Chapter Text
"Ryu, can you take a picture with me for my insta? I don't want it to just be me, Ii always feel weird when I post just pics of me."
"Ryu, do you wanna be in my next skit? I have the perfect roll for you,"
"Ryu, picture? I need to promo my next short but don't want to post a screencap."
"Hey, let's get a date night picture, and then we can get one when we meet up with-"
"Picture? Please?"
"Hey Ryu, I need-"
After a month of nearly daily requests for photographs, Ryu snaps.
"Hey, Ryu, can we take-"
"No."
Chikara freezes, phone in hand, and looks over at his boyfriend. "Huh?"
"I don't want to take a picture with you. I don't want to be shown off on your instagram again, I don't want to help with a skit, I don't want you to show me off in a video- I don't want to. Got it?"
"Ryu, where is this coming from?" Chikara asks indignantly, as if he isn't the cause of the outburst.
"Am I just a big PR stunt to you, Chikara? Some hunky eye candy to draw people to follow your socials and watch your shit?" There's real pain in Ryu's voice, and Chikara feels sick to his stomach. When he doesn't answer right away, Ryu stands and starts towards the door, pulling his shoes on roughly. Chikara follows immediately behind, his eyes wide.
"Come on, Ryu, let's talk-"
"You know, for someone who 'just writes scripts' you're pretty good at acting. I thought I meant more to you." Ryu snaps, and Chikara's heart breaks.
"You do! You're so important to me. You've been such a big part of my life, I love-"
"I don't wanna hear it right now. Just- here's your key. Maybe we can talk when you're over using me for free promo."
A brass key connected to a little camera keychain is thrust into Chikara's hands, and he makes a noise of protest, fumbling to clutch it to his chest. Ryu is halfway out the door by time Chikara processes any of what's going on and he reaches out, taking Ryu's wrist in a firm grip. Ryu freezes despite himself.
"Ryu wait."
“...What?”
“I...I wanted more pictures with you because I’m working on a photo book for our anniversary. I just kept saying it was for instagram so you wouldn't be suspicious. Not because I wanted to promote videos or get more followers for having a hot boyfriend, even though you are hot," Ryu's cheeks flush, "I love you and want to have memories on paper, not just online. Have you even seen my instagram for the last month? I only posted, like, half of those pictures."
When Chikara feels brave enough to look at his lover's face, Ryu's mouth is open to form a small 'o,' his eyes wide.
"...I honestly haven't even checked. I- A photo book? Our anniversary isn't until August. It's march."
"Why do you think I've been collecting pictures? So there's enough to fill a book in August when I would've printed it. We barely took any pictures in the three years we've been together." Chikara murmurs, pouting. His hand still hasn't let go of Ryu's wrist, scared that if he let go he'd turn and leave. "I didn't mean to hurt you, Ryu."
Ryu softens, wriggling his wrist out of Chikara's hold so he can grab his hand, using his other hand to cup Chikara's face. "I really fucked up, didn't I?" He asks lightly, and Chikara laughs.
"I think we both did."
"I'm sorry for over reacting, Chikara. I'll gladly smile for any picture you want, okay?"
Chikara leans in and kisses him.
"And I'm sorry I was being pushy. I'll back off a little bit."
"I'm sorry for ruining your surprise."
"Ryu," Chikara murmurs, lips still pressed to the corner of Ryu's mouth. Ryu hums, questioning. "Quit apologizing and kiss me."
Ryu snorts.
"I think I can do that."