[ The misinterpretation leaves Ren feeling like his energy has been sapped, like the moment his heart slowed and sank, fatigue set into its place. He feels like taking off his glasses and scrubbing a hand down his face, but doing so would reveal far too much about his mental state to Ryuji. The last thing he wants is for Ryuji to realize that his fake confession got under his skin to such a degree.

It's occurring to him now that even calling this a bad idea might be too generous. Even knowing he has a thing for Ryuji, he couldn't have foreseen the ache it would cause. They're together all the time, and it's never felt like this. There's been yearning and want, sure, he's just always been happy being by Ryuji's side regardless of their status.

Well, it's too late to turn back now. He's still not sure he would really want to, given the choice.

Ren crosses his arms over his chest and nod as their story so far is recounted. ]

I think that will do it for now. [ For one, it seems like a solid enough basis that the should be able to fill in the details without contradicting one another. And besides that, Ren isn't too keen on lingering on his part of the discussion right now. ] If we have to think up anything on the spot, we can just follow each other's lead.

[ Letting his arms drop, Ren glances over with a small smile. ] We can figure out the date thing tomorrow. I'm starting to get tired.