@encoeurs continued from here.
From the beginning, he'd always felt perfectly comfortable and natural hanging out with Akira, a feeling which didn't often to come to as of late - partially due to so many people being so quick to judge first and think later. Maybe it was that Akira had been in the same boat as himself - prematurely labelled and judged - maybe it was because they had gone through something terrible and traumatic together - wasn't there some sort of saying about trauma bonding people or something like that...? Either way, whatever the reason or circumstances - he didn't care. He just...liked being around Akira and spending time with it - it felt easy and natural.
Plus, it'd be a fun way to spend a day! His Ma was working all day anyway and wouldn't be back until much much later, so might as well hang out and make the most of the day.
"Ah, that does sound pretty good...! I can't even remember the last time I had that," He was surprised by Akira's answer - although it would be a good idea to refresh his memory and to enjoy some Oyakodon together! Grinning, he's all too happy to lean into his friend's touch - an arm moving to loop around Akira's shoulder to reciprocate the gesture, laughing heartily. "Heh, I'll be counting on you to snag us some prizes then!"
In contrast to his friend's skill with claw machines, Ryuji had always been hopelessly unlucky with them, so this would be an added bonus...!
"This is for me...?" He blinks at the box, gingerly taking into his hands - as his face goes slightly pink with both surprise and gratitude at the unexpected gift from his friend. "M-Man, that's too kind of you..." He stammers shyly, fingers now clumsily working at undoing the knot in the ribbon and gently beginning to slide the lid off the box, but not before looking up at his friend - his eyes just the tiniest bit misty, both with genuine appreciation and gratitude. With a choked chuckle, one arm scrubs at his eyes as he tries to regain his bearings.
"Well...now I'm definitely paying for lunch for us...!"
