Takashi's heart raced as he checked his reflection one more time. His first real date with Kenji! He still couldn't believe this was really happening.
A knock sounded at the door, and Takashi hurried to answer it. Kenji stood there, casual yet handsome as ever. "Ready to go?" he asked with a wink.
Takashi smiled, nerves fading in the warmth of Kenji's presence. "More than ready."
They strolled together into town, shoulders brushing as their hands joined shyly. "I'm glad you suggested this," Kenji said. "We've wasted too much time already not being together."
"I know." Takashi laughed softly. "To think we could have been going on dates all this time instead of always hanging out in groups." A wistful note crept into his voice. If only he had gathered his courage sooner...
Kenji gave his hand a quick squeeze. "The past doesn't matter anymore. We're here now, and that's all I care about." He smiled down at Takashi, his unconcern erasing the last of Takashi's worries. "Where to first?"
Takashi's eyes lit up. "How about that new bakery? I heard they have the best strawberry shortcake."
Kenji chuckled. "As long as I get to share it with you."
Meanwhile, Daiki sighed as he laced up his cleats in the locker room before practice. Spring break was coming up, and his thoughts kept drifting to Arata. They had been friends for as long as he could remember, but lately, his feelings seemed...different. More intense, in a way he couldn't define.
The thought of not seeing Arata every day over break left an ache in his chest. But did Arata see him as anything more than a friend? The not knowing was driving him crazy.
He shook off his worries as he headed to the field. Enough moping - he had to focus on practice. But as he started his warm-up, his eyes sought out Arata on the sidelines. Arata caught his gaze and waved eagerly, flashing that bright smile that never failed to lift Daiki's spirits.
His heart skipped a beat in his chest. Maybe...those intense feelings meant something more. He couldn't go on like this, always longing for more time together and carrying this hope in secret. But the risk of losing Arata's friendship held him back. Not yet...he wasn't ready yet. He had to be sure.
At the same time, Takashi fidgeted with his shirt collar as he and Kenji headed towards the bakery for their date.
"Are you sure we shouldn't tell Daiki about us yet?" Kenji whispered.
"Why do you care so much what Daiki thinks?" Kenji curiously questioned. He slipped an arm around Takashi, pulling him close. "You worry too much. Daiki will be fine either way!"
Takashi bit his lip. Kenji didn't understand - Daiki was an easygoing, laidback and non-judgemental type of guy.
As they strolled through the park hand in hand, Takashi froze as he spotted two familiar figures up ahead. "It's Arata and Daiki!" His heart raced in panic. Daiki cant find out like this!
Kenji glanced over with mild interest. "Try to relax, will you?" But Takashi's face had already drained of color.
Daiki tilted his head, blinking in surprise. "Takashi? What's wrong, you look like you've seen a ghost!" His gaze drifted to Kenji beside Takashi, brows rising at their hasty retreat and awkward silence.
"We were just...heading to that new bakery!" Takashi stammered. The pair walked off with a quickness that screamed of escape. Takashi froze as Daiki and Arata caught up to them, his heart sinking. There went his perfect first date...
"Mind if we join you?", Daiki asked.
Takashi opened his mouth to protest but Arata had already linked arms with Kenji eagerly. "The more the merrier!"
They claimed a table, Arata chattering away about plans for spring break. "We should all go to the beach! My parents said we can rent that house we stayed in last year."
"The beach does sound perfect," Kenji agreed. "What do you say, Takashi?" He winked subtly at Takashi when the others weren't looking.
Takashi smiled shyly, heartbeat quickening. A weekend alone with Kenji... The promise hidden in that wink made his breath catch, worries fading. After today, they would have all the time in the world to continue what they'd started.
Still, he avoided Kenji's heated gaze, cheeks flushing. As wonderful as their newfound intimacy was, not with Daiki around...
Daiki frowned, noticing the looks passing between Kenji and Takashi. The way Kenji's hand kept brushing Takashi's, and Takashi leaning into each touch...it sparked realization. Were they...? No, impossible. Kenji would have told him. Wouldn't he?
Still, the thought lingered as Daiki studied them over frosted strawberry shortcake. The playful nudges, inside jokes, and lovelorn stares all pointed to one conclusion...somehow, Takashi and Kenji had gone from friends to something more without him noticing.
His eyes drifted to Arata, heart racing. If those two could find a way to overcome distance...maybe he and Arata still had a chance. But first, he needed answers.
"We should get going," Takashi said abruptly, rising from the table. Daiki blinked, dragged from his thoughts.
Kenji nodded. "Right, almost forgot you have that thing..." He scratched the back of his neck, avoiding Daiki's gaze.
Daiki blinked, dragged from his thoughts. "A thing? What thing?" Daiki pressed, suspicion rising. Takashi and Kenji were definitely hiding something.
"Just a...family thing." Takashi shrugged, grabbing Kenji's hand eagerly. The promise of alone time now overrode any concern about Daiki's curiosity. Let him wonder...they had more pressing matters to attend to.