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]

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?

[ex_doubly406]

Eh? Isn't it obvious?

[Why is she so surprised about that?]

If it turns out I'm the only one who feels this way it's pretty disheartening, right?

[jitensha]

It's not like I don't understand that feeling... but how could you think I wouldn't love you?

I mean, I had the hardest time not telling you for so long...

[ex_doubly406]

Wait, doesn't that mean you...

[Come to think of it, he's always thought that she really likes him. He's stopped taking it for granted-- as something that's bound to happen since it's him-- but it's always been obvious.

Then... ugh, it feels like he got carried away and forgot the details. He's just going to put his hand to his face and groan because suddenly this feels ten times more embarrassing than before.]

[jitensha]

[ That's certainly not helping Makoto feel any less flustered. It's a wonder steam hasn't started rising from her face yet. ]

I've-- um, I've been in love with you for years now. Saying that sort of thing might have been a burden on you, though, and I know you don't like being forced to someone else's pace, s-so-- I fought it down for as long as I could?

[ex_doubly406]

[And this is all happening in a locker room, wow.

Locker room where Kise is standing there having no idea what to say to that. Could it be that he's actually been an idiot this whole time? But there was no way he'd want to assume that much.]

Aah, this is... [A very awkward and forced laugh.]

[jitensha]

Sorry! I tried to tone it down, and it still seems like I'm coming on too strong...