Main Sequence (BL)

2

2

AKIO POV

The house felt empty again with Mom gone for work early. The scent of sanitizer and medicine lingered in the air; I could still smell the hospital she worked at, it was becoming a part of her and it was with her everywhere she went. Ryu and I had already changed and showered. I was relieved to be out of my wet clothes, I hated the way they clung to my skin.

Ryu relaxed on the couch, staring at his phone with a coy smile as I crossed the room. "I told Takashi it's safe to come over."

My eyes widened, glancing at the clock, "It's only six."

"She left early," Ryu retorted with a playful grin.

I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out. I knew his humor was harsh, but that didn't mean it didn't affect me in another way.

Ryu caught on quickly, face falling with regretful hindsight. "If you want me to tell everyone to fuck off, I will."

"No, it's okay. I miss everyone," I gulped, feeling somewhat nauseous. I've been avoiding people and at the same time longing for friendship, I think I just had to bite the bullet.

"You sure?" Ryu stared into my eyes, studying my visual soul.

I returned with a nod of approval, putting on the best mask I could. "I'm sorry."

Ryu furrowed his brow, "Why are you sorry?"

"Um.. Nothing. I—" I stammered, silently ashamed, "I'm just nervous."

Ryu sighed in relief, finally hearing an honest answer, "I was just messin' around, sorry. Are you nervous about Takashi or what?"

My nod seemed to agitate Ryu; I felt like I'm missing something, or am I just being paranoid? I shifted my eyes to the floor again.

"Do you want me to tell them to postpone?"

"No, they'll hate me."

Ryu didn't know whether to laugh or not, but spoke without a care, "No one's going to hate you, and even if they do—fuck'em, whatever. I won't invite them over if you don't want them here, just say it."

"No. It's okay, really."

I could tell he's having no problem canceling; I'm panicking at the thought. How is he like that? Reserved and uncaring as usual, he can be so detached. Ryu didn't look convinced.

"Don't look at me like that. It's fine, really. I'll text Takashi—"

"I'll do it," he grumbled, holding his phone close to his face, almost like a child throwing a temper tantrum.

I couldn't help but smile, I enjoyed seeing this side of him but what even brought it out? Ryu saw me looking and shot me a suffocating smirk.

"Sorry," I apologized quietly, hoping it would diffuse any negative opinions of me, "I know I can be—"

"It's okay, Akio. I hate people, too," Ryu humored, justifying my reaction. Does he realize how much he can make me feel better? He barely did anything.

Ryu checked his phone countless times, his face tense. Maybe I was just anxious about the whole gang coming over, but every minute that passed felt like an hour. There's no way he could be having a full conversation with Takashi, maybe it's Sakiya. I wondered why he was always on the phone. He wasn't a very social person. My intuition told me I should have canceled, I'm terrible at making decisions. He snapped his phone shut; his voice was stone when he spoke but then again, it's Ryu. It wasn't like I expected excitement.