Work Text:
Fushiguro Toji was your father's best friend. Ever since you were younger you thought he was insanely attractive, but of course, you never said anything. As you got older your attraction only grew. You desired the kind of affection that would come from a man that knew what he was doing, that was mature, that wasn't like the dumb guys your age who you rarely gave a second chance. You wanted Toji. He'd make you feel safe, you thought.
Eventually, when you were old enough to be taken seriously, you decided you were going to confess your feelings.
Since he was such a close family friend, your parents always made sure you had his number in case of emergencies- or for anything really. Pulling out your phone, you pull up his contact. His icon was a selfie of the two of you from your last birthday party. You loved that picture.
Contemplating what you wanted to say, you paced your apartment. Typing things like "Hey Mr . Fushiguro! This may sound strange but I like you," or "Toji hi! I've had a crush on you for the longest time, do you like me too?" before inevitably deleting each message. Should you just tell him in person?
You sat down on the edge of your bed tapping your fingers on your leg. You laid back and settled on a, "Hey Mr. Fushiguro it's been a while, do you think we could meet up for lunch?"
Toji
Hey _______, sure, Friday at noon work? At that Cafe ya liked when you were younger?
✓ 7:47 PM
Yeah! That works! See you then Mr. Fushiguro.
✓ 7:51 PM
Toji
I've told ya a million times, we're like family– call me Toji.
✓ 8:03 PM
Then, I'll see you Friday, Toji. :)
Read 8:05 PM
Friday came around faster than you expected. You took two hours to get ready, one of those being just choosing an outfit. By the time you were putting on your shoes, it was already 5 minutes till noon. You were late. "Shit"
Toji ordered himself a black coffee, and your favorite drink, along with some new seasonal sweets he thought you may like. He took a seat in the corner of the café while waiting for you to arrive.
When you finally opened the front door, you scanned the small shop for your nearly lifelong crush. Once you spotted him you had to fight the urge to giggle, he seemed so out of place in this cutesy pick cafe. He was such a big, tall muscular man, that it would've been strange if he did fit into this environment.
You brought your hand up in greeting and smiled. Toji stood up from his chair and greeted you with a hug, which wasn't uncommon after having known each other for so long. He smelt nice. His arms around your waist and yours around his neck, it was only a quick hug though, to your displeasure.
You both sat down and he handed you your drink, you thanked him and took a sip, smiling to yourself when realizing he still knew your order. "So why'd ya wanna talk to me, doll?"
You gulped, "What do you mean?"
"I'm not dumb yknow, I know you didn't call me out just to see me," he replied.
You hummed in response and he continued, "Is someone pickin' on ya? need me to get rid of em'?" You knew he would too but you wave your hands, "No no nothing like that, I just wanted to tell you something- I'm just nervous."
"That's okay, take yer time," he continued, " don't mind seeing ya whatever the reason is." You felt the heat of the tips of your ears turning red.
He cleared his throat, "got ya somethin'," he handed you the cute box," they had some new sweets up front, thought ya might like em'." You beamed, "Thank you so much, Mr. Fus- Toji."
There were desserts like macaroons stuffed with lavender-colored cream and cute donuts shaped like dogs. After, snapping a picture, you grabbed a paw-shaped cookie and almost moaned at the taste. It was just the right amount of sweetness and the flavor was delectable. You looked up to see Toji with a soft smile, you smiled back.
Still too nervous to say anything, you walked to the nearby park. The cherry blossoms were in bloom and the park was framed by these beautiful pink trees. Once you found a bench, you both sat down. Your nerves had calmed enough as they could and you had to do it now or you'd regret it.
"Toji?" he nodded you on to continue, rubbing your upper back in encouragement. "Toji, I don't know how to say this but um, I like you. I have feelings for you," his hand slowed as you went on, "I've tried to push my feelings away but I just- I like you so much and I know you see me as family but I needed to get this off my chest. And if you hate me that's okay— or we could just pretend it never happened, or...." you trailed off, not meeting Toji's eyes.
He turned your face towards him and wiped your wet cheeks, you didn't even realize you were crying. You sniffed out a sorry, and he kept wiping your tears away. He kissed you on the forehead and brought you closer, he was hugging you again but this time it was different. You started crying even harder. He was silent beside his words of comfort, trying to soothe you. He alternated between shushing you gently and whispering sweet nothings.
He smelt good.
When your cries subsided and you calmed down enough to speak, you looked up at him, "So?" you asked, "what do you think?"
He pulled away, "_______"
The sad look in his eyes and his melancholy tone was enough to give you your answer. You lightly pushed him away giving him a somber smile that didn't reach your eyes. The older man opened his mouth as if to explain- but he decided against it. You didn't know if you were happy that he didn't voice his rejection or not. "How do you see me?" you questioned him, "you don't like me at all?" You had to ask even if you knew.
"I love you like you're like my own kid."