I can hear him humming,
from the other side of the room.
Guess he's got rhythm,
cause he hums everytime he's blue.
Sometimes when he stares at her across the room, he can almost hear her sing. It's a soft tone that no one else notices, a pretty symphony full of everything she's not. He wonders what's on her mind, wonders why she sings, but remembers that he's not supposed to care.
But he does. Because he can tell she's broken.
A caged bird with hair like honey, and a million-watt smile. She may of had everyone else fooled, but not him; she's been to more places then he can count, and is never satisifed. She only cries in the dead of night when she thinks no one is listening.
But he listens. Because he's seen her wear a lot of faces.
She could be charming; she could be your best friend, but who was the true Yoshioka Itou? She's not afraid of losing control, but losing herself. To the world. Love was a scary concept; something she hasn't had much of. Boys came and went, but none of them mattered. It's all a cover-up.
As strong as she is, she can't find the security she's looking for. Not alone, anyway. But with time, she opens up. He's watching her breathe for the first time, watching her truly smile for the first time, and thinks this could work. Her hand fits in his like it's meant to be.
"Senpai, teach me how to cook." She demands one day. And so he does.
She's a fast learner—motivated, and confident in her own adequate skills, but all she needs is a guiding hand to make her that much better. Someone to open the door to her cage, and set her free. He watches her from the corner of his eye, stares at her face—the way it contorts in concentration, and lights up when she smiles. She was beautiful, yes, and maybe in a perfect world he'd fall in love with her.
But he knows the world is better off without the both of them, and knows that loving her is impossible.
"Smells like it's done!" She pulls the tray out of the oven, and pokes it once, twice, before deciding it's cooked thoroughly enough, and sets it down. They're the only ones at the dorm right now, and he prefers it this way. He's never been a people person; she thrived when she was placed with others. Words spill out of her mouth with ease, and he liked to listen. It was always something about school—never her—but then again, he's used to it. Once dinner is done, they walk outside, the streetlights above them illuminating their path. He notices her shiver, and shrugs off his trench coat. She smiles her thanks.
"What made you want to cook?" He had to ask after a long stretch of silence fell between them. A playful smile tugs at the corners of Yoshi's lips as she walks closer to him, their fingers brushing, but not quite intertwined.
"Just thought I'd try something new," It's such an obtuse answer, and yet he's not convinced that that was the whole story. When he doesn't reply right away, she adds, "Plus, I wanted to learn for you."
"For me?" He repeats. She nods, and turns on her heel, so she's facing him. He realizes just how small she is compared to him.
"Sure~ I mean, don't guys like girls who can cook?"
Shinjiro is quiet, but it's not unlike him. She takes advantage of the moment, stands on her toes, and pecks his lips. He's frozen, but doesn't pull away. It doesn't hit him all at once. Her hands slip into his pockets, and he can hear her heart beat in sync with his. "...We really should be getting back." He's struggling to keep his voice even, fight off the blush that's staining his cheeks.
She sinks in him, "Can we stay like this...? Just for a little longer?" He merely grunts, but she takes it as a yes.
The cage was unlocked. She could leave any time she wanted. But she decided to stay. Because he was in love.
And so was she.