[What does one do when the phrase they believe to be innocuous gets more of a raise out of someone than a devious lie? Taku knew Kaede's full name before, of course, it's why he tried to glance over the admission as much as possible. A normal person wouldn't make such a big deal over learning a stranger's name. He thought he was safe. That tone indicates anything but.
Despite the close proximity, Taku had been looking anywhere but Kaede. They're too close for comfort is the issue. He doesn't want to overstep his bounds but he cannot help but turn towards the student in confusion at his reaction. Fear over angering him mixes with interest over the new development. This was something he didn't know. He can't help himself, he needs to record every second it, his gaze shifts as he watches every twitch of emotion on Kaede's face. Annoyance, bordering on anger, pulled back and hidden behind a disinterested smirk. The explanation is just as fascinating. Does he not get along with his parents? Is he trying to make a forced joke out of the incident? What could be behind this? So focused on cataloging his thoughts Taku is unaware of his own hand, clenched into a clammy fist on his knee. Talking face to face was so exciting his heart might not be able to take it. He couldn't let it end there. He had to learn more.
But he couldn't push him. The interaction was strained as it was. But he wanted to know more. He had to handle this delicately. It might be dangerous but he wanted to prolong it. There wasn't assurance Kaede would ever approach him again in the future. Was it so bad to be proactive just this once? He could happily return to their separate existences if he could only satiate his curiosity a bit more.]
I see. [Don't push the issue, don't apologize. Yet he can't say something as simple as 'Kaede-san' either, his heart clenches at the thought.] You do stand out quite a bit compared to all the office workers commuting. I wouldn't bother too much over the talk if I was you.
[Awkward, forced, and he continues hesitantly to provoke another reaction out of him but is denied. Although that is to be expected, with no further response he resorts ice breakers that would have people groaning after parties. No one cares about the weather but he doesn't know what is safe. What he should say. So instead he accepts the silence and they ride along without his useless chatter. Until the train approaches Kaede's next stop. With resignation he accepts that their second meeting will come to an end and he won't learn anymore. No, that wasn't the right way to think about it. He learned something new. That was enough. He shouldn't be greedy.
Except his stop keeps approaching and he doesn't say anything or move to stand up. It occurs to him right as the train begins to slow that something might be amiss but he can't say anything to that affect. He shouldn't know the boy's stop after all. Not that he wants to say anything either. The intercom dings, the doors open and close, and Kaede does not move a muscle. It feels like lying again to not alert him but his happiness taps down that dark feeling boiling in his stomach. He was blessed with a few minutes more. This is fine.
Damn. I missed my stop.
Taku turns towards him, showing a concerned frown. His heart is racing.]
Oh dear, how far ago? Would you be able to jump off and walk? Do you want- [me to call a taxi? No. That's not a normal flow. Wrong level of familiarity.] any help? I still owe you that favor.
[It's not the best save but better than the alternative.]
no subject
Despite the close proximity, Taku had been looking anywhere but Kaede. They're too close for comfort is the issue. He doesn't want to overstep his bounds but he cannot help but turn towards the student in confusion at his reaction. Fear over angering him mixes with interest over the new development. This was something he didn't know. He can't help himself, he needs to record every second it, his gaze shifts as he watches every twitch of emotion on Kaede's face. Annoyance, bordering on anger, pulled back and hidden behind a disinterested smirk. The explanation is just as fascinating. Does he not get along with his parents? Is he trying to make a forced joke out of the incident? What could be behind this? So focused on cataloging his thoughts Taku is unaware of his own hand, clenched into a clammy fist on his knee. Talking face to face was so exciting his heart might not be able to take it. He couldn't let it end there. He had to learn more.
But he couldn't push him. The interaction was strained as it was. But he wanted to know more. He had to handle this delicately. It might be dangerous but he wanted to prolong it. There wasn't assurance Kaede would ever approach him again in the future. Was it so bad to be proactive just this once? He could happily return to their separate existences if he could only satiate his curiosity a bit more.]
I see. [Don't push the issue, don't apologize. Yet he can't say something as simple as 'Kaede-san' either, his heart clenches at the thought.] You do stand out quite a bit compared to all the office workers commuting. I wouldn't bother too much over the talk if I was you.
[Awkward, forced, and he continues hesitantly to provoke another reaction out of him but is denied. Although that is to be expected, with no further response he resorts ice breakers that would have people groaning after parties. No one cares about the weather but he doesn't know what is safe. What he should say. So instead he accepts the silence and they ride along without his useless chatter. Until the train approaches Kaede's next stop. With resignation he accepts that their second meeting will come to an end and he won't learn anymore. No, that wasn't the right way to think about it. He learned something new. That was enough. He shouldn't be greedy.
Except his stop keeps approaching and he doesn't say anything or move to stand up. It occurs to him right as the train begins to slow that something might be amiss but he can't say anything to that affect. He shouldn't know the boy's stop after all. Not that he wants to say anything either. The intercom dings, the doors open and close, and Kaede does not move a muscle. It feels like lying again to not alert him but his happiness taps down that dark feeling boiling in his stomach. He was blessed with a few minutes more. This is fine.
Damn. I missed my stop.
Taku turns towards him, showing a concerned frown. His heart is racing.]
Oh dear, how far ago? Would you be able to jump off and walk? Do you want- [me to call a taxi? No. That's not a normal flow. Wrong level of familiarity.] any help? I still owe you that favor.
[It's not the best save but better than the alternative.]