chasing the Cat (M X M)

Chapter 15: A Fragile Truce

The walk home was quiet, the only sounds between them the soft crunch of gravel beneath their shoes and the occasional car passing by. Akira's head buzzed with thoughts, every emotion tangled into a knot he didn't know how to unravel. He didn't know what to say or even how to act.

The fact that Hiroshi had actually shown up threw him off entirely. Part of him wanted to be angry for caring so much, but another part-one he was desperately trying to ignore-was undeniably relieved.

Hiroshi didn't push or prod, seeming content to walk beside him without forcing conversation. That somehow made it worse. The silence felt too natural, too easy, and Akira hated how comfortable he was becoming in Hiroshi's presence. It scared him.

They rounded a corner, and Akira finally risked a glance in Hiroshi's direction. The streetlights cast a warm glow across his face, illuminating the subtle smile tugging at his lips. He looked so at ease, like he belonged there-right next to Akira-and that thought made Akira's heart stumble in his chest.

"Stop smiling like that," Akira muttered, shoving his hands deeper into his pockets.

Hiroshi turned toward him with an amused expression. "Like what?"

"Like..." Akira fumbled for the right words, scowling. "Like everything's fine."

Hiroshi gave a soft laugh. "But it is fine."

Akira huffed, kicking a stray pebble on the sidewalk. "It won't be for long."

Hiroshi's smile dimmed, though the warmth in his eyes didn't fade. "What do you mean?"

Akira pressed his lips into a thin line, regretting he had said anything at all. He looked away, focusing on the distant neon signs that blinked lazily at the edge of the street. Why are you even saying this? Why can't you just shut up for once?

But the words slipped out anyway, raw and unfiltered. "This... You being here, waiting for me-it's not going to last. Things like this never do."

For a moment, Hiroshi was silent, and Akira braced himself for the inevitable response-the same hollow promises people always gave when they didn't really mean them.

Instead, Hiroshi stopped walking, gently catching Akira's arm to make him pause too.

"Look at me," Hiroshi said softly.

Akira's heart skipped a beat. He wanted to refuse, to pull away, but something in Hiroshi's voice-steady and unyielding-kept him rooted in place. Slowly, reluctantly, Akira lifted his gaze.

Hiroshi's eyes were warm and unwavering, filled with something Akira didn't know how to name. "I'm not going anywhere," Hiroshi said again, like a quiet vow. "Even if you push me away. Even if you try to pretend you don't care."

Akira's chest tightened painfully. It was too much. Too close. He dropped his gaze, cheeks burning. "You're such an idiot," he muttered, voice low and shaky.

Hiroshi's lips twitched into a small, teasing smile. "Yeah, yeah. But I'm still here, aren't I?"

Akira bit his lip to stop the stupid warmth rising in his chest again. Damn him and his stupid smile.

Hiroshi let go of Akira's arm, but he stayed close-too close, really-and Akira could feel the heat radiating from him in the cool night air.

"Come on," Hiroshi said gently. "Let's get you some food. You'll feel better."

Akira rolled his eyes, but there was no real bite behind it. "I don't need you to take care of me."

"Too bad," Hiroshi said lightly, giving Akira a playful nudge. "I'm doing it anyway."

Akira scowled, though his heart wasn't in it. "You're unbelievable."

"And you're stubborn," Hiroshi countered with a grin.

Akira huffed in frustration but didn't argue further. Because, if he was being honest with himself-just a little-having Hiroshi around didn't feel so bad. In fact, it felt... safe.

And that was the scariest part of all.

When they reached Akira's apartment, Hiroshi lingered at the entrance, rocking back on his heels with an easy grin. "So... you good now?"

Akira crossed his arms, scowling. "I was always good."

"Right," Hiroshi said, clearly amused. "That's why you cried earlier."

Akira's cheeks flushed, and he shot Hiroshi a glare. "I told you to forget about that!"

Hiroshi laughed-a warm, genuine laugh that made Akira's stomach do weird, unfamiliar flips. "Alright, alright. Consider it forgotten."

Akira grumbled under his breath, but there was no real anger behind it. For some reason, being teased by Hiroshi didn't feel so bad. It was irritating, sure, but also... kind of nice.

Before Hiroshi turned to leave, he shot Akira one last look-a look that made Akira's breath catch in his throat. "Hey," Hiroshi said softly. "If you need me, you know where to find me."

Akira opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat. Instead, he settled for a noncommittal shrug, trying to mask the warmth spreading through his chest. "Whatever," he muttered.

Hiroshi chuckled, giving a small wave. "Goodnight, Akira."

Akira watched him walk away, standing frozen in the doorway until Hiroshi disappeared down the street.

Only then did Akira let out a shaky breath, closing the door behind him. His heart was pounding, his mind swirling with everything Hiroshi had said.

I'm not going anywhere.

Akira leaned back against the door, closing his eyes. Maybe-just maybe-things wouldn't be so bad after all.

But he wouldn't say that aloud. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

After all, some things were better left unsaid.
Tommorrow brings a new future ... A new hope to their encounter