Work Text:
Yusuke was painting on the floor, lying on the wooden tiles as the soothing sound of pencil on paper filled the quiet dorm. He was copying a bouquet of flowers in an aesthetically pleasing vase with some soft lighting on top. He somehow manages to find beauty in everything, even in something as mundane as some plants. Despite how beautiful his art looks, he’s been drawing since the morning, maybe 8:00 A.M? It’s currently 6:00 P.M. That’s a…concerning amount of time, considering the fact that he barely took any breaks. Ren, one of his close friends, has been texting him, and the black haired boy only occasionally gets a response. He knew what was up, so he took it upon himself to visit Yusuke and drag him outside to do something other than drawing. He, fortunately, has just the thing. Ren didn’t call Yusuke about this, nor message him, which is why the sudden knocking on his door had shocked him. Did he order anything? No, he spent all his money on some new canvases and art supplies and they came in yesterday. If that’s not the case then…Maybe it’s a salesman? He’d be surprised if it is, they don’t usually come to the dorms. Are they even allowed in? Yusuke shakes those thoughts away, reluctantly placing his supplies down on the floor in an organized manner. He then gets up, smoothing out his white shirt, before going to open the door. When he unlocks it, the door swings open, his pale hand not even being able to twist the golden knob. As soon as he sees who was behind it, he makes no reaction. He assumed Ren was going to drag him out, as per usual. Thought he doubted he’d be interested in any activity.
"Yusuke, we’re going out,” Ren states firmly, like a leader, his tone holding no room for complaints. Why was he using his leader voice for this? He didn’t even elaborate on where they were going, how…Ren-like.
"Where, pray tell, would we go?” The blue-haired boy inquires, cocking his head to the side. Currently, Ren was failing to convince the artist to put his creative crap down and bask in the sunlight.
"Um,” Ren pauses as he racks his brain for a hangout spot, “we could get ice cream?” He offers. Yusuke likes food, right? Seeing as how he barely has enough money for some lousy instant ramen. At the mention of the cold delicacy, Yusuke perks up, his eyes widening with interest. Now Ren has him hooked.
"An ice cream date, huh?” He hums, nodding his head thoughtfully. “Yes! That’s a perfect hangout spot.” He laughs, placing his hands on his hips. Ren just smiles softly in response, chuckling quietly at Yusuke’s display of cheerfulness.
***********
Now they're walking down the sidewalk, the sun’s rays dancing on their bodies as birds chirp. It was a bit hot, due to the blazing heat, but thankfully there was a cool wind breezing onto them. It helped turn down the heat. Suddenly, Yusuke pauses, looking to the side. Ren stops as well, turning to stare at Yusuke and wondering what the hell he was going to do. The Phantom Thief puts his hands up to his face, making a gesture as if he were taking a photo. He then starts gushing about…a fountain.
“What a marvellous view,” he starts, shaking his head with astonishment, “the water perfectly blends into this bustling scene! The people walking behind this decor just add to it!” Ren doesn’t know what to do so he stares at his friend with amusement. Leave it to Yusuke to fawn over a scene that looks the slightest bit pleasing. The “delinquent” tugs his sleeve, snapping the artist out of his trance.
"It's just a fountain. Also, we're here for ice cream, not some scenery.” The hunchback boy points out. Yusuke makes a small sound in response, tearing his gaze from the—in his eyes—amazing view. He straightens up, continuing to walk towards their location. Eventually, they made it, and it was a terrible walk. The company was great, but it's burning. They need the ice cream. ASAP. Ren turns to Yusuke as they walk inside the cold store, the cool breeze being a stark contrast to the heat outside. Ren then speaks up,
"So, what do you want?” Yusuke thinks about it for a moment, his gaze turning to the flavours. After a bit of observing, Yusuke turns back, a proud smile on his face.
“I'd like a mint ice cream. You?” He says, crossing his arms. Ren hums, nodding his head. Mint, huh? Ren wasn't a big fan of it, but to each their own, he supposes.
"Hm…Maybe a plain vanilla.” Ren answers. It may be a boring choice, but perhaps that's the point. It's basic, everyone likes it, so he can fit in if he picks it. It's also just delicious. Yusuke nods at that, putting a nimble finger to his chin.
"Hm. That’s a,” he pauses, thinking, “wonderful choice! It may be simple, but simplicity can be incredible at times!” He praises. Ren is, yet again, baffled in the greatest way possible. He sighs fondly, digging through his wallet as he changes the topic.
“Yep. Well, anyway, I'm gonna order.” He walks up to the register, leaving Yusuke there waiting. The artist merely looks around, taking in the quaint shop. There are a few ice cream-themed decor here and there, and some ice cream cakes stored in nearby freezers. It wasn't crowded at all, either. A few small families were eating together at the round tables that didn't take up much space. Some people were outside too, but they were eating alone or were with a friend. He's snapped out of his observant trance as Ren approaches him, handing him his mint ice cream scooped perfectly onto a waffle cone.
"Ah, thank you. It looks absolutely delectable.” Yusuke says before taking a lick of his cold dessert. Just as he thought. It's amazing. Ren smiles in response, taking a kitten lick of his own snack. Tastes like any other ice cream, but still nice. An escape from the warmth. The two of them take a seat at an empty table, eating in comfortable silence. They basked in this kind of environment. Neither of them had to strike up a conversation to be entertained, or to enjoy the other's company. Soon, they finish their cones and get up, Yusuke stretching.
"I feel very full! After surviving on instant ramen for a week, that was very nice.” Ren looks at Yusuke in concern as he says that, scratching the back of his neck. He knew how broke Yusuke was, but wow. That sounds rough.
"Maybe I can treat you to some curry later.” The delinquent offers kindly. Yusuke perks up at that, nodding his head happily as he comments on Ren's generosity and kindness.
**********
After a few small comments, they start walking back in silence. It's around 7:00 P.M., maybe a bit earlier, but the sun’s still out. Ren turns to look at Yusuke, noticing how the light frames his face perfectly, bringing out his facial features. Pretty. Admittedly, he's been crushing on his friend badly. I mean, can you blame him? Yusuke is everything good in his world, he has no flaws! Actually, he takes that back. But still! He's an amazing friend, gorgeous, funny, and just everything he's not. In fact, he wanted this to be like a date. Maybe it is. It could be. Lost in his thoughts, Ren's hand inches closer to Yusuke's, grasping it gently. The other boy immediately turns to look at Ren when he feels his touch, raising his brow, asking a silent question. He's met with no response, save for Ren's telling blush. Yusuke smiles softly, intertwining their hands. Now he's heating up too, and it's not the sun’s fault. Ren looks up at him, rubbing Yusuke’s knuckle with his thumb.
"I really like you!” He blurts out, as if it isn't obvious at the moment. Them holding hands should be enough to get their mutual feelings across, but words would be helpful too.
"I like you too. A lot.” Yusuke replies, tugging Ren closer. It falls silent again after that, but neither of them minds. It's nice, especially after their confessions. Ren leans up slightly, pressing a small, quick kiss to Yusuke’s lips which is soon reciprocated. It's a moment that makes them both giddy and perhaps Yusuke would want to crash at Leblanc after this.