Chapter Text
Summer break for high schoolers is always something special. It's a time for beach hangouts, scarfing down way too much ice cream, and most importantly, being free from school work for a couple months. Some people choose to enjoy this time and live their best life, like Josuke, who spends at least 6 hours a day sitting in the living room playing on his game console and staring directly into the standing fan. Others decide to participate in voluntary torture, like Okuyasu, who started working part-time as Tonio's assistant.
As much as he'd like to, Josuke can't knock him too much for it – after all, he's still taking care of his dad (and now Stray Cat), so having extra income would take care of the bills. The job is perfect for him too! Okuyasu is surprisingly an amazing cook. There were many times where Okuyasu would share his homemade bento box with Josuke during lunch when he forgot to bring his own. He could make a killer spam musubi that almost brought Josuke to tears. Thus, the teen's application to Trussadi's restaurant was almost immediately accepted. The once little Italian bistro had blossomed into a bustling business with stellar reviews. Personally, Josuke gave it a 4 out of 5 stars. It'd be perfect if they gave him a friend discount, but alas, capitalism strikes again.
He still makes sure to visit the place whenever he can, even if he isn't ordering anything to eat. Sometimes he'd get lucky and Tonio wouldn't kick him out for loitering around and trying to distract Okuyasu. His favorite trick is using Crazy Diamond to tap his friend on the shoulder, and then pull his stand back when Okuyasu looks around. Depending on how busy the restaurant was, Okuyasu would play around with him back via his Stand. They were pretty good at avoiding Tonio's eye, but they'd get caught every now and then. That usually ended with Josuke being ushered out while Tonio cursed at him in Italian. At this point, he thinks he might be able to speak a little Italian himself, albeit the not-so-nice words. Okuyasu also gets chewed out, but not as bad as Josuke. Even so, he still does his best to stay on task and avoid the rare chastisement. Now, he only talks to Josuke during his lunch break, where they sit behind the building outside with the garlic bread he would sneak from the kitchen. In all seriousness, Josuke is incredibly proud of his friend. Even with all the heavy baggage he has to carry, he never mopes around or waits on anyone. If he has his mind set on something, he'll do it.
While it's a good trait, he unfortunately still turns down Josuke's assistance at times, which admittedly made him a little sad. To be fair, Okuyasu has slowly been getting better at accepting help and showing vulnerability, so he can't complain much. The two have gotten to a point where Okuyasu doesn't need to ask before Josuke swoops in to help. It's pretty obvious most of the time, so really anyone could pick up on Okuyasu's furrowed brows or tapping foot, and be able to tell that he's confused. Or maybe Josuke is just good at reading him.
~~~
The TV screen obnoxiously flashes: “YOU LOSE” at Josuke and he finally decides to give the game a rest for today. He managed to reach a new high score of 55,000 points, but some jerkwad still sat at the top of the leaderboard with 83,000 points. His summer break mission has been to take the first place spot, but he keeps getting stuck at the same level. For his sanity, he turns off the console and flops back on the couch, unfortunately now out of the way of the standing fan beside him. Josuke is officially bored again and still very hot. The heat in Morioh isn't the worst around this time of year, but it's still nothing to joke about. It's pushing 34°C outside and there's only so much a frozen pack of corn on his forehead could do. His mom went out a couple hours ago to “pick up a few things”, which in her language, meant stopping at a million different places in S-city.
He checks the time. It's a little after 2 o'clock and Okuyasu should be getting off of work soon. Josuke hoists himself up from the couch and quickly makes himself look less like a melting hippie. He's about to gel up his hair but – realizing that it would probably just trap more heat – opts for a lazy ponytail. It aches his soul to put such little effort into his appearance, but it's simply too hot to be so dolled up. After all, he's only going to see Okuyasu who, at this point, has seen Josuke in a plethora of mental and physical states reserved for a very short list of people (that also consisted of his mother). He throws on a white t-shirt and a pair of basketball shorts before heading downstairs and slipping on his sandals. Before he leaves, he grabs a popsicle (strawberry-flavored, of course) from the freezer to give to Okuyasu. No matter how good the air conditioning is, there's no way Okuyasu isn't sweating buckets in his uniform right now. Also, Okuyasu loves strawberry. How could he deprive the teen of life's simple joys?
~~~
Things are finally slowing down and Okuyasu has a chance to breathe. Warmer weather means more tourists, so Tonio's has been packed since morning. He can't complain too much since his main job is seating and clean-up (with the occasional appetizer prep), but he's exhausted. He managed to get some time to himself in the kitchen while Tonio served the last of the ordered dishes. Fanning himself with his hand, Okuyasu checks the clock hanging on the wall above the sink surrounded by other workers. It's 2:56 and he gets off work at 4 – nothing he can't handle. The restaurant closes at 6 on weekdays, so sometimes he'll stay and help out a little longer if he doesn't have any other plans (which is often).
Today is not one of those days.
He loves being at Tonio's – the atmosphere is great, he gets to talk to a bunch of new people, and he's able to cook for someone other than his dad and himself. He would just rather be in his room taking a nap right now. After all, he's been at work since 8 and he's gotten plenty of hours this past week.
Now that he's thinking back, Josuke didn't come to visit him today. Of course, Okuyasu's been super busy, so he probably wouldn't have even had the time or energy to talk much, but he still felt a twinge of disappointment. The feeling is quickly accompanied by a sting of guilt. Josuke is probably busy too, and Okuyasu needs to stop being selfish. He’s been trying to get out of the habit of gluing himself to Josuke, but it's still a work in progress. Koichi told him that he probably has abandonment issues – whatever that is. Taking up a summer job was also a way of promoting his independence, but it's honestly been backfiring. Now that he works for most of the day almost all week, he started getting ‘Josuke-withdrawal’. He's gotten a little spoiled with Josuke taking such a long trip just to hang out with him. Now when he doesn't see Josuke, it takes up a good portion of his mind. He should be grateful that Josuke even shows up to begin with – I mean, it's not that he isn't grateful. He just wishes Josuke was here to talk to him and– Great, he's arguing with himself again.
“Hey, Okuyasu? You have a visitor.” A voice interrupts his thoughts and Okuyasu turns around to see Tonio peering into the kitchen area, seeming surprisingly cool despite the kitchen's heat. “I was going to send him away, but things are slow for now. I'll give you two a couple minutes.”
Okuyasu's heart squeezes and he grins at his boss. Josuke always somehow knew the right time to show up. Sometimes he wondered if Josuke was really his guardian spirit. No diss to The Hand, of course.
“Yessir! Thanks'a lot boss!”
He brushes his hands off on his apron and steps out into the main dining area. His uniform black dress shoes clack against the tiled floor as he quickens his pace. It took a while to get used to wearing these, especially after living in sneakers for so many years. Thankfully, he's able to walk around without falling flat on his face now.
Josuke is sitting at one of the tables near the window, messing with a napkin neatly folded into a diamond shape. He's dressed in loose clothing that Okuyasu is very much envious of, and his eyes are drawn to Josuke's hair. It's not the first time Okuyasu has seen Josuke without his signature pompadour, but he can't help admiring it every time. Okuyasu's hair definitely has some length, but Josuke's is at least 4 inches or so longer. His hands tingle at the thought of brushing his fingers through the silky strands. The ponytail drapes over his shoulder, flowing along the contour of his neck. A few stray hairs that escaped the hair tie very flatteringly frame Josuke's sharp cheekbones. He knows it won't happen, but he always wishes that Josuke would wear his hair like this more often. It makes him look super handsome and nonchalant in a way that Okuyasu aspires to achieve.
“Hey buddy! Thought'ya abandoned me t’day,” Okuyasu says, standing beside the table.
“Heh, sorry man! Time got away from me. Missed your lunch break and I didn't wanna be a bother. To Tonio, mostly.”
“You don't gotta worry about that! Even seein’ you get kicked out brings a smile t’ my face.” Okuyasu takes a seat across from Josuke, who kicks his leg under the table.
“Ha ha. Very funny, busboy.”
Okuyasu spots a pathetic looking popsicle on the table. “What's with that?” He asks, pointing to it.
“Oh, that. Yeah, I was gonna bring you one since it's, like, a million degrees, but I didn't account for how long it'd take to get here. Now it's more like warm juice.”
Okuyasu snorts and takes the popsicle, stuffing it in his apron pocket. “No worries. I can just put it in the freezer ‘n the back till ‘m ready to leave.”
“Good, because I wasn't taking it back with me regardless.”
Josuke leans back in his chair and Okuyasu catches a glimpse of the teen's collarbone. He forces himself to acknowledge the utensils on the table instead.
“Did ya want somethin’ to eat? I could ask Tonio if I can whip up a quick plate for ya?”
Josuke shakes his head. “Nah, I'm good. I appreciate it, but I think I've eaten your week's paycheck worth of garlic bread already.”
“Heh, yeah. Confirmed that ya aren't a vampire, though.”
Josuke scoffs. “Was there a suspicion that I was?”
“Well, I thought with how much ya hole up in yer house, you might have a coffin in there.”
“I'll put you in a coffin! Besides, your place looks more like if Dracula moved into the suburbs.”
Okuyasu's attention is drawn back to Josuke's neck. Maybe he is a vampire.
“At least my house looks cool.”
“I keep telling you to let the Speedwagon Foundation take care of it, man. Hate to say it, but I'm worried it'll just go kaput someday.”
“It's fine, really! 's been standing so far – kinda inspirin’ honestly. Reminds me of my family a little.”
“An unstable wreck?”
Okuyasu frowns.
“Sorry, that was mean.”
“Nah, you're not wrong. I just try not ta think of it like that. I see it as strong, I guess. Still holding up after going through hell ‘n back.”
“I get that, but there's nothing wrong with an upgrade. Maybe you could see it as starting fresh?”
“Maybe…” Okuyasu presses on the tips of the prongs of the fork on the table, causing the handle to lift a little. He's mostly fidgeting to avoid the topic. Sure, he wishes that he didn't need to wear 2 jackets in his bedroom during the winter, but he just can't let go. Not yet.
“Well, it's there whenever you're ready. Actually, with how much you work, you could probably afford a whole new house.”
“Nahhh, I don't make that much.”
Josuke gives him a look. “For you to be paying all those bills, I think you make a damn good bit, dude.”
“Most of it goes to savings anyway…”
“For real? You don't spend any on yourself? Matter of fact, when was the last time you bought yourself something?”
The question actually makes Okuyasu pause. He really has just been saving the money or using it to pay bills. Well, there isn't a whole lot that Okuyasu actually wants anyway. At least, material-wise.
“Hmm, dunno. Probably ‘bout a week ago? ‘Part from games or comics, nothin’ really comes to mind. But I'm also not like you – spending ¥60,000 on new shoes.”
“Hey! I buy quality, fashionable shoes. You're just jealous that I always look handsome.” Josuke sets his elbow on the table and props his chin up on his hand. Okuyasu has heard Ms. Higashikata scold him for doing it on more than one occasion, but he assumes that rule only applies when she's around. The thought of Josuke's mother makes him fix his own posture.
“Yeah, yeah sure. I just don't have the luxury to be spendin’ willy-nilly right now. Besides, I got all I need already!”
“Obviously not. I think you could use some plastic surgery for that face of yours.”
“Yer lucky I can't kick your ass for that right now.”
Josuke's eyes flick down to Okuyasu's clothes. The top two buttons of his white dress-shirt are undone, which Tonio would've killed him for if it wasn't hot outside. His eyes stay on Okuyasu's exposed neck and he suddenly feels the urge to cover it.
“What? Somethin’ there?” Okuyasu rubs at his neck to check for anything.
Josuke sighs obnoxiously and switches to his other elbow. “Nah, just thinking about something. You ever consider changing up your wardrobe?”
“Not really, no. Like I said, I got everythin’ I need.”
The pony-tailed teen sits up straight and Okuyasu can almost see the lightbulb above his head.
“Oh! How about we go shopping? Hit up a mall maybe? You're always complainin’ about girls crowding me all the time, but I'm tellin’ ya, it's the appearance.”
“Am I gonna have to start some girly skin-care routine too?”
Josuke scoffs like that was a low blow. To be fair, it kinda was.
“Okay, first off, skincare is not a girly thing. You'll thank me when you stop getting pimples everywhere. Secondly, we don't have to make a whole lotta changes! Just giving you something cool to wear during the summer can go a long way – ladies are more likely to talk to ya on the beach if you look nice.”
Okuyasu considers it. His closet is embarrassingly empty and it has been a while since he really spent money on himself. He could also trust Josuke to help him pick out the good clothes. Maybe then he'd get more attention from girls like Josuke does.
“Ya know what? Yeah! I like it! Let's do it!” Okuyasu excitedly replies, volume teetering on ‘outside voice’ levels.
“Sounds like the end of a conversation to me. I need some help prepping in the back, if you could wrap up out here.” Tonio suddenly appears beside them, scaring the garlic bread out of the two teens. The glare the Italian man shoots Josuke does not go unnoticed. The restaurant was starting to fill up again with a few patrons, and it had already been about 10 minutes.
“Right! On it, boss.” Okuyasu stands up and looks back at Josuke. “Thanks for stoppin’ by, man! See ya later?”
“See ya, busboy!”
Okuyasu rolls his eyes, a smile still plastered on his face as he heads back to the kitchen. He turns around before closing the door, watching Josuke leave the building. He's scratching the back of his neck and– are the tips of his ears a little red? Okuyasu can't get a good look since the front door has already closed, and Tonio calls out to him again. Something about croutons?
40 minutes until freedom.
~~~
The sun still hasn't shown any signs of setting as the time borders on 4:15pm, and Okuyasu is fairly thankful for it. Before he leaves the kitchen, he remembers to grab the popsicle that Josuke had brought him earlier. It's exactly what he needs after a long day and it warms his heart that Josuke thought about him (and it's strawberry flavored!). He waves goodbye to a set of guests seated near the entrance that came for their anniversary, who wish him well as he stuffs the popsicle into his mouth. Okuyasu, now dressed in a tank top and loose jeans, exits the restaurant and heads around the side to where he parked his motorcycle. To his surprise, he sees a familiar figure leaning against the siding, playing on a Gameboy.
“Josuke?! What're you still doin’ here??”
Josuke jolts, almost dropping his Gameboy in a rather cartoon-ish manner. He catches the device with Crazy Diamond and goes back to leaning against the wall, trying his absolute hardest to look nonchalant. The sound of a space shooter game continues to play, and Okuyasu snickers as the Stand tucks the Gameboy into Josuke's pocket.
“Hey! I just– uh…” He clears his throat. “I just thought you'd wanna hang out a little after work. Quick joyride before you go home and do a whole buncha nothing.”
Okuyasu blinks at him as his stomach twists up in knots. He must look stupid, because Josuke quickly pipes up again.
“I mean, if you're cool with it and all. Ya know, if you're too tired, I can just head off on my own and leave you be.”
“No! No, no it's fine! I– um– I don't mind at all. I need somethin’ to loosen up a little anyway,” Okuyasu steps over to unlock his motorcycle from its chain. Stuffing the empty popsicle wrapper into his pocket, he starts the motorcycle and grabs his helmet. He holds it out to Josuke, who looks at him like he's holding a live squid.
“Why are you giving me your helmet? Put it on, stupid. Don't need you getting hurt.”
“C'mon dude! I'd be a major jerk if I kept it fer myself. You wear it.”
Josuke moves closer to try and get on the motorcycle, but Okuyasu uses The Hand to send him back a few steps.
“Dude!”
“Nuh-uh! ‘M not letting you bust your skull. I'd say I'm a safe driver ‘n all, but still, anythin’ could happen. Besides, Crazy D can't heal you. If somethin’ goes wrong, you can just heal me.”
Josuke wants to argue, but he makes a good point. Reluctantly, he takes the helmet and straps it onto his head. Okuyasu nods in approval and sits on the front of the motorcycle. Josuke sits behind him, wrapping his arms around the other's waist. The proximity is enough to make both teens blush. How cliché.
“Y’ all settled?”
“Yep, just don't drive like a maniac.”
“ ‘M pretty sure only one of us here has almost crashed a motorcycle.”
Josuke pinches Okuyasu's stomach. “Oh, shut up. Let's go already! We're losin’ daylight!”
Okuyasu revs the bike with a smirk. “Alright, hold on tight!”
He flicks the kickstand up and takes off – much faster than Josuke expected. He gasps, holding onto Okuyasu's sides tighter, before laughing out loud as the adrenaline and pure joy take over. Okuyasu joins in, the wind blowing against them drowning out their giggles. He can feel Josuke get more comfortable, as he leans more of his body weight against his back. Somewhere along the way, Okuyasu can feel Josuke's hand brush against his side. Just above his pinky, there's a small scar on Okuyasu's hip from when he broke a ceramic dish and got “disciplined” for it. His father took one of the pieces from the kitchen floor and cut an ‘x’ along his waist in a similar shape to his face scars. He was maybe 10 years old back then, so the mark is barely visible now. Keicho had helped him disinfect and bandage it that day when their father finally passed out on the couch.
Josuke lightly drags his finger along the scar, probably unconsciously. The small gesture makes Okuyasu suck in a sharp breath. If Josuke notices what he is doing to Okuyasu, he doesn't show it.
The weather is tolerable now, especially with the light breeze reducing the harshness of the setting sun. Houses and fences blur together as they drive through the quiet streets. They're a couple minutes away from their neighborhood when Okuyasu speaks up.
“Ya doin’ alright back there?”
“Mhmm, just feelin’ kinda sleepy.” Josuke's voice is much softer than he expected – and much closer to Okuyasu's ear than his heart could handle.
“We're almost there. Don't fall asleep ‘n let go ‘a me now.”
“No promises.” He can practically hear Josuke smile from behind him.
Not much later, Okuyasu pulls up to the Higashikata residence and puts down the kickstand, cutting the engine. A few seconds pass. Josuke still doesn't move.
“Josuke?”
“Mhm?”
“We're at yer house, man.”
“I know. I just don't wanna move yet.”
“And how long are ya gonna feel like not movin'?”
“Mmm…” He hums absentmindedly, still sounding sleepy. “However long it takes to get on your nerves.”
Okuyasu chuckles and uses The Hand once again. Josuke ends up on the grass a couple feet away.
“Hey! Quit doing that!”
“Sorry not sorry! It's funny!” He climbs off the bike and makes his way over to Josuke.
Josuke stands up and brushes himself off before removing the helmet. He shakes his head a bit to adjust his ponytail – sort of like those slow-mo movie scenes where the main love interest is introduced. Unfortunately for Okuyasu, this type of thing is actually just as attractive in real life. He takes the helmet from Josuke and tries to keep his composure.
“Thanks for the ride.”
“No problem! Thanks fer comin’ to see me.”
“You're working tomorrow, right?”
“Yeah, but ‘m thinkin’ of leavin’ a lil early. Kinda takin’ a toll on me now.”
Josuke pats the other teen's shoulder reassuringly. “Don't work yourself to death yet. Give it another 30 years, yeah?”
“Uh-huh,” He laughs. “See you later, man.”
Josuke grins. “Later.”
They share another beat, simply smiling at each other a little too long to just be friendly before Josuke heads toward the front door. Okuyasu sees Ms. Higashikata waving excitedly at him as Josuke enters. He waves back and the door closes – a rather metaphorical end to their time together. Okuyasu's heart is still beating out of his chest and his cheeks are warmer than before, even though the temperature has dropped. He already wishes he could rewind time and just ride around with Josuke for hours. Instead, he has to get back on his motorcycle alone and drive home.
Alone.
Still, he's content. Tired and emotionally confused, but content.
~~~
“Oh my God, Mom! Please just drop it already!” Josuke whines into his hands as his mother frowns.
Not long after he entered the house, Tomoko dragged him to the living room. Now they're sitting on the couch and she is relentlessly attacking him with questions. He kind of wishes he snuck in through the window or some other, more secretive, entrance instead of being dropped off at the front door like a prom date.
“No way! This is big, Josuke. I mean, you even planned a date with him.”
“No!” He holds his hands up, flustered. “N-not a date! Just friends hanging out! That's it!”
“Mhmm, sure. Never seen someone get so defensive over a friendly hang out though. I mean, how do you know Okuyasu-kun doesn't think it's a date? What if he brings you flowers or something? You gonna tell him it's just a ‘friendly hangout’?”
He groans in response and stuffs his face into a throw pillow, which Tomoko takes as a sign to ease up a little.
“I'm not just trying to embarrass you or anything, sweetie. I want you to be happy, and – well – he makes you happy! He also makes you a little more irresponsible, but it's a trade-off I suppose.” Tomoko places a gentle hand on Josuke's back.
Josuke says something, but it‘s muffled by the pillow. Tomoko yanks it away from him.
“It's not that easy…”
“Listen, nobody says you two have to start planning a wedding by Monday! Just get it off your chest, give him time to think it over, and be patient with each other. I know it feels overwhelming right now, but you've done so much more with ease. Are you really gonna let a little crush be the thing that stops you?”
He doesn't speak for a moment. She's definitely right (as much as he wishes she wasn't – for his own sake). Josuke has taken down at least 10 different Stand users, lost his grandpa, fought killer rats and a serial killer with his 30 year old nephew, and met his deadbeat dad in the span of a year – all without completely losing his mind. A confession is nothing but a couple words!
“Yeah… Yeah, I guess you're right.”
“When am I not?” She ruffles his hair, earning a few shouts of protest from the teen.
“Agh! Cut it ouuutt! I'm going to my room,” Josuke huffs, getting up from the couch and making his way over to the stairs.
“Alright, grumpy-pants. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight...” Josuke is halfway up the stairs before he pauses and calls out.
“Mom?”
“Yeah, honey?”
“...Thanks.”
He can practically hear her smug grin as she shouts back. “Anytime~! Thank me by going through with it!”
Upon reaching his room, Josuke shuts the door, grabs his CD-player, and starts flipping through his music collection. After some consideration, he ends up choosing “Pink Cashmere” by Prince. It feels a little cheesy considering how much he resonates with the song, but the gushy feelings in his stomach still haven't left. He flops down onto his back in bed, fingers intertwined over his stomach as the drums start playing.
You got to know how I feel about you
How I always want you near
Josuke closes his eyes, already reminiscing about the ride back home.
I'm making you a coat of pink cashmere
I'm counting every minute of every hour
'Til you are here
As the song plays, he can almost feel Okuyasu's body against his again. The ghost of his warm skin under Josuke's fingertips makes him sigh.
Girl, can you understand
I never used to go dancing
Being so close to him made Josuke feel so safe. Not just because he was holding onto him to keep balance, or because he was wearing Okuyasu's helmet that smelled like cheap hair product. No. It was as if Okuyasu created a protective bubble around them whenever he was near.
I, I was the kind of man who rather stay at home
A bubble so clear that he felt vulnerable being seen like that, yet so guarded that he felt like nothing could touch them.
Now, when I think about
H-how much I miss you
I want to jump for joy
And thank him I'm not alone
As he lays there, he realizes that he's going to think about Okuyasu every time he hears this song now.
Great, Josuke's associating him with music. What's next? Is he gonna get the sudden urge to write a letter detailing everything he loves about Okuyasu?
...
…..
Damn it. He already came up with 3 things.
~~~
Okuyasu is checking the mirror for the 5th time today. It's finally the long awaited Saturday afternoon that he and Josuke plan to hang out, and he's unreasonably nervous. He continues to reassure himself that it's just another casual hang out, even as he paces the living room. His father is sitting on the couch – involuntarily silent as per usual – but still offering his supportive presence as Okuyasu makes permanent footprints in the carpet.
“I really dunno what's with me right now! ‘S nothing special. Nothin’ I haven't done before.” Okuyasu is rambling again and Stray Cat hisses at him from the windowsill, probably telling him to shut up.
“Do ya think 'm acting crazy? I mean, it's the mall. Malls are cool, right? For friends and family and –uh– people who are close and stuff. Doesn't have ta be weird!”
More silence. Slightly more judgemental now from both listeners.
The floorboard squeaks in gratitude when Okuyasu stops pacing. He hunches his shoulders and drags his hands down his face. Once his palms reach his cheeks, he gives them two firm slaps and shakes his head. That usually helps him calm down whenever he's spiraling. Maybe not the best method, but it works. He checks the clock. It's almost 1:30 and they had agreed to meet at the train station at 2. Josuke was probably already there and that definitely didn't help Okuyasu's nerves.
“Okay. Alright. I'm going now! See ya later tonight, Dad!”
His father nods and waves, mustering up something barely akin to a smile. Meanwhile, Stray Cat has already gone back to sleep. Okuyasu chants under his breath to hype himself up as he slides on his sandals and heads out of the house. Thankfully, the temperature isn't as bad as it had been earlier in the week, so he doesn't mind the walk. His clothes are simple – a white t-shirt and a short-sleeved, button-up flannel along with jean shorts. He realized earlier that his closet is a lot more barren than he remembered. This mall trip has definitely been put off too long. Josuke has good taste in fashion, so he's putting his full trust into his friend's expertise today. Okuyasu frankly never had much of an interest in fashion trends before – all he knew was that you need a shirt, pants, and shoes. Ever since he started high school – ever since he met Josuke – he'd take notice of the things his friend wore. Josuke could layer different fabric types together in a way that one would think to be chaotic in theory, but actually worked in practice. It was similar to that Rohan guy, but he is a jerk, so Okuyasu doesn't really like him.
Before he can even register it, Okuyasu is already passing the fountain in the middle of Morioh Station. As expected on a weekend, there are at least a hundred people getting on and off various trains. Some are wearing half-undone suits and slouching with a yawn as they step off the train. Others rush on while clutching their belongings to their chest, dress shoes clacking against the tiled platform. The crowds make it hard to find Josuke immediately, so he makes his way to the fountain for a better view. He can’t help but smile a little when he looks into the water. Recently, there haven't been any animals wading around in the fountain, which Josuke has voiced his appreciation of. The last time they went to an aquarium together and came across the turtle exhibit, Josuke had to hold Okuyasu's hand to help conquer his phobia. Okuyasu unconsciously squeezes his hand into a fist. Are there turtles at the mall?
Just then, Okuyasu feels a finger tap his shoulder. He turns, greeted by a familiar, translucent purple figure floating beside him. He grins wide, pulling out The Hand in response. The Stands rush towards each other and hug (of course, only with The Hand's left side). The display is rather cute to those that can see it. Their expressions match the users’ cheerful smiles as Josuke appears from the middle of the nearby crowd. His hair is up in a messy bun, a bandana covering the front, still allowing a strand or two to sit against his forehead. He's wearing baggy, washed overalls and a cropped purple t-shirt with a peace symbol in the center. His sneakers are a matching royal purple and the whole ensemble makes Okuyasu's heart swell. Okuyasu is still gawking before he realizes that he's actually supposed to speak.
“Hey, dude! Sorry, I’m– uh – I'm a little late. Ya look really… nice!”
Josuke punches his shoulder with a smirk. “What's with the hesitation? Not very convincing if ya ask me.”
Okuyasu just laughs stupidly in response. “I just don't think I'll be able ta look like you, even with all yer fancy clothes. Making me kind of nervous, ya know.”
“Well you're not supposed to look like me, Yasu! I'm helping you find your style,” he says, poking his index finger into Okuyasu's chest.
He reaches up and grabs a hold of Josuke's hand, honestly not sure what he's planning to do next. Josuke slowly opens his palm and flattens his hand against the soft, white fabric. Okuyasu takes the opportunity to curl his fingers into the spaces between Josuke's fingers, awkwardly pressing their hands together.
Holy shit.
They're holding hands.
Route 239 to S-City Central has arrived at terminal 4. Estimated departure time: 2:15.
The two are snapped out of their moment as they both look up at the large clock atop the wooden pole in the center of the station. The time reads 2:12 pm. Their eyes shift to the terminal number closest to them. Terminal 1. As if telepathically communicating, they make eye contact and bolt to terminal 4 further along the station. Squeezing past people and blurting out apologies with each shoulder bump, the duo manage to slip onto the train with a few seconds to spare. The doors close as the intercom announces the train's departure, and they can finally catch their breath.
“That would've been bad!” Josuke huffs out, grabbing onto the closest strap handle.
Okuyasu holds onto one beside him. “Yeah! Pretty lucky we made it ‘n time.”
They stand in silence throughout the ride, swaying gently with the train's movement. Neither bring up what almost caused them to miss their route, but the image is still in their minds. As if the universe isn't satisfied with how much embarrassment the two have already experienced, the train shifts slightly more, causing the back of Josuke's hand to graze against Okuyasu's. They both definitely feel it, but try not to acknowledge it.
~~~~~~~~~