Model Idol Combi: L is for the way you look at me

[jitensha]

[ it's a little awkward, being in a locker room and waiting for a certain someone to finish his primping. Even more embarrassing when 1/3 of his teammates knew you were there and teased you about peeking at shirtless guys.

This is, however, better than waiting outside where there were plenty of girls who were just leaving, because Makoto didn't wish to spend the afternoon fending off potential fans. For now, she's content to plunk down on a bench and sweep off her hat with a sigh. Maybe it smells too much like Sweaty Guy in here, but she'll endure it. ]

Comments

[jitensha]

[ When there's no response, not even a teasing wink or a casual comment, her expression turns vaguely puzzled. Maybe he's distracted? ]

Ryouta-kun?

[ex_doubly406]

[Not quite distracted enough that he's pulling his usual Bambi eyes routine. Enough though, that he looks a bit apologetic as he launches into what was going through his head.]

Hey Makocchi, I was thinking...

[That you looked pretty and I like you a lot. That you should stay with me even though I'm not the kind of guy who likes to settle down all the time, so you might end up waiting up for me a lot and...]

[jitensha]

[ It's not like him to pause, unless it's for dramatic effect. Even so, Makoto's not too terribly worried, if not a little concerned-- but she smiles anyway. ]

About what?

[ex_doubly406]

[A silence. Then he nods to himself.]

Want to get a sundae? My treat!

[jitensha]

Huh-- are you sure? Did you bring a hat today?

[ex_doubly406]

Nope! But you came all the way out to see me so I can't let you go back just like that!

[jitensha]

You don't have to treat me for it, though! I'm happy anywhere.

[ex_doubly406]

Huh? Anywhere? Even here?

[It's not a total mess but he's been to better places.]

[jitensha]

You're here, aren't you? So here's fine, too!

[ex_doubly406]

... I see.

[Getting up, he stretches himself out before grabbing his blazer and slinging his bag over his shoulder.]

Then how about I want to because I love you?

[jitensha]

[ in the process of rising from the bench she'd been perched on, mouth opening to answer him-- she suddenly can't. She stumbles, leaning heavily against a locker for balance, but the whole time, she can't tear her eyes away from him.

Had he really-- after years, even though she'd known he cared about her, had he actually...? ]

Love--?

[ex_doubly406]

[Whoa whoa whoa, she has a knack for unexpected reactions, doesn't she?

Either way he's by her side, hand on her shoulder to steady her.]

That was close, are you okay?

[And completely neglecting to answer her question. But does that even count as a question?]

[jitensha]

Y-yeah, I'm fine... [ more out of habit than needing support, she rests her hand on his. Her face feels a lot hotter than it has in ages, though. ] I-- you saying that, I just--

[ex_doubly406]

[Ahaha...]

I thought I'd try to make it cool but it didn't work out, huh...

[jitensha]

You said it a lot more calmly than I would have been able to...

[ex_doubly406]

Really? It was still embarrassing...

[A-Awkward silence...]

Um, I guess it was too much, sorry about that.

[jitensha]

... So I can't ask you to say it again?

[ex_doubly406]

Eh?

[Doesn't that mean she... No way no way, is this for real? He knows she likes him a lot, but seriously?]

I...

[jitensha]

I know it's embarrassing, so maybe it's a little selfish...

[ex_doubly406]

[Well, he can't turn back now. He turns his hand so that he can squeeze hers.]

I love you, Makocchi.

[jitensha]

[ there's so much she wants to say, with her hand in his, things like how she'd never expected it, how much she's loved him for years now, but she hadn't wanted to scare him away. She also wants to cry, at just how powerfully those words seize her.

What emerges instead is a shaky laugh, because even now, her feelings are threatening to overwhelm her. ]

I love you, too! Ryouta-kun, I love you so much!

[ex_doubly406]

[There's a shaky laugh of his own to match hers, and Makoto may have finally succeeded in making him blush.]

You had me hanging there, not saying I love you back after I said it.

[jitensha]

B-because you said it so casually that I thought maybe I'd imagined it!

[ex_doubly406]

But I'd be too nervous if I didn't do it like that! It's my first time saying it.

[jitensha]

... You were actually nervous?