Chapter Text
“I’ve been dropping the most obvious hints for ages,” Akito sighed, and paused to take a sip of coffee. “Nothing.”
“Wow. No offense, but it seems like whoever you like is an idiot,” An replied, stirring her cup of tea. The two had met up at An’s father’s cafe, Weekend Garage, to chat about music. Somehow, their discussion had turned to whoever Akito had a crush on.
“She–They’re not, though. Just really, really dense.” Akito put his drink down and laid a hand on his forehead. “Well, maybe you should try being more obvious,” An responded. “Say it outright or something. ‘Hey, I’m in love with you!!’ Somethin’ like that.”
“You know what? You’re right,” he responded. “Hey, An, I’m in love with you.”
An rolled her eyes. “Yeah, see? Just do that!” Akito balled his hands into fists. “Holy. Fucking. Shit.” “If they don’t get that, then I’m sorry. They’re a lost cause.” An’s obliviousness was almost painful.
“An. Listen to me.” Akito said, tapping her once on the shoulder. “What?”
“It’s…you.” Extra emphasis was placed on the word “you.” An chuckled, a tone of nervousness in her voice. “What are you talking about?” At her response, Akito let out an even longer sigh.
“I’m trying to say that I’m in love with you.” An’s smile quickly disappeared, her mouth falling open. “Wh–Huh? So…the person you’ve been talking about for so long…” He nodded, flashing a faint smile.
An had absolutely no idea how to respond. The guy she’d had a massive crush on for so long actually reciprocated her feelings…and yet she was struck silent. Somehow, she’d come to the conclusion that he only liked guys and it would be weird to say anything. So, she had never anticipated him feeling the same way about her. She could only muster an “I…uh…” before her face turned the shade of red beets and her head fell into her hands. She was usually so…cool, so prepared for any situation. This shouldn’t have been any different. But it was. So, incredibly different.
Akito watched her completely unravel right in front of him. He should have been able to offer some base-level words of comfort. Even a basic question of if she was okay or not would have been fine. But, he thought, of course she wasn’t. “Okay” people didn’t get all stammer-y and hide their faces in their hands. He should have said something, anything. But, for some perplexing reason, he found himself completely unable to do so.
The two sat in silence for a few minutes that seemed like hours until An finally recomposed herself. Averting her gaze, she mumbled a simple “I like you, too.” She couldn’t muster up the courage to say “love.” But that was fine. What she said was all that was needed.