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''You're such an idiot.'' He sternly said as he watched the red-haired boy pick up books from the floor and slide them onto its bookshelf. It took a while for him to finish organizing everything and for some reason Aira just stood there, watching. He was not angry at Hiiro for causing a mess in his apartment.
''Sorry, Aira.'' He softly said as he bow.
''It's alright... I'm gonna go now.'' Hiiro flashed a bright smile at him. Aira felt his cheeks burn. He quickly turned around towards the door and left the room. He could hear Hiiro telling him to wait for him or something but he needed some time. He needs to assort the things that have been on his mind for months. Especially THAT thing. Venting it out might be a good thing. But he needs someone he could trust. Obviously, he trusts Hiiro the most but in this case, Hiiro might be the last person to vent out his feelings. Suddenly his phone rang. Hiiro's name was shown on his phone screen.
''Aira! Hey, are you alright? Is everything okay? Where are you going?'' Hiiro asked frantically.
''Hey, Hiiro I'll talk to you later.'' Aira said with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
''Wait, Aira is it because-'' His voice fades away as he hears the long beep indicating Aira already hung up.
''Of the mess I made...'' Hiiro was convinced Aira left because of the mess. Although it was not such a huge mess and it didn't take so much time to clean it up, Aira might just be a little sensitive. So, he made a decision and took out his phone. He scrolled through his contacts and saw the name. Immediately, he clicked the name and waited for him to pick the call up.
Aira made his way through the dimmed hallway, thinking about who to talk to. Tatsumi crossed his mind and frantically, Aira messaged him.
***
Tatsumi waited for Aira at the apartment's lobby with a worried look on his face. He tried to not make it so obvious but the rapid leg bouncing gave it off. ''Aira there you are! What's going on? I received your text message and quickly drove here.'' Tatsumi said panicking. Both of his hands are on Aira's shoulder.
''Well... it's nothing much... I just wanted to talk to you about something. It's not really important so if you're busy then we can talk later.''
Tatsumi let out a relieved sigh and patted Aira's shoulder. ''Well, I'm glad there's nothing urgent serious but maybe next time, try to... send your message with a more uh... well.'' Tatsumi took out his phone and read the message Aira sent. ''Well, try to word it out better you know?''
'Tatsumi I need your help. I can't take it anymore.'
''Oh... I see what you mean. Sorry.'' A chuckle was let out by Tatsumi and they both sat on a bench.
''So... what happened?'' Aira covered his face with both of his hands.
''I don't know... he's driving me insane.''
''Why don't you just tell him how you feel about him?''
''A-are you crazy?! What if he doesn't feel the same? It's going to be so awkward and I don't want to ruin our current relationship...'' Aira felt sad. He wanted to tell him how he feels so bad but then again the consequences he might face are pretty bad.
''Well let's see, why don't you go explain to him why you left him stranded there?''
A pang of realization hit him. ''Oh right! I just... left him stranded. I didn't even message him as I told him I would.''
''See? Why don't you go see him? Just hang out with each other for a while. After that, meet me at the park near Rinne's house. I'll be with Mayoi.''
''H-huh? Why the park near Rinne's house? That's... random.''
''Oh, Hiiro is at Rinne's house. Go meet him there.'' Aira was amazed. Hiiro complained about how Rinne's house was a mess every time he went there and how he would avoid Rinne's house at all costs. It's surprising to Aira how he's currently there.
''Really?'' Tatsumi gave him a nod and an assuring pat on the back. ''Good luck. I know you can sort things out with him. You're not going to leave him every time he makes you flushed you know?''
''I-I know that! I will...'' With that, Aira left Tatsumi with a wave. He made his way to Rinne's house. He bumped into numerous people on the way there because he was too busy thinking about what to say to Hiiro if he sees him soon. He felt frustrated.
***
'Why is he at Rinne's house? He might get bullied by his brother... damn it. I need to check up on him.' He arrived and saw him, crouching beside a flower bed.
"What are you doing?" Aira asked him. Hiiro looked up and giggled.
"Oh? Aira! There's actually a kitten here. That's why I'm crouching here. But the kitten is kind of scared of me..." His hand reached the back of the flower bed and scooped up the kitten. "AAH, IT'S NOT AFRAID OF ME ANYMORE!"
Aira let out a sigh and leaned against a wall. "I'm glad you're okay... I was so worried you were going to get bullied or something." He walked to Hiiro and crouched beside him. He soon realized what he had said to Hiiro and scooted a little further from him. "Oh, the kitten is very cute." He said to change the topic.
"Cute like you!'' Hiiro loudly exclaimed. Aira's cheek went red.
"What...?"
"The kitten's fur is almost the same color as your hair Aira! I should name it after you." Hiiro struck a thinking pose while the kitten swirled around Hiiro's leg. "What do you think of... Ai? Short for Aira. Sounds cute." The kitten let out a small mew as if it agreed on the name.
"Sure... nice to meet you, Ai." Aira calmly said although inside of him a storm was happening.
'DID HE JUST NAME THIS KITTEN AFTER ME?!'
Aira managed to keep his calm composure. He swore he was about to run back to his place and scream into a pillow.
"Uh... yeah, we should get going Hiiro. Tatsumi is waiting for us in the park near your brother's house." Hiiro gave him a nod.
''I should tell Rinne I'm leaving. Wait here with Ai, Aira.'' Hiiro passed Ai to him and went inside. Ai snuggled in Aira's arms and Aira was trying his best not to drop the kitten. Soon, Hiiro closed the door to Rinne's house ''Okay, let's go meet up with Tatsumi!''
They both walked to the park together. Ai included. On their way there, Hiiro played with the cat. Aira just watched his actions. He must admit, he didn't know Hiiro was a cat person. It was rather adorable, the way Hiiro carried the kitten. He treated the kitten like it was his own child. Aira had a bad experience with cats. A cat once scratched Aira's face with its sharp claws because Aira tried to touch its tail. Although it was just a small accident, he refused to pet or carry a cat. Now looking at Hiiro carrying and playing with the cat made Aira wonder why didn't the cat scratch Hiiro.
'Must be because of Hiiro's looks. He is cute and attractive. He also has this... comforting aura. Being around him makes me feel safe. I guess the kitten likes his aura too.' He thought as a smile formed on his face. 'Not to mention, Hiiro takes pretty good care of people.' The memory of Hiiro taking care of Aira back then flashed in his mind. He couldn't help but smile more thinking about it.
"What are you smiling about?" Hiiro asked which made Aira snap back to reality.
"Oh! Nothing!" He frantically waves his hand around indicating he's not smiling about anything.
"Really? You were smiling so cutely. Were you thinking about someone? Ooh... Aira do you have a crush on someone?" Hiiro said slyly with a smirk. "Tell me who it is! I'm curious!"
"No one! I am not thinking about anyone!"
"Really...? Hehe." Hiiro let out a chuckle which sent shivers down Aira's spine.
"What's with that creepy laugh?"
"Oh, nothing... you know, uh thanks.'' Hiiro awkwardly blurted out. Aira raised an eyebrow at him. Hiiro looked at Aira's expression and let out a chuckle. ''What you said back at my brother's house... thanks for worrying about me. I thought you hated me or something.''
''What? How can I hate you? You're an amazing guy I could never hate you just like that...''
''Really? Do you think so? Heh, thanks. Well, you just left me like that. I thought it was because of the mess I made and I made a lot of messes in the past so I thought it was because of that. And I created a lot of problems back then. I thought... you had enough of me and stuff.'' Hiiro scratched the back of his head after he said all that. ''Uh... Aira?''
Aira let out a laugh after hearing what Hiiro had said. ''Oh, Hiiro! Yes, you have created numerous trouble for me. But hey! I resolved all of the problems, right? It's not like the problems you made were any serious you know? But yeah, I'm sorry for leaving you like that. I should've at least texted you or something.'' Aira apologized and they both shared a glance with each other. They exchanged warm smiles and slowly but surely, Aira's hand somehow was in Hiiro's hand. They just held each other's hands and walked to the park in silence. Enjoying each others' presence.
They both arrived at the park. Tatsumi waved at them and called them over. "Hello, Hiiro and Aira! Oh...'' Tatsumi saw the state their hands were in. A smile spread across his face. ''Oh, I'm glad things worked out Aira.'' Aira smiled back.
''Yeah, I'm glad too.'' Aira looked around to see if a certain somewhere had arrived. ''Where's Mayoi?''
"He went to buy some ice cream I suppose? Oh, look at that cute little kitten!'' Tatsumi averted his sight to the little creature cuddled in Hiiro's arms.
''I found this little guy near the potted plants in my brother's house!" Hiiro picked Ai up and showed it to Tatsumi closely. "Isn't it adorable? Right before I picked it up Aira stopped by. Shocking because I thought he... didn't want to see me.''
''Oh? Aira did you not tell Hiiro about-'' Tatsumi didn't even manage to finish what he was going to say when Aira's hand covered his mouth.
''WAIT!!!'' Aira frantically removed his hand from Tatsumi's lips and apologized. ''I'm sorry... I haven't told him anything... yet.''
Hiiro just titled his head quizically at whatever Tatsumi and Aira might be talking about. ''Huh? Is there something you're supposed to tell me, Aira?'' Hiiro asked. Aira looked at Hiiro in silence for a whole minute. Tatsumi let out a light chuckle at the both of them
"Not yet... Hiiro..." Aira felt he was about to melt into the floor from embarrassment.
"Oh man, I want to know!" Hiiro pleaded. "Please?"
"Not now... it's nothing important." Aira told him. Hiiro gave him a nod and a smile.
"It's alright if you don't want to tell me. Tell me when you're ready then."
"Sorry, but may I talk about the reason why you two are here right now?'' Tatsumi said politely. The two of them gave a nod and sat on a bench together with Tatsumi. ''The reason why I called you two is that Mao, Yuuki, and Hokuto are going to throw a birthday party for Subaru tonight. I know you both know about this a week before but they need a little help with decorating. So, can you both help out?"
Hiiro didn't hesitate to agree. "I'd be happy too!" Aira soon agreed.
''U-um...'' A voice was suddenly heard behind them.
''Oh dear me, Mayoi? Where have you been?'' Tatsumi said with concern.
''Sorry I got lost but I still got the ice cream though. Oh!'' Mayoi noticed Hiiro and Aira. ''I'm sorry I didn't buy ice cream for the two of you! I-I'll go back and buy some!''
''Ah! It's okay, Mayoi! Thanks for the offer.'' Hiiro quickly said before he could go disappear again. ''Are you going to the birthday party tonight Mayoi?''
''Yes, of course...'' Mayoi nodded. ''But...''
''Nu-uh no buts! You're going alright?'' Tatsumi sternly said and patted Mayoi's shoulder. ''Stop worrying that your presence is going to ruin the party somehow. Relax.''
***
"HEY WATCH OUT! AAA!" Mao shouted as he watched a stack of boxes full of decorations topple. "You good, Hiiro? I'm so sorry I shouldn't have stacked the boxes..." Mao apologized.
"Ah... I'm good. It was rather a shock though."
"Alright, this venue is looking good! Subaru is going to arrive soon. Get into your hiding spot guys!" Mao and Hiiro quickly carried the boxes and stored them. They went into their hiding spots and waited. The door opened and Yuuki shot the birthday popper which was the cue for them to shout Happy Birthday.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" They all shouted followed by the birthday song and some more birthday poppers were shot.
"Oh how nice! Thank you so much for this surprise!" Subaru loudly exclaimed as he clapped his hands. "This looks really amazing! Aaahhh the cake looks so good! Can't wait to try it." Soon all of them started to eat the delicacies made by Niki. The venue was filled with people and it was very lively. Hiiro liked the happy atmosphere. But among everyone. Hiiro just seemed to see someone who was not enjoying themselves.
'Aira...'
He saw him across the venue. Sitting alone drinking some punch. Probably deep in thought. Without hesitation, he approached him and sat beside him. Their eyes soon met but it didn't last long. Aira looked away.
"Aira... did I do something wrong?" Aira's eyes widened and shook his head.
"No no, you didn't. You didn't do anything wrong."
"Then... why do you look so gloomy?'' Hiiro asked, expecting an answer. But Aira kept his mouth shut. Hiiro sighed and looked away from Aira. ''I'm sorry if I did anything wrong but don't be like this! We're at a party! Let's go have some fun." He said cheerfully. Standing up and extending out his hand. Indicating to Aira to grab it.
"Hiiro." Aira sternly said. His eyes looked directly into his. It sent shivers down Hiiro's spine hearing it. "Can we go outside?" Hiiro quickly nodded and Aira took his hand. They both went out and sat on a bench facing a lake.
The breeze from the lake blew into their hair. They both sat next to each other in complete silence. The only noise there was the crickets nearby. A few minutes went by. They haven't exchanged a single word. Hiiro slowly turned his head to look at Aira.
"I..." Aira suddenly blurted out which made Hiiro a little shocked. But he kept quiet and waited for Aira to finish. "I... well I don't know how to say it. My heart is beating so fast right now I am going to pass out." Aira didn't look at Hiiro at all. He thinks if he did he would really pass out.
"Oh... I don't really understand why your heart is beating fast but don't pass out."
"Oh, you're so oblivious..." Aira finally looked at him. His face was burning like hell he's pretty sure Hiiro can tell. He wanted to say it. He really wanted to. He had already planned this long ago. Why can't he just say it?
He couldn't. The thoughts of the consequences he might face after took over his mind and it was the only thing he was thinking. He hasn't realized the look he made. "'Aira... earth to Aira...''
Aira jolted his body up. ''Y-yes? Ah!'' He looked away again in embarrassment. ''Um... sorry I... Hiiro, let's just get back inside.''
Hiiro cocked his eyebrow at Aira's statement. A bead of sweat dripped down Aira's forehead. Hiiro noticed the panicking state Aira was in. He looks well, frustrated. Getting back inside might not be a great idea for now.
''Aira.'' Hiiro called out but Aira still tugged on his sleeve, dragging him inside the venue. ''Aira, we shouldn't go back yet. Are you okay?'' Still, Aira refused to listen and kept on dragging Hiiro inside. ''Aira!'' Hiiro yanked Aira's hand away from his sleeve and turned him around. Aira faced Hiiro but he didn't want to look Hiiro. ''Aira...'' Hiiro slowly opened his arms and pulled Aira into his arms. It took a while but Aira hugged back too.
Minutes passed in silence. Just both of them locked in an embrace. Until Hiiro made up his mind to say something.
''Aira.'' That made Aira stiffen his body from the hug and awkwardly released himself from it.
''Yeah...?'' He tilted his head up and met with his cyan eyes.
''Aira, I'm an idiot. I can't tell what you're thinking so if you're feeling sad or upset with me or anything you have to tell me so I'll know. I'm not so good at... what do you call it... reading people? Not so sure but yeah.''
Aira chuckled. ''It's okay Hiiro... it's my fault too for not being so forward with you.'' He looked around to make sure there was no one around. ''Actually Hiiro I...''
''HIIRO! AIRA!'' A loud voice boomed from behind. ''We're going to take a picture together! Where are you guys? Oh hey!'' Subaru skipped his way to the both of them. ''What are you guys doing here? Am I... interrupting something?'''
''N-NO.'' Aira frantically waved his hands in disagreement. ''Okay yeah, let's get inside Hiiro!'' Aira pulled Hiiro by his sleeve and dragged him inside
''But you wanted to say something Aira!''
''Later!'' Aira replied with a nervous smile. Hiiro just looked at him with a pout as he got dragged into the venue.
They all grouped up behind Subaru and took a picture. Laughter filled the venue after the click, indicating the pictures of them were taken by the camera. Hiiro's eyes darted to Aira who was laughing along with Tatsumi but for some reason, the laugh he let out sounded very insincere. Instead, it sounded forced, as if he was trying to hide something.
''Oh Hiiro! We should take a picture together! Come here!'' Hiiro turned his head in the direction of the voice calling him. He saw Subaru waving at him.
''Coming!''
Subaru pulled Hiiro close to him and put his hand over Hiiro's shoulder. ''Alright! Say cheese~'' Subaru put up a peace sign and Hiiro did so too. He flashed a smile at the camera as the camera clicked. ''Yay! I got a picture with Hiiro! Say Hiiro why don't we talk outside for a bit?'' Hiiro stiffened his posture at Subaru's sudden statement.
''Uh...'' Hiiro awkwardly scratched his head and took a step backward. ''Is there anything important you want to talk about...?''
Subaru let out a laugh. ''Oh for sure!'' He pulled Hiiro's sleeve and dragged him outside. Hiiro wanted to decline but since he respected Subaru a lot, he didn't know how to do so. He actually wanted to talk to Aira. Not about what Aira wanted to say but just converse with him like they always do. Although, he was really curious about what Aira would want to say to him.
''Subaru! Are you sure you want to go outside? It's very cold!'' Hokuto raised his voice to Subaru who was about to leave the venue.
''Oh don't worry about me Hokuto!''
''At least take a jacket with you! Hey!''
''It'll be quick!''
''It better be!''
They both sat down on a bench. Subaru turned to face Hiiro. Hiiro nervously gulped. ''So what did you want to talk about...?''
''What were you and Aira talking about when I met with you guys? Is something wrong? Cause Aira has been looking pretty gloomy. Well you too, Hiiro. You haven't taken your eyes off Aira ever since you entered the venue to take the picture with everyone.'' Subaru stated. Hiiro just looked away. Not knowing what to answer.
''Uh... I really don't know...'' It's true. He really doesn't know. Aira just called him outside and didn't really say anything that could mean much. And not to mention, they just hugged out of nowhere. Hiiro thought the reason why Aira was acting like this was because of the hug. The hug was rather sudden so Aira might felt uncomfortable. Though, Hiiro did enjoy it. But did Aira like it? Did he feel weirded out? Uncomfortable? But if Aira didn't want to hug Hiiro he could've just shoved him away.
''Really? Well if anything, you should sort it out. It's sad seeing Aira like that. Do you need help with that?'' Subaru asked.
''Thanks for the offer. But I don't know... I think I should just ask him about it. But what If he doesn't want to talk about it? I uh...'' At this point, Hiiro was overthinking. He didn't know what to do because he kept on coming up with the worst scenarios.
''Yeah! Just ask him when it's right!''
''How to know when it's right...?''
''You'll just know! It's in your guts...''
''M-my guts!?'' Hiiro said in dismay.
''Haha!'' Subaru laughed. ''Yeap! It's a feeling... you'll just know!''
''O-okay...'' Hiiro turned to look into the distance. ''I'll just feel it.''
After a few seconds in silence...
''SUBARU! HIIRO!'' A voice boomed behind them which made the both of them jolt and turn around.
''W-what?'' Hiiro stuttered from shock. ''Who was that? So loud...''
''Hokke?! Wow, your voice is loud haha!'' Subaru cheered as he stood up and clapped his hands. ''What is it?''
''You dare to ask! It's already late and it's cold, get inside you two! Now!'' Hokuto scolded the two. Subaru sighed.
''Ha... sorry for this Hiiro. We were just about to have a moment of silence when he suddenly shouted! Well, let's get inside before Hokke transforms into a monster of some sort!''
''Hehe... it's okay Subaru. Hokuto seems to care about you a lot.'' Hiiro muttered as he slowly stood up.
''Really? Sometimes he acts like he's my dad or something...'' Subaru replied with a little annoyance.
''He's just worried about you. That's a good thing.''
''Well, I guess it is! It sure is nice to know someone cares about you, eh?''
''Yeah... for sure.''
***
The birthday party soon came to an end. Everyone bid goodbyes and went their way. Tatsumi guided Mayoi, Hiiro, and Aira to his car. ''Phew! That sure was one of a party. I'm so tired... I feel like... sleeping right here right now...'' Tatsumi jokingly said as he slouched.
Mayoi immediately propped Tatsumi's shoulders to help him walk straight. ''W-what?! Please stay awake a little more...! Where's the car?!'' Mayoi panicked.
Tatsumi let out a chuckle. ''Oh, Mayoi I was just joking! You're so adorable...'' He leaned in Mayoi's face. Mayoi backed away from shock.
''H-huh...?! Thanks... but are you okay?'' Mayoi was really concerned about Tatsumi's state.
''Yes, I am alright. Thanks for the concern, Mayoi.'' He gave him a warm smile which made Mayoi's heart flutter. Both of his legs felt like it was about to collapse at any moment at the sight.
''I can carry you if you'd like Tatsumi.'' Hiiro offered.
''Oh, no need. I think... Aira needs to be carried right now...'' Tatsumi pointed at Aira who was looking down, gloomily. He was not aware of the little conversation the three were having. Hiiro stared at Aira for a while before asking him if he could do so.
''Aira, are you alright? Do you want me to carry you?'' Hiiro asked politely as he patted Aira's slouched shoulder.
''Um... Hiiro... I'm sorry...'' Aira apologized, still looking down at his shoes.
''I-it's alright! Let's just get back home okay? Then we can talk about it... oh! It's late at night maybe we can talk tomorrow...''
''I don't mind you staying over... if you can, Hiiro...'' Aira's voice was slow but Hiiro was close enough to hear his words.
''R-really?'' Hiiro exclaimed. He's obviously going to stay over. His brother got his boyfriend over so his brother would understand his reasons for staying over at Aira's apartment.
''What are you two whispering about~'' Tatsumi asked. ''Let's get back to the car quick. It's getting late. We all should get a good night's sleep.''
***
"Alright, you two. Take care." Tatsumi said as he shut his car window down. Aira and Hiiro waved and watched the car as it drove away from the drop-off spot. Aira gave Hiiro a tug on his sleeve.
"Let's go." Aira walked to the elevator and Hiiro followed along. They entered the elevator and clicked the according button to Aira's apartment. It was rather quiet in the elevator as Hiiro didn't really know what to say to start a conversation. Aira looked down and seemed to avoid Hiiro's eye contact. The elevator dinged indicating they reached the floor. The door slid open slowly and the both of them walked out. The sounds of their footsteps echoed throughout the empty hallway. With each step they took the more nervous Hiiro got. He still remembers that he accidentally knocked over Aira's bookshelf in his apartment. What if Aira wants him to pay back? Or probably build him a new one? Did he knock the bookshelf until it was broken? He didn't remember but he started to overthink it.
Once they arrived, Hiiro started to regret his decision to stay over. Aira didn't even give a single glance to Hiiro before he entered his room. Hiiro just stood awkwardly at the entrance, thinking if he should enter or leave. But then again, Aira was the one who invited him. He must have his reasons. Right?
Hiiro slipped his shoes off and sat on the couch. He nervously locked his eyes on the bookshelf he knocked over. It seemed pretty fine. Hiiro gave it a closer look, checking for dents.
''It's alright, the bookshelf is not damaged or anything...'' Aira appeared behind him out of the blue. Hiiro jumped a little at his sudden presence. ''I'm sorry about how I acted when you knocked it over. It's not I was mad or anything! It was... something else...'' Aira rubbed the back of his neck and looked away. ''I uh... here's clothes for tonight. I hope it fits. You can use the toilet first. I'm... going to do something.''
''Oh okay! Uh...'' Hiiro frantically got up and flashed him a smile before he entered the toilet.
'Okay... okay... relax Aira... you can tell him... you can... just say it!'
Aira talked to himself while pacing around the living room. How should he say it? Should he even? Wouldn't it make things between them awkward? Not to mention, they're going to sleep under one roof. But it has been too long since Aira felt this way towards him. He has planned numerous plans to confess his feelings for him. But there's always some sort of obstacle stopping him from doing so. But right now, for some reason, Aira felt more confident. He has a good feeling about it.
Or is it?
''Argh, I can't do this!'' He crouched to the ground and gripped his hair.
''A-Aira are you okay?!'' Hiiro bolted out of the toilet and crouched down next to Aira. ''Y-you should really get some sleep! Do you have a headache? Do you feel sick? I brought some medicine if you'd like!'' Hiiro put his hand on Aira's shoulder and squeezed it. While his other vacant hand was on Aira's forehead, checking for his temperature. Aira couldn't help but... trail his eyes off to Hiiro's abdomen. After all, he was wearing a towel, only covering his lower body. The two were so close to each other. Aira felt like exploding right there. ''Aira?'' Hiiro averted his eyes to Aira.
He immediately made eye contact. ''Y-yes?! Eh no! Wait!'' Aira pulled himself back and covered his face from embarrassment. ''Uh...'' Again, his eyes trailed off to his abdomen. He has to admit. Hiiro has a nice build. Lean and athletic looking. He definitely doesn't mind looking at it every day.
''Are you... alright?'' Hiiro sounded really worried. He reached out his hand to pull Aira closer to him but Aira backed off.
At that moment, Aira didn't care anymore. Something just told him to do it. Just do it. There's nothing for him to be scared of. He took a deep breath and prayed to god that it would be alright.
''Hiiro! I...!'' Aira stood up abruptly and clenched his fists. ''Hiiro! I think! I like you! I... like... love... uh...'' He broke eye contact and turned his back on Hiiro. He really doesn't know how to say it. ''I'm sorry! I uh... argh I don't know!'' Aira was about to open the door to leave out of embarrassment when he heard Hiiro let out a laugh.
''You... you like me?'' Hiiro gave him a mischievous smile and stood up. ''R-really? You're not joking? I-is it April?''
Aira turned around. ''No! I'm not joking I really like you! Wait no more than like...'' The atmosphere between them became thick when Hiiro didn't say anything. Aira really didn't know what to say anymore. With the awkward feeling becoming thick. He felt like crying. ''I'm sorry...''
Hiiro broke into a laughing fit. ''Aira! I... I can't believe you like... someone like me...'' Hiiro then stopped laughing and stood in front of Aira. ''Thank you.''
Aira felt a pair of arms around his waist and soon Hiiro had his head on Aira's neck. Embracing him. Aira didn't hesitate to hug him back. After all, Aira liked hugging him. His hugs always felt so warm and welcoming.
"I'm sorry... that was a terrible way to confess my feelings..." Aira mumbled and squinted his eyes from cringe. He couldn't believe he said all of that. Love confessions should be sweet and cute but Aira's confession felt so awkward and rushed. But either way, Aira's glad he managed to tell Hiiro. It has been way too long.
Hiiro broke out of the hug and smiled softly at him. His hands were still on Aira's waist. Aira blushed at the sight. He felt like melting to the floor. Hiiro caressed Aira's cheek with his other hand and Aira knew it he just knew what was going to happen. He has read lots of, maybe too many romance books when he was head over heels for Hiiro. Imagining the scenes in the book was him and Hiiro. And the thing Hiiro just did. Aira was too familiar with it. His heart beat faster and faster as Hiiro's face came up to his own. He braced himself. He has been waiting for this moment.
Hiiro slowly closed in and Aira was the one who pulled Hiiro closer. In the awkward ambiance, Aira grabbed Hiiro by the nape of his neck and closed the small space between them, sealing their lips with a kiss. Hiiro jolted a bit at the touch of Aira's lips. But he melted in after a moment. Aira's hands made their way to Hiiro's face.
They pulled away after a minute, although the kiss felt like a second to Aira. Hiiro giddily smiled and covered his face with his forearm.
Aira gently pushed away Hiiro's forearm to uncover his red face. He had to admit, Hiiro looks pretty cute when he's shy.
''D-don't look at me like that...'' Hiiro stuttered. Aira replied with another short and quick kiss on Hiiro's lips. As soon as he pull apart he yawned.
''Ah... let's just get to bed...'' Aira slurred out.
''Yeah... let's...'' Both ended up cuddling in bed. Aira's head was on Hiiro's chest while Hiiro slowly stroked Aira's soft hair. Aira smiled as he drifted off to sleep. Feeling excited to tell Tatsumi about the events.