Chapter Text
The amount of times MC kept running into Hatano seemed redundant. Others would think it was normal for the two to keep bumping into each other with Ayato constantly bringing his friends home but MC knew better.
"Hi," the raven hair kid quietly greeted him. His confession was never forgotten leaving an awkward distance between them now. Would the girls stop chasing Hatano if they saw this decomposed side of himself?
"Yo," MC would respond, because it's impolite not to.
"We'll be in my room so don't bother us!" Ayato ordered. It was a wonder what Toujou saw in his little brother. But their relationship meant Toujou wasn't a threat to him. Maybe absolutely every main character could pair up all at once and leave MC to live in a peaceful existence among them. He was getting tired of evading every situation. Would it end? You would think being a mob character that the world would have worked it's magic of finding him a mob girlfriend. But he was too conscious of his environment. Too aware of their faceless structure and muted tones.
"What are you thinking about?" a low voice asked. MC peered up to see the bane of his existence, a beautiful teenager convinced of his affection for him. Hatano had crossed through the living room for a cup of water.
MC was done with being coy. "Oh you know, about how we're in this world where we're fated to meet men, trapping us into a delusional romance that won't ever leave us alone to give our parents grandchildren."
The older boy was clearly going through something, Hatano thought. College must be hard with all that stress.
"Do you need a beer?" He offered helpfully since he was going to the kitchen anyway.
"Flag." MC stated bitterly. "Alcohol worsens the issue."
What? Hatano was confused. "Maybe you want to go for a walk?"
"Flag. You get me out there and suddenly a downpour occurs where we have to take shelter together."
Hatano sighed, "I mean by yourself. I told you I'd wait until you were more sure of me. Also, it's been clear skies all day." His junior looked annoyed with him. Was that possible? Maybe his flag had moved to someone else? But then he wouldn't have mentioned waiting for him.
"Three years," MC muttered. Three years was a long time to wage this war. How much longer after that? What would being a veteran in the BL world accomplish?
Hatano advanced towards him. "Three years is nothing compared to eight," he assured. MC rested his head back against the couch. His arms rested along the cushions to each side. This kid had almost a decade of determination behind him, and seemed years more mature than himself. This world could really do a number on you. MC closed his eyes and left himself defenceless.
Despite having literally just said he would wait for MC to notice him, he felt a compulsion to kiss him. Like the lighter haired boy was daring him. He couldn't explain it. Would this mess everything up? Hatano leaned over to gently press against his lips. His crush didn't refuse. Just a small kiss. It sent shockwaves through his body. MC seemed unphased.
So Hatano asks, "Are you alright with that?"
"I don't want to fight anymore," MC responds. He kind of runs over it quickly: He's neither actively for or against dating itself so he's doing what he does best and going with the flow. 'The BL world can create the circumstances it wants,' MC thinks to himself, 'I just won't play the game. I'll stay aware of my actual interests.' He hoped he could respond authentically. There was nothing wrong with Hatano. But did he have a choice in liking him? MC wanted to find out. Which trope would the world force upon him?
It was typical of MC. He never looked more laid back. Truthfully Hatano wished for a more enthusiastic answer but the reality was it was a chance he didn't think he would get. How to make it worth MC's time? "I'll cook for you!" Hatano exclaimed. He meant for it to sound more confident. Coolness came naturally to him in every other aspect in his life but for some reason it all came out in a fluster when in front of his crush.
"Well then," MC perked up. Food was definitely one of his interest, "How could I say no?"