[Goro makes mock pained noises, turning his smile away when the sand starts to fly. Starts to brush out his hair too, shaking it out lightly to not return fire to Akira.]
That's your fault. We could've had a wonderful stroll down the beach, but someone had to surprise me.
[And make them fall. Totally all Akira's fault. Definitely nothing he did to start this.]
But the night is young, Akira. [...] I don't really mind if we actually take one or not, it's just nice to be out here. The ocean's proximity is one of my favorite things about the city.
You were the one that thought sliding down into the beach on your bike was a good idea.
[ He shoots Goro a quizzical and obviously dubious look when he starts dusting off his clothes... Not that it matters, they're going to be riddled with sand down to their socks and everything. He picks himself up onto his feet and offers a hand.
They're at this part of their night again. ]
A walk is kind of boring. Why don't we get our feet wet instead?
[It's real tempting to drag Akira back down, but the ocean's got a draw far more appealing than messing around on the sand again; Goro takes his hand and helps himself up, grimacing at the feeling of sand between his socks and shoes. He's gonna take them off and leave them here.]
I hope you don't mean full swimming. It's dangerous to do that at night, you know.
[... But he's totally down for like, literally getting his feet wet. They'll have to be careful of crabs...]
[ He's taking off his shoes and sliding his socks off, too. Tossing them next to the bike, he watches the sea ripple in and pull back. It feels so close, yet so far... They would still need to make some distance over, maybe the "romantic walk". Stroking his chin, he hums thoughtfully to the crash of the rolling waves. ]
[You!! Are gone, he is not going to race he certainly, certainly
is taking off after him, what is the point of keeping fit for modeling if he isn't going to show off his speed. Goro's pausing when the waves start to roll over his ankles though, uncertain. It's warm enough for this, but... would it be uncool of him to just stay out here. Wet clothes are a trouble. Sand'll stick easier to them too. Who knows what is out there in the ocean at night.
Akira's long won this, but Goro'll reluctantly tread forward a bit more, babbling a bit over the ocean's song.]
We can't see where there might be sharp shells, we could lose our footing and go under unexpectedly, it's rather hard to see out here even with the moonlight too, I don't know CPR...
[ Exaggerated and exasperated sigh. Akira is fine! No broken seashells jabbed into his feet. No discarded glass, either. Fortunately, he's pretty sharp despite wearing some hipster prescription glasses. Closing his eyes, he takes in the crisp ocean breeze and the moving sand below his soles. They may feel a small clam or two, but harmless!
Peace and tranquility cracks when Goro's worries rise, almost akin to nagging. Akira opens his eyes to a squint, but looks over his shoulder before facing him completely. ]
I wasn't planning on going out further than this. [ And it's unlikely for him to be pulled by the tide from here, but... He strokes his chin. Contemplating. ] Not knowing CPR.
[More like an exasperated shout, but. Huff. He'd deny it if it was.
... That's good, though. Even if he doesn't like that tone Akira's got, this height of wave is fine. He'll kick them a bit, quietly taking in the night too, and shakes his head.]
I've never needed to know how. It's a useful life skill to have, but how often do you think someone's going to use it?
[ Shout? Yell? Scream? What will Goro accept?! Whatever helps him sleep at night, I guess. Akira walks a little further despite what he said, but not much—only two steps. He hums thoughtfully. ]
You'll never know when you can save a life, but it would be good if you could... Right?
[ ... ]
You can consider it your first kiss, too.
[ Assuming it would be. He doesn't know Goro's life story. ]
[#regrets. Though he'd figured this would happen and plays with his hands.]
It was after we moved here, and I tried my best to not antagonize others... though some people simply inspired that in me, and I inspired a violent streak in return.
[He presses his lips together moodily, then shakes his head.]
Nonetheless, it wasn't anything special. She wasn't, um, very much my type, I found.
[ How disappointing!! He was ready to hear a story about Goro's cliche first kiss as a child, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Someone has left Akira with a very dangerous transition here: ]
So what is your type?
[ Also, come walk with him. Standing in the water is a drag, no? ]
[Standing in the water is very nice, thank you, but he'd rather sit... just not right now, because he's not in the clothes for it. Should've thought ahead.]
[ Does he really want to sit in the water... I thought so. It's all right, They're only taking a little walk back to the sandy shores to safety so they can sit down.
Even if the beach is refreshing, Akira still feels the toll of the ungodly hour. ]
If you want me to, sure. I was just curious if your preferences changed.
[ Rubbing his neck, he's wondering if that's weird to ask now? CHANGE TACTICS. ]
[Goro's about to reply that he'd just been joking, he's not really wanting any help, and then that curveball. Oh, man. How's it going with his crush. Um.
Better than expected? Is completely obvious to anyone that is his crush (maybe? really doubting that sometimes)? Goro tucks his hair behind his ear nervously, clearing his throat.]
It's... been going well, I think. I don't know if I can say I've, um, made any headway into... saying anything, but I think that's fine. I'm a little scared to, really. [... it's just as terrifying tell this to his crush but generalization is fine he is fine.] I like to be certain before I do anything.
[He'd like to be certain there's interest back, not just wondering if this is just how Akira is outside of work. It's nice as it is right now anyway. He can indulge in his quiet affections and be Akira's friend at the same time, he's not the type to expect things further.]
But it's not going so badly that I'd ask for you to wingman for me, Akira. I was only joking about you hooking me up with someone.
Only a handful things are certain in this world... And sometimes it pays off to take risks.
[ Which kind of illustrates Akira as a person. Being on offense may be his style, though he doesn't practice it all the time. Either way, those words aren't meant to push Goro to make a move or a decision, but to let him think about his approach.
Akira, at this point, definitely knows who's the object of Goro's affection, but decides to keep quiet. It's his life. He stretches his arms above his head, yawning as he rolls his shoulders back, too. ]
But I'm glad to hear that it's going so well that you won't be needing my help. I'm not great at matchmaker, anyway. [ How is he supposed to wingman for Goro...? Against himself? Maybe he can talk himself down in front of the mirror. ] I would say good luck, but I think you're charming enough to get what you want.
[ In all seriousness, he does like Goro. The little trysts they have are comforting, sweeping him away from the dark memories and thoughts that plague him at night... Gently, he nudges Goro's side. ]
Bat your eyelashes at them, then they'll buy you some waffles.
[ Akira would definitely fall for it is what that means. ]
[It's something he's certainly going to sit on, admiring Akira from the corner of his eye, but for now he's simply light at the vote of confidence, a hand rising to cover his smile.
Charming enough to get what he wants, huh.]
Your confidence in me is astounding, Akira. [And all too welcome.] Try to resist my charms if I ever throw them your way, alright? I don't want my favorite person to get fired.
[Goro's gotta practice his coy looks. Flirty smiles. Stuff like that. For his crush, who is Definitely Not Akira. He'll nudge him back though, his dropped hand cupping his other idly. It's only... right to return the questioning, even if the thought sort of dampens his spirits; not visibly, he's good about hiding that bit.]
Have you found anyone you like? Though now I'm certain that if you did, you'd be doing something about it instead of just talking to your friends about it.
[ They're only subtle gestures, but Akira can tell his compliment made some kind of difference. It's good to have confidence and nurture it, so he hopes he cant do that for his friend. While he can't tell how solemn this topic is, he can make assumptions based on what he knows.
This is a difficult situation... He feels he can say something wrong despite all his good intentions. There's a voice in the back of his mind that he can take those risks, that it would probably be nice to be in a relationship, but then there's another voice that asks if it's really all right? The memory of the Phantom Thieves disappearing into thin air flash in his mind—is that the fate of those that affiliate with him? "Ruin"? Will that happen to those around him in Recolle, too? A chill runs down his spine, reminding him to not let people get close.
Anxious, he tugs on his bangs, playing it as just being contemplative and thinking over the question. He has to act fine. He is fine. These memories only mean so much. That's right. He's fine. Voice steady, he easily disconnects with those emotions. ]
Well, you see... There's this guy that I'm pretty sure has a crush on me, but he hasn't confessed or anything.
[ Let's tease someone instead, even if it's mean. Even if he'll probably regret this and apologize for his lack of consideration. It's all about the moment. Shrugging, he continues. ]
He fawns over my cat, knows how to cook, visits me at work, and sends me trivia late at night. What a stud.
is so mean, and it becomes apparent who he's talking about very quickly, embarrassment overriding any curiosity he might've had; it leaves him stilling in his steps, half-unsure if Akira's being serious or picking at an all too obvious crush.
(Silver had been so wrong. Then again, that was earlier.)
But he needs to act normal, an old defense mechanism sliding back into place, and he laughs brightly. Bullies stop picking on you if you pretend like it doesn't bother you, or so they say. In reality, it's more like they just got tired.]
Sounds as if you're assuming things, Akira. [Who likes being kinda called out about their feelings. No one.] Are you certain it isn't wishful thinking?
[ He's sorry for a lot of things. It's only a hunch, but Akira now mulls over how he wants to get along with Goro and how those memories don't dictate their future. The bright laugh does throw him off, but its slightly empty yet awfully jubilant tone reminds him what he did was harsh and uncalled for. Goro had little to do with his problems— ]
It would have been nice if you liked me.
[ It's an afterthought he blurts out, sincere as can be. He's easing back into reality, getting a hold of himself, and indefinitely realizing how he has made a mess of their night out. He gives Goro an apologetic smile; whether or not the crush exists doesn't excuse his behavior at all. Rubbing his neck nervously, he wonders how he should convey his remorse. ]
[It's a quiet confession, apparently thoughtless considering Goro covers his mouth. He shakes his head, hesitating a moment before taking Akira's wrist.
They need to sit down for this, because his legs feel like they're gonna buckle. Not how he thought this would play out... but It would have been nice if you liked me is too tempting not to follow up on, Akira's sincere regret assuring him that there's no need to act out that way.]
I, um. I do like you. I suppose a blind person would be able to tell, I'm... not very subtle about my thoughts on others, never have been. [Goro cracks a small smile.] It's half the reason I got in trouble when I was younger.
[You know. Bright and pompous kid, one-upping others, not being the most popular because of it. He's feeling weird about treating Akira the same, idly rubbing the wrist he hasn't let go of yet.]
Do you... I mean, were you just joking when you answered like that? [As mean as it was, Goro can't help but feel a little hopeful.] You can, um, make it up to me be being honest. Do you like me?
[... and hopefully this risk won't make him feel utter regret. They need to bike home, after all.]
Ah, but please don't feel pressured to reply in kind, that's not my aim.
[ That question comes with a simple answer. It took a little more out of him, but he sees no reason to lie. Of course his feelings for Goro don't go as far as butterflies churning in his stomach and his heartbeat racing every time they meet, but he's learned that he does like him a lot. Enough. He's half sure this is also an act of defiance against their possible fate, wanting to fight it and go against the grain... so it's selfish in itself. If maybe these memories didn't manifest, he wonders how this night would turn out.
Quietly, Akira staggers after him, led along by his wrist until they settle on the cold white sand edging the waves by a safe distance. He blankly stares, silent and pensive as he's at a mental crossroad. He knows he needs to resolve his issues and not create walls, but he's not sure how he should deal with this situation. Even if the sound of the ocean fills in the silence, it's awfully awkward. ]
I know you can do better, but you're stuck with me for now.
[ It's fine. He's fine. Just bury the doubts and fear. Everything will be fine. ]
[Even if Goro's is the heart-pounding kind, the butterflies have vacated him at the moment, leaving a kind of lightness in their wake; it ebbs away like the seat against the shore as he lets the quiet linger, wondering what now. Wasn't as if he'd had the courage to speak up about his feelings to anyone before, content with knowing he didn't have much of a chance until lately and simply tucking them away.
When Akira breaks it again to say that, Goro frowns lightly and tilts his head.]
I think it's up to me to decide who's best for me, Akira. [Gently chiding. Don't turn this into one of those romance movie scenes.] And even if you don't think you are, even if you may not be the best in all the world -- you are lacking that financial security I mentioned -- I still like you regardless. I'm certainly not stuck with you.
[... Because he could just not try, he could just be fine with sticking from afar, keep to the niceness of their customer-employee relationship, but Akira is someone he likes spending time with, for some reason shares the same visions or memories or whatever they are as him, and... though Goro isn't sure if they ever meet again after that, if it's not just some coincidence and the like, here, in this city, he has Akira's company and that's enough.]
And... even if I was, I don't see it as a necessarily bad thing. We're friends, after all. I'm happy to be.
[Because he doesn't have very many, actually, but he doesn't want to say that. Not because it's pathetic or unbelievable but-- it's just not something he wants to say, even if he probably should confront that particular bit of himself at some point.]
[ Even if this was a romance movie, they have the comfort that this isn't Dusk. As detached as he would like to be from the conversation to keep composure, dread still rises with each second. Maybe they should head back? Should he crack a joke? Lighten the mood... This itching anxiety nips at him constantly, at least until Goro starts chastising him. It at first slightly irritates him, so his expression visibly twists with knitted eyebrows and gritted teeth for a second, but falls into a soft smile when he realizes how comfortable that made him feel. ]
I wasn't ready for a lecture, gold digger.
[ Letting out a shaky sigh, he lets his shoulders drop as if all the weight has been lifted. Unlike Goro, Akira has no qualms with his lack of friends. It doesn't bother him, so he can mention it as a matter of fact: ]
I actually don't have many friends, so that means a lot... Thanks.
[ It's weird to not feel disappointment. Life really is changing. ]
[That's surprising, he'd like to say, but... they could be similar like that, he supposes. After all, Goro knows he's quite popular, or that he was at least surrounded by people in high school, but friends is a different term all together. They're more like friendly faces.
He glances aside at Akira, bumping their shoulders together with a sincere smile.]
Well, quality is more important than quantity in my opinion! And you have a rather acceptable friend with you right now, if I may say so. Even if I text you useless trivia and keep you up far later than you should be at night.
[Akira doesn't seem to mind it, but maybe it just hasn't become annoying.]
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That's your fault. We could've had a wonderful stroll down the beach, but someone had to surprise me.
[And make them fall. Totally all Akira's fault. Definitely nothing he did to start this.]
But the night is young, Akira. [...] I don't really mind if we actually take one or not, it's just nice to be out here. The ocean's proximity is one of my favorite things about the city.
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[ He shoots Goro a quizzical and obviously dubious look when he starts dusting off his clothes... Not that it matters, they're going to be riddled with sand down to their socks and everything. He picks himself up onto his feet and offers a hand.
They're at this part of their night again. ]
A walk is kind of boring. Why don't we get our feet wet instead?
[ Taking his hand means yes. ]
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I hope you don't mean full swimming. It's dangerous to do that at night, you know.
[... But he's totally down for like, literally getting his feet wet. They'll have to be careful of crabs...]
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[ He's taking off his shoes and sliding his socks off, too. Tossing them next to the bike, he watches the sea ripple in and pull back. It feels so close, yet so far... They would still need to make some distance over, maybe the "romantic walk". Stroking his chin, he hums thoughtfully to the crash of the rolling waves. ]
I'll race you there.
[ Bye. ]
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[You!! Are gone, he is not going to race he certainly, certainly
is taking off after him, what is the point of keeping fit for modeling if he isn't going to show off his speed. Goro's pausing when the waves start to roll over his ankles though, uncertain. It's warm enough for this, but... would it be uncool of him to just stay out here. Wet clothes are a trouble. Sand'll stick easier to them too. Who knows what is out there in the ocean at night.
Akira's long won this, but Goro'll reluctantly tread forward a bit more, babbling a bit over the ocean's song.]
We can't see where there might be sharp shells, we could lose our footing and go under unexpectedly, it's rather hard to see out here even with the moonlight too, I don't know CPR...
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[ Exaggerated and exasperated sigh. Akira is fine! No broken seashells jabbed into his feet. No discarded glass, either. Fortunately, he's pretty sharp despite wearing some hipster prescription glasses. Closing his eyes, he takes in the crisp ocean breeze and the moving sand below his soles. They may feel a small clam or two, but harmless!
Peace and tranquility cracks when Goro's worries rise, almost akin to nagging. Akira opens his eyes to a squint, but looks over his shoulder before facing him completely. ]
I wasn't planning on going out further than this. [ And it's unlikely for him to be pulled by the tide from here, but... He strokes his chin. Contemplating. ] Not knowing CPR.
Concerning.
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[More like an exasperated shout, but. Huff. He'd deny it if it was.
... That's good, though. Even if he doesn't like that tone Akira's got, this height of wave is fine. He'll kick them a bit, quietly taking in the night too, and shakes his head.]
I've never needed to know how. It's a useful life skill to have, but how often do you think someone's going to use it?
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You'll never know when you can save a life, but it would be good if you could... Right?
[ ... ]
You can consider it your first kiss, too.
[ Assuming it would be. He doesn't know Goro's life story. ]
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[... Is that a cue to talk about his kiss record. Or. Um. Casual!]
It wouldn't be my first kiss anyway.
[#nailedit]
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Oh? I didn't know someone would be willing to kiss a mouth that insults their intelligence.
[ #regrets ]
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It was after we moved here, and I tried my best to not antagonize others... though some people simply inspired that in me, and I inspired a violent streak in return.
[He presses his lips together moodily, then shakes his head.]
Nonetheless, it wasn't anything special. She wasn't, um, very much my type, I found.
[to say the least.]
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[ How disappointing!! He was ready to hear a story about Goro's cliche first kiss as a child, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Someone has left Akira with a very dangerous transition here: ]
So what is your type?
[ Also, come walk with him. Standing in the water is a drag, no? ]
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Hoping to hook me up with a friend?
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Even if the beach is refreshing, Akira still feels the toll of the ungodly hour. ]
If you want me to, sure. I was just curious if your preferences changed.
[ Rubbing his neck, he's wondering if that's weird to ask now? CHANGE TACTICS. ]
How's it going with your crush?
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Better than expected? Is completely obvious to anyone that is his crush (maybe? really doubting that sometimes)? Goro tucks his hair behind his ear nervously, clearing his throat.]
It's... been going well, I think. I don't know if I can say I've, um, made any headway into... saying anything, but I think that's fine. I'm a little scared to, really. [... it's just as terrifying tell this to his crush but generalization is fine he is fine.] I like to be certain before I do anything.
[He'd like to be certain there's interest back, not just wondering if this is just how Akira is outside of work. It's nice as it is right now anyway. He can indulge in his quiet affections and be Akira's friend at the same time, he's not the type to expect things further.]
But it's not going so badly that I'd ask for you to wingman for me, Akira. I was only joking about you hooking me up with someone.
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[ Which kind of illustrates Akira as a person. Being on offense may be his style, though he doesn't practice it all the time. Either way, those words aren't meant to push Goro to make a move or a decision, but to let him think about his approach.
Akira, at this point, definitely knows who's the object of Goro's affection, but decides to keep quiet. It's his life. He stretches his arms above his head, yawning as he rolls his shoulders back, too. ]
But I'm glad to hear that it's going so well that you won't be needing my help. I'm not great at matchmaker, anyway. [ How is he supposed to wingman for Goro...? Against himself? Maybe he can talk himself down in front of the mirror. ] I would say good luck, but I think you're charming enough to get what you want.
[ In all seriousness, he does like Goro. The little trysts they have are comforting, sweeping him away from the dark memories and thoughts that plague him at night... Gently, he nudges Goro's side. ]
Bat your eyelashes at them, then they'll buy you some waffles.
[ Akira would definitely fall for it is what that means. ]
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Charming enough to get what he wants, huh.]
Your confidence in me is astounding, Akira. [And all too welcome.] Try to resist my charms if I ever throw them your way, alright? I don't want my favorite person to get fired.
[Goro's gotta practice his coy looks. Flirty smiles. Stuff like that. For his crush, who is Definitely Not Akira. He'll nudge him back though, his dropped hand cupping his other idly. It's only... right to return the questioning, even if the thought sort of dampens his spirits; not visibly, he's good about hiding that bit.]
Have you found anyone you like? Though now I'm certain that if you did, you'd be doing something about it instead of just talking to your friends about it.
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[ They're only subtle gestures, but Akira can tell his compliment made some kind of difference. It's good to have confidence and nurture it, so he hopes he cant do that for his friend. While he can't tell how solemn this topic is, he can make assumptions based on what he knows.
This is a difficult situation... He feels he can say something wrong despite all his good intentions. There's a voice in the back of his mind that he can take those risks, that it would probably be nice to be in a relationship, but then there's another voice that asks if it's really all right? The memory of the Phantom Thieves disappearing into thin air flash in his mind—is that the fate of those that affiliate with him? "Ruin"? Will that happen to those around him in Recolle, too? A chill runs down his spine, reminding him to not let people get close.
Anxious, he tugs on his bangs, playing it as just being contemplative and thinking over the question. He has to act fine. He is fine. These memories only mean so much. That's right. He's fine. Voice steady, he easily disconnects with those emotions. ]
Well, you see... There's this guy that I'm pretty sure has a crush on me, but he hasn't confessed or anything.
[ Let's tease someone instead, even if it's mean. Even if he'll probably regret this and apologize for his lack of consideration. It's all about the moment. Shrugging, he continues. ]
He fawns over my cat, knows how to cook, visits me at work, and sends me trivia late at night. What a stud.
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is so mean, and it becomes apparent who he's talking about very quickly, embarrassment overriding any curiosity he might've had; it leaves him stilling in his steps, half-unsure if Akira's being serious or picking at an all too obvious crush.
(Silver had been so wrong. Then again, that was earlier.)
But he needs to act normal, an old defense mechanism sliding back into place, and he laughs brightly. Bullies stop picking on you if you pretend like it doesn't bother you, or so they say. In reality, it's more like they just got tired.]
Sounds as if you're assuming things, Akira. [Who likes being kinda called out about their feelings. No one.] Are you certain it isn't wishful thinking?
[God, the day he learns to shut up.]
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[ He's sorry for a lot of things. It's only a hunch, but Akira now mulls over how he wants to get along with Goro and how those memories don't dictate their future. The bright laugh does throw him off, but its slightly empty yet awfully jubilant tone reminds him what he did was harsh and uncalled for. Goro had little to do with his problems— ]
It would have been nice if you liked me.
[ It's an afterthought he blurts out, sincere as can be. He's easing back into reality, getting a hold of himself, and indefinitely realizing how he has made a mess of their night out. He gives Goro an apologetic smile; whether or not the crush exists doesn't excuse his behavior at all. Rubbing his neck nervously, he wonders how he should convey his remorse. ]
I'll make it up to you. Anything. You name it.
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[It's a quiet confession, apparently thoughtless considering Goro covers his mouth. He shakes his head, hesitating a moment before taking Akira's wrist.
They need to sit down for this, because his legs feel like they're gonna buckle. Not how he thought this would play out... but It would have been nice if you liked me is too tempting not to follow up on, Akira's sincere regret assuring him that there's no need to act out that way.]
I, um. I do like you. I suppose a blind person would be able to tell, I'm... not very subtle about my thoughts on others, never have been. [Goro cracks a small smile.] It's half the reason I got in trouble when I was younger.
[You know. Bright and pompous kid, one-upping others, not being the most popular because of it. He's feeling weird about treating Akira the same, idly rubbing the wrist he hasn't let go of yet.]
Do you... I mean, were you just joking when you answered like that? [As mean as it was, Goro can't help but feel a little hopeful.] You can, um, make it up to me be being honest. Do you like me?
[... and hopefully this risk won't make him feel utter regret. They need to bike home, after all.]
Ah, but please don't feel pressured to reply in kind, that's not my aim.
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[ That question comes with a simple answer. It took a little more out of him, but he sees no reason to lie. Of course his feelings for Goro don't go as far as butterflies churning in his stomach and his heartbeat racing every time they meet, but he's learned that he does like him a lot. Enough. He's half sure this is also an act of defiance against their possible fate, wanting to fight it and go against the grain... so it's selfish in itself. If maybe these memories didn't manifest, he wonders how this night would turn out.
Quietly, Akira staggers after him, led along by his wrist until they settle on the cold white sand edging the waves by a safe distance. He blankly stares, silent and pensive as he's at a mental crossroad. He knows he needs to resolve his issues and not create walls, but he's not sure how he should deal with this situation. Even if the sound of the ocean fills in the silence, it's awfully awkward. ]
I know you can do better, but you're stuck with me for now.
[ It's fine. He's fine. Just bury the doubts and fear. Everything will be fine. ]
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When Akira breaks it again to say that, Goro frowns lightly and tilts his head.]
I think it's up to me to decide who's best for me, Akira. [Gently chiding. Don't turn this into one of those romance movie scenes.] And even if you don't think you are, even if you may not be the best in all the world -- you are lacking that financial security I mentioned -- I still like you regardless. I'm certainly not stuck with you.
[... Because he could just not try, he could just be fine with sticking from afar, keep to the niceness of their customer-employee relationship, but Akira is someone he likes spending time with, for some reason shares the same visions or memories or whatever they are as him, and... though Goro isn't sure if they ever meet again after that, if it's not just some coincidence and the like, here, in this city, he has Akira's company and that's enough.]
And... even if I was, I don't see it as a necessarily bad thing. We're friends, after all. I'm happy to be.
[Because he doesn't have very many, actually, but he doesn't want to say that. Not because it's pathetic or unbelievable but-- it's just not something he wants to say, even if he probably should confront that particular bit of himself at some point.]
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I wasn't ready for a lecture, gold digger.
[ Letting out a shaky sigh, he lets his shoulders drop as if all the weight has been lifted. Unlike Goro, Akira has no qualms with his lack of friends. It doesn't bother him, so he can mention it as a matter of fact: ]
I actually don't have many friends, so that means a lot... Thanks.
[ It's weird to not feel disappointment. Life really is changing. ]
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[That's surprising, he'd like to say, but... they could be similar like that, he supposes. After all, Goro knows he's quite popular, or that he was at least surrounded by people in high school, but friends is a different term all together. They're more like friendly faces.
He glances aside at Akira, bumping their shoulders together with a sincere smile.]
Well, quality is more important than quantity in my opinion! And you have a rather acceptable friend with you right now, if I may say so. Even if I text you useless trivia and keep you up far later than you should be at night.
[Akira doesn't seem to mind it, but maybe it just hasn't become annoying.]
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