Chapter Text
Yokozawa sat across from his friend with a look of dread and realization. "I-I.. Are you okay?" he asked with a very noticeable concerned tone. "I'm more than okay. It's just, the last name is different so... maybe his parent's got divorced or something? Which- I feel bad a bit if that's the reason. I mean, you know that I still hold a bit of resentment against him. We were together for a good while during a hard time of my life. Then he got up and left without an explanation, leaving me to slowly destroy myself..." Takano trailed as he and Yokozawa remembered how he was.
- - Flashback - -
Takano stood outside of one of the many campus buildings holding a half-lite cigarette while wishing he could just drink instead. Unfortunately, he can't because his parents had started pushing him to actually focus on his education. Since they kind of cut off his allowance - which sucks. You know he wouldn't be in this situation if they were an actual loving couple. Maybe he wouldn't have been so standoffish in high school, although it did lead him to his first love. But then that first love led him to a heartbreak and an even deeper depression. Sighing as he rubbed his fingers onto his head, ruffling and slightly tugging his hair as he looked around. Something caught his interest, which was a classmate who was trying desperately to calm a younger female that seemed distressed. 'Not my business.' he shrugged, about to go back to his sweet nicotine.
Until the guy loudly explained that he wasn't trying to be intimidating and was trying to get to class. "I'm just trying to get to class. I'm a bit late since I barely woke up less than 30 minutes ago. I promise that I wasn't trying to go after you." the dark-haired male explained as he tried desperately to soothe the young girl. He desperately looked around as he made eye contact with Takano, who raised one eyebrow in question. The other male somewhat visibly lightened up as he pointed towards the smoking male while stating, "He's a classmate in my class. He can vouch that we have class, well right now technically."
The unconvinced female turned around to look at the individual that was called out and saw Takano. She seemed immediately interested in said person as her eyes lit up with interest and a small flush coming to her face. "Well~, can you vouch for this person mister?" she purred while pointing her thumb towards the other male. Takano paused and raised his eyebrow once more with a look of disinterest and annoyance. He knows that he's seen the other male and was about to lie until he saw the individual hopefully looking towards him. Seeing the puppy eyes, Takano paused a moment longer as he nodded slowly.
The girl looked surprised as she nodded slowly. Turning back towards the accused, she apologized with a look of annoyance for him being there. Even though he literally was just accused of stalking her just moments ago. Shaking his head to get rid of an upcoming headache, he smiled towards Takano as he quickly made his way into the building.
Watching the other male enter the building, Takano had felt the urge to follow to know more about the individual. Shaking his head from the impulsive thought, he turned back to his cigarette but only came semi face-to-face with the girl. Who in turn looked at him like a piece of meat that she needed to have. "So... what's your name?" She asked while holding her hands behind her back and leaning slightly towards him. Instantly becoming annoyed, Takano replied with two words that made her walk (run) away, "I'm gay."
Finding himself once again alone and not liking or wanting the -almost out- cigarette in his hand, he dropped it into the cigarette stand next to the door. Walking back into the building and towards his class, where he still had 50 minutes left of, he walked back to his table that held another individual. And what do you know, it's the male from earlier. Who once again looked like he wanted to be sucked into the Earth, if how he avoided eye contact said anything.
Sitting back down into his seat and getting comfortable for a long lecture, he glanced (watched) towards his table mate. The guy seemed very invested in school. Based off his preparation for class by laying out a notebook with five different highlighters, two different colored pens, and three pencils. 'Overachiever I bet.' Takano guessed but he knew that he couldn't judge since all he had was his phone and cigarettes. Hey, college doesn't matter since he's just going to become an editor or writer. Well it does but this is just a required class. (It's theology.)
Focusing his attention back to the professor who quickly, and luckily, started the lecture about different types of religion within Japan itself but also in the surrounding countries. Takano had his interest somewhat caught, he may be an atheist but he likes being open-minded about others' religion. Turning his attention back towards his classmate, he noted how the other took notes efficiently while grabbing a highlighter to focus on different phrases or terms. But something on the other's notebook caught his attention and it was a side note written in blue ink and circled with the blue highlighter that said, "Knowing, understanding, and respecting different religions can bring up sales."
'Aaahhh. So he's a business major I'm betting. Kind of suits him, he already has that intimidating look with those scrunched eyebrows.' Takano's thoughts stopped as the observed male turned towards him. "Could you please quit looking at me. If you need notes, seeing as you don't have anything, you can take a picture of mine if you'd like." The demand slash suggestion had Takano freeze in his seat as he nodded his head. Whether in agreement to the demand or suggestion, the other didn't question as he turned back to the lecture. Scribbling down more notes as he squinted at the professor's next words. Takano didn't care to listen as his sole attention was on the male beside him.
After class, Takano slowly stood up and stretched as he waited to see what the other was going to do. Surprisingly he turned towards him and stuck out his hand. (It really isn't that surprising Takano.) "Yokozawa Takafumi." the other announced as he fidgeted slightly under the ongoing stare. Takano brought out his own hand and lightly shook the other's as he replied with his own, "Takano Masamune." The other nodded in acknowledgement as he grabbed his notebook. Which he then held out towards Takano, leading him to raise an eyebrow in question.
"You didn't take notes during class. And after watching me for quite some time, I'm assuming you need copies." Yokozawa explained with a slight furrow in his brows. "Oh. Well thanks but I don't really need notes." Takano waved off the other's growing confusion and skepticism. "So... Why were you watching me in class?" Takano let out a quick small laugh as he shook his head. "I didn't mean to stare for so long but I'm questioning why a girl confused you for following her before class?" He asked with amusement laced in his tone, wanting to laugh at the ever growing blush on the other's face. 'Huh.'
"Wh-What? I was just trying to get to class. Not my fault the sidewalks are so small and that I don't want to cut through the landscaping. People have no respect for the hard work it takes to keep a good environment. Besides, it's in the past. Nothing to worry about now." The slightly shorter male explained. Takano hummed as he shrugged his shoulders. "Indeed nothing to worry about, as long as it didn't go to the authorities or staff members." Yokozawa tensed at the comment but knew it was reasonable as the situation could have gotten worse. "Thanks. Anyways, I need to go home. Bye." Yokozawa stated as he left the classroom. Takano hummed as he slowly made his way home as well. Well not necessarily a home or house, but an apartment that serves its purpose. After getting tired of his heartbreak and parents, he decided that he needed his own place to be away from everything that reminded of his troubles.
Although he decided to make a quick stop by a convenience store to grab a case of beer. Having been reminded of his past, he didn't want to deal with it. Having paid for the memory-fogging liquor, he continued to his apartment in hopes to see Sorata. 'Poor thing, I need to feed him.' Only to see a group of college students leaving a karaoke bar from across the street. Some girls saw him and his bag. Urging one another to go and ask the hot guy from their class to join. Most do not have the courage, even with alcohol in their system, to do so. Takano was about to ignore him until a familiar face caught his attention. It was the guy- Yokozawa was it?- from his class that day. He looked sort of buzzed but also uncomfortable. Which was understandable with how a smaller figure was leaning against him.
Drunk Yokozawa had just wanted to go home until he was basically dragged to hang out with some friends. He will admit that it was fun even if he didn't sing or anything. The buzz was nice as well. He really needed to let loose but man is he really fucking horny. But his arousal has been off and on tonight and it's absolutely in the negatives with the girl hanging onto him. He respects her feelings but he had already told her that he doesn't feel the same. With her drunken persistence, he's really uncomfortable now. His once pleasant buzz has been quickly disappearing the more he wanted to escape.
Suddenly he felt a hand on his left bicep as he was then yanked towards a taller figure. Looking up towards his savior or kidnapper, he saw the guy from earlier that day. "Takano-san." He whispered as the other male held him firmly beside him. "Sorry, I think I'll be stealing this one now. He needs to come with me for a project that's due." Hearing the excuse, Yokozawa was both grateful and confused as to why he must go with Takano. Until he heard a drunken voice behind him whining, "But Takafumiii, we still have the whole night ahead of us." Hearing the click of heels approaching, Yokozawa tensed in the other's arms slightly.
Takano sensing how tense Yokozawa had gotten had taken a step back with the other following as the claws of a small and feminine hand had barely missed the jacket of the shorter male. "Sorry. Well, not sorry actually. It's very important that we have this taken care of. You guys have a great evening." The taller replied with a small scowl as he essentially dragged the other towards his apartment.
Not wanting to speak just yet, Yokozawa allowed the others to guide him wherever. For some reason, feeling pretty safe with the other as he let his mind drag behind him. Although he knew he had to be courteous and, once again, thankful for the other's presence. Feeling a rush of drunk confidence, a small 'thank you' had escaped his lips. Takano seemed to have heard him as the other slightly paused but continued once more.
Being curious as to where they're going, Yokozawa asked the other who explained that they're going to his apartment. Yokozawa just nodded absentmindedly, his brain was still sort of foggy but he knew he'll be okay. Which is weird. He doesn't know the person holding his hand that well.
Getting to the apartment, Takano grabbed out his keys to open the door and immediately smiled, feeling a small body rubbing against his calves. Hearing the small meow from the figure, he let go of the other and bent to grab the feline. Meanwhile, Yokozawa had been awed by the size of the apartment and the new individual somewhat introduced. Takano continued into the apartment and noticed he didn't hear another pair of footsteps. Turning to see Yokozawa somewhat gawking at the entrance. At what? He didn't really care. Instead he told Yokozawa to enter and to be sure to remove his shoes.
Yokozawa slowly nodded as he stumbled slightly to take off his shoes. Can you blame him? He's slightly buzzed and this apartment is so much nicer than his own. This one actually had separate rooms and not just one big one with a bathroom. It even had closets and two bedrooms. Feeling slightly jealous and intrigued at the new location, he took his time towards the room that Takano had left. 'Not the best host.' Yokozawa noted in his mind.
Entering what seems to be the living room, Yokozawa saw Takano sitting on the floor while playing with the small cat. "How old are they?" he asked while putting down his bag next to the couch he sat on. It seemed like too much to try and sit down on the floor with the other. "He's just turning two years old. He's more of a teen right now." Takano responded with the cat nibbling on his finger. “Aaahhh. And his name?" Yokozawa asked. "It's Sorata," Takano replied.
The two sat in a semi-comfortable silence with each other, the kitten having crawled up Takano's shoulder and into Yokozawa's lap. Whom absentmindedly rubbed the cat's temple. Takano moved to grab his drink while offering some to Yokozawa who took it with a small nod and thanks. The two drank in silence until Yokozawa had started to complain about the company he was with earlier that day. "I mean.. She's nice but I have already tried to explain that I like guys more than women. We're not that close so it felt uncomfortable even telling her. But she insisted that I just haven't found a good woman."
Takano paused slightly at the response as he commented with a slight slur, "Isn't that technically sexual assault?" The slightly younger male shrugged. "It's not like anyone would believe me anyways." Both continued drinking with a change in atmosphere. Takano broke it with his own story from the morning. “The lady that had accused you of harassing or following her had tried to hit on me this morning as well. Luckily, I squash her hopes with a quick reply that I’m gay. You should have seen her face drop,” Takano chuckled.
Yokozawa looked at the other in surprise as a laugh made its way out of his throat. Finally calmed down, he rubbed the tears from his eyes as he made eye contact with the other male. Who had smiled from seeing the other laughing in joy. Making a small joke, “I’m glad my pain had amused you.” “Well you had found amusement in mine, I do not doubt.” Yokozawa replied while leaning back into the chair.
Feeling bold, Yokozawa commented, “I didn’t know you were gay.” “You didn’t ask.” Takano replied while laying onto the floor. “How did you know?” the younger asked. “I've known since junior high. It was because I didn’t find interest in the other girls. Never found interest in their bodies going into high school. But I found myself staring at other males when changing for P.E. in my second year.” Takano replied while recounting his sexual orientation discovery.
Yokozawa sat on the couch as he nodded to the other. Feeling like he needs to recuperate the action, he told his own discovery. “Mine was in high school when I figured out that I had a crush on my friend. I never told him but I think he had a feeling. We slowly grew distant throughout our last year and I didn’t care enough to fix the gap. But seeing him graduate and being happy made me realize that maybe it was for the best.” Yokozawa confessed as he took some more sips of his beer.
Takano laid in silence on the floor as his drunken mind wished to tell the tale of his own story. Though can you blame him when in his drunk stupor, he lets the words spill out of him.
“I had a lover back in junior year of high school. We met a few times before in the library. He told me that he had fallen in love with me when I helped him get a book from a shelf. That he proceeded to get books after me to learn my name instead of asking. He confessed to me when I helped once again a year or two after our first meeting.
We dated after but thinking about it, I don’t know if it could be considered dates. We didn’t do what ‘normal’ teenagers did when dating. We usually hung out in the school library, walked home with each other, and little things. Hardly going to each other’s houses and when we did for the first time, it was at my house. Funny enough, it was also our first time with each other. He confessed again once after and asked if I loved him too. I chuckled out of nervousness, embarrassment, and also from the stupidity of it. We just had sex and he asks if I loved him? I wasn’t social with anyone else and kept to myself. He wishes to know if I loved him when I broke down to him before and told him things that nobody else knew. I mean what the hell.
He ran out of the room after and I never saw him again. I tried searching for him throughout the school - even doing the whole checking the book logs for his name. When I asked around, they said that there was no one by the name or that they didn’t know. To make it worse, things at home got worse and I was more alone during the hardest time of my life.
And now, I’m rambling to someone who doesn’t even care and that’s going to leave eventually.” Takano finished with his arms over his head, tears stinging his eyes as some left.
Meanwhile, Yokozawa sat still during the whole confession and only moved to lay down next to the other male. He knew words wouldn’t work right now, he’s been there. Not to the extent that Takano has been through but he could understand how that would affect someone. Feeling weird about not giving more comfort though, Yokozawa laid his hand upon the other’s shoulder and started to massage it.
“I… I may not fully understand, but I don’t think I want to leave anytime soon. It seems like you need someone, and as much as I don’t think it’s appropriate to say right now- I like your company. For some odd reason, I feel comfortable around you.” Yokozawa confessed with a slur in his voice, his own drunken thoughts escaping him.
Takano sniffed slightly as he uncovered his eyes to look at the other male, smiling slightly. “Thanks. Sorry for blabbering. I think I just needed to tell someone.” Yokozawa nodded in agreement as the two continued to lay on the floor.
Slowly and without either thinking much of it, they had gotten closer physically to the point of cuddling. Feeling comfortable with one another’s presence, the two slightly drunk males fell asleep.
The next morning, they had woken up with hangovers and the need to hide away from the sunlight. Luckily they had no classes so they spent the day together. Takano lets Yokozawa use his shower and borrow some clothes. Which he will not admit that seeing the shorter male in his clothes did tug at some of his heart strings. ‘I cannot be thinking that way of the first friend I’ve made in a long time.’ Takano chastised himself as he looked in the fridge for breakfast.
The day was spent eating together, chatting, questions, answers, movies, bickering, and finally a departure. Yokozawa stood at the door as he tugged at the bag strap on his shoulder, turning to say goodbye to the other male. To which the other seemed a little skittish as he quickly hugged the shorter male. “Thanks once again. I feel better. I still want to drink now though.” Yokozawa glared at the other from the mention of alcohol. “To prevent you from being an alcoholic, we need to see if you could last a week without it. I mentioned this before you know.”
Takano slightly winced at the other’s tone as he nodded in acknowledgement. “I guess I’ll see you later?” Yokozawa let a sincere smile come to his face as he nodded. “See you later.”
- - End of Flashback- -
From then on, the two males got along more and more. Takano had stopped drinking so much and in return, Yokozawa had slowed down on smoking. Then Yokozawa couldn’t afford his apartment that well and Takano didn’t want to leave Sorata alone most of the time. So, the only “logical” solution they came up with was to move in with one another. Getting to know each other more intimately, Takano soon realized he had fallen for his friend. Although he wishes to not ruin his friendship, it’s been kept hidden to his best ability.
Finding a job, Yokozawa had started working at Marukawa Publishing sooner than Takano. It was only when Takano had started to dislike his job and the strenuous hours did he take Yokozawa’s offer for the shoujou department. It was strange at first but he quickly got the hang of it and working with Yokozawa made things simple. Until Yokozawa moved out from having to “deal” with Takano both at home and work. To which, Takano confesses that he took offense and gave the other a much harder time at work. He was not that bad at work or even at home.
Now, the two are still close but Takano misses the closeness that was once there. While Yokozawa also does, to a lesser extent, he takes it with stride. Work takes up much of their time anyways. Hardly getting to eat with each other or to even talk with one another about things that weren’t about work. Though they eat lunch or even dinner with one another when time permits it.
Yokozawa even got along with his other coworker, Kirishima Zen. Who is a bit weird and somewhat flirty sometimes. He was great at his work and advice. Yokozawa can have some respect for him- even during the times when he wished to choke the other. Though Takano disliked the older male for his flirting with his friend, he kept it professional.
Right now, Takano wished he didn’t have to see his ex at work. Groaning as he puts his head down on the table. Wishing for a drink. Although he’s sure that Yokozawa would keep him away from alcohol during this time. “What should I do?” Takano questioned with a kicked puppy look. Yokozawa wished he could give some great advice to his friend but he didn’t have a great answer besides, “Not much. Just teach him and keep things professional.”