chasing the Cat (M X M)

Chapter 6

The final presentation began smoothly, with Akira and Hiroshi moving seamlessly through their carefully prepared slides. Principal Watanabe listened attentively, nodding and taking notes. Akira felt a surge of confidence as he spoke, the familiar rhythm of his work bringing him solace.

But as he glanced at Hiroshi, he noticed a flicker of something in his expression—was it worry? For a brief moment, Akira's heart sank, an unsettling sense of dread creeping in. What if their partnership was about to unravel?

"Great job so far, Tanaka-san," Watanabe said, interrupting Akira's spiraling thoughts. "I love how you've integrated student feedback into the branding. It feels alive."

"Thank you, Watanabe-san," Akira replied, forcing a smile. But in the back of his mind, the earlier unease lingered like a shadow.

As they wrapped up the presentation, Hiroshi stepped forward, excitedly explaining their vision for the anniversary event. Akira watched him, admiration mixing with a pang of something deeper—something he couldn't quite name. It felt as if a wall was forming between them, and he didn't know how to break it down.

When the meeting concluded, Watanabe praised their work and thanked them for their dedication. As Akira exchanged relieved glances with Hiroshi, he noticed the tension in Hiroshi's shoulders. The usual sparkle in his eyes had dimmed.

"What's wrong?" Akira asked, instinctively dropping his tsundere facade. "You seemed a little off during the presentation."

Hiroshi hesitated, running a hand through his hair, a gesture Akira had come to recognize as a sign of stress. "It's nothing," he said, but Akira wasn't convinced.

"Don't give me that. You can talk to me, you know."

Hiroshi took a deep breath, his eyes meeting Akira's with a seriousness that made Akira's stomach knot. "It's just... this project means a lot to me. I've always wanted to create something special for the students, and I'm worried it won't meet their expectations."

Akira felt a surge of frustration mixed with concern. "You've put your heart into this, Hiroshi. The kids will love it. Don't doubt yourself."

"I know, but—" Hiroshi's voice broke slightly, and Akira felt a tug of sympathy. "I'm afraid of letting them down, of letting you down. What if I ruin everything?"

"Stop it! You're not going to ruin anything!" Akira snapped, surprising himself with the intensity of his words. "You're a great teacher and a fantastic partner. Just believe in yourself!"

Hiroshi looked taken aback, his eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, silence hung between them, heavy with unspoken feelings.

"Thank you, Akira-san," Hiroshi said quietly, his voice softening. "I guess I just... I care so much. It's hard not to worry."

"Yeah, well, it's not like I care that much or anything!" Akira blurted, his face flushing as he realized how defensive he sounded. "It's just common sense! If you fail, it reflects on me too, you know!"

Hiroshi smiled faintly, and Akira felt a mix of annoyance and warmth at the sight. "I appreciate that. Really. But I'd rather we share the pressure than shoulder it alone."

"Fine, fine," Akira muttered, crossing his arms. "But don't go expecting me to hold your hand or something. We're here to work."

Hiroshi chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter. "Of course. Just trying to keep it light."

As they left the principal's office, Akira felt a mix of relief and lingering tension. He wanted to comfort Hiroshi, to reassure him, but he felt an inexplicable distance forming between them. Akira's mind raced as he replayed their earlier conversation, each word echoing louder than the last.

The days that followed were a blur of meetings and preparations. But despite the excitement of their project, Akira's thoughts kept drifting to Hiroshi and the weight of their earlier discussion.

One afternoon, while working late at the office, he received a message from Hiroshi.

Can we talk?

Akira's heart raced at the request. What did Hiroshi want to discuss? Was it about the project or something more personal? Akira's mind spiraled with possibilities, each more anxious than the last.

"Sure," he replied, trying to keep his tone casual. "What's up?"

They agreed to meet at a nearby café, and as Akira arrived, he felt a mixture of anticipation and dread. When he spotted Hiroshi sitting at a corner table, his expression was serious, a stark contrast to the usual lightness between them.

"Thanks for coming," Hiroshi said, his voice low. "I've been thinking a lot about our project and... us."

Akira's heart skipped a beat. "Us?"

"Yes." Hiroshi's gaze dropped to the table, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his cup. "I really value our partnership, but I can't shake the feeling that there's something more here. I just don't know how to navigate it."

Akira swallowed hard, a wave of vulnerability crashing over him. "I... I feel it too. But what if it complicates things? What if we ruin everything?"

Hiroshi looked up, his eyes earnest. "I don't want to ruin anything, but I also don't want to ignore what's developing between us. It's too strong to just push aside."

The tension in the air thickened, and Akira felt a lump in his throat. What if this was his chance? But fear held him back.

"Maybe we should focus on the project first," he suggested, his voice trembling slightly. "We can deal with this later."

Hiroshi nodded slowly, but the disappointment in his eyes was palpable. "If that's what you want, I'll respect it. But I don't want to pretend that I don't feel something for you, Akira."

As they left the café, Akira felt a mix of relief and regret. They had skirted around the truth, but the weight of unspoken feelings hung heavy in the air. It was easier to ignore the growing bond than to confront it.

But as Akira walked away, he realized that he couldn't keep running forever. The connection between them was too strong, too real to be brushed aside. And deep down, he knew that one day, he would have to face it.

"Stupid feelings," he muttered under his breath, a flush creeping up his cheeks. "Why does everything have to be so complicated?"