Chapter 13: The Love

Unconsciously one month has passed. Ever since then, Ryohei could notice Yuki's entire mood has completely changed. He seemed much more delighted than before, and he never cried (unless he got teased by Ryohei, he would fake a tear). He felt safe in Ryohei's range of grasp, thus he has always been with Ryohei. Ryohei did not hate the idea - he, too, was relieved to be able to watch Yuki much more often and closer. He did not need to feel insecure each time he left Yuki at home.

Instead of a husband material, Yuki was noticeably more suitable to be a wife. He cooked deliciously. He cleaned up diligently. He welcomed Ryohei home everyday, and woke him up. Overall, he acted like a mother to the household.

"Yuki-kun, I've found a new renter for my house," Ryohei announced during their dinner.

Yuki was munching when Ryohei told him that, "Good for you, Ryohei. You can ensure your house to stay occupied by renting it to other people."

"Fortunately, my colleague has someone among his friend looking for a place to live near the city. Probably that newcomer is a high school graduate," Ryohei dug in Yuki's salad as his desert, "Mmm, so juicy, Yuki-kun!"

Yuki flushed a little. "I'm so happy that you are willing to live with me here, but I'm so sorry that you had to leave your house."

Ryohei picked a rice by Yuki's lips and gulped it in. Yuki was startled by Ryohei's sudden deed. "Sooner or later, I will leave the house, Yuki-kun," he continued eating, "One day, I will get married to someone I love. I don't think it suits for a family, hence I've planned on leaving. Somehow, I don't think I will sell the house since it's from my late parents, so I decide to rent it instead."

Yuki made an O sound. "You don't seem like it, but you sure plan ahead of time. I like your way of thinking."

Ryohei shoved another scoopful of rice into Yuki's plate, causing the blind to grumble.

"It's because I live alone," Ryohei's intonation flattened, "Although I've planned on getting married and finding new home or such, I don't think I'm lovable. As how I was to you, I spoke whatever in my mind out loud. Those words are usually painful to be accepted, therefore people tend to ignore me. I don't want people to get hurt by me, but I'm not a kind to talk nicely, especially when I'm pissed."

Yuki moved his spoon in the plate to estimate how much Ryohei has added rice. He grumbled louder and sulked. Ryohei giggled at the reaction.

"You're actually being honest, Ryohei," Despite complaining Ryohei's keenness of ensuring Yuki eating well, he did eat it, "You're just voicing out your opinion. I don't think it's bad though," he chewed his food, not realizing Ryohei was staring at him, "I prefer befriending a very transparent person. With my incapability, I don't think I can't really know people so well."

The sound of spoon and fork cluttering against the plate was the only background they had at the moment. Ryohei was mesmerized by Yuki's encouragement. So, Yuki has already figured out how outspoken he was, and that was what brought them together - Yuki was compatibly befriending Ryohei because Ryohei would never lie.

"Being deceived was hurtful," Yuki lowered his gaze and slowed down his chewing, "Before meeting you, I hardly believed people out there. I refused to rely on them."

Ryohei reminisced the day when he subconsciously watched Yuki from Niji Bookstore.

"Whoever trying to communicate with me ended up lying. I really hate such people," Yuki ate another mouthful of rice. Only he ate rice at the moment since Ryohei has already finished his, so he did not want to make Ryohei wait any longer. "I'm glad that I've met you, Ryohei."

A tingling sensation emerged in him. Ryohei has never imagined how helpful he was regarding his so-called bad side. He has always assumed people isolating him due to his senselessness. After listening to Yuki's confession, he could not feel more grateful.

"I love you."

The final sentence made Yuki's spoon to drop simultaneously with Ryohei's jaw. Even Ryohei was petrified by his own words. He turned to face other direction, evading Yuki completely because he did not want Yuki to misunderstand. However, judging from the reaction, he discovered Yuki listened to it clearly. Yuki fell into deep silence until their ears paradoxically rang and deafened.

"I'm sorry, I should not do that," Ryohei sincerely apologized and bowed, almost bumping his head to the dining table. "I'm sorry. I don't want you to feel awkward with me. I'm sorry for being very impatient."

Ryohei waited for almost two minutes, yet Yuki did not respond. Ryohei braced up and lifted his head, just to witness Yuki's tears trailing down both of his cheeks. He was crying, somehow Ryohei could not learn what the reason was.

"No, Ryohei. You should not apologize. Like I've said, you're just being honest. You're too naive," Yuki surprisingly smiled in his tears. He chuckled before proceeded, "I was shocked because the confession... is very random and abrupt."

If only choices were given, Ryohei would like to run away from Yuki, but he did not want to leave Yuki before the situation has cleared. He was becoming irresponsible and unfair if he immediately left Yuki without explaining. He did not want Yuki's trust on him tainted.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Ryohei continuously apologized, "I should have wait a little longer. I don't want you to think badly of me."

Yuki blushed when he asked, "Wait a little longer?"

Ryohei shut his eyes tightly. The more he tried to define, the more he exposed himself. He was not supposed to confess randomly. He wanted to prepare special dinner for Yuki, then he would confess and propose to Yuki. He just needed the best time - as long as it was not as random as how he has done.

"Weren't you into girls?" Yuki was unconvinced.

"I liked you since the first day we met. Since then, my feeling towards you is getting stronger. And recently, I realize I've begun... loving you."

Ryohei became more panic as Yuki bawled harder. He quickly seized Yuki into his arms and hushed the blind.

"I'm sorry that I've scared you. I'm sorry that I've made you cry. I don't mean to hurt you emotionally," Ryohei patted Yuki's head lovingly. "I'm so sorry. You may dump me, and chase me out of here. I won't force you."

While his hands clutching on Ryohei's shirt, Yuki sobbed. "How could I chase you out when I just discovered our feeling is mutual?"