Chapter Text
It would be undignified to run. That's why Takumi doesn't turn and make a hasty retreat as Kaden heads straight for him in graceful strides.
"Hey, Takumi! You look beautiful as always today."
A few people close enough to overhear look over, he can feel them watching blood flood to his face even as his expression scrunches up into something pinched. He must look like an umeboshi right now. Takumi resists the urge to hide his face in his hands and tries to smooth down his expression to just an irritated squint.
"Again, Kaden," Takumi grumbles, painfully aware that his face was still very visibly red.
This has become a daily thing. Where he hardly noticed Kaden's presence before, it's now impossible to ignore since they spoke at the festival.
"Yeah, again!" Kaden laughs cheerfully, tapping Takumi's cheek lightly with one finger.
He flinches and takes a step back. He has to force himself to keep his gaze on Kaden. No one's watching them or anything anymore, even if the way Kaden speaks to him is a bit casual and odd, it's nothing to take notice of. No one is watching his face go through five shades of red, except Kaden.
"Are you ever going to stop? Just say hi to me normally!"
"Hm..." Kaden turns his head and touches his hand to his chin as he considers, a hint of a smile still playing at his lips.
Takumi can't help but wonder if he's deliberately showing off his profile or something, highlighting the slope of his nose.
"Maybe," Kaden says finally, turning back to Takumi with a wide grin. "When you get used to it!"
He scowls and glances away. How is he supposed to get used to this?
Just when Takumi thinks he's almost used to it, it gets worse.
Maybe that's not quite right. There's nothing bad about the way Kaden compliments him. If it had been anyone else Takumi probably would have assumed the comments to be mocking. Kaden is perfectly genuine in every word though, even in the way he taps Takumi's nose or cheeks lightly.
More than that, maybe.
Kaden cups Takumi's cheek, touch firm and affectionate unlike his usual teasing gestures. They're standing in the shade of a swaying cherry tree that refuses to stop blooming, sunlight peeking through its blossoms and casting pretty light spots over Kaden's features.
"Are you finally getting used to it, Takumi?"
Not at all, but it's not that bad even when he realises Kaden must feel how hot his face is. Takumi tries to look away, but it's hard to escape when Kaden's hand is still cradling his cheek. He nudges gently until Takumi is looking at him again.
"You know, you're even prettier like this."
Takumi grabs Kaden's wrist and backs away. He bites the inside of his cheek until he swallows down the harsh protest that threatens to lash out.
"You...you're going too far," Takumi whispers, almost hissing from how he has to forcefully keep from snapping.
"Ah-" Kaden lets his hand fall, his usual smiling expression melts away as well. "Sorry, Takumi...do you really hate it?"
Takumi almost hisses again and he can't keep his eyes still, gaze flitting everywhere to avoid looking at Kaden. It's hard to respond to that. Even if it's irrational, Takumi feels as if he should be fighting something.
Fighting what?
"N-no...that's not the problem."
It's embarrassing.
Takumi can hear how shaky his exhale is and he's breathing right against Kaden's mouth so he can definitely feel it. Just like how he can feel the gentle curve of Kaden's smile.
"You're so cute."
Kaden withdraws only to lean in again to press their cheeks together, his skin infuriatingly cool against Takumi's.
"Why do you always have to say things like that," he asks, but the question lacks any heat, any irritation. There's no point in being defensive around Kaden anymore. Whether he can see right through it or just doesn't notice it, it doesn't faze him.
"Because." A soft kiss is pressed against furrowed brows. "You need to know how lovely you are."
Takumi is pretty sure the tips of his ears are on fire.
"You're," Takumi starts, almost quivering in his embarrassment.
Kaden pulls back and beams at him.
"...absolutely ridiculous."