Archive of Our Own ^beta

Akira Kurusu:
hey
this is kurusu from PHIL4901
got your number from makoto
didn’t know you worked with her sister

Goro Akechi: 
It’s a side thing.
Was hoping you wouldn’t reach out.
Then I could tell the prof my partner went AWOL and get reassigned.

Akira Kurusu:
unfortunately for you i don’t plan on flunking this class

Goro Akechi: 
Pity.
Not sure what I did in a past life to deserve this.

Akira Kurusu: 
don’t be a baby
you’re gonna look like a hypocrite after calling bentham “baby’s first utilitarian”

Goro Akechi: 
Call me that again and I’ll smite you. 
Also, they’re covering him in intro to philosophy so I think my point rather stands.

Akira Kurusu:
we also covered him last seminar 
you know, in advanced philosophy 

Goro Akechi:
If you actually read your reading list, you would realise he’s not in it.
That was Hirose going off tangent. As usual.
Try to keep up.

Akira Kurusu:
damn should’ve guessed
sometimes i think he wandered into the wrong class but no one's had the heart to tell him

Goro Akechi:
I wouldn't dismiss that possibility.

Akira Kurusu:
yeah
anyway, truce?

Goro Akechi:
I suppose we don’t have a choice.

Akira Kurusu:
great
how do you wanna do this?

Goro Akechi: 
I’ll take readings 1–6, you handle rest.
We’ll check in Tuesday, hash out a thesis. 
That gives us two weeks to finish the paper.
Sound fair?

Akira Kurusu:
sure
nice having a partner with a stick up their ass

Goro Akechi: 
Charming.
I hope you won’t be texting this number for anything extracurricular.

Akira Kurusu:
next kant meme i see is going straight to you

Goro Akechi:
I’ll gut you.

Akira Kurusu:
hey

Goro Akechi:
This better be important.

Akira Kurusu:
wow
can’t stand a single text blowing up your phone?

Goro Akechi:
It has more to do with the textor, actually.

Akira Kursu:
is this humiliation speaking
because i definitely won that determinism argument

Goro Akechi:
Delusion isn’t a good look on you, Kurusu.
Prof said it could go either way—hardly a victory.
You’re grasping at straws because she liked my reaction piece better.

Akira Kurusu:
i was going for something more left field
guess she wasn’t ready for my vision

Goro Akechi:
There’s a fine line between unconventional and incoherent.
Stop coping. It’s pathetic.

Akira Kurusu:
you say pathetic
i say iconoclastic

Goro Akechi:
You say a lot of things. Most of them are wrong.

Akira Kurusu:
here i thought philosophers were supposed to be open-minded

Goro Akechi:
You’re insufferable.
Did you have a reason for texting me?

Akira Kurusu: 
i was getting to it

Goro Akechi:
Get to it faster.

Akira Kurusu:
yeah relax
just wanted to ask where we’re meeting on tuesday

Goro Akechi:
Meeting?
Oh

Akira Kurusu:
something wrong?

Goro Akechi:
Just thought we’d settle it over a call. 

Akira Kurusu:
ah
we don’t have to meet in person if that’s easier

Goro Akechi:
No, it's fine.
In-person discussion might be helpful. 

Akira Kurusu:
lol alright
anywhere in mind?

Goro Akechi:
I’ll book us a seminar room.
2pm?

Akira Kurusu:
sounds good
thanks

Goro Akechi:
Don’t be late. 

Akira Kurusu:
i’ll try

Goro Akechi: 
Your thesis lacks structure.

Akira Kurusu: 
didn’t know i was getting graded today

Goro Akechi:
I’ve graciously assigned myself to supervise our working process.

Akira Kurusu:
how generous
it’s a work in progress. give it time.
i’m just getting to the meat of it

Goro Akechi:
Is exposition on Camus’ political affiliations what you consider the “meat”?

Akira Kurusu:
it’s important context
if you have that much to say about it, come argue over coffee

Goro Akechi:
What?

Akira Kurusu:
as someone once said
in-person discussion may be helpful

Goro Akechi:
Very smart. 
Why coffee?

Akira Kursu:
it’s all i ever see you drink
from leblanc too, right?

Goro Akechi:
Didn’t take you for a stalker.

Akira Kurusu:
you know what they say
keep your friends close, academic rivals closer
so leblanc tomorrow?

Goro Akechi:
How forward of you.
Fine. How’s 3?

Akira Kurusu:
works
see you there

Akira Kurusu:
that wasn’t so bad was it?

Goro Akechi:
Well.
I suppose it was productive.

Akira Kurusu:
well aren’t you a ray of sunshine 

Goro Akechi:
You should’ve told me you worked at Leblanc.
I can’t believe I’ve never seen you.

Akira Kurusu:
i usually take the afternoon shift. yesterday was a one-off.
didn’t think you’d come in early

Goro Akechi:
I like to be punctual.
So imagine my surprise to see Camus’ number one dickrider behind the counter.

Akira Kurusu:
crude
i’m just helping out because I know the owner

Goro Akechi:
You know Sojiro?

Akira Kurusu:
yeah
dad of a friend
he’s done a lot for me in the past

Goro Akechi:
You say that like you’ve got a sordid past.

Akira Kurusu:
maybe I do

Goro Akechi:
Hm.

Akira Kurusu:
anyway sorry my shift dragged
hope you didn’t wait too long

Goro Akechi:
It’s fine.
Just don’t make me wait longer for your first draft.

Akira Kurusu:
aye-aye captain

Goro Akechi:
Don’t start.

Akira Kurusu:
sir, yes sir

Goro Akechi:
I’ll skin you.

Akira Kurusu:
violent as ever

Goro Akechi:
I edited your section. You're welcome.
Also, "Nietzschean overtones" was misspelled. Painfully.

Akira Kurusu:
thanks
i thought you liked pain

Goro Akechi:
I like reading Hegel. There’s a difference. 

Akira Kurusu:
same thing, really
so what’d you think of my section

Goro Akechi:
It’s passable I guess.

Akira Kurusu:
it wouldn’t hurt to be honest for once

Goro Akechi:
Don’t push your luck.

Akira Kurusu:
you sure you’re not just mad you didn’t come up with it?

Goro Akechi:
Don’t be absurd.
I’ve accounted for counterpoints in my section. You’d know if you read it.

Akira Kurusu:
i did read it
i’m messing with you
it’s really good

Goro Akechi:
Are you just saying that to bait a compliment for your own?

Akira Kurusu:
maybe

Goro Akechi:
Hilarious.
I’ll meet you after your shift at Leblanc tomorrow. We're going over citations.
You’re buying coffee. Reparations for making me reformat your mess.

Akira Kurusu:
i’ll make you one myself
but only if you admit you liked my thesis

Goro Akechi:
One iced black for my reformatting efforts. 
Two if you want praise.

Akira Kurusu:
deal

Akira Kurusu:
so
i know our pair assignment’s over
but there’s a dialogue happening on camus vs kierkegaard
1 attachment
figured it might be worth checking out
for the sake of our upcoming seminar spars
gotta keep our blades sharp, right?

Goro Akechi:
Hm.
Looks interesting enough.

Akira Kurusu:
yeah?
you’ll get to argue about absurdism for two hours straight

Goro Akechi:
You do know how to tempt a man. 

Akira Kurusu: 
i try

Goro Akechi:
Fine. 
If only to watch them refute your seminar takes. 
Now that sounds appealing. 

Akira Kurusu:
you’re horrible

Goro Akechi:
Hardly. It’s all in the name of academic discourse. 
And don’t act like you wouldn’t enjoy it if they did the same for mine. 

Akira Kurusu:
guilty 
it’s settled then
see you at 5

Goro Akechi:
That second panelist needs a lobotomy. 

Akira Kurusu:
poor guy almost cried at your question 
cut him some slack

Goro Akechi:
He should’ve thought twice before shitting on Kierk like that.
I appreciate rational debate, not a logical fallacy speedrun. 

Akira Kurusu:
well said
not sure how he even got on the panel
they should’ve thanked you for getting the discussion back on track

Goro Akechi:
You’re right.
A signed book would’ve been nice. 

Akira Kurusu:
look at us bonding despite our irreconcilable ideologies

Goro Akechi:
Low bar, but sure.

Akira Kurusu:
i mean it 
you’re easier to talk to without the word count breathing down our necks

Goro Akechi:
Likewise I guess.
You make for decent post-dialogue conversation.

Akira Kurusu:
coming from you that’s a glowing review
you stayed longer than I expected though
thought you had somewhere to be?

Goro Akechi:
I did.

Akira Kurusu:
i must be growing on you

Goro Akechi:
Don’t get ahead of yourself.

Akira Kurusu:
too late
so what do we call this 
project detente?

Goro Akechi:
More like academic ceasefire.
But if you think this means I’ll start going easy on you in seminar you’re sorely mistaken.

Akira Kurusu:
i’d be disappointed if you did
besides prof wouldn’t survive her two brightest students joining forces 
we’d derail every discussion

Goro Akechi:
I suppose we should spare her that.

Akira Kurusu:
we should
also i was thinking

Goro Akechi:
Shocker.

Akira Kurusu:
funny
but i was wondering if you’d be down for coffee again sometime 
no thesis talk
just caffeine and existential dread

Goro Akechi:
My two favourite pastimes.
I suppose I can allow it.
Leblanc?

Akira Kurusu:
you’re getting predictable

Goro Akechi:
Consistency is not a flaw.

Akira Kurusu:
alright mr. consistent

Goro Akechi:
I’m already regretting this.

Akira Kurusu:
sure you are
same time next week?

Goro Akechi:
Yes. Don’t make me wait.

Akira Kurusu:
wouldn’t dream of it

Goro Akechi:
You left your book at the cafe. 
Unless you meant to abandon Crime and Punishment on purpose.

Akira Kurusu:
oh thanks
you read it?

Goro Akechi:
Of course. I enjoy morally dubious characters and their existential spirals.

Akira Kurusu:
just your type then

Goro Akechi:
When have I ever said that was my type?

Akira Kurusu:
oh I don’t know
maybe the kierkegaard and nietzsche obsession gave it away

Goro Akechi:
It’s called an intellectual interest.
Which is more than I can say for you and your Camus fixation.

Akira Kurusu:
that’s rich coming from the guy who quotes nietzsche every seminar
how long did you even stay at leblanc?

Goro Akechi:
Until it closed, give or take.
Didn’t check the time.

Akira Kurusu:
it’s like week six 
are things that bad already?

Goro Akechi:
I have an intensive class.
It’s demanding.

Akira Kurusu:
what’s your major again?

Goro Akechi:
Don’t think we’ve talked about this.
Law.

Akira Kurusu:
figures

Goro Akechi:
And you?

Akira Kurusu:
political science

Goro Akechi:
Predictable.
But it does explain a few things.

Akira Kurusu:
what things?

Goro Akechi:
The dramatic statements.
The way you talk like you're mid-manifesto half the time.
It’s entertaining, don’t worry.

Akira Kurusu:
glad to know i’m to your taste

Goro Akechi:
Don’t flatter yourself.
Anyway, meet me outside the seminar room before class tomorrow.
So I can return your existential crisis.

Akira Kurusu:
so what do you do when you’re not roasting your project mates
or sipping coffee while contemplating existential dread

Goro Akechi:
Wouldn’t you like to know.

Akira Kurusu:
i would actually
the comparative politics prof is a bore
entertain me?

Goro Akechi:
I’m in class.

Akira Kurusu:
yet here you are

Goro Akechi:
You’re a horrible influence.
Fine. I mostly read and work.
Occasionally I ruin someone’s day on academic forums.
A public service, really.

Akira Kurusu:
how noble of you

Goro Akechi:
I do what I can.

Akira Kurusu:
and here i thought you moonlighted as a vigilante or something
but no. you're just out here eviscerating undergrads.

Goro Akechi:
Justice comes in many forms.

Akira Kurusu:
so true, batman

Goro Akechi:
And you?

Akira Kurusu:
read
play games
make coffee
occasionally get insulted by law majors

Goro Akechi:
Sounds fulfilling.

Akira Kurusu:
it is when you’re involved

Goro Akechi:
Flattery? Or are you just bored again?

Akira Kurusu:
bit of both

Goro Akechi:
If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were flirting.

Akira Kurusu: 
it’s anyone’s guess
what’re you reading now?

Goro Akechi:
Foucault
Discipline and Punish
Grim but insightful. You might like it.

Akira Kurusu:
you’re such a nerd

Goro Akechi:
Says the one who annotated Camus.

Akira Kurusu:
hey
he speaks to the disillusioned soul

Goro Akechi:
And you clearly consider yourself a case study.

Akira Kurusu:
don’t we all
some of us just have better taste in authors

Goro Akechi:
And some of us could use a better taste in font sizes.
Your formatting still offends me on a visceral level.

Akira Kurusu:
thought we were past that
would you forgive me if i made you another coffee 

Goro Akechi:
Possibly.
But I want a pastry next time.

Akira Kurusu:
demanding
but fair
same time this week?

Goro Akechi:
Of course. 

Akira Kurusu:
great
how do you feel about pancakes?
they’re a new menu item. i’ll have the recipe down by then so i could make us some

Goro Akechi:
That sounds lovely actually. 

Akira Kurusu:
really?
didn’t peg you for a sweets guy

Goro Akechi:
I’m not.
Pancakes are the exception.

Akira Kurusu:
ah
personally i’m team waffles but alas
the menu gods have spoken

Goro Akechi:
Poor you.
Anyway. Try not to abandon any more Dostoevsky on the table.

Akira Kurusu:
no promises

Ann Takamaki:
???dude
who tf are you texting in class
we literally have a quiz in 5 mins

Akira Kurusu:
lol
none of your business

Ann Takamaki:
woah ok, attitude.
no but seriously, you’re grinning like crazy
it’s kinda freaking me out

Akira Kurusu:
shh

Ann Takamaki:
being sneaky are we
soooo
girlfriend this time?
boyfriend?

Akira Kurusu:
neither
stop guessing

Ann Takamaki:
count your days
i will find out.
now wrap it up—i know you don’t study because you ace everything anyway, but i need a crash course

Akira Kurusu:
quick question
are people inherently political or do we get politicised by systems we’re born into

Goro Akechi:
Existential crisis?
Or are you just bored again?

Akira Kurusu:
political theory class
was hoping for some expert opinion

Goro Akechi:
Flattered to be considered the expert.
Though I’m not sure I should be enabling your seminar-texting habit.
Again.

Akira Kurusu:
it’s chronic, it's fine.
anyway. answer?

Goro Akechi:
Fine.
But this question is disappointingly trite. 
People are inherently social—politics arises from that.
But actual politicisation? That’s nurture, not nature.
Classic Foucault. Keep up.

Akira Kurusu:
you’re such a nerd

Goro Akechi: 
I really don’t want to hear that from you.

Akira Kurusu:
kidding
knew i asked the right person
i’m citing you in my reflection piece btw
“akechi, g. personal correspondence”

Goro Akechi:
God.
How I loathe to be immortalised in footnotes purgatory. 

Akira Kurusu:
well 
you’ll be cited in the best paper of the lot so i think you can stand to be a little proud

Goro Akechi:
Of course. I’m bursting with pride as we speak.
What was the class consensus?

Akira Kurusu:
one guy said politics is a virus
another said humans would be apolitical in a vacuum
and then someone name-dropped hobbes and it all went downhill

Goro Akechi:
Let me guess.
“State of nature” discourse but everyone conveniently forgot Rousseau?

Akira Kurusu:
ding ding
honestly they should just let you guest lecture

Goro Akechi:
Hard pass.
I’d be booed out for my takes.

Akira Kurusu:
i’d defend you
unless you start quoting hegel again
then you’d deserve the booing

Goro Akechi:
Charming.
Remind me again why we talk?

Akira Kurusu:
because no one else will challenge your seminar takes without crying

Goro Akechi:
A rare and valuable service.
I should start paying you.

Akira Kurusu:
i accept payment in coffee and flattery

Goro Akechi:
Didn’t take you for someone who cared about compliments.

Akira Kurusu:
depends on the source

Goro Akechi:
Oh?
I don’t just compliment anyone though.

Akira Kurusu:
good thing i’m not just anyone then

Goro Akechi:
You really don’t make it easy to ignore you.

Akira Kurusu:
not trying that hard to be ignored if i’m being honest

Goro Akechi:
I noticed.

Akira Kurusu:
leblanc same time?

Goro Akechi:
Naturally.

Goro Akechi:
I need a favour.
Before you gloat, yes, it involves lying. You should be thrilled.

Akira Kurusu:
always happy to enable your moral decline
what’s the lie?

Goro Akechi:
I’m supposed to present my reaction paper during seminar later but I won’t be showing up.
Could you tell the prof I’m sick? I’ll turn in the paper tomorrow.

Akira Kurusu:
sure
got something on?

Goro Akechi:
Yeah.
I’ve been roped into standing in for a tournament.

Akira Kurusu:
wait
what tournament?

Goro Akechi:
Varsity chess. Not regionals or anything.
One of their members bailed last minute so they pulled me in.

Akira Kurusu:
you’re in chess club??

Goro Akechi:
Not officially.
I coach them here and there. I guess they’re desperate.

Akira Kurusu:
you never told me you played chess

Goro Akechi:
Was I supposed to?

Akira Kurusu:
uh yeah??
we could’ve been playing this whole time

Goro Akechi:
It’s not like there are just chessboards lying around.
Do you even play?

Akira Kurusu:
recreationally
but i’m decent
definitely above average

Goro Akechi:
Bold claim.
I suppose we’ll test that the next time fate drops a chessboard in front of us.

Akira Kurusu:
i’m surprised you agreed to sub in for them

Goro Akechi:
Someone has to preserve their dignity.
Also, how would it look if I was credited their coach if they threw all their games?

Akira Kurusu:
here i thought you were doing it out of the goodness of your heart

Goro Akechi:
Don’t be ridiculous.
Anyway, thank you in advance.
Coffee’s on me next time.

Akira Kurusu:
there’s a next time?

Akira Kurusu:
hey i’m kidding
see you at leblanc
same time next week?

Goro Akechi:
Hilarious.
Yes.
Same time.

Sojiro Sakura:
Hey kid.
Package came for you.
Why’d you send it to the cafe?

Akira Kurusu: 
it’s for you
for the cafe

Sojiro Sakura:
Oh? 
How unusual of you. What is it?

Akira Kurusu:
chess set

Akira Kurusu:
we still on for next week?

Goro Akechi:
Of course.
Unless you’ve got something on?

Akira Kurusu:
nah
just making sure
leblanc’s got a new chess set, by the way

Goro Akechi:
Really?
How suspiciously convenient.

Akira Kurusu:
nervous?

Goro Akechi:
Hardly.
Just wondering if you rigged this so you could watch me lose.

Akira Kurusu:
i’m offended you think i need to cheat to win

Goro Akechi:
Mm. We’ll see who’s smug after the game.
Loser has to challenge the first point Hirose makes in seminar.

Akira Kurusu:
wow
you’re the one playing dirty

Goro Akechi:
I assumed you liked it that way.

Akira Kurusu:
you’re playing a dangerous game here
i might actually try to win

Goro Akechi:
Hm.
I do enjoy watching you get competitive.

Akira Kurusu:
oh i’m very competitive

Goro Akechi:
Then it’s settled.
Bring your A-game.

Akira Kurusu:
1 attachment
interested?
might be a good break from all our chess games

Goro Akechi:
Is this your way of distracting me so I forget to keep count of our scores?

Akira Kurusu:
you’re up by just 2 games
i wouldn’t be so proud
and no, just thought it’d be fun to watch
it’s social commentary. your favourite.

Goro Akechi:
What isn’t social commentary these days.
But fine, I suppose I’ll indulge.

Akira Kurusu:
great
see you there

Goro Akechi:
That movie was ridiculous.
An urban terrorist with a tragic backstory and a thirst for revenge? Please.
I've seen soap dramas with more original plotlines.

Akira Kurusu:
so you didn’t see yourself in him at all?

Goro Akechi:
Don’t be absurd.

Akira Kurusu:
he’s prickly, sarcastic, and hides behind philosophical monologues
sound familiar?

Goro Akechi:
If I wanted psychoanalysis, I’d go back to therapy.
Stop projecting.

Akira Kurusu:
fine fine
but just saying
if you ever wanna talk, you don’t have to wait for the end credits

Goro Akechi:
Is this the part where I’m supposed to thank you?

Akira Kurusu:
nah
just promise you won’t open with sicilian again
it’s getting old

Goro Akechi:
You’re just bitter I still won.
But fine.
I should expand my repertoire anyway. Keep you guessing.

Akira Kurusu:
i’ll look forward to that

Goro Akechi:
I’ve been meaning to ask
Where does Leblanc get its beans from?

Akira Kurusu:
link
that’s all i can say. the brew stays a secret or sojiro will have my head.

Goro Akechi:
This is plenty. Thanks.
Don’t think my espresso machine can quite replicate what you have so don’t worry.
I’ll still be patronising.

Akira Kurusu:
sojiro will be flattered
also, of course you have a machine

Goro Akechi:
It’s not pretentious if you have a debilitating caffeine addiction.

Akira Kurusu:
sure
it’s still funny though

Goro Akechi:
Your sense of humour is inane.

Akira Kurusu:
you’re just such a coffee snob
black, no sugar, no cream, no sunshine

Goro Akechi:
Believe it or not, I used to put sugar in it.

Akira Kurusu:
seriously?
what changed

Goro Akechi:
Someone I dated said it was childish.
So I stopped.

Akira Kurusu:
you? giving in to peer pressure?

Goro Akechi:
More like silent, lingering judgment.
But yes. 
I was young. I folded. It stuck.

Akira Kurusu:
interesting
how many poor souls have you dated exactly?

Goro Akechi:
Is that curiosity I hear?

Akira Kurusu:
more like concern for your taste

Goro Akechi:
Then you’d be pleased to know it’s improving.

Akira Kurusu:
yeah?
got someone in mind?

Goro Akechi:
Wouldn’t you like to know.

Akira Kurusu:
you’re annoyingly cryptic about this

Goro Akechi:
I don’t kiss and tell.
And as I recall, you haven’t exactly offered up your own history either.

Akira Kurusu:
i’ll have to think about that

Goro Akechi:
Afraid I’ll draw conclusions?

Akira Kurusu:
maybe

Goro Akechi:
Intriguing.
Well, no pressure.
You asked first after all.

Akira Kurusu:
hm

Goro Akechi:
Though I’m all ears.
If you wish to share. 

Akira Kurusu:
i guess this can’t hurt
there was a girl from high school but we figured out we worked better as friends
then a guy from sociology
then a friend of a friend
none of them stuck though

Goro Akechi:
So you’ve sampled both sides of the buffet.

Akira Kurusu:
is that what we’re calling it now?

Goro Akechi:
It’s not inaccurate.
Besides, I'm not judging.
If anything, I'm curious.

Akira Kurusu:
about?

Goro Akechi:
What made them not stick.
You don’t strike me as someone who gives up easily.

Akira Kurusu:
i don’t
but it’s hard to stay when it feels like you're just going through motions
they were all good people. smart, kind.
just not the right fit i guess?

Goro Akechi:
Too tame for your taste?

Akira Kurusu:
…never said that

Goro Akechi:
No, but I can read between the lines.
You seem like the type drawn to intensity.
Someone who keeps up. Pushes back.
Maybe even a little dangerous.

Akira Kurusu:
wow
who’s psychoanalysing who now?

Goro Akechi:
Mm.
Low-hanging fruit. 

Akira Kurusu:
rude.

Goro Akechi:
Am I wrong?

Akira Kurusu:
hadn’t thought about it that way
but yeah. maybe you’re right.

Goro Akechi:
Of course I am.

Akira Kurusu:
you put even the psych majors to shame

Goro Akechi:
Maybe you’re just easy to read.

Akira Kurusu: 
you think so?

Goro Akechi:
You’re certainly not subtle.

Akira Kurusu:
well 
you’re still here though

Goro Akechi:
Don’t remind me. 

Akira Kurusu:
you walked into that one
your turn?

Goro Akechi:
Fair enough.
My longest was someone from prep school. The coffee one.
Sharp, meticulous, knew their way around a Chemex, but far too dull. Like dating a cardboard.
Then were a few shorter ones. All charm, no weight. Like bad latte. Impressive microfoam, utterly forgettable underneath.
Uninspiring, to say the least.

Akira Kurusu:
you’re not beating the coffee snob allegations with that amount of coffee motifs

Goro Akechi:
And here I was spilling my heart out for you.

Akira Kurusu:
kidding
so you want someone with bite

Goro Akechi:
Naturally.
With the brains to match of course.

Akira Kurusu:
you want a challenge
someone who can meet you head-on

Goro Akechi:
Exactly.
You’re quite the psychoanalyser yourself.

Akira Kurusu:
thanks 
i try
did your exes have anything in common?
physically, i mean

Goro Akechi:
Is there a reason you’re asking?

Akira Kurusu:
maybe?

Goro Akechi:
Then spit it out.

Akira Kurusu:
god forbid a man deliberate 
well here goes
do you like men?

Goro Akechi:
I do.
You could’ve led with that. I wouldn’t have cared.

Akira Kurusu:
well forgive me it’s not usually the easiest of topics to broach

Goro Akechi:
I’m not made of glass Kurusu.

Akira Kurusu:
i know
still
what are the odds, huh?

Goro Akechi:
We met in advanced philosophy.
The odds were never low.

Akira Kurusu:
touché
do you like women?

Goro Akechi:
I’m attracted to competence, not anatomy.
So yes.
But I do tend to prefer men.

Akira Kurusu:
great
i mean that’s great. for you.

Goro Akechi:
Is it now?

Akira Kurusu:
yeah
also kind of great for me too

Goro Akechi:
Amusing.

Akira Kurusu:
you free next week?

Goro Akechi:
That depends.

Akira Kurusu:
on?

Goro Akechi:
Whether this ends in an invitation or just more dithering.

Akira Kurusu:
what sort of invitation are we talking about here?

Goro Akechi:
You tell me.

Akira Kurusu:
i can’t read minds akechi

Goro Akechi:
A shame. 
I suppose we can settle for more coffee.

Akira Kurusu:
you can watch me work the siphon
might convince you to swap out your machine for one

Goro Akechi:
How exhibitionistic of you.

Akira Kurusu:
i don’t put on a show for just anyone

Goro Akechi: 
Should I be flattered?

Akira Kurusu:
you tell me
same time next week?

Goro Akechi:
I'll be there.

Goro Akechi:
1 attachment 

Akira Kurusu:
of course it’s hegel

Goro Akechi:
His dialectic is nothing short of brilliant. 
You’d know that if you actually read the article I sent.

Akira Kurusu:
i did read it

Goro Akechi:
And?
Surely you have thoughts.

Akira Kurusu:
more than a few
want a reaction piece?

Goro Akechi:
Tempting, but no.
Save it for the event.

Akira Kurusu:
want me to go that bad huh

Goro Akechi:
You do make for stimulating company. 

Akira Kurusu:
what’s this, a honeypot?
trying to distract me from how you lost our last game?

Goro Akechi:
In my defence, I hadn’t slept in over 24 hours.

Akira Kurusu:
hasn’t stopped you from winning before
but sure, i’ll bite
i’ve always wanted to see the planetarium too

Goro Akechi:
We could walk around after the conference. 

Akira Kurusu:
you into astronomy?

Goro Akechi:
Moderately.
Though I live just a few bus stops from the planetarium, so I’ve never been too fascinated with the place.

Akira Kurusu:
so this is how i find out where you live

Goro Akechi:
It’s not like it’s a secret. 
I could make us lunch. Save us the ticket money.

Akira Kurusu:
seriously?
i mean i could just grab us takeaway

Goro Akechi:
I’m offering, you idiot. 

Akira Kurusu:
well then
if you insist

Goro Akechi:
Any dietary restrictions?

Akira Kurusu:
none at all, chef
so what’s on the menu?

Goro Akechi:
I’ve got pork, so maybe katsudon.

Akira Kurusu:
wow the akechi family secret recipe

Goro Akechi:
Developed it myself actually. 
Consider yourself lucky. 

Akira Kurusu:
believe me
i do

Akira Kurusu:
i still don’t know whether to be impressed or concerned that your bookshelf is arranged by author, theme, and moral alignment

Goro Akechi:
It’s for convenient reading.
Besides, I don’t want to hear that from someone who doesn’t even have a shelf.
There was a book on every available surface.

Akira Kurusu: 
i like to keep my living space dynamic

Goro Akechi:
The word you’re looking for is ‘chaotic’.
I doubt your cat appreciates it either.

Akira Kurusu:
morgana likes it just fine
he’s meowing in agreement as we speak

Goro Akechi:
That name for a pet is borderline criminal.
You’re lucky I haven’t reported you to animal control.

Akira Kurusu:
i’m starting to regret offering you a room tour

Goro Akechi:
It’s a cozy space, I'll give you that. 
Maybe consider investing in a bookshelf. And a laundry basket. And a new fucking lamp, for god’s sake.

Akira Kurusu:
nah, it has character
i was going for rustic

Goro Akechi:
Well it’s going for collapse.

Akira Kurusu:
still turned on didn’t it?
we played games just fine

Goro Akechi:
Maybe we should’ve left it off. Put it out of its misery.

Akira Kurusu:
and play in the dark? 
how risqué of you

Goro Akechi:
I never said we had to close the curtains too.
Sounds like you’re the one getting ideas.

Akira Kurusu:
you’re just sore about losing at tekken

Goro Akechi:
Your console is rigged.

Akira Kurusu:
feel free to inspect it
or we could pick a new game

Goro Akechi:
No.
Not until I beat you at Tekken.

Akira Kurusu:
by all means
door’s always open for you

Goro Akechi:
How inviting.

Akira Kurusu:
you sure you’re okay with the cramped floor?

Goro Akechi:
I told you. It’s cozy.
Besides, I’m fairly certain we’d both fit on the bed.

Akira Kurusu:
careful
say stuff like that and i might think you’re trying to send a message

Goro Akechi:
So be it.

Akira Kurusu:
so
if someone keeps texting you 
asks you out for coffee every week
and invites you to their place
what do you think that means

Goro Akechi:
Is this a hypothetical question or a cry for help?

Akira Kurusu:
classic deflection
don’t you get tired of it?

Goro Akechi:
Speak for yourself.
You’ve been tiptoeing around something for weeks now.

Akira Kurusu: 
pot, meet kettle.

Goro Akechi:
Well then it appears we’re at an impasse.

Akira Kurusu:
i can think of a solution or two

Goro Akechi:
I’m listening.

Akira Kurusu:
meet me after class tomorrow
outside the library
so we can finish this without hiding behind our phones

Goro Akechi:
You think you’re ready for that?

Akira Kurusu:
i know i am
question is, are you?

Goro Akechi:
You’ll see.

Akira Kurusu:
so are we just gonna pretend like we didn’t make out behind the library
or should i bring that up in seminar too

Goro Akechi:
I will end you.

Akira Kurusu:
you didn’t say no

Goro Akechi:
Don’t act like you’re too cool to care.
Your face goes red every time I come close.

Akira Kurusu:
that’s just blood pressure
you’re a health hazard

Goro Akechi:
And yet you keep coming back.

Akira Kurusu:
yeah. well. 
maybe i like ruining my life a little

Goro Akechi:
We’re studying philosophy. That was obvious.

Akira Kurusu:
ok professor achechi

Goro Akechi:
You’re lucky you’re hot.

Akira Kurusu:
say that again but slower

Goro Akechi:
Come over.
I’m not typing that twice.

bonus:

Goro Akechi:
You left your jacket, by the way.
Or was that intentional?

Akira Kurusu:
depends
are you going to return it with a lecture or a kiss

Goro Akechi:
Why not both?

Akira Kurusu:
now that’s customer service

Goro Akechi:
I aim to please.
Most of the time.

Akira Kurusu:
more like 50/50
but i'll take my chances