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“You seem to be in a good mood these days, Arishima! What’s putting that smile on your face?”
Doppo was hoping his friend would reply with something like, ‘Oh.. its nothing, Doppo-san!’ as he struggled to make eye contact, ears turning pink.
But, maybe he was asking for too much. For now, at least.
“Ah, Doppo-san. You might have known this, but the librarian has been preparing for a foreign records expedition. I am anxious, but maybe this giddiness is from joy.”
Arishima was blushing! Why was he so... happy about this particular book delve? He wasn’t the type to enjoy a fight. What, or who was he looking forward to? Doppo’s eyebrows twitched. Even though the other man wasn’t all bubbly because of him, he plastered on a smile anyway. Arishima always deserved the special Doppo treatment, and now, he was going to lay it on extra thick.
“You’re quite strong now. You’ve gotten great at using a gun too! I’m sure you can handle the battles just fine.” He gave a shoulder pat, but the smile received seemed like it was out of courtesy.
“Perhaps... But I’d be delighted if I can even fight, for just a second’s glimpse of him. ” Arishima sighed.
Who the fuck??? Doppo lips also twitched. His journalist instincts kicked in (and so did his sadistic streak). He could just ask the librarian for details on this very enchanting book delve, but he’d rather hear it from the writer before him. After all, one could capture (maybe manipulate) emotions too, when directly interviewing. A blunt “How do you feel?” was something only socially stunted Shimazaki would ask. In contrast, Doppo-san was the master of subtlety, and seduced answers from his subject. Hopefully this line of questions, no, this friendly conversation, could lead to some other seduction too… Doppo salivated a bit, but he quickly regained his focus.
“Oh wow! And who’s this guy you’re so looking forward to?” Tinting words with sultriness, and with a light arm touch, Doppo added, “I’m always thrilled to know about your tastes.”
That move had no obvious effect.
Arishima took the roundabout, and said dreamily, “You’d love to hear about this too, since you’re also a fan of Russian literature.”
Doppo was already thinking about asking Shimei to teach him how to say, “Back off—he’s mine,” in Russian. He would only forgive the mystery writer if he were Turgenev. But still, he feigned happiness for his happy friend.
“Wow! Shimei must have gone crazy with this announcement!” Doppo exclaimed. He probably would have too, on a normal day, but his friend’s reaction irritated him. Also, he only brought up Futabatei to stir some jealousy, but Arishima was unfazed.
“Yes, the librarian told him first. He went straight to Roka, who sought out Mushanokouji, who then finally told me.” He ended this sentence with a flutter of his eyelids. His lashes were long enough to cast shadows on red cheeks. Doppo knew just who could make Arishima blush like that. He silently groaned—there was no way he could compare to Tolstoy .
Tolstoy was (and still is) one of the greatest writers of all time, and a key inspiration to those White Birch guys. Doppo gritted teeth under his charming smile. Heck, he would be crushing too! That man better not look as hot as him.
“Woah, Tolstoy, huh? I know he had a big impact on your life.”
“Yes… We anticipate Dostoyevsky as well. But him …” Arishima lowered his gaze. “You could say that I even love him.”
“Haha, he might have an unexpected personality! Maybe you should get to know him first.” Doppo made sure he said that jokingly (he was serious) and gave a playful nudge.
“Certainly. I meant I love his works, and his philosophy.” A completely sober answer, yet… he sounded kind of embarrassed.
“And what about mine? How’s my writing?” Doppo gave a wink.
“Of course I enjoy yours too!”
“And my personality?”
Arishima seemed flustered. It was a cheap shot, but it worked.
“Don’t tease me like this, Doppo-san... You should already know what I think.”
“You should tell me anyway.” He trailed a finger down the man’s sleeve, but Arishima cowered from the touch.
“Fine, I like you, Doppo,” he said quietly. “I’m just very excited for Tolstoy, as his long-time admirer. Won’t you just be happy for me?”