Chapter Text
Max isn’t stupid and he’s sure as shit ain’t blind.
He sees things. He may not mention what he sees. He notices things. Minor things. He’s very perceptive. Just like he’s noticed how his parents have been talking again. The different looks his parents have been giving each other. The way that Judy is more patient with Taro. How Taro has been more willing to close up his shop and go back to the States to visit, when before Max had to beg him to visit. Max is well aware, even before they tell him, that they’re giving it another go. He already noticed. He’s seen the stolen kisses when they think he isn’t looking. He hears the whispered I love you’s the last time Taro visited him in the States.
But it’s easy to act stupid and ditsy and well, blonde, than to point things out.
And hey! It’s kind of rude. Maybe. To notice everything. If someone doesn’t want to tell him something, that’s fine! He’s not entitled to know everything. Though he definitely likes knowing everything.
Like the little things from all his teammates, past and present. Kai’s love for stray cats everywhere they go. Rei’s fear of thunder. Takao’s crush on Hiromi, that’s definitely reciprocated, they’re just both dumb. Daichi’s insecurity on the team about being so young compared to everyone else. Even though Kenny enjoys being their Beyblade tech, he yearns for more and in Max’s opinion would leave in a heartbeat if the opportunity arises.
But then there are bigger things that Max notices. Like how no one trusts Hiro. He doesn’t even trust Hiro. With his shifty eyes and linger glances. The way his stomach feels unsettled when he catches Hiro staring at Rei.
-
Max notices small things, so small and so fast and fleeting that if you blink you miss them. The secret glances. The flushed cheeks. The inflections.
Max isn’t stupid. He can see another blooming crush.