Love Me Harder // MatsuHana.

nine

The rest of the school day was filled with the usual chaos—classes they barely paid attention to, whispered conversations, and the occasional glance exchanged from across the room that made them both suppress a laugh. By the time the final bell rang, Hanamaki and Matsukawa were already planning how they’d spend the rest of the afternoon.

As they made their way out of school, Hanamaki stretched his arms over his head, groaning. “Finally, freedom. You heading home, or wanna grab something to eat first?”

Matsukawa glanced sideways at him, pretending to consider. “Depends. You paying this time?”

“Pfft, nice try. You know the rule. Whoever suggests food pays for food.”

“Pretty sure you just made that up,” Matsukawa smirked, but his tone was light. “Fine, let’s go. But if you try to order dessert, I’m leaving you with the bill.”

They ended up at their usual spot, a small ramen shop not far from school. As they settled into their seats, Matsukawa casually leaned back, eyes scanning the menu even though he already knew what he’d order. Hanamaki, however, was in full distraction mode, glancing out the window and tapping his fingers against the table.

“So,” Matsukawa said, breaking the silence, “what’s on your mind?”

Hanamaki blinked, dragging his attention back to Matsukawa. “Huh? Oh, nothing. Just thinking about how I’m stuck with your ugly face every day.”

Matsukawa raised an eyebrow, a slow grin spreading across his face. “Oh, really? You weren’t complaining earlier when you were staring at me all through math class.”

Hanamaki smirked, shrugging. “Can’t help it. Your profile’s… tolerable, I guess.”

“You know, for a guy who’s always flirting with me, you really suck at compliments.”

“I’m not flirting. I’m just honest,” Hanamaki shot back, the grin never leaving his face.

Matsukawa chuckled, leaning forward slightly. “Yeah, you’re just so honest. Always calling me ugly to hide how much you like me.”

Hanamaki snorted, playing along. “Obviously. Gotta keep you humble.”

Their food arrived, interrupting the banter for a brief moment as they dug in. But even between bites, the teasing didn’t stop.

“Hey, Matsun,” Hanamaki said, slurping up some noodles, “if you had to describe me in one word, what would it be?”

Matsukawa didn’t miss a beat. “Annoying.”

Hanamaki threw a crumpled napkin at him, laughing. “You wound me, man. Seriously though.”

Matsukawa pretended to think it over, his lips twitching as he held back a smile. “Okay, fine. Chaotic. You’re like a walking disaster, Makki.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Hanamaki grinned, wiping his mouth with another napkin. “But you love it.”

“Do I?”

“Yeah, you do. You need my chaos in your boring, structured life.”

Matsukawa shrugged, his smirk betraying him. “Maybe. Keeps things interesting.”

The conversation continued like that—half-joking, half-serious, but always comfortable. They slipped so easily into these rhythms, the back-and-forth banter that felt as natural as breathing. It was just how they worked.

By the time they finished eating, the sun was beginning to set, casting a soft orange glow through the shop’s windows. They left the restaurant, walking side by side in easy silence for a few minutes, their usual energy winding down as the day came to a close.

Hanamaki glanced at Matsukawa from the corner of his eye. “So, movie night tomorrow?”

Matsukawa raised an eyebrow. “You asking me out on another date?”

“Obviously,” Hanamaki said with a dramatic sigh, putting a hand over his heart. “I mean, how else am I gonna spend my Friday night?”

Matsukawa chuckled. “Sure, movie night. But I’m picking the movie this time. I’m not sitting through another rom-com.”

“Oh, come on. You loved it last time.”

“Loved is a strong word.”

Hanamaki grinned. “Fine, I’ll let you pick. But if it’s something boring, I’m bringing snacks and tuning you out.”

“Deal.”

They walked on, the sky darkening as the city lights flickered on around them. It wasn’t long before they reached Hanamaki’s street again, the same route they always took. But tonight, there was something a little different in the air, a quiet comfort that came with spending time with someone who knew you better than anyone else.

As they stood outside Hanamaki’s house, Matsukawa paused for a moment, hands in his pockets as he glanced up at the sky. “Hey, Makki.”

Hanamaki stopped, turning to face him. “Yeah?”

Matsukawa gave him a rare, softer smile. “Glad we do this. All of it.”

Hanamaki blinked, caught off guard for just a second before he smiled back, something warmer in his tone than usual. “Yeah. Same.”

They stood there for a beat longer, not needing to say much more. It was all unspoken between them—the bond they had, the way they could tease and laugh one minute and share something real the next. That was just them.

With one last glance, Hanamaki waved. “See you tomorrow, Issei.”

Matsukawa nodded. “Yeah. See you.”

As Hanamaki disappeared inside, Matsukawa lingered for a moment, staring after him with a small grin before turning around and heading home. Tomorrow would be more of the same—flirting, teasing, and all the banter they could manage—but that was exactly how they liked it.