Chapter Text
The subtle vibration of his phone drags Rin away from his thoughts and he looks at the temporarily lit up screen. He can only guess who the messenger is and opts to ignore it for now. Still, it doesn't stop his fingers from touching the cool metal. He could answer it or even just read the text but he knows it'll only add to his stress. His chest tightens and he feels like he's drowning. Rin closes his eyes for a moment and takes a deep breath. One, two. One, two. Slowly opening his eyes, the phone is no longer lit up. It remains silent and the redhead feels like he can breathe again.
He shifts his gaze to the window, eyes peering through crimson lashes and he can't help but notice the couple walking down the street outside, hands intertwined. He can feel thee jealousy run through him like electricity. Rin sighed to himself at the public display and focused his attention on the notes scattered in front of him. He had a midterm to study for but his mind was occupied with other more pressing matters.
Rin had long given up on the idea of romance. It just wasn't something that was going to happen for him and he had come to accept that. Though seeing his friends and seemingly everybody in a relationship did tug at his insecurities. He didn’t really think there was someone out there for the type of person he is, his life just didn’t grant him that happiness. He was lucky to still have people in his life that he could call friends, so any type of romance was out of the question.
He was stressed to the point of a nervous breakdown and he wouldn't be surprised if he keeled over from the amount of work on his shoulders. Trying to keep up with his swimming regimen while juggling his grades was proving to be more difficult than he thought. It had seemed so easy in high school and yet now, a senior in college, it seemed impossible to achieve.
His phone goes off again and he groans and aggravation. One day alone was all he asked for. One fucking day. He knew his friends were worried about him after he took off from their last lunch together. He knew they were only trying to check in on him but he didn't care. He was only delaying the inevitable at this point but that didn't stop him from tossing the device into his backpack. Out of sight, out of mind, or so he thought.
Just as he was about to continue with his paper he could hear the muffled hum coming from his bag and he ran a hand through his tangled hair. Was he not allowed a moment of peace? Feeling the loose strands of hair that framed his face further annoyed him and he decided to tie his hair back loosely in a ponytail. He felt hot and it was beginning to bother him. Those few strands still fell against his forehead but he didn’t pay them any mind as the phone continue to buzz quietly. It was then Rin realize that he was getting a phone call.
“Give me a fucking break.”
He let the phone ring until his bag became silent. Finally, was his only thought. He hadn’t noticed he was holding his breath until his lungs screamed for air. He exhaled slowly before digging his phone out of his bag, but instead of checking his messages he held the power button until the phone gave one last vibration, indicating it had powered off. He reveled in the silence of his phone and after setting the device down on the smooth surface of the table, Rin began reading over his notes with a content hum. He wouldn’t exactly call his handwriting legible but it would have to suffice.
Rin had been so focused on his studies that he didn't notice the figure that appeared on the other side of the table. He heard the sound of someone clearing their throat and his crimson eyes looked up in annoyance. He was about to growl a complaint at the unwanted company when he stopped. His eyes first noticed pools of greenish blue looking back at him. It made his breath hitch. He had never seen eyes so warm yet fierce. Rin's scowl disappeared instantly and his jaw drops as he looks into those deep eyes that seemed to shine. They're so soft as they gaze at him and they're pulled down into a kind expression. Rin swears the man is looking right through him to his very core.
Rin's eyes wander up to the man's dark hair and he can't help but notice how soft it looks. He imagines running his fingers though it and the thought takes his breath away. Of all the things to be thinking about, why was he thinking that? Rin shook his head and cursed himself. He really was a hopeless romantic. The man can't help but let out a small laugh as he watches Rin's expression, his mouth agape and his eyes full of curiosity. Rin suddenly becomes self aware and instinctively closes his mouth. He's now realizing how messy he must look with his hair tied up sloppily and strands of hair everywhere not to mention the dark circles he knows have been forming around his eyes. Of all the days for a stupidly attractive man to approach Rin, it had to be today. He wasn't sure why the man had chosen his table, a quick glance around the coffee house can easily prove that there are several empty tables and lounge chairs to sit and yet, here this man is, at Rin's table.
A small hum comes from the man and Rin realizes he's waiting for permission to join him. Rin just silently nods and gestures for the man to take a seat. He makes a noise of gratitude and plants himself across the table from the redhead. Rin does his best to go back to his notes though he does glance up at the raven every now and then. He can't focus like this. His thoughts keep wandering back to those soft eyes and that luscious black hair. Suddenly Rin's exam seems a lot less interesting to him now and he sighs in defeat. He sits up to say something but the man is looking outside the window. Figures. Rin takes that as a dismissal and goes back to his studies.
The redhead begins to write furiously as he focuses on the next chapter of his book. He feels a little more accomplished after adding two more detailed pages to his growing stack of notes. His exam was going to be a deciding factor on his future and if they were allowing open notes then he might as well be as detailed as he could.
The man across the table is watching Rin and the redhead can feel his eyes. He looks up and as the stranger takes a sip of his coffee Rin can't help but notice how he licks his lower lip afterwards. He mimics the action and wonders what those lips might feel like on his. What? Rin growls in annoyance at his own thoughts and he glues his eyes to the textbook he's trying desperately to read. Once again Rin's eyes stray back to the stranger and he can't help but notice the way his Adam's apple bobs up and down as he swallows. Rin finds himself licking at his lips now. The stranger glances at him and Rin immediately goes back to his book though he wonders what the man could be thinking.
"You don't have to stare, y'know."
It didn't sound as if the man was offended but it surprised Rin and he could feel the heat rush to his cheeks. He turned away abruptly and glared down at his own coffee. How stupid was he to stare at someone like that? He felt his neck get hot and he used every once of dignity that he had to pick his head up.
"I wasn't staring!"
The redhead growled albeit a bit too defensively for it to be true. The man then flashes him a smile and his eyes look like they've gotten even lighter than before, if that was even possible, and he lets out a laugh.
"Sure."
Rin looks back at that comment and crimson eyes meet a gorgeous shade of blue and green. Rin once again feels his breath leave him. He felt as if maybe this was some dream. Maybe he had fallen asleep and he lay here on the table dreaming up a fantasy that'll never happen. He'd fallen asleep studying before so maybe this was the same. But it definitely feels real to the redhed.
As Rin gazes at the man he can’t help but notice how large this guy is. Now that he’s actually looking at him he realizes just how well built he is too. His shoulders are wide and his arms are thick and if it was any indication that he worked out, his pecs were practically on the verge of tearing through his tight black shirt. Rin wondered if that’s just how he preferred to wear his clothes. Formfitting, though Rin would hardly call it that since it seemed his shirt was going to burst at any given moment. His eyes move to the teal sweater that adorns his broad shoulders and he admires the quality of the jacket. It looks soft and Rin would love nothing more than to feel it against his skin. He cruses the thought.
Rin is so lost in his head now. He can’t stop thinking about how tall this man is either. He towers over Rin even while sitting and Rin isn’t exactly short. The redhead can’t help but wonder if this man is even the same species. He’s gorgeous. That’s the only think Rin can think to describe him. He hears a chuckle and is snapped back to reality. The man is smiling and gives a soft laugh. Rin thinks the way his teeth show through parted lips and his eyes close when he laughs is adorable.
“You alright there?”
Rin can hear the amusement in the man’s voice and he feels his face heat up again which he thought would be impossible. He’s being teased now.
“I’m fine, what do you want anyways?” he huffed but his voice was a little too high pitched to give the annoyed affect he was going for and he hated how his voice cracked. He grumbled to himself. What was wrong with him?
“If you say so, I’m just here to relax. Is that a problem?” The man raised an eyebrow playfully.
Rin could hear the provoking tone in the man’s voice and his temper flared but as soon as the man took a long drink, Rin’s eyes were lost in him again. The man let out a content sigh and he let his eyes fall on the redhead now. God even his sighing was so goddamn attractive. This wasn’t fair. Rin looked out the window once more and tried to keep his eyes off the raven sitting across from him. He wasn’t going to let his thoughts run wild with idiotic thoughts of romance like out of some weird rom-com.
As best as he could Rin forced his eyes back to his textbook and scribbled a few things down in his notes.
“Matsuoka.”
Rin’s head snapped up at the sound of his surname. His narrowed eyes honed in on the raven but they were met with kind ones. He saw the raven’s eyes glanced down at his notes before locking back on to Rin’s fiery eyes. That’s when it dawned on the redhead and he realized the man must have been peeking down at his notes and happened to notice his name on the corner. With one swift motion Rin scooped up his notes and stuffed them under his book, away and out of wandering eyes reach.
“Do you always snoop in on other people’s business?”
It came off harsher than he intended but the raven didn’t seem to mind in the slightest and if he did he hid it well. Without hesitation the man leaned in, closing the gap between them and his small smile turned into a smirk. Rin felt his heart accelerate and he watched the raven with curious eyes.
“Only the beautiful ones.”
It took a second for the words to process through Rin’s thick skull and in seconds he was stuttering and struggling to find words. Only one phrase came to mind though.
"Idiot."
The raven only watched with a smile as a flustered Rin desperately tried to compose himself. What was this guy’s deal? The redhead’s thoughts drifted to the idea of running his hands through that thick hair and kissing those lips. It made him feel warm. He found himself completely lost in the raven and it dawned on him that he didn’t even know his name. Who was this guy? Why was he here and what the hell was he doing talking to a guy like Rin? Was this a cruel prank? There was no way this guy was actually interested in him, Rin thought to himself. Things like this didn’t happen for him. They just didn’t.
Rin stared at the man for a moment. The man was silent but held that smirk. The redhead grumbled and he went back to his notes. The other man leaned back in his chair and watched the redhead through his thick lashes. A silence fell among them and the only sound was the scribble of Rin’s pen and the crowds that began to gather in the coffee house.
“Yamazaki Sousuke.”
Rin picked his head up and looked at the man, confusion evident on his face.
“Um, what?”
Sousuke only smiled at the redhead and repeated himself.
“Yamazaki Sousuke, it’s nice to meet you, Matsuoka.....”
He let his voice trail off hoping for Rin to finish his sentence and it only took a moment for the redhead to understand what Sousuke was asking for. Rin was hesitant at first but then he sighed, defeated by those blue eyes.
“Rin. Matsuoka Rin.”
“Rin”
It was as if Sousuke was tasting his name and it made the redhead shudder. Though the moment was quickly lost.
“Isn’t that a girl’s name?”
Sousuke said it so nonchalantly that it actually struck a nerve in the redhead.
“Shut up.”
Rin couldn’t think of anything better to say if he was being honest. He felt embarrassed and he didn’t even know why. His eyes dug into the being that was Sousuke and even those blue eyes wouldn’t be able to sway Rin’s anger this time. Seeing the redhead’s pouting face made Sousuke’s heart flutter. He smirked and those bright eyes seemed to darken instantly.
“Jeez, I’m getting the feeling you don’t like me. Matsuoka Rin.”
More teasing. Rin curled his lip at the informality of his name.
“Well, you haven’t exactly given me a reason to.”
Only the beautiful ones
The words drift back into Rin’s mind and his glare softens. He sighs and shuts his textbook. He obviously isn’t going to get any studying done with Sousuke around. If the raven had been hurt by his words he didn’t outwardly show it and he only watched as Rin began packing his things.
“What do you want, Yamazaki-san?”
At the mention of his name Sousukes eyes were bright once more and his smile grew.
“Please, call me Sousuke. And honestly, I just wanted a better view. That’s all.”
Rin stopped pacing and looked at the other man with a confused expression.
“View of what exactly?” It’s not like there was any compelling scenery around them. The coffee shop wasn't exactly the nicest either. It wasn't a bad place but there were definitely more flashy places around.
“You.”
The word hit Rin like a train and he made a noise he didn’t even think he could make. He turned away from the raven. He had reached his limit for the day and he felt like heading back to the comfort of his apartment.
As he was packing his belongings into his bag his elbow bumped his cup and the contents spread out, covering his notes in the black coffee he had been drinking earlier. Rin let out a distressed cry as his hard work was destroyed before his eyes. He quickly grabbed his phone from the table before the liquid came into contact and he snatched his textbook up, shaking the fluid off as best as he could.
Sousuke was nowhere to be seen and Rin felt another wave of embarrassment wash over him. Of course he scared away the raven. He’s a mess of a person who can’t even bring himself to prioritize his school work when he see’s a somewhat attractive guy in the same vicinity. Somewhat attractive? Who was he kidding. Sousuke was the most beautiful person Rin had ever seen and he scared him away. When did he become like this? When did he grow into this self conscious mess of a human being? He let himself sink to the floor as the tears began to well up in his eyes. He was frustrated and sleep deprived. God he needed a nap.
Sousuke returned with a few towels in hand and he did his best to clean up the spilled coffee, though most of it had already claimed the redhead’s papers. He genuinely felt bad for pulling him away from his studies and what’s worse, it looked like all his hard work was for nothing. As Sousuke watched Rin fall to the ground his heart sank. The redhead was now on the floor, his hands covering his face.
Sousuke finished cleaning up the mess and as he did so he glanced down at the papers Rin had been working so hard on. His eyebrows raised and he looked to the redhead crumpled on the ground. The raven made his way around the table and he crouched down near the redhead. He didn’t know what to say but he wanted to comfort Rin.
“You’re taking physics?”
He got no response. He didn’t really expect to though. Rin’s emotions were on high and the redhead was in no mood for conversation.
“Look, um. If you need help studying, I could give you a hand. I’m actually not too bad at this kind of stuff.”
Rin’s eyes fly open and he sits up a bit more. Ruby eyes meet blue ones and he shrugs.
“What does it matter? I’m going to fail anyways.”
He can feel the strands of hair sticking to his wet face and he hates it. He hates that he’s crying, especially in a public place. He hates that he’s crying, especially in front of Sousuke. Which why would that even matter? He just met the guy and yet he filled him with so many emotions that he didn’t even know how to process them. He shuts his eyes tightly as more tears come out and he hates it all so much.
Sousuke watches the redhead with a focused gaze and he leans in a little bit to get closer. He brings his hand up slowly to Rin’s cheek and he brushes away a tear with his thumb. The action causes Rin’s eyes to slowly open and look back into those eyes again.
“Come on, let’s get you home. I’ll help you study, too. If you want that is.”
His words are sincere and Rin can see it in his eyes. He holds Sousuke’s gaze before looking away. How is it that a compete stranger can bring out so many emotions in him? He truly is a hopeless romantic.
“Okay.”
It’s so soft he can barely hear himself but he knows Sousuke heard it because the man is helping Rin to his feet now and they begin drying the destroyed notes and stuffing them into his bag. Sousuke swings the bag over his shoulder and they head out of the coffee house and begin walking down the street in the direction of Rin’s place.
They don’t say much as they walk. Rin is just now noticing how cold it is outside and he’s starting to wish he had brought a jacket with him. He thinks this time of year is beautiful but without the warmth of the sun the wind is so much colder. He shivers a bit as they make their way but he tries to keep his discomfort hidden. Sousuke must have noticed anyways because within a few seconds Sousuke drapes his teal sweater around Rin’s shoulders and immediately Rin is engulfed in the warmth of the soft material. Rin tried his best to protest given the state he was in but Sousuke shakes his head.
“I don’t need it. I promise.”
Rin nods and accepts the jacket without complaint. He slips his arms through each side and it wraps around him in a comforting way. He smiles inside and out. He can smell the scent of Sousuke on the fabric of the sweater it’s minty with a hint of, is that coconut? Whatever it is, it's devine. Rin thinks he likes it. He finds himself lost in the scent and his mind wanders to some devious thoughts.
As they approach the apartment Rin begins to feel his nerves getting the best of him. He’s letting a stranger into his house without really knowing anything about the guy, other than his name. Was he really okay with this? He feels a slight twinge of panic wash over him. Sousuke notices though and he places a hand on Rin’s shoulder.
“If you don’t want me to go inside, I won’t. I’m just happy I was able to walk you home”
Rin hesitates in responding but eventually nods and he unlocks the door and they make their way inside the apartment. He flips the switch and Sousuke is dumbfounded by how empty the place is. There’s nothing on the walls and the only thing in the living room is a lone lounge chair that sits on the corner by a lamp. It’s depressing. It feels lonely and Sousuke feels like he’s getting a glimpse of who Rin is.
“Uh, this way. We’ll go hang out in my room.”
He realizes how it sounds and he gets flustered.
“I’m not that kind of guy, I mean. I don’t normally do this kind of thing.”
Sousuke laughs softly and pats Rin’s shoulder again.
“What kind of thing? Inviting a stranger to your house to study? How scandalous”
Rin realizes Sousuke is teasing him again and he smiles at the raven.
“Okay, okay. So maybe I’m being a little on the edgier side.”
Sousuke raises an eyebrow at that and Rin responds by nudging him with his knee. It clearly doesn’t hurt the larger man because he just laughs. Rin looks up at Sousuke with what could only be described as puppy-dog eyes and Sousuke feels his chest tighten. Sousuke can't help but watch the redhead's expression.
"You're cute."
Rin's eyes seem to shine when Sousuke says that and it takes him a few seconds for his brain to catch up. Rin's face is pink and he can feel the warmth spread through his body. It's nice. He turns away from the raven and let's himself fall onto his bed. Within seconds he's forgotten that Sousuke is even there and he finds the tears coming back to his eyes. Sousuke says nothing and just sets Rin's bag down on the floor next to his desk. He lets himself sink into the bed next to the redhead and by the time he's adjusted himself, Rin has already fallen asleep, exhausted from the stressful day. Sousuke brushes the strands of hair away from Rin's face and he runs his thumb over his tear stained cheeks. He feels an overwhelming urge to protect the redhead at all costs. Seeing him so peaceful in his sleep makes the butterflies seep into Sousuke's belly and he knows he made the right decisions in approaching Rin today. He only wishes the circumstances were better. Still, he was able to talk to the man he had been crushing on for quite some time and it made his heart feel content. Though now he wishes he had talked to him much sooner.
Sousuke's phone goes off and he checks the time. He sighs and pulls himself off the bed and digs through Rin's back back, pulling out his text book. Even though Rin was passed out on the bed, true to his word Sousuke was going to help the redhead with his school work and so the raven took a seat at Rin's desk and began reading through the messy notes that were now coffee stained.