spray painted stars - akikasa

chapter 9

It had been almost a full week since the incident on Monday, and Akito and Toya were back to normal. Things were awkward for a bit, but Akito got over himself as he realized that Kusanagi kept her promise, mixed with the message Toya showed him of her confirming that she wouldn't say a word. Not only that, but Akito thought about his interaction with Tsukasa. He thought back to the days and weeks before as well, only finding more and more signs that fed into his selfish thoughts that Tsukasa may harbor feelings for Akito.

The four teens were practicing at the Weekend Garage, as it was the end of rush hour and An no longer had to help her dad. They were taking a break when Kohane spoke up.

"Akito, you're doing better than usual today!" She smiled at him and he looked away, embarrassed at the praise. His embarrassment wasn't helped as the others started agreeing with her.

"Oh please, you guys are doing just as good as me..." Despite his words, they knew he was grateful, it was just his way of saying 'thanks'. The four continued talking amongst themselves before Kohane and An excused themselves, their reasoning being, "Girl things. You cootie havers wouldn't understand!" - Those were An's words, of course.

With the two left alone, Toya got the chance to talk to Akito without the others eavesdropping. He had been observing him the entire practice, and he noticed how good his mood was and, of course, how much effort he was putting in. He always puts in his 100%, but today he seemed to have 10 extra.

Akito sipped his water, unaware of his own change in mood and the observing eyes of his partner. Until he spoke up.

"So, Akito, what's got you in such a good mood lately?" He took a sip from his own water bottle as he watched Akito's reaction. He only raised an eyebrow in thought before he seemed to have a realization and quickly looked away from Toya. Toya had a feeling he knew what it was, but he wanted to hear it from Akito.

"Oh, nothing, just some thoughts about Tsukasa, that's all." Akito mumbled quietly, but Toya raised an eyebrow. Akito took notice of this, "Not those kinds, we're not even at first base." Toya's face turned into a full grimace and Akito let out a loud laugh, knowing that wasn't what he was thinking in the first place. "Sorry, sorry, it's just funny seeing your reactions!"

"I do not need to know what base you and Tsukasa ever end up being at." In all honesty, Toya had no idea what that even meant, but he would rather not ask. "Anywho, care to elaborate?"

Akito sighed and leaned back in the booth. He contemplated if he should spill, before deciding it was more embarrassing for Tsukasa than him.

"I don't know, maybe I'm imagining everything but," Now that he was speaking his thoughts aloud, he realized how weird it was to be thinking so intensely about his senior's actions. "... Argh- I'll just put it bluntly. I'm starting to think my thing for Tsukasa isn't really... one-sided." He tried to suppress a smile from adorning his face, covering his mouth with the back of his palm.

Toya's suspicions were right, he is starting to catch on. He was genuinely happy for the two, he knew that neither of them could hide their feelings for long. He sensed that Akito had more to say however.

"Oh, is that so? I'm happy for you. What kinds of things have you noticed that led you to this conclusion?" Toya had a soft smile on his face as he watched his best friend list all of the things Tsukasa has been doing, his own smile and blush growing bigger with every point made. He could tell he's been waiting to tell somebody about the list he's made in his mind, cause it seemed as though he was reading from a script.

"-and then finally, on Monday, he asked me to start calling him by just his first name, and so I did. But he had the funniest reaction, I swear, he got all red and flustered-" Akito leaned his head on his palm as he continued talking about Tsukasa, Toya listening to every word.