like broken records; TOKREV/OC

4. Mister Loverman and His Lover

NOW PLAYING: MR. LOVERMAN
BY RICKY MONTGOMERY

•••

"HUH? Takemichi? What are you doing here?"

Standing in front of his girlfriend, Takemichi suddenly felt a shake in his legs and lower lip. Every time he saw her, he'd feel like bursting in tears. She never failed to make his heart cry out in love.

"Hina," he croaked weakly, falling into her arms.

I nearly married you, he pulled her into an embrace, squeezing his eyes shut. I could've. I don't know why I didn't just stay with you.

"Takemichi? Are you okay? You're all beaten up again...." she mumbled, hesitantly hugging him back.

"I---I'm sorry," he sniffled, pushing himself away and wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "Just... overwhelmed right now." I can't seem to save you. "But I'm feeling much better, now," he nodded, his red-tinted eyes---from all the crying---narrowing slightly to try and see her better through the water.

"Wha---?"

"I'll see you at school tomorrow, 'kay?" he patted her shoulder, pulling her in one more time to press a small kiss on her forehead. "Thank you for everything. I love you."

"I...?" she blushed, her cheeks and ears turning light pink. "I love you... too...? Hey---! Wait---! Don't you wanna get patched up??"

He paused, looking right at her. He flashed her another grin, laughing sheepishly as he reached up to touch the ache in his head.

"I mean, if it won't be a bother..."

She sighed, shaking her head endearingly, and told him to wait as she brought over the bandages and disinfectants from the cupboards near the kitchen.

There they sat on the first steps on the staircase leading to Hina's apartment as she fixed him up.

"You should stop getting into fights," she said with a little pout; it was a result of her focused face. Whenever she concentrated, she had to purse her lips.

"Don't tell me you'll keep fighting, even in the future," she said with a small smile.

Takemichi scoffed. "Yeah, well... I don't think I'd be alive in the future."

.

.

.

"Whatever you're thinking, don't do it," she said, her lower lip trembling as her adorable, wide eyes brimmed with worry.

"...huh? Oh---! No!" he shook his head, laughing. "C'mon, I'm not giving up like that. You know me."

"Maybe I don't," she muttered, but he pretended not to hear.

"What?"

"Nothing," she smiled.

Takemichi hummed as she placed the last bandage on a small cut on his jaw. "You know, I really do love you," he said again.