Chapter Text
They grew exponentially closer over the course of the season, and everyone noticed. Tachihara began making subtle references to something he liked to call “Suegiku”, while Teruko and Fukuchi made much more obvious comments about the ordeal. Teruko had even gone as far as to post some videos of them on social media, risking backlash for spoilers from the higher-ups. She kept him updated on the likes, often bragging when they got lots of attention. When Jouno asked why she said it was “marketing”.
Their relationship was beginning to show through during filming as well. Their chemistry had shot through the roof, and the Cafe Uzumaki scene ended up looking less like a high-stakes interview and more like a date with a side of antagonizing the owner.
Not only that, Jouno had been getting comments on his—previously very small and virtually untouched—social media accounts about the situation. While he didn’t mind, Jouno had no idea how Tecchou felt about the whole thing. Considering they had gone to dinner twice and hung out outside of work a few times for movie nights and to bake one of Tecchou’s friends a cake, he hoped it wasn’t an issue. However, that didn’t change the fact that it was like he was walking on a shoestring, watching his every move around the other actor.
He became vaguely aware that people were already beginning to ship the characters together, even though the new season hadn’t even been released and the fans were only running on some crumbs. There was one scene of a trailer in which they were shown together, in a single group shot with Fukuchi and Teruko, and some fans were scrambling to analyze the scene in an attempt to prove he and Tecchou’s respective personas were romantically involved.
Meanwhile, he and Tecchou spent late nights texting, as well as spending a lot of their downtime on set together. It was like every single one of Jouno’s waking moments was consumed by Tecchou, whether in presence or thought.
He was in the middle of one such crisis as they were preparing to be pulled onto the stage for a live interview before the new season. It was supposed to be the official announcement of less important details—favorite foods, and other such facts one could find on a character bio—for the new characters such as the Hunting Dogs, and Nikolai’s jester. Because of the nature of the interview, Nikolai and Fyodor were present, as well as each of the Hunting Dogs, save for Tachihara, since he was supposed to be revealed a few episodes into the season. Teruko was standing next to him, a calm look on her face while Jouno found himself fidgeting impatiently and shifting from foot to foot. Jouno could hear Nikolai excitedly ranting to Fyodor, who seemed content to indulge the other for now.
An assistant wound in between each of the actors—and the actress—doing a final check to make sure everyone was properly dressed and that their mics were working. She murmured something under her breath, and suddenly Nikolai and Fyodor were filing into a line next to Jouno. Tecchou and Fukuchi were supposed to be at the back, but before they could move to shuffle onto the talk show’s stage, Jouno felt long fingers wrap around his left wrist. He flinched slightly, but there was a small whisper of “It’s me,” and his nerves calmed immediately. Tecchou kept his fingers on Jouno’s wrist, making no move to return to his spot at the back of the line.
“You’re going to get in trouble,” Jouno inclined his head slightly to the left so that only Tecchou could hear the words.
“I convinced the director to let me go with you since we’re partners.”
Jouno huffed, “Whatever you say.”
Tecchou let out a breathy laugh before cutting himself off, “Are you ready?”
“As I’ll ever be, I guess.”
He heard Nikolai and Fyodor move forward onto the stage, and then Tecchou gave a slight tug on his wrist and he shifted forward as well, into the heat of the stage lights. They were greeted by cheers, especially Tecchou and Nikolai, as proven by the several screams about the two of them. One fan in particular proposed marriage to Nikolai, which was accompanied by several laughs and a stifled snicker from Teruko, behind him.
Tecchou led them to a sofa, which was accompanied by several chairs. He wasn’t in the mood to be generous to the other cast members, apparently, considering he claimed the sofa for himself and Jouno without hesitation. The host, whose name Jouno found himself struggling to think of at the moment—either because of the nerves or because Tecchou had literally chosen to link their ankles together upon sitting down (?!), started a brief introduction as she tried to calm the audience slightly. He heard Teruko take a seat on the arm of the couch, and he silently commended her for being so in character. Or maybe that was just Teruko.
“Welcome,” the host was saying, “We have the cast of Bungo Stray Dogs here!”
There was a resurgence in the cheering once the name of the show was announced, and Jouno had to suppress the urge to cover his ears. “So with us today we have Fyodor Dostoevsky, who’s returning from season three as well as the movie Dead Apple.” Jouno had previously picked up on the fact that Fyodor played quite a popular character, so the screams didn’t surprise him at all. “We have a familiar face with Nikolai Gogol.”
Tecchou leaned over slightly and whispered, “It’ll be quieter after the introduction.” Jouno jostled Tecchou’s knee slightly in acknowledgment.
“Now, for an entirely new group of characters: the Hunting Dogs! Starting strong with Ochi Fukuchi, our favorite old-timer!” Fukuchi laughed off the dig good-naturedly and waved.
“Teruko Okura, who we know from the show Gasp.” Jouno felt the couch shift forward slightly as she jumped off the couch and gave a large, overexaggerated wave.
“Saigiku Jouno, a rising actor.” The host had the grace to not mention the show he had previously been cast in because it wasn’t very well-known, and for that Jouno was very thankful.
“And Tecchou Suehiro!” Just as there had been with Fyodor and Nikolai’s introductions, Tecchou’s brought on a barrage of noise, and Jouno’s teeth ground together a little.
The host, who Jouno was just remembering was named Akane, now turned her attention to the cast. “So, we’re here today to talk about the role you all will be playing in the new season of Bungo! Does anyone want to start?”
Fukuchi jumped in immediately, “In an effort to not get scolded for spoilers, I’m gonna keep this brief, but I can tell you all now that this season get’s intense! Obviously, a whole bunch of new characters, and a few new villains.”
“New villains?” the host prompted.
Fyodor nodded, “Well, obviously I’m still around, but the writers thought we should spice it up a little.”
Jouno knew that Nikolai and Fyodor had been prepped separately on what they could reveal about the Decay of Angels plotline, just as the Hunting Dogs weren’t supposed to say anything about deaths, Tachihara’s true identity, and Fukuchi’s role as the mastermind, so Nikolai jumping in on this question was expected.
“Well, of course, there’s going to be new plot devices all around. I’m just excited to be working with Dos this season since we’ve been friends for some time now but have never done a project together!” Although Jouno couldn’t see Nikolai’s expression, he figured it was one of dismay.
There were various reactions from the audience and Akane took the bait, already having a good idea of where this interview was headed. They didn’t have a script, per se, but there were still larger points they needed to hit. “So you’re going to be one of the villains this season, Nikolai?”
“Of course!” he responded. There were more cheers from the audience, although Tecchou was right about it being quieter once the introductions were finished.
“So Fyodor and Nikolai? Any other interesting villains we should know about?”
Nikolai laughed, “Nope! Can’t think of any!”
Akane nodded, “Well, even though there aren’t many new villains, there is the military group, the Hunting Dogs,” she gestured to the four of them. “Would you guys like to tell us a bit about your characters and the role they’ll play?”
Fukuchi looked to the others, “In order of rank?” There were various nods of assent before Fukuchi began. “Right, I play the commander of the Hunting Dogs, so I’m at the top of the figurative food chain. My character is a bit loud and cheerful on most occasions, but he’s also a very accomplished fighter. He has a connection to another older character in the series.”
Teruko chimed in, “I’m the Vice Commander. My character’s ability, Gasp of the Soul, allows her to control the age of herself and those she touches. She’s childish and prone to acts of violence at times, and she also thinks very highly of the Commander…Oh! And she likes piggyback rides.”
Jouno turned to Tecchou, silently asking which of them was next. “Go ahead,” Tecchou murmured.
“Ah, I suppose I’m next,” Jouno said. “Well, Tecchou and I technically share a rank since we’re partners, but his character often looks to mine for direction. My character’s ability is Priceless Tears and it allows him to change into a mist-like vapor. He has a tendency to display…unhealthy behaviors, I suppose. Although he isn’t a villain, he definitely has some antagonistic qualities, and he has a complicated past with crime.”
Tecchou nodded, “As Jouno said, we’re partners. It’s sort of a brains and brawn deal. He’s the brains, I do most of the heavy lifting on missions. They work really well together. Otherwise, my character has very strong ideals, comparable to those of Kunikida. He’s very invested in the idea of justice, and it definitely shows. He’s also very confident in his own strength.”
Jouno snickered a little and murmured, “Strongest Hunting Dog.”
Tecchou looked over at him for a moment, “I seem to recall that was you.”
Teruko leaned forward and propped her elbows on her knees, “Or maybe it’s the fifth Hunting Dog.”
Akane followed Teruko’s lead, “Fifth Hunting Dog? There are only four of you here.”
Fukuchi spoke in a grave voice, “No one knows who the Fifth Hunting Dog truly is…except us of course!”
The crowd murmured some, and the host asked, “Can you tell us more about this Fifth Hunting Dog?”
Teruko spoke in a low voice, almost conspiratorially, “I hear they can control metal. And that they hold a grudge against a member of the Armed Detective Agency.”
“Some say they’re away on an undercover mission right now.”
The host nodded. “I see. Now, can we ask you all, the actors, some smaller questions about the characters and actors themselves?”
“That sounds great.”
“Alright…Tecchou first. What order would your character rank the other Hunting Dogs in?”
Tecchou sighed, deep in thought for a moment, “Probably his partner first. While many believe his partner isn’t a good person, my character believes in Jouno’s character to his very core. After that…probably Fukuchi? I’d say he looks up to Fukuchi for upholding justice and bringing the Hunting Dogs together. Ah…between Teruko and the Fifth Hunting Dog…Hm. He has spent more time with Teruko recently since the Fifth member is away on a mission, but I’d say he holds them in about the same regard. He respects all of his teammates a lot, but has had much more time to build a relationship with his partner.”
“And how would you rate your coworkers?”
Tecchou tensed a little and glanced over at his coworkers. The three of them stare back, waiting impatiently for his response.
“Before I answer this,” Tecchou cautioned, “I need you to know that I love you all very much and appreciate each and every one of you. Please don’t hurt me.” A laugh sweeps through the audience, and Tecchou prepares himself mentally before continuing. “Ah—my favorite is Jouno—” Jouno can physically feel his pulse skyrocket.
Teruko gasped, “Tecchou! How could you?”
“I’m sorry,” he responded, sounding anything but sorry.
“No, you’re not.” She crossed her arms.
Fukuchi laughed, “Teruko, did you expect it to be anyone other than Jouno? They FaceTime every night.”
The girl huffed but conceded the point. Akane jumped on the chance to push further on that topic. “You FaceTime every night? Are the two of you close?”
Jouno laughed awkwardly, “Well, Tecchou was really welcoming when we first got on set and we run lines with each other all the time, so…I’d say we’re really good friends? I’d definitely like to stay in contact once filming wraps up.” He tries to ignore the way Tecchou shifts away slightly after the response. Perhaps he wouldn’t like to stay in contact.
Tecchou nodded, “Yeah, Jouno has been my favorite to work with. I think I’d have to place Teruko second, even though she’s always taking videos of Jouno and me when we’re not looking. Fukuchi, I’m so sorry, you’re gonna have to take third place here even though you bring alcohol to the set for everyone. It feels unfair to rank the Fifth member because we don’t hang out as much as the others. He’s very nice and a joy to work with, we’re just in different circles most of the time.”
Jouno elbowed Tecchou, “You weren’t supposed to reveal the gender!”
Tecchou didn’t respond for a moment before the realization seemed to hit him, “Oh! Well, uh—it’s fine, there’s not that many female characters anyway. It’s not like Kyouka was the Fifth Hunting Dog.”
Nikolai cut in, “It could’ve been Yosano, or Koyo, though!”
“Yeah, but we know their abilities! And we never even said it was a character we already knew,” Tecchou shrugged.
“Well now you’ve both implied it’s someone we’ve already been introduced to,” Fyodor said, and both Tecchou and Nikolai turned to glare at him.
Akane stifled a laugh and Jouno facepalmed. “We had one job!”
Fukuchi replied, “At least we didn’t reveal any character details besides that. Remember when Chuuya accidentally revealed the season two plot line where the Port Mafia and Armed Detective Agency worked together?”
Teruko shook her head, “This is just as bad. They could basically figure out who it is just from that information!”
Jouno crossed his arms, “We might’ve gotten away with it if you two didn’t just definitively state that the previous statements were true. Nikolai and Tecchou only heavily implied it.”
Fukuchi and Teruko paused, both realizing they might be the ones under fire for the spoilers now. “Damn.”
Akane, who had watched this spectacle go on for far too long already, cut in, “Alright, I’m not looking to get you guys in trouble! Since Tecchou finished both his rankings, let’s move on. Jouno, what order would your character rank his coworkers in?”
Jouno stifled a laugh as he thought about the whiplash the fans were going to get from this one. “Teruko, or maybe the Fifth Member. He and Teruko agree on several opinions about…work, and when the Fifth Hunting dog was away, Jouno was left to keep all of his coworkers on task so he finds the Fifth’s return a joyous occasion, I’d say. Then the Commander, who scouted and recruited him in the first place. Without giving too much away, I’d describe their relationship as tense, if not complicated. And Tecchou’s in last place!”
Akane gaped, “Last? Why?”
“His taste in food, mostly.”
“It’s not that bad!” Tecchou complained.
“Soy sauce. In a latte. I will block you on every platform if you ever say something like that around me again.”
Tecchou wisely shut his mouth.
Akane nodded, a little lost by the conversation. “What has your experience on set been like so far?”
“The staff has been very welcoming, and my coworkers have helped me out a lot. Tecchou has been willing to run lines with me whenever I ask and he toured me around the studio, even after we got off to an…iffy start.”
Teruko frowned, “An iffy start? Did you know Tecchou before me?”
“He was the first one of you I met.”
“‘Met’ is a rather tame word for ‘ran into’,” Tecchou said.
Fukuchi choked and then started laughing, “You ran into him?”
Jouno frowned, “It was mutual! We ran into each other!”
“Tecchou is that why you ran off so quickly when I tried to introduce you to him?” Teruko asked, finding the entire prospect hilarious.
“No.”
“It is!” Teruko accused.
“I plead the fifth.”
Jouno sighed, “Miranda Rights don’t apply here, Tecchou.”
Akane laughed, “Alright, let’s get back on topic. Nikolai, if you could describe your character in one word, what would it be and why?”
Jouno doesn’t remember much of the rest of the interview because Tecchou chooses that moment to lean over and rest his head on Jouno’s shoulder. He should probably visit a cardiologist one of these days.
Jouno’s least favorite scene to film was his death scene. When they do more interviews and the question is asked, he already knows that it will be his answer. Getting into character and then being impaled several times by the commander he was supposed to trust was…not fun, to say the least. The night after he filmed the scene he cried, but Tecchou called in the middle of his mini breakdown, so at least something good happened. His least favorite part of being killed off, though? He no longer had any reason to be on set unless they needed to reshoot some scenes or if Tecchou specifically requested he come.
He hadn’t been talking to Tecchou as much these past few days, mostly because they had both been busy with separate things. Jouno had been getting emails about new role opportunities recently, which was a wonder considering the season wasn’t released and they’d probably never seen him truly act. It really was helpful to be in a production with famous people, he mused.
Tecchou often requested he come to set to hang out, even as Jouno found himself pulling away from the other a little. That moment in the interview, the one when Tecchou had moved away from him at the suggestion they stay in contact…but then Tecchou said Jouno was his favorite. Jouno groaned, massaging his temple. He had been overthinking this for an hour and no answers were coming to him. Perhaps it was time to confront the fact that Jouno would be very much interested in kissing Tecchou while the other probably regarded Jouno as some low-life actor that just so happened to get dragged into the cast. They had befriended each other through their job, and there was nothing keeping them together outside of that, as far as he knew.
Jouno sighed, his displeasure only growing when the phone near his head started to vibrate. He picked it up and answered.
“Hello, how can I help you?”
“Why do you answer the phone like a Mcdonald's employee?” Teruko asked.
Jouno couldn’t find it in himself to be offended by the comment. He was already emotionally exhausted. “I don’t.”
“You do. But that’s not why I called. Where were you today?”
“What do you mean? I’m not scheduled to be back until next week for that promo thing.” He gave a vague hand-wavey gesture to no one in particular, trying to get his point across.
“Tecchou said you might be here today and he seemed pretty sad when you didn’t show…”
Jouno frowned, “Why would he be sad?”
“They did the fight scene today. The one with Kenji and Tecchou, when he’s looking for you.”
“He was looking for my character, not for me.”
“Considering he accidentally switched your name into the dialogue, I’d think otherwise.”
Jouno gaped, “He did what?”
Teruko’s voice was nonchalant when she answered, but he could tell she was worried. “Switched your name into his lines. He was pretty embarrassed afterward and disappeared for a while. I think he was…a little more upset because you weren’t there.”
Jouno, still at a loss by what he had just heard, hesitated for a moment. “Why would he care so much if I was there or not?”
“Well, you haven’t come to the last few shoots and he misses you?” Teruko seemed confused by the question.
“Teruko, we’re friends and we text all the time.” Jouno swallowed down some guilt as he realized he was the reason that was no longer the case. Their communication had been cut down to every other day or so, though not for lack of trying on Tecchou’s end. “Why would he miss me so much that it made him upset?”
“...I thought you two were, like…a thing?”
“Huh?!” Jouno was fairly sure this was how he died.
Teruko coughed somewhat awkwardly, “Jouno, everyone thinks you’re dating. Like, everyone.”
“Everyone, everyone?” Jouno asked.
“Everyone, everyone,” she confirmed.
“Why?” Jouno vaguely realized he sounded mildly hysterical.
“Because you two always look like you’re five seconds from kissing each other! Jouno, you literally blush every time he’s within four feet of you and he looks at you like you hung the stars in the sky! Did you not know?”
“No!”
“He was touching you through the entirety of that interview we had? And the intimacy thing, that’s just with you! He doesn’t go around practically hanging off Fukuchi or I’s shoulders!”
There was a prolonged silence on both ends of the phone, and when it was finally broken, it was by distant yelling in the background on Teruko’s end. She sighed, “Look, I have to go. Talk to him.” Before she hung up he could have sworn he heard her murmur something about stupidity and something that sounded suspiciously like Jouno’s name.
“Holy shit, does he think we’re dating?”
Jouno didn’t attempt to talk to Tecchou until two hours later, and when he tried, the line went to voicemail. He sighed. Tecchou must have still been busy, so a call might not come for the next few hours. What he wasn’t expecting was for the phone to vibrate in his hand four seconds later. A sound of surprise jerked out of his mouth, and then he was scrambling to press accept.
“Hey!” Jouno greeted.
“Hi,” Tecchou responded, and Jouno could tell he was smiling. Jouno got the sudden urge to simply melt on the spot.
“How are you?”
“I just got out of the shower. Sorry for missing your first call.”
Jouno’s fingers began tapping his leg, anxiety making him fidget. “It's fine. I heard you shot the fight scene today? How did that go?”
“It was okay. Mostly draining. Who told you that, by the way?”
“Teruko.”
Tecchou seemed to pause for a moment. “Did she tell you anything else?”
“The dialogue thing? Yes, I heard.”
Tecchou sighed, “She really doesn’t know how to keep her mouth shut, does she?”
Jouno laughed quietly, “Leave her be…”
“Sorry if the name thing…I don’t know. I thought you might be uncomfortable, or mad, or something.”
“I—I thought it was a little funny after I got over the initial disbelief, to be honest.”
“That’s good.”
“Mhm.”
There was quiet for a minute before Tecchou spoke again. “Jouno, why did you call?”
He panicked slightly, “Ah, just to talk! We haven’t been talking as much recently, y’know?”
“No, we haven’t.”
“...Tecchou, do you want to come over? We can watch something, if you want. I’m sorry I didn’t come to see you today.”
He heard the other’s breath catch slightly, a sign that he was caught off guard, “Yeah, Jouno. That sounds great. Is 7:30 fine, or do I need to come later?”
“7:30’s great. I’ll see you, Tecchou.” He hangs up with a smile on his face.
Tecchou arrives at 7:32 with a plastic bag full of sweets and Jouno’s favorite kind of soda. He steps into the door and immediately pulls Jouno into a hug, bag still in his arms. “It’s good to see you.”
Jouno can feel the blood rushing to his face, “Yeah! Come in.” He shuts the door behind Tecchou and they immediately head for the kitchen. Tecchou sets the bag on one of the counters.
“Are we making popcorn?”
“If you want to. And then we can choose the movie?”
Tecchou shuffles around in Jouno’s cabinets for a moment before pulling out a container of kernels, “Sounds good.” When had Tecchou become familiar with the location of Jouno’s food? Jouno hops up onto one of the counters as Tecchou messes around with a bowl and the microwave. Next to him, he reaches for the bag.
“What’d you bring?”
“Sweetarts, Jolly Ranchers, and Twizzlers. I had to stop by the gas station and figured I’d grab some stuff. You like Sweetarts, right?”
Jouno frowned, “I do, but I don’t remember telling you.”
“You told Tachihara. I asked him.” Jouno could’ve sworn Tecchou seemed a little embarrassed by the information.
“That was sweet. Thank you.”
“No problem. What movie were you thinking?”
Jouno frowned slightly, “You have to promise not to laugh.”
The other paused his movements, turning to look at Jouno. “I won’t. It can’t be that bad.”
“No, you have to promise.”
“As long as it’s not The Notebook, I don’t mind.” Jouno glares. “Fine, I promise not to laugh.”
“I want to watch Mean Girls.”
There are several seconds of silence.
Jouno bristled, “Don’t laugh.”
“No, no, I wasn’t going to. I was just trying to figure out why?”
Jouno blushed, “The sound when Regina gets hit by a bus makes me laugh.”
Tecchou gasped, “She gets hit by a bus?!”
“You didn’t know that?” Jouno covered his mouth.
“No! I’ve only ever seen the first half!”
“Tecchou. You’ve been missing out on a masterpiece!”
“If someone gets hit by a bus, I’ve obviously been missing out on something!”
Jouno laughed then, and Tecchou followed soon after. They sat in the kitchen, giggling like kids as the microwave hummed in the background, Jouno’s hand clutching the bag of candy Tecchou had brought, and he wondered if this was what it felt like to love someone.
With tears in his eyes, Jouno waved at Tecchou, “Stop laughing, you’re—you’re making me laugh!”
“You stop laughing,” Tecchou retorted, choking on the words. “This is your fault anyway. If you hadn’t—hadn’t—” he broke down laughing again.
“My fault?” Jouno retorted, feigning offense.
“If you—hadn’t said she got hit by a bus!”
They burst into another fit of giggles, and God, Jouno wanted to stay in that moment forever. He wanted to be with Tecchou everyday, to feel the happiness in that second constantly. Then the microwave went off, and Tecchou shifted away to open it.
“Popcorn’s done.”
“Don’t forget the butter.”
“I’m not a criminal, Jouno, of course I’ll put butter on the popcorn.”
Jouno shrugged, “Could’ve fooled me.”
Tecchou wheeled, “When have I ever come close to committing a crime?”
Jouno, in that moment, felt the most intense urge ever to utter that stupid pick-up line about stolen hearts or something, but instead he simply murmured a quiet, “Slander.”
“Slander?”
“Honestly, you’re so mean to your coworkers that one of these days you’re going to start a scandal.”
Tecchou huffed, “I’m not mean to any of my coworkers. Especially not you!”
“You were just bad-mouthing Teruko over the phone!”
The other crossed his arms, “I thought you weren’t going to say anything.”
“I won’t if you bring more soda next time.”
“Fine, I guess.”
“...Can we go watch Mean Girls now?” Jouno asked, pushing himself off the counter.
“Let me grab a blanket, and then we can.” Jouno grabbed the popcorn and the plastic bag as Tecchou put the kernels back in the cabinet and set off to find a blanket. He settled on the couch, popcorn in his hands. Tecchou returned within a minute, a heavy quilt in his hands.
“Alright, scoot over.”
“You have the whole couch!” Jouno protested.
Tecchou shook his head, “I can’t reach the popcorn from the other end of the couch.”
Jouno, exasperated, pressed himself against the side of the couch's arm. Tecchou laid the quilt over him and then slid in right next to him. Jouno’s heart was in his throat as Tecchou essentially cuddled up to him. “Alright, what streaming service is it?”
Mean Girls didn’t disappoint. It wasn’t late when they finished the movie, thoroughly amused, but Jouno was tired. His eyes drooped slightly. The warmth from the quilt, the popcorn in his lap, and Tecchou still pressed close to him was lulling him to sleep.
“Hey, do you want to go to bed?”
“Hm.”
Tecchou laughed before abruptly standing. He adjusted the quilt slightly, and then Jouno felt arms snake under his knees and back. Tecchou lifted Jouno off the couch, and the white-haired man was still awake enough to abruptly gasp.
“Something wrong?”
Jouno, in an effort to hide the blush on his face, turned and planted his head on Tecchou’s chest. Then, he realized what he was doing and jerked away just as quickly. “Sorry!”
“Don’t move so much or I’ll drop you,” Tecchou replied.
About twenty seconds later, Jouno found himself being placed gently into his bed.
“Tonight was fun. Thanks, Jouno.”
He mumbled, “Of course.”
The other turned, and Jouno realized with a start that he was leaving. He had to ask now, before his partner left. “Tecchou.”
The other stopped in the doorway, a shadow outlined by the light in the hall. “Yes?”
“I talked to Teruko today.”
“I know.”
“She said everyone thought we were dating.”
Tecchou stiffened almost imperceptibly. “...Are we not?”
“I…”
“...I understand. I think it would be best if I take my leave now?”
Jouno’s legs tangled in the bed sheets as he tried to stand. “Wait! Tecchou!”
The other quickened, hurrying down the hall. “I really do think I should go.”
“Tecchou! Just—stop!”
He whirled, coming face to face with Jouno. “What? It’s fine that you…rejected me. We can still be friends, I just need some space. Just—just give me some space.” He stepped back again, furthering himself from Jouno.
“Suehiro, if you don’t shut the hell up right now, I’m going to punch you!”
Tecchou’s face went blank, and his mouth snapped shut.
“Okay. Good. That’s sorted out.” Jouno breathed deeply and pressed a hand to his face. “I didn’t reject you. I’m sorry I didn’t know we were dating, or whatever it is we’re doing.”
“Dating,” Tecchou said.
“Dating, then. I didn’t…know we were doing that.”
Tecchou blinks, “We’ve been hanging out outside of work. Alone. We made a cake together. That’s, like…a stereotypical dating activity.”
“Tecchou, I’ve never dated anyone.”
“Oh.”
Jouno sighed, “Yeah, ‘oh’. So, we’re dating? And everyone knew except for me?”
“That’s a pretty accurate summary, yeah.”
“Jesus…well, this is embarrassing.”
“We are dating now, right?” Tecchou asked.
“If you bring me soda next time you come over, yes.”
“...How didn’t you know?”
Jouno huffed and crossed his arms, “I’m breaking up with you.”
“Jouno—come on, we’ve only been dating for thirty seconds. It’s too early to break up with me.”
He considered it for a moment. “Fine. But you have to stay over tonight.”
“Of course.”
“And you’re the one telling Teruko we’re official. I’m not looking to get bullied by a teenager.”
“Obviously, love.”
Jouno blushed, “Okay, rein it in. I’m tired and you made me get out of bed.”
He made quick work of finding Tecchou a change of clothes—they were about the same height anyway—and soon enough the pair were clambering into Jouno’s bed and burying themselves under the blankets. While he was unsure of how this whole thing quite worked, Tecchou immediately looped his arm around Jouno’s waist and tugged him closer. The white-haired man didn’t see any reason to resist and let himself be pulled back into Tecchou’s chest.
“Jouno,” Tecchou whispered.
“Yes?”
“Thank you for being my boyfriend.”