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Akito hummed, drumming his fingers on the table, and watched his partner take a sip of their coffee across from him. How Toya could stand to drink black coffee so frequently was a mystery to Aktio. Besides their terrible taste in drinks, Akito found his partner to be very agreeable. While the other members of his group, An and Kohane, were also pleasant to be around being with Toya was different.
Plenty of times in the past Toya and Akito had been mistaken for lovers and Akito never understood why. Yes, they had done and still do stuff that is traditionally viewed as ‘romantic’ but neither of them harbored those kinds of feelings.
“Akito?” Toya’s voice snapped Akito out of his thoughts.
“Shit, sorry Toya. I wasn’t paying attention.” Akito rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed.
“That’s alright.” Toya shook their head. “I was just asking if you’re okay. It’s not common for you to space out like that.”
“I’m fine.” Akito rested his chin on his hands. “Just thinking. That’s all.”
Toya nodded. “Thinking about what?” Their head tilted a bit as they asked the question.
“Us.” Akito said, trying his best to be nonchalant about it.
A small smile flitted to Toya’s face at Akito's response. “How come?”
“Dude, do you want me to embarrass myself or something?” Akito jokingly shot an accusing look at the other.
Toya hummed, thinking about Akito's question. “I wouldn’t mind if you did. I find it to be endearing when you get flustered.”
Akito sputtered. “Do you want me to answer your question or not?” He said after regaining some of his composure.
“Please do.” Toya laughed.
“Alright.” Akito started. “I was just thinking about how people perceive us and stuff.”
Toya nodded. “People’s assumptions are strange.”
“Very.” Akito agreed. “I don’t even know how they come up with that kind of stuff.”
“Well, I’m sure if you saw two people kiss you’d assume they’re dating.” Toya said casually.
“Yea, but we’re not.” Akito said pointedly.
“We’re not.” Toya echoed in agreement.
They fell into a comfortable silence and Toya resumed drinking their now lukewarm coffee. It didn’t take them long to finish now that they didn’t have to worry about burning their tongue.
“I don’t get how you drink that… stuff.” Akito had said the last word with such contempt it almost made Toya burst out in laughter.
“It’s not bad once you get used to it.” They chuckled.
“Whatever you say Toya.” Akito waved his hand dismissively the goofy smile on his face ruining his disdainful facade. Toya huffed a smile similar to Akito’s adorned on their face and their eyes sparkled with joy.
“Akito,” Toya said softly after a moment of silence. “I was thinking about what you said before, how people perceive us, and I was wondering if you like us being perceived that way.”
Akito paused to think about his answer. “I don’t really hate it or anything, you know?” Toya nodded in both understanding and agreement. “But it’s not true and people going around spreading lies is annoying.”
Toya chuckled at the last part of Akito’s response. “I more or less feel the same,” Toya said. “We’re not just friends but it’s not like we’re dating and it feels wrong to call it something in between.”
Akito nodded vigorously. “Exactly!” He almost shouted eyes blown wide with excitement. “It’s just like that.”
Toya smiled fondly at Akito’s excitement. “Well, I’m glad I have whatever this relationship is with you, Akito. You’re the best partner I could ask for.”
Shocked at the sudden compliment it took Akito a bit to compose himself. “Shit, you can’t just go and say stuff like that dude.” He laughed. “You’re gonna make me die of a heart attack or something.”
Toya looked at Akito curiously. “I’ll be more mindful of my affections next time then.”
“I’m just joking, don’t take it too seriously.” Akito said quickly to clarify.
“Oh, alright.” Toya bobbed their head. “So I can keep complimenting you?” They asked earnestly.
Akito groaned, his head in his hands. “Of course that's the conclusion you come to.”
“Well, you did say not to take it seriously.” Toya shrugged.
“Fair point.” Akito said his chin, once again, resting in his palms.
Toya fished their phone out of their pocket to check how much time had passed. They had practice with the rest of their group later and An would never let them hear the end of it if they told her they had missed practice because they were 'hanging out'. Just thinking about it made Toya wince.
“What’s up?” Akito asked, taking notice of the expression Toya had briefly made.
“If we missed practice because of this An would never let us live it down,” Toya said with a half smile.
“Shit, you're right. Should we leave?” Akito’s eyes widened with worry.
Toya nodded, shoving their phone back into their pocket. Almost simultaneously Akito and Toya slid out of their seats and headed for the door of the cafe. They laced their hands together as the faint chime of the bell signified their exit.