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It had been months since a curious encounter led to the situation in which Idia found himself in.
Reaching for a book in the library, an old favorite from middle school he wished to revisit, he bumped into someone who happened to be reaching for the same book.
"Ah! Riddle-dono! Sorry!"
Idia had jumped back from the bookshelf, eyeing the redhead cautiously.
"Ah, it's my fault! You don't need to apologize."
Little did the two know this encounter would bring them together.
As Idia found out that, Riddle also wanted to reread that book for nostalgia, it having been one of the first books he was allowed to read purely for pleasure in his middle school years.
They excitedly discussed the book, and Idia suggested some media to Riddle that was similar that he might also enjoy.
Riddle had been opened up to a new world he never thought he could experience. Anime, manga and video games were things his mother would never have allowed, would have claimed they were a waste of time. But with Idia's help, he learned just how these art forms can create worlds and stories that captivate you and refuse to let you go. How they can make hearts soar, make tears flow, or make blood boil.
And little did Idia know the feelings the redhead had developed. A fluttering heart and stomach. A sickenly sweet feeling that makes you want to both giggle your lungs into bursting and vomit your guts out. The feeling that makes you want to rip out your eyes around a person as to not get flustered at the sight of them. A love that makes you ill in the most beautiful of ways.
And his feelings were unknowingly returned. Idia's heart pounded around the redhead. The way he could pull him out of his comfort zone and show him that he isn't what his fears make him out to be. He went from preferring to be alone to always craving Riddle's company.
Idia, under that illness of the heart, poured his feelings into a note. Every last word was meticulously chosen. He must get this right.
His stomach was in knots. He thought 'What if he doesn't like me back? What if he thinks I'm a freak? What if he hates me for this?'
As much as his worries overwhelmed him he knew he had to get these feelings out before his heart bursted at the seams. With as much love as someone could muster and then some, he carefully folded the note and tucked it into the cover of a manga he planned to lend to Riddle.
When he gave Riddle the manga, his hands shook and he hoped his cheeks weren't as red as it felt like they were. After he gave Riddle the manga, the redhead gave him the one he borrowed before back along with a cute envelope with a rose seal.
Back at his room, he anxiously opened up the envelope, heart pounding like a drum. He pulled out the letter, carefully unfolded it and read.
Tears started to stream down his face, warm tears of joy. The feelings the redhead poured out onto the page matched his.