cttro
~
"This place is practically a shrine to your games, Kenma. Kuroo will have a fit if he sees this!" Etsuko's voice echoed from upstairs as she moved from room to room. Four out of five rooms were filled to the brim with game consoles, machines, and other gaming paraphernalia that Kenma had collected over the years.
"You told me we were just coming here to check out the place, not that you'd already bought it and moved all your stuff in!" Etsuko's voice bounced off the walls, her irritation clear.
Kenma sank into the sofa, exhaustion evident in his posture. "I wanted to tell you, but you've been so busy with our new project. I didn't want to add to your stress."
"Then why bring me here if you'd already made up your mind?" Etsuko asked, her tone softening as she approached the sofa. "Hm?"
Kenma shifted, making room for her. "Because I wanted your opinion."
Etsuko looked at him, a knowing smile on her face. "Is that the only reason?"
"Well..."
She gently squeezed his hand, encouraging him to continue. "Kenma."
"Alright." He ran a hand through his hair, leaning closer to her. Etsuko blushed as he placed his hand over hers. "I want you to live here with me."
Etsuko blinked in surprise. "I'm sorry, what?"
Kenma grinned, his eyes never leaving hers. "I didn't phrase that well, did I?"
"That's one way to put it," Etsuko agreed, nodding.
"You're almost done with your apartment lease, right? And you haven't found a new place yet. So..."
Etsuko swallowed nervously, already anticipating his next words.
"If you're okay with it, you can stay here. We used to live together during university, after all. I just thought I could return the favor. If, of course, you're comfortable living with me."
His gaze was soft, sincere. He meant every word.
"I don't mind living here with you, Kenma. I really don't." His face lit up at her words, but quickly fell when she added, "But..."
"But?"
"But it's different now. Back then, we were just friends. There were no romantic feelings involved." She explained, "Right now, we're still figuring out what to do with these... feelings. It's not right for a man and a woman with no clear relationship to live under the same roof—"
"Etsuko."
She stopped, slightly annoyed at being interrupted. "Yes?"
"When you say 'we're still figuring out what to do with these feelings', does that mean you also have..." His eyes lit up, as if he'd just discovered a vital clue in a mystery case.
"Well, I... I mean— yeah? Maybe? I don't know— Kenma? What's wrong?" She asked, seeing his reaction.
Kenma covered his face, hiding his embarrassment. "I'm fine. I'm just... really happy." he looked up at her, his gaze intense. "You're beautiful."
The atmosphere shifted. Etsuko couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something had definitely changed. One thing was for sure, though. There was no turning back now.
God. Are we doing it? Already?
His gaze fell on her lips. He press his hand against her cheeks, softly caressing his thumb against her cheekbone.
