Strange and stranger.

edxtor-in-chxef-takano

The author listened intently to the other’s words. He sighed as he heard that Takano hadn’t had much sleep - he almost felt protective over the brunet, although they barely knew each other. Needless to say, Audrey had a habit of caring for others even if they didn’t ask for it. 

“Ah, I see,” he commented with a shake of the head - he felt guilty, in a way, knowing he wasn’t the most punctual writer. At the next word of the editor, Audrey gave a short, amused chuckle. “It’s fine. I think it was worth the wait.” His tone was soft and his words seemed to spring from a place of total understanding. “Although I missed you around the coffee shop. You were a nice distraction.” 

Takano gave a quiet chuckle, "A distraction from what?" He asked almost without thinking. Without any idea if he was asking about anything too sensitive the words slipped past his lips.

Distraction... was Takano distracted right now? What was he distracted from? What...? Oh!

Takano elicited a little gasp when he remembered and he then had to stifle a yawn, "Hey, Audrey, you wanna do me a huge favor?" He began, leaning forward on the couch. It was odd, but for some reason Takano's seemingly hardly beating heart leapt up to his throat as he began the question. He didn't normally ask people on legitimate dates. Well okay it's not like it'd be a date-date but--

His breath got caught as he started prepping himself to handle such a forward request.

Strange and stranger.

edxtor-in-chxef-takano:

Audrey let his hand pat the small head of his cat as he grinned with the look of a mad fool on his face. The expression faltered for a moment as he heard the other’s voice. Takano sounded tired. And as much as the author wanted to hold against the brunet the fact he made him wait… Perhaps Takano had had a week worse than Audrey anticipated. He gave a low chuckle as the other mentioned he was not that forgetful. In all honesty, ‘scatter brained’ was the last thing Audrey thought about the brunet. 

“I’ve been good, made some fair progress on the novel. You sound tired. Hard week?” He asked, a tinge of worry colouring his tone. 

Takano felt a bit embarrassed. The way Audrey talked... he kind of sounded like he cared? Takano hadn't even gotten that growing up from his mom, how was he supposed to reply to that now?

"I...." he hesitated a moment, trying to collect even a stray thought in his blurry mind, "Yeah. Author was late with her manuscripts. I haven't slept in a while," he admitted, a yawn forcing passed his chapped lips without his concent.

He let his head fall on his hand as he kept talking, "I hope I didn't keep you waiting very long to see if I'd message," Takano mumbled, subtly showing the vulnerability of guilt. Normally, he definitely wasn't the kind to apologize, but sleep fogged his mind enough to take down a few of his walls.

Strange and stranger.

Audrey’s fingers moved nimbly as he typed in the newest chapter from the novel, a cat curled up in his lap and purring softly. He made a habit out of putting his phone on silent mode when he wrote in order to minimize distractions. An hour later, when he finished writing, he noticed he had received a text from an unknown number. His eyebrows were brought together in a curious expression. As he read the small letters, a darling smile formed on his lips and he released a soft chuckle. 

“Of course I remember,” he mumbled, quickly tapping on his phone. He raised the phone to his ear and waited for a reply. When he heard the call being answered he voiced in a gentle tone: “I thought you forgot about me, to be honest.” 

Fuck! It's ringing! Why is it ringing? Takano nearly dropped his phone when it started playing the marimba chime. He fumbled to keep it in his hands and lightly tapped the answer symbol on his screen.

The voice that played made his heart warm-- as well as pound faster than the speed of light.

"Hah... I'm not that scatter brained," he chuckled. His voice was heavy, drowned in exhaustion. It broke and cracked because he'd been barking all week and the toll was upon him now.

It suddenly became very clear to Takano that he hadn't really asked anyone on a formal date in almost ten years. He gulped. What does one do? Should he just get right to it? He closed his eyes trying to think before finally croaking, "Uh... how've you been?"

Fanfic: So they’re at their new office jobs

me: mhm okay

Fanfic: But get this

me: UHUH

Fanfic: They haven’t seen each other in FIVE YEARS

me:

Y’all ever heard of sekai Ichi hatsukoi

Strange and stranger.

edxtor-in-chxef-takano:

He almost tripped as he looked back and saw the brunet still watching him. A blush decorated the author’s cheeks and he had to force himself to not smile. After his meeting with the editor, his life continued as normal. He didn’t see the brunet at the coffee shop anymore and he didn’t know if that was a good thing or not. Getting attached so easily to people couldn’t be good. 

The author seemed distracted the next few days. Usually not one to check his phone a lot, he found himself doing just that. Aside from the fact he got a lecture from his editor, now he had to live with the agony of never knowing if Takano was indeed going to call him. Hopeful, usually, Audrey did keep on believing it would happen, but after a week he gave up that line of thought. 

Hell week hit and it hit hard. Takano was surviving completely off of caffeine and he was basically barely awake. Once a month this was his suffering. Barking orders and pulling all nighters in an office full of men who he knew for a fact just wanted to go home. This was the part of his job he hated.

As a result over the next few days, not a word came from him over the phone, infact, it was most likely left at home.

On top of it, he knew his boss was coming. Dammit Ikawa what the hell could he possibly want? He knew the offices were busy right now, could he just bug off until this week was over?!

"Remember guys! This Saturday is the company party! You can't forget!" Sang his boss before he left. The whole office became filled with groans. Kisa even hit his head to the desk. Great, so they didn't even get to relax this weekend they had to put their game faces on and pretend to be charming.

And Takano needed to find a date for it.

Dammit he was really pissed.

This did provide an opportunity, though...

When he got back home, with bags under his eyes and his heart in his throat, he pulled out a napkin with numbers scribbled on it. Tapping it into his phone, he sent one text.

[TEXT: AUDREY 10:30PM]

"Hey. It's Takano. Do you remember me?"

Strange and stranger.

edxtor-in-chxef-takano:

Eyebrows arched in a surprised expression at the other’s words. Audrey didn’t like to jump to conclusions - but he also liked to fantasize. The way Takano spoke the words made a smile flourish on his lips - soft, with an almost trembling voice. As if he was so unsure of what he was saying but felt compelled to say it nonetheless. Audrey swallowed his own nervousness - the air seemed hotter and the place stuffier. As he opened his mouth in reply to the other, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Eyebrows were brought together as he looked down. 

“Sorry, it’s my editor. I was supposed to meet him,” he took a look at the time, “well, oh… Half an hour ago.” A chuckle passed Audrey’s lips as he gazed up again. Only now he realised how much time he had spent in the other’s company. “Uh… I think I’ll be off,” he said as he started gathering his papers and notebook. When he was done, he turned towards Takano again and gifted him a gentle smile. “I will be waiting for your call, handsome.” As he said the last word, the author almost slapped himself - that was too much. His cheeks were decorated with a blush as his feet shuffled across the floor towards the exit. He turned his head once more, stealing a gaze in the direction of the editor. 

A certain amount of guilt pinched at Takano's side, mainly because oh, so many times was he the angry editor that was kept waiting by his author. At the same time, he wished the author's editor would bug off so he could steal just a few more moments with this quiet, strange man.

Handsome?! Did-- what did he say?! Takano felt his throat cramp completely and no words could leave him. What-- what was that? So Audrey was flirting with him? Why did Takano even care? That man... oh that man!

Takano swallowed the lump in his throat and mustered together the most calm grin he could under his heart's circumstances and waved his hand dismissively, "I wouldn't want to be on your end if your editor is anything like me," he lightly joked, pretending his blush was much more subtle than it really was. "Good luck."

Still, he couldn't stop his eyes from following Audrey as the enchanting man walked away. He allowed them to memorize his frame, the way he walked the way he carried himself, right down to his fingertips. Takano knew he wouldn't forget him, after all his memory was immaculent. Even still, he didn't want to risk it.

A jolt pulsed through his entire body when their eyes met, though. He cleared his throat and abruptly stood up, leaving the waitress a tip and bolting home as if he actually had somewhere to be.

    Hikaru was pointedly avoiding the gaze of the man who walked beside him, feeling as if he were to look up to him something unnecessary would happen. Another flirtatious comment would be made, or even just Hikaru fully accepting something that he wasn’t quite ready to, yet. It was just better if Hikaru kept his gaze pointed ahead, or to his feet as they carried him along the sidewalk. 

When it came to Takano’s response, Hikaru could practically hear his hesitance. So, it seemed the younger male wasn’t the only one with a past. This was concluded with his response. However, it wasn’t like the other had rejected the idea of answering Hikaru’s inquiries, so now that meant… He actually had to ask ice breaker questions. Something he wasn’t quite the best at. “I-If you were to be sitting on a bench and someone came up and sat next to you, who would you want it to be?” Ah, yes. Instead of actual personal questions, Hikaru went with an actual icebreaker question. Boy was he a peculiar one.

"Who would I.. want it to be?.." Takano repeated. If one looked closely enough, they'd see his bottom lip slip beneath his teeth. Just the imagery of who it'd be. Yes, he could see him. A decade ago, a young man, bright green eyes and auburn hair. The innocent look and the hidden rage beneath it. He'd wave at Takano and Takano would finally apologize to him and before the editor could stop himself he was speechless. He was shaking, even.

Oh, the things that he would do if he could just have a fleeting millisecond with that person once again.

He looked down and then offered Hikaru a half hearted grin, "You, duh," he answered, turning his head so that the red head couldn't see the pain of regret in Takano's hazel eyes.

"Your turn."

The New Guy

Keep reading

-Soubi was already a writhing mess, but Takano’s sultry smirk and hot kisses, aimed to make his body convulse in pleasure. His hands couldn’t resist and he found them woven into the others thick hair, tugging on fistfuls when the pleasure overwhelmed him-

“Please Takano. Don’t tease anymore” -The blond wanted nothing more than to be taken right there and now, hard, rough and without mercy. He didn’t care if he had just met the man. He didn’t even care that this man was his boss! All he wanted was to be fucked and thats what he planned to get- “My my, I’m not the only one who’s excited”

Strange and stranger.

edxtor-in-chxef-takano:

Audrey’s gaze was distracted suddenly by the red strokes that painted the editor’s cheeks. He could not help a gentle smile gracing his features as he noticed that. The other’s behaviour was absolutely endearing. Endearing - Audrey’s fingers reached for paper. He wrote the word with hurried motions, wanting to remember everything about the gentle brunet. When the other nodded at his proposal the author had to avert his gaze to hide the excitement hidden in it. 

“Oh,” he voiced, letting a smile stretch lazily across his lips. More or less subtly, the brunet let his finger rest on the other’s arm, the writer looking for any opportunity to get closer to the other. 

“Then I will make sure you come around here often.” His voice was low, as if he was sharing a secret. His green eyes held in their shimmer a glisten of deviousness. Something about Audrey was intensely seductive. He winked. Playfully, inviting - and patted the other’s arm before removing his fingers. Audrey’s breath was caught in his throat. He wasn’t usually so outspoken with his flirtation. 

Was the author... flirting with him? Takano's hazel eyes instantly widened. So subtle yet so clear. Even the man's flirting tactics were gentle. Part of the Editor-In-Chief wanted to look away-- but he couldn't bring his eyes to part with the fox like eyes of his new friend.

Clearing his throat he responded, "Well," He began, taking a deep breath to ensure that his voice didn't crack, "I certainly wouldn't be against the notion of meeting with you more." Admitting that made his heart pound and he grit his teeth. How was this even possible? Takano knew for a fact that he had his heart locked up in the tightest cage imaginable! So, why? Why now was it bound and determined to burst?

Finally he broke gaze, looking down and ignoring the blood rush that burned his pale cheeks. This man, just what kind of sourceror was he? Coming up so easily and knocking down Takano's defenses so effortlessly. Almost as if Takano had none to begin with.

Almost as if Takano wanted Audrey to break them down.

It pissed him off. Not at Audrey but at himself. How could he be this vulnerable? Absolutely ridiculous.

The New Guy

edxtor-in-chxef-takano:

      The auburn haired male, of course, snapped his head toward the other beside him at the response. Really, he should have expected it. Coming from Takano, as far as Hikaru could tell so far, he would turn anything he could into a pick up line, or a teasing remark. He huffed immediately at his side comment, crossing his arms defiantly. “I’m not flustered…” Those words coming from him was almost laughable, considering he’d had that same pink tint to his cheeks from when he first met Takano. 

When the change in mood occured, Hikaru hadn’t even noticed until the taller male had spoken. He looked to him, surprise clear in his features. He really… Hadn’t expected that. A part of him yearned to hear more about this mystery character in Takano’s life, but they were in public, and something that sounded so personal wasn’t something to be shared so easily. Thus, as he kept walking, Hikaru chose to respond with, “well, I’ll admit, you’re definitely not bad looking, Takano. In a girl’s perspective, of course. So, I can’t really say I’m surprised you’ve got a girl somewhere in the past. Considering your looks, I bet she’d be pretty hot, too-” That was when he’d realized, there was no shadow casting over him as he passed another lamp post, along with no sound of foot steps tapping the ground beside him. He glanced back, finally having realized the other had stopped. 

Takano didn’t look well. In fact, Hikaru couldn’t tell if the look was reminiscent, or just sad. Hikaru walked back over to him, brows knitted together in a mix of confusion and concern. He hesitated for a mere moment, before he reached out and pressed a hand to his bicep, attempting to get in his line of sight. “Hey, my apartment isn’t much further away. We can talk when we get there, alright?” With that, and without really thinking, the student’s hand slid down to Takano’s, entwining their fingers. He then made his way to his place, once more.

Takano wanted to give a soft bit of laughter at the idea of this person being female.Oh, if only. It would be a bit more normal, Takano couldn’t help but think to himself. He gave a scoff, “Calling me attractive now? And you think I’m the only one doing all the flirting.” While Takano’s words were charming and sarcastic as all of them had been within the time of meeting Hikaru to now, There was something off. As though there was a shadow drifting over him, covering his eyes and making his smile see through. The thing about smiles is, a person needs to be damn good at it to be able to feign one well. Takano, well, he was not really one of those kinds of people. 

Hazel eyes jolted up when fingers sewed themselves with his own. He felt his legs moving when he was pulled along but he didn’t really register it at first. In that moment, Takano was senseless. It had been ten years since someone had caught him by surprise like that. Something bubbled up within his chest, though he wasn’t sure what it was. And he felt his cheeks heat up almost to the point that the heat was burning his ears off. In this cold air, it was a damn shock it didn’t cause steam. A sort of clogged feeling that rose from his lungs to his throat and that made him want to avert his eyes. A feeling he refused to feel so often that it was amplifying the feeling. A white-hot wave of embarrassment most likely. He had lost thought as he felt his body following the other’s and all he could do was stammer a quiet, “H-Huh?” 

“Oh shut it, you’re kind and considerate when it matters most, I know that by now.” He chuckled. He supposed the two of them were quite similar in that sense, they both could be cranky and easily pissed off, but neither of them would be horrible or rude when it mattered the most. Takano only raised his voice a little at work, which was to be expected.

“I suppose it’s not bad motivation.” He agreed with a grin. “I wish I had a bit more energy, then I could say something cheeky and give you even more motivation.” He teased and gave him a cute smile. Despite his dirty mind, it was obvious that any pleasure would have to wait until morning with how tired they were. Well..perhaps it would wait until the middle of the night, he thought to himself.

Takano looked away for a moment. In fact, the way he did this might even be considered bashful. The one disadvantage of the two of them falling in love is that Takano had basically totally lost his intimidation power over his older lover. He gave a soft yawn and brushed his hair out of his face, too tired at this point to even blush. Blushing meant his heart would have to be pumping fast, and he swore it practically wasn’t pumping at all. 

Takano gave a little chuckle, “Something cheeky, eh?” He repeated. Kisa was always so cute when he said cheeky things. Cute enough Takano could just gobble him up– and often times, he did. As the two of them stepped into the bus, Takano gave another yawn, “I probably won’t be able to do much about it if you did– what a shame,” He commented with the smallest smirk, his words beginning to bleed into each other. 

Kisa chuckled. “Mm, me either..we can recharge in the morning hey?” He smiled cheekily. Kisa too, was far too tired. They both sat down and Kisa let Takano lean on him. “Well, I said it’s good motivation..but you can sleep. I’ll make sure you wake up before our stop.” He assured him. He knew staying awake would be hard, but he would certainly try his very best.

He squeezed Takanos knee gently, resting his head atop his boyfriends. “Hey..let’s go on a date this weekend mm..” He said tiredly, unsure if he’d mentioned it earlier or not, and if he did, if Takano was awake enough to hear. Damn, they both needed sleep.

Takano’s eyes were already shut by the time they sat down on the bus. At Kira’s offer, he slowly shook his head, “I won’t.. let you stay awake all alone– sounds lonely,” He murmured, his head lolling to the side and resting on Kira’s head. Kira was considerably shorter than Takano, so when they leaned together, Takano’s head always tended to rest on top of Kira’s.

“Yeah.. let’s go on a date… where do you…..” he trailed off. He was going to ask where would Kira want to go, but he never finished his sentence. A quiet snore sounded from him and he went out cold.

Kisa groaned a little, fighting to keep his eyes open. It was fine..he thought to himself. He’d be sure to wake up before their stop..it was a while off yet, it would all be fine..

With those final impractical thoughts, Kisa too fell straight to sleep, leaning against his lover seemed to make it impossible to stay awake in this case. “hnn..” He hummed in his sleep, seemingly content although he wasn’t awake. Perhaps it was just Takano’s presence that made him too relaxed.

Kisa was warm. Warm and comfortable. Even if Takano had tried, he wouldn’t have been able to stay awake. So what if they ended up somewhere? Neither of them had work tomorrow, and they were both exhausted. What’s the worse that could happen? They’d end up in some new town? Maybe they’d get to go on an unexpected day date or something. Really, Takano didn’t care where he ended up, so long as he got to stay with Kisa.

Wrapping his arms around the other, the way a child does with a teddy bear, Takano pulled Kisa closer, snoring as the train made stop after stop after stop.

Kisa was asleep, he couldn’t help himself. He woke up with a startle as he felt the train abruptly stop and the announcer speak. Oh shit, it was the last stop..he wasn’t surprised. Kisa leaned over Takano and gently shook his shoulder. “T-Takano-san..we missed our stop..”

He sighed. “I’m sorry for falling asleep, I’ll pay for a hotel, I doubt we’ll make it home tonight, we’re so tired.” He said and stood up tiredly. “Come on.”

Takano blinked his eyes open and found empty bus seats in front of him. Slowly, he turned his head to find Kisa, a small hint of guilt plastered onto the face of someone who had been asleep and clearly needed more. He shook his head, “Don’t apologize, I should have probably stayed awake myself. We can split the bill.” He stood up, straightening out his clothes before turning and, in a playful-- but still sleepily clumsy way-- buttoned Kisa’s coat all the way up, “Don’t get a cold, he mumbled before leading the way to stumble out of the bus. 

The night air of an unfamiliar town struck Takano immediately and he had to shake his head a moment to clear it of the shock that fogged it. Where were they even? He had never, ever seen this town before. He reached over and took hold of Kisa’s hand, “So, I guess the first thing we need is a town map to find a hotel?”

    Hikaru was pointedly avoiding the gaze of the man who walked beside him, feeling as if he were to look up to him something unnecessary would happen. Another flirtatious comment would be made, or even just Hikaru fully accepting something that he wasn’t quite ready to, yet. It was just better if Hikaru kept his gaze pointed ahead, or to his feet as they carried him along the sidewalk. 

When it came to Takano’s response, Hikaru could practically hear his hesitance. So, it seemed the younger male wasn’t the only one with a past. This was concluded with his response. However, it wasn’t like the other had rejected the idea of answering Hikaru’s inquiries, so now that meant… He actually had to ask ice breaker questions. Something he wasn’t quite the best at. “I-If you were to be sitting on a bench and someone came up and sat next to you, who would you want it to be?” Ah, yes. Instead of actual personal questions, Hikaru went with an actual icebreaker question. Boy was he a peculiar one.

Relief washed over Takano’s body when it was more of an icebreaker. To personal and the ever honest editor would end up killing the flirtatious mood he was in. Takano offered a teasing grin, “Why, you, of course.” He replied before scoffing. The night twinkled above them and the noiseless noisiness filled the air for several moments before Takano glanced over at the other from the side, “Don’t get too flustered over that one kid,” He teased, a wide smirk spread so far across his lips that he could be confused for the Cheshire Cat.

Then he sighed, “I guess... someone I miss a lot, then.” Without realizing it, the smile had faded from his lips and his hazel eyes gazed at the cement below as though he could see through it. Now so many thoughts were buzzing through his mind. What would he do if he saw that person again? What would he even say? And now, he stood still, looking at the ground, as if he’d forgotten he was even holding a conversation.   

The New Guy

Keep reading

-The growl sent shivers down Soubi’s spine and straight to his groin, but he didn’t have time to process that just yet as he felt his back hit the bed and felt pressure on his wrists- “That’s more like it” -The blond breathed out before Takano’s mouth was on his again, demanding submissiveness, whilst the friction down south demanded action. Soubi’s hips bucked up in response, as he tried to push his hands against Takano’s so that he could remove the other’s clothing-

Stray Cat.

“Ah…I’m Ichimatsu- and honestly I don’t know….”  He mumbled, still nibbling on the bread. It was really good. He sighed a little, looking at the bread as he curled up a little. “Mnh…” 

“Will the cats be okay though?”  

“Ichimasu-san,” Takano repeated the name. Then he nodded, “The name’s Takano Masamune.” He answered in return for politeness’s sake. 

At the question, Takano felt his eyes widen a little bit before giving a sigh through lips curved up in a cocky smirk, “Ah? What a softy.” Then he brushed his umber hair from his eyes, “I am sure they will be alright,” He grinned, “I’m pretty sure that whatever attacked them got it’s satisfaction from ripping you apart.” 

Takano’s disappointment alone made thick, hot tears stream down his red cheeks. “I…I swear I didn’t do it…!” His voice croaked. He covered his mouth with his hand and he produced a loud broken sob. He needed to leave. He needed to get home. He couldn’t bare the look of disappointment on Takano’s face. He couldn’t bare the rotten tension in the air. He just couldn’t bare it. 

“I-I need t-to leave.” Not waiting for an answer from either of them, he dashed out of the room. He dashed down the hall and to the waiting room and outside. Since he drove his own truck here, Takano needed to go after him if he didn’t want to be left behind. He stumbled over to his truck and he collapsed against it. He was shaking. He could no longer stand up. He sank to the ground. He buried his face in his knees and tears streamed down his cheeks faster. He felt like vomiting. 

Shit! He hadn’t meant to make Kira cry. At the same time… if Takano were better at expressing emotion, he’d probably cry too. It hurt him to think that Kira wanted children but didn’t want to come back to theirs. It hurt him wondering what made Kira do that. What was even more strange was the fact that the other called what ever boyfriend he had and told him it was that person’s when in actuality, Kira had known full well that he had inseminated himself. Even still, how could he? What made him want to do that? Questions swirled around in Takano’s head until he couldn’t even think. Only then, did he notice Kira had run out.

He stood up and ran out of the office, shouting a thank you to the nurse before bursting through the doors, “Kira!” He barked, approaching the man who sat, crumbling apart upon the asphalt. “Kira! Breath!”

The editor faced the other with a stern face that combined with harsh worry. He wasn’t sure whether he ought to be upset or concerned– at the moment, it was both. He wanted to ask all of his questions, but he wanted to stop the other’s tears at the same time, and only one of those things was possible and Takano knew it. He didn’t voice any questions yet, though. All Takano did was thumb away Kira’s tears, and look him in the eye intensely.

When Takano’s deep voice reached his quivering ears, he shattered even more. Dammit! He didn’t want the editor to see him like this! “I-I…Leave m-me a-alone!” His voice croaked, as if he was a toad. It didn’t help him at all when the growing fetus started to kick again. Oh, how he wanted to rip it out. Oh, how he wanted to die right now. He wished he could press a button that would allow him to reset his life. He has fucked up so much in the past decade. He hated himself so much for it.

“God dammit, j-just leave. I-I’m no good for y-you…!” Honestly, even if Takano wanted to leave Kira it would be a near impossible feat to abandoned the damaged mother-to-be. It would even be considered cruel. “I-I don’t understand…You’re still here…W-why…?” His croaking had stopped and his sobbing had calmed down, but it was still very bad. 

Takano shook his head, “I’m not going anywhere! I just don’t understand!” Then he took a hold of Kira’s wrist. He had always known Kira was little, but just then, as Takano’s fingers met with themselves even though they were wrapped around the other’s wist, the editor-in-chief really noticed how small the other was. Fragile. Like the slightest movement could snap the poor thing in two. 

“You’re stupid, and confusing, and the most hot and cold person I could ever have met,” He began, not really meeting those teary, amethyst eyes. “But, you’re right, I am still here. Because... Yes, you are all those things. But, you are also the kind of person that despite all reason, I can’t... stop loving you.” A pained scoff escaped those pale lips of Takano’s. “So, I am here. I am not leaving.” 

He looked down again, biting the inside of his cheek before mumbling, “Is... that alright?”