Takashi sighed, staring at the blank page in front of him. He was supposed to be working on an essay for literature class but his mind kept straying to Kenji. After another restless weekend, the longing in his heart had only intensified.
The uncertainty of where they stood was slowly driving him mad. There seemed only one way to escape this torturous limbo: he had to confess his feelings to Kenji. But every time Takashi resolved to tell Kenji the truth, his courage failed him.
His phone vibrated - a text from Kenji. "Hey, want to hang out with the guys tonight?"
Takashi's heart raced. Seeing Kenji outside of school always left him even more confused. But staying away felt impossible. "Sure," he replied.
A few hours later Takashi headed to their usual gathering spot, pulse pounding. Kenji, Arata and Daiki were already there.
"Finally, you're here!" Arata exclaimed. "Now we can get snacks."
They walked to the convenience store, picking out chips and drinks. At the counter, Takashi reached for his wallet but Kenji waved him off.
"I've got this." Kenji smiled, their hands brushing briefly as Kenji passed the snacks to Takashi. A spark of warmth lingered where Kenji's fingers had grazed his skin.
On their way out of the store, Kenji's phone started ringing. "It's my dad, I should take this."
The others waited as Kenji answered. "Hey Dad, what's up?" His face grew concerned. "The power's out? Alright, give me twenty minutes and I'll be there." He hung up, sighing.
"Everything okay?" Takashi asked.
Kenji nodded. "The power went out at home so my dad needs an extra hand with the generator and stuff. Sorry, looks like I have to cut the night short."
"I could come with you to help," Takashi offered without thinking. He blushed as the others glanced between them.
Kenji blinked in surprise. "Really? That'd be great, thanks Takashi." He turned to their friends. "You guys can head home, sorry again about this."
They said their goodbyes, leaving Takashi with a mix of anticipation and nerves about going to Kenji's house, and being alone with him.
As Arata and Daiki walked away together, Daiki glanced at his friend. "Well, that was an interesting night."
Arata laughed. "You can say that again. I'm just glad we got snacks first before Kenji had to take off."
"Me too." Daiki smiled. They fell into a comfortable silence, enjoying the quiet together.
Lately, Daiki had found moments alone with Arata becoming his favorite part of hanging out with the group. But he couldn't quite pinpoint why, or put a name to the warm contentment he felt in Arata's presence. He only knew that right now, nowhere else he would rather be than walking by his side.
"We should hang out again without the others sometime," Daiki said, the words slipping out before he could think twice.
Arata blinked in surprise. "Really?" At Daiki's nod, he smiled. "I'd like that. We've been so busy with everyone else lately, it'd be nice to have time just the two of us."
Daiki's chest tightened at Arata's words. "Then it's a plan. This weekend?"
"It's a date - well, you know what I mean." Arata stammered, cheeks heating.
Daiki felt warmth rising in his own face. "Y-yeah, just a figure of speech."
They walked the rest of the way in shy silence. When at last the time came to part ways for home, Daiki glanced at Arata almost reluctantly.
"I'll see you tomorrow then," Daiki said.
Arata smiled. "See you tomorrow." He paused. "And...thanks, for suggesting we hang out. I'm really looking forward to it."
"Me too." Daiki's heart swelled. They waved goodbye to each other, and he continued on his way home with a spring in his step.
This was new territory for their friendship. But in that moment, one thought stood out in Daiki's mind as a quiet truth that filled him with a joy he couldn't begin to describe. Whatever this was between them, he had a feeling this was only the beginning.
Lately, Daiki had found moments alone with Arata becoming his favorite part of hanging out with the group...
Helping get the generator going and checking the electrical equipment passed in a blur for Takashi. Afterward, they sat talking in the light of oil lamps and candles.
Awkward silence fell at last. Kenji gazed at Takashi intently. "Takashi, I..." He sighed, looking away.
Takashi's heart raced. "What is it?" He searched Kenji's face. Part of him longed for Kenji to confess what had been on the tip of his tongue. To end this agonizing uncertainty between them once and for all.
Kenji shook his head. "Never mind." But his eyes said otherwise.
After helping Kenji's father with the generator the power had yet to come back on. They sat in silence under the stars, both seeking answers but neither finding the courage to ask the question that now loomed so heavily between them.
Takashi walked home even more confused. They couldn't go on like this, stuck in limbo and holding back. The truth had to come out eventually. His heart and sanity depended on it - and Kenji's did too, he suspected.
This restlessness would grant them no peace until the day the truth was revealed at last, in one way or another. The only escape was to set these feelings free. Whenever that day might be...and whatever end it might bring.