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“Tadashi?”
The brunette perks up from his desk. He looks up to Ainosuke and schools his vocal cords so that they’ll work. “Yes, Mr. Ainosuke?”
“You’ve been quieter than usual lately. Which is saying something, since you barely speak.”
Tadashi looks away, swallowing the lump in his throat. “My apologies, Mr. Ainosuke. I didn’t realize anything was wrong.”
“Didn’t you?”
He freezes. “… Pardon?”
“You’ve been getting this look in your eyes when you go silent. Almost as if you’re fading to black, so to speak.”
“… It’s nothing, Mr. Ainosuke. I’ll take care of-“
“You’ll take care of it, I know. But I want to know what’s wrong.”
He grips his pen a bit tighter. “It’s nothing.”
“It obviously is. This is the most talkative you’ve been in the past week.”
He looks away. “My apologies, Mr. Ainosuke.”
The aforementioned hums. “Have you been screened for anxiety?”
Shit.
“… Yes, sir.”
“And what were the results?”
“… Chronic.”
Ainosuke’s head whips around to look at him. “What? How long ago was that?”
Tadashi looks back to his hands. “… I was fifteen.”
“What?! Tadashi, that was over ten years ago! Did you ever have medicine for it?!”
“No, sir.”
“Why not?!”
“I was afraid of side effects.”
“Side effects?! Tadashi, you go silent-“
“Because of panic attacks, I’m aware.”
“If you’re aware, something needs to be done about it.”
Tadashi sighs. “I manage well enough on my own.”
Ainosuke goes quiet. “… Well, you’re not alone anymore. I’m here, and I’m willing to help you.”
“Mr. Ainosuke…”
At his name, the man stands. “I’ll make you an appointment.” He wanders over to Tadashi’s desk. “I’ll get you any doctors you need.” He takes his hand and kisses his knuckles. “Please let me take care of you.”
Hesitantly, Tadashi allows himself to relax at the gentle touch. “… Alright.”
“Thank you. I love you.”
“I know. I love you, too.”