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Sometimes Hiyori struggles to remember when and why he can no longer ignore Tsumugi’s presence. He stares at the back of the blue-haired boy. His arms full of books and a clipboard, his honey eyes focused, peering over the small letters of the index page.
Lies. I know when. It was fine’s first stage test. Hiyori was bored, leaning his head on Nagisa’s shoulder as they wait for their turn. Tsumugi also has his back to Hiyori then, his eyes were on the stage.
His eyes were on Eichi. Looking at him like he is the only thing that exists.
When Hiyori saw that look in Tsumugi’s eyes, an unpleasant feeling blooms within his chest.
It’s not subtle at all, Tsumugi’s feelings toward his Eichi. Eichi’s feelings are less clear, but Hiyori knows. It is sad, that person is not capable of giving Tsumugi what he wants in a relationship. But it’s love regardless. A selfish, messed up, and full of self-denial love, but it’s still love.
He and Eichi do not like each other. So he used the knowledge of Tsumugi’s crush and Eichi’s pride to mess with both of them. It was a fun way to relieve his boredom. As Hiyori grows to like Tsumugi, he does feel bad and proceeds to tone them down somewhat. Truth be told, Hiyori has grown to like how Tsumugi become red and flustered from his skinship. Eichi’s side glances at them are a bonus.
There is no denying that Tsumugi is cute. His unrequited crush on Eichi only enhances his quiet charm. How he pays so much attention to Eichi’s health. Always asking questions like ‘are you comfortable’, ‘do you need a drink’. The way he gazes at Eichi from afar, running to him when he’s called like a puppy. They are like a side couple you would root for in a movie. The oblivious, pompous rich heir and their mundane, loyal, lovesick sidekick.
Hiyori pouts. He is a rich heir too - never mind Eichi’s jabs about his family’s financials - he can be a couple with Tsumugi too. Not to mention he’s better looking and is not a massive prick.
Tsumugi struggles to carry a pile of books and Hiyori steps beside him to support his shoulder. He takes the pile and asks Tsumugi to guide him on where to arrange these. The blue-haired boy seems taken aback, but beams at Hiyori nonetheless.
“Thank you, Hiyori-kun. Sorry about that, Eichi-kun is usually here to help me.”
Gosh, I’m getting real tired of hearing his name from you. “Oh? Did he ditch you for today? How selfish.”
“Don’t say that, Hiyori-kun…He’s not part of the committee so the fact that he comes by to offer me a hand is enough, don’t you think?”
Yeah, yeah. And what am I doing for you right now? Hiyori pouts as he reaches up to slide a book into the slot Tsumugi told him about.
“Though, I’m glad he didn’t show up today,” Tsumugi speaks as he stacks up the remaining books. “It is rare that I get to spend time with Hiyori-kun.”
Hiyori blushes. He clears his throat. What, he is just surprised that Tsumugi is aware of another existence besides his precious crush.
“I’m glad you have been coming to the library recently, it can get a bit lonely here…Is there a book you are interested in? I can help you find it.”
It is strange how something so mundane as Tsumugi offering him to find a book can make Hiyori this self-conscious. Why has he been coming to the library so much? It’s not because of a book, although he is interested somewhat because Nagisa has been reading a lot recently…
Lost in thought, Hiyori didn’t answer. His silence seems to have an effect on Tsumugi. Overcome by anxiety in seconds, the blue-haired boy starts to apologize for being too chatty.
“No, no, it’s not that. I am just thinking…about the reason I am here.”
“Eh?”
Hiyori glances at Tsumugi then. The sunset outside the window cast a golden light on his face. Clutching a book tightly in his hand, Tsumugi was staring at Hiyori, seemingly confused.
It feels right, to at last have his attention on Hiyori and Hiyori only. Letting out a small chuckle, he tucks a strand of straight hair behind Tsumugi’s ears and leans in.
The kiss was brief, their lips barely touching, but Hiyori remembers the softness of his lips and Tsumugi’s small gasp. He was afraid of startling Tsumugi, so he needed to be fast. The boy before him looks like he is about to bolt away like a rabbit. He didn’t, thank god. It would be a huge blow to Hiyori’s ego if Tsumugi ran away right then, though that bewildered expression is tempting him to lean in again.
“I-…Hiyori-kun…” So a person’s face can get this red. Tsumugi clutches his books, looking like a boiled lobster. “…You should not do that to people, Hiyori-kun.”
Well, that response is better than the anticipated ‘but I’m in love with Eichi-kun’. Hiyori gives a smile that does not quite reach his eyes. “Why shouldn’t I, Tsumugi?”
“...because…” Tsumugi’s eyes turn sad then. He glances away from Hiyori. “…I think you should only do that with the person you like…”
Fingers found his chin and turn him toward Hiyori.
“I know. That’s why I did it with you.” He wants to chuckle at the way Tsumugi stares at him wide-eyed. “What’s the matter? Could it be Tsumugi-kun hate me?”
“N-no...I definitely don’t hate you, Hiyori-kun…I-I just…it’s my first kiss…”
“Oh.” Hiyori smiles. There must be a glint of hope if that is Tsumugi’s foremost concern about being kissed by Hiyori and not ‘staying loyal to his schoolboy crush. “Well, you need not worry then. It’s mine too. Now, you said this pile belongs to the classic literature section?”
Hiyori then picks up a stack of books and walks away to the classic section, whistling a cheery tune, ignoring the red-faced, motionless Tsumugi behind him. He’ll just give the boy some time. Let him slowly come in touch with the reality of what just happened. However brief the kiss was, for one moment, he filled Tsumugi's vision and touch with him and only him. Hiyori chuckles when he sees Tsumugi running a finger across his lips with a dazed expression, his cheeks still red.
And that one moment is enough, for now.