Kenji stifled a yawn as morning lessons dragged on. His gaze kept straying to Takashi, a few seats over, and the way sunlight brought out the different flecks of color in his eyes. Why did just seeing Takashi make his heart race like this lately?
In math class, Takashi turned to Kenji. "Hey, can I borrow an eraser?"
Kenji blinked. "Huh? Oh, sure." He passed the eraser, their hands brushing briefly.
"Thanks, Kenji." Takashi flashed a smile. "You're a lifesaver."
Kenji laughed awkwardly, his chest tightening. "Anytime..."
At lunch the four friends headed to the rooftop. "Ugh, that math homework was impossible!" Arata groaned. "Did you guys finish it?"
"As usual, you mean?" Kenji teased.
"Yeah, yeah." Arata waved a hand. "So did you finish it or not?"
Kenji stole a glance at Takashi. "What about you, Takashi?"
"I think I finished most of it..." Takashi said with a shy smile that made Kenji's breath hitch.
Arata frowned at Kenji. "Well, did you finish or not?"
Kenji started. "Oh - of course I did."
In history, their teacher approached Kenji's desk. "Kenji, I'd like you to pair up with Takashi for the project."
Kenji's heart raced. "W-with Takashi?"
Takashi flashed a smile, coming over to join Kenji. "Looks like we're partners."
They spent the afternoon at Kenji's place researching. The next day in class, Takashi looked up from his book. "Did you finish the outline?"
Kenji blinked. "What? Oh, right - the outline." He realized he had hardly gotten any work done, too distracted with Takashi sitting next to him.
Takashi tilted his head. "Kenji? Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm fine!" Kenji said hastily. "Just tired."
At the final bell, they walked to the school gates together. Takashi turned to Kenji. "Want to meet again this weekend to work on the presentation?"
The next day, Kenji paced anxiously awaiting Takashi's arrival. His feelings confused him enough without adding stress. But it was too late to cancel now...
The doorbell rang. Kenji opened it, finding Takashi on the step.
"Ready to work on the project?" Takashi asked with a shy smile. Kenji had seemed off lately...were things okay between them?
"S-sure, come in," Kenji said. Takashi followed him upstairs to Kenji's room.
They spread out their materials but Takashi struggled to focus, hyper-aware of Kenji beside him. Lately his thoughts drifted to Kenji more and more...the sound of his laugh, the little expressions he made. Shaking his head, Takashi looked down at his book hastily.
"Did you finish the research?" Takashi asked, glancing over to find Kenji staring at him. His breath caught as their eyes met, Kenji looking quickly away.
"Research? S-sorry, distracted..." Kenji stammered, pretending to search through papers. Takashi frowned - it wasn't like Kenji to be so flustered. His behavior was strange today, almost as if...
Takashi's eyes widened. Could Kenji possibly feel the same restlessness, this longing for something more between them? The thought made Takashi's heart race.
As evening fell, little work had been done. Takashi sighed, noticing the hour. "I should go." He started packing up, pausing to glance at Kenji. "Are you sure you're okay? You seem off..."
Kenji tensed. "Of course! Just tired." His laugh sounded forced. Takashi studied him a moment, wanting to push the issue but instead relented.
"See you Monday," Takashi said. Kenji's strange behavior lingered in his mind as he headed back to his room. He realized with dismay spending time together seemed to raise more questions than answers lately.
With a groan, Takashi threw himself onto his bed. His feelings for Kenji confused him endlessly. But the thought of confessing the truth was terrifying. What if it ruined everything between them?
Takashi sighed. His longing for Kenji remained his secret. But how much longer could he hide from the answers - or hide it from Kenji? The uncertainty was torture. But one thing was clear...there would be no escape from this restlessness until the day he found the courage to set these feelings free. Whenever that day might be...