Hiding In Plain Sight

Thank You, Just Give Me Time

Shuichi curled his knees to his chest, enamoured by the two boys in front of him. I can't believe Rantaro and Kokichi still want to talk to me. Every time we're alone like this I can't help but blush, they probably think I'm weird. "Hey Emo Boy, mind a personal question?" Kokichi held a mischievous grin on his face, staring intently at Shuichi.

"Um, sure, ask me anything I guess," Shuichi stammered. He never asks permission for anything, especially just asking a question.

"What's your sexuality?" The small purplette leant forward, his hands resting against the floor in front of his crossed legs.

"Oh, uh, I'm bisexual, why's that?" Why would he want to know? There's no way he likes me, I'm not that lucky. Wait, didn't they both give me their number when we met? Maybe they both like me?

"Perfect! I happen to think you're really sexy, just as sexy as Rantarhoe over here!~" Kokichi shuffled forward, his legs skimming Shuichi's. "What would you say to a three-way?~" T-three-way?!

"Just to clarify, he means a poly relationship with us three," Rantaro confirmed. "I'm sure you figured it out from when we met, but we're both attracted to you." There's no way, no one could ever love me. Taking Shuichi's hand in his, Rantaro gave the male a warm smile. "Don't force yourself to answer if you're unsure, take your time to think it through if you want."

"It's... Not that. I just don't understand how you two could be attracted to me in any way," Shuichi whispered, unaware he was voicing his thoughts out loud. "No one likes me as more than a friend."

"We're right here!" Kokichi pouted, crossing his arms like a child.

Shuichi's mind blocked out anything other than the two males before him as they contradicted his beliefs. "Is something wrong Sai?" Rantaro asked, squeezing the male's hand gently.

"People can't like me, that's not possible. I'm not good enough anyway so even if you claim to, you shouldn't." A single tear ran down Shuichi's cheek as he continued to attempt and convince the others they were mistaken. Rantaro and Kokichi shared a concerned glance, communicating telepathically before looking back at Shuichi. Kokichi reached forward and wiped Shuichi's tears with his thumb, taking his hand and helping him to his feet.

"We're going out on a walk, that calms you down, right?" Shuichi nodded as the two led him out of the shopping centre, creating up an excuse for the rest of the group. They trodded through the shadows of surrounding buildings, remaining out of sight from any possible spies that may be lurking.

"I think we're far enough away now, it seems clear," Kokichi informed the two others. Using his flight ability to peek over the towering fence, Kokichi decided to project himself over the wooden obstacle.

"I'm not going to be able to get over that," Shuichi mumbled, knowing what little strength he obtained wasn't going to be enough.

"No need!" A voice sang from the other side of the fence as multiple planks next to where they were idling crashed to the ground. Shuichi glanced around the corner to see Kokichi grinning in accomplishment with a hand on his hip, the other gripping an ancient hammer. "We'll be more private in here, come on." Stepping through the man-made opening, the three entered an overgrown, derelict backyard.

Kokichi led the two towards a set of rusted, dusty swinging chairs, sitting on one and motioning for the two to do the same. Shuichi hesitantly lowered himself into one of the chairs, the chains screaming from decades of rust. It was a miracle they held up with the wind, much less a human. "I think we need to have a serious talk Shuichi, about your self-esteem."

"There's not much to talk about, it's just a waste of time," Shuichi argued.

"We have nothing but time on our hands, we need to have something to do!" Kokichi groaned, his chair squeaking with every tiny movement. "This is the only time I'm going to be sappy and shit, so listen up, got it? Rantaro and I want the best for you, which means we want to see you happy and achieve your dreams, which you will when we escape Japan. Your mental health is important to us and it's never a waste of time if it means we can help you."

"Ouma-"

"Kokichi. I think we're close enough already to refer to each other with first names."

"Right, Kokichi, thank you." Shuichi smiled, tears of joy rolling down his smooth, flushing cheeks.

"There's a method that I found helped me out of a similar dark spot before, do you want to try it?" Shuichi nodded at Rantaro's proposal. "You tell us a reason you don't think you're deserving of love, and we'll tell you why it's wrong."

"Uh, well, okay. I guess one thing is that I've been in a few relationships and they always cheated on me."

"That's because you've dated shitty people and haven't found the right ones yet!" Kokichi argued, his smirk holding comfort for Shuichi. I guess he's right, people did often just date me for money anyway. "Next point."

"I'm annoying, all of my old friends said so. Everyone always told me that I was too shy and my interest in crime was weird."

"I think it's cool. Becoming a detective is such an achievement and you should be proud of yourself for that. People are assholes and if they don't see how amazing you are, they can fuck off." Shuichi's heart lifted yet again at the words of consolation. It wasn't much, not enough to rid him of all his doubt, but it was something Shuichi needed to hear.

"Thank you both, so much, I needed this. There's just one more thing that's bothering me. It seems a bit too early in our friendship to know exactly how I feel about you both. I'm not sure about my feelings, I know they're there but..." Shuichi trailed off, unable to express his thoughts through words.

"You know you have feelings but you don't know how to process them, is that right?" Rantaro asked, seeming to pick up on Shuichi's hesitance. The blue-haired male nodded, thankful that someone managed to get his thoughts out into the air.

"We aren't going to pressure you. Take your time to sort yourself out, remember we'll both stay by your side no matter the outcome." Kokichi mumbled, his usual childish and teasing behaviour replaced with unusual compassion and care.

"I just need some time to think. This whole Ultimate Hunt thing has me messed up." 

"Yeah I get that, it's hard getting used to living this way." Rantaro agreed, spinning his rings around on his fingers. "Listen, I don't want to make you feel like you have to choose an option, okay Sai? Koki and I will respect any decision you make and you aren't obligated to ever even make one."

"Thank Ran, thanks KiKi."

"Woah, you finally decide to give us nicknames Emo Boy? About time." Kokichi joked, holding his hands behind his head as the three changed topics to something more lighthearted.