The Experiment [Build a Boyfriend Series Part 2]

5

Kaeya sat on the couch with his arms resting on the back of it. Albedo sat in an armchair across from him, with his notebook. His legs were crossed in the chair itself. "What do you typically look for in a partner?" 

"I don't have a preference when it comes to what sex or gender they are," Kaeya said. "I do enjoy the ones that are easy to get jealous and very touchy-feely if I had to put specifics onto it." 

"The opposite of your brother, then?" 

"Ah," Kaeya's eye widened. "You're right. I've never realized that." 

"Quite ignorant about yourself, hm?" 

"What about you? What is your type?" 

"I told you, I haven't had a relationship," Albedo replied. 

"You've never found anyone attractive?" 

"I've never given it much thought since no one is very interested in me." 

Kaeya leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, smiling, "What if I said I was interested in you?" 

"I think I might feel the urge to slap you," Albedo continued taking notes. 

"That's a bit harsh," Kaeya pouted a bit and leaned back into the couch. He looked up at the ceiling. 

"If you were being genuine, however, I suppose I would politely decline," Albedo said. 

"Aw, why?" 

"Because I would not be able to ascertain how serious you were, even if you were being genuine, or how long the relationship would last. I feel that you are the type to lose interest very quickly." 

"Excuse me?" Kaeya turned his attention back to Albedo. "Do you realize how silly you sound? I've been devoted to one person for most of my life, why would I lose interest quickly?" 

"My point exactly," Albedo nodded. "The moment you were to realize that I am indeed not the person you have devoted so much of your time into having feelings for, your feelings for me would feel hollow by comparison. Thus the urge to cease the relationship altogether and go back to pining after someone you cannot have." 

"Ugh," Kaeya held his forehead and closed his eyes. "I hate that you said that so concisely and in a way I can't even refute." 

"Heh," Albedo's lips curved upward slightly as he let out a small and fleeting laugh. Kaeya stared at him and lowered his hand from his face. "What?" Albedo looked up from his notebook, his usual stoic expression returned. 

"Did you just...laugh?" 

Albedo's eyebrow twitched. "Yes, I have the ability to laugh. I am human, you know," Albedo sighed. 

"I didn't mean it like that," Kaeya leaned up against the side of the couch, resting his cheek on his hand. "I've said this before but you really are cute, in your own way," Kaeya smiled, for a moment it wasn't the smile of a mask but a true smile. Albedo stared at him intently, his hand moving very quickly without him looking down at the notebook. 

"What are you doing?" Kaeya stared, bewildered. 

"I do believe that was the first time I've seen a genuine expression on your face," Albedo lifted the notebook and turned it to face Kaeya. "So I tried to sketch it before it disappeared. 

Unable to resist the urge, Kaeya stood up and grabbed Albedo's cheeks, pinching them. "You're really so unbelievably adorable," he laughed, grinning. Albedo's hand moved very quickly, ignoring the fact Kaeya was touching him. He turned the page without looking down and continued sketching. "Are you going to do that every time?" 

"Myesh," Albedo tried to speak with Kaeya still holding onto his cheeks. 

"Pffftha," Kaeya held his stomach and started laughing, only giving Albedo more sketch material. Kaeya stumbled backward, missed the couch, and fell onto the floor, still holding his stomach. Tears nearly escaping his visible eye. "Your face...you said that so seriously even while I was holding your cheeks...oh my god..." 

Albedo smiled slightly again, finding Kaeya's reaction a bit humorous. Kaeya whipped out his phone and took a picture immediately. "What was that for?" 

"Unfortunately, I am not a talented artist like yourself," Kaeya sat up, leaning against the base of the couch. "Therefore," he raised his phone. "I must rely on technology." 

"Please don't share that picture with anyone, it might give them the wrong idea." 

"What idea is that?" Kaeya crossed his arms. "That you're a human with emotions like everyone else?" 

Albedo froze. He hadn't realized it himself until now. As much as he hated everyone calling him a robot or a monster, he also used that to hide behind. Realizing this, in this moment, he stood up and walked away, returning to his own quarters. Kaeya watched him leave, unsure of if he should say anything else. 

"Did I hit a nerve?" he asked himself, staring at the vacant hallway.