it’s endearing, that’s what he thinks. the embarrassment, subtle and honest all at the same time. the clumsiness, the awkwardness, it’s almost like a wave of nostalgia right in front of kojiro, ﹙ ─── oh, to be that young again. ﹚ and the laugh he lets out, though not faint in its sound, isn’t anything short of fond at both reki’s behavior and words. “ aw, man, i sure hope you didn’t let out that kinda expression around the girl, you know, don’t be such a heartbreaker this early on. ” his words, layered with a brotherly affection, ties with the harsh ruffle he lands on reki’s head, another grin taking over the curve of his mouth. “ of course you should be excited! a cute girl is giving you the time of day, i have a feeling that doesn’t happen often … ” the trail of his words, a thoughtful tone in a mock contemplative expression; sure, the jab is easy, if only to rile him up, but the hand he lays on reki’s shoulder is more comforting than insulting. or so he hopes. “ though, reki, maybe you don’t feel that way because the chocolates didn’t come from someone special, huh? ”
❛ i really don’t think you’re one to talk when it comes to breaking hearts— ❜ even without having had the opportunity to see the other in action, reki was well aware of joe’s penchant for surrounding himself with different giggling girls almost every night. there was a reason why he came to him about this matter in the first place, though he wasn’t sure what kind of advice he even expected ( or wanted, for that matter ). of course he was RELIEVED to have received something for valentines day, he has waited seventeen years for this after all. but such a feeling of relief did not necessarily translate into happiness.. and therein laid the problem. he was expected to be happy, wasn’t he? the other guys in his class certainly seemed like it when they received their chocolates.