When you reach the school gates, you're greeted by the most pleasant of surprises: Akane, her cheeks flushed pink at the mere sight of you. You'd be lying if you said that didn't make your stomach swirl with affection, striding forward to gently ruffle her hair and whisper a 'good morning' to your very special girl. How sweet. She giggles, and it's contagious in some way, because you smile too. Is it perhaps love that makes you smile so unnaturally? Is it love that makes a smile as common and as natural as breathing, perhaps?
If only everyone shared the same sentiment.
"I'm here too, y'know...!" Rantaro groans, and you take note of the fact that the soft smile that usually plays on his face is missing. Perhaps he's still miffed about you missing out on your friend dates.
Akane hums playfully. "Sorry, sorry! But you can't blame me for being excited to see my goddess, you know! I'm sure you'll feel the same when you fall in love, Ran-chan...!"
"Hey," Rantaro huffs, pouting. "Only my angel can give me cutesy nicknames like that..."
You roll your eyes. "Not even in your dreams...Ran-chan. On your feet, Akane, or else we'll be late to class. After you."
You walk ahead with Akane, and as her hand brushes against yours, she jumps. Her face is ablaze as she apologises for even the accidental touch without your consent. You can hardly help the chuckle that passes your lips, she's so...adorable. It makes your heart feel light-- no, it makes you feel light, like you're rollerskating, almost. Far be it from you to not repay that light feeling to the one who makes you feel it. Reaching out, you hold her hand, intertwining your fingers with Akane's and holding them up so she can see them linked. See, you say. Isn't this just better? That way I'll know you're by my side. Akane is speechless with joy, and it warms your heart.
Rantaro feels his stomach twist. It's unfair. You called him by the nickname she mocked him with, and yet...his face still feels so hot, he can scarcely bear it. He's set ablaze, from the dappled freckles on his cheek to the smooth curve of the nape of his neck to the gentle point of his ears: he's simply aflame. It's unfair. He'd have hated such a dumb nickname, but yet, when you say it...it's more potent than the strongest of aphrodisiacs. He can feel nothing but the swell of love, thumping faster and faster against his ribcage. His heart is so far out of his control...he worries he might never get it back.
But if it's you? He'd gladly lose it, a thousand times over.
Just turn around and look at him, wouldn't you? Just once. Please. You were walking to class with him, weren't you? You were walking with him, like you always do. Like you're supposed to do. So why don't you remember that? Why don't you remember that he's waiting for you? But it's alright...he's alright...so just once--?
Just once. Please. Just turn around. Even a second would do.
PleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepLEASEJUSTLOOKJUSTLOOKJUSTLOOKATHIMJUSTLOOKATHIMJUSTLOOKATHIMJUSTLOOKATHIMJUSTLOOKATHIM
JUST
LOOK
AT
HIM.
"Oi, Rantaro. What the fuck are you doing all hunched over like that."