Work Text:
Ryuji lounged against his locker, idly flipping through his textbook as he waited for the final bell to ring. Math. So much math. He never liked math. He knew that unlike the arts or the humanities, math was not subjective, but objective, and that there would, in general, be only one correct answer. But to be honest, that made it worse. Looking at the textbook stressed him out, so he opened his locker and set it down. After closing his locker once more, his mind began to wander, his thoughts drifting to the upcoming school festival that a teammate of his was very excited about. He had been tirelessly preparing for weeks.
As the bell finally chimed, signaling the end of the school day, Ryuji picked up his backpack off the floor and made his way to the art room. He found his friend surrounded by a flurry of paintbrushes and canvases, his intense focus evident in the furrow of his brow. He hadn't even noticed Ryuji's presence in the room, despite the door making a sound as he slid it open.
"Hey, need any help?" Ryuji offered, flashing Yusuke a grin as he approached.
Yusuke looked up, a faint and gentle smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Ah, Ryuji. I appreciate the offer, but I fear my vision is too singular for assistance. However, if you wish to observe, I would welcome your insights."
Ryuji nodded eagerly, smiled, and took a seat beside him as he watched the artist work his magic. "This is what you were worried about? What's wrong with it?"
"Hmm... it lacks something," the artist frowned. "I can't put my finger on it. I've been lacking inspiration recently..."
"Oh... I see," Ryuji responded.
He studied the way that the artist seemed to effortlessly bring his creations to life. There was something mesmerizing about his intricate brushstrokes and vibrant colors on the canvas, and Ryuji felt a sense of awe wash over him. Mostly because it was something Yusuke genuinely loved, and the passion and intensity was impossible to ignore. His eyes began to wander toward the dark-haired artist himself. The way his hair swooped to the side really suit him, he thought, and his expressions were so focused that it almost seemed as if his surroundings weren't even there to him.
Lost in his thoughts, Ryuji had not realized how close he had leaned in until he felt Yusuke's arm brush against him as he reached for a new brush. Startled, he pulled pack abruptly, his heart pounding in his chest as he met the artist's curious gaze. Ryuji couldn't explain why, but he began getting uncontrollably nervous.
"Is something the matter, Ryuji?"
Ryuji shook his head, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Nah... It's nothing. Just- Just got lost in your artwork for a sec there. Uh, sorry for sitting to close, didn't mean to get in the way."
His teammate smiled, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "I'm glad you find it captivating. It is my greatest passion, after all. And don't worry about it... I think I'll take a break from this painting for a little, anyways."
"Really? Why?"
Yusuke sighed deeply. "Like I said, I'm lacking inspiration. Nothing I'm doing seems right at the moment."
Ryuji seemed to disagree. He was taken aback by the negative comment, and widened his eyes in surprise. "Really? But—"
He was interrupted by the sudden movement of the artist's hands grabbing a sketchbook and pencil.
"Let me draw you."
"Huh?"
"To take my mind off this. Let me draw you. Maybe I'll find inspiration from you."
Ryuji, for whatever reason, suddenly had difficulty looking at him. His heart began beating faster and his face heated up, and he was forced to look away—in which he couldn't quite figure out whether that was unintentional or intentional.
"Hold still," the clueless artist scolded. He reached his hand out and gently touched Ryuji's cheek, moving his face to face his once again. "I can't draw you if you're not looking at me," he spoke, completely oblivious.
"...S-Sorry."