(he can see ren debating between ryuju and watching the pot, desire vs responsibility. all ryuji can do is hope he's more enticing than a pot of dinner.

and then he is and ryuji's entire face lights up, a victorious little shake of his arms for getting ren all to himself. there's a smile on his face, even as ren teases he'll be responsible for their gruesome deaths.) Yeah, yeah, it's my fault if we go down in a blaze of glory.

(but ren's hands return to ryuji's, fitting as perfectly as ever. the way the whole evening feels perfect. his day is nothing but a passing thought, not when compared to a boyfriend willing to go to such lengths to make ryuji feel loved.

it's the suggestion of a massage that has ryuji stopping, and wondering if ren really can read minds.) Uh... that's actually what I was gonna ask you about.

(he grows sheepish, ducking his head as he averts his eyes. he knows ren won't be mad, exactly, but even still.) Okay, don't get mad, but... I kiiiiiinda overexerted myself ij track today. My knee started acting up again, coach made me sit out the rest of practice. I went to the nurse, don't worry! I just. Gotta be careful. She said a warm massage every day will help.

(he hasb't changed too much from his phantom thieves days, still reckless, still getting in over his head. ren won't break his mask now, ryuji knows.

but he's expecting a crack.)