperate?" Kunzite cuts him off, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Desperate? Dude, you kissed her! And now you're acting like you're too cool to ask for her number?" He shakes his head again, clearly baffled. "I swear, sometimes you act like you're from another planet. You want to see her again, right?"
Jadeite hesitates, the question hanging in the air like a weight. Of course, he wants to see her again. Of course, he can't stop thinking about her. But how does he even begin to explain that to Kunzite, especially with his own pride tangled up in the mess of it all? He runs a hand through his hair, clearly agitated. "I do... But I'm not sure how to approach it. I don't want to seem like I'm chasing after something... I don't know, fleeting."
Kunzite rolls his eyes dramatically, dropping his head back with a groan. "Fleeting? Jadeite, you don't know how to chase anything. You can't even chase a number after locking lips with someone. If that's not a sign that something's worth going after, I don't know what is."
"It's just... I don't know if I'm ready for whatever this could turn into."
Kunzite scoffs. "You're overthinking it." He leans forward, his expression turning a bit more serious as he meets Jadeite's gaze. "You had a connection with her, Jadeite. Don't let your head mess it up. You want to see her again? Call her. Don't waste time second-guessing yourself."
Jadeite stares at him, unsure of how to respond. The weight of Kunzite's words hits him harder than expected. Maybe it is that simple. Maybe he's just been avoiding the inevitable because he's not sure what he even wants out of it.
But the truth is, he hasn't been able to stop thinking about Rei. And maybe Kunzite is right—he has to stop overthinking it and just take the leap.
Finally, Jadeite nods, albeit reluctantly. "Fine. I'll call her. Please get me her number."
Kunzite grins, clearly pleased with himself for breaking through Jadeite's hesitation. "Good," he says with a smirk. "I'll be waiting for the next round of complaints when she knocks you off your feet."
Jadeite gives him a flat look, but the smallest smile tugs at his lips. "You're something else, you know that?"
Kunzite shrugs, his grin widening. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But hey, I'm just helping you out. No need to thank me... yet."
As Kunzite leaves the room, Jadeite sits back in his chair, his thoughts swirling. The door clicks shut behind him, and Jadeite's mind goes straight to Rei once more. The way he wants to see her again, even if he doesn't quite know what to expect.