Chapter Text
Endo's nothing if not hopeful. The moment he sets foot into Bofurin's turf his jaw is slack to taste the breeze.
This is Sakura's territory.
He's not lucky enough to catch a whiff of his new love right away but it would be crazier for Endo not to try. Stepping deeper into the territory, the chain on Endo's wallet jangles in time with his idle humming. Despite his relaxed shoulders, all of Endo's senses are alert for any sign of the dangerous omega he's fallen for. Or his side-kicks.
Endo winds through the streets, finding them more lively than he remembers. Since Umemiya hammered this place into shape, more shops moved in and every single one is comfortable enough to keep their doors propped open.
Endo has vague memories of Umemiya frantically trying to explain his vision of this future to Takiishi through bloody noses and ragged breaths, but those moments are all out-of-focus. Mostly, Endo recalls Umemiya's ideations as annoying background noise while he basked in Takiishi's vibrant hair and strong shoulders. Even now, being surrounded by the proof of Umemiya's will, Endo doesn't feel moved by it. Once again, he's annoyed. The scents of the residents lingering in the streets with their baked goods, cleaned storefronts, and cheery attitudes are making it difficult for Endo to pick out the one scent he's looking for.
Since Endo is behaving himself, he isn't attracting too much attention. A place as accepting as Makochi doesn't get too uppity about Endo's tattoos, but he can tell they take note of him. As long as no one reaches for their phone to call for a patrol, it doesn't matter.
Finally, Endo breathes in a hint of sweetness through the distinct odor of wet paint. He chases down the faint scent and steps into an alleyway where he finds Sakura, crouched in front of the wall he's painting. A gleeful smile lights Endo's face as his empty heart is filled with happiness at the sight of Sakura.
And Sakura is all by himself. Endo won't let this good luck go to waste.
Sakura's so fixated on his chore that he doesn't notice Endo's approach. Endo crouches next to him and slings an arm over his shoulders.
"Working hard, eh?"
Sakura startles at the touch and shoves himself away from Endo, backing up into a defensive stance. His wide eyes focus on Endo and he blinks a few times in surprise before his face settles into a familiar, wary scowl.
"What are you doing here?" Sakura asks.
Endo's hand hangs in the air where Sakura used to be. He clenches it on open space to feel the void.
"I'm here to see you. You said we could hang out sometimes." He answers earnestly.
Sakura eyes Endo a bit longer, distrust as clear on his face as any of his emotions. Endo folds his arms over his bent knees and rests his chin, watching his omega carefully.
"... Fine. I gotta finish this up before we go anywhere else though." Sakura says, refusing to leave the job half-finished.
Knowing how much Sakura cares for this town, Endo isn't surprised to hear that. Endo doesn't understand those feelings, but he knows that taking them seriously is going to be necessary in winning Sakura over. He's determined to coax Sakura into trusting him.
"I can help, if you want." Endo's done way more than painting for the sake of love.
Sakura eyes Endo dubiously for a moment then gives in with a shrug.
"If you want. Don't half ass it though."
He offers Endo a spare paintbrush. Endo takes it with a smile.
"I'd never," Endo drawls.
He's sincere but the look on Sakura's face is still doubtful. Endo's never been very good at making himself look trustworthy, but he is good at proving himself with his relentlessness.
Despite the paint fumes, the closeness allows Endo to take in more of Sakura's scent. During their fight, Endo got to fill himself up with it. Back then, the sweetness was tinged with sweat and blood and Sakura's blazing passion… Just the memory of it makes Endo feel a little dizzy. Or maybe he's huffing too much paint in his attempts to take in more of Sakura's pheromones.
Even in the cramped, little alley, Endo crowds closer to Sakura than he needs to. As they cover the last of the graffiti, Endo makes the bristles of their paintbrushes kiss on the concrete.
"So, I was wonderin', do you just see the town as your territory? Or is it more than that?" Endo asks.
Sakura's brows furrow in confusion and he looks up at Endo through his bangs.
"What do you mean?"
"… I was just thinkin' about how cute you were - fussin' over this paint job." Endo's smile curls on his face.
Ever since he fell for Sakura, Endo's been trying to understand why the omega cares so much. Endo just isn't very good at the whole 'theory of mind' thing. Endo barely knows when he'll care about things and he's far from understanding the why, so trying to get into the head of someone else barely seems possible. But he is trying.
"It made me wonder if you fuss over the town like it's all your nest - not just your turf - you know?"
Sakura flushes adorably and looks down.
"It's not like that." He huffs, flustered by the comparison.
Endo gets a peek at the back of Sakura's neck. It's almost illicit with his skin mostly still hidden by the collar of his jacket. Reflexively, Endo's alpha scent gets more oppressive from his intense attraction to Sakura. He can't resist leaning in closer, tilting his head to get in Sakura's blushing face.
"Oh? Then I'd love to know what nestin' is like for you..." He whispers. "I feel like I got a preview before I see the real thing one day."
Sakura's blush deepens and he pushes Endo's face away. Endo's heart skips a beat at the brief contact, even if it's to keep distance between them.
"Don't be weird." Sakura grumbles.
Endo laughs playfully as Sakura turns away to bang the paint can shut.
"You… You said you wanted to hang out so… got a place in mind?" Sakura asks.
"Anywhere you want. How about you bring me back to your place?" Endo will find out where Sakura lives soon enough anyway.
Sakura grimaces at the suggestion.
"No way."
He takes a step away from Endo and he tries to drape himself over Sakura to walk with him. Last time Endo did this, he had the excuse of being injured so this time Sakura ducks away.
"How about a cafe then? You like coffee?" Endo offers.
"I like frappuccinos." Sakura admits.
Endo's eyes sparkle at the information, his imagination lighting up.
"AhHa, really? That's so cute." He gushes over Sakura, scent flaring up like crazy again. "How about I buy you one? You've been working hard today, right?"
Endo doesn't have any idea whether or not Sakura's done more than paint one wall but that doesn't matter.
Sakura shivers and takes another step back.
"... You can, if you want."
"Great, perfect!"
Endo lunges for Sakura's hand but he's already rushed out of Endo's reach and into the streets that adore him. Endo's hand clenches around the open air where Sakura's hand used to be, then he hides his hands in his pockets and steps out of the alley.
As they walk to whatever cafe Sakura has in mind, the omega's eyes flicker around.
"… Where's your friend?" Sakura asks cautiously.
Endo looks around but he doesn't see anything suspicious going on.
"He's doin' his own thing today. Don't worry, he's not the type to get jealous of us." Endo assures him.
"Good to know." Sakura mutters, shoulders slowly relaxing.
"What about your friends? Are any of them the jealous type?"
Endo looks straight down at the top of Sakura's head as they walk. Sakura's so little compared to him when they're standing side by side. He looks so cute Endo feels like he could die.
"Or what about you? Are you the jealous type?" Endo has so many questions.
Sakura frowns, shrugging. "I don't know. Never seen them be jealous."
He doesn't answer Endo's second question.
"I hope they're not, kitty cat." Endo's fists tighten in his pockets at the thought of fighting someone for the privilege of getting to see Sakura's pouty face.
Endo, as Sakura knows, is definitely the jealous type. But he also isn't the type to keep his love away from what makes them happy. Sakura side-eyes him and Endo relaxes his muscles.
"What do you do when you aren't following the other guy around?" Sakura asks.
The question gives Endo pause. He stares off for a few beats of silence because he doesn't usually think about that. He laughs to give himself a second before answering.
"That's a good question. If I'm not around him then I'd be thinkin' about him. Lookin' for stuff that might make him happy all all that. Now, I think about you too."
"You need new hobbies." Sakura says bluntly, faint blush ever-present from Endo's constant flirting.
"Sure, sure." Endo agrees too easily just because Sakura said it. "What are your hobbies? Maybe I'll try those."
Sakura's shoulders hunch defensively. "... Think for yourself. I don't know what you find fun." He mutters.
Endo traces the changing lines of Sakura's body with his eyes.
"I think you're fun. I want to do whatever you want."
Sakura sighs. "... I've been getting a little better at video games lately. You could try those too."
"Okay, we can play together anytime you want." Endo's played a few games before when we was little and trying to fit in, but then when he found real thrills with Takiishi he basically forgot all about them.
They reach a little chain cafe that's lined with a few booths and linger in front of the menu. Endo promised to treat Sakura to a drink but it it looks like there are a few opportunities to indulge Sakura's sweet tooth.
"Anything else you want?" Endo asks.
Sakura's eyes flicker over the options before he lowers his gaze.
"... Chocolate cake sounds good." He says like it's another admission.
The woman at the counter sends Sakura a sweet smile, probably pleased to have one of Bofurin's good boys in her shop. Plus, Sakura is so obviously the cutest guy in Umemiya's whole gang… Endo has a lot more competition than just the guys Sakura hangs around. Luckily, Sakura doesn't seem to notice the look the barista gives him.
Despite her friendly smile making Endo's gut churn, he's nice and charming to her in a very surface-level way. He orders Sakura the frapp and piece of cake then orders himself the seasonal cherry-blossom flavored latte. It's sweeter than he'd usually get for a coffee, but Endo doesn't pass on any opportunities.
Once Endo pays, Sakura leads them to a booth. Endo is quick to slide into the seat on the same side as Sakura, trapping him against the wall. Sakura looks annoyed.
"This is a nice spot for a first date." Endo says, his shoulders angled towards Sakura.
Sakura's faint blush blooms and he goes fully red.
"What!?" Sakura's voice pitches up.
Endo makes a placating motion with his hand.
"Ah, not so loud. I wouldn't want anyone to think there's trouble... But if you want to yell, we can just take our order to go." Endo doesn't really mind if Sakura wants to scream in his ear but he doesn't want the townspeople to think there's a reason to alert Sakura's crew.
Sakura grits his teeth and nods stiffly, jittering in his seat, but he doesn't try to argue with Endo about it being a date.
The woman at the counter places their order up so Endo goes to fetch it.
"I'll be right back. Don't try to run off." Endo laughs like he's joking but he's absolutely not. He's very anxious about Sakura making a break for it.
Luckily, Sakura is still seated at the booth when Endo returns, looking far more anxious than he was when Endo snuck up on him in the alley. He places their orders down in front of Sakura and scoots back into place, sitting close enough for their knees to bump together.
"Wanna try my drink?" Endo offers, laying once arm over the back of the booth just behind Sakura's shoulders.
Sakura shifts his knees away from Endo, shrinking, but accepts Endo's drink. He doesn't meet Endo's eyes as he picks up the drink and takes a sip. The taste perks Sakura up in the most adorable way and he takes another sip before sliding the drink towards Endo.
"It's pretty good." Sakura says softly.
Endo's fingers wrap in the inside of his sleeve as Sakura gives him the imprint of his lips. Sakura is such a tease, especially with the blush lingering on his cheeks.
"Yeah," Endo agrees before he's even tried it.
He brings the cup up and takes a shaky breath before pressing his lips over the exact spot Sakura just drank from. It's very sweet. Just as Sakura's about to take the first bite of his cake, Endo's grip tightens on the back of the booth, making the pleather cushion creek.
Sakura shoots him a questioning look.
"Sorry, Sakura. I'm just so excited." Endo explains, licking his lips. "I'm happy we're spendin' time together. I like you so much it hurts."
And Endo likes it when it hurts.
Sakura's blush returns full force and he's quick to swallow his bite.
"Ah... I guess you aren't so bad either." He replies awkwardly.
Endo's gaze lingers on Sakura's lips as he swallows, then his eyes drop to Sakura's unmarked neck.
"I'm glad. In that case, can we go on more dates?" Endo asks.
Sakura's eyes blow wide and he jolts back into the wall.
"So this- you- we-! You never said this was-!" Sakura's voice pitches up again, getting higher and cuter, but this time he catches himself and lowers it. He ducks down into a whisper. "A date."
Endo's brows raise as he watches several emotions flicker across Sakura's face. Endo can't judge the source for most of them.
"Oh. Sorry, Sakura, I thought you knew since I told you I fell for you." He thought he was being really direct after their fight, but maybe it still wasn't direct enough.
Carefully, Endo tries reaching out again, and successfully rests his hand on Sakura's forearm. Sakura swallows, eyes darting from Endo's face to the hand on his arm.
"I... You're supposed to ask people out before going on a date." Sakura mutters after a long, flustered pause. "It doesn't count unless both people know."
For once, Sakura isn't pulling away from his touch. Although they had a minor misunderstanding, Endo counts this moment as a huge win. He wants to touch the glands in Sakura's wrist but holds himself back for now.
"Right… My mistake. This doesn't count. In that case, can I take you on a proper date sometime soon?"
Despite being the one to set the rules, Sakura looks shocked all over again when Endo asks him out. Sakura prods at the cake shyly as he thinks about it before responding.
"… When?"
Endo keeps rubbing Sakura's arm since this is the amount of touch he's allowed so far.
"As soon as you want." Endo doesn’t need time to prepare. He's sure that something too flashy would overwhelm Sakura for a first date.
Sakura glances at Endo's touch again but still doesn't try to shake him off.
"Maybe... This Saturday?" Sakura mutters.
A bright smile spreads across Endo's face. He'll have to wait a whole four days... but it'll be worth it.
"That sounds perfect! How about we meet on the bridge?"
Sakura nods hesitantly and Endo moves his hand up slowly to feel Sakura's bicep and shoulder.
"How about we meet in the evenin' so I can treat you to dinner?" Endo suggests, his hand sliding across Sakura's shoulders to try wrapping his arm around him again.
"Okay," Sakura agrees faintly.
Endo stays completely still for a few tense beats, waiting for Sakura to push him away. Endo is used to rejection. When it doesn't happen, he melts all over Sakura, rubbing his cheek against the sweet omega's hair and sniffing him deeply.
"Ah, this is the best. I'm so glad you're interested in me. I promise I'll show you a good time."
Sakura squeaks as Endo smothers him in his scent.
"I'm not-" Sakura cuts himself off, struggling through a type of conversation he clearly isn't used to before settling on: "... You better."
Endo huffs Sakura's hair a few more times and almost starts drooling. He swallows to keep it in and picks up Sakura's limp fork.
"Do you want more?" He offers to feed Sakura even though it isn't 'technically' a date.
"I can feed myself." Sakura mutters, holding his hand out for the fork.
Endo passes the fork back to Sakura and takes another sip of his latte just for the sake for looking normal. Then he goes right back to sniffing Sakura. He's never wanted a Bofurin jacket so badly before.
Sakura's grip tightens on the fork as Endo's nose buries in his hair.
"Weirdo." He mumbles softly, digging into his cake.
Endo chuckles and gives Sakura's shoulders a squeeze.
"You say the sweetest things, kitty…" He whispers into Sakura's hair. Anything Sakura calls him may as well be a pet-name as long as he lets Endo hold him.
"Can I try some of that cake?" Endo asks, greedy for more.
Sakura huffs softly but offers Endo the fork,"I guess."
Endo takes the fork and puts it into his mouth. The lingering frosting and crumbs are more than enough cake for him. More importantly, this fork was in Sakura's mouth. A deep groan rumbles in Endo's chest as he sucks it clean.
"Is there anything special you want for our date? I'd hate to disappoint you." He turns the fork over in his hand, looking for any traces of Sakura that he could have missed.
Sakura shrugs, pointedly ignoring Endo's desires.
"There's a ramen place near my apartment. We could go there if you want."
Endo perks up. Near Sakura's place?
"I love that idea. Do you just want to meet there instead?" Endo was prepared to plan for the whole date but if there's something Sakura wants then Endo will give it to him.
Sakura eyes Endo dubiously for a moment. "We can still meet at the bridge. It's not a long walk."
"Okay," Endo offers his cherry-blossom drink to Sakura again.
Sakura sips the drink with a pleased hum, then his face falls into a more serious frown.
"I don't mind you dropping in to visit every now and then as long as you don't cause trouble but... You probably should avoid me if my friends are around." Sakura says.
"I won't cause any trouble... but alright. I can be your little secret." Endo plays with the white side of Sakura's hair.
He'd like to claim Sakura in front of everyone - especially that idiot Umemiya - but being Sakura's secret is still much farther than he ever got with Takiishi. Takiishi only recently started calling Endo by name.
Sakura flushes at the phrasing but doesn't protest. They both know it's just the truth.
"They'd get involved if they knew and it would be a mess."
"Mm, that's true... But I wouldn't let them keep me away from you." Endo promises.
His words are more than a threat but it might never be a problem anyway. He takes his drink back and licks the rim before having a sip.
"Just try not to let them know you're hanging around," Sakura frets.
"Okay," Once again, Endo agrees easily.
Endo's more interested in how worried Sakura is about getting caught. Endo swirls the cup in his hand as he rotates Sakura's anxiety in his mind, searching for cracks that he can get his fingers into without a second thought.
"They treat you right and everything? You shouldn't let anyone boss you around, you know." Endo says.
"They treat me right. Don't worry." Sakura replies with a soft laugh.
Endo pouts.
"Oh. Okay."
After how their fight went, Endo was pretty sure he wouldn't be able to drive a wedge between Sakura and his friends, but it was worth a shot. On the bright side, he made Sakura laugh. That does make him feel better.
"I've never seen you laugh before."
The words fluster Sakura all over again and he avoids eye contact.
"Not much reason to laugh when there's a war going on." He points out.
"You're right, of course." Endo lies without even thinking about it. As if Sakura didn't see him laugh multiple times before, during, and after the war. "You have an adorable laugh."
Sakura bristles like a cat at the compliment.
"If you say so." He mutters, taking the last bite of cake.
Sakura's finished eating, but Endo is reluctant for them to go their separate ways so soon. He waited months to see Sakura after the war. Now that they're together, he wants a bit more time, even if it's 'not a date.'
"Let's go somewhere more private."
"Let's go somewhere more private."
Endo's words echo in his head and this whole thing has left him flustered beyond belief. Sakura really doesn't know how to handle someone like Endo. Even as Endo drags him out of the booth Sakura doesn't know how to feel. Endo twines their fingers together despite the way Sakura flushes crimson. The woman at the counter just smiles and waves as he shoots her a panicked look. She's no help at all as Endo pulls him from the cafe.
"Got any ideas, Sakura?"
Endo prompts and finally Sakura's brain kicks back into motion.
"Ah- Depends. What do you wanna do?"
He's suspicious, cautious. It's still too soon to trust Endo fully. Endo just hums softly before whirling on Sakura abruptly. They come to a standstill on the middle of the sidewalk as Endo stares down at him.
"I wanna cuddle you. We could go to your place if you want, or maybe the bridge."
Sakura's cheeks burn as his head spins. He's hyper-aware of the public street around them and the way Endo's dizzying scent lingers around him.
"What!?"
He croaks, overwhelmed. Endo tilts his head, dark hair swaying over vibrant green eyes.
"I thought you'd find it embarrassin' to have me keep bein' all over you public like that. I'm okay with PDA though."
Endo explains calmly. Sakura just stares, dumbfounded. Endo really is crazy. Even if… some part of him can't help picturing it. Warm arms would wrap him up tight and Endo's scent would- Sakura's quick to squash the thought, lightheaded with all the blood gathered in his cheeks.
"N-no way… There's a park nearby though if you want to talk more."
He doesn't mind talking to Endo… most of the time. Endo smiles like he's grateful for anything Sakura's willing to give.
"Sure, lead the way then."
Sakura side eyes Endo for a moment at the easy surrender and finally pulls his hand away, stuffing both in his pockets. He starts to lead and Endo follows a half-step behind the whole way. Sakura's shoulders hunch, it nags at him how close Endo follows. It makes him feel like prey. Sakura's used to hanging at the back of the group unless they're heading for a fight… Maybe that's why he feels so unnerved. He shrugs the feeling off as best he can, refusing to show Endo that he's rattled him.
The walk doesn't take long and Sakura settles on one of the swings with a sigh. Endo doesn't take the other one though, choosing instead to loom over him. Dark ink stands out in the sun as Endo wraps his fingers around the chain, dragging Sakura's swing in closer to his hip. Sakura swallows and leans away a little, averting his eyes. He doesn't move away despite the way it seems like Endo's scent is trying to wrap around him.
"… Why do you like me so much anyway?"
He questions, it's nearly impossible to wrap his head around.
"… I don't wanna scare you off if I tell you."
Endo says softly. Sakura frowns, looking up at Endo once more.
"I'm gonna find out eventually. Might as well tell me now."
Sakura points out. As if anything could scare him more than having Endo's hands wrapped around his throat anyway. Said hands tighten on the chain as if Endo's barely holding himself back from something before going loose once more. Finally, he speaks, head turning to stare out over the park.
"I don't normally feel happy - but it's not that I feel sad either."
Endo's voice come out monotone, stating facts with no emotion. Sakura's brow furrows as he listens.
"Most of the time I feel empty, like nothin' is real."
Endo finally looks down at Sakura once more, eyes dark with some unnamed emotion.
"When I look at you I feel so happy and full it makes me ache but all I wanna do is gorge myself."
Finally, Endo's voice fills with some mix of longing and joy. Sakura flushes but frowns at the odd explanation. It's much more sad than scary and Sakura knows what it's like to feel empty. His eyes soften just a little and he looks away again, shy.
"I don't mind you looking if it makes you happy."
He mumbles. Endo hums softly, leaning in to rest his cheek against the chain of the swing.
"It really does. That's why I wanna get as close to you as possible. Whatever you do to me is okay."
Sakura's frown deepens, it's hard to wrap his head around the intensity of Endo's feelings. He feels far out out of his depth. It's overwhelming. Sakura sighs softly.
"… We'll see how things go."
He says softly. Endo's staring down at him like he's trying to memorize the tiniest detail and Sakura wants to hide away from that much scrutiny but… he told Endo he could look so he can't run. Endo sinks further down the chain till his face is right next to Sakura's.
"What's your favorite food? And your favorite color?"
Endo questions. Sakura swallows at the proximity, flustered.
"… I like omelette rice and the color green."
He admits haltingly.
"What about you?"
Sakura prompts. Endo's eyes sparkle, a smile lighting up his features like he hadn't expected Sakura to take an interest in return.
"I like sushi… but omelette rice is good too. And I like black and gold, but I'll wear whatever looks good on me."
Endo rambles out excitedly. Sakura takes the information in with a nod, storing it away just like he knows Kiryu loves cat themed items and Suo likes more traditional things and Nirei goes crazy for sweets.
"…Sushi is good."
He says softly and Endo abruptly straightens up, tugging at the chain to make Sakura swing a little.
"Then let's get sushi for our second date. I know a good place."
Endo offers happily, scent rising in response to his obvious excitement.
"Can I put my number in your phone?"
Sakura falters for a moment, flustered. He'd only agreed to one date… but if he likes the first he'll probably end up going on a second… It couldn't hurt, right?
"Sure."
He agrees hesitantly, pulling his phone from his pocket and offering it to Endo. The older boy smiles brightly, accepting the phone like it's precious. It takes Endo barely any time at all to complete the task. Within moments, the phone is back in Sakura's hands. The only difference he notices is the new contact pinned to the top of his messages. He sighs softly, peeking at the group chat quickly just to make sure nobody has noticed his absence. Seems he's in the clear because the current topic is all about penguins… How that started Sakura has no desire to find out. He pockets his phone with another sigh.
"… Don't expect me to text much."
He warns Endo. He's still not used to constant contact. His friends have gotten used to his rare replies. Endo just smiles like he's won a prize.
"That's fine. It'll just be easier to meet up like this."
Endo assures him. Sakura nods, satisfied with that. He gazes out over the park, taking in the way the shadows stretch over the ground as the sun sets low. They've been talking for longer than he realized.
"… I should head home."
He says softly. Endo nods slowly, eyes still intense as he stares down at Sakura.
"Can I walk you home?"
Endo asks and Sakura hesitates. He remembers how Suo and Nirei reacted to the rundown building he calls his apartment… He doesn't want Endo to have a similar reaction. Plus, it's hard to keep this secret if they're seen around the area where everyone knows him.
"Nah, too risky."
He answers softly. Endo sighs and nods, finally pulling back from the chain and stepping around to stand in front of Sakura.
"Alright. Thanks for spendin' time with me, Sakura."
Endo offers his hand to help Sakura to his feet and Sakura only hesitates a second before reaching out to take it. Endo smiles, hearts in his eyes as he pulls Sakura to his feet and steps closer till they're mere inches away.
"I can't wait for our date."
Endo breathes, pure sincerity dripping from his lips as the scent of smoke and fancy cologne floods the air around them. Sakura flushes red all over again and pulls his hand away quickly. Endo's impossible to deal with and he ducks his head to hide the red in his cheeks.
"It was fun."
He admits softly.
"… See ya Saturday."
Sakura steps back as soon as he can, putting safer distance between them. Endo watches him go with a too-wide smile.
"See you."
Endo promises, waving him off as Sakura starts the trek home with flushed cheeks. He never expected the day to end like that. He closes himself away in his bedroom and he drops down with his back pressed to the door, hands coming up to cover his eyes. A date with Endo… what has he gotten himself into? Endo's scent clings to his clothes and now it's all Sakura can focus on. He swallows, feeling overheated suddenly. He has to wash it away immediately or everyone is going to know.
How could he possibly explain to them that Endo doesn't seem to be a threat this time? Nobody would ever believe that. Sakura barely believes it himself. After everything Endo put the town through… Sakura can't help feeling selfish. How can he casually agree to date someone who nearly ruined his new home?
… He feels a little sick to his stomach at the thought of the others reacting to that.
He's the worst because he doesn't pull out his phone and tell Endo the plan is off. Instead he stands, stripping his uniform off and starting the shower. He'll hide his selfish decision as long as he can and if it all blows up in his face… He'll do his best to bear the burden.
By now, he trusts that they aren't going to abandon him at least… and somehow he trusts that Endo won't try to hurt the town. He just hopes his instincts aren't wrong. He ducks his head under the warm water, scrubbing at his hair and skin almost violently. Saturday… He feels both nervous and excited at the thought but for now he focuses on washing Endo's scent down the drain.
He steps out of the shower, skin tinged pink from the force of his scrubbing. He feels a little lost as he follows his usual nightly routine, thoughts lingering on Endo and the date and secrets he can't share… He groans softly as he settles into his nest, rearranging the fabrics a bit restlessly.
He's new to nesting still. He'd never done it before coming to Makochi… but Nirei had seemed so distressed when he'd admitted that and had insisted on teaching him. Nirei had even gone to each of their friends to request materials. His once barren futon is now piled high with blankets and pillows and miscellaneous clothing.
Before Furin, he'd never put much focus on being an omega at all. Even before he'd presented he'd been prepared to accept any outcome. He buries his face in the nest, letting the scent of his friends soothe his worries. Endo will remain his guilty secret for now… but one day he hopes he'll be able to tell them. It's hard to picture them interacting without hostility but… Sakura will try to be optimistic. It's strange to think about but… for now he wants Endo in his life. Despite everything, he likes the way Endo makes him feel… He fades into dreams with that thought in mind.