Is There Something I Should Know? (Aoba X Clear Modern! AU)

Ch 4. Closer

Aoba's POV

I awoke to the smell of French toast and Ren tugging on my sleeve. Sometimes I wondered what went through that dog's head. I got ready for the day and headed downstairs to be greeted by my housemates. Clear looked quite different today, he wore his signature white button up rolled back to his elbows with black pants that I gave to him. I tried to give him a shirt, for his naval was quite exposed in the one he owned, but he turned me down saying I'd given him too much. I am glad he left behind the mask, gloves, and coat today. He looked normal, and more appreciative of himself.
"Good morning Aoba-san!" Clear greeted and I nodded. I turned to Koujaku.
"French toast?" I questioned.
"Yeah your boyfriend made it."
I felt the heat rising in my cheeks, hopefully they couldn't tell.
"H-he's not my boyfriend!" I waved my hands dismissively.
"Says the color of your face. It's a stark contrast to your hair, Aoba."
Fuck.
I gave him a glare and said nothing more as I ate my breakfast. When I finished I helped Clear with the dishes and asked if he'd like to accompany me at work. If he does well I'll see about getting him a job there, being that we're understaffed.

~le time skip to work~

The store was empty aside from clear and I. I put Clear to work at organizing a new shipment of CDs alphabetically. One of the ceiling lights were flickering, so I took it upon myself to change it. I grabbed a latter and a new bulb and went to work. The bulb was hot and I had trouble turning it.
'How many Aoba's does it take to change a damn lightbulb' I thought to myself. Clear noticed my struggle and came over to hold the latter. The light was finally coming loose when it zapped my hand.
"FUCK."
I clutched my hand against my stomach. Clear looked at me worried and gestured to my hand so that I show him.
"It looks a little red, you may have a slight burn but you should be okay."
"It hurts like hell."
He brought my hand up to his lips and kissed the 'boo-boo'.
"Is that better, Aoba-san?"
I stared at him in disbelief. Just what are his intentions?
I withdrew my hand and finished changing the bulb, blushing profusely.
After putting the latter away and returning to the front counter I found it was getting hard to look at Clear. He just had to go and make things awkward. Or was I the one taking it that way?
I guess I still have some figuring of my own to do.
It was getting about that time when Noiz walked in. He looked over Clear questionably.
"Who's the boy toy?"
"What's with you and Koujaku's snarky remarks. He's a friend."
"Yeah sure. Hey I mean I get it, white haired dudes are pretty hot."
"Shut up he might hear you."
"Dude's got some headphones in chill. What's his story?"
I glanced over to Clear, who was sorting through the CDs as asked, he seemed to not notice Noiz's entrance.
"I..I'm not sure actually."
"You're into mysterious boys eh? You know I've got some shady things up my sleeve too." He smirked.
"Are you hitting on me?"
"With a baseball bat."
"That won't get you any home-runs."
This is typically how our conversations played out. Sarcasm and puny comebacks.
"Nice one. Anyway I'm gonna go clock in. Why don't you take belly button over there out for some food hmm?"
I rolled my eyes and went to get Clear.
"Come on Clear, let's go get some dinner."
He jumped up.
"Okay Aoba-san!"
I said good-bye to Noiz and Clear waved to him as well. Noiz just smirked and nodded.
We walked down to a local ramen shop to eat. After we were seated I decided now would be a good time to strike up a conversation.
"Hey Clear, can I ask you something, kinda serious..?"
"Sure thing Aoba-san."
Might as well cut right to the chase.
"Were you ever gonna tell me about the mental institution?"
"....oh." He looked away.
"I saw the article online."
"Eventually...I just didn't want to scare you away, Aoba-san."
"I'm not running."
"You're a good person, Aoba-san."
"Will you tell me why you were admitted there?"
"Not here.."
"Later then."
He nodded verifying my statement.
Our food came and we ate, enjoying each-other's company. To lighten the mood I talked to him about his favorite things: music, food, activities, etc.
He was quite the character, but every word he spoke added to my interest.
There's still too much I've yet to find out about Clear. Though none of that really matters, because the Clear sitting in front of me feels to be someone I've known for a long time.
'I might just have feelings for you, Clear.'