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The sun was setting, signalling the end of the day. All the club activities were coming to a close. Atsushi had cleaning duty that day and was waiting for his assigned partner. His cheerful disposition turned sour as soon as he saw the other person walking up to him. No, to call him a person would be implying that he even had a heart.
Akutagawa didn’t acknowledge his presence; he merely picked up the broom and started sweeping the corridor. Atsushi couldn’t help but sigh. Ever since they had started high school, their relationship had become so awkward.
Atsushi could remember fondly the days when they were both kids and spent days doodling and making up stories of kingdoms and fairies. Even though it was complete nonsense once he recollected it, it had still brought them a lot of amusement. Atsushi didn’t want to admit it, but he still had those books safely under his bed.
Those embarrassing dreams were far better than the deadly silence between them now.
Atsushi tried to defuse the tension by asking, “How have you been?”
“Fine,” came the curt response. And they were back to square one.
After a bit, Atsushi tried to pick up the conversation again. “How is the kendo club going?”
“Fine.”
Really, this guy was starting to get on his nerves. He was the one who pushed Atsushi away, yet he was acting like the victim.
When they were done sweeping the floors, they had to mop it. Atsushi went to get a bucket of water, surprised to see that Akutagawa had also fetched a bucket of water.
“Why did you get the bucket of water? You saw me go to get it,” Atsushi said
“I could say the same to you.”
“Do you like making me look like a fool?” Atsushi grumbled. Ever since he joined the track team Akutagawa had started treating him differently. Was he mad that they weren’t together? Well, he was being childish!
“I don’t need to make you look like a fool, you are one,” Akutagawa replied, coughing a little into his hand.
Atsushi’s brow twitched. “Are you sure you left kendo? You still seem to have a stick up your ass.”
“Well at least I didn’t run away to the track and field team for Dazai-senpai!”
Wait what? Atsushi’s eyes widened. Why did Dazai get involved in this conversation? Could it be that…
“Do you like Dazai?”Atsushi said simply, but the words hit Akutagawa hard.
Ah, that explains the jealousy...Dazai took it upon himself to mentor Atsushi’s progress. No wonder Akutagawa thought that Atsushi was being rude. He unknowingly got close to Akutagawa’s crush.
“Well if you want, I can introdu-”
“It’s not Dazai.”
“Eh?” was all that Atsushi could say.
“It...it’s you.”
Atsushi was silent for a bit. Oh...so he thought Atsushi wanted to be with Dazai.
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“Because you looked happy with him. I thought you wanted to be with him.”
“But I missed being around you.” Atsushi replied. Akutagawa’s cheeks turned slightly pink.
“It seems like there was a misunderstanding then…”
“Can we start over?” they said in unison, before bursting out laughing. They resumed cleaning the floor, deciding to catch up over some cake and tea after they were done.