It was a sunny Saturday and Atsushi had managed to convince Akutagawa to join him on a picnic. They sat together under the shade of a large tree in the park.
Atsushi happily munched on the onigiri and sandwiches he had prepared, while Akutagawa picked at his food. Though he wouldn't admit it, Akutagawa was having a nice time.
Atsushi playfully held out a chocolate covered strawberry. "Here, try this Kyouka made!"
Akutagawa raised an eyebrow but allowed Atsushi to feed him the fruit. He couldn't hide a small smile at how sweet it was.
After eating, Atsushi curled up and put his head in Akutagawa's lap. Akutagawa tensed at first but then tentatively stroked Atsushi's soft white hair. Atsushi smiled up at him happily.
They stayed like that for a while, Akutagawa relaxing and enjoying playing with Atsushi's hair as Atsushi napped in his lap. The sunshine and light breeze only added to the peaceful atmosphere.
When Atsushi eventually sat up and took Akutagawa's hand, Akutagawa didn't pull away. He allowed Atsushi to intertwine their fingers, feeling content. Maybe picnics weren't so bad after all.
After their picnic in the park, Akutagawa and Atsushi took a leisurely stroll along the riverwalk. Atsushi cheerfully swung their interlocked hands as they walked.
Eventually, Atsushi spotted an ice cream stand up ahead. His eyes lit up eagerly. Chuckling, Akutagawa said, "Go pick a flavor, my treat."
Atsushi happily chose a double scoop cone and Akutagawa got a small cup for himself. They sat on a bench enjoying the ice cream in the sunshine.
When Atsushi got some on his cheek, Akutagawa leaned over wordlessly to wipe it away with his thumb. Atsushi blushed but smiled, murmuring "Thanks."
Once finished with their treat, they headed back while the sun started to set. Atsushi shyly rested his head on Akutagawa's shoulder as they walked. After a moment, Akutagawa tilted his own head to rest gently against Atsushi's.
Back at Atsushi's dorm, Akutagawa lingered awkwardly, not wanting to leave yet. Taking the initiative, Atsushi stood on tiptoes and gave him a quick sweet kiss. "See you tomorrow?" he asked hopefully. Akutagawa nodded, a tiny smile on his lips as he pulled Atsushi in for one more kiss before departing.
After their picnic in the park, Akutagawa reluctantly admitted to Atsushi that he had enjoyed their day together. A light blush spread across Atsushi's cheeks at the confession.
Emboldened by Akutagawa's rare honesty, Atsushi shyly asked, "Would you maybe want to get dinner with me tomorrow too?"
Akutagawa's eyes widened briefly in surprise before he composed himself. "That would be agreeable," he simply replied, looking away with feigned nonchalance.
Atsushi beamed, taking that as a definite yes. He bounced excitedly on his toes and impulsively pulled Akutagawa into a quick hug. Akutagawa stiffened, unsure how to respond.
Noticing his discomfort, Atsushi stepped back again with an apologetic smile. "Ah, sorry about that..."
Akutagawa's expression softened ever so slightly. "It's...fine. I don't mind it from you."
Atsushi's smile grew even brighter. As they walked back from the park together, he had to resist the urge to reach out and hold Akutagawa's hand again. But he didn't want to push his luck too far in one day.
Tomorrow's dinner date felt promising though. Maybe he could get Akutagawa to open up and enjoy himself even more. Atsushi was determined to keep melting that icy exterior little by little.
Over the next few weeks, Akutagawa and Atsushi fell into a comfortable routine of going on dates. Though Akutagawa was still reserved, he opened up bit by bit to Atsushi.
One night, as Atsushi walked Akutagawa home after a movie, he felt a raindrop hit his nose. Within moments, the skies opened up into a downpour.
Atsushi yelped as the cold rain rapidly soaked through his clothes. Reacting quickly, Akutagawa pulled Atsushi close against him to shield him with his coat.
They hurried under an awning for cover. Atsushi laughed at how drenched they both were. Even Akutagawa had the barest hint of a smile tugging his lips.
"We should get you inside before you catch a cold," Akutagawa said, unwrapping his scarf to gently dry Atsushi's rain-spiked hair.
Atsushi caught Akutagawa's hand before he could pull away. "Thank you, Akutagawa-kun," he whispered. Before he could overthink, Atsushi leaned in and kissed him softly.
After a moment of surprise, Akutagawa reciprocated, one hand coming up to cradle Atsushi's cheek. The kiss was gentle and warm, like the flicker of lamplight on a rainy night.
After sharing their first kiss in the rain, both Akutagawa and Atsushi felt closer than ever. Their relationship gradually deepened as they continued dating.
One night, as they took a moonlit stroll together, Atsushi carefully slipped his hand into Akutagawa's. To his delight, Akutagawa gave his hand a little squeeze in response.
When they stopped to rest on a park bench, Atsushi leaned his head on Akutagawa's shoulder. He felt Akutagawa tense briefly before relaxing again.
"Is this okay?" Atsushi asked softly.
"...Yes. It's nice," Akutagawa admitted after a pause, albeit a bit shyly.
Atsushi smiled and snuggled a little closer. Feeling bold, he tilted his chin up in a silent request. Akutagawa obliged by bending down to capture Atsushi's lips in a tender kiss.
As they walked back hand in hand, Atsushi said happily "I know it's not easy for you, but I'm really glad we're together, Akutagawa-kun."
Akutagawa gave a small, rare smile. "As am I." There was no one else he could be this open and vulnerable with besides Atsushi.
And Atsushi intended to continue cherishing every sign of affection from his boyfriend, no matter how subtle.
