Chapter Text
Every time HiMERU’s phone pings, it sends a spike of anxiety down Mayoi’s spine. HiMERU’s face tightens the slightest bit; brow furrowing as their thumbs trace over their screen. Mayoi sits catty-corner to them– his hands anxiously folded in front of its face.
It didn’t like to be around anxious people.
Especially when Mayoi was trying his best to branch out, and relax with his peers. Though… HiMERU’s intense gaze and stony expression would disarm anybody, surely? Mayoi wonders what could be on their mind. Wasn’t HiMERU usually more at ease during their Circle meetings?
Suddenly, honey eyes find Mayoi’s stare, and he scrambles to look away with urgency.
“Ayase. HiMERU did not see you come in,” HiMERU says, leaning their arm away from their face to peek over their device.
Mayoi stiffens.
“Please, don’t apologize… it's my fault for not announcing myself.”
HiMERU raises a brow at Mayoi’s stiffness, but nods, and returns to their phone. Should… Mayoi ask what the matter is? Perhaps… ah– but not so directly. No, no… too direct could only upset HiMERU more, if this matter was as annoying as it seemed.
“You seem to be occupied today,” Mayoi starts; its fingers twirling a piece of his braid in his hand. “Did… Crazy:B get more work?”
The clacking of the keyboard pauses, and for a moment Mayoi fears that he’s tread into territory that wasn’t his business. Then, HiMERU hums an assent, and nods.
“In a way. HiMERU was asked to be in a photoshoot.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. For a lipstick company. However… HiMERU was told rather short notice, thanks to their unit leader, so they have been left to work out the details themself.”
Mayoi elates at this. Lipstick… he remembers his own photoshoot coming up, and deduces quickly that he must be working with his own Sweets Club member. The idea makes it strangely happy; butterflies taking flight in his stomach.
He decided he wasn’t going to dwell on that idea much.
“I see! Ah… I have a similar job coming up, as well. Maybe we’ll be partners?” Mayoi asks; mindful to keep his tone in check, trying not to sound too hopeful.
Before HiMERU can reply, the door opens to reveal the cousins, a flash of pink and red hair entering the room in succession. Mayoi and HiMERU both stand as they tumble in, the latter moving around the table with a muttered ‘Oukawa–’ and an extended hand.
Were they… chasing each other? Playing tag? Giggles echo around the room, the pair laughing as Tsukasa stands and bounds to the other side of the table; pulling out his seat.
…Maybe Mayoi could ask about it some other time.