The Problem with Perfection

by DracoMalfoy456

Perfection is not an option. It is a requirement. At least… that's what Kiyotaka Ishimaru has always been taught, from the time he was old enough to be taught anything. (Ishimondo)

29. The Not-A-Date Date

Hi guys!

This is it y'all! The penultimate chapter! Only one more chapter and this story is done! Ahhhh!

This chapter isn't my favorite in the world, but I hope y'all still like it. I wanted to set up for the chapter, so some parts may seem a bit forced, but eh. I did my best, ha. Also, there is a song that plays in this chapter, and it is So Close, by Jon McLaughlin, from the Disney movie Enchanted, which I recommend listening to before the scene it plays in. It's one of my all-time favorite songs, and it's pretty important to the chapter. :-) I also link it when it begins playing, so y'all can just click the link to listen to it with the scene (though the music doesn't really match up with everything that happens, oops).

Also! The wonderful moderntime1968 drew an incredible fanart for the last chapter, of Taka with his rose and Mondo all dressed up! I added it to the last chapter, so go and check it out if you've not seen it yet. It's really incredible and I love it so much! :-D

I... think I had more I wanted to write here, but I'm very exhausted today for some reason, so I'll leave it at this. Thanks again for all the comments and I hope y'all like this chapter! ^-^

Enjoy!

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Taka sits on the suddenly much too small bench in the dining hall, pressed tight against Mondo's side, doing his best to not hyperventilate at the feel of Mondo's arm wrapped tight around his waist. The biker is leaning close to whisper softly in his ear, while Taka is acutely aware of the piercing eyes of their friends that are sitting around them. Eyes that Mondo doesn't seem to notice whatsoever, as focused as he is on whispering softly to Taka about everything and nothing. Which seems to be a theme this morning, Taka thinks almost hysterically, his heart just about racing out of his chest.

God... where does he even begin...

At first, things had been fine. Right? Taka had been a little embarrassed, sure, but ultimately things had been fine, they were good, it was okay. Mondo and he had wandered the stalls, holding hands, and it had taken all of Taka's willpower to not stare sappily at the biker as he rambled on and on about random things, Taka replying as naturally as he possibly could, hoping Mondo didn't notice his pink cheeks. But it had been fine, you know? Taka had had it all under control. Honest.

But then. Then!

They arrived at the booth that Taka had mentioned to Mondo earlier. And he had watched, heart fluttering, as Mondo had stopped dead, eyes wide as he took in the numerous paintings and prints of dogs dressed in various outfits, a wide grin on his lips as he looked at the booth, enraptured.

And then... then...!

"Holy fucking shit, Ki... I fucking love you, shit, babe! C'mon!"

Taka is positive he'd straight up gone into shock at the overly loud words, legs moving mechanically as Mondo pulled him along, moving only on muscle memory alone. Mondo didn't even seem to realize what he had said, though, as he excitedly looked through the box of prints, letting out sounds of excitement as he went. He was still holding Taka's hand while doing it, though, even when the vender came over to them, smile bright on her face as she looked between them with an excited light in her eyes.

And as she began to talk enthusiastically with Mondo, the biker not even feeling at all embarrassed about his somewhat unusual enthusiasm, Taka couldn't help but notice how the woman casually brushed her hair back from her chest, uncovering the rainbow pin lying there. Mondo hadn't noticed, predictably, which Taka was privately glad about. While Taka may still sometimes struggle with understanding social interaction and get baffled by some things that other people do, even he could guess what the girl had meant by her action, especially since he knew what a rainbow pin typically means. It had made his cheeks flush even more, but he'd had no chance to even hope to correct her (even if he knew how to correct her in the first place), since Mondo was right there and Taka... well. He just couldn't bear to call attention to any possible assumptions people could make about their interactions today...

After a couple moments— when Mondo had mentioned how he was interested in a print of a dog as a biker— the woman had nodded enthusiastically and looked through the box herself, taking out a print with a bright smile.

"Here you go! Last copy," she exclaimed, laughing when Mondo let out an excited whoop at the sight.

"Oh, hell yeah! That's what I'm talkin' 'bout! Thanks! How much?"

The woman had said the price but said that she was going to give them a discount for 'being so enthusiastic.' Taka wasn't quite certain if that was actually the reason, especially considering how she had looked significantly between them and winked while smiling. Taka wasn't entirely sure what the look meant, but he had a pretty good guess...

Mondo hadn't questioned it though, had just grinned and purchased the print, taking the bag the woman handed him happily, hand still holding Taka's. As they walked away, she waved them goodbye happily, smiling very brightly after them as they left.

Following that, he and Mondo had kept on going through the festival, a comfortable silence falling between them as they just drank in the sights. When they passed by their class's booth, Togami actually looking in his element as he sold the desserts quite easily, Mondo had stopped and bought some of Taka's chocolate chip cookies, even though Taka would be able to make them quite easily himself. Togami had looked at them with a smug smirk, eyes landing on their clasped hands with amusement, the billionaire mockingly raising an eyebrow when he caught Taka's eye. Surprisingly, he hadn't called them out on it, though, and had just stated the price to pay and handed them the cookies Mondo paid for. He did have a comment when they left, drily stating that they should 'enjoy your date.' Taka had flushed bright red again, but Mondo either hadn't heard him or didn't care, as he just kept on walking, enthusing about how much he loved Taka's cookies.

They went upstairs after that, where most of the game and activity booths were located. It was there that Mondo finally let go of his hand, wanting to try his luck at a game he thought looked interesting. Taka cheered him on as he went, doing his best to not let the disappointment at the fact they weren't holding hand anymore show on his face. Mondo just grinned back at him before throwing the rings at the bottles, a look of such concentration on his face as he went that Taka had to forcibly stop his face from looking embarrassingly soppy. And when he somehow managed to get one of his rings on the golden bottle, something that Taka had been certain was impossible to do, the biker let out a loud whoop, his arms rising in a twin fist pump.

And then... when he got his prize, a large stuffed bear holding a cartoon heart... he handed it to Taka with a light flush, smiling softly. Taka had taken it with shaking hands, his face now permanently red, letting out a shaking but heartfelt thanks. And then... then...

Mondo grabbed his hand again. And this time... this time he twined their fingers.

It honestly wasn't that different from what they had been doing beforehand, but something about the intimacy of it really got to Taka then, his heart doing a funny little tattoo in his chest at the feeling of Mondo's hand hot against his, fingers completely entwined. Before, their hands had just been clasped, palms touching and their fingers wrapped around the back of the other's hand, and while it was intimate, there was the slightest way that they could convince anyone who might question them about it that they were just doing it as friends, if they had to. But... but walking with their hands entwined like they presently had been, casual and easy? It... it was just different, in Taka's mind. But Mondo didn't even seem to notice that it might possibly be considered strange, not even looking embarrassed by it. He just smiled happily as they walked on, the biker snickering at some of the activities the clubs and classes had come up with. Taka had been positive that he was going to pass out at one point during the day, Mondo and his absolute adorableness and painful obliviousness too much for him, seriously.

Things had continued in a similar manner for the rest of the morning, Mondo and him wandering the festival while holding hands, Taka carrying the stuffed bear under his other arm, the rose still tucked neatly behind his ear, cheeks never losing their pink hue.

At around fifteen minutes to noon, they had gotten a text from Hina, asking if they wanted to meet her and Sakura for lunch, mentioning that Makoto and Kyoko, as well as Chihiro and Leon would also be joining them. Mondo had looked a little annoyed at the fact Leon would be there (the biker still miffed at the former baseball star for laughing at him, apparently), but the biker had still agreed, shrugging lightly when Taka asked. Seeing as how Taka hadn't had any complaints either, he'd agreed readily and the pair had headed down to the dining hall, Mondo musing about what food he'd try for lunch that day. He'd also casually mentioned that he was going to pay for Taka's lunch, refusing to back down when Taka let out a token protest, the biker rolling his eyes with a smirk. Taka had given in far quicker than he probably should, but he was helpless to go against Mondo in anything, anything at all. Once they arrived at the dining hall, they met up with Hina, Sakura, Makoto, and Kyoko— who were seated at one of the tables— taking a seat as they waited for Chihiro and Leon to arrive before they went to grab food for themselves.

And all of that had led them here, to this moment in time. Pressed tight together, Mondo not noticing the looks they are garnering, Taka silently dying from a combination of acute embarrassment, complete adoration, and maddening desire. Which, honestly, is nothing new, really...

"So! Have you guys been enjoying the festival?" Hina finally questions, smiling at them brightly, breaking the semi-silence the group has found themselves in. Taka and Mondo had only arrived a couple of minutes ago, and the others had been mostly quiet as they watched Mondo whisper to Taka with wide eyes and bright smiles. Which, by the by, Taka finds very rude. It is very improper to stare, after all! Makoto, at least, isn't staring at them, but Taka can see the smile on his face, which is almost just as bad, to be honest.

Mondo— still oblivious to the stares— just looks up at Hina and nods happily.

"Oh, hell yeah! Fuckin' fantastic! Got a sick fuckin' paintin' an' won Ki a bear an' shit. Also got some a' his cookies at the booth, heh. Know I didn't gotta, but eh. Ain't like I got much ta spend the money the school gives me on."

Taka frowns at that, giving Mondo an only slightly disapproving look.

"You could always save the money, kyoudai! It is better to save money than spend it on items you do not need!"

It is not the first time Taka has said such a thing, and as such, it is not unexpected for Mondo to roll his eyes, smirking down at Taka with sparkling eyes.

"Don't fuckin' start this shit up 'gain, Ki. 'M savin' some a' it, like ya said. Rest a' it can be spent however the fuck I want. An' who the fuck says I don't fuckin' need this dog paintin', huh? Plus, yer cookies are the fuckin' best. Know ya got things 'bout money, Ki, but y'ain't gotta worry, man. I fuckin' know how ta budget an' shit if I gotta. Just don't particularly feel like it at the moment, s'all. Special fuckin' 'ccasion, ya know?"

Taka hums softly, not quite approving of the biker's mentality, but knowing that Mondo does mean it when he says he knows how to budget. Given how he and Daiya had spent most of their childhood doing odd jobs to make enough to eat, they had gotten good at learning how to stretch their yen as far as they could. And then, after Daiya died but before he came to Hope's Peak, Mondo had lived mostly by himself (his legal guardian technically an older gang member, but he doesn't live with him and only has him listed as his guardian to keep the government off his back), which had made him good at learning how to balance paying rent and other living expenses. Him spending his money on frivolous things does not come without some serious thought put into it, Taka knows.

That all being said... the thought of it still makes something in his gut twist, given how he doesn't think he'd ever be able to spend money frivolously, even if he were to somehow obtain a billion yen. He's been taught how to be careful with his money since he was six years old, after all. Even if he didn't immediately send the money the school gives him to his father, he highly doubts he'd ever spend a single yen of it on himself, truth be told.

(Though... it's not like Mondo spends the majority of his money on himself, now, is it?

Aha...)

Flushing yet again (one day he will ask the nurse if this is healthy, he swears), he shrugs lightly and sighs, looking up at Mondo with a small half smile.

"Whatever you say, kyoudai! As long as you are aware of how much you are spending and how much you still have remaining in your account!"

Seeing Mondo grin down at him makes the butterflies fly again, the sensation almost unpleasant now.

And then... then... a-ah.

Taka's cheeks flare impossibly hot when Mondo leans down to kiss his cheek gently, not seeming to care at all that their friends are watching. Taka can see that Hina is doing her best to stifle her happy squeal, Sakura and Kyoko are not even bothering to hide their knowing smiles, and Makoto is looking just a little awkward but smiling all the same, and it all makes his stomach clench unpleasantly. Taka doesn't think it's healthy to be so embarrassed so often, but here he is! Here... here he is...

"Heh. I know, Ki. I do listen ta yer lectures, ya know. Always fuckin' listen when ya speak, heh..."

Taka feels his breath falter at the softly spoken words, his heart twisting painfully at them. He doesn't even know why, really... they were nice words, following a nice gesture. Neither is even particularly uncharacteristic of the biker, either. Not as of late. He's always saying such sweet things while kissing Taka on the cheek, or forehead, or nose, or... a-ah. Neck. So, he's not entirely sure why his heart is twisting so painfully, really, he doesn't.

He... he just... w-well... if he's being perfectly honest, it... it just...

It just hurts. Deep inside him. It hurts to have Mondo act so casually with him. To have the biker give him flowers, hold his hand, win him a stuffed animal, kiss his cheek so casually in front of their friends, say such sweet and loving things all while looking at him so softly and gently... to have him acting almost exactly like they are on a date, and yet... and yet knowing that they aren't. They aren't on a date, no matter what the world may think and despite what Taka may deeply, deeply crave. Because Mondo... Mondo doesn't want that. No matter how much Taka does...

And in this moment... in this moment, with their friends looking at them with knowing smiles on their faces, thinking they understand what is going on while not having a single clue... with Mondo holding him so tightly, looking at him so reverently, speaking to him so wonderfully... with his heart aching and breaking and wanting and yearning... in this moment, Taka feels such an intense feeling of pure anger fill him that he's left momentarily breathless.

Because... because he suddenly realizes that he is angry that Mondo is doing this to him. He is furious that Mondo would do all of these things, things that even Taka knows are considered romantic gestures, and yet be too oblivious to even recognize it. He is apoplectic that Mondo would give him so much accursed hope, all while meaning absolutely nothing by it.

Because... because he must mean nothing by it, or else he- he would tell Taka... right? Taka is so obvious with his feelings, despite his best efforts, that he's fairly certain the entire world can see them! Clearly Mondo— who is far more perceptive than he may want to fool people into thinking— must know exactly what Taka is feeling. There is no way the biker could mistake Taka and his feelings, absolutely none. So, he must know, and if he felt the same, then he... he would just tell him, wouldn't he? Why wouldn't he? Why have them both suffer like this when they could just... just be happy, for once? Why... w-why...

Why doesn't Mondo want what Taka does...

Why can't Mondo see Taka the way Taka sees Mondo...

Why is Taka so utterly unlovable that Mondo can't... can't possibly...

Why... w-why...

Taka can feel his hands clench, can feel his breath stutter out of his chest, pressure building behind his eyes as the enormity of everything starts to overwhelm him. And… and the worst part of it all is that he... he would be willing to just be friends with Mondo, truly, he would, if the biker would just be straight with him! He could even live with Mondo acting like this around him while still being just friends, and he's sure it would be fine! If only he just... if he just knew what Mondo meant by it all!

Because being here... trapped between 'friends' and 'something more,' with no clue what any of it means... not knowing if he's being a fool for wanting to see it as more, or if there legitimately is something there... it is agony. To have so much damned hope, to be so close to everything he has ever wanted, and yet... and yet not knowing for certain if such a thing could ever be obtained... if he just knew, for certain, then... t-then... then he could deal with it all. He could happily be just friends with Mondo, even if being just friends entails Mondo taking him on not-a-date dates, and looking at him like he's the biker's entire universe, and... a-and doing things together... if he just... just knew!

But he doesn't. He doesn't know. Because Mondo refuses to tell him. Because Mondo refuses to let him in and see the pain that makes him so sure Taka will leave him one day. Because he can't just ask Mondo, because he doesn't want Mondo to feel defensive or embarrassed and stop doing this all, which apparently would be even worse than continuing to live like this, to him. Because he's too big of a coward to ever make the first move.

And so... so he's trapped. Between 'friends' and 'something more,' with no way out. Pressed tightly to Mondo's side, friends surrounding him, tantalized by the possibility of this actually being real, but haunted by the reality that it isn't. That... that Mondo... t-that Mondo...

Doesn't want him...

Not like Taka wants Mondo.

And it breaks his heart to know this.

And it makes him so overwhelming angry at the world for doing this to him.

Taka knows that Mondo can feel how stiff he has gotten. He can see the way Mondo is frowning at him out of the corner of his eye, the lavender eyes bleeding concern. He can see Kyoko tilt her head at him, eyes piercing as she sees everything that Taka has always wanted so badly to hide but knows he never had any hope of keeping secret. He knows that his friends are all looking at him, wondering what is wrong with him, why he's gone from fine to not fine in the space of less than a minute, but... but he just... he can't seem to make the pain and the rage go away. No matter how hard he tries. And god... does he try...

To his absolute fortune, the moment is interrupted before anyone can ask him what his problem is when Chihiro and Leon walk up, Leon's arm wrapped loosely around Chihiro's shoulder, both boys' cheeks a light pink as they approach the table. Hina's eyes are on them in a second, gasping softly with delight at the sight she is met with, while everyone else just transfers their knowing looks from Taka to the approaching pair, to Taka's silent relief. Leon and Chihiro both turn bright red at the attention, but the former baseball star just shrugs, smiling weakly.

"What? Ain't like it's a big freaking deal, alright? Asked Chi out, he said yes. Now stop looking at us like that, jeez... making me uncomfortable..."

Taka can feel Mondo stiffen slightly beside him, before the biker looks up at Leon and Chihiro with a bright grin on his face, even with the tension Taka can feel is still in his shoulders. Hm... if Taka was feeling less off inside, he'd probably be concerned for the biker... as it stands, he can barely find it in him to feel much of anything, to tell the truth...

"Holy fuckin' shit, ya actually fuckin' developed the balls ta fin'ly ask him out? Congratu-fuckin'-lations, man! Both a' ya! But, uh... ya fuckin' hurt him, Leon, an' I'll fuckin' kill ya, ya do know that, yeah?" Mondo grins, words only slightly awkward as they come out. Leon scowls lightly at the words, even as he and Chihiro finally take a seat at the table.

"Oh, you're one ta freaking talk, lover boy. Betcha didn't even go through with your plan, did ya-"

"Finish that fuckin' sentence, Kuwata, an' yer fuckin' dead!"

"Oh, whatever, Owada," Leon snorts, rolling his eyes with annoyance. Taka can feel the anger radiating off Mondo, though, the biker's hand digging almost painfully into Taka's side. Taka can feel some of the ice inside him melt as a hint of concern enters him, but it's not enough to make him feel less cold, sadly. He can't even manage to feel any interest at what Leon might have had to say, either. What does it matter, really? Even if Mondo... e-even if he... well. It doesn't even matter, does it? Not when the biker refuses to... well. Well. "Ya don't hafta worry, though. Don't plan on hurting Chi. Gotta admit, his secret threw me for a minute, but, uh... didn't change how I felt. So, uh... yeah. Just a first date, though. S'not like it's a marriage proposal or anything, jeez..."

Taka can see the embarrassed blush on both Chihiro and Leon's faces as Leon speaks, but both boys are still smiling happily, looking at one another with soft eyes. He can see that Chihiro is fiddling gently with the fancy dress he is wearing, which Taka had distantly noticed when the pair had walked up. He can see that the dress is done in his usual style, but instead of his usual green blouse and brown skirt, both skirt and blouse are a light pink, with darker pink bows adorning it, while his hair is done up nicely with pink bows of various shades. His face has some light makeup on it, too, his lips a shiny pink and his eyelids a cool lavender. Even though it's fairly different from his usual wear, Taka finds that it suits the boy, the outfit definitely looking very nice on him.

Leon— Taka can see when he looks at him— is still wearing his usual white jacket, but instead of his usual graphic t-shirt, he's wearing a black button up shirt under it, with plain black slacks on his legs. His red hair is also combed back, for once, and he is wearing some nice jewelry instead of his usual edgy ones. All of it put together actually makes him look a lot more respectable than his usual 'punk' outfit does, even though it's not vastly different from his usual wear. He and Chihiro don't exactly match, per se, but they strangely look nice together, complimenting each other rather nicely.

One thing that is clear about both outfits, Taka thinks, it that it definitely does look like both individuals did their best to dress up nicely for their date today. How... how nice for them... to know beforehand that the object of their affection plans to take them on something akin to a date, giving them adequate time to prepare and make proper plans for what to wear and how to act. It must be so... so very nice, mustn't it...

Taka is drawn out of his dark musing when he feels Mondo remove his arm from his waist, the action bizarrely causing a painful spike of fear to hit him. Oh, god... he hadn't been too obvious, had he? Mondo didn't suspect his ungrateful thinking, did he? Taka hadn't just ruined everything, had he?

Before Taka can actually hyperventilate, he sees Mondo stand and look down at him with a soft smile, at the same time that Sakura, Makoto, and Leon also stand. O-oh... Taka had been so distracted that he hadn't noticed the group deciding it was time to go and get food... aha...

"Hey, Ki. Want anythin' in particular?" Mondo asks him softly, though his eyebrows are knitted together, and his mouth is turned down with what Taka knows is concern. Stomach clenching, Taka smiles shakily and shrugs noncommittally, hoping that Mondo doesn't call him out on his obvious upset right now. How mortifying would it be to have all their friends be privy to his ridiculousness...

"Ah, not really, kyoudai! I am sure I will be fine with whatever you choose!" Taka states firmly, hoping that it doesn't sound too off. Judging by the way Mondo's mouth curves further down, he supposes he fails... still, Mondo thankfully doesn't comment on it, just hums and leans down to kiss his forehead gently, lips lingering. Taka fights to not stiffen at the gesture.

"Heh, 'kay. Saw some nice lookin' sushi near the entrance a' the hall. Think they might have anakyu maki... ya might like that, heh. Be quick as I can, promise Ki," Mondo mutters against his skin, before pulling back and smiling sweetly. Usually, the look would make his heart melt, butterflies flying, but right now... right now, all Taka can feel is vaguely sick, and it's all he can do to not throw up at the feeling. He hopes that his shaky smile assures Mondo, but he can see that it doesn't. Still, Mondo just gives him one last slightly concerned smile, before turning and heading to get their lunch, looking over his shoulder with a worried frown only once. Taka wishes he could smile back and reassure the biker, but... he can't. Yet another thing he fails at...

Soon, the others are heading out to grab their and their date's food (while the pair hadn't mentioned it, Taka is fairly certain Makoto and Kyoko are also on a date, considering the soft blush the girl has on her face as Makoto leans down to tentatively kiss her cheek, his face bright red in response, twin soft smiles on their lips), leaving Taka behind with Hina, Chihiro, and Kyoko, feeling vaguely awkward at the silence that descends around them. He can feel Kyoko staring at him again, the girl apparently over her momentary embarrassment as she practically dissects him with her eyes, and it's all he can do to not squirm with his discomfort. A-ah... this is one of the reasons he rarely spends time with the girl, as shameful as it is for him to think it... she's just far too perceptive for his comfort. Always seeing everything he wishes to keep hidden...

Thankfully, Hina speaks before Kyoko can, congratulating Chihiro brightly for the boy's date, saying that she's so happy for him. Taka watches dully as Chihiro blushes and smiles softly, looking at the swimmer happily.

"Oh... t-thank you, Hina... I- I hadn't expected Leon to ask me out, especially after... u-um... y-you know... but he asked me last night and it... it was really nice. H-he can be really nice, if a bit, um... clueless sometimes..." Chihiro claims, giggling softly. Hina beams at the words, nodding enthusiastically back.

"Well, I'm happy for you! You deserve to be happy, Chi! How has your date been going so far?"

Chihiro lights up at the question, before he starts talking about what he and Leon have done together. Apparently, Leon had also bought some flowers— some white and pink daisies— which he'd given the programmer after picking him up outside Chihiro's room. After that, they'd wandered around the various booths, stopping into the gym to dance a little. Leon had won a few of the ball throwing games, winning Chihiro some stuffed animals, which the boy had stored away in his room so he wouldn't have to worry about them. After that, they'd watched some of the entertainment shows, one of which was a comedy routine the Ultimate Comedian had put on, which had run a little long, which is why they'd been late meeting them for lunch.

Taka listens to Chihiro's recount with a heavy heart, shocks of pain radiating through him at the similarities to his own not-a-date, aching so acutely inside at the bitter reminder. God... he really wishes that Mondo would just... tell him what he means by this already. And as wonderful as this day has been, part of him longs for it to just be over already, so he can lie down in bed and try and forget any of this ever happened. Oh, except he and Mondo share the same bed, don't they, so he won't even find any relief there. God... how pathetic is he? How ungrateful and unappreciative? Here Mondo is, providing a wonderful experience for him, and here he is, daring to be unhappy that it's not exactly what he wants it to be... how horrible of him...

Taka doesn't get a chance to let his thoughts spiral down anymore before he hears his name get called, his eyes immediately shooting up to find the source of the call. And when he does, he feels his blood freeze. Because... because it's...

"Taka. Are you doing alright? You are looking a bit pale," he hears Kyoko ask him calmly, her voice almost completely indifferent; if it weren't for the small frown on her lips, he'd think she was just talking about something as simple as the weather. He honestly wishes that she was, truth be told... especially when he feels the eyes of the other two occupants of the table turn on him as well, worry rising in their eyes. Oh... oh dear...

"Oh, she's right... a-are you feeling well, Taka? You look kind of, um... sick... is it the flu again?" Chihiro questions, the boy looking very concerned. Hina doesn't say anything, but the worried frown and the sad look in her eyes cuts him just as deeply as any words. A-ah... this is... this is exactly what he hadn't wanted... why couldn't Kyoko have just left him alone... why...

"A-ah! Do not worry for me! I am... I am feeling perfectly fine!" He lies, hoping that no one calls him out on it. And for a moment, no one does. But then-

"You're lying," Kyoko says calmly, like she just mentioned that it's going to snow later. Taka can feel his shoulders tighten even further, his breath coming out raggedly, but he is unable to do anything to counter her. She... why is she... "Something is bothering you. Your shoulders are tense, and your breathing is shallow. I do not believe you are ill though, as you were fine when you walked in. You began to get upset when Mondo kissed your cheek. Has something occurred between you two?"

Taka's breath escapes him entirely, and he can do nothing more than look at her with wide eyes, hating how she can see right through him. God, everybody probably can. He's always been an open book, no matter what he wants to believe, even at the best of times. And this... this is decidedly not the best of times for him. Not even close.

He doesn't even have any hope of trying to defend himself (likely in vain), before Chihiro is speaking again, the boy looking at him with a gentle compassion in his eyes. Unfortunately, the look is a little too close to pity for Taka to take much comfort in it, truth be told...

"O-oh... is... is your date with Mondo not going well?" the young boy asks softly, eyes a little misty as he says the words, compassion and pity rife within his eyes and words. Taka can barely even notice, not with the roaring that is going on in his ears. Oh... god... why is this happening? Isn't today already bad enough? Why can't his- his friends just leave him alone already and let him just- just ignore everything that is going on, in the vain hope that it will get better if he does? God... why...

But wanting this all to go away doesn't mean it will. And as the silence stretches, the pity filled looks growing deeper and deeper, Taka knows he can't just ignore this and hope it goes away. He has to actually say something, doesn't he? Oh... how wonderful...

Well. No use for it. Forcing his shoulders back, Taka looks over at Chihiro, his eyes a little harder than he wants them to be, smile a little too much like a grimace, and Taka hates the way Chihiro flinches minutely at his stare, but he can't stop. He has to say something, and if they are so determined to force him to do this... well. They'll have to live with the consequences.

"Ah, Chihiro! I'm afraid I don't know what you mean! Mondo and I are not on any date. We... we are just- j-just friends!" Taka forces out, though he almost chokes on the last sentence, the words just friends coming out a lot more bitter than he had intended. Ah... this is... this is not good... not good at all...

Cheeks flushing red yet again, Taka can't help but look down at the table, fiddling with his hands as his three friends stare at him, varying degrees of pity on their faces. Hina is biting her lip, her eyes watery as she looks at him, while Chihiro's eyes are impossibly large, tears entering them as well as his lip begins to wobble. And... as for Kyoko...

"Are you sure about that?" the girl's smooth voice cuts through the thick silence, shooting straight into the heart of him. Taka gasps harshly at the words, his hands beginning to shake. With the anger inside him beginning to simmer again, Taka looks up at the girl and glares. He doesn't mean to, he just... he just wants her to stop, already. God... why can't she just stop...

"I'm fairly certain I would know!" Taka snaps, his breathing heavy and painful, far too loud in the still air, but he has no idea how to make it stop. How to make any of this stop. God...

"Would you? Because I'm not certain that you would," Kyoko replies almost immediately, her voice still infuriatingly calm. Taka is- is really starting to dislike the girl, to tell the honest truth... before Taka can snap anything back, Kyoko is continuing, voice as unruffled as ever. "Let's go over the evidence that points to the contrary, shall we? Ever since the Fall Festival, you and Mondo have been growing closer, haven't you? You spend all day together, rarely seen without the other. There have been many accounts of seeing the two of you enter Mondo's room together at night, but almost none of you exiting and returning to your own before curfew begins, not since Halloween. Similarly, there have been many accounts of seeing the two of you exit Mondo's room together before heading to breakfast, something I have seen personally. For weeks now, you have been wearing that red scarf of yours on a daily basis, rarely seen without it, frequently adjusting it so that it covers your neck entirely, looking anxious as you do so. On a few occasions, Mondo has been seen with faint bruises on his neck, with no explanation for where they came from. Last weekend, the two of you spent the entire two days holed up in Mondo's room, not exiting even to eat, not replying to any texts or messages either, the only explanation given that you were having a 'movie marathon.' However, when I questioned you on it a few days ago, you could not remember what movies you and Mondo watched together, face bright red and eyes averted. Need I continue?"

Taka's face is now impossibly red, his hands shaking horribly, breath faltered in his chest. He... s-she... how... how dare she... how- how rude... she has no right to... to question him like this... like he's a suspect... g-god... Taka can feel the pressure behind his eyes growing, but he can't let the tears fall. He just... he just can't.

Instead, he looks up and glares at Kyoko again, not caring how improper or rude it is. The girl doesn't even seem to care that she's revealing all of the secrets he's been trying so hard to keep, and in that moment, he is so impossibly angry he doesn't even know what to do. Anger has always been a horrible emotion for him, he's always hated to feel it, but he just can't seem to force it away right now. Oh... oh dear...

"It is... i-is impolite to say such things, Kirigiri-kun! I- I would appreciate it if you would cease immediately! You- your accusations are groundless and I- I will not sit here and listen to you- y-you say such horrible things, I- I... I..."

Kyoko doesn't even react to his angry hiss, other than to tilt her head curiously. Like she's dissecting a frog. God... god... why...

"I am not accusing you of anything, Ishimaru-san. Nor are my observations groundless. I have been observing you and Owada-san interact since the day you all went to the mall together. I have seen firsthand how your interactions towards one another have changed. I have more evidence, if you would like. There is the way you two will look at one another. Owada-san looks at you as if you were his entire universe, and you look at him exactly the same. When the two of you look at one another, it is like you are the only two in the room and getting either of your's attention during such a time is nearly impossible. You two are constantly touching one another, both casual touching as well as non-casual touching, such as kissing upon the cheek or forehead. Owada-san joins you on your various duties, despite the fact he has never shown an interest in becoming a Hall Monitor or a committee member himself. Similarly, you have joined him when he works on his motorcycle, despite the fact that you have shown no interest in learning to ride one. You both act far differently around one another than you do around anyone else, looking far softer and far happier when you are in the other's presence than when you are not. I truly don't think that I have to continue, though I assure you I could," Kyoko claims, voice still so infuriatingly calm. And then she… she's continuing, always continuing, god…

"The point of this all is that these are not things that people who are 'just friends' do, Ishimaru-san. These are not the actions of two friends. No matter what you two may profess, I highly doubt your words that friends is all you are to one another. Even if you both are in denial about it."

Taka can feel everything in him swirl and churn at the impassively spoken words, hating the violet eyes that watch him so critically, so coolly, like none of this even matters to her, while she rips his life into shreds. God, does she not have any compassion within her? Perhaps Taka was wrong. Perhaps she is the Ultimate Criminal Mastermind. Taka wants to snarl at her, to tear into her weak points, see how she likes it, but he knows such a thing would only embarrass himself further. Plus, even with how furious he is, he's not so far gone as to actively wish hurt upon another person. That- that doesn't mean he can just let her get away with- with saying such patently untrue things about him... g-god...

"I- I have no idea what you- y-you mean! You a-are wrong, s-so very wrong, and if you- y-you do not stop this immediately, I... I will write you up for harassment, and I- I- I... I..."

Kyoko doesn't even react to his words, just keeps on staring, no emotions rising on her face as she just stares. Oh... oh god... please... please stop...

"I am not harassing you, Ishimaru-san. I am simply stating the facts as I see them. And I assure you, I am not wrong. Clearly, this all bothers you deeply, but I have to wonder why? You and Mondo clearly love one another deeply, and yet you both will deny it quite fervently. For weeks now you both have shown numerous signs of being in a romantic relationship and yet you still profess to just 'being friends' when anyone asks. You call one another kyoudai, yet it is painfully obvious to anyone with eyes that you do not view one another in such a way. You both clearly wish for more in your relationship, and yet you both deny it, even to yourselves. I just have to wonder... why? Why do you deny yourself what you so clearly desire when your desires are returned? Why do you profess the opposite when it is so very clear you both feel the same? Why do you let yourself hurt so deeply when this all could be resolved so very, very easily? Why-"

"Because Mondo has made it very clear that he does not wish for more than what we have! E-even if I... i-if I..." Taka cannot help but finally burst out, standing unbidden and slamming his hands on the table in anger. He can feel eyes from surrounding tables look at him in surprise, though he'd thankfully managed to keep his voice low enough that he doesn't think any of them heard him. His friends did, though. He knows that, based on the loud gasp Hina lets out— the girl covering her mouth with her hands, eyes bleeding sorrow and pity— and by how Chihiro flinches back at the loud bang, the tears in the boy's eyes spilling over as he looks pityingly at Taka. And Taka... Taka finally loses his fight against his own tears, the accursed things finally leaking down his face, to his absolute mortification. In an effort to try and hide it, he buries his face in his hands, taking a shaky seat as he tries his best to not hyperventilate. And... and Kyoko...

"Are you certain about that, Taka? Because... I do not believe you are correct. Have you ever asked Mondo about his feelings? If he does or does not feel the same?" the girl asks, her voice far softer and kinder than it had been a moment ago, almost like she is- is trying to be... to be soothing.

Ah, yes. Because now she decides to choose to try to be kind, Taka thinks uncharitably, his chest heaving with the tears he can't seem to force down. He can't do anything other than shake his head, breath shallow. He... he has to calm himself down... before Mondo gets back, he... he must...

With an aching chest, Taka does his best to even out his breathing like Mondo always tries to get him to do when Taka begins to panic. It's a lot harder doing it by himself, not having Mondo there to help him out, but he keeps trying, not wanting Mondo to return and find Taka in hysterics. That would... not be good.

It takes him a couple of minutes, but after a while, he is able to manage to get his breathing mostly under control, his tears drying slowly but surely. No one says anything while he calms himself down, but he can feel the eyes on him. Which really doesn't help, but it thankfully doesn't stop himself from calming himself down. Once he finally has dried his tears, he removes his hands from his face, the light assaulting him cruelly. He then looks at Kyoko, his face a mask as he does his best to not break apart again.

"It doesn't matter. None of it... none of it matters. Mondo and I... we... we are friends. Kyoudai. Nothing more."

It's a lie. An obvious lie. Everyone at the table knows it's a lie. But... but, for once, Kyoko doesn't call him out on it. She just stares at him, a softer emotion entering her eyes, her lips tilting into a small, sad looking smile. It's not a look he's ever seen the usually serious girl have before. He's not sure he likes it...

"Hm. If you say so, Taka. I still think that it might help you if you were to speak to him about all of this. He clearly cares about you, Taka. Perhaps things will turn out in your favor, if you only find the courage to rock the boat."

Or everything will fall apart, he thinks softly to himself, his heart aching acutely. He doesn't say anything, but thankfully— before he even starts to feel the pressure to say anything— Leon and Makoto walk up, holding trays with their date's meals. Leon frowns immediately when he sees Chihiro's tear tracks, the former baseball star immediately moving to the boy's side with worry.

"Hey, are ya doing okay, Chi? What happened?"

Taka flushes when he sees Chihiro's eyes on him, his eyes still looking overly sad. The boy doesn't say anything about it, though, and just looks at Leon after a second, smiling shakily.

"O-oh, I'm okay, Leon. We were just talking about something t-that made me a little sad, that's all. B-but I'm okay," Chihiro says softly, wiping his eyes carefully. Leon hums, nodding in agreement.

"Got it. If you say so, Chi. Got you some noodles, like ya asked. Here you go," Leon replies, moving on effectively as he places Chihiro's food carefully before the boy. Chihiro smiles at him thankfully and the pair begins talking quietly together as they wait for the rest of the group to return. Across from him, he sees Makoto place his and Kyoko's food down, the pair smiling softly at one another as they sit close on the bench. Something about it makes Taka ache so fiercely inside, his heart aching painfully. He looks down at the table, biting his lip as he worries.

He can still feel Hina looking at him, the girl shuffling over so she's closer to his side of the table, eyes intent on him. Taka stiffens at her scrutiny, stiffening further when he feels her hand gently touch his own.

"Are you okay, Taka?" Hina questions softly, her hand feeling almost oppressive on his. Before he can think about it, he snatches his hand away, folding both of his hands together on his lap, firmly looking anywhere but at his friend. He doesn't want to see her wounded look. He just... he can't...

"I am fine," he says shortly, wishing everyone would just leave him alone already. He just... h-he just wants to be alone...

Hina doesn't say anything in response for a long moment, her eyes steady on him for a long, long moment. And then-

"Okay, Taka. If... if you say so. Kyoko might be right, though... I- I really think you should talk to Mondo about all of this. It... it might help..."

Ah. Everyone is just dying to be so... so helpful today, aren't they? How... how wonderful...

Still looking at the table, Taka nods jerkingly, not saying a single word more. He can still feel Hina's eyes on him, but before the look can get too oppressive, the last two members of their group come back, trays of food in their hand. Taka tries to feel relief that Hina's eyes are no longer focused on him, but he finds it hard to do. Not when her eyes are immediately replaced by soft, concerned lavender ones...

"Hey, Ki. Gotcha some anakyu maki, which is fuckin' awesome. Don't know if ya've had eel 'fore, but this shit is fuckin' amazin'. Hope this shop does it fuckin' justice, heh. But, uh... ya doin' okay? Ya look kinda... I dunno. Upset," Mondo mutters to him, placing his food down as he sits. Taka can feel his cheeks heat at the question, his hands clenching into fists angrily. God. Everyone is just so concerned about him today, aren't they? He wishes they'd all just leave him alone already, god...

"I'm fine," he bites out a little too forcefully, feeling his heart clench when he sees Mondo reel back, his eyes wide and a little hurt. It makes Taka feel absolutely awful, since it isn't like any of this is Mondo's fault. Because it isn't, okay? No, he hasn't been particularly clear with his intentions, but that's not really anything he's done wrong, honestly. It's just... frustrating for Taka. But it's not Mondo's fault and Taka taking his upset at everything out on Mondo is unfair.

In order to try and rectify things, Taka lets out a soft sigh, smiling weakly at Mondo.

"A-ah... I'm sorry, kyoudai... I didn't mean to snap at you. I just... I'm just not feeling particularly well today. That's all. Nothing to really worry about, alright?" Taka reassures softly, hoping Mondo takes his words at face value. And, for a moment, it seems like he will, the biker nodding thoughtfully, the hurt look fading off his face. But then... then Mondo frowns with concern, shifting his body so he's fully facing Taka on the bench, eyes solely on him, not seeming to even notice anyone else anymore.

When the two of you look at one another, it is like you are the only two in the room, whispers through his mind, making his cheeks flush lightly. They flush even more when he feels the back of Mondo's hand press gently to his forehead, before moving down to brush his cheek, Mondo humming softly.

"Y'ain't feelin' good? Shit, man. Wanna go an' lie down? Don't mind skippin' out on the rest a' the festival if ya wanna go an' lie down, baby. 'D rather head back ta our room an' have ya lie down than make ya go 'round the festival an' have ya wear yerself out. 'M okay with us headin' out now if ya want," Mondo mutters softly, eyes soft with concern. It makes his chest ache to see, but the concern, it... it makes some of the pain inside him melt away. Mondo is just... he's so amazing, isn't he? Shaking his head, he smiles slightly.

"No... no, it's okay, Mondo. I... I should be okay. We still haven't seen the dance hall and I would like to do that before the end of the day," he says quietly, eyes soft as he watches Mondo hum, the biker still looking at him with worry. His breath escapes him yet again when he feels Mondo gently cup his cheek, his thumb lightly caressing him as he goes.

"Ya sure, man? I really don't mind. An' if we miss the dance hall, ain't a big thing. Can take y'out dancin' some other day, know a few places that'll let teens in. Would rather ya not hurt yerself or anythin', ya know? 'D hate fer ya ta hurt yerself more just ta go an' dance," Mondo replies, leaning in closer to Taka, not quite pressing their foreheads together, but almost. It makes Taka shudder lightly, his insides squirming again. God... how on earth is he supposed to handle this all...

"N-no... I'm really alright, my dearest kyoudai. I think eating some food will help me, though. I think I may just be hungry," he claims, hoping Mondo buys it. And, thankfully this time, it seems like he does. Mondo nods slowly, the concern leaving his eyes a little, though a hint of it remains.

"Heh, okay, Ki. But, shit, ya didn't have any breakfast, did ya? No wonder y'ain't feelin' good, baby. Gotta make sure ya eat somethin' 'fore ya go an' do other things, ya hear me? Shit, prolly should keep some quick breakfast shit in the room, make sure ya got at least somethin' small ta eat 'fore ya head out each mornin', 'specially if ya gotta head out quick. Don't wantcha feelin' like shit all day just 'cuz y'ain't got time ta get some breakfast, Ki. 'Specially not 'cuz a' me..."

Taka shakes his head at the soft words, reaching up with his hand to hold onto Mondo's, for once not caring that their friends are watching again. Not when he has to reassure Mondo, who now has a melancholic expression on his face...

"No, please do not feel bad, kyoudai! I-it... it was hardly your fault! I... h-ha. I was partially to blame as well," Taka says as softly as he can, wanting his words to be for Mondo and Mondo alone. The biker smiles when he hears them, nodding once.

"Heh. Alright, Ki. Let's eat now, okay? Like I said, got ya some anakyu maki, but in case ya didn't like it, I also got some tekka maki too, since I know ya like tuna an' shit. Also got some extra rice, ya might wanna eat more a' that if yer hungry. If ya do like the anakyu maki, I got some too, so if ya want more, I don't mind sharin'. Ain't super hungry anyway, heh."

With that, Mondo gently removes his hand and turns back to the table, pulling his sushi towards himself, happily taking his chopsticks and 'digging in,' as the biker always calls it. After a moment, Taka does the same, his heart still aching softly, but it's less fervent and all-encompassing now, which makes it easier to push aside and ignore.

When Taka tries the conger eel and cucumber sushi roll, he isn't entirely sure how to feel. While the taste is fairly good, the texture... leaves a lot to be desired, honestly. But the more he eats it, the more he starts to get used to it, the sweet flavor winning him over in the end. When Mondo asks him almost anxiously what he thinks, Taka smiles widely and nods with enthusiasm, saying that he loves it, which is very true! And if he has to fight down the twin spikes of absolute adoration and unbridled pain when he sees Mondo's unguarded grin, his eyes shining happily, well... he supposes that might just have to be something he'll have to simply get used to, really.

The following half an hour is spent leisurely eating his sushi, listening to the group as they converse, not really participating but just listening. It's very pleasant, he must admit, and he finds himself smiling happily as Mondo and Sakura discuss the best way to do weight training, the discussion light and not super serious for once. Usually, their discussions about exercise get heated, but not today, thankfully. After the snowball fight, things between the pair have gotten a lot friendlier, Sakura forgiving the biker for his thoughtless comments at last, and it has fostered a new respect and camaraderie between the pair, bizarrely. He doesn't question it, though, and just listens to their discussion, chiming in every so often with his own two cents.

It doesn't take him long to finish his sushi (both platters and half the rice, as he was actually quite hungry), however, almost to his disappointment. It was nice sitting here, he's found. Yes, he is still a bit miffed at Kyoko for her invasive comments, but seeing as how she and Makoto are absorbed by their own discussion, he has been able to mostly pretend that she's not there, honestly, as cruel as that sounds. But neither Hina nor Chihiro are staring at him with pity anymore, and listening to the conversation has been pleasant, and part of him doesn't want this to end. To have to... to go back to his not-a-date date and back to the confusion he feels so keenly inside... well. He doesn't know if he wants to do that.

But! Such a thought is ridiculous! Here Mondo is, trying to make a nice day for the two of them, even getting Taka some special sushi, and here Taka is, being ungrateful again! Wanting to delay being alone just because- because he can't figure out what Mondo means by it all! How selfish! How rude! How... h-how...

As such, when Mondo finally finishes his food and softly asks Taka if he'd like to go to the dance hall now, Taka nods immediately, firmly ignoring the squirming inside him, pushing it aside. He refuses to be so ungrateful anymore! Mondo... Mondo deserves better than that... and maybe- maybe if he can just be good enough... well. Well. Well.

Waving goodbye to their friends (Taka once more ignoring their pitying stares), Taka lets Mondo grab his hand again, his teddy bear under his arm as they head out.

Since they are near their room, Mondo suggests they stop by and put their things away, so that it will be easier for them to dance. Taka has no problems with that, so he follows Mondo through the busy halls, the pair sharing a comfortable silence. They reach their room soon after and Taka immediately heads for their bed, placing his bear down carefully, smiling softly when he sees it amongst the pillows and blanket.

He then lets out a shaky little breath of surprise a moment later when he feels arms wrap around his waist from behind, lips pressing to his neck, determinedly pushing aside his scarf.

"Mm. Ya really do look good today, Ki," Mondo mutters softly, hands pressing Taka's back to the biker's front, Taka letting out a quiet moan when he feels the hardness pressing against him. The dual sensation makes it hard for him to think, but eventually he is able to get something out.

"I- I look the same as I do every day, my dearest kyoudai," Taka pants back, eyes closing when he feels Mondo nip him lightly, adoring the feeling. And then, when Mondo chuckles lowly, the vibrations rumbling through his body... mm.

"Yeah, I know Ki. Y'always look so fuckin' good, baby. But yer hair, man... fuck, ya look so fuckin' good, Ki. 'Specially with that rose... mm. Makin' me go crazy, heh," Mondo rumbles, lips on fire on his neck. Just as Taka is starting to get used to the feeling, his groin swelling pleasantly, Mondo pulls back, chuckling at Taka's disappointed noise. "Heh. Sorry, Ki. Didn't mean ta get ya all excited. Couldn't help myself, baby. But we can finish this shit later, okay? 'Less ya wanna skip the dance. 'Cuz if I get my hands on ya now, we ain't gonna leave this room the rest a' the day, shit, baby... mm."

Taka's cheeks flare red at the sensuous words, mind racing with desire and want. Part of him wants to do just that, to say to heck with the dance and spend the rest of the day inside with Mondo, but he... he really does want to see how that all turned out... and he's not the kind of person to abandon everything in pursuit of pleasure! Even if the pleasure is really nice to feel... not to mention the closeness... mm.

Snapping himself out of his musing, he shakes his head, pulling away with great reluctancy. He smiles shakily at Mondo, adjusting his scarf to cover the bruises, knowing they should get going soon or else they won't leave at all.

"A-ah... no, kyoudai! I would like to see the dance hall, like I've said! W-we... aha. We can do things later, kyoudai. I promise!"

Mondo snorts at the words, a small smirk on his face, but he nods and pulls back, heading towards the door.

"Heh, s'what I thought, Kiyo. C'mon, then. Let's 'do things' later, an' get goin' ta the gym now. Ain't nothin' special, just a bunch a' decorations an' shit. Ya might like it, though. Tried ta make it look nice an' all, but it ain't like I ever fuckin' decorated anythin', heh..."

The slightly self-deprecating words makes Taka smile, and as he reaches Mondo, he grabs his hand himself, blushing when Mondo gives him a bright smile for it.

"I'm sure I will love it, kyoudai! You helped create it, after all!"

It's Mondo's turn to blush, but the happy smile doesn't leave his face, even as a companionable silence descends around them. Together they exit the room, before wandering through the halls and the crowd, all without saying a word. But it… it's good. Nice. They don't need words to be happy, Taka has found. Just being with Mondo… that's all he needs. Truly.

It's not long before they reach the gym, Mondo pausing before they enter.

"Heh. We, uh... we're here, Kiyo. Ain't gotta stay long if ya don't wanna. But, uh... let's go, I guess."

Mondo looks a bit awkward as he shuffles before the door. His cheeks are pink and the hand that isn't holding his raises to rub the back of his neck awkwardly. It makes Taka smile, even though he knows he shouldn't. It just... it's just very cute! Mondo... Mondo is just so cute, god... it really isn't fair...

Taka doesn't say anything, though, just smiles brightly as he gently tugs Mondo forward towards the door. Together, the pair enters the gym, passing a few booths that are lining the trophy room without much interest.

Once they finally enter the gym, however, Taka stops abruptly, eyes wide as he takes in the decorations. It... it looks...

Beautiful, he thinks in awe, eyes looking around the transformed space, marveling at how different it looks.

Instead of the usual yellow lighting and bold red decorations, the room is full of soft blues and purples, with pale, white, semi-transparent fabric going from the ceiling to the walls, draping over the room almost like a tent. When he looks closer, he notices that the fabric has some colorless fairy lights entwined in it, giving the fabric a dreamy, fantasy like element, especially when paired with the alternating blue and purple lighting. He also notices that there are some white and blue icicles hanging from the ceiling, with lights inside them, making it almost look like a wintry cave. Along the walls there are some paper snowflakes and other crystal-like decorations, all of it adding to the winter aesthetic.

Moving on from the ceiling and walls, Taka looks towards the room itself, seeing that there have been several round tables set up, with white tablecloths over them. In the center of each table there are large crystal displays, like wire flowers branching towards the sky, with floating metallic balloons attached to foil covered paper weights. There are also some foil snowflake and star confetti pieces strewn about the tables, making the light reflect quite beautifully. Taka can also see that all along the floor there are metallic balloons and steamers that are strewn haphazardly, which some students are playing with at the edges of the dance floor.

Speaking of the dance floor... there is a giant purple and blue rug that takes up nearly a quarter of the room and in front of that is the DJ booth, which has a lot of multi flashing colors on what he believes is called the turntable. There aren't too many people currently on the dance floor, but there are quite a lot along the edges, nodding in time with the fast pace music (or playing with balloons). Currently, a pop song is playing, and if Taka is not mistaken, he thinks... he thinks it may be from Sayaka's band, though it's currently during an instrumental part so he can't say for sure. It's very upbeat regardless, and the students who are on the dance floor seem to be having a great time dancing frantically to the upbeat music. There is not much decoration on the dance floor itself, but it looks like a lot of fun and, while Taka is not much of a dancer, he can see why western cultures like having dances so much. Something about the atmosphere of the room is just very... very energetic, he must admit!

Taka moves his eyes away from the dance floor after a few moments and over to the last addition to the room, heart racing strangely in his chest. He sees along the side of the gym that there is a long rectangular table with a bunch of mini appetizers and desserts atop it, such as store-bought cookies and mini sandwiches. There's even a big bowl of punch atop the table, with fancy plastic champagne glasses beside it. Taka hadn't even known that punch bowls were a real thing! He just thought that happened in those western movies Mondo sometimes likes to watch. Though... perhaps he is accurate, seeing as how he knows that the biker mostly took inspiration for the dance from those movies. He can see that the food table is decorated much the same as the circular tables, just without the chairs.

When taking in the entirety of the room, he thinks that the gym turned dance hall looks very... very enchanting, he must admit! It's honestly astonishing that Mondo and the other volunteers had managed to set it up in only about two hours, really! Turning happy eyes back to Mondo, he grins brightly, eyes sparkling.

"Mondo... this looks incredible, kyoudai! Was this all your idea?" Taka asks with wonder, eyes solely on the biker. As such, he can see the pink blush on Mondo's face, even with the purple and blue lighting.

"Oh, uh... kinda. Just looked up winter dance ideas online, really, an' picked the best-lookin' ones... but uh, Headmaster Kirigiri got all the supplies an' shit. I helped set it all up this mornin', but that was mostly just puttin' shit where it made most sense, settin' up tables, shit like that. An' gettin' the DJ all ready. Not sure 'bout the lights an' shit, but I guess it looks okay... but it wasn't much, ya know? Just... just doin' what ya asked me ta do an' all..." Mondo mumbles, looking awkward, not used to getting praise for his work.

Not wanting to make the teen feel any more self-conscious, Taka reins in the outpour of praise he wants to give, ridiculously proud of Mondo for having put so much effort into this, even if he claims otherwise. He knows Mondo well enough by now to know that he's underplaying how much thought he put into this whole thing, after all. Still... he can't help how he leans forward and kisses the biker's cheek gently, the smooth but warm skin making his lips tingle oh so pleasantly.

"Still, my dearest kyoudai. It looks beautiful, and I am proud of you for the work you put into this. Thank you, Mondo. Truly," he whispers against the warm flesh, pulling back with a soft blush on his cheeks. The stunned look on Mondo's face makes butterflies bloom in his chest, bordering on painful. But when Mondo slowly smiles, his lavender eyes overly bright in the dim room... he feels so much overwhelming love that it almost chokes him. But it... it's good. Very, very good…

"U-uh... n-no problem, Ki. Just... just wanted ta make somethin' nice fer ya... s'all," Mondo whispers back, voice slightly husky and rough, looking Taka deep in the eyes with so much meaning it makes him want to cry. Taka can feel sparks of lightning flow through his body at the look, every nerve on fire as he stares at Mondo, and Mondo stares right on back, nothing else in the world mattering, not as long as his eyes are on Mondo. It's so much, too much, but he can't look away, he just... he can't. He just… can't.

Owada-san looks at you as if you were his entire universe, and you look at him exactly the same, he hears whisper though his mind, making his breath shallow once more. It... he...

"Wanna... wanna dance, Kiyo?" Mondo breathes as he drifts closer, hand lifting absently to brush against his cheek, soft and tender. Taka finds himself nodding, even though he's never actually danced before and has no idea how to do such a thing. But when he sees Mondo's bright smile, blinding in its intensity... he finds that he truly, truly doesn't care. He'll learn as he goes. He's always been a dedicated learner.

He lets Mondo lead him to the dance floor, their eyes barely parting the entire time, only enough to make sure they don't bump into anyone or anything else. Taka can hear the music getting louder and louder as they approach, the vibrations penetrating deep into his bones, making him shiver pleasantly. It doesn't take them long to reach the carpet, and once there, Taka watches as Mondo starts to move to the beat, his body almost fluid, looking very natural despite his large and stocky build. Taka does his best to copy the movements he sees, feeling very silly and awkward, but he finds he doesn't mind too much. Not when Mondo is looking at him like that, like he is the most precious and amazing thing in the universe. How could he possibly feel upset at all when Mondo looks at him in such a way?

The song ends far too soon for Taka to get comfortable with the motions, but the next song begins to play almost immediately after, Mondo shifting to the new beat easily. Taka copies as best he can, body still a little overly stiff and unnatural. After a moment, he feels hands gently brush his hips, making him gasp harshly.

"Hey, Ki. Want- w-want some help?" Mondo mutters, leaning forward to press his lips to Taka's ear, so he can hear over the deafening music. Tongue completely tied, it's all Taka can do to nod desperately, not even knowing what he's agreeing to, just knowing he must. And... as he feels Mondo's hands grab his hips firmer, pulling him closer (but not too close, as Taka would have to object to that at a school event), he goes willingly, placing his hands lightly on Mondo's shoulders.

After that, Taka follows the gentle pressure of Mondo's hands, which move his hips to the beat of the song, moving far more fluidly than he ever thought he possibly could go. It still feels slightly awkward, but by the end of the song, he thinks he has the movement down, though Mondo doesn't remove his hands. Not even when the next song comes on, the beat faster and not really conductive for the movement Taka just learned. Mondo just adjusts his speed, gently guiding Taka into the dance, his body moving in ways he has never dared move it before. And he... he has to admit. It's actually very, very fun!

After a few more songs pass, his chest heaving with the exertion, Mondo jerks his head to the side, gently leading Taka off the dance floor and over to one of the tables to sit.

"Heh, just, uh... ha. Needed ta catch my- my breath, Ki. Gonna get us some- some punch, heh. Want any snacks?" Mondo pants lightly, eyes still bright as he looks down at Taka. Cheeks flushed from more than just exertion, Taka shakes his head gently, smile so wide it hurts his cheeks.

"A-ah, no- no thank you, ky-kyoudai!" Taka pants back, just as out of breath, but not really caring. He is fit, yes, but the unnatural movement of his body (not to mention having Mondo's hands on him while in a very public place) had made his heart rate increase, his lungs following close behind. "I am fine with- with just some punch!"

He watches as Mondo nods casually, the biker leaning down to kiss his unfortunately sweaty forehead, muttering that he'll be back soon. As he goes, Taka carefully rearranges the rose in his hair— the flower having spent most of the time on the dance floor wanting to fall off, Taka fighting hard to keep it where it is— if only to give his hands and mind something to do. Other than uselessly pine after the biker, that is.

As Taka waits for Mondo to return, he watches his fellow classmates, the gym steadily filling as the minutes tick past. It's not too late, only nearing 1:00, but he guesses that it's about the time most people want to check out the dance floor before the festival ends at 3:00. Some reserve students take a seat across from him at the table he's at, not really paying him much mind, but he doesn't care. He just keeps an eye on the seat directly beside him, making sure no one takes it before Mondo can return.

Thankfully, Mondo returns not too long later, taking the seat with a smile, putting a cup of punch down in front of Taka, his own held loosely in his hands.

"Heya, Kiyo. Gotcha some punch. Sorry it took so long, hall is gettin' fuckin' crowded, shit. Didn't know people would like the idea ofa dance so much, damn. Also, I went up ta the DJ an' put in a song request. Somethin' a bit slower, so we ain't gotta move so fast, heh. Think ya'll like it, babe. He's got a few song requests ta go 'fore mine, though, so we can relax fer a bit. I'll let ya know 'fore the song comes on so we can head out an' find some space. 'Less ya- ya don't wanna dance anymore... heh..."

Taka shakes his head at the nervous words, smiling brightly at the biker as he fidgets next to him. On instinct, Taka reaches out and grabs Mondo's free hand gently in his own, shifting closer, wanting the biker to hear him clearly.

"No, kyoudai, please do not worry! I would love to dance with you again! I greatly enjoyed our last dances, even if it was not quite what I was used to! I'm sure I will adore whatever song you chose, and that I will adore our dance together even more! That's a Kiyotaka Ishimaru guarantee!"

Mondo laughs at his words, eyes sparkling again, nodding quickly back.

"Well, then, hell yeah, Kiyo! Shit, baby, gonna be so fuckin' nice. Holdin' ya close— but not too close, a' course— music fuckin' playin' 'round us, goin' 'round the dance floor without a fuckin' care... shit's gonna be great, Ki. Fuckin' incredible..."

Taka can't help the small laugh he lets out, not even minding Mondo poking fun at him and his insistence to follow the rules, knowing the biker doesn't mean it maliciously. He nods back, lifting up his punch and taking a small sip, if only to prevent himself from doing what he truly wants to do. (Which, by the by, is lean to forward and kiss Mondo breathless. But he always wants to do that, so it's fairly easy to ignore.)

He and Mondo spend the next few songs sitting and chatting casually about everything and nothing, Taka laughing more and feeling lighter than he ever has before. Not even the angry churning within him can temper the bright and airy feeling in his heart, his body weightless with the sensation. Mondo just looks so incredible right now, all loose and beautiful, his hair down and his barriers gone. While he is still wearing a duster, the white makes him look different. More innocent. His eyes aren't holding their usual heaviness, his smile free and easy, and Taka cannot deny how much he absolutely adores it. He's so, so glad he insisted they go to the dance hall now. This... this is probably the best hour of his life. And he's had some pretty great hours in recent history.

Now here's hoping it stays this way for once...

Taka is jolted away from his thoughts before they can follow that path, watching with a quickening heart as Mondo stands, the biker smiling at him as he holds out a hand for him to take. Which Taka does immediately. With pleasure.

"Heh. C'mon, Ki. Our song's next. Gotta get ready an' shit. Want... want this ta be perfect, Ki. Fer... fer you..."

His heart clenches at the soft words, and it's all he can do to follow Mondo, his legs shaking as they approach the dance floor, which has steadily grown more and more crowded as the time goes by. They are able to find a spot near the edge, Mondo putting his hands on his hips again as they dance to the end of the current song, which is fast paced and full of energy. Taka laughs at the movements they do, having more fun than he thought he was capable of ever having, honestly. It's so good, and nice, and perfect, that Taka truly doesn't know what to do. Everything in him is swirling and hazy and fuzzy, the dim purple and blue lighting giving everything a magical feel. And Mondo... Mondo looks so wonderful before him, hands on his hips, looking at him like he's everything, and it's all so much, so very, very much.

And then, as the current song fades out, silence descending around them as the DJ gets the new song ready, Taka can't help the spike of anticipation he feels, especially when Mondo's smile widens, shaky as it is.

And then... then...

Taka hears the tinkling of chimes, a piano playing soon after, and he immediately knows what song Mondo has requested even though he's only ever heard it once. He feels his eyes widen as his mouth opens, heart so full he doesn't know what to do. Mondo lets out a small laugh, pulling him closer (maybe a little too close, but Taka doesn't complain, not at all), and whispers softly in his ear.

"Heh. Knew ya'd like it, Ki," the biker breathes, falling silent as the vocals begin, the foreign words washing over Taka beautifully, understanding them with ease, even as the students around them tilt their heads curiously. But he pays them no mind at all, focus solely on the soft crooning above him, and the warm arms around him. And the beautiful boy before him...

"You're in my arms, and all the world is calm, the music playing on for only two. So close together, and when I'm with you, so close to feeling alive..."

They had seen the Disney movie Enchanted a couple of weeks ago, during one of the numerous movie nights they've shared over the weeks. Taka had enjoyed it greatly, feeling sympathy for Giselle and her plight, strangely invested in the simple, childish film. After all, he knows exactly what it's like to be thrust into a situation you have no control over, feeling in over your head and out of your depth, with no idea if it will turn out for the better or not. He and Mondo had spent the entire movie pressed close to one another, the biker's hand warm on his hip, heart full and light, and it had felt so, so incredible. Like always.

When the movie got to the ball scene and this song had played, Taka had felt, well... enchanted, eyes enraptured as he watched the screen, listened to the music. They'd decided to watch the movie in its native language, since both of them know English fairly well, and the song had been just... magical to him, foreign and enchanting. He doesn't even really know why it had affected him so, only that it truly, truly did. He had known that Mondo had noticed it, that the biker had been smiling at him, eyes soft and liquid, but to know he'd noticed enough to personally request the song, all because he knew Taka had liked it... he... god. He has no words, truly...

As Taka and Mondo slowly rotate along the dance floor, arms tight around one another, eyes locked so firmly, Taka cannot think of a time he has ever felt happier or more content. Mondo... Mondo makes him happy... he...

Why do you deny yourself what you so clearly desire, when your desires are returned? he hears whisper through his mind. And Taka... Taka honestly doesn't know the answer, he truly doesn't...

"A life goes by, romantic dreams must die. So I bid my goodbye, and never knew. So close was waiting, waiting here with you. And now, forever, I know... all that I wanted, to hold you so close..."

Taka can feel himself drifting closer to Mondo, their bodies pressed up tight, not caring at all about the rules or about proprietary. His entire mind is full of Mondo, Mondo, Mondo, his heart beating only for him, nothing else. His arms are wound firmly around Mondo's neck, the biker leaning down to press his forehead to Taka's, firm and warm and wonderful. And Taka... he...

"You're so amazing, Ki. So... so goddamn amazing," Mondo whispers over the song, pressing somehow closer, eyes swirling with the mysterious emotion Taka has never understood, never come close to deciphering.

Well...

Not until this very moment, that is...

"So close to reaching that famous happy end. Almost believing this one's not pretend. And now you're beside me, and look how far we've come... so far, we are... so close..."

As the musical interlude begins, Mondo looking at him with such overwhelming love in his eyes, Taka can't help the floaty feeling that enters his heart, everything within him swirling and churning and floating and dancing. He can't get Kyoko's words from earlier out of his head, his mind replaying her calm words over and over and over. Why do you deny yourself what you so clearly desire when your desires are returned? she had asked. Why do you let yourself hurt so deeply when this all could be resolved so very, very easily? she'd questioned. Perhaps things will turn out in your favor, if you only find the courage to rock the boat, she had stated, like it was the simplest thing in the world to do.

At the time, he'd thought that such a thing would be impossible. That 'rocking the boat,' as it were, would be the surest way to ruin everything they have ever shared. That he could never, ever risk so very, very much. Not ever.

And yet...

And yet...

As he stands here, wrapped in Mondo's arms, dancing slowly to a song that somehow means so, so much to him... as he looks into pale lavender eyes, practically bleeding with adoration, and affection, and love, love, love... as he feels Mondo pressing impossibly closer, closer than any human being has ever been to him, closer than he's ever wanted another human being to be to him, lips so close he can taste cinnamon already... here, the thought of 'rocking the boat,' it...

It suddenly doesn't scare him quite as much.

And... and as the bridge finally plays overhead, the singer so full of desperate longing and yearning and desire, a desire Taka feels so keenly it makes him ache inside... the music swelling and his heart beating and everything floating and dancing and singing inside him... his mind silent, silent, silent, for once... as he hears this, feels this, Taka... he... he...

"Oh, how could I face the faceless days, if I should lose you now?"

He finally, finally throws all caution to the wind and closes the scant space between them, mind silent as a tomb as he presses his lips firmly to the warm, soft ones before him, body vibrating with electricity as he does so, heart so full he wants to explode. This kiss is nothing like their last few, which were tentative and light, barely qualifying as a kiss at all.

But this... this is a kiss. The kind of kiss that Taka has always secretly dreamed about, the kind that makes his heart race with desire and want and yearning. The kind that makes his face flush so brightly at night when he imagines such a thing, pressed close to the only person he could ever imagine wanting to kiss in such a way, desire burning like a wildfire through his body and mind. This kiss... it is everything he has ever wanted, ever desired, ever craved, and it's not even been a second yet, but he knows he never wants to do anything else but kiss these wonderful, incredible lips, belonging to this wonderful, incredible man. This wonderful, incredible boy, who has taken his sad and pathetic life, full of so much heartache and pain and despair, and has given him something he thought he'd lost a long time ago, something bright and wondrous and sweet. Something... something that tastes so much like...

Hope...

"We're so close to reaching, that famous happy end. Almost believing, this one's not pretend..."

And when he feels hands moving against him, reaching up to clutch his face, pressing him even closer, the lips against his moving so beautifully he wants to cry, desperate in a way he matches completely, he can't stop the words that come out. Can't stop his absolute need to say it, to tell it, the music still playing, still crooning, still singing like always.

And he... he says...

"I love you, Mondo. I... I love you. I... I am in love with you, always have been. M-Mondo... I... I..."

Taka can feel as Mondo freezes against him, his breath stuttering against his lips, his body shaking like a leaf. Taka's heart has stopped entirely, his hope so bright it would scare him if he weren't so unbelievably happy right now. With the swirling and the floating and the dancing within him, he does not have any room for fear or doubts. This is... this is right. This is good. This...

This will work out.

He believes this so firmly, so entirely, that when he feels Mondo pull back, feels him jerk away from him, he doesn't quite understand what it means. Not at first. His heart is too full of hope to understand. Too light and happy and floating.

And as such, he just blinks at Mondo, head tilting curiously, wondering why he... why he looks so distressed. Why he looks so... so... horrified... w-why...

"W-what? What did you say?"

Taka can feel the first stab of fear hit him at the shaking words, his breath hitching as he looks at Mondo, fully looks, and takes in the pale skin. The wide eyes. The shallow breath. The trembling body. And Taka... he...

"M-Mondo... I..."

"Let's go on dreaming... for we know we are..."

Taka watches, his heart shattering faster than it ever has before, as Mondo turns and runs, not even saying a single thing more, his body so stiff and trembling that it's a wonder the biker has the strength to run at all.

And as Taka stands there, eyes wide, heart completely destroyed... trapped in place as he watches the one person that he gave his entire heart to run so desperately from him... destroying him so utterly, so purposely in one fell swoop...

He wonders why he must always ruin everything. Why he couldn't just be content with what he had. Why he had to be so foolish as to dare hope for anything more.

Maybe he truly does deserve nothing but misery after all...

How pathetic...

"So close... so close... and still... so far."

---

Welp! Ya know I had ta do it to 'em, folks. Did you really think this story could end happily without some angst first? Ha! Haha! Hahaha! Nope!

Ahhh! One more chapter, y'all! We're almost there! I'm so excited! Next chapter is the longest chapter of the story, just over 31k words, so buckle those seatbelts, kids, 'cuz it's gonna be a bumpy ride. ;-) In prep for the final chapter, I would recommend going back and rereading chapter 10 if you can, especially Mondo's perspective of that chapter (which you can find on my Tumblr here), since it gets referenced quite a lot in the final chapter, though it was actually mostly unintentionally. I just had a lot of the same ideas while writing both chapters, I guess, and only noticed the similarity when editing, ha.

Also, YES, I know that it probably would have made more sense for the festival to have mostly taken place in the gym, but I wanted them to dance, darn it! So sue me!

(Oh, and some of you may be wondering why I chose So Close for the slow song they dance to, despite it being kind of obscure. And my answer is... because it's my story and that is one of my all-time favorite songs, ha. I was eight when the movie Enchanted came out, and I adored the movie quite a lot. And that song... ugh. Adored it. It still remains the song I think of when I read about dance scenes in stories, even if it makes no sense for that to be the song playing. When thinking of what song I wanted to play during the dance scene in this story, I immediately thought of So Close, like always. I initially dismissed it, since it very rarely actually fits in the context of my story, but after thinking about it, I realized that, you know… it actually does work with what I wanted to happen. And it even makes sense for Taka to know the song, since I've mentioned they like watching Disney movies, which Enchanted is. And, most importantly, this is my story and whatever I say goes. So… yeah. ^-^)