Killing Yuki

Chapter 2.E - Two Peas in a Pod

"Why didn't you answer your father?" Ren asked.

Yuki simply stared at him, unfazed, while chewing his food. After many years of friendship, Ren learned to tolerate this deliberately detached behavior and didn't mind, as he knew it was Yuki's way of messing around. 

Then, Ren's attention shifted to the chaos on Yuki's chest. He didn't expect to see someone he knew to be organized and meticulous in such a disheveled state.

That's the thing about enduring friendships: you become comfortable showing bits of your true personality. Had it been a different guest, Yuki would have had breakfast in his bedroom and come down only after finishing his morning ritual.

"Come here," said Ren while flipping his right index finger.

"What?" Confused, Yuki didn't budge.

Ren stepped closer instead. Yuki was about to lean back when Ren reached for his necktie. He froze, and before he could protest, Ren's face was already a few inches away, causing his heartbeat to race faster than a horse on steroids.

A bit closer, and his nose would have bled, just like how Sanji had lost blood after being shoved between a mermaid's massive busts. 

The panic subsided quickly as Ren kept a safe gap between them. His heartbeat eased, and his body relaxed, signaling his willingness to let Ren invade what was left of his personal space.

Ren soon noticed that Yuki had stopped eating and was now gazing intently at his face, committing every line and contour to memory. 

Why wouldn't he? This might have been his only chance to thoroughly examine that masterpiece.

Never in a million years did he think he'd be this close to Ren. The image he had only seen up close in his mind or on his screensaver was right before him—the real deal. There was no way he'd allow himself to be distracted.

It was not Yuki's fault. Ren was a handsome young man. Those almond-shaped eyes, copious eyebrows, athletic build, slightly chiseled jawline, and soft lips were irresistible. He was the hottest guy in school.

Anyone walking alongside him could feel eyes watching him from every corner, filled with both jealousy and attraction. Yuki had to endure this all the time. 

He'd never gotten used to it, but he'd rather be by Ren's side than with the rest of his admirers, desperately longing for a piece of him.

Or, to be precise, it was Ren who kept sticking with him. While they weren't inseparable, Ren always managed to find a way to hang out with Yuki.

For instance, Ren enjoyed spending weekends at Yuki's house, despite living just a few blocks away. They'd watch movies, play video games, and practice guitar tricks together all day. 

Even though their tastes and genres differed, they shared a deep love for music. These boys were, as the old saying goes, like two peas in a pod.

Before Ren could finish fixing Yuki's tie, he noticed Yuki's unremitting gaze.

He naughtily beamed and asked, "What's the matter? Is there something on my face?" Yuki snapped out and replied, "Nothing!" before quickly looking away.