[ Something about the way Hikaru says it back makes Taichi quiet down. He's still smiling, but it's something warmer. He's glad he's important to Hikaru. Finding Mankai Company was something that Taichi never thought he would find-- a place he felt accepted, felt supported. A place he didn't feel he deserved. Hikaru was someone he found and didn't betray, who cares about him and wants to be around him outside of acting, outside of whatever faults he has... and he's important. A sense of nerves that had bundled up in Taichi's stomach seems to release itself and he feels something tightening in his chest instead, and he doesn't know why. ]
Heeeh, if you say something like that, you'll make me think things, you know...! Hehe, just kidding. [ He looks to the side, scratching the back of his head. His eyes lid halfway down and he looks down at the floor, then back up at Hikaru with his head still down. It's almost hopeful, questioning, but too shy to actually assume anything but the joke he made. ] Unless...?
[Hikaru has realized a lot of things about Taichi. Importantly he's learned about this guy's terrible self-confidence. Two years ago, Taichi would have been the perfect target. Hikaru would have destroyed him. Taichi was so openly vulnerable that Hikaru didn't even know if Taichi realized. Ways that Hikaru can't tease him for and all he wants to do is not hurt him. Which is hard. Hikaru doesn't think he's very good at it but he tries to be nice, boost him up.
But Taichi has this habit of voicing the things he wants as a joke and now as Hikaru stares, the realization hits him: Taichi wants him to like him. He wants this to be some romantic moment.
Does he like him? Hikaru has no idea but that doesn't matter. When it comes to impulse control, Hikaru has none over his emotions. It's an opening. Taichi wants something for whatever reason so...]
What if I did? What if I liked you and...and...what if I'm telling you? [He cannot look away even if it's tempting. Even if he feels shy about this. This is his first confession and he thinks it's horrible.]
[ Taichi makes a little confused sound after Hikaru speaks. He's.. not.. He didn't hear him right, did he? The amount of hope the actor puts forward differs with his expectations for reality. If Hikaru was playing a prank on him right now, he doesn't know if his heart could take it. Goodbye was hard enough without this feeling in his stomach turning from butterflies to a boulder too heavy to push up a mountain. Not only was it his first real confession (even if it wasn't a girl, which he didn't really expect) but it was someone he genuinely cared about. It was someone he relied on and wanted to be around. Hikaru was cute, and funny, and amazing, and talented, and rich, and so far out of his league. He wasn't someone who should ever have feelings toward someone like him, who'd been here for months and hadn't even managed to get more than a background part with no roles. It feels like a lie. It feels like it has to be because Taichi would have to be the luckiest person in the world for this not to be a prank, and if he were then they wouldn't be on their way to separate planets.
But Hikaru isn't looking away. Despite Taichi's shock and silence, he's looking right at him. There's no laughing. If there's one person here he trusts above everyone else, it's Hikaru.
And anyway, weren't they both straight?! Taichi's brain is focusing in on this little bit because otherwise it's going to flashback to the times he felt excited, felt warm, felt happy, felt wanted and it's making his heart ache because he's never going to experience that again with Hikaru. He's never going to see him again, and all he wants to do is say that he likes him back, and if Hikaru's telling the truth, then his heart is going to break too. So Taichi focuses on the fact that he likes girls. The fact that Hikaru literally caters to women back home as his school club, willingly. And Taichi likes... ]
He swallows, remembering the way that Hikaru touching him made him feel. His foot between his legs when they were playing on his birthday. The excitement he feels whenever he knows he's going to see Hikaru. The absolute stubborn determination and worth he felt working with Kaoru, knowing that he was going to make Hikaru smile if he pulled it off. Ah.. he might more than like him and just hadn't really connected the dots. Dumb, dumb dog. ]
Then... what I want for my present is even more important.
[ He reaches into his pocket until he finds a pen then holds it out, along with his hand. ]
Give me your number. I want to try to call you from home, even if it's impossible. I like you too much to say goodbye, Hikaru.
[When Kaoru had explained to Hikaru that he had feelings for Taichi, Hikaru hadn't really thought that they would be returned. Taichi liked guys, Hikaru was pretty sure about that but he didn't assume that meant Taichi liked him. From what he could tell, Taichi was affectionate towards anybody he considered a friend. It was just like Tamaki.
Hikaru had not wanted to tell Taichi in fear of ruining the friendship. Even if things were awkward between them then that was too much for Hikaru to handle. Taichi didn't have to return his feelings but he couldn't stand to have their friendship change. These few months had been a lot of fun with the other boy. Friendship wasn't always easy for Hikaru but with Taichi it had been quick and effortless and he valued that. So no, it was fine if Taichi didn't return them. A little painful but fine.
This, though, wasn't something Hikaru understood. It wasn't a rejection and that was great but what?
Hikaru's problem is how emotional he is and it never works well with his immaturity and all he can think is how unhappy he is that it won't work. How miserable is it that he met this person he really likes and there's no way they can ever talk to each other again?]
That's still good-bye! See you later, talk to you later, is good-bye when we both know that won't work! [Why is he yelling? He isn't mad. He's just upset and it's similar to how it was when they first met and Hikaru had yelled at him for his simple joke. It isn't fair to Taichi at all but Hikaru doesn't have good emotional control.]
[ Taichi doesn't respond as easily to being yelled at as he did the first time. He's an emotional sort too, in a very different way. He knows he's being stupid the second Hikaru starts yelling, but he also knows that there's isn't any other answer he can give. ]
... The Unopening Door!
[ It's grasping at straws, and it sounds like absolute nonsense, especially because Taichi's eyes are welling up with tears and his fists are balling up in frustration. He keeps one hand out, though. ]
There are three pieces of magic at Mankai Company that really exist, the Director's gotten stuck behind it! So if that much exists, there's more, and that means I can find out a way to call another universe or time or whatever Japan you're in!
[ he lowers his hand and moves forward, pressing his forehead against Hikaru's shoulder to try to hide a sob. ]
What else am I supposed to do, after you say something like that? There's no way I can just give up...!
[That absolutely sounds like nonsense and maybe he would tell him so if it wasn't for the fact that this doesn't matter in the scheme of things. What matters is the fact they can't see each other after this and Taichi's crying.
Hikaru had not been crying until Taichi finally starts welling up and it's all over for Hikaru. Everything Taichi says pierces through his heart and Hikaru simply cannot deal with that. He wraps his arms back around Taichi and he isn't sobbing but tears are rolling down his cheeks as he rests his head on the other boy's head.]
I want you to come with me. I wish that we could. [And he does want that but it's said in a tone that shows he knows that isn't happening. Taichi has important people and Hikaru cannot leave his own life behind.
So what can he do? Realistically not much at all but he can give Taichi his number. Likely it won't work at all. It probably is impossible. But if all they have is this one little spark of hope then Hikaru can hold onto that.
He pulls away and grabs the pen and paper to write down his number and name before holding it out, laughing once and wiping at his eyes even if he doesn't know if he's going to stop crying.]
You know you're not allowed to forget about me now, right? You'll definitely get punished. [He sticks his tongue out, trying to act much cooler than he is being this emotional.]
You could come with-- I live in a dorm, I don't have enough room for you and Kaoru.
[ Besides, there's no way Yuki won't try to fight another fashion designer in the building and Taichi's/the entire theater's budget probably isn't enough for one day for the Hitachiins. And he assumes they have other friends and obligations too. And they'd probably run into the same issue of being illegal aliens regardless of who went where and Mankai will get in trouble for hosting so many people without work visas and go bankrupt.
But not forget is something he wants to stick to. He wipes his eyes and takes the paper and writes it again on the inside of his arm before pocketing it, just in case he loses anything on his way back home. ]
When you get home, don't forget that I'm gonna try to call you at 8pm before bed every night either. And...
[ Maybe he shouldn't ask for more. He definitely should ask though right? Girls always want consent before anything according to the latest trends, Hikaru probably... ]
You could give me something to remember you by that no one else can.
[ There, just vague though that he's asking but not being obvious enough to get turned down outright. ]
[Hikaru is ready to tell Taichi it won't work but he quickly comes to the same conclusion. It isn't as if Hikaru wouldn't like to live with Taichi in theory but in reality, Hikaru knows it wouldn't work. Unfortunately and Hikaru hates that as well. Hates that this truly means goodbye.
But he's nodding along and smiling despite it all. The fact that Taichi wants to talk to him every day and if Hikaru's honest, imagining that feels nice. Talking to Taichi, telling him about his day, and hearing his. That makes him happy and maybe for just a little while, it's okay to pretend they can have that.
Taichi's request brings him out of his thoughts and it takes him longer than it should for him to realize what Taichi is asking for and...Hikaru has thought of it. When he thought about his feelings, he wondered if he could kiss Taichi because if you liked somebody then you could kiss them. Hikaru had learned that he could imagine it, he thought he could do it, and it had been on his mind more than enough times.
He licks his lips and looks at Taichi's, blushing. Taichi hadn't said he liked him too but...but...you didn't ask for a kiss if you didn't want one, right?! So Taichi did feel the same way? How long? Since when? What has Taichi thought about? There are so many questions and not enough time. Better to not think and just live in the moment, right?
Putting his hand on Taichi's cheek and taking a step closer, he's still too nervous to just lean in and do it.] You...sure?
[ Ah.. his heart is beating through his chest when Hikaru touches his cheek. What is going on? Honestly, Taichi's pretty sure he's dreaming right now. If there was one person most important to him here, it was Hikaru. Yet again, despite implying he wanted something (at least he managed not to laugh it off this time) he was getting what he wanted so easily he thought there's no way it's real.
He reaches across himself to pinch his arm, briefly checking to make sure he's awake. He swallows, visibly, and nods. He's obviously nervous, but not because it's Hikaru. He straightens himself, clearing his throat, and tries to be at least.. somewhat suave. He's doing his best. He grins and and reaches up to try to tug Hikaru's shirt by the collar toward him, but stops the second after he hooks his finger. He doesn't want to stretch the fabric, Hikaru definitely wouldn't like that. He takes his finger down. He doesn't know how to do this with a guy? (Not that he knows how to do this with a girl, but he has some idea from movies!!) ]
I like you and this is my first time, I don't want to mess this up! ..I know!
[ He grins, his cheeks rosy. He doesn't know what he's doing. So he decides to do what he and Hikaru do best and reaches for both of his hands to hold, then tries gently pulling him closer by the hands while standing on his toes for a kiss. That feels right. ]
[Hikaru has no idea what Taichi is even trying to do because he's just as clueless about how to kiss somebody as the other boy is. He doesn't think it makes much of a difference if it's a girl or not. But either way, all he can do is look down at him and laugh. Softly and full of affection because he really likes him. Aliens or not, whatever the reason, he just really likes him and does want to kiss him. Right now, that's all he needs.
It's always been nice to hold Taichi's hands. This had been what had started all of this, right? Hikaru trying to be a good friend and offer to moonlace with him by holding hands. Taichi rushing over and them having that sleepover. Even when Hikaru couldn't help him make chroma at all. But they had held hands through all that fabric and it still had been nice.
It's just as nice now as he entangles their fingers and begins to lean in. Maybe he should be more nervous about this and he does pause for only a second, making certain that Taichi isn't having any second thoughts. But when he doesn't see that, Hikaru decides not to even think anymore as he leans in. Kissing shouldn't be so hard and if it's both of their firsts then what do they even have to compare it to?
But before their lips can touch, there's some commotion going on that interrupts him. People shouting nearby and something else. He isn't happy about being interrupted and pulls away, snapping:] What the hell is going on?
[ Taichi, having found himself accidentally holding his breath as Hikaru finally leaned down to close the distance, accidentally lets out a sound very reminiscent of a puppy whine. But there's clearly something going on, so despite looking like a kicked puppy for three seconds, he goes over to the door to investigate.
And the door gets blown open while he's trying to peek through by someone rushing past and Taichi jumps back.
Someone's shouting come on hurry up! and grabs Taichi's wrist to take him with, with a yelp from Taichi. ]
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Heeeh, if you say something like that, you'll make me think things, you know...! Hehe, just kidding. [ He looks to the side, scratching the back of his head. His eyes lid halfway down and he looks down at the floor, then back up at Hikaru with his head still down. It's almost hopeful, questioning, but too shy to actually assume anything but the joke he made. ] Unless...?
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But Taichi has this habit of voicing the things he wants as a joke and now as Hikaru stares, the realization hits him: Taichi wants him to like him. He wants this to be some romantic moment.
Does he like him? Hikaru has no idea but that doesn't matter. When it comes to impulse control, Hikaru has none over his emotions. It's an opening. Taichi wants something for whatever reason so...]
What if I did? What if I liked you and...and...what if I'm telling you? [He cannot look away even if it's tempting. Even if he feels shy about this. This is his first confession and he thinks it's horrible.]
1/2
[ Taichi makes a little confused sound after Hikaru speaks. He's.. not.. He didn't hear him right, did he? The amount of hope the actor puts forward differs with his expectations for reality. If Hikaru was playing a prank on him right now, he doesn't know if his heart could take it. Goodbye was hard enough without this feeling in his stomach turning from butterflies to a boulder too heavy to push up a mountain. Not only was it his first real confession (even if it wasn't a girl, which he didn't really expect) but it was someone he genuinely cared about. It was someone he relied on and wanted to be around. Hikaru was cute, and funny, and amazing, and talented, and rich, and so far out of his league. He wasn't someone who should ever have feelings toward someone like him, who'd been here for months and hadn't even managed to get more than a background part with no roles. It feels like a lie. It feels like it has to be because Taichi would have to be the luckiest person in the world for this not to be a prank, and if he were then they wouldn't be on their way to separate planets.
But Hikaru isn't looking away. Despite Taichi's shock and silence, he's looking right at him. There's no laughing. If there's one person here he trusts above everyone else, it's Hikaru.
And anyway, weren't they both straight?! Taichi's brain is focusing in on this little bit because otherwise it's going to flashback to the times he felt excited, felt warm, felt happy, felt wanted and it's making his heart ache because he's never going to experience that again with Hikaru. He's never going to see him again, and all he wants to do is say that he likes him back, and if Hikaru's telling the truth, then his heart is going to break too. So Taichi focuses on the fact that he likes girls. The fact that Hikaru literally caters to women back home as his school club, willingly. And Taichi likes... ]
2/2
Then... what I want for my present is even more important.
[ He reaches into his pocket until he finds a pen then holds it out, along with his hand. ]
Give me your number. I want to try to call you from home, even if it's impossible. I like you too much to say goodbye, Hikaru.
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Hikaru had not wanted to tell Taichi in fear of ruining the friendship. Even if things were awkward between them then that was too much for Hikaru to handle. Taichi didn't have to return his feelings but he couldn't stand to have their friendship change. These few months had been a lot of fun with the other boy. Friendship wasn't always easy for Hikaru but with Taichi it had been quick and effortless and he valued that. So no, it was fine if Taichi didn't return them. A little painful but fine.
This, though, wasn't something Hikaru understood. It wasn't a rejection and that was great but what?
Hikaru's problem is how emotional he is and it never works well with his immaturity and all he can think is how unhappy he is that it won't work. How miserable is it that he met this person he really likes and there's no way they can ever talk to each other again?]
That's still good-bye! See you later, talk to you later, is good-bye when we both know that won't work! [Why is he yelling? He isn't mad. He's just upset and it's similar to how it was when they first met and Hikaru had yelled at him for his simple joke. It isn't fair to Taichi at all but Hikaru doesn't have good emotional control.]
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... The Unopening Door!
[ It's grasping at straws, and it sounds like absolute nonsense, especially because Taichi's eyes are welling up with tears and his fists are balling up in frustration. He keeps one hand out, though. ]
There are three pieces of magic at Mankai Company that really exist, the Director's gotten stuck behind it! So if that much exists, there's more, and that means I can find out a way to call another universe or time or whatever Japan you're in!
[ he lowers his hand and moves forward, pressing his forehead against Hikaru's shoulder to try to hide a sob. ]
What else am I supposed to do, after you say something like that? There's no way I can just give up...!
[ Hikaru's not the only emotional one here. ]
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Hikaru had not been crying until Taichi finally starts welling up and it's all over for Hikaru. Everything Taichi says pierces through his heart and Hikaru simply cannot deal with that. He wraps his arms back around Taichi and he isn't sobbing but tears are rolling down his cheeks as he rests his head on the other boy's head.]
I want you to come with me. I wish that we could. [And he does want that but it's said in a tone that shows he knows that isn't happening. Taichi has important people and Hikaru cannot leave his own life behind.
So what can he do? Realistically not much at all but he can give Taichi his number. Likely it won't work at all. It probably is impossible. But if all they have is this one little spark of hope then Hikaru can hold onto that.
He pulls away and grabs the pen and paper to write down his number and name before holding it out, laughing once and wiping at his eyes even if he doesn't know if he's going to stop crying.]
You know you're not allowed to forget about me now, right? You'll definitely get punished. [He sticks his tongue out, trying to act much cooler than he is being this emotional.]
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[ Besides, there's no way Yuki won't try to fight another fashion designer in the building and Taichi's/the entire theater's budget probably isn't enough for one day for the Hitachiins. And he assumes they have other friends and obligations too. And they'd probably run into the same issue of being illegal aliens regardless of who went where and Mankai will get in trouble for hosting so many people without work visas and go bankrupt.
But not forget is something he wants to stick to. He wipes his eyes and takes the paper and writes it again on the inside of his arm before pocketing it, just in case he loses anything on his way back home. ]
When you get home, don't forget that I'm gonna try to call you at 8pm before bed every night either. And...
[ Maybe he shouldn't ask for more. He definitely should ask though right? Girls always want consent before anything according to the latest trends, Hikaru probably... ]
You could give me something to remember you by that no one else can.
[ There, just vague though that he's asking but not being obvious enough to get turned down outright. ]
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But he's nodding along and smiling despite it all. The fact that Taichi wants to talk to him every day and if Hikaru's honest, imagining that feels nice. Talking to Taichi, telling him about his day, and hearing his. That makes him happy and maybe for just a little while, it's okay to pretend they can have that.
Taichi's request brings him out of his thoughts and it takes him longer than it should for him to realize what Taichi is asking for and...Hikaru has thought of it. When he thought about his feelings, he wondered if he could kiss Taichi because if you liked somebody then you could kiss them. Hikaru had learned that he could imagine it, he thought he could do it, and it had been on his mind more than enough times.
He licks his lips and looks at Taichi's, blushing. Taichi hadn't said he liked him too but...but...you didn't ask for a kiss if you didn't want one, right?! So Taichi did feel the same way? How long? Since when? What has Taichi thought about? There are so many questions and not enough time. Better to not think and just live in the moment, right?
Putting his hand on Taichi's cheek and taking a step closer, he's still too nervous to just lean in and do it.] You...sure?
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He reaches across himself to pinch his arm, briefly checking to make sure he's awake. He swallows, visibly, and nods. He's obviously nervous, but not because it's Hikaru. He straightens himself, clearing his throat, and tries to be at least.. somewhat suave. He's doing his best. He grins and and reaches up to try to tug Hikaru's shirt by the collar toward him, but stops the second after he hooks his finger. He doesn't want to stretch the fabric, Hikaru definitely wouldn't like that. He takes his finger down. He doesn't know how to do this with a guy? (Not that he knows how to do this with a girl, but he has some idea from movies!!) ]
I like you and this is my first time, I don't want to mess this up! ..I know!
[ He grins, his cheeks rosy. He doesn't know what he's doing. So he decides to do what he and Hikaru do best and reaches for both of his hands to hold, then tries gently pulling him closer by the hands while standing on his toes for a kiss. That feels right. ]
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It's always been nice to hold Taichi's hands. This had been what had started all of this, right? Hikaru trying to be a good friend and offer to moonlace with him by holding hands. Taichi rushing over and them having that sleepover. Even when Hikaru couldn't help him make chroma at all. But they had held hands through all that fabric and it still had been nice.
It's just as nice now as he entangles their fingers and begins to lean in. Maybe he should be more nervous about this and he does pause for only a second, making certain that Taichi isn't having any second thoughts. But when he doesn't see that, Hikaru decides not to even think anymore as he leans in. Kissing shouldn't be so hard and if it's both of their firsts then what do they even have to compare it to?
But before their lips can touch, there's some commotion going on that interrupts him. People shouting nearby and something else. He isn't happy about being interrupted and pulls away, snapping:] What the hell is going on?
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And the door gets blown open while he's trying to peek through by someone rushing past and Taichi jumps back.
Someone's shouting come on hurry up! and grabs Taichi's wrist to take him with, with a yelp from Taichi. ]