Work Text:
Alright, only this file next and then I'll be done for the day. As Tsurugi was musing about this, a door opening abruptly behind him interrupted his thoughts.
“Tsurugi! You need to listen to this!”
Right. He knew only one person who would make an entrance like this. Tsurugi turned around with a small smile.
“Is this about our upcoming day-off next thursday?”
His friend- Kouhei Sasaki entered the office and opened his eyes wide.
“Aw, and here I thought I'd surprise you. You're diligent as always, Kinjo.”
“Sure. Have you decided on something you wanted to do then?”
Kouhei grabbed a nearby chair and sat there, arms crossed on the headrest.
“Well. Since last time we had free time you came to my house, I'd like to see yours this time! If you're ok with it, naturally.”
So that's what it was. He cleared his throat.
“I'd love to, I should have thought of inviting you myself after last time.”
“Haha, you're so polite! No need to be so formal, we're friends.”
Well, true, thought Tsurugi softly.
“My bad, it's a habit from work.”
They smiled at each other, and the meeting was decided. Tsurugi left the police station with lighthearted steps that evening.
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Thursday arrived in no time. Thankfully, the rain season hadn't started yet and a nice ray of sun warmed the room. Tsurugi paced around for the umpteenth time that afternoon. It's fine. Kouhei would arrive in ten minutes, so it was still the moment to verify everything.
He glanced around. Dust, check. Plate of nuts, check. No work files at the table, ch-
“Tsurugi!”
“H-huh!?”
Tsurugi turned around clumsily, eyebrows arching upward. Kouhei beamed at him. It was weird seeing him in civilian clothes for once. He especially liked the denim jacket.
“Hahaha! If you saw that look on your face!”
That wasn't funny! Why was he here so early!?
“Ahem. I was just taken aback. So I see you found your way here no problem.”
“Yeah, I asked a servant who was passing by. Speaking of, I knew your family had money but wow. I had to check my GPS three times, but sure enough this huge mansion was the deal.”
He's right. As chief of the Tokyo police department, Tsurugi's father had all the money in the world to buy a big house like this. Their fortune was relatively new, but it didn't stop Juu Kinjo from going all-out, as if he was trying to impress someone. Tsurugi admired his dad, but. This... he thought was a bit unnecessary. Kouhei pulled him from his thoughts:
“So what do you wanna do? We've got all afternoon!”
“Oh, right... Um...” He looked around. “I haven't thought about it yet. I'm not used to,” he gestured around vaguely, “having free time like this.”
Kouhei stared at him with big eyes for a few seconds, and then started laughing again.
“Hey Tsurugi. I know you're always in work mode but you need to unwind sometimes.” He sat on Tsurugi's desk chair. “Maybe we should start with a simple indoors activity. What about chess?”
Tsurugi's eyes lit up at that. Now that was something he could work with.
“Good idea, I should have a set somewhere in here,” he grabbed a nice wooden box from the top of his wardrobe. “There.”
Kouhei whistled.
“Cool set, wow. I only play chess online so it's exciting to play with real pieces for once!”
Tsurugi unpacked the set while glancing discreetly at his enthusiastic friend. He really was cu- wait, Tsurugi Kinjo. Focus on the task at hand.
He finished setting up the game on the table, hoping the small blush on his cheeks isn't too noticeable.
“Alright, let's start. Best of luck, Kouhei.”
“Same to you!”
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A few hours later. Tsurugi and Kouhei were still at the table, focused on the game. Kouhei pushed his head back and let his arms slump at his sides.
“And I lose... Again. I'm a little frustrated, but your play style sure is amazing, Tsurugi.”
Tsurugi averted his gaze.
“You're giving me too much credit. You're much better at everything else than I am.” He looked down.
“Hey, Tsurugi. I don't know how to tell you this but we don't have to compare our skills all the time like this. I don't care what your dad thinks, or our colleagues, or whoever.” He looked up. “ You're you and I'm me. I'm just happy being with you.”
Tsurugi stared at Kouhei, his mouth half-open. It's ok. It's Kouhei.
“Yeah, forget what I just said. I promised myself I'd erase all evil in the world but sometimes I waver and it scares me.”
Kouhei pursed his lips, left the table, and then went to sit on the bed.
“Come here.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” he tapped his hand at the empty space next to him.
What was he playing at? Tsurugi swallowed the lump in his throat and made his way over. Kouhei was centimeters away from him. Ok, stay calm. Just as Tsurugi was about to change the subject, Kouhei opened his arms wide and embraced him.
“H-huh!?” Tsurugi stifled a small gasp, his arms akwardly placed on either side of his best friend.
“Tsurugi, you have great ambitions and I'm proud of you for that. Sometimes our motivation dwindles and we can't see straight in front of us, but in those moments I want you to know that I'm here for you. You're the most precious person I have.”
At that, Tsurugi felt his heart beat out of his chest. Where was that coming from? He hugged Kouhei back, still.
“You can't just say things like this.”
Kouhei drew back from the hug.
“And why is that? I mean it.”
“You're just saying that to make me feel bett-”
Huh? It took Tsurugi a moment to register the situation. It had to be a dream. Kouhei was kissing him.
The boy he had been crushing on for several years now was kissing him. He felt his face flush and pulled away. Wow.
“So? How was it?” said his friend with a smug smile.
“I... I thought you liked girls.”
Kouhei blinked.
“Oh, I do! But that's not all. I'm bi, actually.”
Now Tsurugi felt dumb. After hearing Kouhei talk about a former crush he had on a girl that one time, he'd assumed he'd never be able to get Kouhei's attention... like that. But even now...
“I'm surprised you'd be interested in me, though. I'm not exactly the funniest person to be around-”
“Oh please, Tsurugi. I love you as you are, you don't need to change anything.”
That was a lot. Tsurugi felt tears coming.
“I'm just really happy you think this way. I... I've been in love with you for the longest time.”
“Haha, I had a feeling. You're not exactly the best at concealing your emotions.”
“Oh, shut up.”
They stayed silent for a bit after that. Then Tsurugi straightened his back.
“Just so you know though, I prefer not to start a relationship. I have to stay focused on my goal, and I wouldn't have a lot of free time for you.”
Kouhei smiled sadly.
“I had a feeling you might say that. But I understand. I'll always be here for you and support you.”
“That's good to know,” he smiled back. A pause. “That sure was a conversation, but going back on topic, maybe we should finish that game of chess. It's almost night already.”
It was mostly an excuse to register all that had just happened, but hey.
Kouhei snorted. He probably saw right through me, thought Tsurugi grumpily.
“Alright, enough emotions for today, yes. I'll definitely win this time!”
They spent the rest of the evening playing, content in each other's company.