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Akira does quick work of washing the dishes, eager to get away from the uncomfortable presence of his parents. Hands still a bit wet he exits the kitchen, saying a quick goodnight as he climbs the stairs up to his room two at a time, and firmly closes the door behind him when he arrives at the (somewhat) safe haven.
As he changes into more comfortable clothing, tossing his jeans and sweater aside, a small pink cube falls from the pocket of his pants. His head turns around towards the sound, and he sees the tiny chocolate treat he got gifted lying on the floor.
He almost forgot about it. Earlier today, when he went to aid his neighbour with her latest batch of firing, she offered him one of the candies her grandchildren didn’t eat.
He hasn’t washed his teeth yet, so might as well... He unwraps it and pops it into his mouth, enjoying the sweet taste as he tidies up his room. It’s probably just been a coincidence, but now that Akira thinks about it, today is Valentine’s…
It’s only been a few days since they last saw each other, but Akira already misses Yusuke so much. When he flops down on his bed he can’t help but look up at the start stickers that are barely holding onto the ceiling. It’s no secret that Yusuke is quite popular in his school, no matter how much he claims he doesn’t talk with many people there. He’s probably pretty socially drained from today, having so many people wanting to get his attention, so it’d be best not to bother the artist.
Still, the more Akira thinks about him and about all the suitors that must’ve tried to seduce him with exquisite chocolate, the ex-thief’s urge to reach out to his friend grows bigger and bigger. There’s no harm in sending just a simple text, and if Yusuke is busy he can just reply later tomorrow. Yeah, nothing weird about it. Totally normal. Missing your friend on Valentine's Day and getting jealous about all the people trying to charm him is common.
As Akira keeps making up excuses to justify his actions to himself, he fishes his phone out from under his pillow and opens Yusuke’s chat.
[New message] Akira to Yusuke
Akira (21:27): Hey
Akira (21:27): How was your day?
He decides to browse through SNS for a bit as he waits for a reply, wishing he hasn’t caught the artist in the midst of a project while he likes Ann’s latest photo of a skyscraper-like parfait.
Thankfully, Yusuke answers 15 minutes later.
Yusuke (21:44): Good evening Akira.
Yusuke (21:44): Whilst uneventful, it was a good day nonetheless.
Yusuke (21:45): What about you?
Akira (21:45): Mine was fine too, thanks
Akira (21:45): Uneventful, really? You didn’t get any chocolate this year?
Yusuke (21:45): Now that you mention it, it is true. I had forgotten about it.
Yusuke (21:46): I got gifted some chocolate today.
Yusuke (21:46): *cameraroll14022022.jpg*
Yusuke (21:46): Maybe I will treat myself to some later.
“Some” is definitely not the right word to describe the pile of boxes that appear in the photo. There are about 20, without counting the ones that appear hidden behind the bigger, more ostentatious ones. Akira can feel how expensive they are just by looking at the packaging.
His brow knits at the way his heart sinks before the display. This wasn’t unexpected, who with a pair of eyes wouldn’t fawn over Yusuke? And it will probably worsen when he gets to university, being surrounded by people who actually get past his looks and actually engage and understand his intricate artistic rants…
The intrusive thoughts threaten to spiral out of control as he observes the photo. They suddenly stop, though, when he spies a colourful, twisted clay appendage sneaking from the bottom corner of the picture. Akira knows that pattern, and also knows that those fingerprints embedded on it are his own, left there as he tried his hardest to paint that weird statue for Yusuke’s birthday.
His heart bounds back with such force it steals his breath away for a few seconds. He shouldn't forget; unlike all those schoolmates, Akira can have Yusuke’s attention on the most special of days. He can have it regardless of the occasion, even.
Spirit rekindled, he rushes to reply.
Akira (21:48): Some of these look high tier
Yusuke (21:48): I hope the actual product is as good as the packaging. As mouth-watering as some of these are, I must admit most of the time the outside is way more appealing than the inside.
Akira (21:48): Yeah some may try to compensate for quality with appearance, but I’m sure there will be some really nice ones in there
Yusuke (21:48): I hope so.
Yusuke (21:48): This conversation is making me wish I could have that cake again.
Akira (21:48): Which one?
Yusuke (21:49): Don’t you remember? The one we shared together last year. I am pretty sure it was around this time.
Of course he remembers, vividly. Right after his friends got him out, feeling high on serotonin and freedom, one of the first things he did was ask Yusuke to spend an entire day with him. And it just so happened that day was Valentine’s, so the café Haru recommended held several special sets and desserts for the occasion. Not being one to miss a bargain, Yusuke insisted they get a ‘Rich Chocolate Love Raspberry Cake + 2 drinks to choose’ set. Just for one day, Akira decided to indulge in the fantasy and enjoy the warm, fuzzy feeling bedazzled by the sparkles in Yusuke’s eyes.
He can practically hear Futaba’s voice calling him a “simp lol”. But is he really to blame, when Yusuke is just so... Yusuke? Pretty and endearing and silly and strong and just perfect from every single angle? The irony, that the one set on finding unblemished beauty is himself the embodiment of said beauty…
Unaware he’s currently being showered in praise and affection, the artist continues to type.
Yusuke (21:49): Even though chocolate is not one of my favoured sweets, I must admit that rich chocolate cake was simply divine.
Yusuke (21:49): I do not recall its name, though.
Akira (21:50): It was a sacher, no?
Yusuke (21:50): Yes, that is precisely it.
Yusuke (21:51): What a delightful memory. It is a precious one to me, since that time away made me miss your presence dearly. Being able to share that moment with you eased both my mind and soul.
Yusuke (21:51): Simply thinking about it is making those feelings resurface, despite the fact we are talking. I wish we could be sharing a slice of that cake right this instant.
Akira watches the little flashing dots with unexpected dread. Why is Yusuke saying all of this out of the blue?
Yusuke (21:52): If I gather enough funds, will I be able to go tomorrow? Despite being alone, by eating that cake I may feel you close to me.
The mix between the earlier unhinged pinning with this small, helpless seed of hope are making Akira feel so dizzy he is about to fade. Yusuke, wishing he could be with him during Valentine’s…
It’s not what he wants it to be. It clearly isn’t.
But still…
Akira (21:54): Let’s go together next time I visit
Akira (21:54): But I have one condition
Yusuke (21:54): Yes?
Yusuke is waiting. Akira breathes deeply, fingers trembling as he types. He thought he had lost the guts after abandoning the thieving business, but apparently they were simply dormant.
Akira (21:54): It has to be just the two of us
And just as fast as it came, the courage goes away.
Akira locks his phone and puts it away. He wants to hide. He knows it should be ok, because Yusuke is as dense as a brick and won’t take his invitation as anything other than that, but he can’t help feeling extremely flustered.
The phone vibrates, demanding his attention.
Yusuke (21:55): That is most agreeable.
Yusuke (21:55): After all, nothing delights me more than having your company all to myself. If it is your wish, I shall selfishly keep you my own then.
Yusuke (21:55): I am already looking forward to it.
Akira stares at his phone for so long Morgana comes back from his night walk. The feline meows a lazy greeting and jumps on top of the bed, walking towards his caretaker.
“Why so quiet? Is something wrong?” He asks the boy, who hasn’t responded yet.
“I think Yusuke just confessed to me,” Akira whispers back, expression still frozen by the shock.
“Oh really? Isn’t that nice,” Morgana simply says with a yawn, curling into a ball on top of Akira’s stomach.
He isn’t sure if he is feeling out of breath because of Mona’s weight, or the butterflies having a dance party in his stomach. That sure was unexpected, and intense, and so Yusuke Akira wouldn’t have it any other way. He knows they should properly talk this through, but he’ll save it for after the cake.
He can’t wait to go back home.