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It had been about a year since they got back from the borderlands. Of course, they didn’t remember. The only one who did was Ann, who left Japan as soon as she was cleared by the doctor for travel.
Chishiya had been released from the hospital way before Niragi had. He went back nearly every day to visit Niragi. They had become friends within their time in the hospital, and the blond quite enjoyed the others company.
At some point, Niragi had fallen in love with Chishiya. He didn’t know when. It happened seemingly out of no where, with him waking up from a dream where they had gotten together.
They remained in contact after Niragi got discharged. They didn’t see each other much, though. Chishiya was very busy with his job, and he lived a few hour drive from Niragi. They occasionally met up on the weekends, when Chishiya had time off.
It was nearing Valentine’s Day, and Niragi knew Chishiya was off. He also knew the blond was single. He was… very skilled with a computer, having been a video game developer before the meteorite accident. He had connections as well, ways to find out information. It wasn’t creepy! It’s not like he stalked the other out of malice.
They hadn’t made plans to meet up on Valentine’s Day- probably because it wasn’t the weekend, when they did meet up. So, being like any normal (deranged) guy with a crush, he decided to surprise Chishiya at his place. He also… was able to find out where he lived. Again, not creepy! No malice.
So, that’s how Niragi found himself standing outside of Chishiya’s house a few days later, a bag of Chishiya’s favorite cookies and bouquet of flowers in his hands.
He was terrified. The last time someone knew he was gay was in high school, which caused him to get so relentlessly bullied. But, he knew Chishiya wouldn’t hurt him or be mean.
The worse that could happen was rejection. And humiliation. And ruining their friendship. He’d have to move to the other side of the country and change his name and identity and looks and-Okay. Breathe.
Taking a shaky breath, Niragi raised his hand and knocked on the door. And then he realized there was a doorbell. Dammit. Maybe he should’ve rung that instead. He should ring it now, Chishiya might not have heard the knock. But what if he got annoyed with how impatient he seemed?
As he was about to ring the bell, the door swung open to reveal Chishiya in a zipped up white hoodie and shorts. “Niragi? What are you doing here?” The blond didn’t seem phased by the fact he never gave Niragi his address, yet he showed up there.
“Ah, well. It had been a while since we met up, yeah? And you’re off today. So I just- figured I’d come here. Do you know what today is?” Niragi felt awkward, holding the cookies and flowers. He was starting to regret his decision.
“Well, it’s Tuesday, February 14th. Why are you asking me? Obviously you know the date if you knew I was off today.”
Chishiya seriously couldn’t be that oblivious. Niragi knew how smart and observant he was. Maybe this was a way to humiliate him. His answer would probably be no anyways. He probably wasn’t even gay!
He shifted uncomfortably on his feet. “Well- yes. But it’s a holiday today. Valentine’s Day. And… I wanted to ask you to be my Valentine?” Clearing his throat awkwardly, Niragi waited for the others response.
They were left in uncomfortable silence for a few seconds, before the blond gave a small chuckle. Oh no. Niragi should’ve listened to his gut, he /knew/ Chishiya was straight, he knew he never would like someone like him. How stupid could he be!
“Sure, I’ll be your Valentine. Well, since you’ve come all this way, come inside. I’ll make you some tea.” Opening the door further, Chishiya stepped back inside his house and went to the kitchen, leaving Niragi gaping at the door. It took him a few seconds for him to get over his shock before going inside.
Chishiya’s house was huge, it felt like a mansion. Damn, doctors really do make good money. The living room was about two times bigger than Niragi’s whole apartment.
He sat down on the couch, setting the flowers and cookies on the table in front of him. Chishiya came back a few minutes later carrying a cup of tea, setting it in front of Niragi on a coaster.
“So, you came all this way just to ask me to be your Valentine? That’s some dedication. And a long train ride. Ah, thank you for the cookies. How’d you know they were my favorite?” He opened the bag, starting to eat them.
“The same way I knew where you lived, and that you were off today. And you used to get them all the time when you were in the hospital, so I figured they were your favorite.” Shifting in his seat, Niragi cleared his throat before continuing.
“Listen, ‘Shiya. I really like you. I’ve liked you for- well, a while now. It was before I got discharged from the hospital. And I just want to know if you feel the same. If not it’s alright- I don’t want to ruin this friendship.”
Chishiya stared at him for a bit, thinking through what he should say. “I know. That you like me, I mean. It was obvious to me. I was just wondering when you would finally grow a pair and tell me. I like you too, and we can start dating if you’d like. Though I must warn you, I’ve never dated someone before.”
At those words, Niragi felt a sense of relief rush over him. He could finally stop obsessing over the possibility that he would be rejected and ruin his friendship.
“That’s- that’s alright. It’s been a bit since I’ve had a relationship.” Feeling awkward again, Niragi stood up and cleared his throat. “Well- I guess I should head back home, before the trains get busy.”
“Wow, coming all this way just to ask to be my Valentines, and then leaving as soon as we start dating? How rude,” Chishiya let out a small chuckle. “Stay the night, I don’t work tomorrow either. Though, I’m sure you already knew that.”
Feeling a blush spread across his face, Niragi let out a huff. “Oh, whatever. I’ll spend the night, I guess.”