Akira Kurusu lay on his bed, chatting with Ryuji Sakamoto, who was lounging on the couch across the room. They had spent the afternoon in the cafe, drinking and studying. At least, that had been the plan. They hadn't ended up studying much at all. Instead, the two students had started teasing each other and soon gave up the thought of serious work altogether. After they finished their drinks, they had moved up to the attic.
It was nearing nighttime now. For the first time in hours, there was a lull in the boys' chatter and banter. Akira glanced at Ryuji, who was suddenly fidgeting.
"I'm thinkin' I haven't thanked you enough, y'know?" he suddenly asked, averting his eyes. "For everythin' you've done for me, I mean. For givin' me a place to belong."
Akira smiled lightly. "You did the same for me, Ryuji." Ryuji blushed, and Akira tilted his head. "Is something wrong?"
"Nothin'!" he answered automatically, then paused. "Sometimes I just can't believe it's real. I mean, if I hadn't met you I prolly would've been a nobody. I would've thought of myself as an effing useless screwup. And...that scares me sometimes." He looked up suddenly. "You understand, don't ya? You gotta know what it feels like to wonder how your life could've turned out differently..."
"I'm glad things have turned out the way they have," Akira answered. He hesitated, then walked across the room to sit next to Ryuji. "My life could have been really different too. But I'm not sure it would have been for the better. And yeah, I hear the rumors around school. I know almost no one trusts me. But I don't need any of those people. I only need the other Phantom Thieves... and you."
For a while, Ryuji didn't respond. The two sat together in silence, sharing an uncharacteristically heartfelt moment. And slowly, Akira reached out towards Ryuji's hand.
"What're you..." Ryuji trailed off, staring at their interlaced fingers. "I don't..." he stuttered incoherently, but didn't pull away.
"I really like you, Ryuji," Akira whispered. Ryuji hesitated.
"I dunno what to say..." he responded, barely audible. Still, he didn't move away.
"Am I right to assume that actions speak louder than words?" Akira asked, looking pointedly at their hands. Ryuji scratched the back of his head uncomfortably, then nodded. Slowly, he leaned his head on Akira's shoulder. The two boys sat in silence, enjoying the calm night.