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Kusuo wouldn’t say he’s particularly interested in romance. It only seems to lead to attention and trouble, and he rather likes his time alone. Besides, nobody is interested in him, just an idealized version that they’ve cooked up in their minds. He’s not so prideful as to believe he’s above emotions like love, but his powers are a liability. He can’t risk telling a partner. What if they break up? He can’t just have people knowing his secret wandering around. And it’s not like most would be okay with a friend digging around in their head constantly, much less a significant other. And yet…
“Please go on a date with me!” Toritsuka blurts out, having barged into his house on what was supposed to be a quiet weekend. One would think that, as a psychic, Kusuo would have clocked something like that, but he’s never even seen the thought cross the medium’s mind. He’s instantly suspicious.
“If you think I’m going to let you grope Kuriko—”
“No! That’s not… I want you. Actual you.” Kusuo considers for a moment, hearing no malicious intent in his mind. He has to admit, having someone who knows about his powers, has seen the worst and most cruel of him and sticks with him, something his even own dad couldn’t bear to do … it’s nice. And he can’t say he hates the casual physical contact. It’s been so long since he’s been held in a way that matters, a way that doesn’t have ulterior motives. It’s just so warm and calm. That is, until the medium opens his mouth. No, he couldn’t possibly be with Toritsuka. He’s creepy and pervy, obsessive and unable to take a damn hint. But if that were to change— Kusuo finally makes up his mind, sighing as loudly as possible. He’s sitting at his desk chair while Toritsuka stands, yet somehow it seems like Kusuo is still looking down at him.
“I’ll go on a date with you.”
“Really?! Hell yeah!” He smiles and bounces on his toes, a gesture that admittedly does make Kusuo feel something, but he holds up a hand.
“I wasn’t done. As of now, your behavior is unacceptable. You’re creepy towards girls and disrespect their boundaries. I refuse to date someone like that.”
Looking both confused and devastated, Toritsuka’s shoulders slump. “But you said—”
“However,” Kusuo continues, mildly annoyed at the continued interruptions. “If you were to improve yourself, I might be inclined to oblige. So. Prove to me that you can be better. If you can go four months without being a total perv, I will go on a date with you. One strike and you’re out.”