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The morning of the final exam.
A piercing beep blared in Ichinose's ears and he begrudgingly covered his face with his blanket, reaching out blindly to find his phone. Perhaps to throw it on the floor. SOMETHING to make it stop.
Alas, he couldn't. It was an imperative day after all.. and that fact didn't do well to calm him.
Thoughts flooded his brain from the night before, 'I'm just gonna sleep it off!' but somehow, that feeling of exhaustion and fear lingered.
In a series of slow movements, he dragged himself out of his bed and got ready for the day.. alone.
Since Hirano moved out a couple of months ago.
He was a good kid. They respected eachother's personal space and their interactions were chill overall during their time together.
A lot different to the blonde's dynamic with his new roommate, Kagiura Akira, though.
It intrigued Ichinose how close they seemed. Like attached to the hip.
Something to support that fact was the way Hirano's eyes lit up so brightly while talking to Kagiura. 'Is he in love with him? I wonder.'
There was also that conversation Ichinose had with Hirano, asking him how exactly did he benefit from staying with him. He responded, "Being with him helps me do my best. That's why I want to stay roommates with him."
At the time, Ichinose could only giggle to himself. "Wow, you must 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 love your roommate, Hirano-san!"
And he meant every single word.
His kouhai roommate didn't seem all that interested in love and never mentioned any girlfriends (in the time they lived together). Which even further backed up his theory.
That bright determined look in his eyes made him seem like an entirely different person.
Just like the childlike expression on his face when he saw his roommate, after suspiciously returning the chocolate bar.
It definitely could be love.
But alas, he didn't dwell on it after that.
Ichinose began to button up his coat and sighed deeply.
Right.. the exam. No time to think about this stuff now. It was time to spiral about how he might fudge up his questions again. Great.
Even though Ichinose had the room to himself to focus on studying in his final year, it had its disadvantages.
Sitting by himself in the dead silence of his room didn't ALWAYS bother him. But today it did. A lot.
An uneasiness stirred in his stomach and he could already sense where that was going.
The irony is that he was stressing over his upcoming stomach ache, when the stress was one of the causes of it (and maybe some food that didn't agree with him). But he still ended up crouched on the floor the moment he began to open the door and groaned in annoyance.
'Why now..? I feel so nauseous.. This fucking sucks.' Ichinose willed himself to stand up and gripped his belly, flimsily using his keys to lock the door behind him.
'Gonna.. have to take some medicine later.' He thought, between the uncomfortable surges of pain in his body.
Before he could stumble forward, an arm securely wrapped around Ichinose's torso and supported him. "Huh..?" He glanced up into piercing eyes, cascaded by a dark fringe and square shaped glasses rounded at its edges.
𝘖𝘩..
"Are you alright?"
His skin under the familar person's grip flared up at the touch, despite the jacket layer between them.
𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘮.
The tall, caring, and stupidly handsome dorm manager.
He blinked his tired eyes up at him and nodded slowly. "Yeah.. just a bit of pain."
"Do you need medicine?"
"No, it's not that bad. I can take it."
Ichinose noticed the knowing look in his eyes as he opened his lips to speak.
"Final exams jitters?"
"You caught me.. heh."
The Dorm Manager stretched his free hand out to him, which held a paper cup with a drink inside.
"Ichinose-kun."
"...Yes?"
"Drink this. You mentioned the other day that you like drinking peppermint tea, since it helps soothe your stomach, correct?"
Now it was Ichinose's heart that warmed. It was a pleasant feeling. Such a contrast to the current predicament he was in.
There were a million questions in his head, like 'did he get that for me?' but the follow up thought was 'no that's ridiculous, don't get your hopes up.'
In the midst of his brain screaming things at him, he quickly responded after a few seconds of silence.
"Isn't that yours? I don't want to steal it from you.."
"...."
"Ah, not quite. I brought a drink along with me but had a feeling I'd run into you before your exam, so.. peppermint was my first choice."
'Is it just me or was he looking a little.. shy when he said that?'
'Shit. I'm done for.'
Although the pain in Ichinose's stomach was present all the same, there was a foreign feeling of butterflies circling his gut.
It was overwhelming, but not the usual ache he felt. It was a flutter that tickled every inch of his skin and flushed his cheeks a rosy pink.
"So.. it 𝘪𝘴 for me." Ichinose couldn't stop the words spilling from his mouth and he covered his face in embarrassment. "T-That came out weird, I'm really sorry..-"
The Dorm Manager's lips turned upwards and he burst out into laughter, while still holding onto him with unwavering support.
"It's not that funny.." He puffed his cheeks a bit, not expecting to see this side of him since he was usually so soft spoken. But he'd be lying if he said he didn't enjoy his pretty smile.
"I'd argue that it is.. a little funny."
There was a playfulness coating his voice when he handed him the drink. It was so subtle that Ichinose almost didn't catch it, nor did he realize their hands brushing together.
Just the small touch sent a shiver down his spine, and that's when he knew FOR SURE that he was down bad, if there was any doubt before.
"Yes, it's for you."
"Huh?"
"The tea. So please drink up and take care of yourself."
"R-Right!" Ichinose took small sips from the cup and sighed in content.
There were no words to describe how much calmer he felt compared to when he was alone.
'If only I had a roommate like him this year.' The thought crossed his mind and he felt too embarrassed to even think about it again.
How could he? His feelings.. weren't reciprocated.
There was a sting in his heart, a venom enveloping the pleasant flutter that distracted him momentarily.
Ichinose wasn't a kid or anything. 18, about to graduate and leave for university.
He was going to have to move on with his life and put all of this behind him. But could he really?
The feelings he felt were serious.. in fact, he was always comfortable with him.
Just now, it was something more.
He recalled when the Dorm Manager first walked into his room with medicine and saved him, just when he needed help. Aiding his stomach of course, but the patience and care he exuded did well to calm his nerves.
It really sucked before. But it didn't as much anymore.
As he searched through his bag for water, the reassuring hand resting on Ichinose's shoulder made him think, 'Wow.. I kind of.. feel a lot better now I think.'
It was embarrassing at first, being so weak and in pain in front of someone.
Rooming with Hirano at the time didn't help, especially when the blonde boy awkwardly looked at him and didn't know what to do. He couldn't blame him for that or anything, since he was such a good guy.
But with the Dorm Manager it felt different. He felt happy and protected. At least he told himself that.
The person that held his feelings was simply there to check up on the students and make sure everything went smoothly.
It was his job. Nothing more.
But why did it hurt so much?
To know that someone with a calm and gentle demenaour like him, with so much kindness and grace, could never love him back?
Yeah, he didn't confess to him, but maybe it would be best to rip the band-aid off before he left the dorms. That way it'd be finally off his chest.
That way he knew he did all he could.
The joy Ichinose felt being acknowledged by him was so intense, it mimicked that of a crush he'd been harboring for a couple of lifetimes. An eternity even.
So after coming to terms with it in this moment, it was like a tidal wave hit him all at once.
Too much.
He clenched his stomach again and stiffened under his hold, which the Dorm Manager seemed to catch onto quickly. With an instant response, as if he knew before it even happened.
"Did the pain worsen?"
He studied the look of distress on Ichinose's face, and the shorter boy nearly melted in his arms under his gaze.
"Uhm.. no I was holding it out of habit. Just overthinking things again is all."
He looked unsure and concerned. And all Ichinose wanted to do was wipe any of that worry off of his pretty face.
So he thought to lighten the mood and smile reassuringly up at him,
"Thank you for the tea. I feel a lot better!"
"Anytime." He smiled softly, shifting the arm previously draped over his middle to lightly pat Ichinose's head. "You're graduating soon, so this must be a stressful time."
"Mmhm.." Ichinose nodded, a little embarrassed at how happy he was to get a head pat. He was praying it didn't show on his face (but it did. The pink tinge only grew.)
If the Dorm Manager noticed, he didn't say a thing. Only one corner of his lips lifted slightly.
'He probably noticed how much I'm blushing...- how am I gonna focus on my exam 𝘯𝘰𝘸!?'
His smug expression was indeed a contrast to the gentle face he adorned, and Ichinose was pretty sure his heart could burst out of his chest any second now.
Love was so confusing. One second it's the source of his pain, and the next it's the most excitement he's felt in a long time.
"A-Anyways.. I'm going to get going now." He hurriedly bowed his head and adjusted the bag on his shoulders.
"Alright.. don't worry too much. You'll do fine. You're a hard worker."
Again, that soothing voice tickled his ears. The flutter in his stomach was back and he came to the conclusion that it wasn't a bad feeling. Not anything to fear.
If this was something to keep him motivated through the day, then why not take advantage of it?
So Ichinose set off to the venue of his final exams. With a skip in his step, tea cup in his hand, determined look in his eyes, and a new plan.
'I'm gonna pass that exam, gain some more confidence, then grab his attention to tell him much I love him!'
A very different strategy, compared to the 'I'm gonna drop the bomb and run away' thing from before.
He had no idea how he was gonna pull this off.
•••
On the brighter side of things, Ichinose's exam went smoothly!
The answers came to him with ease. It was good he studied hard, but he could also thank his sudden burst of motivation as a good luck charm.
"I think I deserve a reward for my hardwork!" Ichinose hovered in front the vending machine close to the dorms, checking through the different options displayed through the glass.
'What should I get? Something that won't upset my stomach that much? It doesn't hurt anymore but it's better to be safe.'
He sighed deeply and opted for a drink, crouching down to grab it from the slot.
When he shifted his body to get up though, he saw familiar shoes approaching from the corner of his eye.
"D-Dorm Manager??"
Oh god. His heart wasn't prepared for this right now, nor was his brain. It was drained from all the words on his exam paper, so he didn't trust himself to speak eloquently.
Seeing the soft smile that the taller male directed at him made his knees so weak that he awkwardly stayed on the ground where he was, his eyes wide in embarrassment.
"Do you need help getting up?"
There was a glint of mischeiveness in his gaze that Ichinose couldn't describe, but he could've sworn he was playing around with him.
Again, it was such a contrast to any first impression he had of him. They'd been acting more familiar with eachother now.
Ichinose was so spaced out that he didn't even realize he crouched down beside him as well.
And the light poke on his arm snapped him out of it so quickly that he almost fell back.
"O-Oh! I'm sorry, did you say something?"
He crossed his arms together and shook his head with a smile, "Just checking on you, but you seem to be more energetic now. I'm glad."
His voice was as soft as ever, but he let out a shaky breath as if he was stifling back a laugh, "You look even smaller curled up like this."
"I-I'm not small!! You just happened to be very tall so it's skewing your vision." Ichinose's cheeks turned pink again, but he wasn't sure if it was because of embarrassment or that he enjoyed the teasing.
"Hmmmm.. I suppose you could be right."
"Really?"
"No~"
The blue haired boy covered his face shyly, hoping that he didn't obviously look like a strawberry field.
But again, if the Dorm Manager noticed, he didn't say anything. Somehow that fact made him even more flustered.
"You're embarrassing me.."
"Sorry sorry." He wasn't apologetic in the slightest.
Now it was down to the waiting game for the exam results.
After finding out his results, he'd have two choices.
Plan A: was to tell him right before moving out. And Plan B: Ichinose would graduate and come back with a visitor's pass. Assuming the fact that he'd still be there..
The road getting to this point couldn't be easy.
•💗•
It wasn't. He was right.
Things didn't go as smoothly as anticipated.
Packing up and moving out got so busy that he couldn't find the courage to tell them then. It would appear rushed and not geniune, which was the opposite of what he wanted.
So he focused on his entrance exams and starting this new chapter of his life first, to not overwhelm himself.
But overtime, Ichinose had been so wrapped up in uni work, drowning everyday in the assignments, that he didn't think to take a break.
His feelings for the Dorm Manager never wavered, so naturally he thought "I need to do something for myself so.. I'm going to go to see him. Finally."
Gripping the handle above him as the train swayed a little from side to side, he felt a little lost in thought thinking of the person who held his affections.
He couldn't go empty handed. There was a lot more preparation going into this confession than one would think. It was important to the bluenette that he showed him 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 he cared.
'He likes chocolates.. so hopefully he'll enjoy the ones I made for him. Even though it's my first time, they didn't turn out that bad.'
Ichinose smiled to himself, trying to not be obvious by concealing his face with his hand.
He was in public but he couldn't help it. Just the thought of seeing the Dorm Manager made him excited. And relief all at once, since he could finally put his feelings out there.
The door of the train opened and he walked in the direction of his school, taking a deep breathe to calm his nerves. A stomach ache was not ideal in the moment.
Ichinose was actually expecting a rejection, but the thing keeping him going was at least seeing the Dorm Manager's face again.
He, of course, double checked if he was still there by awkwardly sending a text to Hirano. His blonde kouhai was suspicious to say the least.. but he seemed to connect to dots when he wished him luck.
It was pretty early in the day, so he took the opportunity to get a visitor's pass and say hello to his teachers and friends. Maybe he was delaying the inevitable, which was definitely the case.
But he had to earn some of his confidence before tackling the final boss.
'Why am I thinking as if this is a video game? Except for love confessions...' He shook his head in attempt to calm his thoughts and FINALLY made his way to the dorm building.
Ichinose took a look around. It hadn't changed much, which was expected, but it was weird feeling like an outsider now.
'I wonder if those two are dating now..' As if it was magic, he heard a cheerful voice call out his kouhai's name. It belong to Kagiura, no doubt. He looped his arm around the other's with a cheerful smile. And just as he suspected, Hirano looked at him like he was the entire universe and all the stars in the sky.
They were at a distance, but he could tell how much closer they'd gotten. Emotionally and physically.. their touches seemed so natural.
Ichinose had talked to Kagiura as well before he graduated. There was a bit of tension at first, but after assuring that he had no interest in Hirano, he found that the boy was a massive sweetheart.
He caught onto his feelings for the Dorm Manager as well and kindly encouraged him, which wasn't necessary but very appreciated.
It's remarkable how emotionally intelligent this guy was, just the right fit for Hirano.
He sighed softly with a smile, 'I hope I can have a relationship like that one day.' Just as he turned to walk though...
"Ichinose-kun?"
Ba dum ba dum ba dum
"O-Oh hello Dorm Manager."
"What brings you around? It's nice to see you again." He smiled warmly down at him. It was subtle but he seemed to light up a bit.
"I came to greet some of my teachers and friends.. but I wanted to see you the most."
The Dorm Manager tilted his head slightly, "Me?"
"Yes.. uhm.. is it okay if we go somewhere with less people watching?"
"...."
"W-Wait I don't mean it in a weird way!" Ichinose was blushing all over at this point from the embarrassment. He rehearsed some of the conversation in his head, but it still didn't go according to the plan.
His nervousness seemed to have been amusing to the Dorm Manager though, because a hushed laugh escaped his lips, "It's alright, you can come with me. Would you like some tea?"
"Please! That would be nice."
Walking alongside him again was comforting to Ichinose. It was like all of his worries and stresses from the previous day dissipated just like that.
Even if the height difference felt a little silly at times, he couldn't help but glance up and admire him occasionally.
"You look good." The Dorm Manager gestured to his outfit, "And your hair is fluffier than usual. It suits you."
He supposed his clothes were a bit more mature, now that he wasn't wearing a school uniform. But he still stuck to patterned hoodies and wide-leg pants, just with more accessories now (eg. pant chains with stars on them).
Regarding the other compliment..
'Fluffier.. is it because my friends were ruffling my hair..? Should I keep it this way?' Ichinose pondered on the meaning, nearly running into a door before a hand clasped onto his and pulled him back.
The touch was gentle as it always was.. but it just sank in that they'd never held hands before.
It is true that the Dorm Manager did touch him sometimes while he lived in the dorms, but it was only to help steady him if he had a stomach ache or give him comforting pats.
Never something like this, so it made him flustered beyond belief. And it seemed like the feeling was mutual.
"...Ah, I'm very sorry. I shouldn't have just grabbed you like that." Just when the Dorm Manager was about to let go, Ichinose quickly shook his head.
"Nono, it's okay. I liked it- I mean I'm fine with it." He stammered, once again saying something that could be taken out of context.
The Dorm Manager lifted a hand to cover his mouth, clearing his throat and averting his gaze elsewhere.
"I see.. well, this way."
Ichinose peeked into the room they walked towards, hovering by the door frame. "Is this your office? It's funny, I've never been inside it!"
The Dorm Manager let go of his hand and gestured him inside with a smile. "Indeed. We can sit in here while we catch up, if that's alright."
"Oh yeah, that's okay."
Shortly after the both of them sat down and the taller male across from him poured them both some tea, the desk that separated them reminded Ichinose of their current situation.
He needed to get this off his chest.. he wasn't sure when it would happen but it needed to happen today.
"So how are studies going? I'm sure it must be busy for you."
"Yeah, it can be difficult but I'm getting used to it, I think."
"Don't hesitate to drop by anytime you need if it'll take your mind off of things. I know you study hard but sometimes you neglect your own wellbeing."
"Thanks.." Ichinose trailed off and looked towards the mug in his hand. The words seemed to flow easy before but the nerves were getting to him.
"Are you feeling alright? Stomach okay?" The Dorm Manager leaned on the edge of his seat, his eyes scanning over his face in concern.
"I needed to tell you something really important."
Ichinose could feel his deep warm gaze fixed on him, waiting for him to continue, and so he did.
"I don't know if you ever noticed and.. you'll probably never feel the same, but I have to tell you before it eats me up inside."
There was silence and he couldn't met him in the eyes anymore,
"You've always been so kind and caring towards me. I appreciate your presence a lot, even though it's just your job to look after all the students living in the dorm. I can't help but thank you for bringing so much colour into my life when it felt so dark and gloomy. I think that's some of the reasons why.. I love you."
It was a gamble if he checked his reaction.
It could be disgust and confusion.. he wasn't even sure what his opinion was on gay people. But he knew deep down that he was open-minded to the idea. He hoped.
"You.. love me?"
"Yes. Romantically."
Ichinose looked up when the last words left his lips, and he didn't expect the sight before him.
The Dorm Manager was blushing and hiding his cheeks with his arm. 𝘉𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.
"Uhm...."
Was he allowed to have hope? He wasn't sure, but really..
"I'm..very sorry."
He should've known better.
"I always thought fondly of you but, never thought of you in that.. way before."
"Haha, yeah I thought that'd be the case."
Ripping the bandaid off felt like a stab more than anything.
"Ichinose-kun. Please look at me."
He did as he wished. Despite everything, he couldn't refuse him.
"Mh?"
"I don't want to flat out reject your feelings. The last thing I want is to see you hurting because of me."
"I'd prefer you to say you don't love me back rather than force yourself because of pity. It's really okay."
"It's not pity."
At that, Ichinose's head shot up, "Huh?"
"We don't share that many years apart. I'm sure you're well aware I'm one of the younger staff members in the school. And you're in University now. If you're comfortable with the idea, I would like to think about it more. I don't want to dismiss your love towards me since I really do care about you."
"You mean it?"
"I do. So as long as you keep up with your work, it's alright if you come back every once and a while. Maybe I'll even treat you to lunch. I appreciate your company after all."
"Oohh then I might have to take you up on that offer!" Ichinose was grinning widely, butterflies dancing through his stomach, leaving him feeling giddy. He couldn't contain his joy.
'This is really happening? He's going to think about my feelings? .... Wait I'm forgetting something- oH.'
He suddenly scrambled to fish something out from his bag, with the Dorm Manager looking at him in curiosity and amusement from the corner of his eye.
"I-I brought something for you. I completely forgot."
Ichinose slid the heart shaped box across the table,
"Hopefully you enjoy eating them. I know you love chocolates and I tried out this recipe thinking of you."
"You made these..?"
He nodded sheepishly in response, "I must not seem like I enjoy baking, huh? But it can be really fun as a side hobby."
"I wouldn't say that.. they say the artist is like the art, correct? The chocolates that you made are as cute and small as you."
"W-Wh-!?!"
The Dorm Manager smirked at him, not even bothering to hide his teasing now. It was similar to the way he used to joke around, but amplified to a different level.
It was so attractive that Ichinose thought he might pass out on the spot. Funny enough, he wasn't scared of that either, cause that means he'd be lifted in those secure and protective arms.
...Okay, maybe he was simping a bit too hard.
"May I try one?" He lifted a chocolate to his lips and pressed it against them, looking eager for the go ahead. It was hard to resist when the treats looked so delicious.
Ichinose nodded slowly, trying to look anywhere but at his lips (an impossible task).
But the Dorm Manager was oblivious to his internal struggle, since he was too busy popping two more chocolates into his mouth.
"Mmm it's so delicious. Thank you." He praised the top notch quality of the gift, his heart warming at the fact that it was homemade. Just knowing that fact made it all the more delicious.
"I'm happy you like it!" A pink dusted Ichinose's cheeks as he watched him enjoy eating what he worked so hard to make. Today had turned out a million times better than he'd hoped.
Even though it wasn't guaranteed that he'd ever reciprocate his feelings.. the effort to understand meant the world.
•💗•
After that day, they kept in contact and met eachother once every few weeks, when their schedules allowed for it.
Either they'd go out somewhere together or Ichinose would go to the dorm building and hang around for a bit.
The Dorm Manager's feelings towards him didn't change much (or so he thought.) They just enjoyed eachother's company.
But after three months or so, Ichinose thought it'd be fun if they had a change of scenery.
There was a park that he knew of with gorgeous trees and flowers scattered throughout the area. It happened to be near the dorm so it worked.
They decided to meet at that destination, even though the Dorm Manager insisted to drive him. But he didn't give in, pointing out that he was far too busy and that he should take care of that first.
It was fine this way actually. More time to set up the picnic blanket to sit on.
"Ichinose-san, what brings you here?"
A familiar voice but he recognized it right away. It was Hirano, with his tall puppy eyed roommate right by his side.
"Oh just.. waiting."
"For the Dorm Manager?" Kagiura sang sweetly, followed by laughs and a smack on the arm from Hirano.
"Oi, quiet down. What if he was behind you?"
"Aww but you love my talking, Hirano-san~"
"So what if I do?" Hirano gently pinched the bridge of his nose, eliciting a squeak from Kagi, before turning back to Ichinose.
"You seem nervous."
"Do I..?"
The blonde nodded slowly. He was just stating what he observed, while the dark haired boy beside him agreed as well.
"It'll be okay. Have faith! You never know what'll happen. I didn't expect that Hirano-san could ever love me back.. and now he gives me a hug everytime I return home."
"Kagi-kun, you're embarrassing me.."
"Hehe~"
"Ohh I knew it!" Ichinose's mood lightened up a lot more, seeing his friend's incredibly endearing relationship. "I could see the way you looked at him for a long time now."
"Ehh? Was it that obvious?"
"Yes." Ichinose and Kagiura responded in sync, shooting eachother silly smiles when Hirano groaned in annoyance.
"Anyway! What brings you two here?"
"We decided to go out for a jog together!" Kagiura chirped, pressing a light kiss on Hirano's cheek. "He's keeping up with me pretty well. I didn't know how fast of a runner he was."
Hirano covered his face with a sigh, not realizing how red his cheeks were getting at the sudden kiss. "Speaking of, we should get back to it."
He turned to leave and then peeked back towards his previous roommate with a slight smile, "See ya. You'll be fine."
"I second this!"
"Thanks a lot!! Now continue on your way. We can talk later." He shooed them with his hands, finding it hard to stop grinning at their silly antics.
Just after he watched their retreating backs, Ichinose felt a warm puff of air next to his ear.
He flinched and almost jumped three feet into the air, until he realized it was the Dorm Manager standing behind him and smiling smugly.
"Did I surprise you?"
"Maaaybe! Not too much though."
"Hmmm my apologies anyways." He raised a hand to gently pet Ichinose's head, leaning down to get a better view of his face with their height difference and all.
"You worked so hard to prepare this so, of course, I won't waste a single bite."
"I'd rather you take time and enjoy yourself, rather than forcing yourself to finish it all. It's really okay."
"Who says I can't do all at once?"
Ichinose's heart grew softer just at those words. He always knew the right thing to say when he doubted himself.
Watching the Dorm Manager lower down to sit on the blanket, he happily joined him and crossed his legs.
There were a couple of different meals in stackable boxes that he prepared. Yes, his specialty was baking overall, but he knew how to cook.. sort of.
Although, there was room for a lot of improvement and he knew that, which is what made the picnic a little nerve wracking. So he admitted all of that to the curious eyed person who sat next to him, hoping that it would lessen the expectations.
"Hmm.. if you're worrying about it, don't worry. I'm sure it's amazing as it is, but I'm not too bad at cooking myself. We could make something together some time if you need the practice."
"Really?"
The Dorm Manager nodded fervently, subconsciously sliding closer so he was able to (once again) run his fingers through the pretty blue hair within his line of sight.
"Mmmhm. Whenever you have time, we could go to my place."
"... Y-Your place?" Ichinose's face burned, not only because of how direct he was being, but the feeling of the hair pets made him want to curl up in his arms.
But they weren't there. Not yet.
Of course his 'oblivious' crush tilted his head and smiled warmly at him, "If you're alright with that, then yes."
The fact that he was saying this with a straight face, while eating a chocolate cookie, was unbelievable.
It was so hard to take at his point. He covered his face with his arms, feeling beyond flustered under his stare. "I don't think I can be there with.. you."
"... Ichinose-kun, we would only be cooking. What exactly are you thinking about?"
"Y-You know what I mean, please don't say it like that. It's too embarrassing!!!"
There was a light boop on his nose, which prompted them both to look into eachother's eyes.
"I can't recall saying I understand what you mean. Care to clarify?"
Ichinose huffed softly, shifting his weight onto his knees so he could lean up to adjust the Dorm Manager's glasses.
Something in the air shifted. Maybe it was the way his comparably smaller fingers played with his dark fringe and their gaze never broke contact. But he could've sworn his eyes widened in surprise.
The sight was foreign. Ichinose was used to being the shocked and flustered one. But since they were at a closer proximity, he observed the way his ears were dusted in a scarlet red.
"I don't.. know what I meant. But what I do know is being with you makes me overwhelmingly happy. So I want to keep meeting like this, if you're okay with it."
"That sounds more than okay."
A fond smile curled onto the Dorm Manager's lips and he hovered his hands over his sides, "This might be a little selfish of me to ask, but is it alright if I hug you?"
"N-No it's not selfish.. you can hug me."
Ichinose was usually a laid back and chilled out person, but in this case, he might've looked a little too eager.
It seemed like the Dorm Manager didn't care all too much though. He knelt forward and wrapped his arms around his torso, nuzzling his nose against his neck. "So you are as nice to hold as I thought you were."
"Y-You've 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 of hugging me before?" All of his senses were filled with just him and he happily sank into the warmth of his arms, thinking about how difficult it'd be to let go.
"Mh.. a lot recently, so I had to try it." He exhaled softly, his chocolate smooth voice sending shivers down Ichinose's spine.
"Well feel free to do it again!"
"Oh~?"
"I already know you're thinking of teasing me, stop it." The bluenette whined, nudging their heads together lightly.
"I'm not I'm not." The Dorm Manager leaned back a little to make direct eye contact, still keeping an arm around his waist. "But I have to say, I enjoy seeing the person I like blush because of me."
".......... 𝘏-𝘏𝘶𝘩!?"
They sat there for a while, with one of them gaping like a fish and the other watching his face closely.
"You.." Seeing the little tears fill at the corners of Ichinose's inky blue eyes, larger hands cupped his face and gently caressed his skin.
"I mean it."
"You do?"
"I really like you, Ichinose-kun."
"You really, really do!?"
"Yes, I do." The Dorm Manager chuckled at his cuteness and couldn't help but smile as well. "It took a while to realize, forgive me."
"No no. You didn't have to rush or anything. The fact that you thought so much about my feelings means a lot to me. I'm just.. so happy!"
"I am too."
They sat there. Content with eachother's presence. It was nice.
The soft blowing of the wind around them and the blades of grass poking from underneath the blanket. It was like every little detail was perfectly crafted for this moment.
It was serenity, not quite like anything they've ever felt before.
"Oh. I forgot." Ichinose whispered to make sure he didn't startle him, which he doubted was possible anyways. But still.
He shifted in the Dorm Manager's arms, holding onto his shoulders to steady himself, and then pointed out to the dishes set out on the blanket around them. "Can I feed you those?"
"You want to feed me?" There was a hint of amusement in his tone. "I'm not opposed to it."
"Not everything!! I just mean a few things, like the cupcake recipe I tried out. I know you really like chocolate so.."
"Heh."
Ichinose's eyes widened a little when he felt soft lips press up against his forehead and his nose brush against the blue strands on his head.
"Thank you very much."
"O-Of course. I love seeing you enjoy what I make!"
"...."
"Also.. uhm, could you please kiss my forehead again?"
"Ohh so you liked that~?"
"Nevermind, I take it back." x//~//x
"No no, come here."