𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐇𝐀𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐍𝐃, and the remaining days of their forced enlistment dwindle even more; Takumi had been ready to drag himself into bed with the hopes of his sleep being dreamless, but a specific figure had caught his attention instead. When the sun has set beyond the horizon and skies have darken, Eito's stark white outfit contrasted spectacularly against the iron-wrought fence, drawing the redhead's gaze.
Staring at his friend-turned-enemy-turned-ally brought forth a surge of memories, an ocean of warped lies leaving behind bittersweet memories that only continue to torment him. Takumi is more than aware that the Eito of his past life was only a facade meant to deceive him — so why does he keep lingering on the desire to have that happiness again? His so-called normal friendship never existed to begin with, chasing after a fabrication would cause nothing but harm to them both. . . fingers clench the fabric of his jacket tightly as he continues to stare at the person who is the root of many problems that plague him.
He should just slip into the safety of his room without uttering a word.
Instead the squeaking sound of sneakers against the pavement draw him nearer to his blinded companion, his free hand grasping at the fence as Takumi lets his cheek rest against cold metal as he continues to study Eito. It feels wrong to find comfort in the fact the other can't notice him blatantly staring, but there's something relieving that comes with such freedom.
But perhaps. . . perhaps his lingering gaze has loosened his lips, and a red flush consumes his cheeks once what he said registers in his mind — 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐄, 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐏𝐈𝐃?? How could he say something so corny right now??
Before Takumi could fumble his way through an excuse, his next words are shoved back into his throat at Eito's response.
He's left speechless as Eito continues with his sentiments, and even after he's finished, Takumi couldn't help but stare dumbfounded. Not once has the thought to inflict harm surfaced tonight, but hearing this. . . he's not sure how to feel.
Hatred and negativity are emotions that Eito is all too acquainted with, and while Takumi wasn't sure how he truly felt in regards to everything in their circumstances. . .
𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐀𝐒𝐍'𝐓 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐁𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓.
His mouth opens, then closes. . . and opens again, he's unsure how to respond. Does he speak truthfully and risk making their situation even more muddled, or does he casually dismiss the remarks but not explain his true meaning?
❛ Damn you, Aotsuki, I didn't even mean to say anything at all. ❜
❝ That's not at all what I want. ❞ Even though the other is giving him an out to leave, Takumi instead continues to cling to the fence, using it as a pillar of support as his gaze drifts to the floor. ❝ I don't even know how to describe things between us, but hurting you is the last thing I want right now. ❞
Enemy or not, once he allowed Eito to rejoin the team, it meant letting go of whatever fantasy of revenge he once had — the betrayal this Eito enacted was shallow in comparison to the one whose blood runs in Takumi's veins now, and to compare the two wasn't fair to either version.
He says that, yet basking in the scene that was before him moments ago had stirred up old emotions that he was terrified to acknowledge now. Reminiscing over some naive crush was only going to cause him more heartbreak after all.
❝ So don't think such things, Aotsuki. Please. ❞