#genann

Well, of course fog could not think on its own. Maybe that comparison was a little far fetched. And to be honest it was not him who was walking through this fog. No, it was them who was taking one stop after another in this foggy world. A foggy world they probably created on their own, to the point they could not even take direct hints seriously anymore. They became blind to everything. Even to this line…

“Ann… I love you.”

He couldn’t have been more obvious than that, even if he had tried. Yet they brushed it off quickly, not even responding in any way to it. “Another lie I assume?” That’s what they called it. ‘Another lie’. It was nothing but a ‘lie’ to them. Yet another lie he said just to mess with them. And it was becoming a little irritating if not infuriating. 

Maybe it had started out that way for Gentraro. Yes, maybe he had been telling them all those lies when the two had just started hanging out. All those harmless lies to get a reaction out of them and he had not been truly sorry either. It was his way of testing the waters, get all sorts of reactions out of them. But as the time went on he had become more and more serious. At first he was oblivious to it himself but he learned of his feelings. And it was becoming harder and harder to hold them in. 

He knew that he had to come clean eventually and something had just overtaken him honestly. ‘I will say it today’ because honestly, what was holding him back? WIth the most recent events he had no right to keep this a secret any longer. He would handle the aftermath later, what Ramuda and Dice would think of this. Yet he could already imagine their reactions. It would be the least of Gentaro’s problems when it came to Ann themself. In fact, they were a bigger problem than any conversation he could fear with those two.

The first time he said those words, it was an accident. And honestly, he had not understood the severity of such words back then. But now? He meant it. All three words. Every single one. He had not even spoken in character. Then again, for the longest time he had not been in character with them to begin with, even before the other two. And yet they still hadn’t noticed. And he was starting to wonder if they were to ever notice at that rate… 

Denser than fog… Any fog really. “Your dense nature must be studied.” – Something else he meant. Because how can one be so oblivious, even now? Even when he didn’t say it. Even when he didn’t add that it was all a lie. It wasn’t, not anymore.

He was first messing with them for no reason other than having a little bit of fun. But now? He was messing with them because he desired something from them… Their attention, the craving for their reactions… Just them in the purest vulnerable form. But maybe he was asking for too much. And even then, what use was it to sit around and think about it? None.

He had to find a way to break through this fog they have created around themself.

“Very well. But don’t make it too long. Ramuda and Dice pushed me into some plans for that evening.”

“I know. Ramuda is also making me attend…”

“Of course he would. What a troublesome boy.”

“It’s just how he is.” Though their first boyfriend had insisted more than usual… What was up with that? They could only wonder… 

Even the argument ‘How about you three have some ‘bro time?’ did not work. Because all Ramuda answered there was ‘Oh we’re getting plenty of bro time! Plus, it's Gentaro’s birthday! Pleeeaaase!?’. … He himself did have a fair argument though… 

“Then I assume we could head to his studio together later.”

“Sure, I don’t mind.”

“I’ll look forward to it then. See you later, Ann.”

So regardless of anything, Ann still had plans to see Gentaro one on one, mainly to not be hit with a wave of embarrassment when handing him their gift… Which was difficult to pick out. Then again, in the end they didn’t necessarily pick something out. 

Or… Well, they did but that was just a notebook, really, fitting in a small story within its pages. And they sadly had to admit that this was their emergency solution. All because they just couldn’t think of anything else… Outside of watermelon slices but… Firstly, it’s not summer. Secondly, that’s boring. At least the chocolate on Ramuda’s birthday required effort. And they didn’t want to slack off in Gentaro’s case either.

So they recalled one of the things he seemed to really enjoy and concluded that it might be a fun idea to write a short story, dedicated to his eyes only. Not just that but… Perhaps try themself on a doodle here and there. But that was also the thing, it was impossible to hand it over when Ramuda and Dice were around. Especially if the two saw the poor attempts of their illustrations. They already wanted to sink into the ground knowing that Gentaro would see them while reading the story sometime… Ah, the entire thought was embarrassing! Not just that but he was going to see their handwriting as well! Maybe they had gotten a little too ahead with this. Besides, what if he doesn’t like it!? That was perhaps their biggest fear at the end of the day, one which would make their stomach turn.

And that was why they had been pacing back and forth in front of his apartment door, unsure if they should even enter. Maybe they should just drop the notebook and run. Run as fast as possible and say that they only had enough time to drop their gift. But no, that’d be inappropriate! They should give him their gift to him in person. Yeah, in person! Besides, they had already agreed to pay him a visit so it would be impossible to back out now!

Alright, deep breath… And just get this over with! Yeah, just get it over with! It’ll be fine. It’ll be just fine…

So, a quick knock. “Hello! Gentaro!”  They began, knocking once more. “It’s me, Ann! I’m here!”

“Oh!? Wait wait wait Ann!?” They heard him say surprisingly… Panicked? That was a first and unusual. “Ah, what terrible timing!”

Terrible timing? “Is something wrong? Do you need help with something?”

“Ahaha… W… Well… You could say that but—”

“Then go on, open the door. I’ll help out however I can!”

“It’s not exactly that but…”

“You don’t want me to come in?”

“It’s not…” A quick break, a short moment of silence before he continued after a short sigh. “Listen, you may come in. But promise me one thing.”

Promise something? What is he scheming now? That’s what they were wondering. “What is it?”

“Don’t freak out when you enter…”

“Don’t freak out? Why?”

“You’ll see! Just promise me that first!”

“Ok fine fine! I promise!”

“Thank you. Now, you may open the door. It is open.”

What had Gentaro been up to today, on his birthday nonetheless? But honestly, they should not even be surprised. It was April Fool’s as well, it may as well be a holiday for him or something like that. So they opened the door cautiously. 

A quick gaze up, as if checking for anything up there. They wanted to believe that he would not step that low but you could never be sure with him, so they rather double checked. But nothing. A few glances to the side… Nothing seemed to be amiss. Alright, the coast was clear.

So they entered, one step inside, just in case, slow and steady. Was something on the ground they didn’t see? They didn’t know yet but were cautious nonetheless… But nothing. It was safe to walk on it. 

So they soon were standing in the hall, looking around for a moment though a little puzzled. “Gentaro? Where are you?” Maybe he was stuck somewhere?

“Ahaha… W… Well… You might want to go into the living room to find out.” Ann heard him chuckle, though sounding very nervous, more than usual. Something was off here… Very… 

“Why?”

“It’s best to see it instead of me explaining it all to you.”

They only shrugged at this point yet knew that discussing it was futile. So they may as well. Just what was going on here? They couldn’t really tell…

And yet, they would figure it out soon enough. Because they were heading straight to the first room on the left lacking a door, taking a glance into the living room. They saw nothing off at first. Everything seemed in place, literally. Nothing off here, at all. None. Na—

That was until they took a look at the couch seeing… A tiny rabbit on the sofa!? Light brown fur and green eyes, sitting there, sniffing around. They were staring a little in disbelief, almost dropping the notebook yet managed to catch it at the very last second. What… Was a rabbit doing here!? Why!? How!? 

“Uhm… Did someone gift you a pet?” They asked, looking back into the hall, hoping that he was in another room. Someone gifted him a pet, right? That had to be it. It just had to! And yet—

“Firstly, it’s rude to not look at someone while they’re talking to you!” They heard his voice say very sternly, making them turn back. Wait, the voice was coming from the living room after all!? Where— “Secondly, I’m not a pet. It’s me, Gentaro. And someone apparently thought that it was funny to turn me into a fluffy creature!”

Hold on, what!? “W… Wait… You are saying…” Ann stuttered as they took a few steps closer, to the sofa. Carefully to not scare the little bunny on it. And once they were close enough they kneeled down, to come face to face with said bunny, staring at it and only seeing how it was moving its head around while moving its nose. Actually… From up close, it was an adorable little fella. If Gentaro would stay like that then maybe— Ah no! What were they even thinking!?  “You’re messing with me, right?”

“Me!? Do I sound like I’m lying!?” Was the only thing they heard as a response, as if he was offended.

“I mean, you love to lie…”

“Hah, alright. That is a fair argument. However, I’m not joking in this instance. Sure, this body is warm and I do not feel uncomfortable but I cannot stay like this.”

He… Was serious? He was being serious… No, this was almost like some fairytale. No way. “Mhm… Right…”

“I mean it! I cannot work as a bunny, can I?”

“Well, you could work at a petting zoo. The kids would love you~” They decided to tease, even if just for this moment. They may as well. 

“Ann, don’t even joke about things like that…” He said however, sounding surprisingly deadpan. “I would just bite every kid in sight trying to touch me.”

“Oh come on, don’t make them cry. Not even Ole does that.” Yeah, instead he recently liked to sleep at the end of their bed and bite into their toes when he saw the feet peeking out… Ole is an old man but still a cat, and that was a rather painful reminder. Anyways… 

“I’m stating facts…”

“Besides, you could have an easier life. Think of all—”

“Stop joking around and help me turn back!” He interrupted, sounding desperate, perhaps a little embarrassed. That was a first. 

And yet, she chuckled. It was a sight they would never get to hear again after all. “Alright alright. Let’s find a way to turn you back into the same old guy.”

They were about to get up, wanting to discuss this and yet– “Actually, I might have a plan.”

They got curious, raising an eyebrow. “Like what?”

“You are accustomed to fairytales, aren’t you?”

Fairytales? What was this going to turn into? “Yeah, my parents read me some all the time.”

“Does that include The Frog Prince?”

“That’s basically a classic where I’m from. What’s up with—”

“Try kissing me.” Gentaro interrupted, sounding blunt, cold and saying this with no hesitation. This made Ann nearly trip over, shocked with wide eyes.

“Wait… What? Hold on!” She nearly shouted yet kept calm the moment they still noticed the tiny bunny. Right, they couldn’t startle him now… 

“Is that not how the princess breaks the frog’s spell?”

“Wha– No! Well… Ok yes but in the original not. She threw him against the wall.”

“Huh… That will hurt but… Alright, go on. I’m ready.”

“ Are you crazy!? I’m not throwing a bunny against the wall!”

“Not even if—”

“Not even then!” This sounded insane. They’re not going to do that! What was going on in his mind, agreeing to this so easily!? Seriously… 

“Fine! I’ll try a—” And yet, they had risen their voice all of a sudden, noticing the moment they saw the bunny hop down, away from the sofa. Instead of waiting they had reacted right away, dashing right after it for a few seconds after having placed the notebook onto the table. “Wha— Stay here! This isn’t funny!”

“Ah, apologies! But you were loud, my ears!”

“I’m sorry but what you suggested was crazy! Now get ba—” Though before they could say anything further, or rather wanted to finish their words, they noticed something when running right past the sofa. Something stuck out there… Something black. It was as if these were parts of some clothing, a fabric they were all too familiar with. They only stared at it for a short moment before their expression turned from worried to blank… Literally. Of course… Yeah, that checks out.

So they took a few steps closer, right behind the sofa themself and spotting someone all too well, having his back pressed against the sofa and sitting there, not looking up. At least not yet. And when he was about to speak again they interrupted him fairly quickly with their own words, anything but impressed.

“You really think this is funny, don’t you?”

Though instead of a quick gasp they only heard a chuckle. “Looks like I’ve finally been caught.” He commented before turning towards them, looking up to face them with his usual smirk, shrugging. “Though I’m surprised that you didn’t try to check sooner Ann~”

“Ah— That—”

“Did you really believe my little lie here~?”

“N… No! I… Er… Just wanted to play along!” 

“Of course, play along.”

“It’s true! Nothing more!”

“Right, right. I believe you.” And yet, it sounded as if he didn’t.

“Ugh… Sh… Shut it!” This was embarrassing in the end…

A few minutes forward, the bunny had been placed somewhere where it could be getting some rest after all this running, away from the two who were about to converse. When Ann had asked Gentaro where he got it from he said that he took it in for a few days. Someone had asked him to take care of it and would pick it up later. He owed that person a favor so he could hardly decline. Plus, the little fella was adorable, no denying. And that is also why he had been home for now, awaiting the person to arrive and pick their little friend up. 

“You could have warned me beforehand…” They sighed, both having decided to sit down on the sofa, right next to each other. Ann had decided to lean a little backwards, arms crossed. This was just… A lot. That guy…

“Haha, forgive me. But I couldn’t resist. Today is April Fool’s Day after all.” He reminded them with his usual smile, much to their own dismay. “And you fell for it.”

“I said tha–” They were about to protest again, yet that proved useless. They knew. “Nevermind.”

“Now, may I ask what even brings you here? I did not expect you to announce your visit so suddenly.”

Right, their visit… As to why they were here. They had almost forgotten to be honest. And once they remembered they were about to grow red from all said embarrassment. Because once reality kicks in that this will be in Gentaro’s hands right this second… They became a little hesitant again. And yet, they couldn’t just back out now. 

Though they did not say a thing, not at first at least. They were looking around, stuttering for a moment before eyeing the notebook on the table for a few seconds. They were looking back at Gentaro for a moment, seeing him waiting ever so patiently for their answer. Then again, he might have a clue now… There was no use hiding it from him, was there? Yeah, no use at all.

“I… Well… You know what day it is, right?” They began slowly, their voice shivering a little. “And I don’t mean April Fool’s…”

“Oh yes, of course I know. You are speaking of my birthday, aren’t you?”

They nodded. “Yeah.”

“Oh, have you decided to grant me a wish in private?”

“Wha— Wait, that—”

“Then we should certainly talk about that kiss from earlier.” He said with no shame, teasing. And yet… It sounded so serious. Wait no, that was just his way of playing games in the end, wasn’t it!? He even leaned a little forward, to make matters worse.

It led to them trying to back away yet knowing they would just fall over if they did, being cornered. So they weren’t even trying. Besides, he was only close enough yet had not touched their lips with his own. It should be fine… He’s just messing with them a little. “It’s not like that! I mean it is related to your birthday but—”

“Oya? Are you denying me a wish on my very own birthday? You’re a cruel one~” He sounded hurt, the fake kind.

“Tha— I just… Guh… I wanted to give you something!” They said when suddenly grabbing the notebook, pulling it in front of their face. They just couldn’t look at his face, not like this. This was getting more and more embarrassing by the second. In fact, they had to make sure now that he was not seeing their face whatsoever. Really,  this guy… Things have changed between the two but also not really, haven’t they?

“Ah, a gift. That is what you meant.” They heard him say, hearing the sofa making some noise, him most likely backing away, somewhat. 

They lowered the notebook a little as a result, sighing before handing it over to him, no questions asked. “Yeah. I wasn’t sure what so I thought of… Well… Writing something. Hand written that is.”

“Hand written? For… Me?” He asked as they felt him taking the notebook, then hearing it open. No, they saw it actually, him skimming through the pages. Witnessing it first hand made them feel even more embarrassed than before now, to the point their thoughts were racing… Goddamnit. 

“Yeah, for you. I… Hope it will be al—”

“Oya? And you can draw too.” He interrupted, sounding fascinated. Ah— He’s seeing the drawings, isn’t he!?

“I just… Thought maybe… Ok listen I’m not that good at it but I was thinking of… Giving it a personal touch! Go on ahead and laugh or something! I—”

“Oh no, it’s not bad at all. I was just surprised that you can even visualize what you’re thinking.” He interrupted, chuckling, then closing the notebook finally, placing it back onto the table. “Allow me to read it in peace later. Unless—”

“Please, take your time reading it!” They didn’t need to hear him reading their writing out loud. That was the last thing they needed to hear! 

“Still, going through so much effort… It is not a giant special occasion.” 

“A… Are you kidding? Of course it is. Besides… It’s only fair, isn’t it? Putting effort into a gift I mean…”

“If you say so. But really, you didn’t have to do that.” He assured them, or tried to.

“It’s fine, really. No trouble at all. I did it because I wanted to!” They insisted. 

“Alright, I will not argue. I thank you all the same.” 

And then a moment of silence between the two again… Ah, this was really something else… The two of them, alone right now. And there was still a bit of time left before they would head to the studio Ramuda owned. Not like they could go anyway thanks to the rabbit anyway bu—

“Although, back to the kiss…” Ann suddenly heard Gentaro bring up, facing them directly yet again. Hearing him say that made them squeal in place for a short moment, staring at him intensely. 

“P… Please don’t joke like that!” They tried to reason with him, only to see him leaning forward yet again. 

“Joke? Who said I was joking?” He countered, all too serious sounding. That had them look at him with wide eyes, feeling just how they warmed up by then. Wait a second— 

“Hah!? It has to be! Not funny!” 

“But what if I’m not?” And he only got closer.

“That…”

“Say, would you not grant me that one wish?” He asked, his voice in a sudden whisper. He… Was he serious? Was he? Wasn’t he? What was he getting at!?

Though… The argument… It was tempting. And he had been asking earlier. It’s just a kiss right? Ah wait, should they even consider? But he was close and— Ah, why were they even thinking about it? The two had kissed before. One time in the bookstore, the other time at the train station. It should be fine… Right? Was it? They would lie if they said that the urge had not overcome them… And they could use his reasoning as an excuse… Maybe? 

Oh they should just admit that they wanted to kiss him… 

So they suddenly did. Just when they saw him, his mouth opening, about to say something to them they suddenly leaned a little forward, right in to press their lips against his own. 

It was short, though more than a mere peck. His lips were soft, the taste exactly what they remember. It was hard to pull back honestly, hence why they may as well be almost glued onto his lips. But they pulled back shortly after, not wanting to make this too long. And needless to say… His reaction had been unexpected.

He was staring at them, as if in disbelief, and they could see him all red. It was a first, not something they had seen before. Ever. And moments later he even put his hand over his mouth before making one of his fingers trace over his own lips. He didn’t say anything, only staring at them for a moment before suddenly leaning away from them and turning his face into the opposite direction, as if trying to hide his face.

And it left them… Confused. “Gentaro? Is something wrong?” They asked him, a little worried. This reaction was unusual, even for him. Just what was he—

“N… No. No no no! Nothing is wrong!” He responded, as if trying to keep his cool, though failing miserably. Why was he getting so worked up all of a sudden?

“You sure? That—”

“Just… Uhm… I… Being so bold.”

“Bold? What do you mean?”

“Ah— It’s… Nothing! Just thinking aloud!”

The first time they had seen him like this. “W… Wasn’t that your birthday wish?”

No response, only silence on his end. Though he turned back soon enough, eyeing them with… Still an intense redness? Yeah, he was red beyond belief here, redder than red even. 

“I… I know what I said but it was a—” He wanted to say yet he didn’t finish it. In the end he just didn’t finish it. No, he kept silent for a moment before they spotted him with a different face altogether. A smile? Was that what they saw?

“No, nevermind. I won’t complain. I think I got pretty lucky.” 

“Lucky?”

“Please, do not question it.” He said, turning back with his face in their full view once more. A smile so gentle yet genuine, one of the most genuine they had seen of him. Perhaps he was just really happy at the moment. They could only guess and yet… Even if only for this very moment… 

He had encountered them a few more times and they were always eager to present him the progress or latest ideas they had… Which meant eyeing document after document, character sheet after character sheet. Or skimming through pages while listening through the thought out progress. Truly, this was a lot to take in each time. The potential was there and they would be doing this day in and out, even if for them it was a quick progress. He was at least slightly envious, watching them do all of this with ease. But all the same he wanted to get it out there, help them get out there. It would be a shame if their work got buried after all, would it not? And perhaps he might have already accepted defeat… 

In any case, he first had to wait for the opportunity to make such an offer. For his luck, the offer would be made earlier than expected. Because when he had sat inside the café one day he spotted the student in question, waving them over. It took them a bit to register yet they had turned to him soon enough. And once they did he could see how exhausted they looked which had him a little curious. This was an unusual sight. No, not unusual. The two were not that close nor had they known each other for that long. So rather it was a first sight for him, even if they tried to mask it. Even once sitting down.

“Hello Yumeno–Sensei. What a surprise.” They greeted him as they sat down on the chair, right across the table. “I did not expect to meet you here today.”

“I shall say the same for thee.” He responded calmly. “It is unusual for thou to show up at this time. Has something happened?”

He could see them flinch for a split second, then fumbling around in their seat. They hesitated to answer, telling him all he needed. They really needed to not say a word and he would know that something had happened… Something they probably wished to hide. And yet they were doing anything but that right now. Even the biggest of fools would be able to see right through them. And even then, they still tried to cover it up with a sudden smile while turning back to face him, shaking their head.

“No. Nothing happened at all.” It’s a lie.

“Really? Thank goodness.” Another lie. He had just decided to not ask them about it. And honestly, it was probably none of his business to begin with. After all, the two were not that close. 

“Although you suddenly called me here. Is there something you need from me?” 

Of course, he should have expected that question. After all, there always was a reason, wasn’t there? Or maybe there always had to be a reason for them. But it is not as if he had no reason to approach them. In fact, this was perfect timing… For him, he was not sure about them right now. “There is but… It can wait, if thou art not feeling—” 

“Nah, it’s fine. I’m here now, aren’t I? Fill me in!” They interrupted, almost insisting. For a moment Gentaro himself had doubt, if this was really the time. And yet…

“Art thou certain?”

“Yeah. So if you got something, tell me.” They nodded, trying to keep their body calm, making no sudden movements. And yet, they were gazing around all the same, sometimes towards the window nearby, as if looking for someone. They were agitated, to say the least. He could tell.

“Art thou certain?”

“Y… Yeah! Yes yes! Totally! Go on! Please!” 

And yet, he was reconsidering it in the end. Sure, he had an offer for them to make and yet… No, it would just be wrong, wouldn’t it? One had to be literally blind and or oblivious to notice that this was not the time. They wouldn’t listen to begin with, given that their mind seemed occupied with something else. The question was what exactly? He was curious… But alas, it would remain unanswered for some time.

“Nevermind. Thou art not concentrating.” He mentioned with a sigh, making their head turn to him in one swoop.

“Huh!? But I am! Don’t leave me hanging like this now!”

“I shouldn’t. Apologies. Maybe another time.”

“S… So I’ll have to live without figuring this out now?” 

No, that had not been– Hah, he’s not good at dealing with people sometimes, he had to admit. A chance ruined perhaps… But… “No, I intend to inform thee, when the time is right. Thou just seem… How shall I put this? Stressed.”

A quick flinch in their seat, almost at the brink of sweating. “W… Well… Uh… Maybe… Student life is getting to me… Haha…” A terrible liar. 

“Of course it would be stressful. Though I have little experience in that regard.” He said, a light chuckle to somewhat lighten the mood and keep up a polite appearance, raising no suspicion in any regard. They didn’t need to know that he was not believing a word coming out of their mouth. And yet, that had gotten him a little more interested… Just what was this normal student hiding from him? And besides, they were not the only one holding a secret here but this was a detail only he had been aware of at the time. “Perhaps we should hold this meeting at a different time, when thou feel less stressed maybe.”

“Huh? But I ju—”

“There is no rush. I do not mind waiting.” He interrupted. “Thou may contact me when it is most convenient for thee. I can make room.”

“Contact? Wait… Are you asking for my number or something?”

“No, I ask for thy homing pigeon.”

“Homing pigeon!? Hold on I don’t—”

“That was a lie.”

And a moment of silence. What a naive response. He thought that the joke here was more than obvious. And yet, it had left them speechless it seemed, at least a little. “R… Right… My number it is.” 

“Oh, if thou do not want to—”

“It’s fine! I don’t mind! I just… Never expected this to happen. After all, exchanging contacts with a well known author… Sounds surreal.”

“Oh please, we are both just people. There is nothing unusual about this.” Or there shouldn’t be. 

“M… Maybe, just… Ah, nevermind! Let’s just get this over with, alright? I… Will contact you once I have time then. Heh…”

Their reaction was always something else to behold. Even now Gentaro could not hold himself back. He just had to open his mouth and get them all flustered, despite him having requested them to help him out for a little while. It could have been just for the day but it also could have been for the entire week. Surely, no feelings were involved whatsoever. It is not a situation he indulged in for selfish reasons, oh heavens no! This was merely to simulate the experience of a young couple going on a date, nothing else.

But was it a lie? Surprisingly, not completely. Parts of it were true and it was a genuine favor he had asked of them, asked of Ann. 

In one of the chapters he had made it that two of the characters were attending a date yet he had been sitting on this chapter way too long. He just wasn’t sure how to properly convey the feelings and thoughts when going on a date. What did it feel like? What would be done on a date? Most would consider it embarrassing to admit yet this author had little to no experience in this field. Honestly though, he didn’t mind being inexperienced. He had never had the urge before… Well, until recently. And yet, even then, this was not something he acted upon. It didn’t sit right with him, at least not in a time like this. That or he felt as if he needed an excuse in all honesty. Maybe it was that, maybe it was not. Regardless, this would not change any facts at hand.  Let alone the request he had asked of them earlier in person. 

“ Huh? Wait… You want to go on a… Date!? ” Ann had asked him, their eyes wide and their cheeks all red. So red that he had to hold his hands back to not reach out for them and pinch them right then and there. “ G… Gentaro… That’s sudden! I… don’t think— ”

“Please, calm down. It’s just for research. ” He had excused, interrupting them in the middle of their panic. 

“ For research? ”

“ Yes. After all, don’t write what you don’t know. ”

“ W… Well, some people do say that but— ”

“ As a fellow writer I’m sure that you understand my peril. ” 

“ I mean, yeah bu— ”

“No buts. I cannot ask anyone else. ” What a lie. He didn’t want to ask anyone else. “ You have experience thanks to Ramuda and Dice, don’t you? So please, educate me a little when it comes to going on dates. ”

And that was how the two got themselves into this situation. It was why they had to hold onto one of his arms very tightly, almost hugging it, while walking down the streets together, heading to a place together for an activity, to be all by themselves. After all, the essential  of a date was to bond, thus spending time alone was important. Was it not? 

And yet, when taking a gaze right down at them he could see their flustered expression, as if they were unable to look into his eyes, unable to face him for good. “Did you have to phrase it like that?” They asked of him, mumbling almost with utmost embarrassment. It only made him have a light smile on his face, finding this ever so amusing. 

“I did not. But I wanted to.” He said. 

“W… Wanted to? … I forgot who I was talking to, sorry.”

“Aww, you wound me dear.”

“You don’t have to use pet names you know!”

“Does it make you uncomfortable if I do?” A question which came a little late, he had to admit, yet he was concerned all the same. Maybe he had finally overstepped some boundaries. And if that was the case— 

“Tha— … As long as it isn’t something like ‘Princess’...”

“I will take note of that. But please, tell me if I overstep your boundaries.” He commented, making them turn back to him for a moment, staring with a mix of relief yet also surprise. “We may act like a couple now, but don’t be afraid to tell me if it’s too much. I’m just acting as I’ve read.”

“Read? What do you mean by read?” They asked, from one moment to the next just confused. 

“Well… I did some research beforehand. Primarily guides for dates and how to—”

“You’re seriously believing stuff like that?” They interrupted, sounding surprisingly cold about this. No, really, for a quick moment their eyes had just gone completely blank and staring, as if already saying ‘ Not impressed ’. This was followed up with a quick sigh before continuing. “Throw that outta the window, will you? There’s no need for stuff like that whatsoever.”

“There… Is not?” It surprised Gentaro, really. He usually would not want to look into guides like these either yet he had no choice, having zero experience in the field of romance. It was not his forte and until recently he had not even a clue how it felt to desire a person in a way more than a friend, let alone a family member. It had just not interested him. He knew it was a bad idea for his novel to experiment around with such emotions yet he had the desire to try something new… It was still hard to bring these feelings down to the paper however, let alone the behavior. He really didn’t know where to start and thus guides were begrudgingly his best point of reference. 

“No, not really. I thought it was obvious.” They responded with the utmost certainty. No, they were confident in this, very even, judging from their face. “If you gotta be a fake–self or something, it’s not worth it.”

“I… Wasn’t saying that—”

“I know, you weren’t going that far now. But listen, don’t think too hard about it. Just be yourself.”

Be himself… “A generic advice to use in several situations.”

“Yeah, I admit. It’s… A little overdone.” Ann agreed at the very least. “But there’s truth to it I suppose. After all, assuming a role makes moments like these rather shallow.” Though the last part… They had said it a little more quietly while suddenly grabbing tighter onto his arm, shoving their own body a little closer. A gesture he couldn’t really put a reasoning behind. They just… Did. It felt very sudden. And yet, it was more than obvious that they had been more than serious about this. They even bit their lower lip before shaking their head several times, then making their gaze meet his again, more relaxed than before. “What I’m saying is that you don’t really have to worry about stuff like that. Just be like you always are. We know each other for a while now after all, don’t we?”

On one hand he didn’t want to hear it. Wouldn’t that blur the line between fake and reality? He wouldn’t be able to tell this apart. it was not meant to be a real date, far from it. It was supposed to be nothing but pretend… A fake date. That was the plan. 

But on the other, hearing them say all of that… He felt relieved yet again. Maybe a part of him didn’t want to pretend. Maybe a part of him was begging for this to be real… No, of course he would have the desire to turn this into more. He was just holding himself back here, wanting this to be mere research for his novel. And yet, he would not get something like that. Having the line blurred like that… Hah, was this really a fake date? Or was this just some wishful thinking? 

“Alright, message received. I will just be myself… If you think you can handle that.”

“O… Of course I can! I’m keeping up with you until now, aren’t I?”

“Fair argument… My dear ~” Of course it slipped his tongue. He couldn’t resist… Anything to keep them on their toes. 

And it sure had them startled, their body becoming all tense again from hearing a nickname yet again. “Ah— You’re still at that!?”

“This is a date regardless. So get used to it darling~”

“Wh… Why you…”

And even with all of that said they were still holding onto his arm, clutching onto it as the duo was walking down the streets. Did they notice? Maybe, maybe not. But he dared to not point it out.

So it was not out of place for Gentaro to act like this. Even if he also wanted to merely get a reaction out of Ann themself. He had truly been late to the appointed ‘date’ the two had agreed on for today and he was going to apologize for that of course. Him taking their hand and lifting it up was just a bonus, a small gesture. And that was already enough to get them a little flustered it seemed, having them nearly wobbly in place. 

“Eh!? Uhm… It’s fine.” The young person tried to excuse him, trying to show some compassion for him perhaps. Maybe even being a fool for showing a more understanding side. Were they that easy to forgive someone they were close to? Quick to forgive yet also quick to apologize… What a sight. “You’re pretty busy usually, right? So I can’t be mad. Besides—”

“Hmm~? Are you feeding into my unhealthy behaviors, my sweet?” He interrupted out of nowhere. A quick look at their expression said it all – The flustered feeling overcoming them at that point. What a sight, isn’t it? And he would not let this chance slip away. He had to abuse the situation while he still could, just to see how far he could push it. “Please, if you let me get away with this once, I might do it again. You can be angry at me, if you like.”

“A… Angry?” They repeated, stuttering. “C… C’mon… Five minutes isn’t even a big deal… And stuff…”

“True. But what if those five minutes turn into ten?” He lifted their arm up a little, eyeing it for a moment. Well, it was surely covered by their sweater and the leather gloves they were wearing. But it wasn’t a layer he couldn’t get rid of easily, far from it. So, to distract them he continued speaking while slowly rolling up their sleeve. He was going to try something yet had to keep them occupied to do so out of nowhere for them. “And then twenty? Before knowing it, I will be an hour late.”

“Th… That… Wh… What are you even talking about!?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m talking about my rude behavior. How dare I making my beloved wait for me for five minutes?”

“O. Oi. We talkinged ‘bout this the first time. There’s literally not need to act like this nor call me pet names. Just—”

“Be yourself? Ah yes, I recall. What makes you think that is not what I’m doing?” He asked, chuckling as he freed part of their arm, skin now visible. Their wrist to be exact. That is fine. After all, it looked like a spot which had been barely touched. He may as well help himself here~ 

“Eh!? I… I didn’t say— I just mean– Er… Uhm…”

“You wound me sometimes with your words, you know?” He continued to tease. Though it was also the last sentence he said before moving his lips closer to their wrist and making them touch it for a moment. 

His lips were pressed against their skin, tight enough to feel them yet not tight enough yet to leave a mark. Or maybe it was? It would not matter, given that it would be a mark hidden from the view of others. Yet the thought of them having it made him a little amused. After all, it wasn’t exactly fair that Ramuda and Dice both were the ones who got to leave such marks on Ann. Then again, the two of them were not playing a game of pretend with them. So maybe he was the selfish one here in the end… 

But back to the present, to the happenings going on at that moment. Gentaro opened his eyes slightly, enough to gaze up and look at their expression. They were staring at him a little bewildered yet they did not pull away. At most they were as red as a watermelon could be if not even redder. What an adorable sight, let alone that they could manage it. How amusing. 

“Wh… Wha… H… Hey! Hold on a—” They were about to protest, were they not? Ah, a cute attempt, dare he say. But that was all it was to him, a cute attempt. Nothing more. To silence them he placed another kiss on their wrist, making them audibly squeal for a short second. Oh how he would love to place another, just so he could hear their adorable sounds over and over. But one must also know when to end such a game… 

And so, although a little hesitantly, he let go of their arm and hand soon enough, pulling their sleeve back down while doing so, as if covering up his traces. “Ah, my apologies. That was one of my several lies.” He said calmly as he looked back up at them, the usual smile plastered on his face. 

“Th.. That was a— Y… Yeesh! It’s not funny you know!”

“Haha, yes yes. But you made it too hard to resist.” Right after that response he suddenly held out his own hand, offering it to them, making it ready for the taking. “But enough about that. Shall we get going?”

They looked away from him for a second, saying something under their breath yet he could not make out their words. But maybe it was not important. Regardless, they turned back to him either way, nodding before carefully placing their hand on his… Only to have it grabbed tightly and being pulled closer to him. “Uwah— H… Hey! Careful!”

“Oh, apologies once more. Some demon must have possessed me.”

“Right… A demon… Another lie?”

“Perhaps. I am not sure myself anymore~”

“Oh why you…”

But wasn’t that the beauty of fiction as well? Being fully in control of the story or choosing to see where it goes while writing? Let it stay an escapism… And yet, said escapism sounded more exciting than the world they were living in. Even though he secretly grew more fond of the current days, the days he was experiencing first hand. And everyone around him does play a part in it. Even today was a little amusing. Maybe it’s just the small joys in life getting to him these days, something he had not expected, given his own circumstances. 

And yet, the conversation had come to a sudden halt when a smell hit his own nose. An unusual sweet one, a pleasant one. Now he was not someone to stop at such a smell yet this one was a little too tempting. He just couldn’t help himself at this rate. It had even escaped his own lips all of a sudden. “Oh, there’s a sweet smell coming from somewhere…” He had mumbled, though at first it had passed his own head. He had even turned his head to the store nearby… Million Crepes, one of the sweets stores in this era. And they happened to be open! Then again, it was the afternoon. Of course they were open. “I’m tempted to order one.”

“Then go on ahead.” He heard them respond, making him nearly flinch in shock. He was about to ask if they were a mind reader yet it had then dawned on him that he was just saying it out loud. “I can wait right here.”

He turned to them, still a bit surprised. “You don’t want anything?” He asked.

It was met with a quick headshake. “No, I’d… Rather not. Plus I don’t think my stomach could handle an entire crêpe.”

At first he raised an eyebrow, finding this odd to hear. Their… Stomach couldn’t handle it? Then again, if he thought back on some of their meetings at the café it would explain why they barely ordered some food when having a coffee with milk. And if going to eat out with the entire trio he would see Ann only ordering small bits. He was curious at most but that was about it. And yet… He would feel somewhat guilty if he was the only one getting something. “We can share.” It was his next best suggestion.

“Ah— No! You’re ordering it, right? So it’s all yours.”

“But what if I insist?”

“All yours. So—”

“I order it so I can decide what to do with it, correct?”

“Yeah bu—”

“We are sharing.”

“Hah!? Wait a minute— Hey, Gentaro! Get back out here!”

But it had been too late by then, he had already entered the shop and gotten out with a crêpe a little too large for himself alone. His claim was that he ‘had ordered it by accident and now this was too large for himself. He will need their help if he wants to finish it, to not let the money spent go to waste’. Of course that was a lie and they knew that it was. It was not an accident, it was on purpose. And yet, he had not given them a choice in this, not anymore. 

As for the flavor he picked… It was a little… Extravagant looking yet it might be common with one on the larger side. Lots of cream, strawberries found within yet also pieces of chocolate as well as a fitting sauce.  Too much for one person (unless you were a certain gambler wandering across Shibuya) yet it would be consumed by the two of them. He would make sure of that. 

“Now Ann, open up already~” Gentaro said, unable to hide his smile. This was a little amusing, he had to admit. Seeing them all flustered, still trying to resist. Not to mention that the two were out in public, him trying to feed them as if the two were actually official… Him having too much fun was an understatement here. 

“B… But that…” They were trying to protest yet he only got closer to them, crêpe closer into their face as well.

“Oh, you wish for me to do it the hard way now?” He teased, making them flinch on the spot for a moment, their gaze slowly turning back.

“Wh… What do you mean by… The hard way?”

“Well, I could take a bite you see. And then, when I chewed on it a little—”

A sudden bite, he could spot it. It was a small one but from one moment to the next he got them to take a bite out of said crêpe. The blush was visible, them knowing exactly what he had been hinting at right then and there. The reaction was something, a little adorable even, making him chuckle. 

“Don’t worry. That was a lie.”

But the damage had been already done, them lifting their head up and chewing, face beyond red. And they were looking very unamused at him yet he had been used to this, he had to admit. “Not funny…” They added after having swallowed the piece of the crêpe they had been eating.

“Haha, I had to get you to eat a bit somehow.”

“Ugh… I see that hasn’t changed.”

“Oh what could you possibly mean?”

“Still playing as unfairly as ever…” 

“Unfair? All I am doing is using my wits. I don’t see how that’s ‘unfair’~”

“Oh you know exactly what that means!” 

Ah, they are all angry again. It was always an adorable sight, he could not get enough of it. It was hard to hold it back. He was not even sorry, judging from his expression at this very moment. However, even then he took notice of something on their face, unable to not look for a few moments. It was not their pout, no. That had even faded when they had noticed him staring. 

“Huh? Is something wrong?” They asked, hoping for an answer. And they would get one… Yet in a more daring way than imagined. They had hoped for a verbal response, didn’t they? Well, he would not give it to them.

Instead he only launched his head a little forward without further warning, pressing his lips against their cheek, close to their mouth. A quick lick, putting the cream off their face that way. Yeah, a small amount of cream had been on their face. And they could not see it coming either.

He pulled away fast as well, having his usual smug grin on his face. “Just a little cream.” He said. 

They were only staring at him, a bit in disbelief, the blush too visible on their face. They even touched that part of their cheek, as if still processing this, leading to a few seconds of silence. That is until…

“Y… You could’ve just said so!”

“Haha, I could but that would have been boring.”

“Bo– Oh why you—” And a pout in the end after all.

“I’m sorry.”

“That’s another lie, isn’t it?”

“It is. You’re seeing right through me these days~” Because why would he be sorry? There was no reason to… 

“Idiot.”