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The fact that Yoichi isn't at practice makes Rin's skin itch.
Practice feels weird without his presence and as much as he tries to ignore it, he can't. The flow of the field feels lopsided and uneven. The whole day has felt weird because Yoichi wasn't waiting for him outside the door bright and early this morning like usual either. But he can't ask about the absence. That would make him seem weird and would expose some things he'd rather not share, like the fact he's more than a little annoyed he didn't get his good morning kiss from the boyfriend he isn't supposed to have.
Thankfully, someone else brings up the obvious absence up at the end of morning practice.
"Anyone seen Isagi?" Chigri asks, tying his hair up into a high ponytail, "It's not like him to skip."
Though Rin's acting standoffish, his attention is immediately tuned to the conversation; he takes a sip of his water to mask that he's listening.
"Oh, yeah. He said he wasn't feeling good this morning when I ran into him in the hall," Bachira hums, "I took him to the medical wing."
He doesn't need to hear anymore than that and some half-assed idea takes shape in his head. He stays quiet while they shower and change, lingers at the back of the group as they walk toward the cafeteria. And that's when Rin makes his break for it. He heads down the opposite hall, straight for the medical wing. Though he didn't really think of an excuse as to why he'd be here (at least not one that would make sense to someone else) and that makes him hesitate outside the door. He pauses a moment too long and the door opens in front of him. Brilliant blue eyes blink at him, pinched at the corners like he's in pain and—
Does Yoichi look paler than normal?
"Rin?" Yoichi's voice rasps slightly; he must have just woken up.
Yoichi seems to tilt toward him, unsteady, and instinctively Rin reaches out to hold him up. Yoichi half heartedly waves him off and tries to look at him again. Tries. Because Rin watches him blink, then keep his eyes basically closed against the light. That's when he realizes that Yoichi smells faintly of mint, or menthol which is probably close enough, and takes note of the patch he's got adhered to his forehead. He looks a little stupid with it on, but he doesn't seem bothered as he squints against the light.
"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Rin hisses.
Yoichi seems to reel for a moment. Then, "Migraine. Can you not talk so loud? Or come in here at least? I can't deal with…" He gestures vaugely before stepping back into the darkened room.
Rin follows after him and ensures the door is closed behind him.
The room is dark for the most part and Yoichi seems to breathe a sigh of semi-relief, face relaxing somewhat, before he looks at Rin again. For a second it looks like he might cry but he pulls himself together and buries his face against Rin's shoulder instead, arms tight around him. With as much care as he can muster, he guides Yoichi over to the small bed and makes him lay back down.
"Were you worried about me?"
Rin hates that he kinda was but…
"You weren't waiting for me this morning." He knows it sounds like a weak explanation but it makes Yoichi smile softly.
The moment is ruined when Yoichi's stomach growls and Rin blinks at him.
"I haven't eaten," Yoichi admits, "my stomach was unsettled this morning so I didn't get breakfast."
"… I'll go get you something."
"You don't have to. I can—"
Rin doesn't let him finish. He turns on his heel and heads to the cafeteria, knowing most people will already be settled at tables with their own food. Luckily, Rin is very good at making himself almost invisible. He gets in and out without anyone asking why he has an extra bowl of miso soup. He quietly lets himself back into the medical wing and pads over to where Yoichi has curled back up on the bed. For a moment, Rin thinks he may have fallen asleep.
It feels like entirely too easy to touch him and Rin reaches out to brush back some of the dark strands of hair. The touch is enough to rouse Yoichi, lashes fluttering as his eyes open to regard Rin quietly for a moment and Rin feels like something siezes in his chest.
"I brought you some soup," he explains, voice quiet.
"Mn," Yoichi grunts softly in return.
They eat lunch together in that darkened room and set aside the dishes when they are done. Rin realizes he should probably leave but he doesn't and Yoichi watches him for a moment. His finger's find Rin's with a gentle squeeze before, quietly, shifting over and patting the empty space on the bed. An invitation, one Rin probably shouldn't take since anyone could walk in but he takes it anyway. His fingers toy with the fine hair at the nape of Yoichi's neck; he vaugely remembers his mother doing something similar to him when he was sick as a kid. He knows it doesn't do anything but it felt soothing growing up. So he continues to touch him, gently holding him until he's positive Yoichi is alseep. It would be easy enough to slip away yet he doesn't still. Instead he listens to Yoichi's soft, even breathing as he naps. And though he's watching the clock, watches as the start time for afternoon training as it comes and goes, for once he doesn't feel the pressure to go. Yoichi is warm and curled against him
The afternoon fades into evening and Rin still plays with Yoichi's hair. Finally he stirs and he blinks at Rin, still seeming a little dazed and disoriented. But he smiles softly, tenderly, and Rin lets himself be drawn in. Their lips meet in a soft kiss and Yoichi's hand cups Rin's cheek. His touch is gentle despite the callouses on his palm from their weight training.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there this morning," Yoichi murmurs softly, "I was on my way but Bachira…"
"It's… fine." But saying it makes him feel weird because it doesn't feel fine. Yoichi should have been there this morning. They should have had their few minutes of quiet in Rin's room, Yoichi should have kissed him before they walked out the door for practice. He understands that they aren't exactly subtle: Yoichi often has hickeys on his chest and neck, Rin's shows up to practice with swollen lips, disheveled hair, and clothes askew. Honestly it's a pretty open secret and Rin knows that but there's something that makes him want to keep Yoichi all to himself.
Yoichi watches him for a moment as if he is reading Rin's mind.
"Your room is closer than mine," he hums softly, "I don't feel up to looking at a screen to watch a movie, but I'll fall asleep next to you if you want to get out of here."
Rin debates for a moment, "I need to go train."
"So dedicated." Though there isn't any anger in Yoichi's voice Rin thinks he detects a touch of disappointment. It is tempting though and, if he's honest, he hadn't loved how practice felt earlier without Yoichi next to him.
He sighs, "When you don't look like you're dying, we're doing extra drills."
"Deal."
They sneak their way to Rin's room and Yoichi immediately turns the lights off when they enter. As they settle on the bed, Yoichi's back presses against Rin's chest as their legs intertwine. He doesn't put a movie on though. Instead he rests Yoichi's head on his arm and buries his nose against his neck. The menthol scent seems to be wearing off and the citrusy musk Yoichi normally gives off lingers underneath. He can't help but breathe it in as he pulls Yoichi tighter to his chest. It takes a bit but Rin finally registers steady breathing again.
"It's a good thing I like you, idiot," he mumbles, even though he knows his words won't be heard.
And it's sadly true— otherwise he wouldn't let himself care so much.