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The tension had been building all evening.
Kazuichi Soda couldn’t stop talking, he never could, especially when he was nervous. Words spilled out about machines, about random island repairs, about anything that wasn’t the reason he kept glancing over.
Because across from him, leaning dramatically against a tree like he owned the night itself, was Gundham Tanaka.
“…and then the engine just died, like completely fried, I mean who even designs- ”
“You prattle on like a restless spirit, Souda,” Gundham interrupted, voice low and theatrical. “Is it fear that drives your tongue, or something far more… fragile?”
Souda froze. “W-what’s that supposed to mean?!”
Gundham stepped closer. Not fast, not aggressive - just enough to make Souda very aware of how little space was left between them.
“The Dark Devas have observed your erratic behaviour,” he said, one hand lifting slightly as if presenting invisible evidence. “Your gaze lingers. Your pulse betrays you.”
Souda’s face went bright red. “Dude, I’m not- I mean— that’s not- ”
“Then deny it.”
“…I- ”
He couldn’t.
For once, Souda had nothing.
Gundham’s expression softened - just a little, barely noticeable unless you were really looking. “Pathetic,” he murmured, but there was no bite to it.
Souda huffed weakly. “Yeah, well… you’re the one standing super close.”
“Am I?”
“…Yes.”
Neither of them moved.
The air felt heavier, quieter. Even the usual island sounds seemed to fade, like the world was waiting to see what they’d do.
Souda swallowed. “If you’re gonna, like, roast me again or whatever, just- ”
Gundham closed the distance.
It wasn’t dramatic. No grand speech, no dark proclamation - just a brief, quiet press of lips against Souda’s.
Soft. Quick.
Gone almost immediately.
Souda’s brain completely shut down.
Gundham pulled back, folding his arms like nothing had happened. “Consider that… an experiment,” he said coolly.
Souda blinked. “Y-you can’t just- ?!”
“Your reaction confirms my hypothesis.”
“My what- dude, you just kissed me! That's so, like, warm!”
“And you did not perish. Fascinating.”
Souda stared at him, still red, still stunned… and then, slowly, a grin started creeping in.
“…You’re so weird.”
“And yet,” Gundham said, a faint smirk appearing, “you remain.”
Souda rubbed the back of his neck, looking away for a second before glancing back.
“…yeah. I do.”
This time, when they stood close again, neither of them complained.