Nighttime Blues. - PG Saiouma

It's like a date-! - 5

We walked through the streets, passing shops, food vendors and everything else imaginable, but we had our sights on the arcade!

"So, how well at arcade games are you?" I finally asked what was on my mind

"I'm not a master per se.. but I'd Imagine I have some level of skill now!" He chuckled 

"Hmm I'll have to wait and see!" 

"The pressure is on- Now I'm gonna mess up!" He grabbed my shoulder, I tensed up

"Oh- sorry-! I- Uhm, didn't mean to.." he looked away

"Nono it's fine..! I know you didn't mean it! Don't beat yourself up over it-!" I reassured

I still didn't like it, but I know him a lot better and have no reason to accidentally snap and risk upsetting him again, especially on our first- IS THIS A DATE?

I felt my cheeks warm up and turn red.. I started to sweat..

 No no! Surely not! He totally doesn't see me like that! Wait.. he did casually just say he loved me too a while back, TWICE.. Surely it's platonic? There's no way he likes me back! Does he even like guys..? I can't imagine him being straight but still-! It's just a normal outting!

"Hm? You good? You got all quiet on me all of a sudden- are you feeling ok? Your face is red..?" He asked, sounding genuinely concerned

Oh god it's hopeless.. I'm hopeless..

"Yeah! I'm totally fine! It's just- so bright outside today! My binder makes me sweat a lot-!" I said that last part totally without thinking.. I really do trust him more than I thought..

"Oh right! Just tell me if we need to stand in the shade and get a drink or snack for a bit!" He smiled

"Nono I'm totally fine! Let's continue!"

"Of course, your majesty"

"What.."

He burst out laughing

"Sorry- sorry..!" He said covering his face

I joined him in laughing

"Okok, ready if you are-!" He was beaming

"Mhm! I'll follow thy way, my loyal servant!" I responded, playing into his joke, and chuckling 

I'd normally never go from something so drab to energetic that fast, he's really left an impact on me, I'd be glad if we just stayed friends forever, I can't lose him.

—

We continued on and eventually got to our destination, it was a bustling arcade and we couldn't wait to go inside

All the games felt like a wondrous dream come true, a place to just have fun and not have to worry..

"So- what first?" He looked over to me

I looked around..

"Hmm.. what game would you say is your strong suit?" 

"I'm decent at claw games..? I'm not perfect though so don't laugh at me-!" He shrunk down

"My lips are sealed! Any embarrassing attempts made will be locked away!" I grinned

"Heh, reasuring! Let's look for a machine!" 

"Mhm!" I followed his lead

We looked around for a bit before I found it.. the perfect crane game! 

"Shuichi.. this one.." I stared through the glass, squinting