Chapter Text
It started with pickup lines. Who doesn’t like a good pick up line? It was the oldest trick in the book and it had never failed Ryusui before. Then again, everyone liked Ryusui, so it was bound to be a success every time.
Almost everyone. Almost every time.
Ryusui spotted Tsukasa heading home from the grocer. Well, he didn’t just spot him. Ryusui had noticed him in the store while he had been there doing his own shopping. One thing led to another and Ryusui ended up trailing Tsukasa for the better part of an hour as he tried to work up the courage to actually approach him. What originally was supposed to be a five minute conversation turned into thirty minutes of stalling. It was almost like he was stalking him at this point, but Ryusui didn't want to go that far. After all, his intentions were pure and came from the heart.
Ryusui had exited the shop first in order to perch outside and wait for Tsukasa. He felt very odd hiding behind a tree, waiting for the right opportunity. Maybe this was considered a bit of stalking, but he tried not to think about it.
He was just too antsy to walk straight up to the man and say something. He had never been more nervous about approaching someone before. In fact, Ryusui couldn’t remember ever feeling nervous when it came to romance. His little crush on Tsukasa was changing him. He could barely call it a ‘crush.’ Ryusui was already in love with him.
Speak of the devil, Tsukasa finally emerged from the market, carrying a basket full of produce. Ryusui peeked out from his tree and looked to see if the coast was clear. The thought of someone catching him in the act felt humiliating.
When Ryusui turned back to Tsukasa, the man was nowhere to be found. It was like he had vanished into thin air.
“What the hell…?” he mused.
“Hello, Ryusui.”
He nearly jumped out of his skin, clinging to the tree to ground himself. Turning around, Ryusui came face to face with Tsukasa. He loomed over Ryusui, his height intimidating him. Ryusui was sure he wasn't trying to come of as menacing; Tsukasa's face was neutral, perhaps even curious.
“T-Tsukasa! Hey!” Ryusui cringed. “Crazy seeing you here…!”
“Have you been following me?” Tsukasa asked bluntly.
A nervous chuckle escaped Ryusui’s mouth. “Why would I do that?”
Tsukasa gave him a stare in response.
“Well, I wanted to run some things by you and I was looking for the right opportunity.”
“Go on.”
“Huh?”
“Say what you need to say,” Tsukasa urged him.
“Oh! Right!” Ryusui cleared his throat, squaring his shoulders as he bolstered up his confidence. “I have a question.”
Tsukasa didn’t respond, waiting for him to get on with it.
“Are your parents bakers?” Ryusui asked.
He winced with disgust, already perturbed by the direction of this conversation. “No,” Tsukasa answered.
“Because you’re a cutie pie!” Ryusui finished awkwardly, with as much enthusiasm as possible.
“Thanks,” Tsukasa said, phrasing it like a question.
A chill ran up Ryusui’s spine. The kind of chill you get when you watch someone embarrass themself in public. Except it was him that was in the hot seat. But he wasn’t going to give up that easily. He had to put his pride aside and give it another go.
“How about this?” he continued, as if this couldn’t get any worse. Ryusui was already embarrassed, so why not just go all the way? “Do you believe in love at first sight? Or should I walk by again.”
“I would’ve fallen for you years ago if that were the case.”
“Did you?” Ryusui beamed.
“No,” Tsukasa said bluntly. “Mirai’s expecting me, so I’m going. But do me a favor.”
Ryusui looked at him expectantly, still wearing his buffoonish smile. “Anything for you, Tsukasa.”
“I’ve heard better lines from my fans. You’ll never get anywhere with those,” Tsukasa adjusted his basket and began to walk away. “Try workshopping.”