Work Text:
“Do I look okay?” You asked me, staring into my eyes like they’re a mirror. Maybe they are, maybe you see yourself enough in me.
Personally, I think you look great. I think I could get lost in the gentle gold of your eyes. You told me about your date tonight, with a boy named Atsushi. Is Atsushi nice to you? I hope he is; you only deserve the best.
I think you deserve everything.
“Yeah. You look good, Tanizaki-san,” I replied. You have a date tonight, after all. I can’t say too much unless I want to give away my feelings, which wouldn’t be a good decision. You’re my roommate, after all; I’m sure a relationship between us wouldn’t work out.
“Thanks, Tachihara-san,” you replied. You sounded breathless, like you had worked and worked while getting ready. I hope you didn’t do too much; it’s your first date with him, after all. What if he doesn’t like you? Would you like me, instead?
…No. I shouldn’t think so selfishly; I want you to be happy. I hope Atsushi is nice to you, and I hope he cares about you. I hope he gives you everything that I couldn’t. And I hope that if the date doesn’t go well, you see that I’m available.
No, I should stop thinking like that! You’re my best friend and my roommate. I shouldn’t think of you like that.
I just hope you’re happy with him.
“Have fun at your date tonight,” I said. “Hope it goes well.”
“Me too,” you replied, happy. Excited. “I really like him.”
I didn’t need to know that, I didn’t fucking need to know that. It’s okay, though — I can’t blame you for having feelings. It’s okay. I promise.
I’m glad you like him. I hope you have fun tonight, even if it’s someone other than me.