[Wait. Tadokoro pauses mid-crunch, over the fact that Makishima didn't say yes. This... really is developing into a romcom situation--not that he's watched an episode or five with his mom, nope. But he figures it makes sense; knowing Makishima, for being the logical, thorough thinker he is, of course he'd hesitate if he had any doubts. But the fact that he didn't turn them down, in itself, is a show that there's a chance.
Whoever this lucky kid is, Tadokoro's pretty sure there's a chance now.
As he swallows his current mouthful, he just reflects for a moment, on what to do from here. So Makishima likes them back, and... really. There's only one easy solution to this. Tadokoro smiles, but it's less amused and more encouraging now.]
Just say yes, then. If you're friends with them, just talk first and try it out. No harm in that, right?
[It's such an optimistic reply, and it leaves Makishima with a brief feeling of contentment. He didn't think Tadokoro would be this accepting of him going out with someone. However, the feeling doesn't last for long, because that's just not the sort of person Makishima is.]
Think more realistically than that. It can't always be that easy. [Even though for once, Makishima wishes it were. He prides himself in being a realist, but if only this one time he could take caution to the wind and go straight to Toudou right this second and tell him that he'll give him a chance, that they can stumble through this relationship together and learn from their mistakes.
That's not how that works. You don't just date your rival because it turns out they have feelings for you. Not when you've never liked another guy your entire life. Not when you're going to leave for another country in a few months.
Thinking about it just leaves Makishima feeling more frustrated, and he lets out a heavy sigh as he runs a hand through his hair.]
[Makishima seems quite torn about this, but it doesn't help Tadokoro's view at all. He's always been a fairly straight-forward kind of guy. No need to play for strange tricks unless the situation calls for it. It makes him honest and upfront, and... personally, it works for him.
And his friend here, while honest himself, is too reserved and cautious in the face of love. It makes sense; it's just pulling him out of his comfort zone. And who can dislike that? Whoever this person is--whatever their current stance is as friends, coworkers, acquaintances, whatever--Tadokoro can see that's where the hesitation lies. He may be dumb as a brick sometimes, but he can pick up on that quickly. Leaning back a bit, he brushes crumbs onto his jeans, then folds the bag. He'll take the rest back with him.]
You're afraid you won't still be their friend if you break up, aren't you?
[Makishima just scoffs as his fingers thread through his hair for a second, eyes cast off to the side. It's easy for Tadokoro to say such a thing because he's not in Makishima's place. But then, he's never been one to over think a situation. His gut instinct has always been his go-to way to handle anything. ...actually he just plainly uses his gut for everything, thinking and eating.]
No, that's not what I'm worried about. Even if I said no and didn't accept their feelings, it wouldn't change how we are now.
[Toudou had assured him that of that. They'd still be rivals. He'd still pester him on a daily basis. Nothing would change. Not on the outside. But the thought of him harboring unrequited feelings over him was like a strong blow to the stomach, like the strain in your muscles from cycling too hard, a pain that wouldn't ever leave.
It feels like he'd be breaking his promise to him for their one and final race. Leaving Toudou alone to feel this way by himself... it didn't feel right. No matter how he feels about Toudou, he doesn't want to genuinely hurt him.]
Saying no feels like a burden. I don't know if I can give them that.
[The more Makishima explains, the less Tadokoro really sees a problem. So their friendship won't end if they date, or even if they said no. That in itself is the most important thing; and if Makishima actually does like this mysterious person, he... really can't see much reason to hesitate.
But then again, Tadokoro's never been the biggest one for hesitation. He takes a moment to imagine it himself, if a friend of his confessed. If he hadn't been expecting it, perhaps there'd be hesitation... but it also depends on how well they'd known each other. But his friend has been here for a while, hasn't he? Whoever it is, they must have a history.
Even so--Tadokoro's mind is made up.]
If you're trying to get me to change my decision, it won't work. Look, Makishima--it's obvious you care. You like them enough that you don't want to say no, and coming from you, of all people? That's a big thing. You like them enough that you didn't tell them no... And really? It doesn't look like you want to. [He leans back, crossing his arms.] Just go with your gut. You're overthinking it too much; if you want to date them, then just tell them yes. And work out the kinks along the way.
[Makishima's brow furrowed in concern, and even though he did happen to feel a bit of relief at how supportive his close friend was being, he couldn't help but still think too analytically about the whole thing. Afterall, there was more to it than him simply being with another person that liked him. But could he tell Tadokoro the whole truth?]
I don't think you'd still be so optimistic about the whole thing if I told you who the other person is.
[Now that last line has him curious. Who could it be that Tadokoro would possibly hold any doubts? Given that remark, it's got to be someone he knows. And the only one he can even think of... he doubts Makishima even knows her. That mean grouchy girl who wouldn't give him directions.
(Well, maybe...?)
Tadokoro's eyes squint, brows furrowing. He looks angrier this way. He's not even angry.]
[Pay more attention to your expressions, is what Makishima would tell him, but Tadokoro always has a habit of putting too much energy into everything he does. He's too loud when he's excited, he throws a major fit when he's only hungry, and getting him to focus on small tasks gets him the exact face he's making right now. Makishima knows him better than to think he's angry, but he sure looks like it, and he can only assume it'll be worse after he tells him who his not-so-secret admirer is.
God, he can't believe he's going to tell him this. Why couldn't it be Kinjou instead? He'd be more understanding. And at least he wouldn't have to look him directly in the eyes thanks to his glasses.
Which is why Makishima covers his face with his hand right when he speaks.]
[It's not his fault, he's just naturally intense! But without Makishima's familiar scolding, Tadokoro keeps his look fixed on his friend, waiting for the name to spill from his lips. Just who could it be that... makes Makishima hide his face like that?
He's embarrassed... And Tadokoro only leans in, stare almost piercing, until the moment the name escapes his lips. Toudou. As in Toudou the noisy from Hakone, the one who calls and messages Makishima's phone every few hours, the one who's been obsessed with being his rival and biking buddy since the start of forever. Hell, Tadokoro isn't even sure when their odd rivalry started.
But a few seconds of just staring, he finally cracks a smile. He feels like he should've known.]
Him, huh. [His smile, if anything, just grows a little.] Given how much you guys talk, I should have guessed chatterbox had the hots for ya. Wasn't sure you had the hots for a guy at all, really, but... can't say I'm too surprised, knowing you.
[He's teasing, at that one. But for serious though:] Really, Makishima. Opinion's still the same. Just tell him yes. But if you come back broken-hearted, least I know who's neck to break.
Wh-what makes you think he even liked me since the start?! How'd you know?! It's not like it was that obvious! [Except it totally was. But Makishima being himself, all he could ever see in Toudou was some bothersome guy who just so happened to be a really good climber that called him a rival. He never would have expected for Toudou to fall in love with him. How would anyone else know?
"I think I probably felt that way for a long time"
He never knew. All this time, every time they talked, every time they raced together, every single day.
"I just knew I liked being with you more than with anyone else, and that nothing made me happier than the thought of seeing you and talking to you and racing with you."
Why didn't he know. Why did it take him this long to see what was as clear as day.
"It's weird because it's you and no one else, and I like all of it."
He's called Toudou an idiot a million times or more since he's known him, but all this time, he's been the biggest idiot of them all. And Tadokoro knows this.
Makishima's face feels like it's on fire.]
Y-you, you...! You don't know! You don't know any of that! You idiot!
[But even with Makishima's angry-sounding outburst, he's truly relieved, and he couldn't ask for a better friend. He'd thank Tadokoro and maybe even hug him if he didn't feel like he was going to collapse to the floor at any second.
This entire conversation has been far too overwhelming for him to take, and Makishima ends up slouching against the wall a little, hand still covering his face. The only difference is that this time he's doing it to hide the grin he's making. It takes a while for him to compose himself, but when he finally does, Maki lifts his head and runs a hand through his hair, remnants of a smile still lingering until he turns his head away abruptly.]
When did we turn into a gang? Don't hurt him, it's not necessary. Besides, I don't want him knowing I told you.
[Tadokoro can only laugh. Makishima's pure embarrassment goes on the reel of 'Makishima's Greatest Hits' and Tadokoro really appreciates his friend for being so unexpectedly emotional over these things. And he knows laughing at the situation won't earn him a punch, especially given the friend doing so.
He doesn't know any of what Toudou was thinking, but his hunch leads him in the right direction, and... honestly, it's kinda cute. Tadokoro can't disapprove of this at all. Wasting no time, Tadokoro just makes his way over to Makishima's side, throwing an arm over his friend's shoulders.]
We might not be a proper gang, but as the best friend, I earn the right to punch him first if you don't beat me to it.
[His grip tightens just a little, and he looks forward, and his gaze gets almost distant, slightly sentimental; Makishima puts in a lot for this team, and given everything he saw from Interhigh, it's no surprise.]
But I'm happy for ya. Go with your heart sometimes, let someone else worry about ya for a change. You deserve this kind of happiness too, y'know?
[The sudden hold startles Makishima only for a second before he just sort of gives up on resisting and allows himself to be smothered by Tadokoro's rough affection.]
Don't think you're doing me any kind of favor. If you get in trouble, it's your own fault. [But there's clear amusement in Makishima's voice, and he can't help himself from smiling more widely. Of course he doesn't intend to get Toudou hurt from Tadokoro's wrath, but it's amusing and kind of endearing to hear his friend sound so ready to defend him at a moment's notice.
But that's not all Tadokoro offers, and when he's done talking, Makishima can't help but want to just disappear under Tadokoro's arm and never be found ever again.]
Oi, I should beat you up instead. Saying embarrassing things like that.
[Makishima wipes at his eyes and lowers his head, hiding behind his hair so Tadokoro can't notice that he could possibly cry. He hadn't been all that afraid of what his reaction to be, but he definitely hadn't been expecting him to say something so heartwarming. Ever since they'd met, Tadokoro's been an outspoken source of support and emotion, more than he could normally handle. Makishima was always the more quiet one of their trio, withdrawn and unwilling to speak unless it was necessary, though still intent on putting his all into the team. He's glad he has him as a teammate, but maybe more than that, he's glad to have him as such a dear friend. Someone that's sure to stand by him even when they're not out on their bikes, intent on supporting him and making sure he holds his head high through any obstacle.
He has such great friends, and Makishima doesn't know if he'll ever be able to thank them enough for all they've done for him. For letting such a weird person into their lives, being there for him and having faith in him. All for three years... His eyes water up again.]
Thanks... Tadokorocchi.
[Thank you for being his friend. Thank you for those three years.]
You can try! Ya string-bean, thinking you're gonna hurt me. [Not to say Makishima can't actually inflict pain, especially given bony elbows and jabbing into ribs, but he knows he's safe. And he can't help but grin a bit more as Makishima's hand hides his face again. He's pretty glad for his friend, and while he speaks his mouth a little harshly, it's just as friendly as he is. That's how it's been for Tadokoro, really; he'll only punch if he has to.
A silent promise, but Makishima doesn't need to know that.
His arm just tightens a bit more, though as he looks down at that thanks, he finds himself grinning a little. 'Thanks', he says; for what?] You don't have to thank me, Makishima! It's what I'm here for, right?
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Whoever this lucky kid is, Tadokoro's pretty sure there's a chance now.
As he swallows his current mouthful, he just reflects for a moment, on what to do from here. So Makishima likes them back, and... really. There's only one easy solution to this. Tadokoro smiles, but it's less amused and more encouraging now.]
Just say yes, then. If you're friends with them, just talk first and try it out. No harm in that, right?
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Think more realistically than that. It can't always be that easy. [Even though for once, Makishima wishes it were. He prides himself in being a realist, but if only this one time he could take caution to the wind and go straight to Toudou right this second and tell him that he'll give him a chance, that they can stumble through this relationship together and learn from their mistakes.
That's not how that works. You don't just date your rival because it turns out they have feelings for you. Not when you've never liked another guy your entire life. Not when you're going to leave for another country in a few months.
Thinking about it just leaves Makishima feeling more frustrated, and he lets out a heavy sigh as he runs a hand through his hair.]
You're hopeless for advice.
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[Makishima seems quite torn about this, but it doesn't help Tadokoro's view at all. He's always been a fairly straight-forward kind of guy. No need to play for strange tricks unless the situation calls for it. It makes him honest and upfront, and... personally, it works for him.
And his friend here, while honest himself, is too reserved and cautious in the face of love. It makes sense; it's just pulling him out of his comfort zone. And who can dislike that? Whoever this person is--whatever their current stance is as friends, coworkers, acquaintances, whatever--Tadokoro can see that's where the hesitation lies. He may be dumb as a brick sometimes, but he can pick up on that quickly. Leaning back a bit, he brushes crumbs onto his jeans, then folds the bag. He'll take the rest back with him.]
You're afraid you won't still be their friend if you break up, aren't you?
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No, that's not what I'm worried about. Even if I said no and didn't accept their feelings, it wouldn't change how we are now.
[Toudou had assured him that of that. They'd still be rivals. He'd still pester him on a daily basis. Nothing would change. Not on the outside. But the thought of him harboring unrequited feelings over him was like a strong blow to the stomach, like the strain in your muscles from cycling too hard, a pain that wouldn't ever leave.
It feels like he'd be breaking his promise to him for their one and final race. Leaving Toudou alone to feel this way by himself... it didn't feel right. No matter how he feels about Toudou, he doesn't want to genuinely hurt him.]
Saying no feels like a burden. I don't know if I can give them that.
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But then again, Tadokoro's never been the biggest one for hesitation. He takes a moment to imagine it himself, if a friend of his confessed. If he hadn't been expecting it, perhaps there'd be hesitation... but it also depends on how well they'd known each other. But his friend has been here for a while, hasn't he? Whoever it is, they must have a history.
Even so--Tadokoro's mind is made up.]
If you're trying to get me to change my decision, it won't work. Look, Makishima--it's obvious you care. You like them enough that you don't want to say no, and coming from you, of all people? That's a big thing. You like them enough that you didn't tell them no... And really? It doesn't look like you want to. [He leans back, crossing his arms.] Just go with your gut. You're overthinking it too much; if you want to date them, then just tell them yes. And work out the kinks along the way.
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I don't think you'd still be so optimistic about the whole thing if I told you who the other person is.
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(Well, maybe...?)
Tadokoro's eyes squint, brows furrowing. He looks angrier this way. He's not even angry.]
Saying it like that... who is it?
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God, he can't believe he's going to tell him this. Why couldn't it be Kinjou instead? He'd be more understanding. And at least he wouldn't have to look him directly in the eyes thanks to his glasses.
Which is why Makishima covers his face with his hand right when he speaks.]
Toudou.
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He's embarrassed... And Tadokoro only leans in, stare almost piercing, until the moment the name escapes his lips. Toudou. As in Toudou the noisy from Hakone, the one who calls and messages Makishima's phone every few hours, the one who's been obsessed with being his rival and biking buddy since the start of forever. Hell, Tadokoro isn't even sure when their odd rivalry started.
But a few seconds of just staring, he finally cracks a smile. He feels like he should've known.]
Him, huh. [His smile, if anything, just grows a little.] Given how much you guys talk, I should have guessed chatterbox had the hots for ya. Wasn't sure you had the hots for a guy at all, really, but... can't say I'm too surprised, knowing you.
[He's teasing, at that one. But for serious though:] Really, Makishima. Opinion's still the same. Just tell him yes. But if you come back broken-hearted, least I know who's neck to break.
1/3
No, acceptance.
Wait. What.]
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"I think I probably felt that way for a long time"
He never knew. All this time, every time they talked, every time they raced together, every single day.
"I just knew I liked being with you more than with anyone else, and that nothing made me happier than the thought of seeing you and talking to you and racing with you."
Why didn't he know. Why did it take him this long to see what was as clear as day.
"It's weird because it's you and no one else, and I like all of it."
He's called Toudou an idiot a million times or more since he's known him, but all this time, he's been the biggest idiot of them all. And Tadokoro knows this.
Makishima's face feels like it's on fire.]
Y-you, you...! You don't know! You don't know any of that! You idiot!
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This entire conversation has been far too overwhelming for him to take, and Makishima ends up slouching against the wall a little, hand still covering his face. The only difference is that this time he's doing it to hide the grin he's making. It takes a while for him to compose himself, but when he finally does, Maki lifts his head and runs a hand through his hair, remnants of a smile still lingering until he turns his head away abruptly.]
When did we turn into a gang? Don't hurt him, it's not necessary. Besides, I don't want him knowing I told you.
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He doesn't know any of what Toudou was thinking, but his hunch leads him in the right direction, and... honestly, it's kinda cute. Tadokoro can't disapprove of this at all. Wasting no time, Tadokoro just makes his way over to Makishima's side, throwing an arm over his friend's shoulders.]
We might not be a proper gang, but as the best friend, I earn the right to punch him first if you don't beat me to it.
[His grip tightens just a little, and he looks forward, and his gaze gets almost distant, slightly sentimental; Makishima puts in a lot for this team, and given everything he saw from Interhigh, it's no surprise.]
But I'm happy for ya. Go with your heart sometimes, let someone else worry about ya for a change. You deserve this kind of happiness too, y'know?
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Don't think you're doing me any kind of favor. If you get in trouble, it's your own fault. [But there's clear amusement in Makishima's voice, and he can't help himself from smiling more widely. Of course he doesn't intend to get Toudou hurt from Tadokoro's wrath, but it's amusing and kind of endearing to hear his friend sound so ready to defend him at a moment's notice.
But that's not all Tadokoro offers, and when he's done talking, Makishima can't help but want to just disappear under Tadokoro's arm and never be found ever again.]
Oi, I should beat you up instead. Saying embarrassing things like that.
[Makishima wipes at his eyes and lowers his head, hiding behind his hair so Tadokoro can't notice that he could possibly cry. He hadn't been all that afraid of what his reaction to be, but he definitely hadn't been expecting him to say something so heartwarming. Ever since they'd met, Tadokoro's been an outspoken source of support and emotion, more than he could normally handle. Makishima was always the more quiet one of their trio, withdrawn and unwilling to speak unless it was necessary, though still intent on putting his all into the team. He's glad he has him as a teammate, but maybe more than that, he's glad to have him as such a dear friend. Someone that's sure to stand by him even when they're not out on their bikes, intent on supporting him and making sure he holds his head high through any obstacle.
He has such great friends, and Makishima doesn't know if he'll ever be able to thank them enough for all they've done for him. For letting such a weird person into their lives, being there for him and having faith in him. All for three years... His eyes water up again.]
Thanks... Tadokorocchi.
[Thank you for being his friend. Thank you for those three years.]
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A silent promise, but Makishima doesn't need to know that.
His arm just tightens a bit more, though as he looks down at that thanks, he finds himself grinning a little. 'Thanks', he says; for what?] You don't have to thank me, Makishima! It's what I'm here for, right?