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The sky was sunny and clear of blue skies, and clouds moving slowly. Not much was happening, the trees surround them providing them shade and protection from the sun. Occasionally leaves dropping from dying or grow new leaves as replacement for it. The light the sun gave began to be hot and didn't help.
Thankfully it was windy slightly enough to cool them down, making the leaves and dried leaves rustling. Him and his best friend- Akutagawa sat on one of the slides in the playground outside their school gates. They decided to go out and get a fresh breath of air, away from the noisy and running in the halls of teenager's. No one was particularly playing in the playground since it's mostly kids who occupies the place, but since there was no kids Akutagawa dragged him out in the playground in a hot day for fresh air.
"Ryuuno, its really hot..and it's still lunch time." The silver haired male questioned, pulling his un even bangs back with a moon clip to not make it even more hot.
"I know. It's surprising to me that there's no annoying kids to kick us and running around." Completely absorbed on the book he brought with him, his hands on the rough surface of the brown cover.
"Oh.." Atsushi murmurs, sitting beside him on the bottom of the almost faded paint of blue of the slide, their shoulders bumping. He had met Akutagawa when they were younger, they were kids when Akutagawa pushed Atsushi on the slide for encouragement; only because Atsushi was scared to go down. That led to their playful rivalry during childhood. Mostly the times the silver haired follows the ravenette like a lost kitty.
"...Fine. you wanna buy some cold slushies on the convenience store across the street, 'Sushi?" The nonchalant pair of the duo raises his head back to stare at Atsushi dully.
His eyes particularly lit up with stars when he mentioned that. There was a convenience store across the street they particularly liked going whenever they were either hungry or thirsty.
"Mhm! Let's go!" Atsushi encourages him impatient, standing up quickly and dusting his hoodie. Watching Akutagawa nods, putting the pretty amazing book he was currently reading in his bag. There was a visible bookmark to make sure that was his last reading.
They eventually went out of the streets, not embarrassed to show their visible interlocked hangs as Atsushi swing their hands up and down. His humming happily while Akutagawa smile goes unnoticeable.
That was the last moment Atsushi had seen him. Well..Akutagawa told him two days before that day he moved out of Yokohoma for his mother's job far away with his sister. Hearing that announcement fell on the olders lips made him frown and with a saddened look, but sure, he understand that. He understood why he had to leave. He predicted that sooner or later one of them had to be separated for reasons the universe gave upon them.
One before leaving, Akutagawa got him matching necklace. Akutagawa was supposed to give it on their playful marriage anniversary, but he'd had to leave before that day came. Atsushi almost teared up on the spot when he received such a pretty white gem. That necklace served as a promise and easy finding for Akutagawa when they can see eachother in the future or- beyond atleast. They sealed their promises on the gem that faith would bring them, see eachother soon or later. Just to found out that Akutagawa had a black pendant just similar to him, to match perfectly.
"You got us matching necklaces?!" Atsushi almost sprang up high from where he was standing which Akutagawa's expression turnt dead panned.
"Yes. Don't you have eyes, tiger stripes?" He queried, sarcastically.
"..consider it as a proposal..ring? Like..necklaces instead. It is my last gift to you." Huffing after his mother called him that they should get going soon ruining the moment. Soon, his sister pops her head out of the car window and makes her hands a kissy gesture. Akutagawa shielded Atsushi's eyes, making him wonder what happened. To his dismay, the ravens face turned red, grumbling swear words under his breath. He whispered to Atsushi one last time.
"I'll come back, I promise you." Kissing his forehead tenderly, he ran fast enough to the car before waving a quick goodbye.
Atsushi's face was never redder before. He smiled sadly at the car departing into a small view, almost his eyes were watery before he can even notice them spilling bit by bit, clutching on the pendant tightly.
Atsushi had groaned when his sister, Kyouka loomed over him scarily making him yelped with seeing those piercing eyes.
"Wakey. I made you pancakes..and you need to wake up for first day of college." Right. College. The day where his entire year will start going on downfall. His entire high school was boring, he didn't have many friends during that and he got insulted or made fun of for his looks. Though, the teachers seem to like him so much because he helped them, or actually do cleaners. Or maybe, submitting assignments on time. The choices could be all, if he was honest.
It was fine though. He got adopted making Kyouka his adopted sister, life was great and hopefully college treats him well.
"Thank you, Kyo-chan." Atsushi acknowledged her, making her nod and dashing out of the room. Despite not showing emotions or looking scary, he appreciates her. Now he had a real family to belong too.
He stares at the ceiling, somehow the bed was rather comfy and fluffy. Almost tricking him back to sleep, but he couldn't now. He would be late. It's always mornings that the bed transforms into a texture like fluffy clouds. He forcibly stands up quickly, making his head dizzy and regretting that movement.
He settled with pushing his long stranded bang with a duck clip, he found it cute, and wears a scarf since the air outside was starting to get cold. Not forgetting to pull the necklace he grew to adore to proudly show on the outside; It grew to be sparkly and bright like his personality. He missed him, he thought. Kissing the gem gently before whispering a simple adoration to it like it's some sort of a Bluetooth call, hoping the ravenette missed him too. Their last meeting was almost.. years ago, he doesn't exactly remember how many. All he knew he moved out of the city when they were still in high school.
Atsushi consumes the tasteful pancakes with his fork while his mother told him to slow down, muttering a quick apology to her and sipping the cup of coffee which he added almost three sugar cubes. He didn't like the bitter taste, he despises it. Rather he'd choose sugary over bitter or sour.
After being done, he brushes his teeth and kissing his younger sister oj the forehead and mother on the cheek before saying a quick goodbye to the both of them. He liked his life, rather being the past. He'd have to live in an orphanage who constantly abused him and puts him down. Shaking off the thoughts, he makes it to the campus.
He shivers at being greeted with the icy temperature and getting a hug embraced by Junichiro.
Ah, right. He met the ginger on the last days of high school, sooner they became best friends who constantly hang out or seen with each other.
"Hi, Atsu! I'm getting goosebumps since it's the first day." Junichiro says with giddiness, such excitement. Maybe perhaps making new friends and new faces such as teachers?
"Yeah. Though, it's scary.. there's a lot of new faces.." Atsushi sighs, trying to down and flush the anxiety away he was feeling.
He gives him a smile, patting his silvery hair; careful not to mess up his clipped strand.
"I'm sure it's going to be well. I'm here for you, we're going through this together too."
"I'm happy." He murmurs, entering the hallways and being greeted with students consuming their coffee and some trying to talk to new people.
"We should go to our classroom." Atsushi says, pulling out the printed schedule. Thankfully, he and Junichiro were together. Atleast a familiar face was with him. The redhead nods, not hesitating to following behind. Purposely trying to avoid the students bumping or walking the corridors.
When he entered, they were greeted with different classmates. Junichiro and Atsushi faced eachother and giving a nervous look. The faces around here were NOT familiar.
He sighed and braced himself to enter.
It wasn't too bad. Really. Well, because Junichiro was around gave him comfort. Atsushi was rather shy and timid..but not hesitate to be reckless and give foul mouths to anyone being rude. The teacher was just explaining stuff, not that he didn’t understand anything.. but it was complicated. He sighed to himself hopefully after this class he can study coming home.
Mostly him and Junichiro exchanged whispered talks throughout.
Around the third period, he and Junichiro were not together. What a shame, Atsushi had to deal with unfamiliar classmates. He lowered his head down and sat on the right side of the classroom close to the entrance. He was minding his own business before a girl touched his shoulder, surprising him.
"Hey there. I'm Lucy Maud Montgomery!" She- Lucy says in an upbeat tone, energetic yet shy mixed he couldn't describe. She seems to be pretty too. Braided red hair with a flower attached to her side.
"Hi! I'm Atsushi Nakajima." Atsushi introduced himself, turning around him in a quick motion, excited as well to make a new friend. She smiled at him, a faint flush was in her cheeks as she became to be talkative, he noted. She was lovely and sweet. He was glad that someone approached him instead of himself. He would mostly think he was just bothering people, afraid of getting the wrong impression.
He remembered clearly that during his childhood years he didn't fit in with other children. They dismiss him as filth and with no parents throughout his birth. Making fun of him for being an orphan, constantly bragging about how their parents bought them expensive nor not expensive stuff, gifts, and a happy expression. Led to him being awful and lousy on himself, felt like being dug on to a hole, hoping for a new childhood. That was until, he got adopted by his new parents. He didn't wanna think toxicity and a dreadful thought. That was in the past. Right now, he can focus on the present. New friends and new family. After all, his parents enrolled him here with good enough money to support Atsushi, if he was on his own, he couldn't afford it. He'd hope to repay his parents soon once he gets a side job, that is.
"Let's hang out at lunch, Nakajima-kun! I can't wait to introduce you to my friends." Lucy spoken to interrupt his thoughts, not on purpose. On the first day of college, it wasn't bad as he disastrously thought yesterday. Yesterday he was quite afraid of people and shy around them, people he didn't know.
The silver haired nods delightful, ecstatic how easy it was. He didn't have to go around class and try to talk with them. He's rather glad that people do it first, he would accept the invitation of a new blooming friendship.
"Their food sucks as hell. I wonder if it's undercooked or raw." Sigma, his new friend spoken, agitated. Lucy introduced to him while bringing Junichiro along to meeting a new group. The redhead happily accepted if his best friend was there, he'd tag along. Sigma had an expression of a nonchalant and stoic look, looking unamused. First, he had asked him what was wrong with him and he simply replied: *"it's just my resting face."*
Lucy on the background laughed under neath her palm while hearing that. Atsushi just nervously smiled and Sigma invited him to sit next to him. Back on the topic, the food wasn't really good, the lunch wasn't.
"Ugh, I know right? I'm starting to hope that tomorrow I'll bring my own set of lunch." Lucy protested, crossing her arms with a heated behavior and mood. She was hoping the meal would be good, maybe her and Sigma was just being exaggerated about it.
Junichiro stared, calmly eating his lunch. Somehow, it didn't taste disgusting and bad that Sigma and Lucy had stated. Perhaps it was their taste buds and taste in food. Silently not opening his opinion and enjoying the food he was eating. Okay, maybe it was half okay and bad.. The redhead was gonna have to agree with the duos opinion and agreement to make their own lunch and bringing it tomorrow.
Atsushi on the other hand, didn't say anything. Humming happily while eating his simple Sushi. Food was food. He couldn't reject food whether it was bad or good, in the end it was food and he learned to savor and save the taste.
Sigma and Lucy stared at Atsushi and Junichiro weirdly, not in an offensive way, but in a funny and playful way. Atsushi turned pink in embarrassment when they pointed it out while they giggled that it wasn't a big deal. They just have their own preferences, a weird one. The cafeteria was eventually filled with other students in different classes. A few he could recognize his senpai's. They were quite popular amongst the school he thought since he heard their names shared on the campus hallway. He thinks it was. Dazai and Nakahara-senpai? He recalled. And for sure it was since people began to crowd them and say a few greetings. Atsushi thought they were admirable and incredible.
Once lunch time was over, and Sigma and Lucy had to deal with getting drinks at the vending machine and say it was their 'lunch' for refusing the terrible cooking that Junichiro and Atsushi didn't get why. Saying goodbyes, they went back to their respective classrooms. Before their separation, Lucy got the redhead and the silverheads numbers and dashing a final goodbye to go in her class.
Atsushi had spent daydreaming instead, leading to him asking his best friend for notes making Junichiro frown and had to recall the explanation, it was an okay day. It went surprisingly amazing. Creating two friends on the first day, hopefully he spends his college days with them.
The walk to home was calm and peaceful, he and Junichiro though had to separated bus stops, Lucy had promised she would make a group chat with the four of them, he has yet to received any spams or notifications coming within his phone. He couldn't stop smiling on the way home. His eyes went heavenward, smiling still on his face. The sky suddenly became starry-eyed, it was becoming to become evening. The sky was a mix of dark blue and pink, an ounce of added orange. A sunset combination, it reminded him of his eyes, just like how people say about it. Akutagawa said it was a combination of a sunset, he appreciated the compliment. He soon adored the sunset when it comes down, he missed him very much. He wondered sometimes what his life was now. Did he forget about Atsushi? Or no? Those thoughts reserved for later when he saw his house in view.
Quietly unlocking the front door with the house keys left for him, he was embraced by Kyouka, with a look on her face that reads *I miss you.* Despite everyday living here now, his younger sister couldn't help, but worry or have to ask how well he is.
He smiled at her, kissing her forehead. It was a habit to kiss her when he had to leave or even come back home.
"I'm home, Kyo-chan. Where's mom?" Atsushi asked, letting go off her and quickly puts away his shoes and bag on the couch to unpack later.
"She's doing documents on her laptop. Dad will come home late later." Kyouka mentions to her older brother. She had school too, but she arrives early than he was. Nodding in acknowledge he greets his mother, then trying to not disturb her before pondering and asking Kyouka if she had eaten, which she, in relieved, nodded. Sometimes, Kyouka has a habit of waiting for him instead of eating since she had spoken open minded that she didn't like eating without him.
He did try to convince her it was okay to go ahead, she'd simply always shake her head in disagreement and frowning. He gave up after that.
He simply made his way to his room, no work was given on the first day but mostly teachings and stuff, he was glad for. Changing into comfy clothes and hitting the bed, trying not to bed rot when he hears the familiar sound on his phone. His cat, Byakko joined him when he was laying on the bed. Atsushis gaze softly fixated on her, scratching Byakkos delicate white and black pattern stripe fur.
"Hey guysssss." The contact name was Lucy, he had put it quickly when they all exchanged numbers so he wouldn't forget who is who.
"Ew Christmas tree hair is here." Sigma replied in two minutes, in an insulting message which led Atsushi giggling reading that.
"You can't be talking." Junichiro messaged back, he'd have to agree though..not because the guy was his best friend.
The message he sent was reacted with an angry emoticon, same as Sigma's. Trying to stifle his laughter, he simply sent a positive greeting in the group to break the tension. Even when they earlier just met, it looked like they've known longer since childhood. Lucy was definitely moody, Sigma was really unbothered, and Junichiro was just encouraging and calm. Atsushi really liked them, in a platonic way. The deities definitely heard his wish yesterday to have new friends, who can relate to him, and better, erasing his dark and terrible past memories.
His thoughts were interrupted when he saw his phone flashed a white radiant, grabbing it excitedly. His message was for sure awkward, but he can hope nobody points it out.
"Hello Atsu!"
"I like atsushi more than all of you, not gonna lie."
"That's real, but wow! Offended."
Atsushi just smiles at the messages, how positive and genuine. After all that talking, Lucy seemed to not reply so he thinks she fell asleep or busy. Now, the group was just sending random tiktok videos. Atsushi was just sending cute cat videos to the three of them. His cat purring and snuggling on his side making him smile softly, quickly snapping a picture of her.
Atsushi couldn't wait til tomorrow and days after that.
The days came by quicker, and Kyouka loomed over him. Again. Almlst everyday in fact when Atsushi had somewhere to go or had classes. He loved her, he truly did, but everytime she tries to do that while trying to wake him up was disturbing. He can feel those piercing eyes burning in front.
"Kyo-chan..please stop trying to wake me up like that." He yawned, sitting up when Kyouka forcefully did.
"It was the only way to wake you up. I would've splash water on you like the cat you are." She stares coldly, pointing at his tiger related stuff. Atsushi just chuckles in embarrassment.
"Byakko wouldn't like that." Atsushi pouts, watching Kyouka nuzzling her cheek to him before leaving his room. Byakko just meowed at him.
"I know you wouldn't.. " Atsushi frowns, patting her furry head gently and watches her go back to scratching the stuff he bought for her to scratch with. Hopefully to not get her to mess up his stuff with scratches of her claws.
Atsushi then does his daily routine.
Being on the grounds of the familiar campus again, greeted with his best friend. Junichiro giving him a friendly smile, Atsushi gives back the returning smile they went inside the school gates.
To see..Lucy and Sigma bickering.
"Hello! For lunch, I bought my own food.. in case. I still don't trust the food by the way." She rolled her eyes continuing, "Anyways, we should go outside the cherry blossoms instead, I heard it was more beautiful." Lucy suggested, she was carrying he assumed was a lunch bag.
Sigma scoffing.
"Don't students there hang out alot? Won't it be crowded or something?"
"Hm, no. Unless we get there early. " She proudly said. Cherry blossoms are a stunning view and popular among the students.
"I'm pretty sure we can make it before them." Atsushi awkwardly butts ij the conversation, trying to encourage the possibility.
"I'm sure we will."
They were in fact, early. The cherry blossoms were blooming and heavenly. People were right, it was quite a view to see. There were other seniors and freshmen, and others around to admire the view.
Sigma guilt tripped Lucy to give everyone in the group Onigiri, homemade which to her being mad at first, she gave in. Atsushi politely had declined at first before getting the rice shoved in his face, he did thank her though for the delicious meal.
They had to separate again for different schedules, while walking on the hallway, he bumped into a person he wasn't looking at, he'd have to take the blame for it.
"I-im sorry! I didn't mean to bump into you!" Atsushi panicked, his smile faltering, bowing and repeating many apologizes.
"It's fine. Watch where you're going this time." A rather unamused almost dead familiar voice filled his ears. To take a quick look, he positioned himself straight and almost FLIPPED.
Choppy bangs, black hair with white tips at the side, the back length was white colored, ears decorated with piercings, and somehow pretty slender fingers with rings. Was it-
"Please excuse me." He excused himself before coughing into his hand, silently and quickly passing him. He didn't seem to notice Atsushi's appearance, the raven just thought he was a nobody but in his way to his locker and class. That shining necklace pendant laid upon his collar bone area, it was mocking him. It was tainted black too, similar to an unforgettable and shiny pendant he adored the day he left.
Atsushi would've stopped him to inspect him, just to realize he was gone. Though, he would be awkward and shy to say anything. He'll try to get his attention on Atsushi, his friends necklace pendant was screaming at him to recognize it, he guessed the raven was busy. He didn't even know he moved back here! Right.. they didn't have a way to communicate back then. During high school they didn't have phones yet. How awful. Atsushi's goal only was to try and get his attention! Now he went back to pondering, can that guy even be Akutagawa? Almost his features changed, if not for the voice and a similar ring and necklace, he mightve thought Akutagawa was a stranger! A really charming one at that. Atsushi quickly dismissed the thoughts away.
Everyone probably owns that type of stuff. He could just be imagining for all he care. He stood in the hallway like daydreaming and getting weird looks from everyone, he flushed from embarrassment, and cursing under his breath for the stares. He left the hallway eventually.
"OH, you're saying you came across a guy that somehow looked like your..childhood crush? Boyfriend?" Sigma assumes, a hand on his cheek while fiddling with some items laid upon the glass table.
"Yes! He seemed unrecognizable too! If not for his voice..and white tips? Yeah," Atsushi groaned, stifling his frustrations on a violet pillow.
"He is pretty too. Well! He was pretty when we were teenagers too!" Sigma was watching carelessly, yet worried mixed. Boy problems, he had experienced this with his... other two best friends.
"Just be straight with him. Like, I don't know, come up to him." The male suggested, staring borelessly.
"How am I supposed to do that?!"
"Show your pendant. Didn't you mention you two matched?"
"Anyone could've had those-"
"Anyone could. But if he gave it to you before departing, he would recognized it instantly. If he didn't the first time, he was probably in a rush, busy to be inspecting your appearance, 'Sushi."
He tried to calm the male down, successfully doing it when he saw Atsushi stopped panicking and seeing the pillow not vibrating in a panic motion.
"That's it. Calm down with your stupid shenanigans." Sigma playfully protests, patting his shoulder reassuringly.
"I think I should try and approach him tomorrow, that wouldn't be weird when a random guy just talked to him, right? He changed so much!" Atsushi went back to screaming, Sigma couldn't believe this. What the hell. His mind screamed, so, he's gonna be patient because Atsushi needs it.
"Just trust yourself. It will work out, just go with the flow." Sigma adviced the tenth time.
The flow wasn't flowing, AT ALL. Everytime he tried to approach him, he always embarrassingly walks out of the picture whenever he sees Akutagawa's(?) friends come along. A redhead male, a blonde female, Nakahara-senpai, and..Gin-kun? He's not sure on this one though. He's happy when he sees Akutagawa finally showing his comfortable side with them, he did find the right people after all. From a distant, then if not closer. Atsushi seemed like a stalker he thought, he didn't wanna try approach him like that. Maybe another time.
That other time turned into WEEKS of trying. Junichiro, Lucy, and Sigma comforted him and encouraged him not to give up. It was unlikely for Atsushi to give up so fast and immediate.
"Byakko...he's always so busy and avoidant. I'm thinking maybe he doesn't remember me anymore." Atsushi cuddles the cute adorable cat, rubbing his nose on her fur delicately, meowing in response, her paw makes contact with his cheek.
"Haha, you're very comforting. You think he still does?" A meow. "Thank you, Byakko." He smiled half way, yawning a little. Byakko purrs in response, her small tongue licking his face.
Atsushi just giggles in happiness. Atleast his friends, sister, and his cat cheers him on. He cuddled with Byakko gently. She smelled exactly like a sunbathe kitty, always in the sunlight for warmth. Kyouka always said that Atsushi was just Byakko but cat form, reincarnation. He couldn't stopped thinking about it then, made him embarrassed again which was impossible for his sister, how she even thought of that? She just shrugged in reply and ate her steamed Tofu.
He sighs. He'll try his luck again tomorrow.
Back in the first day of college, everyone's face seemed scary, filled with blurry faces of people he didn't know and felt uncomfortable. Now he's been here for months now, he felt comfortable with people he knew, some students knew him for his welcomed behavior and kindness. Like high school again, teachers praised and liked him for always being available in need of help. He wouldn't turn them down anyways.
Atsushi, still trying make Akutagawa finally acknowledge him and not some stranger, he was back on square one if he truly did forget who Atsushi was. He always greets the pendant in the morning even past knowing Akutagawa attended the same campus as he was in, just like faith promised, they got back togetjer Meeting on the hallways instead of a proper place, not that the silver haired minded. Except one forgot or was focused with a new life when he left into a new lifestyle, new city.
Atsushi slowly giving up, and walking to his locker, slouching and opening his locker to get some books to copy for a math lesson later, since knowing it was a drag of multiple calculations, he'd probably needed it for his future-
"Tiger stripes." Atsushi stopped moving, blinking and standing like a statue made out of stone that Medusa strike her eyes at a particular victim, him. He knew the familiar voice and nickname he kept whining to his best friends about.
"Ryuu- Akutagawa-senpai?" Atsushi almost slipped that nickname he used to call him when they were kids, not sure if he can call him that again. What an impression. Way to go, Atsushi! He slowly turned around when he Akutagawa's face again. Almost a pink hue faint appearing on his cheeks when sees Akutagawa, he never failed to impress that he was really, REALLY whimsical.
Akutagawa's eyes directed to his white pendant, his gaze softening when he sees it.
"Oh. You kept it. When I first rushed passed you, I would have myself expected that you would have threw it out or burn it willingly." Akutagawa pointed out, sighing in relief. Atsushi just blinks if this was real. Instead of Atsushi trying to talk to him again multiple times, Akutagawa returned the favor unknowingly with HIM approaching instead.
"It's..okay! R-really.. I would never throw it- our marriage rin- I.. I mean, NEVER IN FOREVER I WOULD THROW IT OUT!" Atsushi stutters awkwardly around him, turning into a blushy mess. Akutagawa just stares blankly at Atsushi's awkward and shy behavior, chuckling mockingly.
"You're still the same awkward and poor Jinko I know."
"I'm serious!"
"This isn't how you should treat your husband who came back."
"Everyone can hear you, Akutagawa-senpai!" Atsushi shutted his mouth with his palm, "We were kids!" He ranted, ignoring how Akutagawa laughing was taunting him.
Akutagawa had told Atsushi what happened in his life when he moved out of the city. He made new friends who wouldn't stop following him everyone because they thought he was cool and would not stop approaching him and begging to be in their circle of friends which he had agreed, of Gin's encouragement and advice. He still wore the pendant everyday proudly in case a certain cute silver haired male who always had his long strand clipped back with an adorable clip would recognize him, he rambled. Atsushi felt heat invade his cheeks faintly again when he mentioned that part.
"Well, we decided to move back after years since high school cause of this campus, my mom heard that we got accepted and enrolled successfully, after all, it's one of a prestigious college around here." Akutagawa remarked, playing with the pendant on his collarbone, staring right back at him.
"Thankfully, I did found you here. The reason I didn't notice you at first, I was occupied with work. Yes, Atsushi, I do have a side job." The raven giggles when he swore Atsushi's mouth open to ask what work he predicted.
"And well... my sincerest apologies, I was busy with study degree, Gin, and a full of plate in my hands occupied. Yet, that doesn't accept when you thought I forgot about you. I never did, in fact." An unsaid of I miss you left in the air. It would make it more difficult and awkward to say, Akutagawa still hadn't got used to managing and expressing yet.
"It's okay, I promise. Please dont apologize." Atsushi smiles wholeheartedly, Akutagawa didn't even know himself how he managed to capture such an understanding and kind boyfriend. They're together again and that's what it all matters.
"Kyo-chan glared at you, didn't she?" Atsushi asked, messaging his friend group it all worked out perfect in the end, they responded so positive except with a few insults placed(mostly Sigma and Lucy) for their stupid interaction and misunderstandings, still, they were glad for helping him.
"Is it because you thought..?" Akutagawa froze, yet he scoffed and patting Byakko who kept hissing at him randomly yet still cuddled on his lap. She reminded him of a certain someone. It was weeks after their talking and Akutagawa's life outside, Atsushi loved hearing him ramble, since the ravenette didn't speak many words.
"Yeah, she'll get used to you eventually." He felt a sort of wariness in his chest, being close to him was such a daydream.
"I'm happy for you, Atsushi." Akutagawa mentioned casually, leaning in to kiss his forehead lovingly, making Atsushi's face warm.
"You're really adorable and all, but...hey, stop gripping my shirt and being blushy. "
"You're just really charming, okay? I've been thinking about that when I saw you, no. No, you've been always handsome, hot, and-"
"Stop talking, you're so talkative." Atsushi froze with a panicked and sad expression- about to apologize when he attacked his lips. It fits together perfectly, it felt sweet and yet addictive. They both part away for breathing, slowly. Akutagawa had his fingers attached on the younger ones waist, rubbing in a circular motion lazily. Eventually, he did it again, their lips connected and the silver hairs eyes widened in surprised, relaxing into the affectionate action, kissing back awkwardly, both of them awkward and bad, still enjoyable and enough though.
"Ah- I apologize for that sudden move-" He murmurs, parting away, kissing Atsushi's nose gently this time, seeing his swollen lips and flushed face that was a bright pink.
He started giggling and gripping into his shirt, slight pulling.
"I don't know what to think if whether you enjoyed it or you're being an ass." He commented, sighing when Atsushi was under his body on the cold floor.
"It's pleasurable." He shyly murmurs, embracing him, making their pendants clank.
"We're married, right? Spouses?" Atsushi cheerily spoke with such excitement, making the other groan.
"Not yet."
"we should, soon!"
"After we finish university, I will." Akutagawa mutters under his breath, not clear that Atsushi can hear. He can make another promise again, one promise was fulfilled during high school and he wouldn't hesitate to make another one again, and he would certainly complete it.
"Ahah, Byakko, sorry for making you feel excluded." Atsushi sheepishly mutters, going in a sitting position this time, Akutagawa on his lap this time.
Byakko hisses again and Akutagawa sighs. His- their cat jumps into the ravenettes lap.
Atsushi smiles, feeling rather butterflies in his stomach, tracing Akutagawa's piercings placed upon his ears as he watches him play with Byakko. His sunset combination eyes gaze lazily towards their teenager years picture.
He would beat Ryuunosuke getting a ring before he can after their studies though.
"Love you, Ryuuno.." He unknowingly confesses while sleeping on the desk, during elementary, he was still sleepy during first day in high school.
Akutagawa lets that one slip out of his lips, placing a sweet kiss on the white silver hair he grew to adore with a smile slightly, returning to a fantasy book he was reading again.