Chapter 5: Cutting Algae Part Two

[mp_simplyacommoner]

It was 7:50PM. Teru had gotten bored of studying and broke it up with his nightly stretches—he had decided it was going to be an early night to bed. He had already decided he was going to sign up for the next basketball roster and it was offseason practice time.

As it turned out, he couldn’t tolerate a lack of things to do after school for long.

Cooling down from his trunk rotations with some Kamizawa Water, he checked his phone and paused mid-sip. There were a few notifications from Mob that he opened right away. There were a few pictures of what was undoubtedly the long-awaited kaiseki meal…though they were a bit blurry. Oh, one was actually decent in quality. There was also a blurred person in the background of one without much food—even with the lack of clarity it looked like they weren’t expecting to be caught on camera. Had he meant to send that one, let alone take it? Oh well, didn’t matter.

that mukōzuke Send.

( ੭ ˘ ³˘)੭‎°｡⋆♡‧₊˚ Send.

divine looking Send.

Comments

[mp_simplyacommoner]

This felt like losing. Was he losing?

How about this Send.

If I need backup I’ll call you Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

As long as you promise to do it. Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

I’ll do it because you’re the one who’s asking

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Thanks. Send.

I'm glad that you trust me. Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

Suddenly, Teru wasn’t sure what to say in return. It felt like something he should reply to in earnest like he always did with Shigeo—words came easily and even when the other boy left him innocently tongue tied it was never for long. But now, his mind was a blank. Not because he didn’t want to say anything but because of a sudden feeling that pushed out his thoughts.

He paced the bathroom—only stopping when he realized the water he was waiting to fill the tub was nearing overflow. His power turned the knob off, but almost hard enough to pull the decorative element loose. He didn’t spare it a thought.

Can I ask a favor?

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Sure

[mp_simplyacommoner]

Shit. He had sent that without thinking—he had been thinking too hard but not at all. He had already asked for enough, right? But if he said never mind Shigeo would definitely get annoyed with him.

Can I visit you when you’re back? Send.

Pause.

That’s it Send.

I guess that’s not really a favor Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Sure Send.

Is that everything? Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

Every thought that came into his head were disproportionately things he absolutely could not say compared to the things he could, even for someone as deliberate about his words as him.

Yeah Send.

Texting is fun Send.

But I prefer seeing you in person Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Me too Send.

I never had anyone to text before I started texting you Send.

Well, except Master Send.

But that's always about work stuff Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

That was so not his life…but a day free of his buzzing phone sounded pretty peaceful. Teru watched the epson salts dissolve in the water before sinking into its warm embrace.

i text you more than anyone else honestly Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Really? Send.

I thought a popular guy like you would be texting lots of people Send.

Especially girls. Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

I text a lot but it’s not really ‘talking’ Send.

I’m also not dating anyone right now Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Is there no one you like right now?

[mp_simplyacommoner]

The lights almost went out on Teru’s entire floor.

even if I like someone that doesn’t mean i automatically get to date them

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't want to date you Teru Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

The sound of his forehead slamming against porcelain echoed in his lonely bathroom.

you don’t have to flatter me (ヾ;￣▽￣)ヾ

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

It's not flattery Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

I’m sure you could think of at least one person

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

Nope, not really

[mp_simplyacommoner]

Teru wasn’t a liar, but he was well aware of the danger that unfiltered truth brought.

I appreciate the vote of confidence Send.

I’m pretty sure they like someone else already Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

That's too bad Send.

But you're so popular, I'm sure it won't take long for you find someone else you like. Send.

[mp_simplyacommoner]

Teru sunk deeper into the water. He stared at their exchange in its entirety and carried on a silent debate with himself.

To be honest Send.

I'm not even sure if I like them Send.

[spiritsandsuchtrainee]

What aren't you sure about?

[mp_simplyacommoner]

I haven't known them for long Send.

But I've never felt this way about someone Send.

But because I've never felt this way it feels unfair to label it hastily Send. Unfair was too light a word...wrong was closer, but still something he couldn't fully describe.