[OPEN] someone please suggest cut text and subject title for me

[mahoraga]

Who ⬤ Megumi and awesome people (YOU)
What ⬤ May catch-all - substories, IC Mingle log, Megumi's part-time job, anything else that comes up
When ⬤ Throughout May
Where ⬤ Various places
Content Warnings ⬤ N/A - will add as I go


SUBSTORY #1: thanks mods i happen to love body heat meme

[ This is just about the last time he takes free food from anyone, even if they look like a harmless rabbit. Curse his slight fondness for rabbits. While Megumi went a good half hour with no side effects, the chill gradually sets in after that, his long-sleeved clothing and large collar that usually keep him fairly warm no longer making the cut. The worst part is, the effects set in right in the middle of the busy pavement. He would be able to deal with this better if he could wrap himself up at home.

Megumi tries to tough it out for as long as he is able to, arms wrapping around himself as he tries to keep the shivers at bay. He doesn't particularly like to draw attention to himself or make people worry about him, but it's hard to walk normally when the chill seems to have permeated every inch of his body. ]

What did she feed me ... [ Another day he wishes he could summon Divine Dog. Their fur would actually feel divine right about now.

Eventually, his hands seem to seek heat on their own, grabbing the sleeve of someone nearby to give them a light tug closer. ]

SUBSTORY #2: the one with the butts and wild goose chase

[ As if life couldn't get any harder, upon Megumi's refusal to help it with its pointless request, the shirime in all its eye-in-butt glory has taken to following him around, harassing him with its request incessantly.

"So, you'll help me, right? Hey, are you listening? Will you help me? I want the A5! You'll help me, right?"

There's only so much of being followed around and pestered that a boy can take. He doesn't even know which vending machine the shirime is talking about and it keeps ignoring the question when he asks.

There's only one way to solve this problem: Pawn it on someone else. Though he feels a little bad about this, there's no other choice. Megumi addresses whoever might be nearby, thumbing at the silly-looking yokai who's following him. ]

You. Can you help him?

IC MINGLE #1: welcome wagon

[ Megumi doesn't particularly care about movies, preferring to spend his evenings with a good book. When he does watch movies, it's when he's being roped into it by someone else.

He doesn't have much interest in using the movie ticket but it also feels like a waste to throw it away when someone else might want to use it. Anyone who's hovering around the theater will be approached by a tall young man with a deadpan expression. He straight up puts his ticket in your hand. ]

Here. Enjoy.

IC MINGLE #2: haniwa dolls

[ As the night goes on, and the partying locals and lost souls continue to drink themselves silly, a lot of people are focused on having a good time and paying less and less attention to the sporadically emerging dolls. They were creepy at first, but after the fourth time you see one popping up, it becomes a bit easier to ignore, apparently. It's because people are paying less attention that they're being less cautious and allowing themselves to be exposed to its cursed effects.

At a local nightclub, a fight seems to have broken out, a wolf demon randomly breaking out into some paranoid hysteria about everyone else's faces changing, and charging at the other patrons with his sharp claws. At the center of it all is a haniwa figure, and though Megumi's spiritual senses have dulled immensely, he can still pick up its off-putting, dreadful aura.

The other patrons, some also succumbing to the hallucinations, are obviously going to return in kind. A bottle thrown by one of the angry patrons sails through the air towards your character. Before it can hit, they'll be yanked to the side by a young man with dark hair. ]

I have to get rid of that figure. [ He turns to the person he's grabbing now. ] Go somewhere else.

[ He can handle this!!! (Allegedly ... )

ooc: As a note, Megumi is a helpful boy who will be trying to remove the statues as advised by Enma. He might succumb to the effects after a while and i'm happy to plot it out with whoever ]

PART TIME JOB: book shop boys (later in the month)

[ Megumi has found a part-time job at a local bookstore in the Sutoku Alliance. There are books of all sorts available, and the colourful and upbeat members of the staff (with the exception of .. Megumi, who stands out with how quiet he is by comparison) are always ready to help out.

A: If your character looks unsure of what they want to browse, they'll be approached by a quiet young man in a blue apron, who will point at one particular book in the non-fiction section. ]

This one wasn't bad.

[ The title reads 'Everything You Need to Know About Concrete Engineering'. That's ... so boring, why would anyone (who isn't a builder) ever read it??? ]

[ B: Or, if your character happened to wander near the shelves behind some bashful yuki-onna who quickly takes off and leaves, they might get falsely accused of a book-related crime.

Megumi will approach them with a book in hand (a romance story, apparently) and open up the cover. Written on the pages are the romantic exchanges between two regular patrons, who have chosen to trade their love notes through this one book.

The latest one reads "There isn't a day I go on without thinking about you. I long for the touch of your fingers, to hear the sound of your voice. My heart can take no more of this cruel fate that separates us."

Love between enemy faction members? Whatever, he doesn't care. Megumi looks very unimpressed. ]

Please have your love affair somewhere else.

[ OOC: Do something else with me??? You can reach me via PM or at charsiu (feel free to add) ]

Comments

[mahoraga]

[ It was nice of Yuuji to set Megumi up with his own space. He's always been a private person, and though every piece of evidence would dictate that he enjoys Yuuji's company, he also enjoys having a corner to return to when his social battery is drained. That little corner of his is crisp and boring to look at, but feels occupied. Yuuji might have noticed much less mess around the small apartment ever since he gained a roommate, actually. Megumi's fallen into quite the habit of picking up the slippers or clothing left on the ground, and tucking in the sheets of both their beds so they look presentable.

For now, he's still got some of that social battery left, and he's happy to engage in low energy conversation. ]

Some of it's drugged. I made the mistake of eating some.

[ A part of him does think that he should have known better, but he dropped his guard because the youkai that fed that mochi to him was a cute and harmless-looking rabbit. Now he knows not to trust even the most harmless-looking youkai at least.

While there was a moment he wondered if it was better to keep the experience to himself because he doesn't want Yuuji to worry, he eventually drops that consideration. There's no reason for Yuuji to get worried when he's right here, healthy and talking to him. It's also good to update each other on what's happening in the town so nobody repeats the other's mistake. ]

[ahost]

[ and yuuji is very attentive to all those small details, and he often would find himself smiling and — somewhat smitten by it. it's such a simple, yet a deeply affectionate way of adding a warming touch into their place. after pointing it out once or twice, only to have megumi dismiss it as nothing special, he learned he had to express his gratitude in different ways. he just had to figure out how to thank megumi in a way that would reach him without being too obvious.

still high in a rare bliss of peace, yuuji found himself losing interest in the game at that last confession. it wasn't an abrupt reaction, nothing more than a tilt of his head, his gaze catching the others. ]

... and?

[ he knew there is more to it. the drug culture in this city is painfully customary, but that didn't downgrade how toxic it is. the people yuuji had to deal with; all vulnerable and unaware of their surroundings or what happened to them; with no one to help but instead abuse the situation in whatever way they deemed fit. it rarely ends on a happy note, and even when megumi is sitting across him— alive and unharmed, it still didn't settle well in yuuji's mind that he was left alone in that situation.

before he could react, yuuji kept his mouth shut and waited for megumi's answer. ]

[mahoraga]

[ There's a shift in the air now, the light hearted and casual atmosphere becoming heavier. Megumi considers now that he probably should have put more thought into this topic before bringing it up. Somehow, it hadn't occurred to him that Yuuji would be concerned whether or not he appeared to be physically healthy. He shifts his focus from the book, aiming to quell some of that worry now. ]

... Nothing in particular happened. [ It's true, as far as Megumi is concerned. Yes, he had to endure an awkward and embarrassing experience, but it isn't a big issue in the grand scheme of things. He has a feeling that by saying 'nothing happened', that's only going to worry Yuuji more, though, so he does elaborate. ]

The medicinal mochi being handed out by the gyokuto dysregulates your body temperature. It ... [ He sounds more awkward now, his tone drying up. ] can only be relieved by physical contact.

[ So yeah. He had to cuddle. ]

[ahost]

[ ah, like what happened between him and hizen the other day. it's funny— how he took the situation in his own regard as lighthearted, but not with megumi. it just didn't seem like something that his friend would tolerate? then again, did he have any control over the situation? there are plenty of justifications to seek a much-needed warmth when you're in that uncomfortable spot, and yet— why megumi? why did it have to happen to him?

yuuji ends up easing the tension in his shoulders, sighing a bit while scratching the back of his head; something to keep his hands busy as he collects his thoughts. ]

That's all, right? You end up hugging someone, and ... that's it?

[ okay, he knew it was none of his business to ask, but he'll toss it under the 'friends talk!' excuse— which didn't make sense since they never talk about shit! the deeper, more urgent matters that is. in which yuuji is quick to realize this approach won't serve him well, and he needs to try again. he waves a hand in a dismissive way before tossing another attempt. ]

Let me explain my concern in a different way ... did anyone try to take advantage of your situation?

[ it's, somehow, even more personal now. ]

[mahoraga]

[ It's difficult for them to get a read on the mood right now, on what Yuuji may be thinking about - which isn't written on his face this time. That first question is phrased in an odd way, like it would be a problem if it were anything beyond hugging, but Yuuji is quick to rephrase and make his concerns known. In the context, Megumi does suppose it makes sense, so he's not going to put too much thought into it.

He honestly had not expected Yuuji to have concerns in this regard as well, but that doesn't come as a surprise either. Yuuji is just a good person who's always been concerned about the physical and mental health of his friends. ]

I don't see why anyone would do that ... [ Not to him, anyway. He's never been an object of affection or (god forbid) lust. He doesn't stand out very much in particular.

Given that Yuuji does seem seriously concerned, he should respond properly. ]

I'm alright. They were just trying to help. [ The proximity was stressful and he wouldn't want to go through that again, but it isn't like the experience was a big deal otherwise. Megumi's gaze falls to Yuuji's face now, studying his expression and trying to work out what feels off. ]

[ahost]

... You're joking, right?

[ that boy had a habit of downgrading situations, and while it did work in soothing yuuji's anxieties on most occasions— it backfired this time. he drops his phone, losing total interest in it, he then shifts on the bed; turning to face the other boy. ]

Just because you got lucky this time doesn't mean you should have that mentality, Fushiguro. It's different in this city! It's Hell for a reason!

[ how can he make him understand? does he need to spit it out to him? describe in vivid detail the shit he had seen and had to deal with. the imagery that sickens him until this very moment, and the sheer thought of megumi being one of them is harrowing. he sucks in a breath, keeping his tone steady. at least the sorcerer is aware he's skipping way too many steps here, exaggerating the situation when all megumi had to endure is some cute cuddles.

but, god, it could've been something else. it could've been more sinister— he didn't fucking trust this place. ]

Why didn't you call me?!

[mahoraga]

[ Megumi's at a loss for words in response to this, not quite expecting the conversation to take a turn when he brought it up. It was only a casual throwaway topic, not something he put much thought into at all.

The outward pouring of sincere concern for him is something Megumi usually deals with in one of two ways - acknowledgement, or buckling down in stubbornness. Somehow, he's less compelled to put up a difficult attitude in response to this. It's to do with the sense of desperation he gets from Yuuji when he speaks; it makes him feel like if he were to start an argument about this, he would be trampling over the other boy's genuine feelings.

When he thinks about it, he's only been here a few days, and Yuuji's been here for months, working in a job that requires him to interact with the lowest dregs this society can offer on a daily basis. They're in a different dynamic from their usual, with Yuuji having a better understanding of the circumstances than himself. The other boy's probably seen people get drugged beyond comprehension, doing things they had no way to consent for. Megumi does acknowledge that he could have been in that situation himself, but somehow, when it pertains to him, he has nowhere near the same amount of concern that Yuuji does. ]

... I'm not going to let that happen to me again. [ So, lay off his case a lil spormyjsry He understands why Yuuji is so upset, but he can't let go of his defiant streak. Look, at least he's not arguing back. ]

[ As for why he didn't call him? To be honest, Megumi isn't in the habit of ever asking for help, not unless it's a dire situation involving someone he really cares about and he has no way of managing it himself. When he asked Yuuji for help to save Tsumiki, it was that sort of situation - and also a desire to pull the other boy out of the self-loathing he knew he was in. It seemed to work.

In this context ... ] You want me to call you? [ There won't be a next time if he can help it, but if there is and it's something more serious than ...cuddling, surely Yuuji knows what that could entail. ]

[ahost]

[ upon hearing that promise, yuuji's expressions eased into something— else. one might say he had a heart full of grief when it was intended to be a relief. the conflicted emotions in his features are odd given their conversation, navigating into buried, unspoken confessions. maybe ... a part of him hasn't moved on from their first night and from the moment he was hit with a realization megumi ended up here after a short, unfair life. he thought he got over it, found their new routine, their new life, their new- ... home. and yet, he couldn't stop thinking of what could've happened. what was that boy's last thought while dying? was he scared? was he in pain?

the thought of megumi being off guard, and once again he's not fucking there to do anything about it— even if it's something as simple as cuddling with a stupid stranger, it still hurts. it infuriates him that he's making the same mistake again.

so he didn't hesitate with his answer. ]

Call me. Always call me. I don't care how bad it is, you have to call me.

[ whatever it is, yuuji believes they trust each other not to make it ruin their friendship. it's better to confide to a friend over a stranger; basic logic. he refused to think of the many scenarios, whether it's awkward or not— it will all lead to one answer:

they have to find each other. ]

[mahoraga]

[ call down yuuji he doesn't even remember dying

Megumi continues to stare at Yuuji in bewilderment, trying to read the emotions he can see on the other boy's face that don't at all match up to the conversation they're having.

He ponders Yuuji's affirmation, sounding almost like an open cheque, and it's completely in character for the other boy. Yuuji has always been a person willing to give up every part of themselves - their heart, their soul, their body. An unconditionally kind person who puts others before himself and wants to save everyone. It's that trait of his that drew Megumi to him to begin with, and it's dangerous. Some innocent cuddling is one thing. What if Megumi were to be affected to the point he becomes completely unlike himself and tries to overstep that boundary between them, tries to take advantage of Yuuji's trust? He doesn't think he would ever do that, but he's also the sort to consider every possibility. ]

... Okay. [ There's a lack of commitment, an insincerity to his answer. If it gets to that point, he won't do it. He knows Yuuji would submit to him and whatever disgusting requests he might make while possessed by the wicked culture of the land. It's better to subject it on someone else he has less care for. Yuuji is too important. ]

You better call me too. [ But hypocrite that he is, he wants Yuuji to do the same for him. How he would manage it he doesn't know - the thought of being intimate with anyone continues to make him nervous - but he'll always take care of him, and that's a fact. ]

[ahost]

[ he gives megumi a flat stare; let his lashes lower a little over his eyes. ]

You're lying.

[ god, this kid. he is too stubborn for his own good at times, and yuuji didn't get why this conversation prompted resistance from the other. while he understood this specific situation is begging for awkward confrontations but is it really that awful if they did it together? their relationship isn't so frail to break over an irrelevant one-night stand scenario. or, that's what yuuji believed.

disappointed with how this turned out, he chose not to push megumi harder than he already has— sighing. he then flopped back on his bed, reaching out for his phone and unlocking the screen. ]

A terrible liar. [ perhaps one last grumble for the sake of being a brat himself. ] Didn't even bother to polish your act ...

[ he switched on the game again, the theme song playing loud enough to give an impression this conversation had failed to reach any resolution. with his eyes focused on the colorful graphics and new obstacles, yuuji randomly asked after a few moments of silence- ]

You would rather have sex with a stranger over a trusted friend, then?

[mahoraga]

What?

[ Yuuji isn't wrong that he was lying, but he someone hadn't expected the other boy to pick up on that fact or call him out on it. It's true that he lied, but stubborn person that he is, he doesn't feel like he's in the wrong for doing so and doesn't want to apologise for it. The tension between them seems to rise, with Megumi's own annoyance with the conversation building up alongside Yuuji's, fueled by the other boy's grumbling and irritated non-verbal cues. They're just children, after all. They fight over stupid things.

So what if I lied?

Yuuji's final question brings the matter to the forefront. He was debating explaining his reasons for lying throughout the interaction, but now that he's annoyed enough, he goes out and says it. ]

Stop being stupid. What are you going to do if I come back one day trying to get my hands all over you? Aren't you going to let it happen, whether you want it or not?!

[ahost]

I'm just looking out for you!

[ as defensive as he sounds, yuuji kept his tone steady, even when they are both feeding into each other's frustrations. a part of him wanted to bring out the fact megumi is not answering his question, but that's a level of petty that's even too much for him. yuuji's expression twists into a frown, fingers tapping away as he kept playing— still avoiding the other's gaze. ]

I won't do anything against my will if that's what you're worried about. If I don't want you to touch me, I won't let it happen. There are other ways to resolve it, and I'd rather be the one to do it.

[ compromise, let's try to navigate this quarrel towards a common ground. it's time to take a breather, calm down and try to understand his friend instead of shoving his ideology against his will. ]

Alright. Tell me. What's the worst that could happen? Do you think having one wild night would ruin what we have? We can't ever be friends again?

[mahoraga]

[ It's relieving to hear that Yuuji wouldn't simply allow it to happen against his will, even if he doesn't know if he completely believes that. Yuuji is a person who could have chosen to run away but instead turned his life upside down for the sake of a few other people. It's for that reason it's difficult for Megumi to believe that he can ever truly put himself first. The other boy is right, though - there are other ways to resolve it. He could keep Megumi apart somehow until the effects wear off. He could knock Megumi unconscious or keep his subdued. It does bring him some relief that there are options.

Megumi lets out an exhale, reaching a calmer state now that the general tension is settling and he's relieved by the fact that there are other ways such a situation could go. If the conversation about this ended right here, he wouldn't mind, but Yuuji insists to keep prying and get his thoughts out of him ...

There's a pause as he ponders over whether he wants to answer or not. Yuuji's just going to call him out again if he tries to lie. ]

It's not that. [ He doesn't think he could ever hold disdain for Yuuji, but he won't rule out the possibility of the other boy ever holding disdain for him - but if he says that they will argue again. Megumi's hesitant, unsure of how he can explain his reasoning - unsure of his reasoning to begin with. The thought of having sex with his friend makes him anxious, but not in the same way he generally dislikes being touched. ]

Don't you think ... [ He clutches onto the fabric of his pants in a bit of a nervous gesture, the book he was reading now neglected and on his lap. Megumi was keeping some eye contact with Yuuji before, but he suddenly finds that a bit overwhelming and averts his eyes away. A splash of pink colours the fair skin of his cheeks. ] it'd be kind of difficult ...

[ Embarrassing, awkward, stressful. With someone else it would still be stressful but he could focus purely on the act. With Yuuji, somehow it feels like something's going to bubble up from within and he doesn't feel prepared for it. ]

[ahost]

[ he found himself slowly losing interest in the game, staring at the other from the corner of his eye as he struggles to explain himself. there is something about the way megumi is avoiding his gaze now, and the subtle shade brightening his cheeks— it's not a view he'd seen before.

he waits for an answer, only to hear a question instead. difficult? awkward is one way to justify how their experience will be, but — difficult? in what way? and why would it be? with a slow blink, he lowers his phone down to his lap. ]

It might be weird. We are friends, and we've been through a lot. It might start with us being nervous, but I see it as a good type of nervousness. Like, hmm, exciting? You're someone I trust and that alone is enough for me to make it feel okay. You know? I'll be safe with you. We won't hurt each other and if someone doesn't want it anymore the other person will stop immediately. If we're bad at it, we'll just laugh about it later!

[ his lips curled up in a playful smile, sitting up straight while making a vague gesture with his hand. there isn't a hint of embarrassment behind his tone as he continued, and it's a reflection of what he just said. he felt safe with megumi; protected. ]

Maybe we will never be in that situation. Maybe all I have to do is knock you out cold, and I totally expect you to do the same! Buuuut ... if we both want it? Fushiguro ... let's have fun while we're at it!

[ despite that big smile, his own cheeks burn in a sense of warmth, and what he hoped— is reassurance that he is not just spitting lies. he is genuine, and he means it. ]

If it makes you feel better, we can switch off the lights and keep most of our clothes on? It will make it less awkward.

[mahoraga]

[ I'll be safe with you.

It's little phrases like that that seem to pull him out of his ruminating thoughts, cutting through all the worry and useless introspection and bringing him a sense of ease that isn't usual in Megumi's world. Megumi is a boy with a natural tendency to assume responsibility, to worry for the sake of others as if they wouldn't be able to manage by themselves without his intervention. It's rare he allows himself to relax and feel like something will work out even though he doesn't have a contingency plan for it, that he can simply let something happen - and potentially gain a new experience along the way.

His thoughts travel back to that first time Yuuji had put him at ease like this with a simple 'don't worry'. It had done a lot to dissipate his fretting, taught him that sometimes he could simply put his trust in someone else.

It will still be embarrassing, fraught, awkward and nerve-wrecking, but maybe there's no sense dwelling on the dozen ways it could be difficult, and trust that whatever should happen, they would find a way to make it a good experience for them both. Maybe it's fine to trust Yuuji to take care of him, the same way Yuuji seems to be trusting him to do the same.

When he looks past the anxieties and preconceptions he had about the act, puts all those aside and focuses on the trust that he's placed in his friend, Megumi finds that it's become easier, that he can see how it could even be somewhat pleasant. He's never shared intimacy with another person, spending most of his life with a wall wedged between himself and others, but he remembers that night he slept in Yuuji's bed ... and the other boy was just so warm, his aura that of comfort, welcoming and 'home'.

For a few seconds, Megumi keeps his gaze fixed on Yuuji, eyes widening like he's had a small epiphany, like the other boy has managed to reach him. He then looks down, his tone quiet, pensive but accepting. ]

... Okay. [ It's genuine this time. ] I'll come to you.

[ Though he IS going to ignore that nonsense about turning off the lights. Please do not ruin the moment. ]

[ahost]

[ this time megumi means it, and that's enough to bring some ease into the whole situation. yuuji didn't want to ruin the moment by saying something as stupid as 'thank you for trusting me' — instead, he allows the other boy to see it all over his face. he is happy, content, and doesn't regret pushing for it. he truly believed their friendship could survive anything, and this is just a minor 'issue' to deal with in the future.

they can leave it to rest now; allowing megumi to enjoy his day off, enjoy some rare serenity— that's the plan, regardless of what might follow. ]

I'm glad we sort that out! Now-

[ suddenly, he pushed himself off the bed, dropping his phone on the blanket before making his way over to megumi's little corner of the room. it's only a few steps, in which yuuji ends up spreading his arms wide open, motioning with his fingers for the other to stand up; chuckling softly under his breath. ]

Come on. We might as well get used to it.

[ hey, if that boy had no issue sharing something as intimate as a full cuddling session with a stranger, what is a simple hug between friends? besides, maybe it will help them shake off any sense of tension when they do need to be intimate with each other. that's his logic, but from the way yuuji's eyes shimmer in playfulness, almost teasing— he's also giving an open window for megumi to turn it down.

no pressure; just good, stupid vibes to lighten the mood. to bring some color into the grim shit they deal with outside their safe haven. ]

i was promised cuddling but there was no cuddling ... i want a refund

[mahoraga]

[ Wow, he did have issue having that cuddle session with a stranger. Just because he did it, doesn't mean it was easy! There was a lot he's had to process in this short span of one day - tensions and frustrations between them were high just a few minutes ago, and Megumi's somehow landed upon a slight change in his perception on things at the end of it. So much has happened, and now Yuuji's wanting to step things up with no warning or time for preparation. ]

Now ...? I'm reading! [ Megumi lets out a click of the tongue, turning his body away from where he's sitting at the bottom of his bed and picking up his book. Reading. He is doing that.

But look, if Yuuji were to cozy up and lean against him, he's not going to push him away. ]

no refunds, you!

[ahost]

Reading, huh? What was the book again ... ?

[ there is enough space for yuuji to flop down, throwing his heavy weight on the bed and some of it on megumi too— in the most invasive way possible. he then gets in his space, more than he already is, peering over his shoulder to catch the title of this really important book.

'the history of cement' — that's when yuuji's smile dropped, followed by a mad twist from joy to a judgemental look of concern; side-eyeing the other. he is somewhat offended to have this book be far more worthy of megumi's attention than him. wow. ]

Fushiguro. You're boring ...

[ he really said it with his whole chest, huh? ]

Come on, a quick hug? I have work in like 20 minutes.

[mahoraga]

[ Megumi can't help but feel himself sweat a little as Yuuji plops down behind him, too aware of the little pink hairs poking at the side of his face. ]

What? [ Yuuji took one look at his book, and decided that he (it) was boring? Megumi isn't offended - just incredulous. What about this could be boring? There are a lot of interesting facts to learn.

At this point he's tired and continuing to resist also sounds tiring. He lets out an exhale, closing his eyes. ]

Get it out of the way then. [ But he is going to sit here and not do anything. YOU hug HIM. ]

[ahost]

[ interesting facts? god, this kid. yuuji just couldn't believe anyone was willing to put themselves through this kind of torture, reading something so tedious and bland; even the cover lacked colors, opting to a dull brown and— ugh, he can't. ]

Okay!

[ gently, he nestles his chin against the curve of megumi's neck, closing his eyes as his arm curled around, pressing a hand against the other's chest and then— he brought their bodies closer; sharing space and warmth. this time it's more personal, he's holding into him with such a knowing embrace, even when yuuji isn't often this intimate with others, it might give an impression it's something he'd thought about a lot, something he inwardly pined for and when given the opportunity, he knew how to do it.

if he's allowed to 'get it out of his system' —then he'd stay, urge this moment to linger. it felt good, and afterward he leaned forward to squish their cheeks together. now it's more playful, but still very invasive. ]

Tell me this is the best hug you ever had, and then I'll leave.

[mahoraga]

[ Megumi holds his breath as he's drawn in, feeling his body naturally tense up from his general unuse to touch. The chin against his shoulder and pink hairs poking at his cheek are ticklish, making him frown, but not unpleasant. Actually, the whole experience isn't unpleasant - it might be that he hates the thought of being touched much more than the actual sensation of it once it's happened.

Or it might have something to do with the person who's touching him. Just like his memories of that night a week ago, Yuuji's supremely warm against his skin, running hot for some unknown reason, and it's a soft kind of comfort to be embraced by that warmth for a person who gets cold easily. There's a bubbling sort of pleasant feeling from within, and it makes him consider that Yuuji might have a point when he made those claims about the correlation between cuddling and happiness. When Megumi has enough time to accustom to the sensation, he eases into Yuuji's body, leaning some of his weight against his chest and gripping onto the hands wrapped around him. A soft flush of pink colours his pale skin, and he keeps his face turned away from Yuuji's.

He's already allowing the hug? Why does Yuuji always have a new stupid request up for sleeve! ]

Aren't you worried about being late? [ holding work hostage??? ]

[ahost]

[ considering how close they are, it was easy for yuuji to pick up on when the other started relaxing; dropping his guard just enough to allow their little embrace to be more genuine. just like he's missing out on the lovely shade on megumi's cheeks, the other wouldn't be able to see the utter adoration behind yuuji's smile.

the touch of the other boy's hands against his own— is beautifully unexpected; it warmed up his aching heart in all the right spots. despite his personality, yuuji had a habit to talk about anything and welcomes any topic so long as it didn't involve his inner demons. it left him painfully aware of that accumulation, anxious about how long he can get away with brushing it under the rug— but as he held into megumi, he felt an odd sense of sympathy. desperate for that sense of acceptance, it was difficult to break it off-

he didn't want to. ]

You're mean.

[ because megumi is right. the sorcerer had commitments and being late is not something he could afford. sighing, he sits up; stretching his arms over his head. ]

I'll be late. You can have dinner without me.

[mahoraga]

[ Somehow, it felt like Yuuji would push him a little more, and when that doesn't happen, when the other boy simply accepts his scolding without trying to squeeze more affection out of him, Megumi's left with the feeling that something is missing. Even more so when Yuuji sits up casually after that, breaking their embrace quickly. He's met with the harsh chill of the cold air right after, feeling harsher in comparison to the warmth enveloping him while Yuuji was still holding him. His fingers twitch like they want to hold on a little longer, grip onto the other boy's hand before it retreats away, but they give up on the effort quickly. Megumi is exactly the type of person to dispel their desires before they can take form.

The knowledge that Yuuji won't be joining him tonight is strangely lonely. ]

Alright ... [ Why would it feel lonely? It isn't like he's unused to having dinners alone, given how this was the norm for him after Tsumiki got cursed. He doesn't know if he should act on his feelings or leave them alone. Megumi looks down, fidgeting with the fabric of his pants like he's unsure if he should pursue it or not. ]

Actually ... I think I'll wait for you.

[ahost]

[ why ruin a sweet moment by pushing his luck? yuuji knew better than to leave with the other resenting the experience instead of feeling— well, what he is feeling right now. a rare bliss and ecstasy. if he's allowed to, he'll keep smiling for the rest of the night, relishing on the rush of blood through his system, with his head high in the clouds. ]

Hmm? [ he stares the other down, still chilling on his side of the bed. perhaps using the word 'late' is an understatement— truth is, yuuji won't be coming until early morning. still, he didn't want to spark any further questions. after all, picking up those extra shifts is a buildup to a surprise that involved megumi. he'll have to persuade him otherwise and make up a lie or something!

he squints, thinking really hard before he randomly gasped. ]

Oh!! I promised to meet Junpei for dinner after work. So, really! Don't wait for me. We can have dinner together tomorrow night. I promise!

[ he pats megumi on the shoulder before he moved out of bed; trying to pump himself up for a night of playing a cop. ]

Enjoy your super boring book!

[mahoraga]

[ If it's dinner with Junpei as Yuuji says then he won't pursue the matter further, but he still can't help but feel like something is amiss. That's what his intuition is telling him. There's no evidence pointing to that, however, so he decides to just keep an eye on the matter.

He would prefer to eat with Yuuji, but he won't try to change his existing plans. As Yuuji starts to get ready for his shift, Megumi regards him from where he's sitting in their room. ]

... Be careful.