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Tsukasa stands backstage, hidden in the shadows while the bright stage lights illuminate the vibrant crowd. The energy of the audience buzzes through the air, mingling with the faint scent of sweat and adrenaline. His red hair, usually perfectly styled, clings to his forehead, dampened by both the heat of the stage lights and the nervous sweat that has started to form.
His purple eyes, usually so lively and confident, now hold a glint of fatigue and worry. The weight of the world seems to press down on his shoulders, and his breaths come shallow and quick. The enthusiastic cheers of the fans, once a source of inspiration, now feel like an insurmountable pressure. The responsibilities of leading Knights, a unit that means the world to him, bear down on him like a heavy burden.
After the performance, Tsukasa descends from the stage, his legs feeling like jelly, and his body heavy with exhaustion. Despite the thunderous applause that still echoes in the arena, he can't shake the feeling of disappointment that gnaws at him from within. The adrenaline that had fueled his performance now gives way to a bone-deep weariness.
Tsukasa's eyes flicker toward Izumi, his heart sinking at the memory of those side glances during the performance. Did he ruin something again? The doubt claws at his confidence, leaving him vulnerable and raw.
Without a word to any one of the members, he makes his way back to the waiting room, his steps heavy with both physical and emotional exhaustion. As he enters the room, he scans the area for a moment before his eyes land on a familiar packet of chocolates.
He grabs the packet and slumps into a chair, his hands trembling slightly as he tears it open. The crinkling sound of the wrapper fills the room as he pulls out a piece of chocolate and pops it into his mouth.
The door unlocks, and Izumi steps in, his eyes narrowing slightly as he sees Tsukasa with the packet of chocolates. He cocks an eyebrow, his tone laced with playful annoyance. "So the reason you left the stage was to eat behind my back? Shitty brat," he chides.
Caught red-handed, Tsukasa's cheeks flush with embarrassment. He quickly hides the packet behind his back, attempting to salvage whatever dignity he has left. "S-senpai, it's not what it looks like," he stammers, his voice betraying his guilt.
Izumi folds his arms across his chest, the teasing glint in his eyes softening. "Eating chocolates in secret, Kasa-kun? Really? You should know better," he says, his tone a perfect blend of mock scolding and genuine concern.
Tsukasa's shoulders sag, and he lowers his gaze, unable to meet Izumi's eyes. "I just needed a moment, Sena-senpai. I was feeling... overwhelmed," he admits, his voice barely above a whisper.
Izumi remains quiet for a moment, his expression softening as he processes Tsukasa's words. Then, he asks gently, "So you've been stress eating again?"
"It's not that-
"It's always been like that, Kasa-kun. You take your seniors for granted, you don't tell us how you feel and keep your feelings bottled up, that's not right"
Tsukasa winces at Izumi's voice which has gotten slightly louder now.
Izumi's words hang in the air, heavy with concern, and Tsukasa can't help but feel a pang of sadness at his senior's worry. He watches as Izumi, instead of offering further advice, moves closer. The subtle smirk on Izumi's lips catches Tsukasa off guard, and his heart skips a beat, uncertain of what's about to happen
Before Tsukasa can react, Izumi reaches into the packet of chocolates, plucking out a single piece. Their eyes meet. Then, in a surprising yet gentle gesture, Izumi places the chocolate in his own mouth and leans in, capturing Tsukasa's mouth in a soft, lingering kiss.
Time seems to stand still for Tsukasa. He feels the warmth of Izumi's lips against his, the faint taste of chocolate mingling with the sweetness of the moment. A jolt of surprise and then a rush of emotions flood through him. Confusion, desire, and a profound sense of intimacy intertwine, leaving him breathless.
As Izumi pulls away, Tsukasa's eyes flutter open, his heart pounding in his chest. There's a softness in Izumi's gaze. The taste of chocolate lingers on Tsukasa's lips, and lies in his mouth now, which he quickly swallows.
For a heartbeat, Tsukasa is lost in the intensity of his feelings. The sadness he felt moments ago is replaced by a complex mix of emotions — gratitude for Izumi's understanding, a longing for more of these stolen moments.
He swallows, his voice barely a whisper. "Senpai..."
Izumi's fingers brush gently against Tsukasa's cheek, his eyes soft with affection. "You're not alone, Kasa-kun," he murmurs, his voice tender.
In that moment, as Tsukasa looks into Izumi's eyes, he believes him. And with the taste of chocolate still lingering on his lips, he finds a glimmer of sweetness in the midst of his struggles.
.