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Akira had never confessed to Yusuke. It wasn’t a big deal.
He could have confessed at any time.
He could have confessed when Yusuke took him for a ride on the boats at Inokashira Park. Lord knows the mood would have been right...had Yusuke not assumed a pair of siblings were a couple and made it awkward for everyone involved. So he said nothing.
He could have confessed when Yusuke dragged him to a church in the search for new inspiration. Instead he cracked a joke about stripping for Yusuke and while the blue-haired boy took him up on his offer a little too quickly, Akira assumed it was part of the joke. Akira had a difficult time ignoring the heat that sprawled from his cheeks all the way to the tips of his ears. So he said nothing.
He could have confessed when Yusuke invited Akira to the gallery opening to see his newest piece. It was entitled “Desire and Hope” and the blue-haired boy proudly dedicated it to Akira, stating that he never would have gotten out of his art slump without him. Akira was stunned into silence, overwhelmed at the happiness that was so rare to see radiating from Yusuke. So he said nothing.
He could have confessed during any one of planetarium trips he took Yusuke on. The way that the other boy’s face lit up in amazement no matter how many times they saw the same show never got old to Akira. So who was he to put that pure happiness in peril by confessing to feelings that very well may never be returned? So he said nothing,
Hell, he even could have confessed when Yusuke spent the night with Akira following the interrogation. Yusuke had held him while he cried, emotionally exhausted and in pain from the abuse he’d suffered. His soul was already laid bare for Yusuke that night, after all. But he was too fragile in that moment to handle the possibility of rejection. So he said nothing.
In the end, Akira had never confessed. And why would he? He had always known he would be leaving after a year. Akira knew better than to pursue a high school relationship weighed down by a five hour distance. Most high school relationships were doomed to fail without additional obstacles.
Not to mention the fact that Akira honestly had no idea whether Yusuke returned his feelings or not. It was near impossible to distinguish whether his thinly veiled attempts at flirting had been returned, or whether Yusuke was truly oblivious. Akira always erred on the side of oblivious; for self-preservation, if anything. In the end, it wasn’t worth jeopardizing a friendship he treasured just for a chance at a relationship that could very well fail.
In the end, it had all been fine. He had returned to Inaba with all of his friendships in tact and promises of visits over summer and winter breaks.
So, really, confessing was the furthest thing from Akira’s mind when he thought to text Yusuke in the middle of a humid July night. He’d been stargazing on the hill behind his house (a habit he’d developed as a child attempting to escape a volatile household) when he realized how much Yusuke would adore the view. He knew the blue-haired boy had spent his entire life in Tokyo, and doubted he’d ever visited the countryside. The mental image of the awe in Yusuke’s eyes whenever they visited the planetarium multiplied tenfold was enough for Akira to pull his phone from his pocket.
Akira: hey. you up?
Yusuke: Good evening, Akira. I am in fact working on a new painting right now.
Akira: shit sorry, did i interrupt you?
Yusuke: No worries. It was time I took a break. Time seems to have gotten away from me. Was there something on your mind?
Akira: ok so i know we haven’t really talked in a little while but i was wondering
Akira: now that it’s summer break do u want to come visit? like for a week or something
Akira: obviously you don’t have to if you don’t want to
Akira: but i think you’d like it here. lots of scenery you could sketch
Akira: plus we haven’t seen each other since i moved back
Akira: idk i just thought it’d be nice
“Wow, you are desperate.” Akira was startled out of his trance by a snarky comment coming from his side. He didn’t realize how focused he’d been on the texts he’d been sending...and holy shit he realized that yeah, he really did sound desperate.
“Jesus, Morgana, don’t sneak up on me like that. Where’d you come from?” Akira sighed, swatting at the cat beside him.
“I was at my favorite couple’s house! They always feed me tuna.” Morgana replied, clearly prideful of his ability to get food on demand. “Anyways, you’re inviting Yusuke to Inaba? Are you gonna finally tell him you loooove him?”
“Shut up. It’s not like that. I just thought he’d enjoy the scenery and the chance to see the stars without light-pollution.”
“Yeah. No ulterior motive there.” Morgana said, and Akira could feel the eye roll coming from the cat. Akira’s phone buzzed, and he turned his attention to it a little too eagerly.
Yusuke: I would love to. Unfortunately, I don’t believe I can afford train fare that far away. I am truly sorry, but I will have to decline.
Akira: what if i paid for you?
“So. Desperate.” Morgana snarked, again.
“Shut it.” Akira replied as watched three dots dance across his phone, suggesting Yusuke was formulating a response. Akira had a feeling he knew the answer before it appeared on his screen.
Yusuke: I’m afraid I will have to say no. I couldn’t let you spend that kind of money on me.
Akira: no seriously it’s fine. i’ve spent like all summer so far working
Akira: consider it a super late birthday present. since i missed ur actual birthday cuz of the whole solitary confinement thing
Yusuke: Well...
Akira: the seafood is really good here btw
Akira’s smirk as he sent the message was a reminiscent of his days as Joker. If there was a sure way to convince Yusuke to do anything, it was to offer the starving artist food. Akira had worked hard to get Yusuke to develop better eating habits, but he had a feeling the improvements didn’t survive Akira’s move back to Inaba.
Yusuke: ...Very well. When are you thinking?
Akira: how about the week after next?
Yusuke: I believe that should work just fine for me.
Akira: sweet
Akira: i’ll send u the train information when i have it
Yusuke: Thank you. I look forward to seeing you.
Akira: yeah same here. now get some sleep ok. it’s late
Yusuke: I could say the same to you. Goodnight, Akira.
Akira: night
Akira looked up from his phone and stared at the vast night sky dotted with bright stars. His heart did a somersault at the idea of spending an entire week with Yusuke. He missed all of his former thieves more than he had ever imagined possible, but it had felt like he had left a part of himself behind in Tokyo when he’d said his last goodbye to Yusuke.
“Great. A whole week of watching you and Yusuke pine after each other. You two are unbearable. Why couldn’t you have invited Ann to stay for a week instead?” Morgana lamented as he scanned the stream of messages between the two boys.
“You’ll survive.” Akira assured as he ruffled the cat’s fur playfully.
No, Akira had never confessed. He had no intention of changing that.
x
Before Akira knew it, a week had passed. He found himself at the tiny train station in Inaba, waiting alongside Morgana for Yusuke’s train to to appear. There were only two other people on the platform, a stark contrast to the crowded stations in Tokyo. Akira was fidgeting with his sleeves, which didn’t escape Morgana’s notice.
“You can’t seriously be nervous to see Yusuke!?”
“I’m not.” Akira muttered. After a moment, he was satisfied with the say his sleeves settled around his wrists. He’d opted to wear his usual black blazer with a red t-shirt underneath, and a dark pair of jeans. He was starting to regret the blazer given how hot and humid it was, but didn’t bother taking it off. “I just haven’t seen him in awhile. We saw each other almost every day in Tokyo. What if things just feel...different now?”
“Well, I’d be willing to bet he’s still a weirdo. You’re worried over nothing.” Morgana flicked his tail as he spoke.
“Cut it out. You’re a talking cat. That makes you the weird one, you know.”
Their light bickering was cut off as a train rushed into view. Once it screeched to a halt, a short line of people filed out onto the platform. For a brief second, Akira wondered if Yusuke had missed his train. He ignored the rush of disappointment that flooded through him at the thought. Luckily, the feeling didn’t last long as he finally saw Yusuke appear on the platform, seemingly struggling to balance an overnight bag and what appeared to be an abundance of art supplies.
Yusuke hadn’t noticed Akira right away. The raven-haired boy took advantage of this by spending a moment to take in the sight. Despite his struggle, his movements were as fluid and graceful as Akira had remembered. Yusuke was wearing a pale gray button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The top buttons on the shirt were undone, allowing Yusuke’s collarbones to peak out from beneath the fabric. Jesus, Akira thought, have his collarbones always been that sharp?
It appeared Yusuke had started letting his hair grow out, as the back of it was tied back into a small ponytail. His bangs hung in his face like they always had, and christ, has his hair always looked that soft?
“Ah, Akira!” Yusuke had finally taken notice of Akira, breaking him out of his trance. He could feel his face heat up when he realized he’d been caught staring, and his heart skipped a beat. Or several.
He was thoroughly unprepared for the embrace he found himself locked in.
“Akira, it’s so good to see you!” A grin spread wide on Akira’s upon hearing the excitement in Yusuke’s voice. He wrapped his arms around the other boy’s back, returning the enthusiastic hug.
“You too. It’s been awhile. I’m glad you decided to come.”
“It was too difficult an offer to pass up.” Yusuke chuckled, pulling away slightly. He looked Akira in the eyes, and Akira got lost instantly. Have his eyes always been that deep of a grey? Have they always had that sparkle to them...? Akira was broken out of the thought when he noticed a glint coming off of...Yusuke’s ear?
“Holy shit, did you get your ears pierced?” Akira asked, eyeing over the small silver studs adorning both of the artist’s ears.
“Ah, that is courtesy of Ann. She convinced me it would be aesthetically pleasing.”
Akira decided he would definitely have to send an appreciative text to Ann later.
“Well, it looks nice. Your hair, too.” And the rest of you, he thought.
“And you look radiant as usual.” Yusuke replied affectionately.
Akira looked away as he felt a light pink blush dust over his cheeks. He had forgotten how casually such complements could slip off Yusuke’s tongue. Akira instinctively twirled his bangs in his fingers, a nervous habit he’d never managed to kick. It wasn’t fair that he already had Akira feeling like a nervous wreck.
“Hey! I’m here too!” Akira was actually grateful for Morgana’s interruption.
“Of course. Who could ever forget you?” Yusuke knelt down to pet Morgana affectionately, which seemed to placate the cat for a moment.
“Yeah, yeah. I just came to say hi. I’m not gonna third wheel you two all day!”
“Go harass your favorite couple for some more food, then. Yu should be at the cafe today.”
“I’ll go find that out for myself! Good to see you, Yusuke!” Morgana trotted away as he spoke.
“Still a busybody, I see. So, what’s on the agenda for today?” Yusuke asked.
Akira glanced at the overnight bag and art supplies haphazardly piled beside the other boy. “I’m thinking we should get your supplies somewhere safe, for starters. If you want, I can pay for you to stay at the Amagi Inn. It’s super nice there. If you really want, though, you can stay with me.”
“Your parents are alright with that?” Akira had a feeling that Yusuke would accept the least costly offer; he was well aware that Yusuke had always feared being a financial burden.
“They’re not here.” Akira said, a bit more bitter than he’d intended. He quickly amended the statement. “They both travel a lot for work. Neither will be home again until after you leave.”
“I see.” Yusuke quirked an eyebrow in curiosity. Akira wondered if he’d even realized it.
“In that case, I think I’ll take you up on the offer to stay at your home.”
“Alright. It’s not that far away, so we’ll walk, if that’s okay?”
Yusuke nodded his affirmation and Akira slung his overnight bag over his shoulder. “I’ve got your bag if you can handle your canvas and supplies.”
Together they stepped out of the tiny station and into the mid-July air. A few wispy clouds floated lazily across the sky, doing little to dull the bright sun that bore down on them. Yusuke paused once they were out of the station, taking in the scenery. The horizon was dotted with rolling hills- a stark contrast to the views typical of Tokyo.
“What a beautiful town!” Yusuke marveled. He took a step back from Akira, framing the boy with his fingers. Akira grinned into the makeshift frame. He knew Yusuke’s eccentric behavior was off putting to most people, but he had always embraced it. While Akira always had a tendency to hide behind different masks, Yusuke was always unapologetically himself. That was part of why Akira had adored him so much, and-
-Had his feelings for Yusuke always been this strong?
...Fuck. It was going to be a long week.
No, Akira had never confessed. He had no intention of starting now.
x
The walk to Akira’s house was short, but in the heat, it felt like it an eternity. Akira worked hard to ignore how the sweat made Yusuke’s button down stick to his slender frame.
The house wasn’t particularly large, so giving Yusuke a tour and getting his belongings settled didn’t take long.
“So, I know it’s a long train ride here. I’m assuming you’re hungry?” Akira thought he’d heard the other boy’s stomach growl several times already.
“You know me well.” Yusuke grinned.
“Let’s get you some of that seafood I promised. On me.”
There weren’t exactly a ton of restaurants in the small town, but Akira hadn’t been lying about the quality of the food. He led the way to his favorite restaurant, and both boys were grateful to be seated in a spacious booth in the air conditioned building. They took the opportunity to catch up while they waited for their food.
“So what have you been up to in this charming little town?” Yusuke asked.
Akira laughed. “Trust me, it loses its charm after a day or so. But I really haven’t been up to much. I spend most of my time working at a coffee shop, believe it or not. It’s not quite the same as Le Blanc, but I think you’d like it, actually. I’ve also started studying for my college entrance exams...I’m going to try to get into a university in Tokyo.”
“You want to move back?” Yusuke seemed hopeful at the ideal
“Yeah. I really didn’t want to leave in the first place. You’ll be surprised to hear it, I’m sure, but my parents are just as stubborn as I am. And for some reason they wanted me to come back. Not sure why since they’re never around and they don’t talk to me even if they are around...I honestly think they may just like the free house sitting.” Akira sighed.
Akira saw concern cloud Yusuke’s grey eyes.
“You’ve never talked about your parents much.”
“And I don’t need to start now. It’s not important. What about you? Where are you planning on going to college? Akira was eager to turn the conversation back on Yusuke. He had gone months without hearing the other’s smooth, deep voice and he couldn’t get enough of it. He also didn’t want the visit to be soured by dwelling on his parents. He was well aware neither he nor Yusuke had been blessed with a good childhood home life.
“I’m actually planning on attending university in Tokyo, myself. I’d considered other options but my heart belongs there. I’m overjoyed to hear that you plan on coming back, by the way.” The blue haired boy offered Akira a bright smile and Akira felt weak. Nothing would make Akira happier than getting to experience college alongside Yusuke in Tokyo.
“Hey, don’t get too excited. I still have to get accepted first . Anyways, how’s Tokyo? Managing without me?” Akira asked coyly.
“I suppose.” Yusuke mused. “It’s not the same without you, you know. Everyone really misses you. They’d all like to see you soon. We’re admittedly rather lost without our leader.” Akira rubbed at his neck on instinct; he really couldn’t be considered their leader anymore, but hearing the term still filled him with a pleasant warmth.
“I’m planning on spending the second half of the break there, actually.” The way Yusuke’s eyes brightened at the response didn’t escape Akira’s notice. “I just needed to get everything sorted with my parents, work, and Sojiro. Easier said than done, apparently. I haven’t told the others yet, though.”
“They’ll all be thrilled to hear it, truly. I think Futaba is rather tired of having to harass me instead of you.”
“That little gremlin just likes to harass everybody she can get her hands on. Are you still getting to the planetarium on a regular basis?”
“Ah, yes. Haru has taken it upon herself to go there with me. She promises that she enjoys it, but it’s not quite the same as going with you,” Akira was just glad to hear that the others were making an effort to spend time with Yusuke. Akira had never forgotten when Yusuke had admitted to him that he’d never had friends before joining the phantom thieves. His heart had ached at the sadness in his voice and from that day he made it a point to spend time with Yusuke whenever he could.
“To be quite honest, nothing is quite the same without you. Everything seems more empty without your presence. Inokashira Park, the planetarium, even Le Blanc.” Yusuke sighed. “Creating art is more difficult without you, too. I didn’t realize that you yourself had become my muse until after you were gone.” Yusuke looked down as he said it, almost as if he expected the admission to upset Akira.
Without thinking, Akira gently placed one hand over the other boy’s. Yusuke calling him his muse tugged at Akira’s heartstrings. He felt his face flush for the second time that day.
“Well, we have a whole week together. I’m sure inspiration will strike, especially after tonight.”
“What’s tonight?” The artist perked up.
“You’ll see.” Akira grinned.
Akira had never confessed. He still didn’t plan to. That didn’t mean he couldn’t make the other boy happy while he was there.
x
The afternoon passed by in a flash. Once they’d had a chance to catch up, the duo seemed to pick right up where they’d left off. There was no more lingering awkwardness at having been apart for months. The tour of Inaba took longer than it would have with anyone else due to Yusuke’s constant stops to admire the sights, capturing them between his fingers. As Akira expected would happen, Yusuke was inspired by the varied scenery, and Akira spent the walk back to his house listening to Yusuke spouting off painting ideas. At one point as they walked, their hands brushed against each other, and Akira jumped as if he’d been shocked. At least Yusuke hadn’t seemed to notice.
As he listened to Yusuke (and stole a few too many glances at the artist), he considered the situation he was in. He’d assumed his feelings would have faded at least slightly once he was back in Inaba, but that was clearly not the case. He tried to push his feelings to the back of his mind when they arrived back at his house.
“You can take a shower, if you’d like. I know it was humid out today. Or you can just hang out for a bit. I have something I have to do.”
“Does this have to do with this evening’s plans?” Innocent curiosity was written all over the artist’s face.
“Maybe.” Akira grinned.
Yusuke ended up accepting the shower offer, citing that he wished to freshen up. That gave Akira the time he needed to set his plan in motion.
He gathered as many blankets and pillows in his arms as he could carry and set them up on the hill behind his house. He also hauled Yusuke’s art supplies, a stool, and a whole bunch of snacks out there as well. It took him a little while to get everything situated, but when he did, he stepped back and admired his handiwork.
Naturally, that was the exact moment that Morgana had returned from his adventures for the day. He was quick to make his presence known.
“I thought you said you AREN’T confessing your feelings to Yusuke while he’s here.”
“I’m not.”
“Okay, so why does this set up scream, “Date me, Yusuke!”?
“It doesn’t? I just want him to have a nice time.”
“Right.” Morgana sounded just as skeptical as he looked. “Well, in any case, I hope not confessing goes well for you. I’m out!”
Akira shook his head as the cat trotted off.
“Ah, there you are. I wasn’t sure where you had gone off to.” Akira turned his gaze to the other boy. He’d traded his grey button down for a navy v-neck t-shirt. Even casual clothing looked too good on Yusuke’s slim figure. Akira didn’t let his eyes linger for too long.
“What’s all this?” Yusuke asked, looking over everything Akira had set up.
“Well, the sunsets are really pretty here, and this hill looks over the town. I thought you’d like to capture it in a sketch, or painting, or something. And once the sun sets, the stars will come out. I know you’ve lived in Tokyo your whole life, and rely on the planetarium for stargazing. I also know how happy it makes you, so I thought you’d want to see the real thing for once. And the snacks are just a necessity, really.”
For a second, Akira thought Yusuke was going to cry. “This is wonderful, Akira. This is one of the most thoughtful things anyone has ever done for me.”
Akira rubbed at his neck on reflex, flustered by the intensity in the artist’s voice. “It’s really not a big deal. I just want you to have a good time while you’re here.”
“I don’t think you have to worry about that.” Yusuke responded happily, grabbing one of his sketchbooks.
He settled himself on the stool Akira had set in the grass while Akira situated himself on the pile of blankets, a book in hand. They fell into a comfortable silence while Yusuke sketched. Akira often found himself watching the artist work, admiring the look of determination lighting his eyes and the way his jaw set when he was concentrated.
Once it began to grow too dark for Yusuke to work effectively, he joined Akira on the blanket pile. It hadn’t yet fallen dark enough for the stars to make their bright appearance, but did warrant turning on the lantern Akira had brought from the house. Yusuke seated himself quite close to Akira, and it was difficult to ignore the way their thighs touched.
Yusuke moved to rest his head on Akira’s shoulder- a habit he’d developed on one of the planetarium trips he was so fond of. Akira instinctively rested his head against Yusuke’s in response and closed his eyes. They remained silent for a moment, enjoying each other’s company. Yusuke was the first to speak.
“I had a wonderful day with you, Akira. Thank you for inviting me here.” The contentment in the artist’s voice warmed Akira’s heart.
“No problem. I’m just glad you accepted...it’s been lonely here.” It was the truth.
“I...was actually rather surprised when you invited me, if I’m being honest.”
Akira lifted his head to steal a glance at Yusuke. “What’s so surprising about that? We were plenty close in Tokyo.”
“I know, but...” Yusuke paused. He was clearly choosing his words carefully. “I guess I didn’t realize you valued time with me that highly. Of course we were close, but...you were close with a lot of people in Tokyo. I just assumed there were people you’d choose to see before me, is all. And I...sometimes wondered if you actually wanted to spend your time with me, or if you did it out of some sense of obligation. Because I was a member of your team. Or because you felt bad for me.” His tone had become weighed down with melancholy at the end.
Akira sighed. It hurt to hear Yusuke’s doubt. “I think you undervalue yourself, you know. I never felt obligated to spend my time with you. I did it because I genuinely love being around you. You made my life in Tokyo a lot better, trust me. Once I came back here, I missed you more than you could know.”
“I see...Akira, can I...ask you something?” He was clearly hesitant, which was uncharacteristic of him.
Akira’s curiosity was piqued. “Of course. What is if?”
“Do you...” Yusuke paused. “Actually, never mind. It’s not important.”
“Are you sure? Pretty rare for you not to say what’s on your mind.”
“I’m sure. It’s insignificant. Please, forget I said anything,” He sounded firm. Not wanting to sour their evening, Akira chose to leave it alone. He opted to change the subject instead.
“So, what were you sketching over there? Can I see it?”
“I’m afraid not. I don’t want you to see it until it’s completed.”
“Fair enough. So...you said Futaba’s tiring of harassing you. What’s she been harassing you about?”
Yusuke sighed. “Well...” Akira resumed resting his head against Yusuke as he listened to him rant about “all the heinous art that Futaba was trying to commission from him”. They chatted idly for awhile- about the other former thieves, about how quiet life was without the metaverse, about anything and everything.
After awhile, Akira turned his gaze to the sky. The stars now hung high and bright in the vast night sky. Akira’s stargazing plan was luckily blessed with a cloudless night sky. He nudged Yusuke lightly.
“Hey, Yusuke. Look up.” He felt Yusuke’s head lift off his shoulder as he followed Akira’s suggestion.
Akira watched as Yusuke’s eyes widened. “How beautiful!” Yusuke whispered, clearly awed. He radiated pure joy as he took in the sight of every star twinkling above them. He turned to Akira, eyes sparkling in the pale glow of the lantern. His smile was so pure, so genuine, and Akira couldn’t handle it anymore.
The words escaped his lips before he could consider stopping himself.
“You’re beautiful.”
Yusuke’s eyes widened and he cocked his head slightly, confused. “What did you...?”
No, Akira had never confessed. He never had any intention to.
But as he realized he had past the point of no return, he did.
He finally confessed.
“I have feelings for you, Yusuke. Strong, overwhelming feelings. I’ve had feelings for you for a long time, and I, I just, I never told you because I was afraid of ruining our friendship. I’m sorry, I don’t expect you to feel the same way, and I’m sorry I hid it from you, I just...” the confession was panicked, it was rushed, and Akira couldn’t look Yusuke in the eye, but it was done.
Despite the fear of ruining everything between him and Yusuke, Akira immediately felt lighter. There was relief in finally having everything out in the open. It was long overdue.
“Akira.” Akira barely heard Yusuke call his name as slender fingers lifted his chin, forcing him to look into pale grey eyes. He noticed a deep red flush covering Yusuke’s cheeks, but knew his own didn’t fare any better. Yusuke gently caressed his cheek. His expression was soft, tender.
Akira was unprepared when soft lips brushed against his own. The kiss was light, slightly clumsy -he had a feeling it was Yusuke’s first-, and only lasted a brief second. It was also absolutely perfect. Akira closed his eyes on instinct, but opened them again when Yusuke pulled away. The look Yusuke was giving him made Akira feel weak. It didn’t help that his heart felt like it was going to leap out of his chest.
“Does that mean... you feel the same...?” Akira asked, voice shaking slightly.
Yusuke grabbed both of Akira’s hands and affectionately cradled them in his own. He absently rubbed small circles into Akira’s hands as he spoke.
“I’ve been in love with you for almost as long as I’ve known you, Akira. I never told you because I never believed my feelings could be reciprocated. I know that I’m...eccentric. Anybody who expressed any romantic interest in me in the past turned tail as soon as they got to know me. I never allowed myself to hope for anything beyond friendship. I didn’t even know if you liked men in the first place. Even if you did, how could someone like me have a chance with someone as perfect as you?”
“I’m far from perfect, and you clearly have no idea what affect you have on me. How absolutely perfect you are to me.”
This time it was Akira who leaned forward and pressed his lips against the other boy’s. This kiss was longer, more passionate. Akira wrapped his finger’s in Yusuke’s hair as he deepened the kiss. His hair’s just as soft as it looks, Akira thought as he nipped at Yusuke’s bottom lip, seeking entrance. Yusuke immediately obliged, gasping slightly as Akira slid his tongue against his.
Akira allowed Yusuke to push him down against the blankets, feeling the weight of the other boy press on top of him. They were a tangle of limbs and wandering hands as they made out, only pausing briefly for air when necessary. Yusuke seemed inexperienced, but caught on quick.
Both boys were panting when they finally pulled apart from each other. Yusuke lifted himself by his arms, hovering above Akira. Akira admired the way the artist’s lips were swollen, the way his hair hung messily in front of his face as he gazed down affectionately at Akira.
“So...what does this make us?” Yusuke asked, still clearly out of breath.
“Boyfriends, I hope.” Akira grinned as he pulled Yusuke back down, giving him a quick peck on the cheek as he did so.
“Sounds wonderful to me.” Yusuke caressed Akira’s cheek as he spoke. Akira happily leaned into the touch. “I’ve never seen an individual so beautiful.” He said quietly.
“I could say the same about you.” Akira grinned, pressing a tender kiss against the other’s forehead. “I do believe I promised you a night of stargazing, though.” He guided the artist’s face towards the sky.
They situated themselves amongst the pile of blankets so that they could watch the sky comfortably. Yusuke lay on his back with one arm wrapped around Akira. Akira was nestled against Yusuke’s side, resting his head against the artist’s chest. He could feel Yusuke’s heartbeat beneath him and was grateful that it was just as erratic as his own.
They chatted idly as they cuddled under the stars. Once in awhile Yusuke used his free hand to point out a constellation or particular star, and Akira hummed contentedly in response. In that moment, none of his reservations about confessing mattered. All that mattered was that Yusuke fully reciprocated his feelings. That he was there with him under the stars. That this was easily the happiest he’d ever been.
“Hey, Yusuke?”
“Yeah?” Yusuke was busy running his fingers through Akira’s mess of black hair. It felt fantastic, but made him sleepy,
“I love you.” Akira nuzzled against Yusuke as he said it. He was surprised at how easily the words slipped off his tongue.
“I love you too, Akira.” Yusuke’s response seemed to come just as easily.
Akira felt a gentle kiss press against his forehead as he drifted off to sleep in Yusuke’s arms.
Akira had confessed to Yusuke.
It was everything he could have hoped.