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Like always, the ramen bar was busy, the chatter from various customers filling up the area. It’d usually be welcome, a familiar place to just wash away the day’s worries, but today it only made everything worse.
Seated across from Ryuji, Yusuke pinched his eyebrows together as he stared at the menu, clearly annoyed by the whole situation.
“You, uh… you usually get the Tonkotsu.” Ryuji supplied. Helpfully.
Yusuke just looked at him doubtfully, before sighing and placing the menu to the side. “Very well. I suppose I will try it.” He moved to ring a waiter.
It wasn’t usually like this. Usually, they’d arrive at the restaurant, quickly place their orders, and eagerly chat about their day (in Ryuji’s case) or the latest thing that caught their eye (in Yusuke’s). At least, until their food arrived. But no, Ryuji just had to not notice a stray attack coming his way, and Yusuke just had to take the hit for him. And now it appears he’s lost part of his memory, even though they’ve tried countless amrita showers, hiranyas, and paper fans.
Ugh.
At least Ryuji had a floor mat he could sleep on, and his mom was cool with him bringing over a friend. There was no way he was letting Yusuke go back to the dorms like this. Especially not without a meal.
So now, here they were, sitting awkwardly in the restaurant, with Ryuji alternating between awkwardly looking at Yusuke and glancing at his phone for any new texts, and Yusuke just glaring at him- oh, wait, now he’s swapped to looking at the paintings hung on the wall, the ones he always glances at when he’s not talking to Ryuji, or sketching. Huh, so that hasn’t changed…
As usual, the food came quickly, the clattering of the two bowls drawing the boys’ attention back to the table. And it did not disappoint. Each bowl was stacked full with noodles, fresh toppings and meat, and savory broth. And it smelled heavenly.
Yusuke stared at it like it was some kind of treasure, like it was from one of those golden chests that Akira always unlocked with his fancy moves. Which he hasn’t done after the first 3 times he came here… right, the amnesia. And if Ryuji’s memory was right, he needed to give him a little prompt. Unfortunately.
“Dude, go ahead. It’s all yours.”
He glanced up at Ryuji, doubtfully, before looking back at the bowl.
“Thank you for the food.”
“It’s nothing.”
Ryuji picks up his chopsticks. In front of him, Yusuke has already started scarfing down his bowl. Kinda like the first time he came here, huh. Good to know he still enjoyed it.
The walk back home was… something. Ryuji, knowing the way home like the back of his hand, had somehow ended up giving an impromptu tour to a somewhat-more-willing Yusuke. Which, to be fair, if a random stranger brought him to that ramen bar, he would also be pretty willing to follow them down unfamiliar streets. Even if they talked their ass off about the one vending machine that’s always run out of iced tea, or the old lady that feeds all the stray pigeons in the neighbourhood, or that one apartment that leaves the brightest shirts imaginable out to dry.
Ugh, he really needed to stop running his mouth. Especially when he got nervous, and especially around Yusuke. At least, Yusuke seemed to appreciate the apartment thing, framing the few shirts facing the setting sun with his fingers, a small smile popping up on his face as he muttered a soft “how fascinating”.
Ryuji brought his hands to his face. Yusuke was currently using the shower, which meant that Ryuji now had time to clean up his room, and now that he somehow managed to make his room look presentable and sweep the floor and take out the floor mat and put the sheets on it and even change into his pajamas, he now had time to question his decisions.
See, him offering his place to Yusuke was a very… spur of the moment thing. Which, yes, is how he does most things these days, but this was different. Now, he’s dealing with a Yusuke that wasn’t used to him, one that, if he was being honest, looked at him like he expected him to cause a scene at any moment. Which, admittedly, wasn't the most inaccurate thing he’s ever heard, but still…
It sucks. It sucks, because recently, despite everything, Ryuji’s found himself acting more impulsively around Yusuke. And well, by recently, he really means months. He just can’t help himself, he really can’t. And while Yusuke isn’t usually bothered by it (in fact, Ryuji has a suspicion that he likes it), now that he’s lost his memory… it really messes things up. Ryuji doesn’t need to be good at math to know that the amnesia, combined with his impulsivity, can’t end well.
But apparently, that’s not enough to stop him from offering his place at the very first opportunity. And now he’s stuck, with Yusuke about to enter his room at any time, in… well, his pajamas, and instead of commenting about the colours on it or the use of pattern of some arty stuff, he’s going to lie down on the bed, probably pretending that Ryuji doesn’t exist, while Ryuji sleeps on the floor and pretends that nothing is happening. And while he had imagined this similar situation about a thousand times, most of them ending in a way that would keep him from trying if he had enough self-restraint, none of them were as soul-crushing as an alternative where Yusuke acts like he doesn’t know him.
He’s got it bad. He knows this, has known for a while. Ann always tells him he needs to confess, but he doesn’t see the point. Dude probably has a ton of admirers, with how pretty and charming he is. And he knows himself well enough to know they’re all better picks. There’s just no way it’d work out.
His heel bounces rapidly against the floor. Shit.
He grips his leg, forcing it to stay still. As if on cue, Yusuke quickly enters his room, now dressed in pajamas he barely recognizes as his own. He quickly removes his hands, praying that Yusuke hasn’t noticed. Knowing him, he probably did.
Yusuke looks quizzically at him. Ryuji looks back, before forcing himself to speak. He hopes that the other boy doesn’t pick up on his strained voice.
“You can use the bed.”
Yusuke frowns. Shit, he was always good at reading him, wasn’t he. Guess that didn’t change with the memory loss, did it.
“You’ve done a lot for me. I can’t possibly let you sleep on the floor.”
“Okay, but you’re a guest. So… you get the bed.”
“Please. I’m accustomed to sleeping on the floor. I insist.”
“Dude, that’s…” Ryuji sighed. He had his suspicions, but… shit. He really slept on the ground regularly? “That’s besides the point. Just take the goddamn bed.”
Yusuke looked at him, before turning away. “Fine. If that’s what it takes to come to a conclusion.”
So Ryuji makes his way to the mat, slipping under the covers. He frowns. The floor is hard. And kinda cold. Good thing he runs pretty warm, but still…
Yusuke’s voice distracts him. “I must thank you. You’ve done a lot for me”
“Dude, seriously, don’t worry about it,” he mumbles. “That’s just what friends do.”
“Still, your care was excellent. I… greatly appreciate it.”
“Well, glad to know I’m a good caretaker.”
“I cannot deny that.”
Heat flooded his face. He turned away from Yusuke, thanking the gods above that he can’t see his face.
“T-thanks, man.”
“You’re welcome.”
Minutes pass. The mat got warmer, and Ryuji swore his back was adjusting to the solid surface of the ground. Turns out it’s actually not that bad, at least after a while. Now, if only his mind could quiet down, so he could actually fall asleep-
“-Ryuji.”
Ryuji blinks. Wait, was that his imagination, or was… was Yusuke calling him?
“Ryuji, are you still awake?”
Oh. That answers it. “Y-yeah? What’s up?”
“I wanted to thank you for today.”
Ryuji blinked. “...You’ve already said that.”
Silence. And then, a soft chuckle. “I suppose I have. Still, I believe it bears repeating.”
“Dude, it’s nothing.” Immediately, Ryuji turned onto his side, away from Yusuke, trying to not replay that in his mind. He groaned softly as his side met the floor. Shit, it was pretty hard, wasn’t it.
He could hear the sheets rustling from the bed. What… Ryuji turned back towards the sound, bracing himself for the contact of the floor. A second later, Yusuke looked over from the bed and frowned.
“Ryuji, are you comfortable down there?”
“Yeah.” The words were out of his mouth before he knew it. “Really. I’m fine.”
Yusuke’s expression didn’t change. “I believe there’s enough space on the bed for the both of us.”
“Dude, I just said I’m fin-”
“I insist.”
Ryuji paused. He really was fine down here, he just needed to get used to the hard floor and not shift around. That’s it! But Yusuke was looking at him with that expression, the one that said that he wasn’t changing his mind, no matter what anyone said.
This was a bad idea. A really bad idea. Sharing a bed with his crush, who didn’t exactly remember him, there was no way that this was a good idea. But still, Ryuji found himself slipping out from under his covers, walking a few steps to the bed, and slotting himself right next to Yusuke.
Their elbows clashed. Ryuji quickly pulled his arm towards him.
Yusuke didn’t seem to notice. Or care. Instead, he slowly turned to Ryuji.
“You didn’t shower.”
His voice rang in Ryuji’s ears. Shit, he was right. He usually showered in the mornings… and now he’s sharing a bed with his crush. Unshowered. Great, just great.
“I… I’ll move back to the floor.”
“Don’t. It’s fine.”
Ryuji raised his eyebrows at that. “Alright. But only cause you said so.”
A pause. The silence roars in Ryuji’s ears. Then, Yusuke smiled. “Alright. Well, in that case, goodnight, Ryuji.”
“G-goodnight.”
Yusuke turns over and stills, almost impossibly quick. Ryuji swallowed nervously. After all this time, he can never expect what the other boy will say. Ugh, he might as well try to get some sleep. Sleep, and not think about how he’ll bump into Yusuke if he moves a few inches back-
He wasn’t going to sleep well tonight, was he.
The downside of sleeping with his crush is that Ryuji finds himself woken up by small things, things that he could and would normally just sleep through. Probably the leftover jitters, or some dumb crap like that. Case in point: when he next finds his eyes opening, the sun has barely risen, but his bladder’s complaining pretty heavily.
Ugh, fine, maybe he will get up for a minute.
One quick trip to the bathroom later, and he finds himself ready to return to bed. Well, that is, until he smells something familiar. Food… wait, grilled salmon?
He looks at the kitchen. Standing there is Yusuke, tending to a few pots and pans. Their rice cooker is sitting on the countertop next to him, instead of in the corner next to the fridge.
Ryuji rubbed his eyes. Yusuke was still there, frowning slightly as he stared at a pan.
Alright, guess it wasn’t a hallucination caused by his sleep-deprived self. He went back into the washroom, splashed some cold water on himself, before approaching Yusuke.
Turns out he wasn’t just cooking salmon and rice, but also miso soup and rolled omelettes. At 6 in the morning. And Ryuji’s breakfast usually was just a piece of bread he stuffed in his mouth right before he ran to the trains in the morning.
Yusuke turned around, pausing slightly as he saw Ryuji.
“Ah, Ryuji. Good morning. Your mother told me I was free to use the kitchen, so I decided to help myself. She’ll be back in a bit. Still, I thought you would still be sleeping.”
“Same.” He stepped into the kitchen, slotting himself between Yusuke and the countertop. None of the fish stuck to the pan, unlike Ryuji’s own attempts at cooking. So he was pretty as hell, and he could cook like a pro. Damn, life really was unfair. “I didn’t know you could cook.”
“It’s not a skill I often use. But yes, it is one I do have.”
Ryuji looked at him. He seemed at ease. Like he was no longer expecting Ryuji to just cause a scene at any given moment. Wait a second…
“Hey, did you regain your memory?”
“I did, indeed.” He smiled to himself. “Once again, I must thank you for taking care of me. I am… unsure of what would have happened if I was left by myself.”
“Dude. How many times do I have to say it? It was nothing.” He huffed. He really wished this guy didn’t have to thank him so many times, for something so basic. “I mean, I’m pretty sure the others would have done the same thing.”
“That may be true. However, I’m not sure they would have done as well of a job as you.”
“I dunno about that. Like, have you seen Haru? I swear, if she found a bird with a broken wing, she’d try to nurse it back to health if she could.”
“I suppose Haru does appear to have the disposition of a caregiver. However, she wouldn’t have thought to bring me to a ramen place, much less one I have previously enjoyed. I presume I also wouldn’t have enjoyed her company as much either…” He frowned, lost in thought, before something caught his eye. “Ah, excuse me, the salmon is about to burn.”
Ryuji froze. Wait, what? What did he just say? Without warning, Yusuke reached over to the right, jolting Ryuji back into reality, and also into the countertop.
“Dude, I- man, what are you doing?”
“Flipping the salmon.” He paused, before looking at Ryui. “Ah, sorry. Was that not enough of a warning?” He flipped over the salmon effortlessly.
“No? Like, I mean, the… the thing you just said!”
“The…” Yusuke frowned, in thought. “Ah, right, about Haru’s company. I don’t find her company poor, but rather… I must admit, I’ve found myself enjoying your company much more.”
“I…” He blinked, replaying the words in his brain. “Dude, you can’t just say that.” Actually, scratch that. He totally could, and apparently would, because he was Yusuke. “Or at least, drop that on someone before telling them to move.”
“Why not? It’s simply how I feel.”
“Well, like, you know… they might get the wrong idea.” Like he was starting to get. As if Yusuke could ever be interested in him as more than just friends.
“I see.” He leans away from Ryuji, facing the eggs. He flips them over, slower than the fish. “Would that bother you?”
“I mean… yeah. I guess.” He looked up at Yusuke. His bangs hid his expression. Ryuji’s mouth felt dry. “Like, I mean, we’re not dating or anything, so… you know. What if a girl’s interested in you, but backs off cause she thinks you’re… like, taken or something?”
“I can assure you nothing like that has happened before.” He huffed, shaking his head, as he turned his attention to the miso soup. “Surely, if someone was interested in me, they would let me know outside of Valentine’s chocolates.”
“Damn, you get chocolates?” Well, of course. He was very nice to look at. And very endearing. And extremely talented. He had to have a lot of admirers. Still, the thought stung Ryuji. “Dude, I only get pity chocolate from my mom...”
“Really. That’s a shame.” He shook his head. “I’d have thought you’d have more admirers. You would make a great boyfriend. You’re attentive, friendly, and extremely well meaning. You may be loud, but after a while, it’s clear that it stems from you caring. Anyone would be lucky to have you as a partner.”
Ryuji felt his face go red. Fuck, Yusuke needed to stop saying stuff like this. Sooner or later, he was going to get a heart attack and it would all be his fault.
“...Ryuji?” Yusuke has turned toward him, concern in his eyes. Shit was he expecting a response? “Did I say something wrong?”
“Nope! Nothing at all!” He turned away, instinctively, heat flaring in his cheeks.
“Are you sure?” he paused, before stepping closer towards Ryuji. Ryuji stepped backwards, into the counter. Cause of course, the counter just had to be there. “Oh. Did I embarrass you?.”
“Dude, personal space. Please.” He didn’t dare turn his head, or face Yusuke. At least, not until Yusuke backed off. His blush probably reached his cheeks by now. Dammit.
“I apologize. I was merely trying to state the truth.”
“Dude, you’re, like, going to make me think you like me. Or something like that.” Ryuji muttered, crossing his arms. He looked down, trying to ignore how hot his face felt. Huh, a stray string popped out from his sleeve.
“Well… I suppose I am pretty fond of you.”
Ryuji’s world froze. Did he just… no. There was no way he just said that. He had to be sleeping, and this had to be a dream. None of this could be real.
“What?” Ryuji paused. “Why me? Why not anyone else?”
“Well, as I’ve stated before, you have a great heart and you care deeply for those around you. I suppose it was inevitable.”
Ryuji slowly turned his face towards the other boy. Yusuke looked at him earnestly.
“You… you really mean it?”
“Yes.” He exhaled, blinking, before quickly averting his eyes. “Although, it’s fine if you do not return my feelings. I am… aware that you prefer those of the female gender.”
“No! That’s not… I also like guys.” Ryuji inhaled deeply, clenching his fists. They shook against his sides. “Including you. I really like you. Have been, for a while. Yeah.”
For a second, the sound of the stove sizzling was all Ryuji could hear, alongside his own heartbeat. Then, Yusuke spoke.
“Oh. Is that so?” Slowly, Yusuke chuckled, before smiling softly, meeting Ryuji’s gaze once again. “ Perhaps we ought to go out, then.”
“Yeah.” He blinked, slowly registering what just happened. He… he was going out with his crush? For real? Hell yeah! “Yeah, dude, that would be great. Really great.”
“I agree. I must admit, I would be honored to be your boyfriend.”
Ryuji couldn’t help himself from grinning, ear-to-ear. This had to be the best day of his life. Holy shit. He pushed himself away from the countertop, ignoring his nerves as he made his way towards Yusuke (his now-boyfriend, for real). He couldn’t believe it. It was like a dream, only that, well, it was real.
Wait, what was that strong smell in the air? It almost smelled like… burnt food? He looked down at the stove, in horror.
“Shit, Yusuke! The salmon! Is the stove still on?”
“Oh. It is. Excuse me.” He frowned, quickly turning off the stove and flipping the salmon over. The omelettes too. The rolled omelettes appeared fine, but the salmon…well, admittedly, it was a little charred. Still definitely still edible, though. Nonetheless, Yusuke appeared displeased with the result, frowning slightly as he poked the dish.
“Hey, Yusuke, it’s fine. I’ll still eat it, you know.”
Yusuke shook his head in response. “I cannot allow that to happen. I’ll eat it.”
“Dude, I eat stuff like this all the time. It’s okay.”
“I cannot allow my significant other to do such a thing.” He huffed, before pulling out two bowls. “Go sit down at the table.”
Ryuji paused, before sighing. “Fine. But next time you’re getting the better portion.”
He made his way over to the table and sat down, straining his neck to see what Yusuke was up to. A second later, Yusuke followed, carrying a bowl of miso soup and rice, topped with rolled omelette. He placed them down in front of Ryuji, before going back, and returning with his own portion.
It was… well, Ryuji’s never had a breakfast like this, made for him. Sure, he’s tried making something similar for his mom once, only for everything to be burnt, but other than that, he’s a toast and cereal kinda guy. But after today? Holy shit, it smelt so good, he wasn’t sure if he could go back to his bread.
“Hey Yusuke… thanks for this. You really didn’t have to.”
“It was my pleasure.” He smiled softly, turning to Ryuji. “Besides, you are my boyfriend. I believe that I am supposed to treat you.”
Ryuji couldn’t help but blush. “Heh, can’t deny that you’re doing that right now. But alright, let’s eat!”
It sure was a way to spend their first day together as a couple. But honestly, Ryuji wouldn’t have it any other way. Now, he had an amazing teammate, who was both extremely talented, endearing, and just beautiful as a boyfriend! Plus, he could cook, at least when he wasn’t distracted by love confessions. And, well, if he was being honest, Ryuji wouldn’t trade him for the world.