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In Morioh, there were two idiots, and you could not separate them.
If you asked their friends, that would be how they would describe Josuke and Okuyasu. Oblivious to the other's feelings, yet fully aware of their own.
They often disappeared, strolling through Morioh, finding places of peace where they would appreciate the comfortable silence blanketing them. It was Friday, and after getting their usual treat at the ice cream parlour to celebrate the end of the week, they decided to end their day with a walk far from the busy city. It was Josuke's favourite time of the day, no girls following him everywhere trying in vain to get his attention, no teachers to ask him if he needed classes to catch up his missed lessons. Just him and Okuyasu, content with one another. The glow of the sun was slowly fading away as it was setting, soon turning the yellow skies of Morioh into pretty purple hues. Josuke had chosen this path for how quiet and lonely it was, bordered by the bright and cheerful sunflowers. They had decided to take a break, to allow Josuke to rest his leg a little, sitting in the tall, sweet-smelling grass. It had been hours since they had arrived, yet neither of them was willing to move, basking in the comfort of the other's presence.
It was during moments like these that Josuke wished he could stop time, desperate to prolong everything they shared, not wanting to let go of Okuyasu. He had left the hospital a month ago, slowly recovering from the fight against Kira. It had marbled his body with scars, leaving it tired, but the one that hurt him the most were the ones that had taken root in his mind. Marks reminding him how easy it could be to lose the things he cherished the most. The trip at the hospital made him realize that what he had thought was a simple and foolish crush, had blossom into something bigger. The love he had for Okuyasu was at times suffocating, it left him cold when they were apart, but warm every time they found each other again. A beautiful monster hidden in the confine of his heart, scared yet healing at the same time. Josuke often clung to the little bit of tenderness Okuyasu would give him, remaining cautious to not cross any boundaries, but always craving for more. Thankfully, Okuyasu seemed to always be generous with his affection, offering it shamelessly, and Josuke couldn't be happier. He loved deeply, and yet it didn't matter how much that love would flourish, Josuke was ready to let it wilt if it meant not risking to lose his friendship with Okuyasu. He knew what he wanted, but what if it wasn't what Okuyasu was looking for?
He felt a light breeze caressing his rosy cheeks, eyes closed to fully enjoy the last ray of sun, lost in his whirling thoughts. Perhaps it was his yearning heart playing tricks on him, but he could swear Okuyasu's hand had been getting closer to his. He heard the other sigh, wondering what was bothering him.
'' Hey Jojo...'' Josuke noted that Okuyasu's voice was low, almost a murmur. He sounded shy and that made his heart skip a beat. ''... I never really thanked you.'' Josuke snorted, almost disappointed.
'' It was my turn to buy the ice-creams, bro.'' A shrug.
''No, I mean, ya know...'' he nervously laughed, scratching his neck. ''...For being there. ''
Oh.
That made Josuke open his eyes, turning to face Okuyasu. His friend was blushing up to his ears, the freckles on his tanned skin barely visible because of it.
'' Of course. '' He wasn't sure what to answer, too afraid to be wrong and break the moment. '' I'm always here.'' For him, he would always be.
'' Yeah, I know! And I'm always here for you too! '' His lilac eyes stared into his blue ones, making sure Josuke knew he was sincere. '' I'm a bit shit with words and all that, but what I mean is that I really care about ya, Jojo. '' Josuke knew where this was going, because he was aware that Okuyasu had no filter, often letting the words come out of his mouth without any restraints.'' I feel like we met at the right time. If it weren't for ya, I don't know what I'd be doing. I don't even know where I would be to be honest. I'm dumb most of the time, y'know, but I really like ya. Maybe more than I should too.'' He admitted with a nervous laugh, glancing at his friend before he kept clumsily rambling about the things he liked about Josuke, their relationship, and how much he meant to him.
Okuyasu did that a lot, rambling, especially when he was nervous. Josuke always gave him the time he needed to talk, it was endearing to him, even more now. He couldn't hide the joy he felt when he understood what Okuyasu was trying to say, grateful that the latter had the courage to let the words flow, when he had been a coward for giving up out of fear. The euphoria was gradually creeping up his body, sparkles running through his veins, because there was no point in keeping his feelings to himself anymore. He wasn't alone.
But as happy as he was to hear Okuyasu confess in a disconnected and wordy declaration, he didn't feel like letting Okuyasu finish his endless stream of words for once. Josuke kissed him square on the lips, making the other yelp. It was chaste and soft, a bit awkward in Josuke's opinion, but they didn’t need to rush anything. It was the sweetest thing he had tasted that day and he wanted to enjoy it.
It did shut Okuyasu up too.
'' I get it. '' Josuke admitted, pulling away from their first kiss, and Okuyasu nodded, relieved. They exchanged a shy smile, Okuyasu taking his hand to intertwine their fingers, before carefully helping Josuke stand up. It was getting late, so they made their way out the sunflower field, keeping each other's warmth close. Tomoko would probably scold them, while insisting that Okuyasu stayed for dinner. Josuke squeezed his hand, pleased when he felt Okuyasu do the same.
In Morioh, there were two idiots, and you could not separate them, as their friendship slowly bloomed into a young love.