Akira blinked a few times before bursting out laughing. Ryo really hadn't changed all that much. He had gotten a bit better at catching himself after blurting something out though. Akira continued to giggle as he wiped his face with a small towel he had.

"Oh, come on, I'm embarrassed enough as it is," Ryo groaned, attempting to hide his face in his hands. He knew just from the hot feeling spreading across his face that it was definitely bright red even with it being hot out.

"Sorry, sorry, I can't help it. You used to do that a lot in school with blurting things out without thinking. I know I'm very hot but thank you." Akira reached out to ruffle his hair some, smiling at how soft it felt. He did it partially to mess with Ryo since he knew he hated his hair getting messed up and just for that familiar feeling again. "So, did you come just to watch me practice?"

"Well, sort of. I didn't even know you were on the team or even went to his college. I just recently got back from the U.S. I only knew that my bratty brother went here." He gestured over to Michael and the other cheerleaders. "Speaking of that, I should probably leave before he sees that I'm here. We made a peace treaty of sorts where we wouldn't fight or tattle on each other anymore as long as we stay out of each others' way and 'territories.' Obviously, the stadium here is Michael's. I won't hear the end of it if he spots me." Ryo sighed and put his backpack on. He really did want to stay and chat with Akira more, but he'd rather not get a lecture from Michael.

"Oh, okay. Well, why don't we meet somewhere after my practice then? I am the star quarterback, but I think I can convince coach to let me go a bit early. Let's meet by the front doors to the library around 3. Does that work?" Akira looked at him with hopeful eyes. It was the kind of look that could make Ryo do pretty much anything. Those damn puppy dog eyes.

"Fine. My afternoon is pretty open anyways. I have morning classes, which I hate, but it means I have all afternoon to take a nap. I suppose I can make an exception for you." Ryo acted calm and complacent, but he could feel his heart beating madly on the inside. Was this really happening?

Before leaving, he waved to Akira and happened to catch Michael's gaze on accident. He watched Michael instantly recognize him which made the cheerful smile instantly turn to a frown. Ryo merely smirked and flipped him off before running off towards the exit.

"Ryo! This better be the last time I see you here during my practice!"

"You bet, bitch!" Ryo yelled back before making a run for the street. He knew Michael was smart. It wouldn't take him long to figure out that Akira had been talking to him, but at this point, he didn't really care. He had a possible date to meet up with in about an hour.

This feeling of anticipation was a new one for Ryo: one he hadn't felt for a very long time. Sure, he had had one night stands, dates, and such before this, but the feeling was nothing like this. It brought him back to middle school and the beginning of high school when he was really crushing on Akira but was too nervous to really say anything about it. He had gotten excited even just eating lunch with him or hanging out. He used to doodle in his notebook when he was supposed to be paying attention in class, writing his name with Akira's last name or vice versa. Akira had been the first person, besides his dad, that he had told about how his body had changed during puberty. His dad had known once he was born that he was intersex, but it wasn't until puberty that Ryo found other changes to his body that weren't exactly typical of teenage boys as he had developed breasts as well. He was forever grateful that his dad was supportive of him, helping him with picking out snug sports bras and eventually a binder. Akira was the next person he told. The anxious feelings of possibly getting rejected by him were strong, but he trusted Akira. They had been best friends after all.

"Oh, well, that's okay! You're still my best friend and a guy. Don't worry, Ryo." He remembered hearing that and feeling hot tears running down his cheeks. Honestly, what had he done to deserve someone like Akira as his friend?

As he grew into more of an adult, he became more comfortable with his body. He hardly wore a binder besides when he wanted to, opting for comfortable sports bras or his favorite: soft Calvin Klein bras. He had known Akira for forever practically, but still, he couldn't help but be nervous. Was this a date? Or just hanging out again? If he could think of anyone that could possibly be a soulmate, it would be Akira, but a handsome star quarterback dating some lanky blonde twink? Could it really be possible? If anything, he was probably already dating some hot girl. Ryo attempted to push that thought out of his mind. No, he had to stay positive. Akira was interested in guys too. He had told Ryo that himself before he left.

"Hey, Ryo!" The sudden hot sounding voice right by him made his body jolt in surprise, and he had to cover his mouth with his hand to keep from making some embarrassing squeaking sound.

"Oh, h-hey, Akira." Oh, no, he looked even hotter freshly showered. His hair was still slightly damp but drying quickly in the direct sunlight. He smelled like fresh soap with a hint of cologne, and Ryo hoped it wasn't obvious that he was very much enjoying how he smelled.

"I'm gonna start sweating again if we stay out in the sun like this. Want to get some late lunch somewhere?" Akira was already wiping off a thin sheen of sweat from his forehead.

"Sure, there's a sandwich place nearby." He walked next to Akira, stealing glances at his muscles since he was wearing a short sleeved shirt every now and then. He decided to leave the bulk of their conversation for when they got there.

Ryo already had half of his sandwich finished within five minutes while Akira had most of his eaten.

"So, how was studying abroad? You said you went to the United States, right? Did you get some action with any hot guys?" Akira teased, drinking down his soda.

"Oh, yeah, plenty," Ryo chuckled, playfully elbowing him.

"Well, good. I'm glad you've gotten more confident. I have too!"

They kept up a casual conversation, telling stories of what they had been doing. Eventually, the subject of dating and such came up again.

"So, are you dating anyone right now? I mean, a star quarterback and all. I imagine you have quite the pick of guys and girls," Ryo said, shyly looking away towards the window. It was something he often did to distract himself. It calmed him some to look out a window and enjoy nature.

"Oh, no, I'm single. I've had flings and such but nothing serious. Guess I just haven't found the right one yet, you know?" Ryo was too busy looking out the window to notice, but Akira took the chance to look Ryo over, admiring just how much more handsome he had become. His jawline and slender neck were really to die for. Akira could feel his mouth watering just thinking about that.

"Oh, I see. Well, I'm sure it won't take you long to find someone like that," Ryo said rather slowly and drawn out.

"Hey, um, do you want to hang out with me at my dorm? I'm on this football scholarship, and I'm in the sports team dorms. They're really nice, so I get my own apartment style one," Akira said, hoping it didn't sound like he was randomly blurting that out. Maybe they both could open up more if they were in a more private setting.

"Hm? Oh, sure. That sounds fun." Ryo could definitely feel it now: the tension. It felt like there was a rope tied between the two of them pulled to be very taunt like anything could make it snap. Ryo wasn't sure where this was going to go, but he kept himself open to anything.

Akira's apartment was on the other side of campus, so they took the bus over there. Ryo just knew that Akira's eyes were on him when he wasn't looking. He could practically feel his gaze. He found himself unconsciously licking his lips from time to time. Part of him hoped Akira didn't notice while another really hoped that he did.

When they arrived, Akira had him take a seat on the couch in front of the TV. Pouring lemonade for both of them, he happily gave a glass to Ryo.

"Thank you," Ryo said, managing the best smile he could. It felt like one of those cheesy moments in a romance flick. He found himself shyly looking away again when Akira sat down next to him. He could already feel Akira's body heat from here.

"Hey, Ryo. Look at me. I want to see you. I haven't seen you in so long," Akira said softly, giving his shoulder a squeeze.

With a deep breath, Ryo made himself turn his head, blushing once their eyes met. Akira's were beautiful as always.

"You're beautiful, you know." Akira's voice was soft. Ryo shivered as he felt his hand creep up from his shoulder to gently cup his cheek. Holy fuck, was this really happening? This was like something straight out of one of Ryo's day dreams.

"Thanks, you're beautiful too," he mumbled, lips parting slightly as he noticed how close Akira's lips were now.