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Kaburagi has always been a superstitious person.
He likes to believe in things others would consider dumb, like the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny. Danchiku and his other friends never quite understood how that works in tandem with his headstrong, stubborn personality. In other words, Kaburagi never listens when he’s told he’s in the wrong. So how can he follow any faith over his own?
But that’s where they’ve gone wrong with the logic. Kaburagi likes superstitions because they’re the only thing that could prove him wrong and steer him right. They’re the reason he’s so sure of himself. Because superstitions feel reliable.
After all, he’s done pretty well in life by avoiding jinxes and following luck rituals. Nothing has proved these methods wrong thus far. He’s a fervent believer of the phrase, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it”.
But that line between faith and reality has been blurred ever since he saw Aoyagi by that vending machine.
>>>
It was just another one of his secret practice sessions, coached by his God of Orange Beena of Minegayama. Kaburagi still remembers the chill of wind as he was riding back to the vending machine to hail another mandate— or, uh, cycling tip— from the heavens.
Under the vending machine’s shadow stood his senior, Aoyagi. He kept his body pressed close, as if to remain unseen.
Kaburagi remembers the shock of seeing Aoyagi stand next to a familiar notepad. It was God’s note!
He came to terms with this after he realised Aoyagi was a messenger to guide him in his secret practice. Right, God couldn’t just physically appear in front of him! This must be his way of helping.
He accepted this fact very easily.
Ever since then, Kaburagi has been training under God’s (and Aoyagi’s) watchful eye in preparation for the Inter-High tournament.
Of course, he knows that the Orange Beena God is his true mentor, not Aoyagi. But whenever they’re together, he can’t help feeling safe.
It’s a different kind of ‘safe’ than when he’s with Danchiku, where he needs to hear the words of encouragement that he’s so used to. With Aoyagi, it’s something much quieter. There are fewer words. It feels like he’s in capable hands.
He figures it’s because Aoyagi is God’s middleman— therefore he probably associates him with the feeling of faith as well.
Aoyagi is otherwise ordinary and quite plain, even as a cyclist. Kaburagi wouldn’t place his faith in someone like that without good reason.
And just as God’s favour makes him feel special, the orange-haired boy soon notices that he’s starting to like Aoyagi’s attention.
Day by day, Kaburagi realises that Aoyagi’s presence is more of a hindrance than help in his practice sessions. He fails to focus on his technique when the ginger senior rides ahead of him. He zones out when receiving instructions on how to improve. Worst of all, he just can’t figure out what Aoyagi is thinking at any point in time. And he’s constantly trying.
Aoyagi’s presence is understated. As such, it requires more effort to observe him, but Kaburagi finds it so interesting.
Before he knows it, Kaburagi is harbouring the biggest, most unexpected crush on the vice captain of the Cycling Club. This turn of events has led to a few moments he’s less than proud of.
(…While he would rather not get into details, one such instance might have involved him spitting out his Orange Beena while Aoyagi changed in the club room. Thankfully, a quick excuse about choking let him get away.)
This is crazy. He actually has romantic feelings for someone. A guy, at that. About two hours after realising, he immediately spilled all of this to a very supportive Danchiku. Kaburagi was never really one to keep secrets.
He can’t believe he ever thought Aoyagi was plain. Or, well, he is, but also not at all. He isn’t sure. His thoughts run in circles around the third-year. And then, at some point, they hit a wall and die.
And the worst part is that Aoyagi is so patient with him. Where others would call him a moron and give up, Aoyagi would always stay. He tries time and time again to figure out what’s wrong with his underclassman before sending him off on another lap. He listens, even when they’re climbing a slope side by side. Sure, Kaburagi absolutely sets him off sometimes, but he honestly kind of wants to hear Aoyagi’s voice more.
As if that isn’t enough, Kaburagi just has to notice how amazing of a cyclist and a senior Aoyagi is. He’s always dependable, always there to help at the right time.
He can’t stop noticing that quiet presence, a stark contrast to his loudmouth personality.
He also doesn’t know how to stop noticing whenever Aoyagi combs his long bangs back after a long ride, or when the sprinter flutters his eyes shut to coast through a downhill section. But he doesn’t really want to stop.
Because he doesn’t really want things to change. Maybe this could stay a secret, his very first one. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
Until one day, where he finds the motivation to actually fix it.
>>>
“Kabu, you listenin’?”
They are in the club room. Second-year Naruko is packing up his biking gear. He and Kaburagi are the last people to leave after the day’s practice.
“Uh, yes!” Issa jolts awake, his right glove still halfway on. He finishes taking it off. “Sorry, where were you, Naruko?”
“That’s Naruko-san to ya.” The redhead mutters without looking at him. “I was askin’ what’s got you actin’ up lately. You’ve been the talk of the club.”
Issa grimaces. ‘Dang it, I was zoning out thinking about him again.’
“I’m having… exam troubles?” he lies.
“You’ve always been an airhead, but it’s like yer completely elsewhere these days,” Naruko zips his equipment bag up. “Even hotsh— even Imaizumi could tell.”
“Whatever it is, ya better remember this, Kabu.” He slings the huge bag over his shoulder, looking proportionally tiny. Then he points a finger at his junior. “The Inter-High is comin’ up, so ya better fix that problem now, whatever it is! Ya hear?”
Of course, Issa knows that he’s right. He has to find a way to deal with his feelings if he wants the Inter-High to go well. But that’s easier said than done. What if…
“…what if it’s an unsolvable problem?” He blurts out, and immediately regrets it.
Surprisingly, Naruko takes it seriously. Instead of walking out the door, he turns his gaze back at Issa.
“What are ya on about? Why would it be unsolvable?” His tone makes it clear that he has never encountered a problem that stubbornness could not fix. They’re quite alike in that regard, though neither of them would be happy with that comparison.
“I don’t know! I think-“ Issa feels his face warm up. What the hell is coming out of his mouth right now? “-I think I’m scared of what might happen if I try to do anything about it!”
He isn’t sure why he’s being so darn honest to this guy, of all people. If he absolutely had to tell someone other than Danchiku, he would’ve preferred Sakamichi or even Teshima.
If Naruko has figured out what this is about, he doesn’t show it. He doesn’t ask for details either. It’s not his style.
Instead, he follows his junior’s train of thought: “Idiot. How wouldya know before you’ve even gone for it?”
Issa blinks up at him. “So you’re saying…”
“I’m sayin’ you’ve hardly got a choice here, ya?” Naruko shrugs. “You wouldn’t be alone though. I’m sure Quiet-senpai’s got your back since you’re his responsibility as a fellow sprinter.”
“Quiet-senpai? Also, I’m an all-rounder!”
“Because Aoyagi-san is quiet.” Naruko ignores the last part.
“You think Aoyagi-san would understand?” Issa pauses midway through packing up his cleats. His tone sounds more hopeful than he intended for it to be.
He is barely able to rein his racing fantasies in.
Something about Naruko’s assured, confident tone is pushing him towards something.
“Of course. So I think you should go for it!”
And that was all Issa needed to hear.
>>>
The night wind is chilling on his skin, even leaving goosebumps under his jersey. Kaburagi finds that it doesn’t help.
His face is burning hot right now, after all. He feels unusually lightheaded. He grips his handlebars tighter, as if he might fall off his bike.
He is a man on a mission. After this lap, he’ll ask for a minute of Aoyagi’s time. Then he’ll say what he’s been dying to say. It won’t be the grandest confession, but it will be a very earnest one. Or, actually, maybe it should be after the next lap…
No matter which way he goes about it, he’s just not ready! Although he isn’t sure he’d be ready even after the Inter-High. Maybe the issue isn’t time. Maybe the issue is that Aoyagi is so consistent in showing very little emotion.
Like, how is he supposed to not get confused? Aoyagi hasn’t particularly given him any hints, which keeps him from getting any false hope. At the same time, he has never turned down Kaburagi’s company (though it’s mostly practice sessions), which keeps him from giving up.
Oh my god, does Aoyagi even like guys? What if he never wants anything to do with Kaburagi again?
He swerves his bike around a curve in the road. He watches the headlights illuminate the tranquil night forest around him. He breathes in the cool summer air. But he’s only half-there right now.
Deliriously, Kaburagi flicks his gaze up to the inky night sky, then back down again. If the God of Orange Beena really resides in Minegayama and really favours him— If there is a higher power looking down at him right now, then…
He silently wishes for the best outcome possible.
‘Right, with the favour of God on my side, there’s nothing to fear.’
Now trembling less, Kaburagi pedals back to the familiar vending machine underneath the streetlight. He watches it come into view, and each new detail visible is scarier to him. His eyes lock in on Aoyagi’s waiting silhouette.
He feels short of breath, despite being very energized. It’s not quite like the adrenaline he gets at the end of a race. But the rush still seizes his veins. Shoot, maybe he has too much energy right now!
Usually, he would want to know his time for the lap. But in this moment, “personal record” doesn’t even sound like real words to him anymore.
He unclasps his biking helmet, in hopes of letting the heat on his face dissipate through his head. Does it work like that?
He doesn’t know anything.
Just go for it.
He doesn’t know the look on his face as he strides up to Aoyagi in the stiffest posture he’s ever had. He doesn’t know what two-word sentence Aoyagi said to him just now. He doesn’t know if God can even somehow influence Aoyagi into saying something he doesn’t mean. He doesn’t know how low he’s bowing right now, just as long as his embarrassing face isn’t visible. He doesn’t know anything.
“Aoyagi-san, I have feelings for you! Please go out with me!”
>>>
Kaburagi is home. He’d blacked out the entire way home. He said it. He actually said it out loud. And then ran off like a coward on his bike, leaving Aoyagi completely alone before he could even answer.
>>>
School completely passes him by the next day. Kaburagi isn’t sure what exactly is moving his body along the hallways, or whose voice it is that’s talking to his friends. The entire day, he is lost in countless simulations of what it would look like when he finally runs into Aoyagi again.
He flinches a little whenever there’s anyone with ginger hair within his line of vision. He avoids the third-years’ area of the school entirely. He skips the lunch cycling practices, perhaps for the first time since after the training camp.
He hasn’t told anyone yet, not even Danchiku. Because what happened last night still doesn’t feel real. And if it is real, he doesn’t know how to deal with it.
But really, he knows he’s dying for an answer. Some kind of resolution. Something to put a stop to his racing thoughts. Maybe they should take him out back and put him down! That would fix it, yes.
The bell rings. The school day is over. Kaburagi’s body faintly acknowledges this fact and gets ready. His brain fails to receive the same message.
Without thinking, Kaburagi floats on into the Sohoku Cycling Club clubroom. Like he always does after school. Without realising it.
>>>
“He’s here.”
It’s the voice of the Sohoku team captain, Teshima Junta. He throws a loaded side glance at the vice captain on his right, Aoyagi Hajime, who chooses to stay silent.
The door is slightly open behind Issa.
The three of them are the only ones in this room. The room has never felt so wide and empty.
‘Who is he talking about? Me?’ Issa’s mind goes quiet.
“Do you want to tell him, or should I?” Teshima flashes a languid smile sideways, the kind of catch-all grin he uses for every circumstance— anything between reprimanding a junior and cracking a joke. There’s no telling if this one is a good one.
Aoyagi meets Junta’s eyes wordlessly. Teshima gets the message. Telepathically. His grin becomes a half-grimace, half-smile as he steps forward. So that was not a good one.
Issa’s gaze stays glued on Teshima approaching him. He doesn’t want to look at Aoyagi right now. He doesn’t want to see the look on his face, not yet. He won’t look, he won’t.
Teshima tries putting his smile back on, maybe to soften the blow. The following words whizz past Issa’s ears like wind on the flats.
“Kaburagi, listen. Aoyagi and I are together.”
>>>
So the God of Orange Beena doesn’t exist. And if he does, he is one sadistic god.
This is the furthest possible thing from the best case scenario. Whoever said “The worst they can say is no” was so, so wrong!
Issa should do the cool thing to do in this situation. He should play it off and pretend his confession was a spur of the moment.
He does not.
“SERIOUSLY?!” is the first response he comes up with, so it is the first one out of his mouth.
He doesn’t notice that Teshima still has something to say.
“No way, you’re… you’re messing with me, right? There’s like, no way that’s true. Aoyagi-san, that’s a really long-winded way to turn me down! Did you really have to get Teshima-san in on it? I can take rejection just fine, y’know!”
Issa is rambling faster than he can think now.
“I mean, it’s not a big deal! I understand completely! You’re in your third year, I’m in my first— I uh, I would turn myself down too! If I were you! I won’t take this personally at all, haha! Please pretend last night never happened.”
“C’mon, someone! Say something! Please!” Issa short-circuits. In other words, the chain turning his wheels finally gives up. Someone shut him up! Someone stop him from talking and embarrassing himself right this second!
“Kabura—“
“Junta, it’s fine,” Aoyagi steps forward, right next to Teshima. “We expected this.”
“Teshima’s telling the truth. We’ve been together since last year.”
There is no hesitation in his quiet but firm voice. Issa immediately forces himself to shut up, biting down on his lip. He has no choice but to believe what he’s told.
As if to rub salt on his wound, Aoyagi holds up Teshima’s hand in his, their fingers interlaced like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
It probably is for them, Issa realises.
Last year, huh? He wasn’t even here at Sohoku. He was just some middleschooler, and those two were second-years.
From the very start, he was fighting a losing battle. Or more like, there was no battle at all. He was just struggling one-sidedly like some fool.
Oh my god, he totally had a crush on a totally taken man for months! And he thought he had an actual chance! Although none of it is Issa’s fault, it doesn’t stop this situation from being horrible. It doesn’t stop him from feeling horrible.
And what if he’d known beforehand? Is there any guarantee that he wouldn’t have fallen for Aoyagi then? When it was God’s will from the very beginning to bring them together?
And what would that mean? That God meant for his heart to get broken?
In hindsight, Issa should’ve known. The strange telepathy Teshima and Aoyagi seem to share, the fact that they’re an inseparable duo, the lingering touches—
Even now, his eyes are transfixed on their hands touching each other on their sides. All he ever got from Aoyagi was the occasional pat on the back, maybe a rare brush of fingertips whenever the ginger handed him a bottle of Orange Beena. He has never known how it feels to hold Aoyagi’s hand. He never will.
There were a couple instances where Issa tortured himself with the possibility that Aoyagi wasn’t into guys. He never considered that he would be dating a guy already. He isn’t sure whether he should laugh or cry.
Issa was never even jealous of Teshima, not once, and that’s what sucks the most! He never even considered that this was the case. He just, assumed someone like Aoyagi would be single from the very beginning.
He can’t even imagine what Aoyagi is like as a lover. He’s tried, but no version of his fantasy seems to fit quite right. Because he doesn’t really know Aoyagi outside of the Cycling Club. He only gets glimpses of Hajime during their practice sessions when he inevitably pisses him off. Other than that, he doesn’t know anything.
Not that he’ll ever know. He doesn’t know anything. He will never even get the chance.
His first crush, gone, just like that.
“Kaburagi-kun?” It’s Teshima’s voice calling his name, snapping him back to the present.
He notices tightness around his nose bridge, pulling taut at his face. His chest aches dully. Something blurs his vision. Are these tears? Oh no, anything but those right now.
“Kaburagi-kun, you really need to listen better.”
Contrary to all of his imaginary bitterness, there is no roughness in Teshima’s tone. In fact, the third-year sounds more lighthearted than earlier, which only plunges Issa into further despair.
He feels like the loser of a race that never took place. One where Teshima is the undeniable winner.
He feels pathetic.
“Hajime, maybe you should explain it to him. I have a feeling he’ll listen to you,” Teshima resigns, a smile coming back to replace his concerned face.
‘Explain what? Is he going to make sure I know I don’t have a chance?’
Issa thinks to himself, and finds it a little funny. Because at that point it’s just mean. He indignantly wipes off his tears on his uniform sleeve.
A heartbeat of silence passes before Aoyagi opens his mouth. Issa braces himself.
“Kaburagi-kun. It’s true that Teshima and I are dating.”
“But I’m also not necessarily turning you down.”
>>>
It was two weeks before the incident.
Junta called Aoyagi over on a brisk Saturday for a casual hangout, which surprised him at first– he didn’t think they would still do something like this in the weeks leading up to the Inter-High.
His boyfriend, usually casual and laid-back, greeted him with a different smile that morning. It was a difference in expression so minuscule, so brief, that one might think they imagined it. But not Aoyagi. He could never fool Aoyagi.
He gave Junta a gaze that said “What’s this all about?” on his way in.
“Did you know you seem happier lately, Hajime?” Junta posed the question out of nowhere as they walked up the stairs.
Aoyagi thought about it. Then he thought about it some more. He wasn’t sure what his boyfriend was on about, though. Sometimes, he thought that Junta was too smart to be with him.
So he made a little “Mmh”, which meant: “I don’t understand.”
“You and Kaburagi.”
Junta was buzzing in front of him with a strange excitement, but only looked straight ahead. After all, he didn’t need to see what kind of face Aoyagi was making. He just let his cheeky statement sink in.
But after another long beat of silence, Junta whisked his head back in doubt.
“No? Did I get it wrong? I thought things were good with him.”
“Training is going alright.”
The utter confusion on Aoyagi’s face got a chuckle out of him. He really hit the jackpot. His boyfriend was the most adorable man in the country!
“Well, has he finally won you over yet? Or is that still a work in progress?”
“He’s got bad manners,” Won him over? That was a strange choice of phrase. The ginger carefully considered his response. “But he works hard.”
“Pft- That’s not what I meant, idiot.”
“?”
“You weren’t this dense when we got together,” Junta swung open his bedroom door, face purposefully turned away so Aoyagi wouldn’t see his stupid expression. He enjoyed this more than he thought. Though of course, he made no attempt to mask the smile in his voice.
“Kaburagi. That guy has a tremendous crush on you, dude. Like, humongous. Don’t tell me you never noticed.”
He settled onto his bed. Usually, Aoyagi would have joined and sat down next to him. But right now, it looked like someone paused his movement with a remote controller.
“Tell me, what do you think about him?” Junta leaned forward, looking up at his flustered boyfriend. Sure, he was dating the country’s most adorable guy, but also the world’s most oblivious one.
Aoyagi took a second. He blinked once, then twice.
“Is that true? I don’t really think anything of it,” He muttered way too fast. “Teshima, we’re dating. Do you want me to think of him that way?”
The other tilted his head to the side. “Don’t you think that would actually be a cute arrangement? Y’know, you two as a sprinter duo. I’d like to see that.”
‘Right. He always had a knack for making people laugh.’
“I’m not joking, though,” was his immediate reply.
Sometimes Aoyagi thought they could read each other’s mind. Right now the connection seemed to be pretty one-way. He’d never gotten this kind of strange riddle throughout their relationship before.
“So…”
He wasn’t sure if he should play along with it. His body wouldn’t even move past the doorframe– it felt as if one wrong move could doom him right now. Why was his boyfriend so insistent on this?
“…you want me to cheat on you?” Out loud, it sounded even stupider than it did in his head.
“Absolutely not! I’d fire you from the Cycling Club immediately. I’m the captain, so don’t even try it,” Junta laughed, the sound bright and lighthearted, but Aoyagi had a feeling he meant every word.
“Come, sit,” Junta beckoned, patting the bed right next to him. So Aoyagi did just that.
“So here’s the rundown. Kaburagi-kun really likes you. He probably doesn’t even know we’re dating. I am giving you my explicit permission to like him back,” he explained, his tone matter-of-factly, as if detailing the game plan for a road race. “I mean, you’re basically already there, so consider this my blessing for you two. Maybe we’ll even see where it goes.”
“What?”
“Yeah, I’ve known since last month. You like him. I know that look in your eyes.”
“No, that’s not what…? I don’t—!“
“You’re blushing, Hajime.”
Dumbstruck, Aoyagi opened his mouth to deny, deny like his life depended on it, but found himself wordless. That load of information just now hit him like a logging truck.
Junta had to be messing with him. He did not have feelings for his junior! Not while he was dating literally the best person for him ever. Just the concept was insane to imagine. Him, stop being absolutely head over heels in love with Junta? Not happening. Not one chance. Never. Surely his boyfriend wasn’t doubting that?
“Teshima Junta, I-“ Aoyagi started, a declaration on the tip of his tongue.
“Yes. I know. That doesn’t mean you don’t like him, though. You can like two people at once.” He cut him short.
“Uh, no?” Aoyagi balked. “That’s not how it works. You really think I like him?”
“I don’t think. More like 90% sure.”
“Listen, Junta, I don’t…”
‘I don’t like Kaburagi!’, he meant to say– which should have been the easiest four words in the dictionary for him, but his tongue seemed to lock itself in place. Something inside him was stopping his denial.
‘I don’t feel any special way about Kaburagi. I don’t have feelings for Kaburagi.’
The words simply refused to come out. In fact, he was afraid that if he tried any harder, he might end up saying the opposite. A hand came up over his mouth, as if a confession was about to spill out. Panic filled him up to the throat.
All the while, Junta only looked at him in fond understanding. There was a little smile tugging at the corner of his mouth— this was just like when he and Hajime first got together (it never got old)— but he did not let it show.
He always knew him better than Aoyagi knew himself, after all. This comforting fact had never been so terrifying until now.
“No…” he whispered, still reeling from the horrifying revelation. He let his hand drop, and Junta took it, rubbing little circles into his palm.
The rhythmic softness felt so jarring. Why wasn’t Junta mad? His own boyfriend couldn't even deny liking another guy. He should be livid. He certainly had every right to be.
Aoyagi honestly would’ve preferred it if Junta got angry at him, because this alternative situation— this permission— was way too confusing to navigate.
The absolute worst part was the little lurch in his heart when he heard about Kaburagi’s crush on him. A part of him was glad that he wasn’t misreading the strange signals the first-year sent his way. That it wasn’t his imagination. And then that giddiness turned into guilt and shame.
He had been better off not knowing that he liked Kaburagi. Now there was no turning back.
“It’s alright. I’ve thought about it, and I actually don’t mind. I’m curious to see you two together. I trust you, and I really want to see you happy…”
“...and, wouldn’t it increase team morale?” Junta must’ve used his telepathy again, because the brilliant smile he flashed Aoyagi did wonders to comfort him.
‘But— seriously, Kaburagi? That Kaburagi? How is that possible? He’s not even my type. My type is someone like Junta: smart, capable, funny, and charming. Not an airhead, and certainly not some flaming orange first-year kiddo with horrible manners.”
Endless complaints flurried through Aoyagi’s head. He shook his head to chase away the image of his unfortunate, newfound crush.
Eventually, he settled on the most important thought:
“Junta… is that even allowed? Liking two people at once?”
“It is if your boyfriend is into it.”
>>>
Kaburagi’s confession, which came two weeks after, still left Aoyagi a little dazed despite having known in advance. Too bad his suitor fled the scene immediately. Dumbfounded, he called Junta to congratulate him on his telepathic powers.
>>>
Issa reconsiders the existence of a higher power altogether. Because, as it turns out, God has never been the sadistic one. Maybe it’s Aoyagi and Teshima toying around with him. Despite the upcoming tournament, Issa suddenly has the urge to quit the Cycling Club. He doesn’t think he’ll survive if these two are the captain and vice captain.
Issa wants to pretend he never heard what he heard just now. He wants to turn tail and leave this clubroom right now. But he stays in place. He wants to hear more, just for the sake of self-torture. He thinks he deserves it.
“Sorry, Kaburagi-kun. I realise I never gave you an answer for last night,” Aoyagi coughs into his hand, steadying his voice.
“I like you, too.”
>>>
Junta realises this situation is probably bad. Because he’s simply enjoying this way too much!
Kaburagi makes no attempt to hide the shock-turned-heartbreak-turned-confusion on his face, and he derives great joy from seeing him so uncharacteristically quiet. Similarly, he’s made a hobby out of watching Aoyagi try to deal with his feelings for the first-year, only to end up a mess. These two change significantly when they catch feelings, and they’re extremely transparent about it.
He thinks he could really get used to this. If Kaburagi agrees to it, that is.
The orange haired boy is still speechless by the time Junta regains his calm expression.
“Hey…?” Aoyagi blinks, unsure what to do. So he turns over to Junta, and makes a little face. He has learnt that this face means “Help me out here!” in Aoyagi terms.
Though Junta doesn’t need to step in, because Kaburagi quietly asks: “Can you say it again?”
His bright tangerine head is still pointing at the ground, but upon a closer look, it isn’t hard to tell that he’s blushing.
“What? That I like you?”
“Again, please,” Kaburagi breathes out, barely audible.
“Okay then. I like you. Kaburagi-kun,” Aoyagi complies. The confession comes easier to him now, Junta notes, considering how he was in absolute denial just two weeks ago.
“Can I hug you, Aoyagi-san?”
Before he finishes the sentence, before Aoyagi can even hear the question— the first-year closes the space between them with a swift motion.
His arms come out to loosely embrace Aoyagi, though soon he has to adjust for their height difference.
The position is awkward for both of them. Kaburagi is stiff, like someone who hasn’t moved in days. Aoyagi is caught off guard, hands still at his side.
But Junta sees the way his boyfriend subtly leans in, melting but still trying to rein himself in, and he feels his own heart warm up.
“Am I…dreaming? I’m so glad, Aoyagi-san. Aoyagi…”
Kaburagi repeats the name to himself a couple times, dropping the honorifics. He seems content to hear it on his tongue over and over again, as if Aoyagi might change his mind if he doesn’t call out to him.
Soon, he lets go, but the two are still astonishingly close. He is looking slightly down at Aoyagi’s face, his orange eyes lighting up like a sunset.
The heat creeps up to his face once he realises what he’s done. At such a distance, their heartbeats can probably be felt by each other. It’s no doubt the first time he’s been so close to Aoyagi.
He remembers the first time he hugged Hajime. Junta is jealous. Not in that way, but he is jealous nonetheless.
He hopes that kid knows how lucky he is.
>>>
“Wait. It’s just us in the clubroom,” Kaburagi remarks, kicking his legs idly on the bench. He’s calmed down significantly from earlier, but he’s still positively beaming. “Is practice cancelled or something?”
“Yeah, I messaged the other club members. All because of you, Kaburagi,” Junta eyes him over Aoyagi’s shoulder. “Today, the clubroom was basically a meeting room for you two.”
“Oh my god! I forgot you were here, Teshima-san! What are you doing here?” The first-year suddenly shouts, startled.
‘That little…’ Junta grinds down on his jaws. There is no malice in his thoughts, but let’s just say it truly takes a man of great patience to handle Kaburagi.
“Did you forget the part where I’m Aoyagi’s boyfriend? Boy-friend! I’m dating him. You’re just some kid who has a stupid crush on him.”
He feigns a playful pettiness, very unlike his usual self. A bit childish for a third-year club captain, but as the saying goes— “Fight fire with fire”.
“How did you know? I was so happy, I actually did forget! Holy shit!”
Kaburagi looks appalled. There’s no doubt he’s telling the truth. He’s just the kind of guy to completely let that slip from his mind.
“Wait, hold on, if that’s the case, why are you two so normal about this? Aoyagi likes me and I like him and you two are dating,” Kaburagi finally asks the important question.
“I thought there’d be some sort of a telenovela moment? Like, Teshima-san would chase me out of here for being a… homewrecker?”
“Yeah, Junta. Are you just gonna pass me around to anyone who comes by?” Aoyagi breaks his silence.
Both ideas sound hilarious and very tempting to Junta.
“Maybe I’m just glad that our first-year has great taste in guys,” he chuckles. Then he straightens himself back up.
“Kaburagi-kun, listen,” he tries his best at a normal voice. “I’ve told Hajime this, and I’ll say it to you now. You two both like each other. I want nothing more than for Hajime to be happy. And I think he’s happy with y-“
“So he’s mine now?”
“No! Don’t interrupt me!” Aoyagi instinctively goes to hold Junta back just in case he decides to pounce on the kid. “What I was saying is, I think you two should give it a shot. Of course, he and I are together. That won’t change. But I see no reason why you two can’t also go for it.”
“Unless, you don’t want to be involved in an open arrangement. That would be perfectly understandable,” Junta finishes, sneaking a glance over at Kaburagi.
Now that the proposition has been officially laid out, he realises he’s anxious. He wants this to go well for Aoyagi’s sake. But behind that, maybe even Junta himself is looking forward to what would happen if Kaburagi said yes.
“I don’t get it! What’s an open arrangement? Like, we both date him?”
“More or less. Are you okay with that?”
“Are you kidding, Teshima-san? I just found out Aoyagi-san liked me back all this time!” Kaburagi points at himself, wide-eyed, like he’s still in disbelief. “No chance I’m passing it up, especially when Aoyagi-san wants me around this badly.” He nods to himself, seemingly satisfied with the conclusion.
“Except this was my idea,” Junta clarifies.
“Ehh?!” Kaburagi leans over to look him in the face. He stares for a solid minute, as if trying to detect lies via eye contact. Then something dawns on him. “Oh my god…”
“Don’t tell me you set this up to date me?!” With a jolt, he jumps backwards, hands frantically shielding his body like a coquettish schoolgirl. “No thanks, captain. I’m only interested in your boyfriend.”
“You wish!” Junta shouts but the smile on his face is back, wider than ever. “You should be grateful, you little elite rookie!”
>>>
Aoyagi Hajime sits in between their chatter, quiet. He thinks to himself that he is the world’s luckiest man.