Amajiki x Reader: Blossoming Romance

Chapter 12: Of Vacuums and Food Allergies

"Did you lose your medal already, F/N?" Nejire scoffed, noting its absence. "Where is it?"

"It's where it belongs." You said simply.

"The heck does that mean?" She scrunched her face impatiently, awaiting an explanation she wasn't going to get. Just then, the tiny bell jingled at the door of the restaurant, signaling the entry of your final party member. "Over here, Tamaki!" She hollered to him. Mirio smiled big when he saw the shining thing adorned around Tamaki's neck as he approached the table. Hado's curiosity got the better of her and she spoke up again. "Why are you wearing that medal, Tamaki? You didn't win anything."

"Nejire!" Your mouth fell open at her blatant rudeness. Although she had been indoctrinated into the group, she didn't coddle Tamaki the way you and Mirio did. Instantly, your award was shoved right in front of your face.

"She's right!" Amajiki shut his eyes tightly with guilt, holding the medal out in front of him. "Please take it back!" You gently pushed his hands away, ignoring the warmth in your tummy that arose when your fingertips brushed his skin.

"No, Tamaki. It was a gift. You keep it."

"But-"

"I insist." You smiled. "Just think of it as a thank you gift for being such a good friend."

'Friend...'  For some reason, Amajiki couldn't help but feel a pang of dysphoria at the word. He knew exactly why though, and he hated himself for it. He should be grateful that you could tolerate his presence at all, let alone dote on him the way that you do. How selfish it would be of him to think that isn't enough...

"Yeah, but I've known you longer, F/N." Hado addressed, thoughtful finger on her chin. "So you should be giving that to me, shouldn't you?" Tamaki gripped the thing a little tighter, not wanting his special little piece of you to be taken away... even if he didn't deserve it.

"Maybe she just likes him better than you, Nejire." Mirio stated playfully and you couldn't help but chuckle. She stuck her tongue out and aimlessly flung a piece of calamari at him with her chopsticks.

"Nejire!" Tamaki turned pale at her childish behavior in public, darting his eyes around to see if any bystanders had been offended.

"Hey!" Mirio jabbed with a fiendish grin. "I thought only he who is without sin could cast the first squid!" You cracked up at that. Without warning, a piece was flung in your direction as well.

"Hey! What was that for?!" You guffawed, huge smile still plastered on your face.

"You should be used to it by now, right?" She teased. The three of you rolled with laughter and Tamaki groaned.

"Guys... please..." The shy ravenette frowned at the table. 'Taking the squid for you' and other such phrases had become an ongoing joke amongst the group, much to Tamaki's chagrin. No matter what, it always seemed to remain a sensitive topic for him. Each time it was brought up, he couldn't help but relive the pain you must have felt, just like it was fresh. He found it a terribly cruel thing to make light of your suffering.

"Are you all ready to order?" The server interrupted the gargle of laughter.

"Ah, crap." You said. "We need a few minutes I guess." The group settled down and opened the menus. From across the table you could see Amajiki's face becoming more and more frustrated as he read. "What's the matter, Tamaki?"

"Is there anything on this menu without sakura?" He grimaced nervously. Just what he needed, a bigger accumulation of flower petals taking refuge in his stomach...

"I mean... it is cherry blossom season. You probably wont find anything else." Mirio chuckled and Tamaki bit his lip.

"What's wrong with sakura, Tamaki?" You asked, noting his discomfort.

"Uh... food allergy." He lied.

"Oh! Is that why you used to shed rose petals?" You raised a snide eyebrow, knowing full well why.

"Ah!" 'That confirms she still remembers...' "Y-yes... That's exactly why..."

"Mm." You nodded before a mischievous glint flickered across your eyes. "And it had nothing to do with you liking a girl or anything..." Tamaki's eyes widened and he choked on his drink.

"You okay, buddy?" Mirio reached over and gave him a hardy pat on the back.

"*cough* *cough* I'm fine!" He managed to gasp out. He averted your eyes until the food arrived. You and Mirio ate the fastest, gobbling in a ravenous haste. The Sports Festival had really worked up an appetite. Nejire, despite being immature earlier, kept to her ladylike dining procedure. And then there was Tamaki. He picked apart his food, moving it around his plate, mouth pressed into that familiar uneasy squiggle.

"Something wrong, Tamaki? Did they mess up your order? I can send it back for you since I know you don't like doing that." It wouldn't have been the first time you'd addressed the wait staff on his behalf. He never wanted to be a burden to anyone.

"Ah- No... That's not it."

"You've barely touched your food though. Usually you eat a lot." You furrowed your brows in concern.

"That's not very nice to say..."

"What I mean is... I'm worried. Are you feeling sick?" You placed your hand gently atop his and he felt his face heat up.

'The worst incurable sickness that anyone has ever endured...' "No. I'm fine..."

VRRR VRRR

Tamaki's vibrating phone caused the whole group to fall silent and look at him.

"Uh... Hello?" He answered and you could clearly hear a high-pitched female voice on the other end. "H-hi... Izabel..." He mumbled in hushed tones and you weren't able to hide your displeasure before he saw it. "Uh-uhm!" He assumed you had deemed him incredibly rude for answering his phone at the dinner table. "I c-can't talk right now..." His posture shrank more with each passing moment. "We're uhm... out celebrating F/N's accomplishment." On the other line, you clearly heard her say:

"Why? She didn't get first place."

'Bitch...'  You thought.

"Neither did you." Tamaki replied defensively before remembering himself. You smiled at that. "Ah! I er- uhm... didn't mean-" He was interrupted by her annoyingly bubbly voice. Your grin suddenly disappeared when his face turned scarlet. "Uhm... s-sure. B-bye..."

BLIP

"What's with that face?!" Mirio's fascinated expression intensified.

"S-she... called me 'cutie'..."